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Divine Apostasy #4
The Fourth Secret
With the third temple restored, Ruwen must now prevent an imminent invasion of the southern border.
But Ruwen’s new city is in shambles. If he doesn’t quickly fortify the walls and revive an army capable of stopping his enemies, he has no chance of surviving the coming onslaught.
Running out of time and facing a lack of resources, Ruwen is forced to bargain for allies and take an unwanted new class. He fears the dire situation makes these preparations pointless, and his failure will doom the entire country.
As the war begins, he learns a devastating lesson: Uru isn’t the only god peering into the future, and his grim circumstances turn hopeless.
Overshadowing everything is the fourth secret, and the dreadful fact it reveals makes Ruwen consider forsaking his destiny.
Because with a future this bleak, dying now might be his best option.
But Ruwen’s new city is in shambles. If he doesn’t quickly fortify the walls and revive an army capable of stopping his enemies, he has no chance of surviving the coming onslaught.
Running out of time and facing a lack of resources, Ruwen is forced to bargain for allies and take an unwanted new class. He fears the dire situation makes these preparations pointless, and his failure will doom the entire country.
As the war begins, he learns a devastating lesson: Uru isn’t the only god peering into the future, and his grim circumstances turn hopeless.
Overshadowing everything is the fourth secret, and the dreadful fact it reveals makes Ruwen consider forsaking his destiny.
Because with a future this bleak, dying now might be his best option.
664 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2021
684 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Kay
18 books334 followersAFK is the pen name of Ripht, a monk still wandering the Crypt of Dalnir looking for the Lumpy Goo that refuses to drop his Fighting Baton. Some of AFK's best memories happened online, and the Divine Apostasy, a LitRPG series, is his attempt to relive those days in some small part. He hopes you find a piece of yourself in this series and join him on the journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 6, 2021
A step back from 3
Like a lot of litrpg authors, this book tries to cram a lot of to-do lists together to raise the level of suspense. Unfortunately this causes issues with the pace and the development of the supporting characters.
This book neutered the supporting friends of the protagonist. They don’t grow in this book. The reason is simple the protagonist has to do everything. Why? The obvious answer is the author wants to make him some kind of savior type figure, but really he is the annoying dude that has to do everything himself. Your reading a story where every new plot twist the protagonist literally has to one up everyone else every time even his friends. I know the author wants us to see the protagonist as the end all be all. However can he write the story in a way that doesn’t feel like we’re reading about 12yrs having pissing contests.
The plot is predictable to a point. Like the trap at the end. The author essentially tells you 5 to 6 times that it’s not going to work out and then proceeds to walk you into it. The solution to the problem was lame at the end. The author is going to keep throwing new shiny weapons and abilities at every issue.
It’s dragon-ball z. Goku not strong enough? Time dilation (4 yrs pass) he is now a super saiyan. Ut-oh it looks impossible should I use my obvious Trump card? Nope I found crystals that can make blaster fire. Temple at the bottom of a hole. Easy-Peasy just insta-boil millions of gallons of water with said crystal power. Walah, miraculously temple shoots out of said hole like a feather 🪶 and all is good.
Not the greatest book.
Like a lot of litrpg authors, this book tries to cram a lot of to-do lists together to raise the level of suspense. Unfortunately this causes issues with the pace and the development of the supporting characters.
This book neutered the supporting friends of the protagonist. They don’t grow in this book. The reason is simple the protagonist has to do everything. Why? The obvious answer is the author wants to make him some kind of savior type figure, but really he is the annoying dude that has to do everything himself. Your reading a story where every new plot twist the protagonist literally has to one up everyone else every time even his friends. I know the author wants us to see the protagonist as the end all be all. However can he write the story in a way that doesn’t feel like we’re reading about 12yrs having pissing contests.
The plot is predictable to a point. Like the trap at the end. The author essentially tells you 5 to 6 times that it’s not going to work out and then proceeds to walk you into it. The solution to the problem was lame at the end. The author is going to keep throwing new shiny weapons and abilities at every issue.
It’s dragon-ball z. Goku not strong enough? Time dilation (4 yrs pass) he is now a super saiyan. Ut-oh it looks impossible should I use my obvious Trump card? Nope I found crystals that can make blaster fire. Temple at the bottom of a hole. Easy-Peasy just insta-boil millions of gallons of water with said crystal power. Walah, miraculously temple shoots out of said hole like a feather 🪶 and all is good.
Not the greatest book.
February 22, 2022
Up to this point review. I love this series! I will put an astrix on this though, I have been listening to the series on audible and enjoying it. I attempted to read the first portion of the third book and didn't like it as much. The characters are likeable and relatable, but not that deep. The whole series is good and fun, but simple. Basically if you are looking for some intricate and unique series that builds a universe of unfathomable complexity read some Sanderson. This is like cake, it is good, but it is only one part of a reading experience. The fun engaging part. The world is building up to be pretty cool and interesting, but at this point after 5 books you expect some progress. This particular book was interesting it had the tournament trope, and it was fun. The MC continues to try and sacrifice himself. You get more of the mysterious shadow step master, and more relationship building. Fun book in a fun series, with excellent narration.
March 23, 2021
Ahhh...that’s the stuff
A lot of really cool things happen. Shelly gets big, Sift is Sift, parents meet adult children, and nothing goes according to plan.
The moments of humor make it more fun.
Critique: I don’t like seeing the *full* list of spells, knowing he can only choose 1 or 2. It becomes more irksome when it is spells *and* skills *AND* abilities...for two different classes *AND* sub-classes *AND(!!)* specializations. It when you add descriptions...ugh. I understand over analyzing is the MC’s thing, but compacting that a bit, especially because it happens more than once, would make for a tighter narrative.
Going to pre-order the next book...whenever it becomes available. This is an excellent series.
A lot of really cool things happen. Shelly gets big, Sift is Sift, parents meet adult children, and nothing goes according to plan.
The moments of humor make it more fun.
Critique: I don’t like seeing the *full* list of spells, knowing he can only choose 1 or 2. It becomes more irksome when it is spells *and* skills *AND* abilities...for two different classes *AND* sub-classes *AND(!!)* specializations. It when you add descriptions...ugh. I understand over analyzing is the MC’s thing, but compacting that a bit, especially because it happens more than once, would make for a tighter narrative.
Going to pre-order the next book...whenever it becomes available. This is an excellent series.
May 14, 2024
Pretty good! Main hero syndrome with a lot of characters with more experience getting introduced but fading to the background. Still very entertaining!
May 9, 2021
Stopped at the 3 hour mark of the audiobook.
I'm a bit saddened by this. Divine Apostasy was the only litRPG book I ever recommended to my friends, since it actually managed to avoid the usual irritating mistakes, like:
-giving mc too many abilities (or just too many in a short duration)
-making mc waaay too op
-making everyone's sole purpose in life be the loud and vocal admiration of mc
The first of this list was already a problem, when mc suddenly gained all the skills below level 5 (10? I don't remember) in one of the previous books (from the necklaces), but then the author locked those skills away, when mc entered the spirit realm. Now those skills are back, and we have a bunch of new skills from his new class, plus his subclass and specialisation. It's just way too much. There was at least one whole hour of ability listing in the first three hours.
The second point on the list is still managed pretty well, although with how many skills and levels mc is getting, it could be a problem soon. Part of the charm the books had was the creative problem solving capability mc had. If author gives mc a bunch of skills, he won't have to be creative, he can just say "mc used skill#19637, enemy died".
The third part also started being a problem in the third book. Mc's friends were useful before, but when their souls were yeeted away, suddenly they all became useless and everything had to be fought by mc. The first three hours didn't have any conflict, so I can't be sure if they are useless in this book as well, but another reviewer did say that their biggest problem with the book was how mc overshadowed everyone else.
It feels like the author started too many things out in the previous book, and the whole world just grew too big, making them unable to manage it in a satisfying way. I'm unsure if I'll continue.
I'm a bit saddened by this. Divine Apostasy was the only litRPG book I ever recommended to my friends, since it actually managed to avoid the usual irritating mistakes, like:
-giving mc too many abilities (or just too many in a short duration)
-making mc waaay too op
-making everyone's sole purpose in life be the loud and vocal admiration of mc
The first of this list was already a problem, when mc suddenly gained all the skills below level 5 (10? I don't remember) in one of the previous books (from the necklaces), but then the author locked those skills away, when mc entered the spirit realm. Now those skills are back, and we have a bunch of new skills from his new class, plus his subclass and specialisation. It's just way too much. There was at least one whole hour of ability listing in the first three hours.
The second point on the list is still managed pretty well, although with how many skills and levels mc is getting, it could be a problem soon. Part of the charm the books had was the creative problem solving capability mc had. If author gives mc a bunch of skills, he won't have to be creative, he can just say "mc used skill#19637, enemy died".
The third part also started being a problem in the third book. Mc's friends were useful before, but when their souls were yeeted away, suddenly they all became useless and everything had to be fought by mc. The first three hours didn't have any conflict, so I can't be sure if they are useless in this book as well, but another reviewer did say that their biggest problem with the book was how mc overshadowed everyone else.
It feels like the author started too many things out in the previous book, and the whole world just grew too big, making them unable to manage it in a satisfying way. I'm unsure if I'll continue.
July 3, 2021
It hadn't bothered me much in the past books, but this one tipped me over the edge. You have to be *really* careful when writing an intelligent protagonist. You can't just let him ignore obvious connections and hints, while he knows everyone has to be cryptic with him, just for the sake of the plot. Giving him incredibly high base intelligence, perfect memory, tremendous factual and tactical knowledge and then increasing all that with intelligence and wisdom attributes, how the hell is the main character this oblivious?
And if things don't work out because this character of incredible intelligence can't put two thoughts together? Just pull out a literal deus ex machina.
And if things don't work out because this character of incredible intelligence can't put two thoughts together? Just pull out a literal deus ex machina.
December 5, 2021
This book was amazing! The characters were likeable, the LitRPG great but not overbearing and overall I was blown away with this book.
November 26, 2021
One of the more complete books of the seires.
This lit RPG is told in 3rd person limited, and is a appropriate for all audiences young and all in above. What makes The 4th Secret more complete than other offerings of the series is that it has a good beginning middle and end and leaves a reader looking forward to the next book without using a cliffhanger To latch itself on through the next book. While it does have a hook that is abrupt it is not cringe.
A F Kay is a talented author and his strengths is in relationships and the quarks of his characters. Outside of a short section in book three he has been good at make it feel authentic. His world building is interesting and familiar while still being strange enough to spark the imagination.
The author does use the rpg elements of his world in such a way that they feel natural. He also has the advantage of being able to change his character depending upon where he wants the story at and the challenges the characters face. He is heavy handed a bit in the form of character sheets or stat updates at times. It feels more like something he thought he had to have for litrpg format rather than something needed to push the story. If you read the book without audio you can skim through them fairly quickly or completely if or completely but with audio you have to listen to sometimes a good 2 or 3 minutes of repetitive info dumping. Still he is able to make A fairly tight story in this offering.
Yet in this book he also has to once again restrain the main character as he is way too powerful but of course not as powerful as the gods. This is not a spoiler As it has had happened in the last few books and is a theme of controlling or hiding who he really is. This can come off a bit cheap But the author hangs enough lanterns on it in order to give a nod to the reader with a feasible in world explanation.
Overall I enjoyed Listening to the series and I think Travis Baldree Adds a lot to the story. He makes the humor that much more more impactful with how he does his voices and honestly I think he adds a lot to the story.
This lit RPG is told in 3rd person limited, and is a appropriate for all audiences young and all in above. What makes The 4th Secret more complete than other offerings of the series is that it has a good beginning middle and end and leaves a reader looking forward to the next book without using a cliffhanger To latch itself on through the next book. While it does have a hook that is abrupt it is not cringe.
A F Kay is a talented author and his strengths is in relationships and the quarks of his characters. Outside of a short section in book three he has been good at make it feel authentic. His world building is interesting and familiar while still being strange enough to spark the imagination.
The author does use the rpg elements of his world in such a way that they feel natural. He also has the advantage of being able to change his character depending upon where he wants the story at and the challenges the characters face. He is heavy handed a bit in the form of character sheets or stat updates at times. It feels more like something he thought he had to have for litrpg format rather than something needed to push the story. If you read the book without audio you can skim through them fairly quickly or completely if or completely but with audio you have to listen to sometimes a good 2 or 3 minutes of repetitive info dumping. Still he is able to make A fairly tight story in this offering.
Yet in this book he also has to once again restrain the main character as he is way too powerful but of course not as powerful as the gods. This is not a spoiler As it has had happened in the last few books and is a theme of controlling or hiding who he really is. This can come off a bit cheap But the author hangs enough lanterns on it in order to give a nod to the reader with a feasible in world explanation.
Overall I enjoyed Listening to the series and I think Travis Baldree Adds a lot to the story. He makes the humor that much more more impactful with how he does his voices and honestly I think he adds a lot to the story.
March 7, 2023
Strap yourselves in and prepare your selves for epic city council meetings, never ending paragraphs on mundane skills and the series favorite, “it’s all Uru’s fault but also not really”.
Not a huge fan on the city building, which also happens to going on during the dungeon building, not to mention the library building. Too many buildings.
I could see the magic system becoming an issue from the first book when you get a skill like every level, especially when the mc gets extra skills. It just dilutes the story and makes it almost impossible to write a fight sequence that makes any sense in terms of the mcs skills, vs what the opposition uses, and what his teammates use. Remember if they are all similar level, they should have almost as many skills as mc. I feel like this is the main reason the pacing is so off. The amount of time it would take to correctly write a fight sequence with more than character involved would be insane. So instead we get 1 fight every 100 pages and a lot of, we’ll city council meetings.
Uru is basically just the one answer for any wrong that happened to a main character. Yet it isn’t really an answer. It’s a half baked philosophical quandary debating the trolly problem over and over again. Atleast the pact was referenced less and less this book. Blapys exposition catch phrase was turning into “sorry can’t help, the pact!” But seriously, *spoilers don’t read from here on out if you haven’t read the book*
Seriously don’t read.
Okay but seriously, where are Ruwens parents this whole time? You know the biggest mystery of the first books. Oh, don’t worry, Uru just fucked them over and left them to die. Where is Hamma’s dad? Ooh don’t worry Uru just brain washed him into helping out nbd. Why did tremain kill Ruwen?? Oh also Uru, no real treachery here. It’s annoying. If no characters have any sort of autonomy then what am I reading? Why doesn’t Uru just give me the answer already.
Not a huge fan on the city building, which also happens to going on during the dungeon building, not to mention the library building. Too many buildings.
I could see the magic system becoming an issue from the first book when you get a skill like every level, especially when the mc gets extra skills. It just dilutes the story and makes it almost impossible to write a fight sequence that makes any sense in terms of the mcs skills, vs what the opposition uses, and what his teammates use. Remember if they are all similar level, they should have almost as many skills as mc. I feel like this is the main reason the pacing is so off. The amount of time it would take to correctly write a fight sequence with more than character involved would be insane. So instead we get 1 fight every 100 pages and a lot of, we’ll city council meetings.
Uru is basically just the one answer for any wrong that happened to a main character. Yet it isn’t really an answer. It’s a half baked philosophical quandary debating the trolly problem over and over again. Atleast the pact was referenced less and less this book. Blapys exposition catch phrase was turning into “sorry can’t help, the pact!” But seriously, *spoilers don’t read from here on out if you haven’t read the book*
Seriously don’t read.
Okay but seriously, where are Ruwens parents this whole time? You know the biggest mystery of the first books. Oh, don’t worry, Uru just fucked them over and left them to die. Where is Hamma’s dad? Ooh don’t worry Uru just brain washed him into helping out nbd. Why did tremain kill Ruwen?? Oh also Uru, no real treachery here. It’s annoying. If no characters have any sort of autonomy then what am I reading? Why doesn’t Uru just give me the answer already.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
Well the MC has really progressed since the first book. He was one of the weakest characters and turned into one of the strongest in a short period of time. I am really enjoying this series. My only real gripe is that the odds are always so overwhelmingly against the MC. I still enjoy the book and the series that started out just okay is getting better.
Well the MC has really progressed since the first book. He was one of the weakest characters and turned into one of the strongest in a short period of time. I am really enjoying this series. My only real gripe is that the odds are always so overwhelmingly against the MC. I still enjoy the book and the series that started out just okay is getting better.
March 29, 2021
The best LitRPG has to offer
Divine Apostasy remains the best LitRPG one can find, and The Fourth Secret is just as brilliantly unique as its three predecessors. Some readers may find the focus on city-building and council meetings detracts from the sentient dungeons and unique abilities that are the hallmark of the series, but I believe most readers will find enough adventure and magic in these pages to keep them hungry for more. And I will certainly be setting aside a weekend for.the release of Book 5.
Divine Apostasy remains the best LitRPG one can find, and The Fourth Secret is just as brilliantly unique as its three predecessors. Some readers may find the focus on city-building and council meetings detracts from the sentient dungeons and unique abilities that are the hallmark of the series, but I believe most readers will find enough adventure and magic in these pages to keep them hungry for more. And I will certainly be setting aside a weekend for.the release of Book 5.
November 24, 2021
Okay
Overall, an okay read. The behaviors of several characters are inconsistent even within the authors narrative. Also, who would engage in a sporting tournament with a nation that just tried to genecide your nation? “Hey, yah, you just tried to kill millions of our children and innocents, but sure, let’s go complete in a martial tournament. No biggie.”
Overall, an okay read. The behaviors of several characters are inconsistent even within the authors narrative. Also, who would engage in a sporting tournament with a nation that just tried to genecide your nation? “Hey, yah, you just tried to kill millions of our children and innocents, but sure, let’s go complete in a martial tournament. No biggie.”
September 27, 2022
So much potential but falls short
The fight scenes and the logic around those fights are the worst I have read in 40 years of reading. The rest is very good, I find myself skipping large portions of the fight scenes.
The fight scenes and the logic around those fights are the worst I have read in 40 years of reading. The rest is very good, I find myself skipping large portions of the fight scenes.
May 5, 2021
I found the city-building stuff so dull I rather gave up. Sorry.
December 17, 2021
Best one of the bunch so far! 👍🏾👍🏾
February 14, 2023
Spectacular
This series has pleasantly surprised me! It is full of adventure and a little romance. I can't wait to read the next one!
This series has pleasantly surprised me! It is full of adventure and a little romance. I can't wait to read the next one!
January 1, 2023
Book 4 Continues this reasonably good series
AF Kay has created a fun world and interesting story for us. Although similar to the traditional LITRPG genre, it does have it’s differences. This is an action-packed read. It rarely slows down and always keeps the reader’s interest. Characters are mostly fun. It would be pretty dry without Sift though. There are several aspects of the series that bother me. First, I’m not entirely sold on the mechanics of the leveling system. The numbers seem quite a bit off. Ruwen is a 20ish lvl character throughout most of this book and is constantly fighting lvl 30, 40, and at the end, a half dozen lvl 80-100 lvl beings. Granted, he gets double the points for leveling with his root class, but he should be squashed by most of his opponents. His dodge rating is something like 175% which seems absurd. Are lvl 80 step masters running around with 400% dodge and haste? Pick almost any aspect of the leveling system and this will be the case. For instance, he works all night on fortifying New Eiru’s walls and ends up with lvl 51 (ish) in stone masonry. In what rpg can you possibly pull an all nighter and end up with such ridiculous numbers? Also, Ruwen always seems to learn a skill RIGHT before it’s needed and then has mastery (or masters it almost immediately) right away. The plot becomes a bit predictable because of this. Additionally, there is no problem Ruwen can’t solve. Just replay some conversations in his head until his Cleverness ability triggers and he gets ice pains in his head. Then he makes the connections and overcomes the problem. And as for his friends, they rarely come up with any ideas. Ruwen is just this super character that can do any/everything. Overall, this series is much better than the average litrpg series I’ve read. There are very few typos and grammatical errors, so kudos to the editor. However, this series doesn’t hold a candle to the real heavy hitter, Chaos Seeds: The Land by Aleron Kong. I will keep reading and enjoying the Divine Apostasy books though.
AF Kay has created a fun world and interesting story for us. Although similar to the traditional LITRPG genre, it does have it’s differences. This is an action-packed read. It rarely slows down and always keeps the reader’s interest. Characters are mostly fun. It would be pretty dry without Sift though. There are several aspects of the series that bother me. First, I’m not entirely sold on the mechanics of the leveling system. The numbers seem quite a bit off. Ruwen is a 20ish lvl character throughout most of this book and is constantly fighting lvl 30, 40, and at the end, a half dozen lvl 80-100 lvl beings. Granted, he gets double the points for leveling with his root class, but he should be squashed by most of his opponents. His dodge rating is something like 175% which seems absurd. Are lvl 80 step masters running around with 400% dodge and haste? Pick almost any aspect of the leveling system and this will be the case. For instance, he works all night on fortifying New Eiru’s walls and ends up with lvl 51 (ish) in stone masonry. In what rpg can you possibly pull an all nighter and end up with such ridiculous numbers? Also, Ruwen always seems to learn a skill RIGHT before it’s needed and then has mastery (or masters it almost immediately) right away. The plot becomes a bit predictable because of this. Additionally, there is no problem Ruwen can’t solve. Just replay some conversations in his head until his Cleverness ability triggers and he gets ice pains in his head. Then he makes the connections and overcomes the problem. And as for his friends, they rarely come up with any ideas. Ruwen is just this super character that can do any/everything. Overall, this series is much better than the average litrpg series I’ve read. There are very few typos and grammatical errors, so kudos to the editor. However, this series doesn’t hold a candle to the real heavy hitter, Chaos Seeds: The Land by Aleron Kong. I will keep reading and enjoying the Divine Apostasy books though.
December 29, 2021
The connections and threads; the clues that seem unimportant and yet affect so much; the challenges that lead to failure and success - the continued story line of this latest installment in the series is absolutely amazing. AF Kay has gone above and beyond with this book, and it may even replace book 3 as my series favorite.
If you have not read any of this series, get Shade's First Rule and start. If you have read the first three already, what are you waiting for? Read this one! Immediately!
Ruwen and his friends managed to resurrect the temple at New Eiru at the end of book 3, and now must protect it against the incoming army. Of course, as typical Ruwen, he cannot do just one thing at a time, so there's also the furthering of his path along the Steps with Madda and Padda, learning an entirely new class, strengthening his dungeon, recruiting Cultivators, and trying not to let Blapy kill him. So, basically, it's a typical Tuesday.
Strap in for an amazing ride, meet some new characters, become reacquainted with some previous characters, and see where the journey takes Ruwen next. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Also have to add, for those of you who prefer listening to audiobooks to reading the ebooks, Travis Baldree does a masterful job with the narration of this book, and the entire series. So, whichever version you purchase - audio or e - you will get your money's worth and more.
The most important step is the next one you take on your journey to your goal.
If you have not read any of this series, get Shade's First Rule and start. If you have read the first three already, what are you waiting for? Read this one! Immediately!
Ruwen and his friends managed to resurrect the temple at New Eiru at the end of book 3, and now must protect it against the incoming army. Of course, as typical Ruwen, he cannot do just one thing at a time, so there's also the furthering of his path along the Steps with Madda and Padda, learning an entirely new class, strengthening his dungeon, recruiting Cultivators, and trying not to let Blapy kill him. So, basically, it's a typical Tuesday.
Strap in for an amazing ride, meet some new characters, become reacquainted with some previous characters, and see where the journey takes Ruwen next. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Also have to add, for those of you who prefer listening to audiobooks to reading the ebooks, Travis Baldree does a masterful job with the narration of this book, and the entire series. So, whichever version you purchase - audio or e - you will get your money's worth and more.
The most important step is the next one you take on your journey to your goal.
January 8, 2024
Continued excellence in a great series! Only read AFTER the 1st 3 books.
If you like well crafted books in the LITRPG genre (which I think this is), you need to get this book!
MC is a well-meaning 16-year-old who has been forced into many life changing circumstances. Growing up, he only dreamed of being a mage. His parents disappeared when he was 15, and he didn't get selected to be a mage, as detailed in book 1. He's recruited by his goddess to help her and become her champion, but problems surround him. Luckily, he's made a best friend and started developing a girlfriend relationship. His BF also has a girlfriend, and the 4 of them start trying to save their world. Chaos, of course, ensues!
The way that Mr. Kay plots a story will keep you guessing all of the way through the story. Everything flows fluidly and makes you want to keep reading (as evidenced by my lack of sleep!) to learn what will happen next.
The story is great. The characters are great. The whole series is great. GET THIS BOOK! (but only after reading the 1st 3 books in the series!) ENJOY!
BTW, this is a series that, at least so far, is not loaded down with sex. Yes, it's clean and appropriate for middle school kids (with a high reading level) & older. I'm a recently retired 30+ years teacher.
If you like well crafted books in the LITRPG genre (which I think this is), you need to get this book!
MC is a well-meaning 16-year-old who has been forced into many life changing circumstances. Growing up, he only dreamed of being a mage. His parents disappeared when he was 15, and he didn't get selected to be a mage, as detailed in book 1. He's recruited by his goddess to help her and become her champion, but problems surround him. Luckily, he's made a best friend and started developing a girlfriend relationship. His BF also has a girlfriend, and the 4 of them start trying to save their world. Chaos, of course, ensues!
The way that Mr. Kay plots a story will keep you guessing all of the way through the story. Everything flows fluidly and makes you want to keep reading (as evidenced by my lack of sleep!) to learn what will happen next.
The story is great. The characters are great. The whole series is great. GET THIS BOOK! (but only after reading the 1st 3 books in the series!) ENJOY!
BTW, this is a series that, at least so far, is not loaded down with sex. Yes, it's clean and appropriate for middle school kids (with a high reading level) & older. I'm a recently retired 30+ years teacher.
October 2, 2024
When I first started reading this series, I read over the FAQ on A.F. Kay's website and he states the main character (Ruwen) is not overpowered, stating, "this is not an overpowered protagonist story."
I started to doubt this in book three, and totally do not believe this is book four. The story is really good, and I am enjoying the series immensely, but Ruwen is OP.
Spoiler for anybody interested, nothing too major:
With all that being said, the series is still amazing, Ruwen does struggle a lot, but he also single handy defeats enemies that are waaaaay past his level.
I started to doubt this in book three, and totally do not believe this is book four. The story is really good, and I am enjoying the series immensely, but Ruwen is OP.
Spoiler for anybody interested, nothing too major:
With all that being said, the series is still amazing, Ruwen does struggle a lot, but he also single handy defeats enemies that are waaaaay past his level.
December 23, 2021
I guess it's time to read more of that stupid girl who feels the protagonist should tell her the world, and take the blame for everything wrong in her life.
This series seemed to have improved. All the minor foolishness (like blaming someone else for your choices) is absent so far.
The protagonist seems stretched thin with responsibilities. Nothing your interested in is getting the limelight.
Oh, look. Someone did something stupid and ignored advice, now they are in trouble. Now someone is blaming the MC for that person's choices.
The book was going so well too. Author seemed to have kept the stupidity for the ending.
Things seems to have worked out. The expected emphasis on the drama seems to have been purged. This book wasn't too bad. All the angst from the previous books has been withheld from this one, and I think the story benefits from that.
3/5 Stars
This series seemed to have improved. All the minor foolishness (like blaming someone else for your choices) is absent so far.
The protagonist seems stretched thin with responsibilities. Nothing your interested in is getting the limelight.
Oh, look. Someone did something stupid and ignored advice, now they are in trouble. Now someone is blaming the MC for that person's choices.
The book was going so well too. Author seemed to have kept the stupidity for the ending.
Things seems to have worked out. The expected emphasis on the drama seems to have been purged. This book wasn't too bad. All the angst from the previous books has been withheld from this one, and I think the story benefits from that.
3/5 Stars
October 30, 2022
Restored my faith
The last book left me with some serious concerns about the pacing and how powerful the MC was getting so quickly. I still think this series would have benefited by having this story take place over years because that would give things more weight and more realism in terms of relationships and things in my option but this was still a really good book. My concerns about the MC’s strength have abated somewhat as more about the wider world (and worlds, and universes) are revealed that show he is no doubt going to be very strong but there are greater forces at work. The characters are still the best part of the story in my opinion and this author has a real talent for crafting characters that feel alive and distinct and you care about. The actions good too. Overall I would still strongly recommend this series.
The last book left me with some serious concerns about the pacing and how powerful the MC was getting so quickly. I still think this series would have benefited by having this story take place over years because that would give things more weight and more realism in terms of relationships and things in my option but this was still a really good book. My concerns about the MC’s strength have abated somewhat as more about the wider world (and worlds, and universes) are revealed that show he is no doubt going to be very strong but there are greater forces at work. The characters are still the best part of the story in my opinion and this author has a real talent for crafting characters that feel alive and distinct and you care about. The actions good too. Overall I would still strongly recommend this series.
April 19, 2021
More YA goodness
It's amazing how all the OP abilities of the main character and chucking classes, cultivation basebuilding and the kitchen sink would make me roll my eyes to the point of risking blindness in other books but here it stays fun and interesting. Another well paced page turner.
One point to make though is if it's been a year or two since you read the early books. Where our young hero says that he forgives his old mentors betrayal but he "better have brought poppers" had my eyebrows almost shooting off the top of my head before distantly remembering a foodstuff mentioned in the first book and that our hero probably wasn't requesting party drugs/sphincter relaxant from his childhood librarian.
It's amazing how all the OP abilities of the main character and chucking classes, cultivation basebuilding and the kitchen sink would make me roll my eyes to the point of risking blindness in other books but here it stays fun and interesting. Another well paced page turner.
One point to make though is if it's been a year or two since you read the early books. Where our young hero says that he forgives his old mentors betrayal but he "better have brought poppers" had my eyebrows almost shooting off the top of my head before distantly remembering a foodstuff mentioned in the first book and that our hero probably wasn't requesting party drugs/sphincter relaxant from his childhood librarian.
March 25, 2021
Another great entry
I'm always excited for another entry in this series. I love how the story has progressed. The characters are fun, and as always the humor is well placed. This entry is a bit slower to start, but quickly gains steam. The situation around Ruwen's parents and Hamma's dad are revealed and we get to learn a bit more about Shellyl, too. It will be interesting to see where the next book goes, but I'm sure there will be plenty of focus on the step system for both Sift and Ruwen. Only downside is waiting for the "the fifth step", or whatever its actually going to be called.
I'm always excited for another entry in this series. I love how the story has progressed. The characters are fun, and as always the humor is well placed. This entry is a bit slower to start, but quickly gains steam. The situation around Ruwen's parents and Hamma's dad are revealed and we get to learn a bit more about Shellyl, too. It will be interesting to see where the next book goes, but I'm sure there will be plenty of focus on the step system for both Sift and Ruwen. Only downside is waiting for the "the fifth step", or whatever its actually going to be called.
March 26, 2021
Go Big or Go Home
This is usually the part in a series where I drop off. Where the escalation of events is out of control, too much is going on and the tone of a series is ripped from its roots. This book though does a good job of tempering most of it to keep it centred around our mc and his decisions (and who also never seems to get thanked for his efforts). The stats are also back in full force which also isn’t really my thing but skipping isn’t detrimental at all. Overall I really like this edition but am even more interested in the upcoming events it eludes to in its closing act.
This is usually the part in a series where I drop off. Where the escalation of events is out of control, too much is going on and the tone of a series is ripped from its roots. This book though does a good job of tempering most of it to keep it centred around our mc and his decisions (and who also never seems to get thanked for his efforts). The stats are also back in full force which also isn’t really my thing but skipping isn’t detrimental at all. Overall I really like this edition but am even more interested in the upcoming events it eludes to in its closing act.
March 30, 2021
Solid fusion of standard LitRPG and cultivation
Enjoyable book for anyone who likes LitRPG or cultivation. Lots of interesting characters and wacky situations caused mainly by a MC a bit too clever for his own good. He’s got good friends to help him get back out, and possibly the most OP power I’ve ever read about in the form of his void band, which is like a bag of holding capable of holding everything from lava to stacks of attack spells. Also, it’s nice to not have unnecessary harem elements shoehorned into the novel like so many other novels in this genre.
Enjoyable book for anyone who likes LitRPG or cultivation. Lots of interesting characters and wacky situations caused mainly by a MC a bit too clever for his own good. He’s got good friends to help him get back out, and possibly the most OP power I’ve ever read about in the form of his void band, which is like a bag of holding capable of holding everything from lava to stacks of attack spells. Also, it’s nice to not have unnecessary harem elements shoehorned into the novel like so many other novels in this genre.
July 29, 2022
not the strongest in the series
This is a fun read that deserves your precious time. But like all middle series books, this one suffers from. Excessive words in paragraphs that add nothing and ramble about the same things. If you want to enjoy this book, make yourself a favor, and as soon as you see the main guy is about to talk about assigning his points, skip every other paragraph. You will miss nothing and still read many words that contribute very little to the story to fill some general gaps. ButDo not miss any mention of the other chapters.
This is a fun read that deserves your precious time. But like all middle series books, this one suffers from. Excessive words in paragraphs that add nothing and ramble about the same things. If you want to enjoy this book, make yourself a favor, and as soon as you see the main guy is about to talk about assigning his points, skip every other paragraph. You will miss nothing and still read many words that contribute very little to the story to fill some general gaps. ButDo not miss any mention of the other chapters.
February 21, 2023
Politics
Ruwan has to navigate a lot of politics, and it is basically a toddler fight. That seems to be the same no matter if it's in a book or real world (looking at my US representation). He manages to get a lot done. He forms some new relationships, and the epilogue had me laughing at the irony. There are philosophical issues in this. Ruwan will have to decide, and has been forced to contemplate, if the end justifies the means. The next adventure sounds more laid back, but I'm sure that will spiral into chaos since Ruwan is involved.
Ruwan has to navigate a lot of politics, and it is basically a toddler fight. That seems to be the same no matter if it's in a book or real world (looking at my US representation). He manages to get a lot done. He forms some new relationships, and the epilogue had me laughing at the irony. There are philosophical issues in this. Ruwan will have to decide, and has been forced to contemplate, if the end justifies the means. The next adventure sounds more laid back, but I'm sure that will spiral into chaos since Ruwan is involved.
February 25, 2023
Fantastic
The first couple books were great reads and I enjoyed them a lot. This one takes it to the next level. The author has really found their stride and everything from the drama to the banter is just great. This was a really good book. I cried, I laughed a lot, I got hyped. Seriously, this is good writing. In the litrpg arena especially, it's encouraging to see such good writing. And from an author that doesn't expect you to pay a books full price every month on patreon for 3 chapters. What a concept. Thank you for not being a typical web serial patreon gremlin.
The first couple books were great reads and I enjoyed them a lot. This one takes it to the next level. The author has really found their stride and everything from the drama to the banter is just great. This was a really good book. I cried, I laughed a lot, I got hyped. Seriously, this is good writing. In the litrpg arena especially, it's encouraging to see such good writing. And from an author that doesn't expect you to pay a books full price every month on patreon for 3 chapters. What a concept. Thank you for not being a typical web serial patreon gremlin.
March 29, 2021
This series gets better and better with each new entry and this book solidifies that trend to the nth degree. Fantastic entry into the series, truly awesome world building and plot thickening. The characters are well done, true to form, and the story moves at a great pace. The end is great, and the intervening chapters keep that page turning fell going quite well.
I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone reading this.
I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone reading this.
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