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Apocalypse: Regression #1
Apocalypse: Regression
As humanity is taking its final breath, facing extinction from a myriad of monsters, the last three people on earth are creating a final chance for the hero to go back in time and stop the apocalypse. However, before the hero can enter the chronomancer portal to the past, she and the portal's creator are both killed, leaving only the weak assistant to carry on their dream of saving the world. Will Nick be able to right the wrongs done to him, and prepare the hero for the world to come? When time weighs heavily, it's time to hit the weights in this regression LitRPG/Gamelit story of dungeon-diving, leveling stats, and facing down the apocalypse!
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2023
1075 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
April 28, 2025
Rating 5.0 stars
I loved this book. I don't know why I was hesitant at first. I enjoy most of the apocalypse stories where the MC goes back in time to change things, so I don't know why I would be hesitant with this one. This story gripped me within the first 10 minutes. I was immediately emotionally invested in the characters. The story isn't about the hero. It is about the assistant. The hero was supposed to go back in time to save everyone. The genius inventor created a machine to send 1 person back in time to their younger body. Then there is the MC. The assistant. He is the inventor's best friend and was stuck with a malady that made it impossible for him to be the hero. He ends up being one of the last 3 people alive when the world ends. Then the worst happens. The hero dies and the genius is hurt too bad to survive. The assistant has to go back in time to save everyone. That was never the plan.
I like how the main characters stays within himself. Most of the time the person going back wants to save everyone and become the hero. Use that future knowledge to be the one that gains the power. While the MC does a few things to make his situation better, he knows that others have the better chance of saving the world and it is his job to help them do that.
There is the standard story points of if he should tell anyone his secret or not. Who can he trust. The people who were his best friends in the future barely know him now. How can he get to them and make them believe him or get them to do what needs to be done without telling him. There is some family drama that adds a little bit extra to the story. I tend to try to place myself in the MCs place in these types of books. I try to see what choices I would make compared to what the MC is doing. In this one that didn't happened. I just sat back and enjoyed listening to the story.
I loved this book. I don't know why I was hesitant at first. I enjoy most of the apocalypse stories where the MC goes back in time to change things, so I don't know why I would be hesitant with this one. This story gripped me within the first 10 minutes. I was immediately emotionally invested in the characters. The story isn't about the hero. It is about the assistant. The hero was supposed to go back in time to save everyone. The genius inventor created a machine to send 1 person back in time to their younger body. Then there is the MC. The assistant. He is the inventor's best friend and was stuck with a malady that made it impossible for him to be the hero. He ends up being one of the last 3 people alive when the world ends. Then the worst happens. The hero dies and the genius is hurt too bad to survive. The assistant has to go back in time to save everyone. That was never the plan.
I like how the main characters stays within himself. Most of the time the person going back wants to save everyone and become the hero. Use that future knowledge to be the one that gains the power. While the MC does a few things to make his situation better, he knows that others have the better chance of saving the world and it is his job to help them do that.
There is the standard story points of if he should tell anyone his secret or not. Who can he trust. The people who were his best friends in the future barely know him now. How can he get to them and make them believe him or get them to do what needs to be done without telling him. There is some family drama that adds a little bit extra to the story. I tend to try to place myself in the MCs place in these types of books. I try to see what choices I would make compared to what the MC is doing. In this one that didn't happened. I just sat back and enjoyed listening to the story.
December 27, 2023
11/13/23 Off Topic Note: I've been reading LN's for most of the year & stopped updating on GR, because I'm trying super hard to stick to the healing plan for my wrists. It took multiple healing & re-injuries to teach me that doing the least possible with my hands is the only way for my hands to heal. I should have just done it the first time around. Instead, I'm FINALLY almost done with 90 days after trying for over a year. XD
Hmmm... what are the chances I can read enough books to hit 100 for my GR goal? Pretty good, but only if I rate the books & don't write reviews. Hands are still in time out.
Mini-Review:
3 Stars - Story
4 Stars - Narration by Daniel Wisniewski & Elizabeth Plant
3.5 Stars - Characters
Shout out to Charles Dean for giving me the audiobook code. It's the current reason why I've gotten back into listening to audiobooks between the four LN's I'm reading.
Co-Authored: I'm more familiar with Dean's writing than Mejia. Frankly, I've had mixed reactions to the co-authored works in the LitRPG genre. D & M did a great job! The story voice is consistent throughout the story and there's no whiplash from conflicting writing styles.
Story: A good setup for the series. The book is light on stats, character descriptions and setting. A solid development for characters personalities via dialogue and actions. I'm actually more curious about Nick (the MC's) family and how they influenced his life. Stuff the MC wasn't aware of and getting to know as he makes different choices in round two of living his life.
A tossup on if I'll dive into the next book soon or wait for the audiobook.
I'm looking forward to the overall character developments and how the gang will save the world.
Narration - Daniel Wisniewski was great. He did a nice job of juggling the various male voices. I wasn't a big fan of Elizabeth Plant. It sounded like there were only two voice character modes: old & cranky female or young and vapid female. That did make the females in the story seem more airhead flaky or PMS cranky.
Hmmm... what are the chances I can read enough books to hit 100 for my GR goal? Pretty good, but only if I rate the books & don't write reviews. Hands are still in time out.
Mini-Review:
3 Stars - Story
4 Stars - Narration by Daniel Wisniewski & Elizabeth Plant
3.5 Stars - Characters
Shout out to Charles Dean for giving me the audiobook code. It's the current reason why I've gotten back into listening to audiobooks between the four LN's I'm reading.
Co-Authored: I'm more familiar with Dean's writing than Mejia. Frankly, I've had mixed reactions to the co-authored works in the LitRPG genre. D & M did a great job! The story voice is consistent throughout the story and there's no whiplash from conflicting writing styles.
Story: A good setup for the series. The book is light on stats, character descriptions and setting. A solid development for characters personalities via dialogue and actions. I'm actually more curious about Nick (the MC's) family and how they influenced his life. Stuff the MC wasn't aware of and getting to know as he makes different choices in round two of living his life.
A tossup on if I'll dive into the next book soon or wait for the audiobook.
I'm looking forward to the overall character developments and how the gang will save the world.
Narration - Daniel Wisniewski was great. He did a nice job of juggling the various male voices. I wasn't a big fan of Elizabeth Plant. It sounded like there were only two voice character modes: old & cranky female or young and vapid female. That did make the females in the story seem more airhead flaky or PMS cranky.
June 16, 2023
Meh.
Mediocre at best. Several plot holes. Bland characters that do not support a humorous storyline. A side character thrust into a main role has potential, but put him in a directionless plotline and he just flounders. An okay book for a quick read, nothing more.
Mediocre at best. Several plot holes. Bland characters that do not support a humorous storyline. A side character thrust into a main role has potential, but put him in a directionless plotline and he just flounders. An okay book for a quick read, nothing more.
June 21, 2023
Book one
Better than I thought it would be. I read this one in one day. It kept my interest.
The MC has a class I've never seen in a litrpg book before. Not much is going on with it yet, but I expect that to pick up as the series progresses.
9/10
Better than I thought it would be. I read this one in one day. It kept my interest.
The MC has a class I've never seen in a litrpg book before. Not much is going on with it yet, but I expect that to pick up as the series progresses.
9/10
May 10, 2024
I absolutely love stories that have regression-- its a trope that I never get tired of! With almost all of my favorite novels having something to due with time travel and regression. When I was scrolling through audible and saw this title on my recommend list I knew I had to give it a try. Here is my honest reveiw of book 1 in this series.
The setup for this novel was interesting, Nick our protagonist has to regress in place of the hero who was supposed to take the role. It was an intresting twist but it was immediately followed by a scene in the new timeline that was a bit off putting. I feel like not enough care was put into his feeling toward suddenly being thrown into this situation. The author will tell us how he feels by statements saying "oh that's not the person I knew, that was past time line _" but I don't feel anything from those statements at all. I'd rather the author show us not tell us. Even if he didn't have a reaction right away I would have enjoyed a scene later where he sorts his feelings toward literally traveling in time.
I would have loved his regression to effect him in his actions too, he is in this situation and he somehow is so well put together, It would have been interesting for him to have subtle self destructive behaviors that get worse over time until a friend addresses it. Like being in too much of a rush or getting hurt doing something by himself without his party
Overall I do feel like my biggest problem with this novel is they just tell us things. It makes me feel like the author assumes I am not a capable enough reader to figure it out. For example there is a scene where nick is making a buisness deal with his teacher and she literally says in dialouge how 'he must have known she was the daughter of a big pharmaceutical company and he must have wanted to do a buisness deal with her' while they were doing buisness. I feel like there are so many instances where they volunteer unessisary information into dialouge when they could just mention him getting medicine from that company to let us put the peices together ourselves. I'm not sure if they did this over explanations to be humorous, but it left me feeling frustrated.
There are also some instances in the plot that aren't very well explained, for instance, Nick goes to a dungeon to find our hero and she's not there, this plot point never comes up again nor does he question why. It may have been interesting to learn the hero was lying to her mother about where she was but in this book we just never learn where she was.
The charecter dialouge in this book can be frustrating, charecters get comically distracted by simple nuges toward diffrent topics when they are supposed to be having a serious conversation. Or charecters stubborly repeating the exact same sentements like " you need to rest" over and over again in circles until he gives in. Making the charecters feel more like npc's in a children's video game than real people.
Overall this novel left me incredibly frustrated, angry at alot of charecters. Yet I still bought the second book.
Despite the many flaws this series is still very entertaining and easy to pass the time with. The plot is cliche but that's not always a bad thing, this could be an amazing book if more effort was put into making charecter interactions feel real. I hope the author takes these into account when writing their next book to hopefully make it really enjoyable.
The setup for this novel was interesting, Nick our protagonist has to regress in place of the hero who was supposed to take the role. It was an intresting twist but it was immediately followed by a scene in the new timeline that was a bit off putting. I feel like not enough care was put into his feeling toward suddenly being thrown into this situation. The author will tell us how he feels by statements saying "oh that's not the person I knew, that was past time line _" but I don't feel anything from those statements at all. I'd rather the author show us not tell us. Even if he didn't have a reaction right away I would have enjoyed a scene later where he sorts his feelings toward literally traveling in time.
I would have loved his regression to effect him in his actions too, he is in this situation and he somehow is so well put together, It would have been interesting for him to have subtle self destructive behaviors that get worse over time until a friend addresses it. Like being in too much of a rush or getting hurt doing something by himself without his party
Overall I do feel like my biggest problem with this novel is they just tell us things. It makes me feel like the author assumes I am not a capable enough reader to figure it out. For example there is a scene where nick is making a buisness deal with his teacher and she literally says in dialouge how 'he must have known she was the daughter of a big pharmaceutical company and he must have wanted to do a buisness deal with her' while they were doing buisness. I feel like there are so many instances where they volunteer unessisary information into dialouge when they could just mention him getting medicine from that company to let us put the peices together ourselves. I'm not sure if they did this over explanations to be humorous, but it left me feeling frustrated.
There are also some instances in the plot that aren't very well explained, for instance, Nick goes to a dungeon to find our hero and she's not there, this plot point never comes up again nor does he question why. It may have been interesting to learn the hero was lying to her mother about where she was but in this book we just never learn where she was.
The charecter dialouge in this book can be frustrating, charecters get comically distracted by simple nuges toward diffrent topics when they are supposed to be having a serious conversation. Or charecters stubborly repeating the exact same sentements like " you need to rest" over and over again in circles until he gives in. Making the charecters feel more like npc's in a children's video game than real people.
Overall this novel left me incredibly frustrated, angry at alot of charecters. Yet I still bought the second book.
Despite the many flaws this series is still very entertaining and easy to pass the time with. The plot is cliche but that's not always a bad thing, this could be an amazing book if more effort was put into making charecter interactions feel real. I hope the author takes these into account when writing their next book to hopefully make it really enjoyable.
June 25, 2023
Decent regressor/do-over book
A little different view point in the book with who ends up getting sent back in time.
Biggest issue is with the book is the MC still acts as a immature or kid like at times in the book, when his actual age or maturity should be higher. Also, its a little unbelievable at moments especially when he kills these “bosses” when he even says his stats are way below average. Where as higher ranked people arent fast or strong enough to handle the enemies even when in a team.
The minor harem build up is also a touch impractical to me, but some people may enjoy it.
If you like an OP MC, and a story written like he views himself as a pathetic wimp half the time, but still gets the girl(s), this is a book for you.
A little different view point in the book with who ends up getting sent back in time.
Biggest issue is with the book is the MC still acts as a immature or kid like at times in the book, when his actual age or maturity should be higher. Also, its a little unbelievable at moments especially when he kills these “bosses” when he even says his stats are way below average. Where as higher ranked people arent fast or strong enough to handle the enemies even when in a team.
The minor harem build up is also a touch impractical to me, but some people may enjoy it.
If you like an OP MC, and a story written like he views himself as a pathetic wimp half the time, but still gets the girl(s), this is a book for you.
June 13, 2023
KU Review
Very cool take on an apocalypse theme. The system and dungeons were already in place and so common, their origins were never even mentioned. Fun starting point for the regression story.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Very cool take on an apocalypse theme. The system and dungeons were already in place and so common, their origins were never even mentioned. Fun starting point for the regression story.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
June 9, 2023
Interesting but missing a bit.
This was a interesting take on the whole regression plot, but it felt rushed. To much was missing from his family background to how he develops connections. I really feel like the author rushed the whole process but left something out of the recipe.
Still not bad but I could o ly give it three stars.
This was a interesting take on the whole regression plot, but it felt rushed. To much was missing from his family background to how he develops connections. I really feel like the author rushed the whole process but left something out of the recipe.
Still not bad but I could o ly give it three stars.
January 11, 2024
The book was okay. The main issue was that the MC wasn't the central character, which added confusion for both the character and the reader. It felt like the author was pushing the narrative. Despite this, it was better than it sounds and good enough for me to consider reading the second book.
November 25, 2024
Decent light LITRPG-Apocalypse genre book
I say 'light' as this book both in terms of it's system and plot, characters and all that is 'light' not really deep explanations or character development and things move fast with more 'and he bought a building and turned it into a guild house' summary rather than a detailed recounting of the events one step at a time. The most of it is summarized with skipping between to 'scene' to 'scene' interaction or little events as 'light' books do. Yes like Light novels but just a little more depths.
Now! My complaint! It's not what other reviewers complain about, mine is the main focus. He goes back to 'stop' the Apocalypse but doesn't actually have plan to do so. His whole thing is 'get the hero to do it' but that too isn't a plan. Why?
In this world dungeons 'break' and cause the apocalypse because they aren't cleared enough, normal dungeon behavior. EXCEPT. Even when cleared the dungeon slowly gets stronger and stronger. Meaning eventually it's going to grow so strong that it break anyways as there is no mention of a 'cap' Nor does he say there is a plan to go stronger faster than the dungeons grow or anything.
That's not all, Even when a dungeon does break, it doesn't 'shut down' it just returns to normal. Even by book 3, there is no plan. It's all about training and getting stronger. Basically so far the 'plan' is to post-pone the Apocalypse as he never mentions a way to 'stop' it. He just says he's going to stop it and do so by making the 'hero' stronger. Yet ...in no way with the information were given, will that stop it.
The ONLY way in the books to stop it. It seems is to artificially break the dungeon with a 'mana bomb' inside. Which then 'resets' the dungeon back to it's 'start?' this was unclear really. That way they could manage dungeons and reset them when they start to get too strong. YET..He doesn't give this to the government, make plans to start doing it himself or anything. It's more of a 'one time thing' then forget event in the books. But it seems literally the only way to actually 'stop' the Apocalypse rather just put it off for later once all the dungeons get too strong to 'clear' them.
So yea while I enjoyed the books. My main problem is that. The author literally made a book series with one major plot point goal yet has the MC never actually focus on a way to do the goal. That's fine if he needs to 'find' a way like in some books but this MC acts like he is actively doing something to stop it at all times. When he isn't. In no way does any of his plans that he's explained at all 'stop' it. Training the hero so she can be strong enough to clear dungeons won't help. She's one hero. She can't clear regularly clear every single dungeon in the world as they all grow stronger and stronger.
Now if the author said S tier is the CAP and he wants to train her to become S tier and able to fight off S tier monsters easily and clear dungeon breaks and create safe havens. That would still be the Apocalypse but at least he's have a goal and explained how he'll have humanity survive but even that isn't mentioned as a goal. There is no talk of Caps or anything. So far it just says monsters keep getting stronger and stronger. Then end?
So. Good book series to read if you ignore the fact he MC is a bit too single focused to not even plan out how what he is doing is going to help. Or just...ya know ignore that major plot hole. Maybe in a future book it gets explained how his plan is and the author just sorta...forgot? Like has it in his mind how it's going to go down and sorta forgot to mention the whole mechanics of how the hero 'can' stop it...but they never do mention it.
I say 'light' as this book both in terms of it's system and plot, characters and all that is 'light' not really deep explanations or character development and things move fast with more 'and he bought a building and turned it into a guild house' summary rather than a detailed recounting of the events one step at a time. The most of it is summarized with skipping between to 'scene' to 'scene' interaction or little events as 'light' books do. Yes like Light novels but just a little more depths.
Now! My complaint! It's not what other reviewers complain about, mine is the main focus. He goes back to 'stop' the Apocalypse but doesn't actually have plan to do so. His whole thing is 'get the hero to do it' but that too isn't a plan. Why?
In this world dungeons 'break' and cause the apocalypse because they aren't cleared enough, normal dungeon behavior. EXCEPT. Even when cleared the dungeon slowly gets stronger and stronger. Meaning eventually it's going to grow so strong that it break anyways as there is no mention of a 'cap' Nor does he say there is a plan to go stronger faster than the dungeons grow or anything.
That's not all, Even when a dungeon does break, it doesn't 'shut down' it just returns to normal. Even by book 3, there is no plan. It's all about training and getting stronger. Basically so far the 'plan' is to post-pone the Apocalypse as he never mentions a way to 'stop' it. He just says he's going to stop it and do so by making the 'hero' stronger. Yet ...in no way with the information were given, will that stop it.
The ONLY way in the books to stop it. It seems is to artificially break the dungeon with a 'mana bomb' inside. Which then 'resets' the dungeon back to it's 'start?' this was unclear really. That way they could manage dungeons and reset them when they start to get too strong. YET..He doesn't give this to the government, make plans to start doing it himself or anything. It's more of a 'one time thing' then forget event in the books. But it seems literally the only way to actually 'stop' the Apocalypse rather just put it off for later once all the dungeons get too strong to 'clear' them.
So yea while I enjoyed the books. My main problem is that. The author literally made a book series with one major plot point goal yet has the MC never actually focus on a way to do the goal. That's fine if he needs to 'find' a way like in some books but this MC acts like he is actively doing something to stop it at all times. When he isn't. In no way does any of his plans that he's explained at all 'stop' it. Training the hero so she can be strong enough to clear dungeons won't help. She's one hero. She can't clear regularly clear every single dungeon in the world as they all grow stronger and stronger.
Now if the author said S tier is the CAP and he wants to train her to become S tier and able to fight off S tier monsters easily and clear dungeon breaks and create safe havens. That would still be the Apocalypse but at least he's have a goal and explained how he'll have humanity survive but even that isn't mentioned as a goal. There is no talk of Caps or anything. So far it just says monsters keep getting stronger and stronger. Then end?
So. Good book series to read if you ignore the fact he MC is a bit too single focused to not even plan out how what he is doing is going to help. Or just...ya know ignore that major plot hole. Maybe in a future book it gets explained how his plan is and the author just sorta...forgot? Like has it in his mind how it's going to go down and sorta forgot to mention the whole mechanics of how the hero 'can' stop it...but they never do mention it.
July 10, 2025
This book was honestly better than I expected. It’s been sitting on my TBR list for ages, and I kept putting it off because I usually like my main characters OP from the get-go. Based on the description, it didn’t seem like this one would be , and in a way, he isn’t... but also kind of is.
He’s not the strongest out there, and he often admits that others could easily wipe the floor with him — which isn’t usually my thing. But the important part is: he does fight when he needs to, and so far, he wins , thanks to a mix of clever thinking, exploiting loopholes, preparation, and a little bit of luck. I found myself hooked into the story right away.
There was a point around 11% where I almost DNF’d — not gonna lie, I was pretty upset. I had already decided to drop it but since DNF’ing two other series this week , and given the fact i have nothing else to read, I gave it another shot.
But in the end, the class he chose turned out to have some really interesting mechanics and loopholes that let him grow stronger and faster in a satisfying way. I’m honestly glad I stuck with it.
He’s not the strongest out there, and he often admits that others could easily wipe the floor with him — which isn’t usually my thing. But the important part is: he does fight when he needs to, and so far, he wins , thanks to a mix of clever thinking, exploiting loopholes, preparation, and a little bit of luck. I found myself hooked into the story right away.
There was a point around 11% where I almost DNF’d — not gonna lie, I was pretty upset. I had already decided to drop it but since DNF’ing two other series this week , and given the fact i have nothing else to read, I gave it another shot.
But in the end, the class he chose turned out to have some really interesting mechanics and loopholes that let him grow stronger and faster in a satisfying way. I’m honestly glad I stuck with it.
June 13, 2023
Excellent
I love LITRPG like this. An apocalypse where the MC goes back in time to save the world. What set's this apart from others is that he wasn't the one meant to go back in time but was forced to instead of the hero. Another interesting thing was his particular class, which I haven't seen anyone else do, so it definitely made things more interesting for me.
World: Obviously, people have the "system," which allows them to acquire skills, levels, and the like. The world has magic and is in a modern society (technology such as cars). Due to them being in a modern society, they have the same kinds of jobs as today but with the inclusion of dungeons, guilds, and all that relate to them, such as alchemists.
Future: This is when the dungeon outbreaks became so intense that humanity had to move underground, leaving the surface to the monsters and the ruins of the cities that once were. We don't see much of the future aside from the beginning of the book (briefly) and a flashback. I imagine we will get more glimpses of it in the following books.
Reccomendation: Yes, if you like LITRPG or works similar to Reborn Appacolpse, Master Hunter K, or any other dooms day do-over story, this one is right up your alley.
Dislike: That the next installment isn't out, and I have no idea how long or brutal the wait might be. Please keep in mind that this book has not been out long since I wrote this review.
I love LITRPG like this. An apocalypse where the MC goes back in time to save the world. What set's this apart from others is that he wasn't the one meant to go back in time but was forced to instead of the hero. Another interesting thing was his particular class, which I haven't seen anyone else do, so it definitely made things more interesting for me.
World: Obviously, people have the "system," which allows them to acquire skills, levels, and the like. The world has magic and is in a modern society (technology such as cars). Due to them being in a modern society, they have the same kinds of jobs as today but with the inclusion of dungeons, guilds, and all that relate to them, such as alchemists.
Future: This is when the dungeon outbreaks became so intense that humanity had to move underground, leaving the surface to the monsters and the ruins of the cities that once were. We don't see much of the future aside from the beginning of the book (briefly) and a flashback. I imagine we will get more glimpses of it in the following books.
Reccomendation: Yes, if you like LITRPG or works similar to Reborn Appacolpse, Master Hunter K, or any other dooms day do-over story, this one is right up your alley.
Dislike: That the next installment isn't out, and I have no idea how long or brutal the wait might be. Please keep in mind that this book has not been out long since I wrote this review.
August 10, 2024
I liked how this story focused on a support character for an MC both in personality and build. His whole focus is on making other people stronger. I liked the action, it built toward the end and had a satisfying ending.
The thing I see coming and I'm not sure if I like is that the MC is minimaxing charisma because it has a compounding impact on his team's training speed, and that has the consequence that that every girl in the story is basically throwing themselves at him. It's a clever trick but I'm worried it will turn into one of those light harem animes (e.g. tenchi muyo) where the MC always finds a reason to avoid commitment and the girls in the story are always competing for attention. I made it to the end of book two and I kept waiting for the "what have I done" moment when he realizes what effect a ridiculous charisma stat is having on everyone. They even fight a charisma based monster in book two that makes everyone else act weird except the MC and it never occurs to him that that is what he is doing to all his 'friends.'
Whatever. Well written enough but not my cup of tea.
The thing I see coming and I'm not sure if I like is that the MC is minimaxing charisma because it has a compounding impact on his team's training speed, and that has the consequence that that every girl in the story is basically throwing themselves at him. It's a clever trick but I'm worried it will turn into one of those light harem animes (e.g. tenchi muyo) where the MC always finds a reason to avoid commitment and the girls in the story are always competing for attention. I made it to the end of book two and I kept waiting for the "what have I done" moment when he realizes what effect a ridiculous charisma stat is having on everyone. They even fight a charisma based monster in book two that makes everyone else act weird except the MC and it never occurs to him that that is what he is doing to all his 'friends.'
Whatever. Well written enough but not my cup of tea.
November 26, 2025
Book begins with our hero landing back in time to save the world's survival. . .
While the.storyline is mostly intriguing, secondary characters and Nick's exceedingly dysfunctional family lend a most frustrating, peculiar slant to the narrative. I fluctuated between annoyance at his uber competitive female classmate who relentlessly questions, pokes fun, or rats on Nick as well as the teenage version of his future best friend who ignores and glares in animosity.
Apologies for sounding so negative; I truly am not. Nick is actually very likable and inspires admiration and respect for his ingenuity, diligence, and resourcefulness in executing his well thought out plans along with his precise memories of tragic disasters that affected families he cared for. The writers seem to draw out the narrative, dialogue, and focus on people battering on Nick verbally. However, the further the storyline and plot unfolded, the more I was riveted by the twists. Altogether, the book successfully came together well. I do recommend the series--the writers simply took awhile to settle into their rhythm feom the.get go. Three point five stars.
While the.storyline is mostly intriguing, secondary characters and Nick's exceedingly dysfunctional family lend a most frustrating, peculiar slant to the narrative. I fluctuated between annoyance at his uber competitive female classmate who relentlessly questions, pokes fun, or rats on Nick as well as the teenage version of his future best friend who ignores and glares in animosity.
Apologies for sounding so negative; I truly am not. Nick is actually very likable and inspires admiration and respect for his ingenuity, diligence, and resourcefulness in executing his well thought out plans along with his precise memories of tragic disasters that affected families he cared for. The writers seem to draw out the narrative, dialogue, and focus on people battering on Nick verbally. However, the further the storyline and plot unfolded, the more I was riveted by the twists. Altogether, the book successfully came together well. I do recommend the series--the writers simply took awhile to settle into their rhythm feom the.get go. Three point five stars.
July 8, 2023
I'm not sure I've read many books about regression in Western readers. I'm much more used to seeing it in manwha, which makes this a story easily adaptable to that format and a pretty solid one.
Easy to read and quite enjoyable. Regression stories always make me wonder what I'd do in their place. The hero's actions are moderate and on his scale for this beginning, even if "butterfly effects" are possible and even achieved. Given the protagonist's apparent age, very good.
I'm a little sorry to have read it without the sequel having appeared. I hope, however, that this will give the author time to correct the "I know it all" aspect of the patriarch, who, if I'm to believe the innuendo I perceived, already knows everything about the MC's "condition" (did no one ever suspect where she came from?). AH BON? The richest family around just thinks he has a "GENETIC CONDITION"?!?!?! <-- yes, this much "?!" together means I'm at a loss here).
Go on, write a better volume 2 so we can have some fun!
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Easy to read and quite enjoyable. Regression stories always make me wonder what I'd do in their place. The hero's actions are moderate and on his scale for this beginning, even if "butterfly effects" are possible and even achieved. Given the protagonist's apparent age, very good.
I'm a little sorry to have read it without the sequel having appeared. I hope, however, that this will give the author time to correct the "I know it all" aspect of the patriarch, who, if I'm to believe the innuendo I perceived, already knows everything about the MC's "condition" (did no one ever suspect where she came from?). AH BON? The richest family around just thinks he has a "GENETIC CONDITION"?!?!?! <-- yes, this much "?!" together means I'm at a loss here).
Go on, write a better volume 2 so we can have some fun!
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
May 31, 2024
Extremely well written and incredibly engaging, stayed up until 2:30am reading it
The MC is the sole survivor of a dungeon apocalypse that engulfs the world. The hero that was supposed to step back in time to change our destiny was killed and Nick was the only one left.
He uses his knowlegde of the future to save some people, remove some syophants and level his class. He does however have to do a class reset and while he has a broad knowhow about the future, hes causing diferences in the timestream from his original reality. His cousin and fiance who have been poisoning him are removed as threats and people he never met have become close alies. He also does a number of dungeon dives that work out well, even when a team of merc assassins infiltrates a dungeon he's diving.
I am really, really glad that I found this series. It is extremely refreshing to read such a well crafted story with engaging characters such as Seo-ah, Topaz and his grandfather, aka the Gallows' patriarch/mob boss.
The MC is the sole survivor of a dungeon apocalypse that engulfs the world. The hero that was supposed to step back in time to change our destiny was killed and Nick was the only one left.
He uses his knowlegde of the future to save some people, remove some syophants and level his class. He does however have to do a class reset and while he has a broad knowhow about the future, hes causing diferences in the timestream from his original reality. His cousin and fiance who have been poisoning him are removed as threats and people he never met have become close alies. He also does a number of dungeon dives that work out well, even when a team of merc assassins infiltrates a dungeon he's diving.
I am really, really glad that I found this series. It is extremely refreshing to read such a well crafted story with engaging characters such as Seo-ah, Topaz and his grandfather, aka the Gallows' patriarch/mob boss.
June 19, 2023
Pretty solid and fun but has several gaps in logic early and often that really mess with immersion.
For example, on the first day of his regression, before he has a chance to do almost anything, the life of someone he cares about is threatened and he freaks out and almost gets himself killed thinking they might die, despite the fact that he hasn’t changed anything so logically they MUST survive, or the original timeline would have never occurred.
As another example, Main character is scion to a massively rich super house but doesn’t even consider using his massive wealth advantage to cure his poison condition. He just gives up after talking to one street drug dealer. Wut?
I know the whole point is some average assistant got sent back instead of the hero, but these kinds of mistakes make me feel like the MC is an idiot.
Still tropey fun. The chosen class is unique and interesting.
For example, on the first day of his regression, before he has a chance to do almost anything, the life of someone he cares about is threatened and he freaks out and almost gets himself killed thinking they might die, despite the fact that he hasn’t changed anything so logically they MUST survive, or the original timeline would have never occurred.
As another example, Main character is scion to a massively rich super house but doesn’t even consider using his massive wealth advantage to cure his poison condition. He just gives up after talking to one street drug dealer. Wut?
I know the whole point is some average assistant got sent back instead of the hero, but these kinds of mistakes make me feel like the MC is an idiot.
Still tropey fun. The chosen class is unique and interesting.
January 26, 2024
a good story with one holdup
The story is really good and thought out, but I do not like the inclusion of body building. I feel like if the body building stuff was removed and replaced with normal litrpg stuff, like fighting monsters and leveling through exp, the story would be so much better, but instead the main character changes his class to Trainer (another obvious attempt to focus on working out in a gym instead of normal litrpg stuff like a fighter class), which puts even more focus on body building, and instead of spending time fighting monsters in dungeons to level up, the main character spends 70% of the book lifting weights in a gym, with the remaining 30% focusing on the main plot, dungeons, his family and friends, and his condition. I might continue reading the series, but I really hope they drop the body building stuff.
The story is really good and thought out, but I do not like the inclusion of body building. I feel like if the body building stuff was removed and replaced with normal litrpg stuff, like fighting monsters and leveling through exp, the story would be so much better, but instead the main character changes his class to Trainer (another obvious attempt to focus on working out in a gym instead of normal litrpg stuff like a fighter class), which puts even more focus on body building, and instead of spending time fighting monsters in dungeons to level up, the main character spends 70% of the book lifting weights in a gym, with the remaining 30% focusing on the main plot, dungeons, his family and friends, and his condition. I might continue reading the series, but I really hope they drop the body building stuff.
July 26, 2024
interesting characters but this is YA
Honestly, I’ve read quite a few regression books. This one seems pretty interesting and I love the mix of modern technology and culture mixed with the fantasy of dungeon diving and level ups.
Combat and character building is pretty good, but there ain’t a lot of it. Maria for instance is barely in the story even though the whole reason he came back was to train her.
I’m also seriously sick of harem stories in a high school setting because 99% of the time they go nowhere and offer nothing of real value besides “MC is so cool. Look how many women he has but never touches”. Should have started the story off in college and maybe be a bit more adult with it.
Either way. I will be reading the second book as I’m interested in what Nick does to overcome his challenges but I might fall off with the YA harem foolishness.
Honestly, I’ve read quite a few regression books. This one seems pretty interesting and I love the mix of modern technology and culture mixed with the fantasy of dungeon diving and level ups.
Combat and character building is pretty good, but there ain’t a lot of it. Maria for instance is barely in the story even though the whole reason he came back was to train her.
I’m also seriously sick of harem stories in a high school setting because 99% of the time they go nowhere and offer nothing of real value besides “MC is so cool. Look how many women he has but never touches”. Should have started the story off in college and maybe be a bit more adult with it.
Either way. I will be reading the second book as I’m interested in what Nick does to overcome his challenges but I might fall off with the YA harem foolishness.
March 7, 2025
Apocalypse Regression 1
When the dungeon portals broke and spilled their monsters onto the streets, humanity became the hunted. We lost. The final three people on Earth had a plan to go back in time and change the fate of the world. The injured hero would save us all. Then, she and the portal’s creator were killed. The only person left was the weak assistant. He is now our only hope, so he goes back in time. Hopefully, he will be enough.
I picked this up in a sale, since I tend to enjoy LitRPG regression stories and I like the narrators. I was very pleasantly surprised! I couldn’t put it down! The main character is smart and resourceful. I love when a character actually focuses on gathering resources that could save them. Since the sale was still going, I bought the other 4 books as well. Daniel Wisniewski and Elizabeth Plant did a great job with the narration!
Content Warning: none
When the dungeon portals broke and spilled their monsters onto the streets, humanity became the hunted. We lost. The final three people on Earth had a plan to go back in time and change the fate of the world. The injured hero would save us all. Then, she and the portal’s creator were killed. The only person left was the weak assistant. He is now our only hope, so he goes back in time. Hopefully, he will be enough.
I picked this up in a sale, since I tend to enjoy LitRPG regression stories and I like the narrators. I was very pleasantly surprised! I couldn’t put it down! The main character is smart and resourceful. I love when a character actually focuses on gathering resources that could save them. Since the sale was still going, I bought the other 4 books as well. Daniel Wisniewski and Elizabeth Plant did a great job with the narration!
Content Warning: none
June 9, 2023
A bit charming, a bit tropey, all fun
So this one really reminded me in parts of those high school student themed anime. You know the ones, where the main character does something without thinking and suddenly the viewpoint switches and he’s being viewed as a genius/amazing/etc. I have to admit that it made me laugh; and was a fun difference from most of the regression stories. Tropey for much the same reason, combined with a rich kid facing his overbearing family and some other very familiar themes. Despite all that the book was fun, well paced, and well worth a read. I could wish for the MC to have gained more power or picked a different class, but for a first book I think it did fine.
So this one really reminded me in parts of those high school student themed anime. You know the ones, where the main character does something without thinking and suddenly the viewpoint switches and he’s being viewed as a genius/amazing/etc. I have to admit that it made me laugh; and was a fun difference from most of the regression stories. Tropey for much the same reason, combined with a rich kid facing his overbearing family and some other very familiar themes. Despite all that the book was fun, well paced, and well worth a read. I could wish for the MC to have gained more power or picked a different class, but for a first book I think it did fine.
June 29, 2023
Odd mismash
I like the main character and his personality and morals, but question his choices. He has returned to the past and joins a guild that will be strong in the future, but he is the sole member outside the main family when he joins. He is the "substitute" hero and is almost preoccupied by the young hero, planning to train her to greatness without making much effort to become a friend or ally first. Also, he is the heir apparent of a powerful family, but his grandfather insinuates he allowed his cousin to turn his fiance against him and then poison him. And his parents apparently are loving, but clueless about these issues? There seems to be a lot of events happening, but there seems to be a lack motivations or causes being explained to the reader.
I like the main character and his personality and morals, but question his choices. He has returned to the past and joins a guild that will be strong in the future, but he is the sole member outside the main family when he joins. He is the "substitute" hero and is almost preoccupied by the young hero, planning to train her to greatness without making much effort to become a friend or ally first. Also, he is the heir apparent of a powerful family, but his grandfather insinuates he allowed his cousin to turn his fiance against him and then poison him. And his parents apparently are loving, but clueless about these issues? There seems to be a lot of events happening, but there seems to be a lack motivations or causes being explained to the reader.
February 10, 2024
Time travel to right the wrongs of the past and gaining a whole lot more in life than the previous one. Our MC goes through it all, and I don't think he believes that he himself can be the hero in this story. He's chosen to be a Trainer to the hero who was meant to be.
This was such an exciting read and I love that Nick's goals, after travelling back in time to save the world, are all the things he can do to train and financially support other people he sees as the true heroes for the world. He hasn't even thought that with the changes he's made for himself, that he is a more than capable leader and has the heart, determination and strength to bring all the power houses together to be a hero himself.
Just a great readand I look forward to the next couple of books that follows.
This was such an exciting read and I love that Nick's goals, after travelling back in time to save the world, are all the things he can do to train and financially support other people he sees as the true heroes for the world. He hasn't even thought that with the changes he's made for himself, that he is a more than capable leader and has the heart, determination and strength to bring all the power houses together to be a hero himself.
Just a great readand I look forward to the next couple of books that follows.
October 28, 2023
Final review: pretty much the same as the interim review, just more satisfaction at having read a completed narrative with a good ending.
I highly recommend this audiobook.
-------------------
To c24:
This is turning out to be a very good listen.
1) the narrators do a great job
2) the characters are quite fun, not necessarily funny but their natures and the narration work together so well
3) the MC's class is becoming very interesting, the authors have a nice progression and style of presentation that keeps it seeming fresh and getting better at each new reveal; also I have never seen this class in any other book and this might be the Ur-presentation, iconic
I highly recommend this audiobook.
-------------------
To c24:
This is turning out to be a very good listen.
1) the narrators do a great job
2) the characters are quite fun, not necessarily funny but their natures and the narration work together so well
3) the MC's class is becoming very interesting, the authors have a nice progression and style of presentation that keeps it seeming fresh and getting better at each new reveal; also I have never seen this class in any other book and this might be the Ur-presentation, iconic
December 11, 2023
Apocalypse Regression is one of the increasingly available time travel LitRPG stories where the main character goes back in time, trying to prevent the apocalypse. While this book isn't really unique in that aspect of things, it's still one of the best time rewind LitRPG stories I've read, and I can easily recommend it to others with no reservation. I really liked this one, and I expect most LitRPG fans will as well.
May 12, 2025
To prevent the extinction of the humans a person gets sent back. Unfortunately, it is not the hero but just the "electrician".. The protagonist is the current heir of a mighty clan but he is poisoned and doomed to be kicked from school and the family due to intrigues.
Interestingly, the protagonist doesn't want to be the hero but just a sidekick and resets his class accordingly.
The story is not bad but has too much teenage high school drama and harem vibes for my taste to be really good. I have mixed feelings about the constant training and bantering.
Criticism and comments
The poison plot seemed to have a lot of plot holes which are rudimentarily addressed in book 2.
Interestingly, the protagonist doesn't want to be the hero but just a sidekick and resets his class accordingly.
The story is not bad but has too much teenage high school drama and harem vibes for my taste to be really good. I have mixed feelings about the constant training and bantering.
Criticism and comments
The poison plot seemed to have a lot of plot holes which are rudimentarily addressed in book 2.
November 12, 2025
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this time travel LitRPG. Nick is all set to help the hero go back in time to help save humanity from the apocalypse after monsters escape their dungeons and destroy the world. But as he's all set to do this the hero is killed and he is the only one left to go back in time to do it himself.
Back in time Nick has to deal with family politics, preparing the world for the apocalypse, and contending with his own debilitating physical ailments. Fun characters, battles, and game mechanics are right down my alley. As of now their are 7 books in this on going series. Here's hoping the rest of them are as good.
Back in time Nick has to deal with family politics, preparing the world for the apocalypse, and contending with his own debilitating physical ailments. Fun characters, battles, and game mechanics are right down my alley. As of now their are 7 books in this on going series. Here's hoping the rest of them are as good.
August 17, 2023
Wasnt what i was looking for but no a bad book
I am usually an easy reviewer. I gave it 4 stars however i didnt finish the book. It just wasnt what i was looking for personally. The MC just wasnt very cool in my opinion. He goes back in time to decide to become a charisma based support charachter.
I guess i am more a fan of asian type regression where the MC goes back in time and aquires the Most OP gear. He wants to support the Hero who failed humanity in the last run.
Overall thos book lacks the serious vibe i got from the cover.
I am usually an easy reviewer. I gave it 4 stars however i didnt finish the book. It just wasnt what i was looking for personally. The MC just wasnt very cool in my opinion. He goes back in time to decide to become a charisma based support charachter.
I guess i am more a fan of asian type regression where the MC goes back in time and aquires the Most OP gear. He wants to support the Hero who failed humanity in the last run.
Overall thos book lacks the serious vibe i got from the cover.
May 21, 2024
Surprisingly good writing!
I was pleasantly surprised at how good the writing was in this book. Often, in this genre, the writing is subpar or a bad translation. I don't remember finding any issues with spelling or wrong words, and the writing was above average.
I enjoyed the story, and I like the characters. The MC can sometimes be a little clueless for being 40+ years old, but not enough to make you want to smack them in the head.
Better than many other books in the genre. Pick it up!
I'm off to read the next in the series.
I was pleasantly surprised at how good the writing was in this book. Often, in this genre, the writing is subpar or a bad translation. I don't remember finding any issues with spelling or wrong words, and the writing was above average.
I enjoyed the story, and I like the characters. The MC can sometimes be a little clueless for being 40+ years old, but not enough to make you want to smack them in the head.
Better than many other books in the genre. Pick it up!
I'm off to read the next in the series.
July 7, 2024
Fantasic!
I absolutly loved this book and I'm going to begin the next one immediately.
I could not put it down, I loved all of the characters, how they interacted with each other and the bromances coming up strong in every direction.
I absolutely love Nick, he is basically everything I want in a character, intelligent, willing to do anything even if morally questionable, resourceful and hard working. He also surprised me, in a good way, a few times. It was such a fun and exciting reed that hooked me from the very start and never let up.
I absolutly loved this book and I'm going to begin the next one immediately.
I could not put it down, I loved all of the characters, how they interacted with each other and the bromances coming up strong in every direction.
I absolutely love Nick, he is basically everything I want in a character, intelligent, willing to do anything even if morally questionable, resourceful and hard working. He also surprised me, in a good way, a few times. It was such a fun and exciting reed that hooked me from the very start and never let up.
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