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Apocalypse Parenting #3
Hide and Seek
Meghan has learned that protecting her kids also means making sure they're ready to stand on their own when needed. That's always been part of her parenting philosophy, but applying it to letting a six-year-old get up close and personal with vicious monsters? Questionable! Certainly not easy.
Meghan doesn’t have a choice. She’s got to be an expert apocalypse parent while also stabilizing her area, finding a way to handle with the mysterious new Titans, and dealing with the other nasty twists her alien tormentors have planned.
>It's more than she bargained for, but she’s not giving up!
Meghan doesn’t have a choice. She’s got to be an expert apocalypse parent while also stabilizing her area, finding a way to handle with the mysterious new Titans, and dealing with the other nasty twists her alien tormentors have planned.
>It's more than she bargained for, but she’s not giving up!
16 pages, Audiobook
First published May 28, 2024
About the author
Erin Ampersand
8 books100 followersI'm going to start putting reviews up on Goodreads! A note about my reviews: I object to the star system for books. I don't think it's helpful, and would prefer a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down system. Since that's not offered, I'm just going to be giving 5 stars to any book I'd give a thumbs-up. If I wouldn't give it at least a thumbs-up, I'm not going to review it at all!
To help differentiate between different books, I'll also post tiny review for each stating why a book might particularly draw someone in, and what kind of person might want to avoid it, since no book is for everyone.
You can browse more of my posts and reviews on my Instagram or Bluesky:
https://www.instagram.com/erinampersand/
https://bsky.app/hashtag/%26microrevi...
...
Erin Ampersand is from a lesser-known branch of the Punctuation Peerage. Neither as elegant as the noble Parentheses, nor as well-regarded as the heroic Dashes, the Ampersands are instead considered little better than the scurrilous Interrobangs.
In addition to writing and reading, Erin loves games of all sorts, from tabletop RPGs to videogames, although she is rather bad at platformers and hopeless at first-person shooters. She and her husband own enough board games to capsize a standard canoe.
To help differentiate between different books, I'll also post tiny review for each stating why a book might particularly draw someone in, and what kind of person might want to avoid it, since no book is for everyone.
You can browse more of my posts and reviews on my Instagram or Bluesky:
https://www.instagram.com/erinampersand/
https://bsky.app/hashtag/%26microrevi...
...
Erin Ampersand is from a lesser-known branch of the Punctuation Peerage. Neither as elegant as the noble Parentheses, nor as well-regarded as the heroic Dashes, the Ampersands are instead considered little better than the scurrilous Interrobangs.
In addition to writing and reading, Erin loves games of all sorts, from tabletop RPGs to videogames, although she is rather bad at platformers and hopeless at first-person shooters. She and her husband own enough board games to capsize a standard canoe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 8, 2026
3.75/5
More of the same but best book in the series so far. The pace has increased.
This is the perfect time to read this series since book 5 comes out next week and it's going to be a five book completed series.
From the perspective of being a completed LitRPG series that alone gives this series my approval
More of the same but best book in the series so far. The pace has increased.
This is the perfect time to read this series since book 5 comes out next week and it's going to be a five book completed series.
From the perspective of being a completed LitRPG series that alone gives this series my approval
July 18, 2024
It was only because I was reviewing books for the 2023 Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC) that I read Time to Play: Apocalypse Parenting. Book One introduced us to a suburban mom hero, a worldwide life or death game, superpowers, aliens, and a talking stuffed turtle. This is a book that not normally would not find its way onto my reading list. By the time I finished Erin Ampersand’s (AKA Erin Dury) first book I decided it was the most unique apocalyptic science fiction book I have ever read and looked forward to book two. And when book three was announced I put in a preorder.
Hide And Seek; Apocalypse Parenting Book 3, picks up right where book two left off. There are more monsters, more mom saving the day, and now the military thinks they have all of the answers and try to push our mom hero aside.
The best part of this series is the idea of a mother battling both aliens and keeping her three young children safe. The book opens with the line, “My three-year-old’s spear sunk into my arm. Again.” Keeping both the children safe and maintaining a parental upper hand is tricky as the two boys and one girl all have super strength, extra abilities, and one now looks like a reptile. Oh, and the three year old has a plush toy that contains an advanced AI.
While there was a lot of excitement, some new issues and characters, and more alien battles, I found book three to be a bit disappointing. Once the initial uniqueness of the situation wears off, some of the fighting and challenges become too predictable.
Mom Meghan is a great character. As a parent, she is easy to relate to and quite sympathetic. She is a wonderful antihero and she is battling kids, neighbors, aliens, and other earthlings all at the same time. Sometimes humorous and often frightening, her trials and tribulations definitely make this an entertaining apocalyptic story.
Despite my feeling that book three is not up to the standards of the previous two, I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Hide And Seek; Apocalypse Parenting Book 3, picks up right where book two left off. There are more monsters, more mom saving the day, and now the military thinks they have all of the answers and try to push our mom hero aside.
The best part of this series is the idea of a mother battling both aliens and keeping her three young children safe. The book opens with the line, “My three-year-old’s spear sunk into my arm. Again.” Keeping both the children safe and maintaining a parental upper hand is tricky as the two boys and one girl all have super strength, extra abilities, and one now looks like a reptile. Oh, and the three year old has a plush toy that contains an advanced AI.
While there was a lot of excitement, some new issues and characters, and more alien battles, I found book three to be a bit disappointing. Once the initial uniqueness of the situation wears off, some of the fighting and challenges become too predictable.
Mom Meghan is a great character. As a parent, she is easy to relate to and quite sympathetic. She is a wonderful antihero and she is battling kids, neighbors, aliens, and other earthlings all at the same time. Sometimes humorous and often frightening, her trials and tribulations definitely make this an entertaining apocalyptic story.
Despite my feeling that book three is not up to the standards of the previous two, I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
July 7, 2026
The pacing is a little awkward in this volume. Lots of summary of things going smoothly. But it’s still addictive and cute. I’m eager to read the next one
June 22, 2025
Ooooooh man. This series has the potential to rival Dungeon Crawler Carl if Erin Ampersand plays her cards right. This book was fantastic and aggressive and powerful. I adored it and am soooo ready for more books!! Pointy is becoming a favorite of mine and some of the conflicts this book that affect it made me almost cry. 😭 I just can’t believe this book also tugs on the heartstrings in the same way that DCC does. It’s different, obviously but it’s got the same heart, deep down.
I am SO stinking excited to see where this goes, especially now that we know more about the aliens and potential for outside intervention? Maybe? 👀👀
Like, if every dystopian sci fi was like this and DCC, I’d be set. I freaking love these! If anyone knows others like these - please let me know!
I am SO stinking excited to see where this goes, especially now that we know more about the aliens and potential for outside intervention? Maybe? 👀👀
Like, if every dystopian sci fi was like this and DCC, I’d be set. I freaking love these! If anyone knows others like these - please let me know!
January 8, 2025
Just Keeps Getting Better
Glad the world is getting more fleshed out. Growing character progression for everyone’s favorite family is coming along nicely. More complex challenges and synergies. Entertaining throughout as always. Can’t wait to start the next one.
Glad the world is getting more fleshed out. Growing character progression for everyone’s favorite family is coming along nicely. More complex challenges and synergies. Entertaining throughout as always. Can’t wait to start the next one.
September 2, 2025
I am so hooked on this series now, I'm sad there is only 2 books until I'm caught up. I will admit there are a ton of characters and I have a horrible time remembering everyone. There is also a ton of information thrown at us -- BUT the fact that even the main character forgets people and has to deal with all this information too makes it more realistic.
Ugh the kids being in danger gets me every time!!
With the introduction to the lawyer and learning about outside forces, I really like where this is going. I'm a bit confused, but I love when we can start taking the fight to the actual bad guys here.
Ugh the kids being in danger gets me every time!!
With the introduction to the lawyer and learning about outside forces, I really like where this is going. I'm a bit confused, but I love when we can start taking the fight to the actual bad guys here.
October 8, 2024
Ohhhh man soooooooo good! As a mom, Meghan tries to not only keep her family alive but to give her kids the power and tools that will help them transcend her own abilities. Which will allow them to not only survive but actually thrive in this new uncharted environment. I'm actually glad to find out that this book wasn't the end of a trilogy, but a continuation of a saga, because there is so much more story to tell! And I'm still waiting for Vince to arrive! To see for myself how the dynamics of the close knit family, friends, and yeah even the allies change with his arrival...
So yeah grab the audiobook and your seat and just enjoy this super litRPG. Ohhhh and yeah Laurie Catherine Winkle is dynamite!
Here's a couple of quotes that tickled me:
"Gavin would definitely be more interested in talking to a pile of purple spaghetti than a human being, if we could find one who understood human psychology well enough to help."
"Records? Music discs? Are those real? I thought they were just in Minecraft."
So yeah grab the audiobook and your seat and just enjoy this super litRPG. Ohhhh and yeah Laurie Catherine Winkle is dynamite!
Here's a couple of quotes that tickled me:
"Gavin would definitely be more interested in talking to a pile of purple spaghetti than a human being, if we could find one who understood human psychology well enough to help."
"Records? Music discs? Are those real? I thought they were just in Minecraft."
January 30, 2025
This is book 3 of a fantasy/sci-fi LitRPG series with a system apocalypse type event. Meghan is taking more of a leadership role in her community as she tries to protect her three young children. I'm still loving this series. After I finished this I read Engineer's Odyssey on Royal Road and then read book 4 of Apocalypse Parenting there as well.
Recommendation - If you enjoy this series then you should definitely read Engineer's Odyssey which is available for free on Royal Road as of this writing. That story is basically book 3.5 of this series as it shows what has been happening with Vince, Meghan's husband, since the beginning of the system event.
Recommendation - If you enjoy this series then you should definitely read Engineer's Odyssey which is available for free on Royal Road as of this writing. That story is basically book 3.5 of this series as it shows what has been happening with Vince, Meghan's husband, since the beginning of the system event.
October 29, 2024
Bring on the apocalypse!
Erin Ampersand's continuing story of the Moretti family's struggles to balance it all at the end of the world pulls on the heartstrings, fires up the adrenaline, and leaves you constantly entertained at the antics & epics of a family struggling to survive in a litRPG apocalypse. A non-stop rollercoaster of family drama, parenting struggles, min-maxxed stats, amongst an alien-controlled end of the world game is only enhanced by Ampersand's clear & cozy writing & perfect plot\pacing. Read it now; thank me later.
Erin Ampersand's continuing story of the Moretti family's struggles to balance it all at the end of the world pulls on the heartstrings, fires up the adrenaline, and leaves you constantly entertained at the antics & epics of a family struggling to survive in a litRPG apocalypse. A non-stop rollercoaster of family drama, parenting struggles, min-maxxed stats, amongst an alien-controlled end of the world game is only enhanced by Ampersand's clear & cozy writing & perfect plot\pacing. Read it now; thank me later.
June 18, 2024
Sweet
These are very sweet stories. They get a bit long winded in places, but I guess all books do that. It's puzzling that the husband still hasn't turned up yet as he had landed at the airport in the last book, but whatever. Maybe I dreamed it.
These are very sweet stories. They get a bit long winded in places, but I guess all books do that. It's puzzling that the husband still hasn't turned up yet as he had landed at the airport in the last book, but whatever. Maybe I dreamed it.
August 26, 2025
In the first two books of this series, the people of Huntsville have begun to build a real civilization in the ruins of the system apocalypse. Here, we start to see more behind the curtains of the species that created the collapse and the other species who live in their civilization. All is not well with the aliens.
The character work here is exceptional. All of the main characters have their own personalities, and all of the children act like smart children, not like short, weak adults. And Megan (the parent of the series title) reacts like a real mother might under these circumstances.
The bad-actor human enemies of previous volumes have been largely replaced by the aliens, and it seems like some progress is being made toward winning the scenario for the human race.
This has become one of my favorite LitRPG series. It has heart, a strong game system presented well, and one of the best premises of any LitRPG I've read.
Highly recommended.
The character work here is exceptional. All of the main characters have their own personalities, and all of the children act like smart children, not like short, weak adults. And Megan (the parent of the series title) reacts like a real mother might under these circumstances.
The bad-actor human enemies of previous volumes have been largely replaced by the aliens, and it seems like some progress is being made toward winning the scenario for the human race.
This has become one of my favorite LitRPG series. It has heart, a strong game system presented well, and one of the best premises of any LitRPG I've read.
Highly recommended.
December 19, 2025
I feel like a broken record, because every book in this series so far has been enjoyable to read. Speaking of records, it was hilarious how the kids thought vinyl records, music discs, and whatnot were made up.
I also like that Meghan, the main character, forgets people’s names. It is relatable, and I appreciate that it stays consistent. I am terrible at remembering names too, especially if I rarely interact with someone or if I am meeting too many new people at once.
Of course, I kept wondering when her husband would finally show up. I really thought he would appear at some point, if not at Fort Autumn, then maybe nearby or even during one of the alien challenges. Since he did not, I was surprised that Meghan did not take the opportunity to ask the Arsenal again, or Colonel Yoshiro, to look into her husband as a reward, especially since he was so thankful for how she handled everything.
I also like that Meghan, the main character, forgets people’s names. It is relatable, and I appreciate that it stays consistent. I am terrible at remembering names too, especially if I rarely interact with someone or if I am meeting too many new people at once.
Of course, I kept wondering when her husband would finally show up. I really thought he would appear at some point, if not at Fort Autumn, then maybe nearby or even during one of the alien challenges. Since he did not, I was surprised that Meghan did not take the opportunity to ask the Arsenal again, or Colonel Yoshiro, to look into her husband as a reward, especially since he was so thankful for how she handled everything.
June 4, 2024
overall very good
I’ve enjoyed reading all these books. Characters are well developed, enemies included. Great depiction of a mother who who is both smart, strong, and relatable. She is strong, but certainly not OP, and uses her brain to get through this nightmare scenario. In fact, her powers are a bit too humdrum, but they all serve to keep her children protected. The magical and apocalyptic setting is very compelling. The killer Aliens are pretty terrifying and rotten to the core. I like how this book takes us to their society and the beings who favor and oppose this twisted game. I’d kill off a few characters to emphasize the bleakness of their world. Knock off the husband or their best friends. Good stuff.
I’ve enjoyed reading all these books. Characters are well developed, enemies included. Great depiction of a mother who who is both smart, strong, and relatable. She is strong, but certainly not OP, and uses her brain to get through this nightmare scenario. In fact, her powers are a bit too humdrum, but they all serve to keep her children protected. The magical and apocalyptic setting is very compelling. The killer Aliens are pretty terrifying and rotten to the core. I like how this book takes us to their society and the beings who favor and oppose this twisted game. I’d kill off a few characters to emphasize the bleakness of their world. Knock off the husband or their best friends. Good stuff.
May 31, 2026
I'm really enjoying the reveal of more information about outside of the game. I keep wondering where Vince is but I'm sure he'll pop up at some point. The lawyer is a wonderful new character addition. I wish Megan would get over the whole not wanting to be a leader thing when she is a great leader. I understand wanting to protect your kids but still. I feel like that's part of her still trying to hold on to part of the past pre game. I wish she had waited to be able to talk to pointy again before picking the extra eyeball ability. This game is getting crazy and I hope they continue to kick ass and find loopholes. Taking a break to read something else for my book club but will definitely continue the series.
June 15, 2024
I'm loving this series! About 2/3 of the way into the book, a new character shows up and changes everything. We get more information about the challenge, and I liked the character too.
Meghan, the main character, can be abrupt, but I still find her likable. The children are well done, and some of the side characters get a chance to shine. In other words, Meghan doesn't do everything herself, which reinforces her philosophy of building community.
The challenges are creative, and the unexpected consequences, too.
Looking forward to the next book!
Meghan, the main character, can be abrupt, but I still find her likable. The children are well done, and some of the side characters get a chance to shine. In other words, Meghan doesn't do everything herself, which reinforces her philosophy of building community.
The challenges are creative, and the unexpected consequences, too.
Looking forward to the next book!
March 11, 2026
It is rare that I find a series getting better with each book, but while I had a fine experience with the first book, I found the second to be markedly better and the third one to be the best one yet. It seems like Ampersand has really grown into her own writing and world building, and it's nice to get a sense of a bigger plot. The pacing of the books is a bit off for me, and I don't feel as connected to many of the supporting characters outside of Megan's immediate family as I think I'm supposed to, but I still look forward to see where the story goes from here!
June 11, 2026
"Mommy, you still gotta wipe my butt!"
While book one was boring at times, and book two was almost nonstop stress, this book feels perfectly balanced and starts to build on the world outside of earth and the major players in this televised apocalypse.
The greatest part of these stories for me has been the kids. I don’t think I have read a series that develops the -under age 10- children in a way that allows them to both still be children and meaningfully participate and move the story. The kids, and their mom’s relentless pursuit of keeping them alive is sooooo good.
While book one was boring at times, and book two was almost nonstop stress, this book feels perfectly balanced and starts to build on the world outside of earth and the major players in this televised apocalypse.
The greatest part of these stories for me has been the kids. I don’t think I have read a series that develops the -under age 10- children in a way that allows them to both still be children and meaningfully participate and move the story. The kids, and their mom’s relentless pursuit of keeping them alive is sooooo good.
July 13, 2026
The story stays exciting. New characters are great. More of the engaging story beats happen outside of combat and monster stuff, although the big final set piece is pretty thrilling. The central question is no longer "will meghan be able to keep her kids safe?", it's "will meghan be able to convince humanity to listen to the better angels of their nature?"
We also get more insight into the nature of The Game. Really great. I'm glad the series got picked up by Tor. This series deserves many new readers.
We also get more insight into the nature of The Game. Really great. I'm glad the series got picked up by Tor. This series deserves many new readers.
May 29, 2024
solid book but dang the punches….
Man this was a good book 3. Solid writing with very real people and actions. Powers are sweet and learning more about the universe is awesome. But…. The punches. Dang. So much stuff going wrong for everyone, gut wrenching, real.. made me not put the book down. Invested in all the MC’s. Looking forward to seeing the prizes as well as what happens with fluffy. (Vague to not give spoilers)
Man this was a good book 3. Solid writing with very real people and actions. Powers are sweet and learning more about the universe is awesome. But…. The punches. Dang. So much stuff going wrong for everyone, gut wrenching, real.. made me not put the book down. Invested in all the MC’s. Looking forward to seeing the prizes as well as what happens with fluffy. (Vague to not give spoilers)
June 7, 2024
How can a Mother get her children through the Apocalypse?
This is a great new take on survival mode with kids. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Her husband is away on business when the apocalypse comes. Three young children one still being potty trained and their survival depends on their mom.
This is a great new take on survival mode with kids. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Her husband is away on business when the apocalypse comes. Three young children one still being potty trained and their survival depends on their mom.
October 10, 2024
Series Keeps Getting Better
Loved this installment in the series and jumping directly to royal road to continue. What started as a clever idea has morphed into an extremely intriguing world Erin has built. Love seeing the world spread throughout the series and see the kids grow constantly, yet still remain kids. I’m including everyone’s favorite plus AI Pointy there as well
Loved this installment in the series and jumping directly to royal road to continue. What started as a clever idea has morphed into an extremely intriguing world Erin has built. Love seeing the world spread throughout the series and see the kids grow constantly, yet still remain kids. I’m including everyone’s favorite plus AI Pointy there as well
April 10, 2026
Volume 3: I Know What Would Make This System Apocalypse Reality Battle Royale With Cheese More Exciting - Lawyers! Also, Wasting Time Correcting People's Pronunciation in Life and Death Situations Involving Dinosaurs and Lava!
On the plus side, children are slightly less annoying in this one.
On the minus side, utterly wasted NarcoJesus from Colombia.
On the plus side, children are slightly less annoying in this one.
On the minus side, utterly wasted NarcoJesus from Colombia.
May 15, 2026
enjoyable
Book three of the apocalypse has bought more devastation more love more growth and more team work.
I love this style of writing in the LitRPG way it’s fun and adds more so much to the story in the best way possible’s
Grateful for authors like Erin to bring such amazing stories to be read.
Book three of the apocalypse has bought more devastation more love more growth and more team work.
I love this style of writing in the LitRPG way it’s fun and adds more so much to the story in the best way possible’s
Grateful for authors like Erin to bring such amazing stories to be read.
June 1, 2024
This story was a great continuation of the prior Apocalypse Parenting, books. I've already read Engineer's Odyssey (Apocalypse Parenting, #3.5), and I can't wait to read book 4 and see what happens after the family is reunited and Vince and Meghan are a power team against the Aliens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
Another great addition to the series!
I love reading about Meghan and her trials in keeping her family safe. I was disappointed when I turned the page and the review button popped up. Sigh. Oh well. I look forward to the next installation!
I love reading about Meghan and her trials in keeping her family safe. I was disappointed when I turned the page and the review button popped up. Sigh. Oh well. I look forward to the next installation!
Read
June 9, 2024Another excellent entry in the series. Continues to have great attention to detail (e.g. the perils of pooping during an apocalypse) which most series (understandably) just hand-wave away. Also the children continue to be hilarious
June 22, 2024
Another refreshing, fantastic, well written book!
I loved every piece of this! And can’t wait fir book four!
* I did also get it on Audible. But unfortunately the narrator’s voice was too far removed from what I imagined the MC’s voice to sound like. *
I loved every piece of this! And can’t wait fir book four!
* I did also get it on Audible. But unfortunately the narrator’s voice was too far removed from what I imagined the MC’s voice to sound like. *
June 26, 2024
Just keeps getting better.
Very good continuation that builds upon the world and character. Looking forward to see where the series is looking to go as it moves along in the future.
Very good continuation that builds upon the world and character. Looking forward to see where the series is looking to go as it moves along in the future.
March 11, 2025
Being Ghosted
The Trials are no longer optional. We now have good lawyers. I love how the mom learned that you can't always protect your kids even when you want to. It is good that they are not alone anymore a d they are working towards saving humanity.
The Trials are no longer optional. We now have good lawyers. I love how the mom learned that you can't always protect your kids even when you want to. It is good that they are not alone anymore a d they are working towards saving humanity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews