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Apocalypse Parenting #2
Making Friends
Meghan can't afford to take a break.
She's gotten food and shelter for her family. Her oldest is turning into a wizard, her middle boy is some kind of self-healing monkey, and her youngest is accumulating a small army of pets. That's a bit much to roll with, but when monsters are appearing on the lawn, it's probably for the best.
What worries her is the mysterious - and dangerous - "Challenge" she knows is fast approaching, and she's got to get her kids and community ready to face it. Some neighbors are ready and willing to pitch in, but others? They might end up being a bigger problem than the alien monsters.
The second installment in a LitRPG apocalypse saga.
She's gotten food and shelter for her family. Her oldest is turning into a wizard, her middle boy is some kind of self-healing monkey, and her youngest is accumulating a small army of pets. That's a bit much to roll with, but when monsters are appearing on the lawn, it's probably for the best.
What worries her is the mysterious - and dangerous - "Challenge" she knows is fast approaching, and she's got to get her kids and community ready to face it. Some neighbors are ready and willing to pitch in, but others? They might end up being a bigger problem than the alien monsters.
The second installment in a LitRPG apocalypse saga.
12 pages, Audiobook
First published April 5, 2023
142 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Erin Ampersand
8 books59 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 46 reviews
May 9, 2023
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. A suburban mom hero, a worldwide life or death game, superpowers, aliens, and a talking stuffed turtle was not something that would normally 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.
Making Friends: Apocalypse Parenting, Book Two picks up right where the first one left off. Ampersand has been kind enough to start with a three page “In case it’s been a while since book 1” to refresh your memory. While this would also let new reader start in on book two, PLEASE do yourself a favor and go back and start with book one. While you are at it, you can get a free 15,000-word short story about the first day of the apocalypse from the perspective of Meghan’s husband Vince by signing up for Erin Ampersand’s mailing list at: https://erinampersand.com
Book one was a lot about our hero, Meghan Moretti and her three kids; Cassie, Micah, and Gavin. In book two we get to learn about a lot more about the people in their neighborhood. The focus shifts a bit from the evil aliens to the evil humans. Once the initial crisis of the world being the alien’s Maffiyir competition, humans go back to being their usual selves. In book two we get into the human characteristics of; greed, selfishness, might makes right, pessimism, and everyone for themselves.
As you can tell by the title, a large part of this book centers around what it means to be a parent. If you think dealing with unruly children is difficult, wait until you see Meghan deal with a four year old with adult strength or a pre-teen feeling they are invincible against the monsters. I have a sense that my enjoyment of this book is heighten by parental flashbacks. YA readers probably will might enjoy the same family issues, but coming at them from the opposite direction.
In Making Friends Ampersand’s writing somehow makes the unbelievable believable. Judy Tenuta’s reframe, "It could happen" just kept repeating in my ears. (Yes, you should checkout Judy Tenuta on YouTube.) Ampersand makes the whole idea of parenting during an apocalypse funny, sad, and somehow way too believable. Once again the end of the book came too quickly and I’m left hoping she is hard at work on book three as I write this review.
Making Friends: Apocalypse Parenting, Book Two picks up right where the first one left off. Ampersand has been kind enough to start with a three page “In case it’s been a while since book 1” to refresh your memory. While this would also let new reader start in on book two, PLEASE do yourself a favor and go back and start with book one. While you are at it, you can get a free 15,000-word short story about the first day of the apocalypse from the perspective of Meghan’s husband Vince by signing up for Erin Ampersand’s mailing list at: https://erinampersand.com
Book one was a lot about our hero, Meghan Moretti and her three kids; Cassie, Micah, and Gavin. In book two we get to learn about a lot more about the people in their neighborhood. The focus shifts a bit from the evil aliens to the evil humans. Once the initial crisis of the world being the alien’s Maffiyir competition, humans go back to being their usual selves. In book two we get into the human characteristics of; greed, selfishness, might makes right, pessimism, and everyone for themselves.
As you can tell by the title, a large part of this book centers around what it means to be a parent. If you think dealing with unruly children is difficult, wait until you see Meghan deal with a four year old with adult strength or a pre-teen feeling they are invincible against the monsters. I have a sense that my enjoyment of this book is heighten by parental flashbacks. YA readers probably will might enjoy the same family issues, but coming at them from the opposite direction.
In Making Friends Ampersand’s writing somehow makes the unbelievable believable. Judy Tenuta’s reframe, "It could happen" just kept repeating in my ears. (Yes, you should checkout Judy Tenuta on YouTube.) Ampersand makes the whole idea of parenting during an apocalypse funny, sad, and somehow way too believable. Once again the end of the book came too quickly and I’m left hoping she is hard at work on book three as I write this review.
February 15, 2024
I was hoping that Meghan and her kids wouldn't have to experience the scum of humanity but alas, it's unavoidable. Ampersand wrote harrowing scenes with the Dragon's so well and made this very real world setting all the more believable in every page. Our MC is smart and determined to keep her youngin's safe and she does it brilliantly.
June 16, 2025
THAT ENDING. ERIN.
I am so thankful that we didn't have a cliffhanger because I was so terrified for a second going into that last chapter. But also, my heart! I was literally tearing up for the last few chapters - as a mom, that was REALLY hard to listen to, but PHEW. I'm so relieved.
Anyway, for the most part, this book was more about the human interaction instead of the game itself and that's why I gave it four stars instead of five. There were just moments where I was a bit tired of not seeing any new monsters. It reminded me of the Negan season of The Walking Dead - where the issue wasn't the zombies so much as an outside human group.
I am SO excited for the next book and will be reading it right away. I still highly recommend this book to fans of DCC and The Walking Dead.
I am so thankful that we didn't have a cliffhanger because I was so terrified for a second going into that last chapter. But also, my heart! I was literally tearing up for the last few chapters - as a mom, that was REALLY hard to listen to, but PHEW. I'm so relieved.
Anyway, for the most part, this book was more about the human interaction instead of the game itself and that's why I gave it four stars instead of five. There were just moments where I was a bit tired of not seeing any new monsters. It reminded me of the Negan season of The Walking Dead - where the issue wasn't the zombies so much as an outside human group.
I am SO excited for the next book and will be reading it right away. I still highly recommend this book to fans of DCC and The Walking Dead.
September 2, 2025
Damn just… damn this book, this story, is so good. I’m still feeling a slight adrenaline rush from reading that ending because wow. I didn’t see it coming and I was slightly scared there for a bit haha.
I really really want to throw my TBR list out the window and read the next book immediately.
I really really want to throw my TBR list out the window and read the next book immediately.
September 5, 2025
Making Friends
Raising small children is difficult at the best of times. Meghan is doing it during the apocalypse. Thankfully, she has secured food and water. Monsters are still spawning though and there is a mandatory challenge coming. Mandatory means everyone, even Meghan’s 3 year old.
This was a great apocalypse litrpg! It hits that niche perfectly for a completely different type of main character. While everything does happen within a few miles of her home, I hope we learn more about what’s happening to the world at large in later books. Excellent book and I’m looking forward to picking up book 3! Laurie Catherine Winkel does a great job with the narration!
Content warning: language
Raising small children is difficult at the best of times. Meghan is doing it during the apocalypse. Thankfully, she has secured food and water. Monsters are still spawning though and there is a mandatory challenge coming. Mandatory means everyone, even Meghan’s 3 year old.
This was a great apocalypse litrpg! It hits that niche perfectly for a completely different type of main character. While everything does happen within a few miles of her home, I hope we learn more about what’s happening to the world at large in later books. Excellent book and I’m looking forward to picking up book 3! Laurie Catherine Winkel does a great job with the narration!
Content warning: language
November 29, 2024
This was really good! I understand why Meghan is so passive about a lot of things happening outside of her family, but I was happy to see that being pushed to the side a bit. I really enjoyed the chapters in the kids' POV, and look forward to reading more!
April 2, 2025
Excellent continuation of the series.
April 12, 2023
Imagine your world being overtaken by the system...and you're alone with your kids
This book is amazing. I am a huge fan of Lit RPG, but this one hits me in all the feels in a competely different way: as a mom. I also love the protagonist's character. I feel like she's such an honest depiction of how someone would be as they experience the apocalypse.
Now I can't wait for the next one!
This book is amazing. I am a huge fan of Lit RPG, but this one hits me in all the feels in a competely different way: as a mom. I also love the protagonist's character. I feel like she's such an honest depiction of how someone would be as they experience the apocalypse.
Now I can't wait for the next one!
July 18, 2023
A wonderful tonic for the usual Apocalypse screed
I like a post-apocalypse story as much as the next guy, but they have rapidly become lone-wolf, over powered, screeds of unapologetic murder cults. This book is not that.
This is the story of a regular person with normal skills trying to protect her family by building a resilient community. In other words, the things people have done for thousands of generations. I found the high personal stakes of people trying to survive and plan with limited knowledge very accessible.
I read both books in quick succession and look forward to a third.
I like a post-apocalypse story as much as the next guy, but they have rapidly become lone-wolf, over powered, screeds of unapologetic murder cults. This book is not that.
This is the story of a regular person with normal skills trying to protect her family by building a resilient community. In other words, the things people have done for thousands of generations. I found the high personal stakes of people trying to survive and plan with limited knowledge very accessible.
I read both books in quick succession and look forward to a third.
October 5, 2023
Not as good as the first one
This is book number two and it feels quite disjointed i the storytelling. It feels like there's either a lot of very fast paced action packed stuff happening, or it's a boring long winded diatribe of stuff no one except the author is interested in that's an absolute chore to read. Also, where is her husband? It's been weeks. I'm unsure of the geography but if he was supposed to be back home that evening and it all kicked off in the afternoon, shouldn't he have been able to reach them by now?
This is book number two and it feels quite disjointed i the storytelling. It feels like there's either a lot of very fast paced action packed stuff happening, or it's a boring long winded diatribe of stuff no one except the author is interested in that's an absolute chore to read. Also, where is her husband? It's been weeks. I'm unsure of the geography but if he was supposed to be back home that evening and it all kicked off in the afternoon, shouldn't he have been able to reach them by now?
April 23, 2023
Fell well short of book 1. The first book was fun because it was all about getting the kids leveled. The second book is more about planning and the community. For bored and quit at about 33% of the way through it.
July 13, 2025
After being so impressed by the first book in this series, I was worried that it would not be able to maintain its high quality. I need not have worried.
The first book largely described surviving the first days after the apocalypse. In this book, we see the characters starting to build a real society under the new rules of the world. The author does a good job of providing solutions to problems before they become too tedious for the reader and then presenting new problems.
Mechanical changes for characters are widely spaced in time and not generally large changes in character abilities and power. Because of this, there is no need for long character sheet reads every few chapters. The powers are varied and interesting, and the coordination of power choices between the various supporting characters results in good synergies for the society.
Character development is very good, both for Megan and her family and for the supporting characters. We see interesting maturation for the children as they gain in power and Megan is becoming a political force in the community.
The action sequences are also done well, with believable use of teamwork on the part of both the Megan's allies and the villains of the piece. The difference is philosophy between the heroes and their enemies is presented believably, and the enemy, while selfish, don't seem gratuitously villainous.
The slow development of the rules of the "game" makes for entertaining changes in the flow of the story as well. It also provides moments of high jeopardy, especially in the climax of the book.
This story is rapidly becoming one of my favorite LitRPG series, and this seems likely to be one of my favorite series this year. Highly Recommended.
The first book largely described surviving the first days after the apocalypse. In this book, we see the characters starting to build a real society under the new rules of the world. The author does a good job of providing solutions to problems before they become too tedious for the reader and then presenting new problems.
Mechanical changes for characters are widely spaced in time and not generally large changes in character abilities and power. Because of this, there is no need for long character sheet reads every few chapters. The powers are varied and interesting, and the coordination of power choices between the various supporting characters results in good synergies for the society.
Character development is very good, both for Megan and her family and for the supporting characters. We see interesting maturation for the children as they gain in power and Megan is becoming a political force in the community.
The action sequences are also done well, with believable use of teamwork on the part of both the Megan's allies and the villains of the piece. The difference is philosophy between the heroes and their enemies is presented believably, and the enemy, while selfish, don't seem gratuitously villainous.
The slow development of the rules of the "game" makes for entertaining changes in the flow of the story as well. It also provides moments of high jeopardy, especially in the climax of the book.
This story is rapidly becoming one of my favorite LitRPG series, and this seems likely to be one of my favorite series this year. Highly Recommended.
September 2, 2025
Quick synopsis
: Instead of fighting monsters and leveling up as she had in the first book, Meghan is now forming a town. Writing a town charter, trying to get people to sign it, digging up rocks so they can build walls... The story is as exciting as that sounds.
Brief opinion : The first book was fun because it was basically Dungeon Crawler Carl fanfic. This second book was original and I'm sorry to say I was bored out of my mind. Plus it became very religious.
Plot : Meghan and her three kids no longer have time for leveling. She won a store in a contest at the end of book 1, and in this book she was managing the town that sprung up around it.
The last 10% or so of the story was more adventure-y, Meghan and her kids were forced to fight in a big trial/contest thing.
Writing/editing : Like the first book, while not perfectly edited, this book was better edited than most self-published books.
The writing really bothered me though. Meghan/the story got so religious. There were four or five full prayers written out in the story. On top of that, this book was just nothing like the first one. I realized about a quarter of the way in that I was bored out of my mind, but I kept going hoping it would get better. The last 10% was slightly better, but not enough for me to continue with this series.
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : There were a couple chapters from the kids' POV, that was nice.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️ - Disliked. I won't be reading the last two books of this series.
Brief opinion : The first book was fun because it was basically Dungeon Crawler Carl fanfic. This second book was original and I'm sorry to say I was bored out of my mind. Plus it became very religious.
Plot : Meghan and her three kids no longer have time for leveling. She won a store in a contest at the end of book 1, and in this book she was managing the town that sprung up around it.
The last 10% or so of the story was more adventure-y, Meghan and her kids were forced to fight in a big trial/contest thing.
Writing/editing : Like the first book, while not perfectly edited, this book was better edited than most self-published books.
The writing really bothered me though. Meghan/the story got so religious. There were four or five full prayers written out in the story. On top of that, this book was just nothing like the first one. I realized about a quarter of the way in that I was bored out of my mind, but I kept going hoping it would get better. The last 10% was slightly better, but not enough for me to continue with this series.
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : There were a couple chapters from the kids' POV, that was nice.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️ - Disliked. I won't be reading the last two books of this series.
January 7, 2025
It actually deserves the 4 stars for the continuity of plot and themes and how characters are treated and how mundane situation is explored in this realistic lit-rpg.
What causes me to loss interest and give it 3 stars , is that I hve accepted that this book is not for me. While I love how book 1 as a novelty and felt somewhat engaged with how book 2 shaped out. I don't find any of the character relatable to me. Realizing it is more of a me problem, and May be becoz I am not from America, or may be because most of the exploration is internal . The cast becomes stale, even when it is expanded a bit they remain secondary to the main family and felt like a crutch to not make our main cast feel NPC in this setting, Which is really alright.
Heck in one of my fav book series storm light Archive Barring Bridge 4 none of the character in the supporting cast becomes a prominent individual in their own right and I still love that series. May be what I am saying is that this series doesn't produce anything worthwhile to me, it explores parenting in apocalypse and did what it is being sold, but it never goes beyond that, and while I don't expect author to change because that is what they are selling in their title. I expect them to evolve out of the mundanity, make supporting cast more "human", not rely on American social understanding as a crutch, and tranform, the author stuck to their tried and trusted formula from the first, and while I don't fault them for it.
Author stuck to its title and I admire that, but alas, it is not for me.
What causes me to loss interest and give it 3 stars , is that I hve accepted that this book is not for me. While I love how book 1 as a novelty and felt somewhat engaged with how book 2 shaped out. I don't find any of the character relatable to me. Realizing it is more of a me problem, and May be becoz I am not from America, or may be because most of the exploration is internal . The cast becomes stale, even when it is expanded a bit they remain secondary to the main family and felt like a crutch to not make our main cast feel NPC in this setting, Which is really alright.
Heck in one of my fav book series storm light Archive Barring Bridge 4 none of the character in the supporting cast becomes a prominent individual in their own right and I still love that series. May be what I am saying is that this series doesn't produce anything worthwhile to me, it explores parenting in apocalypse and did what it is being sold, but it never goes beyond that, and while I don't expect author to change because that is what they are selling in their title. I expect them to evolve out of the mundanity, make supporting cast more "human", not rely on American social understanding as a crutch, and tranform, the author stuck to their tried and trusted formula from the first, and while I don't fault them for it.
Author stuck to its title and I admire that, but alas, it is not for me.
May 20, 2023
Apocalypse Parenting: 2
This book continues where the other one suddenly cut off without a satisfying feeling of resolution, so I recommend reading both together. This book has a better stopping point. Meghan's challenges to survive the apocalypse with her family and friends intact continues. Despite her social anxiety, she's able to rally her community together when needed and doesn't have delusions of being able to take control. This story is annoyingly realistic at times. Meghan is intrinsically a nice, generous, altruistic person, but she draws the line at anything which might threaten her children, and there's at least one point in the story where she feels guilty asking other people to take risks she won't because that would leave her children without someone to protect them. It's also annoying that after all her generosity, people are still people, greedy and self-interested. It makes for a frustrating read. This isn't a book to lose yourself in and take your mind off mundane things, it's annoying enough to bring that frustration out into the real world. Bravo for the author, but not something I enjoyed. I'm still giving it a 4 for a well written story, but I think for my own peace of mind, I'm not planning to read the sequel, at least for now.
This book continues where the other one suddenly cut off without a satisfying feeling of resolution, so I recommend reading both together. This book has a better stopping point. Meghan's challenges to survive the apocalypse with her family and friends intact continues. Despite her social anxiety, she's able to rally her community together when needed and doesn't have delusions of being able to take control. This story is annoyingly realistic at times. Meghan is intrinsically a nice, generous, altruistic person, but she draws the line at anything which might threaten her children, and there's at least one point in the story where she feels guilty asking other people to take risks she won't because that would leave her children without someone to protect them. It's also annoying that after all her generosity, people are still people, greedy and self-interested. It makes for a frustrating read. This isn't a book to lose yourself in and take your mind off mundane things, it's annoying enough to bring that frustration out into the real world. Bravo for the author, but not something I enjoyed. I'm still giving it a 4 for a well written story, but I think for my own peace of mind, I'm not planning to read the sequel, at least for now.
October 7, 2024
Seriously what a fantastic book! I just love it when the book lives up to your expectations and that's zactly what the second book is suppose to do, boost the signal. So the reader is all geared up for the next in the series. And I'm definitely ready! I've already downloaded the third book.
But before we get into my quick synapses... let me tell you about Vince 'cause I'm sure you'all've been wonderin about him! You seriously need to go to the author's website and read the free novella Engineer's Odyssey https://erinampersand.com/ you'll be glad did!
So Megan has been working super hard to get all three of her young children levels and with the help of her youngest's, turtle plushy (AI) even Cassie is leveling and even stronger than most adults! But sometimes a Mom can't control everything especially when her kids are involved. So yeah you'll need to definitely grab this action-driven audiobook.
Here's a couple of quotes that amused me:
Sometimes, when your kid tells you with awe in their voice that you have a big butt, all you can say is "Thanks."
"For a wet pile of meat and bacteria, you have surprisingly good insights sometimes."
But before we get into my quick synapses... let me tell you about Vince 'cause I'm sure you'all've been wonderin about him! You seriously need to go to the author's website and read the free novella Engineer's Odyssey https://erinampersand.com/ you'll be glad did!
So Megan has been working super hard to get all three of her young children levels and with the help of her youngest's, turtle plushy (AI) even Cassie is leveling and even stronger than most adults! But sometimes a Mom can't control everything especially when her kids are involved. So yeah you'll need to definitely grab this action-driven audiobook.
Here's a couple of quotes that amused me:
Sometimes, when your kid tells you with awe in their voice that you have a big butt, all you can say is "Thanks."
"For a wet pile of meat and bacteria, you have surprisingly good insights sometimes."
April 11, 2023
The stakes are getting higher for Meghan Moretti and friends, but not just from the game system. As the community reaches out to others, they run into problems with people who are only looking out for themselves. Then there is the first Trial...
I really like Meghan, and several of the other characters, like Priya and Pointy. I'm also enjoying the game system, and what amounts to base building. I got a little confused about the actual design, but eh, it amounts to building walls.
The antagonists were interesting, and had clear motivations. The big showdown was exciting, and the characters are starting to understand that this might be entertainment for aliens, but it's life or death for them.
The Trial was suspenseful. Meghan planned for a lot of contingencies, but as you can guess, things went awry. Pointy's little essay at the end was amusing and informative.
I'm excited to see where this series is going, and I'm sad I'm going to have to wait so long for the next book!
I really like Meghan, and several of the other characters, like Priya and Pointy. I'm also enjoying the game system, and what amounts to base building. I got a little confused about the actual design, but eh, it amounts to building walls.
The antagonists were interesting, and had clear motivations. The big showdown was exciting, and the characters are starting to understand that this might be entertainment for aliens, but it's life or death for them.
The Trial was suspenseful. Meghan planned for a lot of contingencies, but as you can guess, things went awry. Pointy's little essay at the end was amusing and informative.
I'm excited to see where this series is going, and I'm sad I'm going to have to wait so long for the next book!
April 20, 2023
I love this story!
It's funny, there are a few other "system apocalypse with kids" stories but the other ones tend to be pretty gritty and grimdark. Somehow, despite having a much lighter tone, this story feels way more authentic to me.
The mom is really a mom and is not magically turned into a super-powered badass just by virtue to being a mom. The kids are bratty and silly and don't really understand what is going on. As a parent, their portrayal really resonates with me. Kids can be both amazing and really dumb sometimes. Magical thinking gets a real boost when magic is real.
Beyond just the parent/child dynamics, the adult/adult dynamics feel spot on. People are also crazy herd animals with weird hang-ups and sketchy motivations. They are imperfect communicators and don't all have the same understanding.
Just an outstanding story which is a nice combination of serious and silly.
It's funny, there are a few other "system apocalypse with kids" stories but the other ones tend to be pretty gritty and grimdark. Somehow, despite having a much lighter tone, this story feels way more authentic to me.
The mom is really a mom and is not magically turned into a super-powered badass just by virtue to being a mom. The kids are bratty and silly and don't really understand what is going on. As a parent, their portrayal really resonates with me. Kids can be both amazing and really dumb sometimes. Magical thinking gets a real boost when magic is real.
Beyond just the parent/child dynamics, the adult/adult dynamics feel spot on. People are also crazy herd animals with weird hang-ups and sketchy motivations. They are imperfect communicators and don't all have the same understanding.
Just an outstanding story which is a nice combination of serious and silly.
May 23, 2025
Actually a very talented writer in relation to the rest of the genre. I think realistically people are as stupid and annoying as this book portrays them to be.
An unpleasant read for sure. I'm not sure if I'll continue reading this series. I was kind of just annoyed the whole book. Obviously this was the intent of the author, which is an interesting choice. If I was rating this objectively I would probably rate it higher, I could see myself increasing it when I have some time away from the book.
I did not enjoy my time with this novel, but it evoked emotion in me, which is usually a sign of a solid read. I much prefer feeling angry, sad, or happy when reading a novel. Annoyed is definitely a new one. Points for novelty?
I think the portrayal of children is well done in this series and I think it's an interesting way to differentiate itself from other novels with similar premises, but it was very grating.
I would argue this is the most literary litrpg series.
An unpleasant read for sure. I'm not sure if I'll continue reading this series. I was kind of just annoyed the whole book. Obviously this was the intent of the author, which is an interesting choice. If I was rating this objectively I would probably rate it higher, I could see myself increasing it when I have some time away from the book.
I did not enjoy my time with this novel, but it evoked emotion in me, which is usually a sign of a solid read. I much prefer feeling angry, sad, or happy when reading a novel. Annoyed is definitely a new one. Points for novelty?
I think the portrayal of children is well done in this series and I think it's an interesting way to differentiate itself from other novels with similar premises, but it was very grating.
I would argue this is the most literary litrpg series.
April 18, 2023
take your 3 kids through the Apocalypse
3kids under 10 in the Apocalypse… it’s Amazing the author hasn’t killed any of them off yet. The author doesn’t use “However” like all light novel authors do where they throw in a however right after the MC is attacked/throws a punch, to add some color about that one time in band camp…
But she does add swampy paragraphs that big down the action so prepare to skim at points. Overall nice plot with good twists and realistic weaknesses in characters and society. Will buy the third for sure.
3kids under 10 in the Apocalypse… it’s Amazing the author hasn’t killed any of them off yet. The author doesn’t use “However” like all light novel authors do where they throw in a however right after the MC is attacked/throws a punch, to add some color about that one time in band camp…
But she does add swampy paragraphs that big down the action so prepare to skim at points. Overall nice plot with good twists and realistic weaknesses in characters and society. Will buy the third for sure.
December 24, 2025
I liked a lot of this but had a hard time getting over how uncritically the story embraces American suburban culture. This is certainly a personal hang up, but I hate American suburbs and how alientating it is to be a queer person in them. I couldn’t quite shake the feeling of being on edge while listening to this story. For suburban moms this series must be absolute gold because it does feel realistically written! That just ain’t me and never will be. Not sure if I’ll continue with the series but we’ll see!
January 30, 2025
This is book 2 of a fantasy/sci-fi LitRPG series with a system apocalypse type event. Meghan is of course trying to navigate the system while trying to protect her three young children. Much of the focus of this book is on community building and dealing with the threat of a nearby gang. Still realistic and harsh but in a good way. I think I liked this book a little better than the first one. Perhaps in part of it being a little more hopeful.
December 15, 2025
This has been fun to read. My excitement did tone down a bit, but I’m still invested enough to keep going. Things ramp up a bit in this book with new threats and dangers, but there is also a slight base-building element. This mostly comes into play toward the end, when people realize they need to think long term and be better prepared if they want to increase their odds of survival by functioning as a proper community.
April 28, 2023
💚💛💙💜
I am obsessed with this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!! I am so glad for that ending because I legit was freaking out. I liked having the kids POV. It was interesting to see more of their thought process. I hope they didn't lose to many people to the trials.😭😭
I am obsessed with this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!! I am so glad for that ending because I legit was freaking out. I liked having the kids POV. It was interesting to see more of their thought process. I hope they didn't lose to many people to the trials.😭😭
January 15, 2024
Book two
This is another series that I have been reading and enjoying on Royalroad.
I thought I would help the author out by dropping a review.
What I like about this series is that the MC is a mother trying to protect not just her three small children, but her entire neighborhood.
8/10 She is a pretty awesome MC.
This is another series that I have been reading and enjoying on Royalroad.
I thought I would help the author out by dropping a review.
What I like about this series is that the MC is a mother trying to protect not just her three small children, but her entire neighborhood.
8/10 She is a pretty awesome MC.
June 6, 2024
I started out not quite feeling the vibe of this one, but the last third really picked up and motivated me to carry on. It's not that the opener was worse, perhaps I was just not feeling it. In any event there's great progression so, if you liked number 1, it's almost inevitable you'll enjoy the second!
May 4, 2025
Book 2 in the Apocalypse Parenting series. Megan and family continue to build their little community, reaching out and finding new allies and adversaries. Realizing things aren't going back to normal anytime soon, they start making more official agreements, build a fort to protect their assets, etc. The ending was amazing, and I continue to wonder where is the husband?
April 30, 2023
great book two
Like the first book this was a real look into a mother dealing with the ongoing apocalypse. Realistic reactions from parents and kids. Very cool monster types and interesting powers. Well done! Can’t wait for book 3.
Like the first book this was a real look into a mother dealing with the ongoing apocalypse. Realistic reactions from parents and kids. Very cool monster types and interesting powers. Well done! Can’t wait for book 3.
July 5, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a great continuation of the " realistic " dealing with being transported into an apocalypse. Was not a fan of the transition to the children's perspective at the end, but it did make sense in terms of continuing the story.
August 31, 2023
Kids have powers and stress is mounting, mom has to let them learn hands on, stupid dude causes mom to go full momma bear, some bad dudes pop up and have to be felt with, overall jam packed with action. Quite a bit of character development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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