Planet full of mutants? Check! Hot goblin girls? Check! Survival? Fingers crossed!
Thirty years after a failed invasion of the goblin home world, power technician Kevin wakes up in a wrecked Imperial Marine dropship with no clue how he got there. Worse, the planet has been devastated by a biological weapon, and the few survivors are bloodthirsty mutants.
Kevin’s skills could get the ship’s power plant working and help out a community of adorable goblin girls. But – er – there’s a small complication. They’d rather murder him for what the Empire did to their planet.
All is not as it seems, however, for the cause of the war is tied up in the strange fascination the goblin girls have with human men. Can Kevin find the parts he needs to get the reactor fixed? Will the goblin girls take him into their community or string him up like a piñata? And do hot, angry goblins even make good mates?
Goblin Apocalypse is a short and occasionally silly slice-of-life novel featuring cute goblins, dangerous mutants, and what is probably too much techie stuff for a book like this.
**Updated version to correct a lot of errors in the release version. I uploaded the wrong file for release, sorry!**
Michael Dalton is a professional journalist and editor.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
Pretty good for a bait & switch 1st off this book isn't RPG or Fantasy, it's Science-Fiction. The green girls are aliens who live on a difference planet and the males of the species just look like goblins so that's what humans called them. now on with the review. Sci-fi / Post-apocalypse?/ harem / sex scenes / Not LitRPG / Not exactly isekai / slightly creepy To get the second elephant out of the room, I Googled Hannah Schooner the female half of the voice performers and confirmed the she IS NOT a minor. The fact that she sounds like an elementary school girl is just down to her good acting. Although having the book emphasize the size difference and having the goblins be immature, emotionally needy, physically clingy, - to then also have them sound like twelve year old girls did get a little weird... BUT small humanoids would have higher pitched voices so maybe that creepiness is in my head and I'm projecting it. Maybe I should delete this part and keep it to myself. Usually Sci-fi & fantasy do not work together but this mash up works pretty well. I liked The Makalang and I liked this too.
I tend to love all of Michael Dalton's work, but while this is still good I'm not sure it rises to the same level as his other series, at least for me.
Specifically, the setting is a bit...odd to me. To be fair, sci-fi settings are always hard, because any sort of realism likely means that different races would require profoundly different environments, breathe different atmospheres, eat different food, have radically different cultures, speak different languages, etc., which precludes a ton of interesting plots. So there's always the temptation to go the Star Trek route where "aliens" are just humans in some heavy makeup, and that's fine; now you can have Klingons being jerks at fancy dinner parties and Kirk sleeping with green skinned alien babes, cool.
But even by those standards, this goes a bit far. Humans and "goblins" are so compatible they can breathe same same air and eat the same food, and for poorly explained reasons the goblin government apparently adopted the human language to try and foster trade with humans to the point that road signs on the goblin home planet are now mostly in the human language. At which point the idea that human males and goblin females are overwhelmingly obsessively sexually interested in each other almost seems reasonable because it's barely even in the top 5 least plausible things about the entire setting.
And speaking of that obsessive sexual interest, while it makes for an interesting (and somewhat creepy) plot point, it does undermine any real scope for romance. An enemies-to-lovers arc can be extremely engaging, but it's made fairly explicit here that some bizarre quirk of evolution is forcing the female goblins to love and trust the protagonist (and vice versa), which rather undermines any emotional impact it might have.
This is still, as it says on the tin, a pleasant slice of life story about base building in a post-apocalyptic setting, and I appreciate the author went to the trouble to build up an interesting and unique setting. It's short, it's easy to read, give it a shot; there's nothing to dislike really. But for me at least, the neutering of any romance does stop this book being anything more than just "pleasant".
This is one of the tidal wave of harem novels sweeping over Kindle Unlimited. It’s not an Isekai fantasy or a portal fantasy for a change, being a mash-up of military sci-fi involving a human galactic empire and of zombie apocalypse caused by that empire’s use of a bio-weapon on an invaded planet. This is quite an intriguing premise.
The story is straightforward, following the base building and resource collection format of video games without being GameLit as such. The tech detail is intricate and interesting enough to overcome the boring nature of fetching this and fixing that on repeat. The writing is pleasant, if pared down to a minimal this happens then that happens, relying completely on the reader’s imagination to fill in the details. All readers of this genre will be able to visualise a drop ship, a buggy, a railgun, a goblin, or a zombie, by themselves so there’s no need for the author to describe them beyond providing basic labels. There’s enough action to keep the reader engaged.
The MC is sympathetic enough, with selective amnesia that serves to distinguish him from the evil human invaders, and the reader is left to wonder what might happen if and when his full memories return. This is an easy gratification genre so everything goes his way and the lack of striving makes the whole thing rather bland. Nevertheless there are logical causes and consequences to the events of the plot which is rare in this genre.
The female characters are the obvious pliable sexual playthings the genre requires, but they are competent team members, taking full part in the action scenes. It’s a little disturbing just how juvenile their behaviour is depicted to be, but the author’s treatment of them is less insidiously disparaging than other sci-fi novels that don’t so brazenly hold themselves out as harem-based. This makes me think of Captain Kirk’s exploits in Star Trek, sampling the females of every alien species encountered. It’s very much on that level.
Goblin Apocalypse (series) is books filled to the brim with questionable decisions, ranging from the creepingly childish goblins, a frustrating plot filled with contrivances, and mostly unnecessary amnesia backstory muddling the water. Characters are competitively obnoxious and exist only to annoy you with their immature antics interrupted by the occasional erotic scenes. The overarching plot makes a certain amount of sense in the context of sci-fi post-apocalyptic works, at least if you disregard the considerable degree of plot convenience, but any attempt to consider this either a serious novel, or a fun-erotic romp is quickly ruined by the childish infighting 24/7. Who would know that supposedly adult goblins have the emotional maturity of 10-year-old children? The protagonist isn’t that much better - he does have his teenager moments very unfit for the supposed background - but at least possesses a minimal level of competency to even bring the plot forward.
Considering the “professional journalist” author’s other books, the Makalang series, this isn’t by any way accidental, and I suspect that all the author’s books are a stealthy satire of the harem sub-genre rather than a genuine attempt at escapist fantasy. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. I gave it a benefit of the doubt, finishing the entire series.
The Audible bargain was perhaps worth the time vs. credit, but I am certain I would never try this author ever again. If you are looking for “erotica” or “harem fantasy” or “escapist fantasy” there are better books that this one.
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.
Post-apocalyptic stories are all the rage in haremlit these days, and “Goblin Apocalypse” is a very entertaining and enjoyable addition to this trope!
As is usual, our MC (Kevin) awakes with little memory of who he is, but has tech skills and personal, errr….attractiveness, that endear him to the gorgeous goblin girls who capture him. Each of the goblin women have distinct personalities, and I found it much easier than usual to keep track of them because of their eye colors: purple, yellow and green. So much easier than memorizing alien names!
While much of the story involves serious attempts to stay alive, there is also fun humor mixed in, especially between the goblins competing for Kevin’s attentions. “Stop kissing him, you biarq’s buttholes!” isn’t a phrase you’re likely to hear elsewhere!
The book ends with a tease toward expanding the harem, along with further threats from the zombie-like mutants who are able to track their prey across great distances. I look forward to further adventures of Kevin and his goblins!
interesting storyline with a human engineer stranded on an apocalyptic world with beautiful goblin women
The MC awakens from cryosleep 35 years after a devastating war, with holes in his memory. He finds that the xenophobic and imperialistic human empire decimated the world he’s currently on as well as released a bio-weapon that mutated most of the survivors. There is one large inconsistency in that the mutants survived in large numbers in a devastated land. However, the devastated land shouldn't support the number of mutants with food, water or sanitation since they mostly inhabit the ruins of towns and cities. Although they resort to cannibalism, the author specifically states that they only eat mutants that have already died. Aside from that its an interesting cast-away survival story. I appreciated the way that the MC and his tribe scavenged tech to improve their survival. It was also interesting to read the relationships developing, especially with Alavara who despised him so much before and after having her way with him. At this point, it will become necessary for the survivors to develop a plan to exterminate the mutants in order to not just survive, but prosper. Perhaps they will even find a way off planet to determine how badly the human empire screwed the pooch when the bio war infected them and caused the collapse of their empire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
While the story was short and this could have been expanded into much more I really enjoyed the story and the intimate scenes were good too. One thing I want to note is how much I like the fact that the intimate scenes were not excessive. I like harem books HOWEVER I want first a foremost a good involved story not just an excuse for tawdry sex scenes and felt this was done well in this short series.
Take the trailer park elves series, by the same author, the story was interesting BUT far too many intimate scenes, I don't need a play by play of how they have sex every single night, like I said the story needs to come first and that sadly is missing in many harem book and or the world setting is setting up intimate scenes but in silly unrealistic ways with little logic applied. Another thing I like is for the characters to have substance and growth and stick to their personalities and not do stuff that goes too far out of character, like I feel the MC in did in the trailer park elves when it comes to some of the character actions and his own even.
While the technical details were balanced between realistic and simplified for the reader, I personally felt the goblin girls were a little too simplistic. Yes it is after an apocalyptic war and bioweapon attack, but the girls had one scene where they were badasses capturing the male lead with their training from a former elite soldier. Almost immediately, the girls become submissive in everything. Constantly raving about how amazing the male lead. Even the one angry holdout bursts out that he is big, handsome and smart. Yes, this is a harem adventure, so a lot of wish fulfillment should be occurring. I just wish the romance did feel so flat. I liked the adventure portions, so I hope to see the next installment soon
I can't tell if the main character is supposed to be smart or not.
A lot of the time he is presented as being smart, and he is well educated. But man he makes a lot of dumb decisions for no apparent reasons. The start of this book is especially rough to get through (at least it was for me) so fair warning.
Spoilers ahead
The tsundere goblins got old reaaaaally fast, as well as the main character's inability to not think with his dick. Thankfully, a lot of this gets better as the book progresses. The unreasonable horny-ness does have an in-universe explanation but... it still got annoying. I enjoyed pretty much everything else though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m not sure why every haremlit author decided to just start writing goblin girl stuff but this stood out to me for a few reasons.
I really liked the science fiction angle. I’m whatever about the zombies but Dalton has fun with the technology in whatever book he’s writing and this book was no exception.
The girls were cute and believable. I rather liked the lore between humans and goblins.
If you’re looking for something fun and on the shorter side you really can’t go wrong with this one.
It was an easy read and getting to understand what's happening and where he's heading is pretty fun , the descriptions are really good and the girls are awesome, finding out what started the war and why the goblins fought so hard was hilarious , very fluid read and has good action and him trying to build things and trying to better their lives . It's the little things sometimes for sure and stepping up that'll bring that good karma right back around , try the book out and enjoy the ride .
Ass you'd expect from this author this is a very well written and interesting story! There is plenty of soft science fiction and just enough hard sci-fi to make it more enjoyable!! There are some small editing goofs but none are bad enough to take away from the story and I expect they'll be gone in future books in this series!!! I personally can't wait to see what comes next in this new series!!!
I’m not going to lie, the major plot elements are strictly a male adolescent wish fulfillment fantasy. But, it’s all presented in a way that is plausible and well thought out.
The rest of the story feels like a combination of Swiss family Robinson meets a zombie apocalypse. Well, mutant apocalypse.
I hope the author writes more in the series because it was fun and entertaining.
This was a very good story line and i loved the reason goblins and humans were attracted to each other. I was really getting in to the story/book when Silk or a sudden the book ended! I would have like the story in book line to be a little longer. The new set of goblins should have been added to their group in the hills and they could of had some meaningful interaction before sending the book! I did buy book Two and plan to read it next!
This is an unusual goblin story. I liked the start confused out of stasis on a planet his memories shot, how Kevin pulls himself together was good. Getting captured by aliens that want to kill him....not so much. It is good build up with battles, world building and a bit of post apocalypse tossed in for good measure not to mention hot goblin girls! Bring on book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The character development was great, and the plot progression made it so I couldn't put the book down until I was done. The adult aspects in here was very enticing, with the in talent scenes leaving you wanting more. Maybe it would be nice if the next book got more adventurous in the romance and intamency. All in all I can't wait for the next in the series.
Very very interesting premise. Love the reason for the war. Not at all what I thought it would be. Solid story telling and good world building so far. Some electrical % might have been a bit high… lol 8% to charge a single buggy? Reactor would max out trying to keep stuff on. But meh that was the only thing I had a laugh about.
Really good book. Goblin girls were different but nice
I had been looking for a good series in this genre that was in a zombie like situation and this book delivered. I've come across many different kinds of girls in different series I've read but goblin girls like this were a first and I liked them. Can't wait for the next book
Really good book it's going pretty fast tension details pretty good I like the Dynamics, the struggles of two races that are somehow more than compatible with each other. I definitely like the new outlook on goblins and especially the Outlook of goblins in space.
A lot of the set up for this world makes a lot of sense. In some ways too much sense. But that's one of the fun thunhs about it. Everythungs new yet familiar to any who have read harem lit.
Tjere's something refreshing about the dynamics being natural and not convoluted. (Initial starting concepts excepted.)
Kevin wakes up after the apocalypse, and most of the goblin world is decaying ruins with hungry mutants acting like zombies. Alvara, Wexlee, and Nithriel quickly succumb to Kevin's charms. Engaging, and I enjoy base building stories. Fun. Already have book 2.
I started this book in the evening. I couldn't stop reading. I stayed up way too late but the minute I woke up I finished it. Definitely typical of Dalton's work. It would be nice to see what he does with this world in future books.
A fun read, finished it in a couple of hours. Polar opposite to the last book review, this had a sensible MC who adapted to his situation and did the best with it. Not a lot else to say, except I'd like to see a sequel as there's room for this story to grow, at least a bit.
Another action packed, riveting story. Lots action, a bit of mystery, and a whole lot of fun. MC is a likable regular Joe that mist anyone can relate to. Looking forward to the next one.
A different take on goblins for sure. Fun read with a slowly building storyline and history. Seems to have left a possibility for more, but cleaned up most loose ends nicely. Fun read.
This book is completely different than I expected. Good story line and enough sexy parts without the overbearing OP like many store. Good job and waiting for the sequel.
I was impressed with the technical aspects of the story. It seems the author knows something about power management and physics. The adult aspect was sexy enough, if the explanation was a little silly. I look forward to the next one.
This was a fun story to read. As I was a power plant operator/engineer in my younger days, this was a trip. Some people don't care for the tech staff but I found it OK. I hope that you have another story on hand, I can't wait, but I will.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm curious to see what happens next. This book is definitely worth the chance.