Shadow's Seventh Step

A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy, Book 7)

By: A. F. Kay

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

Ruwen wants nothing more than to relax in the Third Secret and recover from the terrible damage to his core. Escaping the ambush in the Infernal Realm had come at a steep cost—one that means no Spirit use until he heals.

Unfortunately, rest is one more thing that needs to wait, because the Bamboo Viper Master’s trial started days ago, and not participating results in the purging of his Step knowledge. Not something he wants to risk.

Joining the trial holds extra danger for Ruwen because fighting the Infernal God forced him to use forbidden Shadow Clan knowledge, breaking an oath, and the Founders will certainly punish him. But he’s spent the last 18 months intensely training for the worst, so the peril doesn’t frighten him.

What does make Ruwen pause is the chaos back home, because attending the Master’s trial will delay his return. But the Steps hold no more secrets from him, and finishing the testing quickly will be trivial. His homecoming will barely notice the delay.

Entering the Master’s trial, Ruwen learns there are seven secrets, not six, and his assumptions quickly fall apart. The Founders deliver additional troubles, as the consequences of his broken oath spread further than he thought possible.

Ruwen's seemingly straightforward trial may prove a trap, and instead of leaving a Master of the Bamboo Viper Step Clan, he may fail to unravel the mystery of the seventh step and spend eternity in the shadow’s darkness. Even if he survives it, the terrible judgment of the Founders awaits, and amid all this uncertainty an ancient relic delivers a misfortunate prophecy that if left unheeded declares death will surely find him.

©2023 A. F. Kay (P)2023 A. F. Kay

Another excellent addition to the series

A. F. Kay injects a heaping dish of reality onto Ruwen which forces him to face the fact that giving second chances to ones enemies often carry devastating consequences. Most of the book involves Ruwen and Sift's progression with Echo in the antagonist role. The plot moves forward nicely with the dynamic duo acting as teachers to lower skilled adepts assisting them to reach higher levels.

The ending battle encounter is epic and Ruwen, Sift, and the other companions facing enemies fiercer than they've ever encountered.

One thing that was a bit tedious was the repetitive bouts of introspection Ruwen finds himself deliberating on, though, not so much as to affect my rating.

While Ruwen survives, it is at a horrendous cost and what's left unknown is how badly the experience has marred Ruwen psyche going forward.

Travis Baldree performance continues to deliver.

Loved it

Very good. He does not list his skills and stats a lot in this one.

Can't wait for the next book!

The worst part about the book is that it's over. Absolutely love the series.

Truly Great!

The only thing this book lacks is more chapters. I laughed, teared up, grew somber, and felt the anger and haunting despair of Ruwen. This an excellent addition the series. If you’re reading this and haven’t started the books yet, please do! Also Travis Baldree preforms with his consistently impressive voice acting to bring all the characters to life.

great installment

I appreciate the character progression/development during book 7, I was not expecting the book to only really contain the master challenge, but it was done well. if you have enjoyed the series so far, definitely pick up this one.