Shadows of the Forsaken (LitRPG)

Information

Status

Hiatus

Year

2025

Author

Daddykazzoo

• Chapter 8: Beyond the Flame
  Oct 21, 2024
• Chapter 7: The Veil Shatters
  Oct 4, 2024
• Chapter 6.3: System Initiation Part III (Rewrite)
  Dec 2, 2024
• Chapter 6.2: System Initiation Part II (Rewrite)
  Dec 2, 2024
• Chapter 5.2: The Shadow of Trust (Chapter 5 Part II)
  Dec 1, 2024
• Chapter 6: System Initiated (rewritten into parts 1, 2, &3) - Deleted Scene
  Oct 3, 2024
• Chapter 6: System Initiation Part I(Rewrite)
  Dec 2, 2024
• Chapter 5: The Shadow of Trust (edited and continues onto Chapter 5.5)
  Sep 29, 2024
• Chapter 4: Chains of Fate and Bitter Truths
  Sep 29, 2024
• Chapter 3: Shadows of Dominion
  Aug 31, 2024
• Chapter 2: The Unwilling Demon God
  Aug 26, 2024
• Chapter 1: Bound in Darkness
  Aug 24, 2024
• Chapter 39: Between Suns
  Apr 4, 2025
• Chapter 38: Inheritance of Ash
  Apr 4, 2025
• Chapter 37: Ascension and Oblivion
  Mar 12, 2025
• Chapter 36: The Crimson Descent
  Jan 24, 2025
• Chapter 35: Corruption Stirs
  Dec 4, 2024
• Chapter 34: A Envoy's Test - A Bards Skill
  Dec 3, 2024
• Chapter 33: Unveiling the Threat
  Dec 2, 2024
• Chapter 32: Shadows in the Chamber
  Dec 2, 2024

Reviews

Community Reviews(10)

• roxybroadwayRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  The story is well balanced and feels like a great dive into an interesting dynamic. Lots of various aspects containing divinity and sin, which I’ve always found interesting.. great foundation with a nod to the classic aspects of mythology and fantasy mechanics
  i saw the cover and thought it was interesting and perhaps a bit more serious. However, it’s been a fun blend of comedic relief and character building with some aspects of suspense, magic, and perhaps some romance in there?
  The interesting component that I like here is the light review of the litrpg aspect intertwined with the story. It enhances it rather than becoming the story itself. I feel like if you were to remove the litrpg aspect of it, it would likely hold up fairly well as a fantasy novel on its own.
  The introspective aspect of certain scenes involving heavier aspects of the human condition is an interesting take, and one of the reasons why it pulled me in. The writing style is descriptive and makes you feel the words and emotions rather than just being told what they are. I think there is some room to develop the story further but honestly it will likely come if I wait long enough. Since the chapters are very long, it might be a deterrent for some, but I’d recommend powering through them. Or if and when the author reads this, you may want to edit a little bit or perhaps cut sections of current chapters down a bit and just make more chapters with the same content but shorter in nature. Which is why I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes and I hope it gets put into audiobook so I listen while I work, because I don’t have the time to read longer chapters currently. But this one is the exception.
  great work, and once this gets edited I’d read it again to see what refinements were made to tighten up the story a bit.
• Casual1636tangerineRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Okay, so I’m about to fangirl a little here because Shadows of the Forsaken totally grabbed me by the soul and didn’t let go. Seriously, I’m still thinking about it and I just finished it and its like my first time on royal road and i binged this whole 1st book.
  So first of all, Erik. What a character.. He starts out as this guy who has zero magic in a world where magic is everything and that’s already a huge bummer, right? But then his life basically falls apart when he gets falsely accused of murder by his own family, gets betrayed, and sold as a slave. And then he gets possesed by a demon lord lrince thing, and N’zol the Devourer gets stuck in his body. So, now he’s got to deal with this ancient, snarky demon who’s constantly trying to take control. But instead of just being a sad sack of misery, Erik’s got this amazing, sarcastic sense of humor that makes it impossible not to root for him. It’s like you’re watching him go from this powerless outcast to someone who has to figure out how to survive with this demon that literally wants to eat him from the inside out.
  Honestly, their dynamic is everything. The banter between Erik and the demon is chef’s kiss, Like, you’ve got this demon who thinks he’s all that, and Erik’s just like, “Yeah, whatever, demon lord, calm down.” There’s this perfect blend of dark humor and super tense moments, and it just makes the whole book so much fun to read.
  There’s so much inner turmoil, and it makes you feel for him. He’s not just some generic hero who suddenly has all the power in the world; he’s struggling with it. Like, do you use the demon’s crazy powers to get revenge? Or do you try to stay the good guy? I loved seeing that back-and-forth inside his head.
  The world-building? It’s kinda dark and twisted, which fits perfectly with the whole vibe. Magic is everywhere, but it’s dangerous and unpredictable, and honestly, I was here for it.. Again..  There’s a lot of detail in the descriptions of places and rituals..
  But for the mo
• Clarity_writing_editorRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  As I closed the final chapter of this first installment, I found myself reflecting on the careful adjustments the author has made throughout the narrative. The early parts of the story thrived on intense action, rapid progression, and intricate plotting, but as the book progresses, there is a notable and welcome shift in pacing. The latter chapters slow down, allowing room for character-driven moments, reflective dialog, and a deeper emotional connection between the protagonist and those around him.
  This deliberate change in pacing works well, especially in the closing chapters. The emotional clarity between Erik and his father feels earned, a culmination of not only the story’s external conflicts but the internal ones Erik has carried with him. Moments like these give the narrative more weight, emphasizing that the stakes aren’t just about survival or power—they’re about relationships, history, and the legacy Erik must grapple with.
  One notable element is the shift away from heavy litrpg mechanics. While these elements were present earlier, they now feel more like subtle undertones, referenced when relevant but not dominating the storytelling. This adjustment allows the narrative to focus on Erik’s journey as a person rather than as a system-bound protagonist. It’s an interesting choice that enhances the emotional resonance of the story while still leaving the system elements as a tool rather than a focal point. For readers who are accustomed to litrpg stories that lean heavily into stats and leveling, this may feel like a departure, but it allows for greater narrative flexibility.
  The dialog, particularly in the latter chapters, stands out as one of the story’s greatest strengths. There’s a balance between intensity and vulnerability, and the characters’ voices feel distinct and purposeful. Erik’s interactions, especially with his father, are laced with an emotional gravity that was missing earlier in the book, and the supporting cast—Vesper, Berndhardt, and Oswin
• Narrin DawaRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  A thrilling dark fantasy that immersed me in a world full of magic, mystery, and intrigue. The story follows Erik Marlowe, a noble outcast struggling against both his own family and society. From the start, the story kept me on edge with a mix of betrayal, power struggles, and the looming threat of dark forces. This story is perfect for fans of characters with moral complexity and dark, gritty storylines.
  Daddykazzoo’s style is detailed, bringing each scene to life with vibrant, sometimes overwhelming, descriptions. The writing pulls you into the story's world, painting vivid pictures of everything from Erik’s grim, cursed surroundings to the disturbing rituals of death cults. Dialogue is clever, with a nice mix of humor and tension that reveals more about the characters’ backgrounds and motives. While sometimes the descriptions feel a little heavy, they really add to the immersive feel of the story.
  The story of Erik Marlowe’s journey from sidelined and betrayed noble to a dangerous vessel for dark power is a wild ride. Themes of betrayal, self-discovery, and the true price of power are explored with enjoyable depth. The story keeps throwing obstacles at Erik, testing his morals and strength, and making readers root for him. The twists and turns keep the pace exciting, and there’s a real sense that anything could happen, which made it hard to put down - moar chapters, please!
  Overall, the grammar is clean and clear, making it easy to follow along without many interruptions. There are some areas where sentence structure could be tightened, as a few sentences feel a bit too long and it can be confusing in the middle of action scenes. A quick revision in some of these parts could help the flow. However, these small issues don’t take much away from the enjoyment of the story.
  Characters are one of the strongest parts of Shadows of the Forsaken. Erik Marlowe is a relatable, flawed protagonist facing real challenges that bring out his resilience and humanity. His relatio
• Stepan ChizhovRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Shadows of the Forsaken pulls you into a world of dark magic, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, all while following Erik Marlowe, an outcast in a society where magic is everything—except for him. It's a fast-paced, compelling story that blends LitRPG mechanics with gritty, high-stakes fantasy. Erik's journey from a powerless misfit to someone forced to grapple with the powers of a demon lord is as tense as it is intriguing.
  The worldbuilding is immersive, with descriptions that really pull you into the setting, from dark temples to the tension-filled training halls. The first chapters really do a good job of setting the stage with rich imagery and a sense of unease that permeates the world. However, there are moments where the author shifts into telling a bit too much, shifting from "show, don't tell" to "tell, don't show," which can slow things down. What's great, though, is that the quality of storytelling only becomes better with each chapter!
  Erik himself is a compelling character—complex and relatable. He's not a perfect hero; he's someone who struggles with the powers thrust upon him and the moral dilemmas that come with them. The relationship between Erik and the demon bound to him adds a unique layer of tension and is quite entertaining.
  Supporting characters like Vesper bring even more depth to the story, and there's a sense of chemistry between her and Erik that adds some much-needed heat to their dynamic. Together, they form an intense duo, and I'm definitely curious to see how their relationship develops further.
  The story is a compelling ride through a world of dark power and inner turmoil, with just enough twists to keep you invested.
  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book!
• SuperDavePDXRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I really enjoyed this book. The story involves intrigue and a hero having to constantly struggle between the light and dark of his powers.  The story flowed easily and I enjoyed learning about LitRPG - This is the first book that I have read in this genre and I am hooked.
• XaiverhallowayRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This book is a masterclass in vivid storytelling, delivering a journey that is as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed. From the first chapter, Erik’s world bursts to life with intricate details in a society driven by magical hierarchies, a protagonist shunned for his lack of innate magic, and a world drenched in primal, untamed forces. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s alive, humming with tension and secrets that pull you deeper into its mysteries.
  What truly sets this book apart is how seamlessly it balances plot and character development. Erik’s transformation is a rollercoaster of emotions, both internal and external. The pain of his powerless existence shifts into a terrifying new reality when primal magic and dark rituals force him into a role he never wanted. Erik’s voice which is sharp, sarcastic, and undeniably human grounds the fantastical stakes in relatable struggles. His interactions with an ancient royal demon bound within him, are a fascinating mix of humor, tension, and reluctant cooperation that bring fresh energy to the story. Their banter serves as a brilliant counterpoint to the grim themes, adding levity without undermining the stakes. (Spoiler: the demon gets removed and put into a sword, Erik’s real nature is that of a race that can use all magic.. which  the entire race was killed off by all the other races since they feared what he could do)
  The pacing is another standout feature. Every moment feels purposeful, each event building on the last as the story evolves from a tale of survival into something far grander. By the time the death cults, various magic, and Erik’s explosive potential converge, the plot clicks into place with satisfying clarity. The layers of mystery and conflict that have been slowly building begin to unravel, revealing just enough to keep you hungry for more. The conclusion doesn’t merely resolve it ignites curiosity, leaving you desperate to know how Erik will navigate the challenges ahead.. and do I sense
• B for ByrjaRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  I'll state out the gate that though I like dark fantasy. I have a bias against demonology or demon based novels. The stories usually feel archaic, their worlds dull, and their characters one dimensional.
  Shadows of the Forsaken is none of those things.
  The story is crisp and quick. I tend to prefer a slow place but the style is vivid and descriptive enough that the narrative really catches you in its winds and thrusts you along. As this is a review swap, I had only planned to sample the first 5 chapters, but I ended up going all the way until the 9th. When time allows, I'll likely read more.
  The world, while the weakest of the three, is still well written. I don't find myself all that interested in the intricacies of the setting, but that does not detract from the fact that the author's style brings it to life. It's a world I can envision. When the character and plot focuses are so well done, all the world has to be is alive.
  On the topic of characters, I love Erik. He's one of my favorite kinds of protagonists. A lead with power, honor, and a painful tug of war between the two. The turmoil between oneself and one's actions is something I love to both read and write about, so witnessing that journey here was a huge, huge plus. Again, this is a place where the style really shines through to communicate the intensity and severity of the clashes and the rawness of the aftermaths. Top stuff.
  Also, I like Vesper. Always nice to have a strong heroine.
  Overall, I'm very comfortable highly recommending this!
• SinCinnamonRoyal Road

  ★★★★ 4.0

  General:
  Great potential but the story would highly benefit from a few more rounds of editing. We have many interesting story elements, too many actually, that would be more interesting if enough time was spent on each. At the moment, it feels like too many pieces are thrown at you too fast, and while each piece is nice and shiny, it makes it hard to stay fully engaged.
  Style:
  Very nice prose with vivid descriptions. The action scene in chapter 6 is gripping and well described. A few repetitions here and there but overall the style is enjoyable.
  Story:
  Lots of potential, but as mentioned before too many elements too poorly defined at once. It makes it hard to follow along and can become confusing. There is also a bit of a lack of foreshadowing that can be jarring. Some elements would be more believable if they had been subtly introduced earlier.
  Grammar:
  Missing capitalization is a frequent issue. Some dialogues are hard to follow as we get a new paragraph with closed « » even though it is still the same person talking. Otherwise nothing too flagrant in my opinion.
  Characters:
  Needs some work on characterization, namely defined traits and consistency. The MC changes attitudes from serious to lighthearted randomly. We also don’t really get the extent of his « trauma » as his responses vary too much from scene to scene. His inner dialogue doesn’t always match with his actions/speech.
  Many characters are introduced fast then apparently discarded. It becomes hard to follow. Again, more time spent on each of them with an improved sense of who they are, what they want would help tremendously.
  So overall a lot of potential but definitely needs some polishing. However, the author has shown a willingness to learn that makes me eager to follow his progress.
• ValdenePatriarchRoyal Road

  ★★★★ 4.0

  Honestly, the writing style here is something else. It’s detailed and immersive, really pulling you into each scene with strong sensory descriptions and subtle hints at character backstory and relationships. The use of "showing" rather than "telling" works effectively for the most part, making the world feel tangible, while keeping readers engaged in the tension between characters like Erik and Lucien. However, at times, the line between showing and telling blurs, especially during long, internal monologues or extended descriptions of setting. This can sometimes slow the pacing and dilute the tension, and tightening those sections might sharpen the impact. Overall, though, it's a captivating read, though trimming some of the longer chapters would make it even stronger!