What do you think?
Rate this book
Apocalypse Core: The Complete Trilogy
One moment, everything was normal. Then the World Core woke up and slaughtered almost everything alive so it could harvest their Chi.
After that, it rebuilt everything and put the survivors in a game-like environment, pitting them against monsters and each other.
The rules are different now. Chi power is as important as being able to fight.
I'm one of the survivors. With my knowledge of martial arts and my special Chi skill, I'm turning myself into a force to be reckoned with.
And the women I meet along the way?
Let's just say there's more than one advantage to joining my party.
This is a western cultivation fantasy adventure that includes a definite sense of progression and Gamelit/LitRPG elements. It contains the complete trilogy.
After that, it rebuilt everything and put the survivors in a game-like environment, pitting them against monsters and each other.
The rules are different now. Chi power is as important as being able to fight.
I'm one of the survivors. With my knowledge of martial arts and my special Chi skill, I'm turning myself into a force to be reckoned with.
And the women I meet along the way?
Let's just say there's more than one advantage to joining my party.
This is a western cultivation fantasy adventure that includes a definite sense of progression and Gamelit/LitRPG elements. It contains the complete trilogy.
898 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2023
196 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 14, 2023
As required by U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations and Audible requirements, I am disclosing that I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request. I have listened to the audiobook, and I have voluntarily left an honest review. Receiving a review copy did not influence my rating nor my review.
“Apocalypse Core: The Complete Trilogy” has the most gorgeous (gorgeousest!) cover for Tryne! You’ll want this audiobook in your collection just for the art!
Okay, for the narration and fun LITRPG story too, but…that cover! I’ve previously reviewed Book 1, so I’ll comment on Books 2 and 3 in this review.
Book 2 opens with two of MC’s bonds (Tryne and Ripper) sizing each other up; things work out though once as yet unbonded Blue forces them to admit their jealousy. Once again, the always goofy and hilarious Humphrey provides lots of comic relief…and he does relieve himself often and everywhere!
I generally get impatient with LITRPG books that include what I consider “too much” of a focus on stats and leveling up, but I found Apocalypse Core lots of fun, and I enjoyed the many ways the characters continued to build their strengths. Let’s face it, who can’t enjoy a book with the MCs fighting “Pscho Shrubberies”! I wonder if they created a nice two-level effect?
The individual characters are each unique, and we learn more about the women as the humans they once were than we did in book 1. Book 2 ends with Blue bonding with Marc as Tryne and Ripper enjoy the show (this isn’t really a spoiler; you must know that was…err, coming).
Book 3 brings in the delightful and partly insane dual personality Evelyn, the superpowered demon. The many trials the party confronts become more than just brute strength or Chi power battles; there are some interesting twists for working together that I enjoyed quite a bit. Some of the combining powers techniques reminded me of David Burke’s wonderful Decend series.
In book 1, the role and purpose of the World Core wasn’t clear to me, but in book 3 it makes sense. New light is shed on the snarky Harbinger, as well as their guide to the trials, Gilbert.
The final Tournament and the final battle was well-done, and I enjoyed the HEA conclusion to this series. The narration was terrific, and I encourage you to listen to the Apocalypse Core trilogy!
“Apocalypse Core: The Complete Trilogy” has the most gorgeous (gorgeousest!) cover for Tryne! You’ll want this audiobook in your collection just for the art!
Okay, for the narration and fun LITRPG story too, but…that cover! I’ve previously reviewed Book 1, so I’ll comment on Books 2 and 3 in this review.
Book 2 opens with two of MC’s bonds (Tryne and Ripper) sizing each other up; things work out though once as yet unbonded Blue forces them to admit their jealousy. Once again, the always goofy and hilarious Humphrey provides lots of comic relief…and he does relieve himself often and everywhere!
I generally get impatient with LITRPG books that include what I consider “too much” of a focus on stats and leveling up, but I found Apocalypse Core lots of fun, and I enjoyed the many ways the characters continued to build their strengths. Let’s face it, who can’t enjoy a book with the MCs fighting “Pscho Shrubberies”! I wonder if they created a nice two-level effect?
The individual characters are each unique, and we learn more about the women as the humans they once were than we did in book 1. Book 2 ends with Blue bonding with Marc as Tryne and Ripper enjoy the show (this isn’t really a spoiler; you must know that was…err, coming).
Book 3 brings in the delightful and partly insane dual personality Evelyn, the superpowered demon. The many trials the party confronts become more than just brute strength or Chi power battles; there are some interesting twists for working together that I enjoyed quite a bit. Some of the combining powers techniques reminded me of David Burke’s wonderful Decend series.
In book 1, the role and purpose of the World Core wasn’t clear to me, but in book 3 it makes sense. New light is shed on the snarky Harbinger, as well as their guide to the trials, Gilbert.
The final Tournament and the final battle was well-done, and I enjoyed the HEA conclusion to this series. The narration was terrific, and I encourage you to listen to the Apocalypse Core trilogy!
October 17, 2024
I found the audio version of Apocolypse Core on sale at Audible. I like LITRPG and this 3 book series has a lot of 5-star reviews on Audible. I figured 3 books and over 24 hours of listening for under $5 was a good value.
I finished this book. While not great, it kept my interest. From my perspective, it did not live up to the ratings that are posted on Audible. In the end, I am giving this book 2.4 stars rounded down to 2 stars. It was not bad, but it fell short of being good, earning a just-okay rating.
The Good - Entertaining story. Lots of good action. Interesting world-building. Good balance of gaming to story in the LITRPG. Creative Concepts. Likable characters, and decent writing.
The not so Good - Too much sex and the erotic scenes were immature and came off like a teenage boy's fantasy. The only humor was tied to Humphry's proclivities and I thought the story could have used some adult sarcasm. The narration was good but I thought the accent used for the character Blue sounded like Carla Tortelli from Cheers - listening to sexy talk from that character did not work for me.
Does anyone else wonder why no one thought of sharing intelligence with Humphry? I cannot be the only person to wonder why that was not done. Lastly, I thought the ending was a bit lame.
I finished this book. While not great, it kept my interest. From my perspective, it did not live up to the ratings that are posted on Audible. In the end, I am giving this book 2.4 stars rounded down to 2 stars. It was not bad, but it fell short of being good, earning a just-okay rating.
The Good - Entertaining story. Lots of good action. Interesting world-building. Good balance of gaming to story in the LITRPG. Creative Concepts. Likable characters, and decent writing.
The not so Good - Too much sex and the erotic scenes were immature and came off like a teenage boy's fantasy. The only humor was tied to Humphry's proclivities and I thought the story could have used some adult sarcasm. The narration was good but I thought the accent used for the character Blue sounded like Carla Tortelli from Cheers - listening to sexy talk from that character did not work for me.
Does anyone else wonder why no one thought of sharing intelligence with Humphry? I cannot be the only person to wonder why that was not done. Lastly, I thought the ending was a bit lame.
August 18, 2023
Maybe two stars?
I finished it. Over two days, which both helped and hindered it. The first book was fine, perhaps a little slow a little to leaning into game mechanics for tension. Book two introduced ways around the game mechanics in an attempt to make the battles more dangerous for the heroes, but at the price of making the remaining focus on stats feel out of place. Book three didn't work for me. The last 90 pages especially which leaves me more than a bit disappointed. Three adult scenes of so a book, those aren't anything special.
Overall I think that's my impression. This series isn't anything special, all the good ideas frontloaded and then it coasts to an underwhelming conclusion.
I finished it. Over two days, which both helped and hindered it. The first book was fine, perhaps a little slow a little to leaning into game mechanics for tension. Book two introduced ways around the game mechanics in an attempt to make the battles more dangerous for the heroes, but at the price of making the remaining focus on stats feel out of place. Book three didn't work for me. The last 90 pages especially which leaves me more than a bit disappointed. Three adult scenes of so a book, those aren't anything special.
Overall I think that's my impression. This series isn't anything special, all the good ideas frontloaded and then it coasts to an underwhelming conclusion.
October 22, 2024
It's an interesting book. It took a while to understand the mechanics of the action style behind the book. The author was using D & D (Dungeons and Dragons) combat rules, where everybody announces what they are going to do each round of combat. So there are interrupts, dodges, and not having a free movement during a round of combat. The author doesn't do like a dungeon master and ask each player what their next move will be, however that happens in the background.
So the premise of the book is the Earth's core wakes up and takes the Chi of 90% of the worlds population. Chi is an Asian concept, you could say its the soul or spirit of the person, but not in a western viewpoint of it being us just without the body. Chi is what empowers the body to function and can increased. Increasing ones Chi also increases one's level, like in D & D except Chi is used and not experience. So of the 10% of the worlds population that are left, the Earth's core has some tests that it wants to be completed. The earth has left some challenges and foes to be fought so that each person can gain more Chi. However, it is also possible to kill another person and take their Chi. Every person who survived the apocalypse has been changed physically to more match their personality. People with a dark heart are usually monsters. The protagonist keeps his mostly human form, and wants to work together with others. He picks up women who are also good and ends up building a harem. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in this type of genre.
So the premise of the book is the Earth's core wakes up and takes the Chi of 90% of the worlds population. Chi is an Asian concept, you could say its the soul or spirit of the person, but not in a western viewpoint of it being us just without the body. Chi is what empowers the body to function and can increased. Increasing ones Chi also increases one's level, like in D & D except Chi is used and not experience. So of the 10% of the worlds population that are left, the Earth's core has some tests that it wants to be completed. The earth has left some challenges and foes to be fought so that each person can gain more Chi. However, it is also possible to kill another person and take their Chi. Every person who survived the apocalypse has been changed physically to more match their personality. People with a dark heart are usually monsters. The protagonist keeps his mostly human form, and wants to work together with others. He picks up women who are also good and ends up building a harem. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in this type of genre.
March 2, 2025
wow.
The main character is awful. Vacillating between an idiot and useless he’s always got one more bit of plot armor to hide behind.
The story doesn’t make sense, the overall plot is ridiculous, the ending was anticlimactic. The scenes were meh, the character and relationship development were equally milquetoast and boring.
Just… not worth it.
The entire story doesn’t live up to the promise of the cover.
The main character is awful. Vacillating between an idiot and useless he’s always got one more bit of plot armor to hide behind.
The story doesn’t make sense, the overall plot is ridiculous, the ending was anticlimactic. The scenes were meh, the character and relationship development were equally milquetoast and boring.
Just… not worth it.
The entire story doesn’t live up to the promise of the cover.
April 10, 2023
Great!
I really enjoyed it, the original premise was very interesting and I loved how the author kept the feeling that each new challenge was almost too much despite how the characters progressed and got stronger
I really enjoyed it, the original premise was very interesting and I loved how the author kept the feeling that each new challenge was almost too much despite how the characters progressed and got stronger
July 6, 2023
This is a great series. The sex scenes were a lot of fun to read as well. As with other LIT RPG books, the characters al progress and develop new skills as they go. Great action scenes and quite the plot to follow.
August 31, 2023
good book
good book would recommend to any one who likes rpg style books and any who like books that have quit a bit of "fun" in it
good book would recommend to any one who likes rpg style books and any who like books that have quit a bit of "fun" in it
May 15, 2024
DNF
Boring, bland and character that I find a pain to read about.
Boring, bland and character that I find a pain to read about.
November 1, 2025
Great story
Great story, a bit tedious here and there but overall the MC and his team did the right thing. All of the characters were enjoyable
Great story, a bit tedious here and there but overall the MC and his team did the right thing. All of the characters were enjoyable
May 29, 2023
So far really enjoying it, but might have to ditch with the amount of harem writing /etc. The kindle version has a different cover that does not make it clear that this is a harem novel, which I would have skipped if I had figured it out
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews