Shade's First Rule: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure

Divine Apostasy, Book 1

De: A. F. Kay

Narrado por: Travis Baldree

A new LitRPG world has arrived!

It's Ruwen’s Ascension Day, and he finally dies for the first time. His newly revived body can learn spells and abilities for the class given him by the Goddess Uru, and dying is no longer permanent.

Ruwen’s high intelligence makes becoming a Mage inevitable. With his new powers, he will locate his parents and clear their family name. But nothing goes as Ruwen imagined, and when a rival God tries to kill Ruwen shortly after his disastrous Ascension, his focus turns from his future to just surviving.

His choices place him in the middle of an ancient war, and he must overcome the limitations of his unexpected class to reach level five. Only then will he have the tools needed to survive. But dying now comes with a terrible penalty, and failing Uru might not only cost him his life and loved ones but his entire world.

It turns out dying on your Ascension Day is the easy part.

*****

Hey, LitRPG readers! I've created an FAQ for Shade's First Rule to answer some of the common questions and to help you decide if this book is for you. It can be found at: afkauthor.com/faq.

©2019 A. F. Kay (P)2020 A. F. Kay

great book

I really liked this book. it was kind of relaxing honestly. there are a lot of YA elements but that makes the tone a little lighter. if you need a break from the heavier aspects of more "adult" books this is a terrific option. the YA elemwnts don't distract from a would story with good charecters and enjoyable humor. as always Travis did a smashing job narrating he is one of my faveriot narrators and one of the best out there.

Good story, one major flaw.

I find myself in the unique position of having to go back to amend my initial review of an audiobook. In interest of preserving my initial impressions I am leaving the first review unedited (with one small exception for clarification) below the amendment.

I have just finished listening to the second installment and in light of the continued events and plot I feel the need to tone down the vehemence with which I described the MC in my initial review. Which is not to say that it was unwarranted, but in retrospect I feel the need to reinforce my recommendation that this story is worth the credit. In book two the author’s case of IMMCS is significantly toned down.

I get the sense that the author’s intent was to show the character’s naïveté in the first book and then to portray his growth through the second. I still feel that the MC’s idiocy was egregiously heavy-handed in the first book. That said, after listening to the second book I am twice as engrossed in the story as I was after experiencing the first. So far this has turned out to be a very promising story, and I can’t wait for the third audiobook to be released.

And as always Travis Baldtree does a fantastic job.

Below is the review I wrote immediately after completing the first audiobook:


This is a somewhat unique and interesting story... so I’ll start by saying that I generally recommend it before I go into the inevitable rant that is coming... Shades First Rule has a solid plot, good world building, and solid character development.

Unfortunately, this author clearly suffers from an illness which is sadly very common to authors in the gamelit genre. It’s a mysterious disease known as:
IMMCS or Inexplicably Moronic Main Character Syndrome.

This disease is diagnosable when a gamelit author insists on allowing the reader to know as much information as the MC and then proceeds to have that main character be totally incapable of drawing basic logical conclusions based on the information they have. This creates tension as the reader is sitting there waiting for the MC to figure out something extremely obvious, but instead the MC just does stupid things and fails completely at making appropriate choices or the most mundane of conclusions in spite of having every bit of necessary information.

There is really no logical explanation for why an author would think any person of average intelligence would want to listen to a story about someone who is too stupid to live, (edit: with the exception of the rare “zaney” comedy that actually succeeds in making this trope amusing) hence it must be some kind of impairment the author is suffering from.

Even more dismaying, A. F. Kay clearly has the more invasive and serious strain of IMMCS. This is where the reader is repeatedly told how intelligent, experienced, or clever the MC is, and in the same paragraph the MC’s statements and actions indicate that they must surely starve to death because anyone this idiotic would be unable to figure out how to use a spoon, let alone be capable of both procuring sustenance while also having the wherewithal to consume it when they feel hungry.

So you ask, if this is the case, why am I still giving this audiobook a (qualified) buy-it recommendation? Well fortunately, though the MC is a total and complete nitwit 2/3s of the time, (and at points I was sorely tempted to return this book), there is just enough promise that the MC might gain some wisdom as the story progresses that the many good aspects of the story were able to strike a precarious balance... Which is saying something as normally I don’t hesitate to immediately return books by authors suffering from IMMCS.

I do feel sorry for their plight, but I also have no intention of enabling their disease.

Shade's first rule: Read this book!

There are rare gems in the realm of audiobooks, stories that transcend the boundaries of ordinary storytelling and immerse the listener in a world where magic and reality seamlessly coexist. "Shade's First Rule: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure" by A. F. Kay, the inaugural installment in the Divine Apostasy series, belongs to this exclusive category. Narrated by the exceptionally talented Travis Baldree, this audiobook embarks on an exhilarating journey through an uncharted LitRPG universe, brimming with intrigue, mystique, and unforgettable characters. As we delve into this epic narrative, it's impossible not to draw parallels with Travis Baldree's remarkable performance in "The Cradle" series, and I'm eager to share my impressions of this fantastic adventure.

Travis Baldree, the same narrator who mesmerized me with his rendition of "The Cradle" series, brings "Shade's First Rule" to life. His mastery of the art of narration is evident once again, as he skillfully breathes life into the characters and crafts an immersive world through his voice. Much like his captivating performance in "Dogwalker," Baldree's delivery in this audiobook is nothing short of exceptional. His ability to convey the emotions, personalities, and intricacies of each character adds a layer of depth that enriches the entire narrative.

Within the story, an array of engaging characters takes center stage, each possessing their unique quirks and personas. These characters not only complement the protagonist, Ruwen, but also share an enchanting chemistry with both him and each other. In many ways, the supporting characters are the heart of the narrative, enhancing the overall experience with their dynamic interactions and authentic relationships, making listeners feel like active participants in their world.

Ruwen, our central character, represents a refreshing take on the overpowered protagonist trope. While one might argue that he is indeed overpowered, it's important to note that his journey follows a steep power curve rather than a swift plunge into God-like abilities. A. F. Kay adroitly balances Ruwen's formidable powers with increased risks and challenges, ensuring that he faces his fair share of obstacles and adversaries. Throughout the early parts of the story, Ruwen frequently finds himself outmatched and outwitted, embodying the classic underdog narrative where perseverance and hard work are key to achieving his goals. The introduction of a second, secretive class during his Ascension further deepens the intrigue, leaving listeners pondering how Ruwen will wield this newfound power.

A. F. Kay's treatment of the LitRPG elements, particularly the intricate stat systems, is nothing short of brilliant. As I listened to the audiobook, I found myself eagerly delving into the details of this world's rules and mechanics. Kay's meticulous attention to explaining stats and their significance in character growth proves both informative and engaging. Ruwen's quest to obtain every stat becomes a compelling aspect of his character development, holding the listener's interest as he evolves.

While acknowledging that every story may have its imperfections, it's equally vital to recognize that these shortcomings can be overcome by the narrative's growth and development. "Shade's First Rule" perfectly exemplifies this phenomenon. As the series unfolds, the storytelling becomes increasingly immersive, and the world-building expands, effectively addressing any initial concerns. This is a testament to the author's dedication to refining the story and creating an enthralling narrative that captivates its audience.

"Shade's First Rule: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure" is a remarkable audiobook that offers listeners a thrilling and enchanting experience. Travis Baldree's narration, reminiscent of his outstanding work in "The Cradle" series and "Dogwalker," elevates the story to new heights. The diverse cast of characters, the well-balanced protagonist, and the intricate stat systems contribute to a rich and immersive world that keeps you coming back for more. While the audiobook may have minor flaws, these are overshadowed by the sheer storytelling prowess of A. F. Kay, as the series continues to evolve and captivate its audience.

For fans of LitRPG, epic fantasy, or those who simply appreciate a well-narrated tale that keeps them on the edge of their seats, "Shade's First Rule" is a must-listen. Join Ruwen on his Ascension Day and embark on an epic journey that will keep you enthralled until the very end.

great way to piss yourself off

This style of writing is designed to piss you off, could not even finish the book.

there is no second role

from an initial disappointment, our hero goes on a remarkable journey narrated with class and excellence by travis. great fun was had.

New genre for me

The few LITrpgs I’ve suffered through could learn from this book. I’m excited to see how he blends leveling and cultivating.

Definitely worth a credit.

Slow start, but it gets good later.

this one is mostly world building, but it hs it's moments of action too. book 2 should be interesting given how book 1 ends.

Good

Its sort of a mix of regular fantasy for a npc character in a litrpg with wuxia slowly being added in. The mc is kinda hopeless, mainly because he is so hung up on his class and wanting to be a mage while blatantly ignoring his potential to be OP. The other characters are all enjoyable and make up for his presence and the story is decent so far as well. As always, Travis is amazing with his narration.

Book is fantastic. Narrator is fantastic.

I'm happy I bought the sequel. You'll want to as well if you're into this genre. Wonderful stuff.

Fun LitRPG

Interesting game world. The characters are fun. There is quite a bit of running around until things finally settle down and focus on development of the plot and characters. The premise of the series is well established and has plenty of room to grow. The book ends abruptly which wasn’t very satisfying. Travis Baldree delivers a fantastic performance.