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How to Survive at the End of the World #3
How to Survive at the End of the World Book 3
The hero beat the villain and won the prize. But things aren't good, not yet.
After committing a few small-scale war crimes that were definitely not OSHA approved, Sean Lawrence came out on top in the battle for the heart of the earth. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself kicked into a cold universe, grasping at a talisman filled with what’s left of Earth and working menial day labor jobs until he figures out the next weird steps in his journey.
Luckily, his time-skipping handyman friend has his back. After just a small push, Sean finds himself once again careening through a dangerous universe, evolving all the way from surviving to thriving to even taking revenge.
And if a friendship with a dragon, a miniature space smuggler, and a whole lot of pent-up emotions mean anything, Sean still might have a chance at saving the world. His world.
How to Survive at the End of the World is an adrenaline-pumping Apocalypse LitRPG series. This backward-regression series follows Sean as he travels to the future and is forced to deal with threats with less time and experience than everyone else. On his side are a non-traditional shanky class and lots of time magic. But in front of him are giant monsters, an offworlder alien invasion, and a world that’s on the edge of collapse.
After committing a few small-scale war crimes that were definitely not OSHA approved, Sean Lawrence came out on top in the battle for the heart of the earth. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself kicked into a cold universe, grasping at a talisman filled with what’s left of Earth and working menial day labor jobs until he figures out the next weird steps in his journey.
Luckily, his time-skipping handyman friend has his back. After just a small push, Sean finds himself once again careening through a dangerous universe, evolving all the way from surviving to thriving to even taking revenge.
And if a friendship with a dragon, a miniature space smuggler, and a whole lot of pent-up emotions mean anything, Sean still might have a chance at saving the world. His world.
How to Survive at the End of the World is an adrenaline-pumping Apocalypse LitRPG series. This backward-regression series follows Sean as he travels to the future and is forced to deal with threats with less time and experience than everyone else. On his side are a non-traditional shanky class and lots of time magic. But in front of him are giant monsters, an offworlder alien invasion, and a world that’s on the edge of collapse.
- GenresFantasy
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2024
242 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 25, 2025
Fun! The audio narrator made this even better.
August 20, 2024
It felt like his garbage thing was getting a bit desperate by the end (there’s only so many ways you can say “he built a cool weapon out of garbage”), but it just about held out to the finish. Bravo sir but now we have the long wait for the next book, as that weird robot on Amazon who always writes the same review for every book says. Well, we don’t, this series is over, but you know what I mean.
August 26, 2024
How to Survive at the End of the World: 3
The last book in this series, and it's definitely nice to have a series with a definite ending instead of an endless unfocused mess. The pressure is getting to Sean in this book, and he finds himself the last hope for the survivors of Earth. He decides to bet it all. Unfortunately, I had stuff going on in RL, so I wasn't able to read this all in one go, but it does have a solid, happy ending
The last book in this series, and it's definitely nice to have a series with a definite ending instead of an endless unfocused mess. The pressure is getting to Sean in this book, and he finds himself the last hope for the survivors of Earth. He decides to bet it all. Unfortunately, I had stuff going on in RL, so I wasn't able to read this all in one go, but it does have a solid, happy ending
June 28, 2025
Review: How to Survive at the End of the World Book 3 by R.C. Joshua
Strengths & Weaknesses Intensity & Escapism: If you want high-octane thrills and sci-fi fantasy mashups, this delivers. Fans praise it as a fun, engaging, and inspiring underdog story. New Allies & World-Building: A dragon, a pint-sized space smuggler, Sean’s trusty handyman friend—all may feel off-the-wall but enrich the chaos. Character Depth Trade-Off: Some readers note the new side characters and the antagonist are less fleshed out—“antagonist is only vaguely there…new side characters didn’t do it for me.” System & Powers: LitRPG mechanics—time magic, “shanky” class—remain entertaining, but the rules occasionally feel under-treated. One reader opined, “Why give the MC such versatile powers…and he still does the most boring things with it.”
Major Characters & Arcs Sean Lawrence – Former everyman turned interdimensional survivor. Book 3 thrusts him into cosmic exile with a shattered Earth-talisman. The arc navigates from survival to revenge to redemption. He begins lower than ever—working day labor—and emerges more potent, but questions of agency and emotional maturity linger.
Handyman Friend – A trusted ally with time-skipping abilities who becomes Sean’s linchpin. Offers narrative support and catalyzes Sean’s growth; remains primarily a functional sidekick, without deep personal arc. Dragon Companion – Initially a mythic ally in this book, their relationship adds weight to Sean’s understanding of loyalty. Emotionally anchoring yet not fully explored. Miniature Space Smuggler – A whimsical but stoic survivor who aids Sean. Serves as both comic relief and a reminder of what small-scale heroism still means in cosmic chaos.
Overarching Antagonist(s) – Alien invaders and cosmic forces hover in the background. Their presence drives conflict, but with less direct confrontation, leading some readers to feel the emotional antagonism is muted.
Minor Characters & Arcs Supporting Menial Workers & Allies: Populate the cosmic labor camps. Provide human contrast to Sean’s journey, though most remain sketches rather than fully drawn. Glory-Seeking Hirelings: Appear mid-book to test Sean’s resolve. Offer brief arcs of pride and hubris—episodic morality tales. Faceless Soldiers & Monsters: Serve as RPG fodder, with minimal personality. Useful for pacing but low emotional investment. Emotional Impact & Themes
This third installment delivers a thrilling, if not occasionally uneven, ride through LitRPG-infused apocalypse, with adrenaline-fueled action, quirky allies, and emotional punches—though sometimes at the expense of depth. Overall, it proves a fitting sequel that expands the scope and stakes.
Story & PacingAfter the harrowing showdown in Book 2, Sean Lawrence finds himself catapulted into a cold, unfamiliar universe—tethered only by a shattered talisman containing what remains of Earth. Assigning himself menial labor until his next break, he embarks on a wild, interdimensional quest for revenge, justice, and survival.
The pacing is brisk and relentless: cosmic time travel, space operatics, dragon allies, alien invaders—it’s a cacophony of spectacle and stakes. It’s a big bucket of over‑buttered popcorn during a Marvel movie…predictable, a little messy, but fun as hell.
Strengths & Weaknesses Intensity & Escapism: If you want high-octane thrills and sci-fi fantasy mashups, this delivers. Fans praise it as a fun, engaging, and inspiring underdog story. New Allies & World-Building: A dragon, a pint-sized space smuggler, Sean’s trusty handyman friend—all may feel off-the-wall but enrich the chaos. Character Depth Trade-Off: Some readers note the new side characters and the antagonist are less fleshed out—“antagonist is only vaguely there…new side characters didn’t do it for me.” System & Powers: LitRPG mechanics—time magic, “shanky” class—remain entertaining, but the rules occasionally feel under-treated. One reader opined, “Why give the MC such versatile powers…and he still does the most boring things with it.”
Major Characters & Arcs Sean Lawrence – Former everyman turned interdimensional survivor. Book 3 thrusts him into cosmic exile with a shattered Earth-talisman. The arc navigates from survival to revenge to redemption. He begins lower than ever—working day labor—and emerges more potent, but questions of agency and emotional maturity linger.
Handyman Friend – A trusted ally with time-skipping abilities who becomes Sean’s linchpin. Offers narrative support and catalyzes Sean’s growth; remains primarily a functional sidekick, without deep personal arc. Dragon Companion – Initially a mythic ally in this book, their relationship adds weight to Sean’s understanding of loyalty. Emotionally anchoring yet not fully explored. Miniature Space Smuggler – A whimsical but stoic survivor who aids Sean. Serves as both comic relief and a reminder of what small-scale heroism still means in cosmic chaos.
Overarching Antagonist(s) – Alien invaders and cosmic forces hover in the background. Their presence drives conflict, but with less direct confrontation, leading some readers to feel the emotional antagonism is muted.
Minor Characters & Arcs Supporting Menial Workers & Allies: Populate the cosmic labor camps. Provide human contrast to Sean’s journey, though most remain sketches rather than fully drawn. Glory-Seeking Hirelings: Appear mid-book to test Sean’s resolve. Offer brief arcs of pride and hubris—episodic morality tales. Faceless Soldiers & Monsters: Serve as RPG fodder, with minimal personality. Useful for pacing but low emotional investment. Emotional Impact & Themes
Thematic threads include: survival against insurmountable odds, the cost of vengeance, loyalty in the face of entropy, and transformation through adversity. While not profoundly philosophical, it resonates emotionally during key sequences—with dragons, talismans, and old friends providing echoes of hope and loss.
Final Take & RatingIf you’re seeking a deep, character-driven contemplative tale, this isn’t it. But if explosive action, sci-fi fantasy endings, and roller-coaster progression are what you crave, then Book 3 does not disappoint.
✨✨✨☆ ☆ (3/ 5)
“Predictable…a little messy, but fun as hell.”
“Antagonist is only vaguely there…new side characters didn’t do it for me.”Who Should Read This? If you loved the first two books and crave the wild fusion of LitRPG, apocalypse, and cosmic spectacle, jump into Book 3—you’ll have a blast. If character nuance, antagonist face-offs, and emotional subtlety matter most, be prepared—this one leans into thrills over depth.
For fans of interdimensional mayhem wrapped in RPG mechanics, Sean’s journey here is a worthy and exciting chapter—just don’t expect it to be Shakespeare. It’s popcorn fantasy: big, bold, and built for speed.
July 6, 2024
Fun everyday guy became a Hero
I am a person who finds video games boring but has always loved to read and watch movies, series. IDKY I can't hang with the role playing games when I love scifi fantasy. This book, this trilogy, was a fun, fast read not only for teenage boys. I'm a middle-aged woman and I liked it too! It was not deep or meaningful but it did make me smile at the quirky skills and root for the hero. I did want more out of the relationships and dialogue but the action scenes were good and so was the premise. Thanks a bunch!
I am a person who finds video games boring but has always loved to read and watch movies, series. IDKY I can't hang with the role playing games when I love scifi fantasy. This book, this trilogy, was a fun, fast read not only for teenage boys. I'm a middle-aged woman and I liked it too! It was not deep or meaningful but it did make me smile at the quirky skills and root for the hero. I did want more out of the relationships and dialogue but the action scenes were good and so was the premise. Thanks a bunch!
June 11, 2024
A fun(ny) series
I personally love hilarious books, and this series had me with tears in my eyes at points. The situations and the writing are so funny.
It is a well developed story with a clear plot that extends nicely over three books. Jeff and Sean are amazing characters, as are the others. The ending is satisfying and the writing is well done.
Overall, the series is a great read with really interesting characters. It was a fun way to spend a few afternoons!
I personally love hilarious books, and this series had me with tears in my eyes at points. The situations and the writing are so funny.
It is a well developed story with a clear plot that extends nicely over three books. Jeff and Sean are amazing characters, as are the others. The ending is satisfying and the writing is well done.
Overall, the series is a great read with really interesting characters. It was a fun way to spend a few afternoons!
August 25, 2024
a great series and fun read
The book says it’s about getting a chance to make a difference and it nails it. The series as a whole was fun, engaging and inspiring. An underdog story where the underdog still seems weak at the end despite always coming out ahead. The general premise of don’t be a jerk works very well. Overall fantastic book, great series lovable characters and an overall joy to read.
The book says it’s about getting a chance to make a difference and it nails it. The series as a whole was fun, engaging and inspiring. An underdog story where the underdog still seems weak at the end despite always coming out ahead. The general premise of don’t be a jerk works very well. Overall fantastic book, great series lovable characters and an overall joy to read.
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November 18, 2024A satisfying end to a great series.
I started reading this authors works backwards. I started with his latest series Demon World Boba shop and after finishing it went to this one. I've enjoyed both series so far and I feel a connection to the author and his worlds. I get where he's coming from and the characters he writes feel real. The world's are interesting and the action is fun but it's the characters that hold it all together.
I started reading this authors works backwards. I started with his latest series Demon World Boba shop and after finishing it went to this one. I've enjoyed both series so far and I feel a connection to the author and his worlds. I get where he's coming from and the characters he writes feel real. The world's are interesting and the action is fun but it's the characters that hold it all together.
February 1, 2025
Exactly What I Signed Up For
This isn’t Catcher in the Rye or Grapes of Wrath. It’s a big bucket of over-buttered popcorn during a Marvel movie—predictable, a little messy, but fun as hell. Book 3 keeps the action rolling, hits all the expected beats, and never tries to be something it’s not. No wild twists, no deep introspection, just solid, entertaining escapism. And honestly? That’s exactly what I wanted. Five stars.
This isn’t Catcher in the Rye or Grapes of Wrath. It’s a big bucket of over-buttered popcorn during a Marvel movie—predictable, a little messy, but fun as hell. Book 3 keeps the action rolling, hits all the expected beats, and never tries to be something it’s not. No wild twists, no deep introspection, just solid, entertaining escapism. And honestly? That’s exactly what I wanted. Five stars.
April 5, 2025
What a solid series
I truly think the best thing I can say about this series is that it is extremely solid. In a sea of never-ending litrpgs, finding an author who excels at wrapping up a fun story is incredibly rare, and I love it. The character was fun, easy to sympathize with, and got the job done through bullshit as most of us do. Loved it and I'll be here for the next series!
I truly think the best thing I can say about this series is that it is extremely solid. In a sea of never-ending litrpgs, finding an author who excels at wrapping up a fun story is incredibly rare, and I love it. The character was fun, easy to sympathize with, and got the job done through bullshit as most of us do. Loved it and I'll be here for the next series!
May 11, 2025
Surprisingly good
This series reminds me of Hitchhikers Guide, somehow, not in style as much as attitude. The MC was refreshingly human and the system and plot were spot-on. Lots of interesting language and turns of phrase. Now one of my favorite authors of this genre. Guess I'll have to read all the rest of his stuff now. Trusting it won't be too janky. Thanks for the entertainment R. C. Joshua!
This series reminds me of Hitchhikers Guide, somehow, not in style as much as attitude. The MC was refreshingly human and the system and plot were spot-on. Lots of interesting language and turns of phrase. Now one of my favorite authors of this genre. Guess I'll have to read all the rest of his stuff now. Trusting it won't be too janky. Thanks for the entertainment R. C. Joshua!
June 15, 2024
Like a warm bowl and of Ramen noodles
This was a fun book to read. Was it the best book ever? No, but it was satisfying to the last bite and filled that need for a good adventure with lots of action. Loved the red-neck class and saving the world by using garbage in the weirdest combinations.
This was a fun book to read. Was it the best book ever? No, but it was satisfying to the last bite and filled that need for a good adventure with lots of action. Loved the red-neck class and saving the world by using garbage in the weirdest combinations.
June 19, 2024
Absolutely Amazing
This book was the perfect end to the trilogy, and I really loved it. While it might seem childish, it doesn’t remotely remove from the joy it brought me while reading, because who doesn’t want the foolish, goofy, ridiculous dude to win? The perfect happily ever after twist to end the story. Bravo.
This book was the perfect end to the trilogy, and I really loved it. While it might seem childish, it doesn’t remotely remove from the joy it brought me while reading, because who doesn’t want the foolish, goofy, ridiculous dude to win? The perfect happily ever after twist to end the story. Bravo.
July 23, 2024
All good things...
Sean has a purpose and must at last execute it. That is, if he can come up with enough jankiness to thwart those trying to kill him for it. With Jeff spiraling thru time on Sean's behalf, the rest of his team must stay ahead of an entire species of to kill him, just for the spite of it.
Sean has a purpose and must at last execute it. That is, if he can come up with enough jankiness to thwart those trying to kill him for it. With Jeff spiraling thru time on Sean's behalf, the rest of his team must stay ahead of an entire species of to kill him, just for the spite of it.
July 28, 2024
A good three course meal
A relatively short story about a man that finds himself during an apocalypse and ends up with a gaggle of friends, a scary girlfriend and a resurrected (kinda) world for the Earthlings left after the world ended.
It’s written well and has enough action, relatable characters and vivid imagination to get me to speedrun the books. Highly recommended.
A relatively short story about a man that finds himself during an apocalypse and ends up with a gaggle of friends, a scary girlfriend and a resurrected (kinda) world for the Earthlings left after the world ended.
It’s written well and has enough action, relatable characters and vivid imagination to get me to speedrun the books. Highly recommended.
August 30, 2024
fantastic and unique LitRPG story
This is a great series and honestly, it makes it even better to me that it’s a relatively short 3 book series compared to some other isekai and litrpgs that are on book 20 of infinity.. the powers and levels progress well and the characters have a solid back story
This is a great series and honestly, it makes it even better to me that it’s a relatively short 3 book series compared to some other isekai and litrpgs that are on book 20 of infinity.. the powers and levels progress well and the characters have a solid back story
December 16, 2024
So boring and too odd
Seriously it's a difficult read, the author uses many uncommon terms from like the 170's and obscure references and some of the names are just odd. The main character is a sad mentally under developed almost mentally challenged individual. I just couldn't finish the series this is it, I'm returning the book from K.U and find something else
Seriously it's a difficult read, the author uses many uncommon terms from like the 170's and obscure references and some of the names are just odd. The main character is a sad mentally under developed almost mentally challenged individual. I just couldn't finish the series this is it, I'm returning the book from K.U and find something else
July 17, 2025
Solid ending with a good mix of surprises and satisfying things that I expected. It was a lot more than just a big battle. The characters really grew. And this book was the funniest of the series (which is saying something). I laughed out loud multiple times. If you like these kinds of stories, I highly recommend this series.
June 9, 2024
Satisfying series!
I’m not going to lie, the Brett storyline hurt me bad but the ending made up for it. So glad to see how everything was pulled together and resolved and just enjoyed the entire series.
I’m not going to lie, the Brett storyline hurt me bad but the ending made up for it. So glad to see how everything was pulled together and resolved and just enjoyed the entire series.
June 15, 2024
Red heads rule
The story is great and the characters are well thought out there is a little skipping in the story but not much. It's A fun read and well written I can't wait to read his next series.
The story is great and the characters are well thought out there is a little skipping in the story but not much. It's A fun read and well written I can't wait to read his next series.
July 4, 2024
Fun Read
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. The flow of the story was excellent. I found myself unable to put it down until I knew how each battle ended. I would love to see it as a mini-series. It's that good.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. The flow of the story was excellent. I found myself unable to put it down until I knew how each battle ended. I would love to see it as a mini-series. It's that good.
July 18, 2024
Wonderful series!
Love the series . This last book was great and tied up all the loose ends. Sean was a good character! Was he overpowered, yes. Did he barely escape, yes. He has some great friends who helped him throughout his adventures. I do recommend the books!😊
Love the series . This last book was great and tied up all the loose ends. Sean was a good character! Was he overpowered, yes. Did he barely escape, yes. He has some great friends who helped him throughout his adventures. I do recommend the books!😊
December 8, 2024
good
I really enjoyed all of these books and
It took me about 3-4 days to read them. I liked the concept and the
Style of the story as it was written. I hope that more of you read and enjoy this work, start at the beginning. Merry Christmas!
I really enjoyed all of these books and
It took me about 3-4 days to read them. I liked the concept and the
Style of the story as it was written. I hope that more of you read and enjoy this work, start at the beginning. Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2024
Great trilogy. Unexpected yet a steady climb.
Every thing comes slow and steady, but every new moment is increased by the moment before. You don't have any out of this world experiences by themselves. But by the end each tidbit is awesome due to all the tidbits that came before.
Every thing comes slow and steady, but every new moment is increased by the moment before. You don't have any out of this world experiences by themselves. But by the end each tidbit is awesome due to all the tidbits that came before.
June 7, 2024
Very good
A well-built world, story, and characters. A very good conclusion to the trilogy; even though I didn't want it to end.
A well-built world, story, and characters. A very good conclusion to the trilogy; even though I didn't want it to end.
June 8, 2024
Still binging
This story touched a lot in me I did not understand until I read it. Thanks truly for writing it.
This story touched a lot in me I did not understand until I read it. Thanks truly for writing it.
June 16, 2024
surprisingly great
Wasn’t expecting this to be a great series but it was random a little janky but it was fun really fun but oh so very random lol
Wasn’t expecting this to be a great series but it was random a little janky but it was fun really fun but oh so very random lol
June 30, 2024
Book three
This is another series that I read on Royalroad. I actually think that this series got better the deeper you get into it.
8/10 I enjoyed reading this one.
This is another series that I read on Royalroad. I actually think that this series got better the deeper you get into it.
8/10 I enjoyed reading this one.
July 7, 2024
Really enjoyed
I really enjoyed thi trilogy. Good writing, great character development, and very interesting concepts. Well done to the author and I look forward to further content.
I really enjoyed thi trilogy. Good writing, great character development, and very interesting concepts. Well done to the author and I look forward to further content.
July 16, 2024
A Great ending to the Trilogy!
I enjoyed the trilogy alot. My sister recommended I read these books and I'm glad I did. I'll start on reading RC's other books soon.
I enjoyed the trilogy alot. My sister recommended I read these books and I'm glad I did. I'll start on reading RC's other books soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews