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System Universe #8

System Clash

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With Alanah having ascended, Derek now has a favor to fulfill.

In preparation for things to come, Derek spent most of his time in Cydaria making it safe for all of his friends and companions. He saw Thomas off to the Academy, helped Brandi with materials for crafting, and more.

Once he had Savanna to his liking, he chose to adventure with Alanah. They traveled to the other continent and explored different kingdoms before ending up in Linderis—Alanah’s birthplace. Alanah had no good memories of there, save for her mother.

The two of them, with a little help, traveled to the Echoing Abyss, where Alanah found a keepsake she thought lost forever. Then, they face the Echoing Willow, the World Boss which haunted the Dawn Siren’s dreams from when she was a child.

The willow defeated and everything calm in Cydaria, Alanah ascended and Derek swore to go find her one day. Now, all that awaits Derek is Dave’s favor.


Don’t miss the eighth installment of Derek’s journey in the System Universe. Join Derek in this unique combination of the LitRPG, Isekai, and Slice of Life genres. He has friends, a bond that should last forever, and even a home. What more could our overpowered protagonist ask for?

744 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2025

836 people are currently reading
210 people want to read

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SunriseCV

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5 stars
1,359 (74%)
4 stars
372 (20%)
3 stars
70 (3%)
2 stars
11 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for James Crutchley.
26 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2025
Best in series

After a multi-book arc we finally have some long awaited plot lines completed. It was glorious and I thoroughly enjoyed how it worked out. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Adam.
437 reviews65 followers
November 15, 2025
Such a hard book to rate. As with book 7, the first 50% was an absolute drag - Derek wanders around doing nothing since he is so OP that he has nothing to do and no real goals. The second half of the book, featuring the titular "system clash," is far more entertaining. The series definitely needs to come to an end soon...
Profile Image for Andrew G.
142 reviews11 followers
November 15, 2025
Unlike too many other series, this one is still throwing heavy punches 8 books in!

This series does just about everything right in the genre. I’m solidly impressed with the consistency of this series to deliver book and after book with their own self-contained story arcs and rewarding payoffs. But the war was mishandled IMHO.

The characters of this series are really one of its strong points. We touched on most of them in this book, as we will be getting a soft reset next book when the MC ascends to the next system. However, I felt many characters were underutilized in the system invasion event.

The world building is fairly unique. I know the Welcome to the Multiverse series has other systems but it’s not like this series where they seem to hunt each other and have tiers above others. I think we are going to get more lore on this in the next book.

The magic system is similar to many LitRPG series, but what I think works so well about this one, is the level caps. It works like cultivation series where the people at the top aren’t literally blowing up solar systems and fighting in universe-sized dungeons. The trap of those types of systems is the only place the story can go is up, more power. And antagonists are always conventionally at or just above the protagonists level to present the illusion of a challenge. This series, yeah MC can beat anyone his system, but he can’t blow up planets, he can’t even blow up cities. These limits make the stories easier to tell without getting repetitive. And having limited skills and skill levels means less of a burden for the author to manage down the line. Too many authors write themselves into a skill sheet debt they have to then manage on the page forever, longer and longer as they go. That’s what Path of Ascension and Defiance of the Fall have become, just stat sheet maintenance, total, boring jargon.

The plots are always engaging in this series because they don’t feel contrived with forced stakes.

The payoffs are great because they are from an investment in progression, and they play out in emotionally satisfying ways. In this book, the climax could have played out many different ways. It played out the way it did because of planning and preparation and a heavy dose of fun.

That said, I do feel the system clash event felt a bit rushed. I don’t know if that’s the author trying to keep things simple, or managing his word count, not sure. I appreciate so much that the author finished the whole invasion in one book, but I wanted more out of it. More fights from our characters, especially since they are going away. There was pretty much zero use of the dragonkin in the fight. We introduced a whole new dwarf character and he didn’t do anything, I guess his whole purpose was to facilitate the armor?

I also think the system event is a plot hole. The epilogue states that like dozens of times there have been invasions by the universal system on planetary-tier systems, but only six has the planetary-tier system won. The universal systems are limited to legendary tier, but have many worlds and many more people. The planetary-tier systems are limited to mythical, but only have single, gigantic worlds and smaller populations. It’s quantity over quality.

That established, what sense does the third party combat system make? 10 champions from each side and four defender strongholds. If either side loses all their champions, they lose, if the defenders lose all their strongholds, they lose, and if the attackers can’t do either in 90 days, they lose.

This means there’s no way a quantity system should ever beat a quality system. Even just one mythical max level champion could obliterate all the champions of the legendary limited system. So none of the way it’s set up makes sense. I think the author did it because he was trying to make the process of the war simple and easier to follow and narrate. But it’s a plot hole.

But more than the pothole, it was a mistake. The title of the series is System Universe, a universe full of systems. We’ve been baiting this system vs. system warfare from the first book, and the war lasts a few weeks and maybe 20% of the book? Where are the huge armies of the quantity folks? Why aren’t they torching cities, killing and pillaging to draw out champions? There’s no strategy at all from the invaders or any ability to capitalize on their strengths. So pretty disappointed with this aspect of an otherwise great series. And have to count off a point for that.

In conclusion, this is a series that hits all the pillars. Its foundation and narrative choices make it one the most rewarding series. It does things right. But sadly only most of the time.
2,351 reviews
November 15, 2025
Best! Book! Evarrr! Get it and watch what happens as Systems Clash!

Best! Book! Evarrr! I absodamnlutely loved every mesmerizing minute. Derek trained, fought monsters to gain strength, and spared with friends to gain resistances. All the while hoping to catch up with Alanah Swan and take her out for their first date. But soon discovers that the Davenresh System is in danger of being attacked by the system he left on earth! So Derek slows his own Ascension down, to strengthen his friends/family. Family by choice rather than blood, inorder to be ready and fight for the system and their world! And wow Jace, a wild card, a man also from earth and possibly even a friend...
So grab the book to find out what happens when Systems Clash.

Here's some quotes:

“I enjoy meeting people without introductions first. You can learn a lot about a person by doing so.” “They usually just attack me…” Derek muttered."

"And…most of the people I’ve fought one-on-one for real would say that my offense is much more dangerous than my defense…” He paused, then shook his head. “No…they wouldn’t say anything, actually. They are dead.”

“She called you bald,” Derek replied with a smile. “No, she said I have a shiny head.” Jace chuckled. “That…is a compliment.”

“With your powers combined…” Derek muttered as he watched the phenomenon in front of him. “Captain Idiot…”
Profile Image for Donna.
169 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2025
I’ll read another but it was only okey.

Others have given a good review rundown I won’t repeat. It’s true the beginning slice of life could have flowed better, condensed, and left more room for the invasion. I’m glad the author doesn’t want wholesale slaughter but the invasion setup didn’t make sense for quality vs quantity. What really took points off for me was wasted potential. We like other characters besides the mc that’s the true strength of this series. This was a perfect opportunity for Derrick to raise them up. The perfect opportunity for the readers to get interesting fights instead of OP MC, but no. Didn’t even get enough Silvi. Would have loved to see her charge in to save big sparky again. Lyra vs that Holcomb dude. Nix vs that cat chick. Braxi vs the 4 arm guy. This author has created a world and characters beyond his talent to fully utilize.
115 reviews
November 28, 2025
It was refreshing to get back to the basics and this book really did. It can't go all the way back since you can't take his levels away but I'm sure I'll say this about the next book.

Derek clears out his entire backlog of things to do and makes sure everything is set up properly for the clash. The clash is about 50-60% of the way through the book and definitely put a smile on my face reading. Personally I wish it was longer as we got to see some good fights from Derek.

We are introduced to an interesting side character who is just basically put on the sidelines. This character probably won't appear again either so I was a little confused as to why the character is so fleshed out.

Excited for Derek to hopefully have a challenge next book and not completely steam roll through everything.
Profile Image for Mariana Valdoleiros.
20 reviews
December 2, 2025
My only disappointment with this book is that I was sure I still had another one in the series to read… but I miscounted. Hehe.

Like usual, it was a breath of fresh air for the genre. The story keeps moving along—actually, I think it’s really picking up now.

What I don’t appreciate as much about this series is that the protagonist keeps refusing to take his enemies seriously. Yes, so far he’s been stronger than all of them, but it only takes one mistake for it to be the first and last time he gets that chance. He doesn’t dodge attacks he easily could, and he keeps sparing people who are literally trying to kill him just because “they just attacked him , not his friends.”

Profile Image for Trey richardson.
229 reviews20 followers
November 23, 2025
Please don’t let the power scale be ruined!!

The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because I feel like the author will cheapen the series in the next book. There was already power scaling issues with this book. But if Derek manages to take his supports with him it will invalidate how power is gained and the levels of power in the series. No one other than silvi should be able to go with him. Leave it at Alana being there with him and the fact that he prepared the others he cares about to live without him. He had a unique set of circumstances that lead to his insane power. All others should still have to climb the later naturally which takes centuries. If he gets what he wants and brings Brandi, Jace or the others with him I’ll be done reading the series.
137 reviews
November 13, 2025
The Best LitRPG Series...Period!

I have read all of these books both on Royal Road and Kindle Unlimited (back when it was affordable).

The best thing about these books is that the protagonist is not fighting teen angst, big bads, end of the world hero nonsense, childhood tragedies, saving loved ones, romances or harems. I personally hate books containing all of those previously mentioned idiotic themes.

This is just about a guy wandering the universe, keeping himself and his friends alive. Just the way that I like a story to unfold. Why can't more authors write like this?!?!
2,534 reviews72 followers
November 14, 2025
This was a colossal disappointment. Since the last book was all wrap up, I thought this one would start the next story arc. I was wrong. The first third is more tedious wrap up. The middle is tedious set up. The last bit is alluded to finally be a conclusion, and it devolves into boring hide and seek. This was about the worst way to end a story arc, I was actively skimming sections to get to some kind of story. I doubt I will continue this series, the writing has become incredibly lacking and I doubt there is any actual direction for the story.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,896 reviews49 followers
November 23, 2025
System Clash takes on a meeting of the original system from the main character's home system (earth), and the system he wound up in after getting out of the void. It's interesting, although predictable, but still makes for an amusing story. If you liked the other books in the series, you're not likely to be disappointed by this offering.
87 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2025
Good book but the same old annoying MC

Dereck is the same old annoying, overpower, arrogant MC that he always was. His only saving grace is that he still prepares for the unexpected. I guess you can’t get to his level without being willing to do stupid stuff, like take off your mythical armor to fight someone who could kill you just to see how strong you actually are in battle. It will be interesting to see where this series goes have he ascends.
Profile Image for Karen Collyer.
Author 2 books
November 12, 2025
Almost sleepless night

Don't start reading it at 12.30am on release day. It means an almost sleepless night and nothing achieved the next day.
If course, I missed the Dawn Siren but the other inhabitants of the System Universe are on top form.
A great read, even if you aren't really into RPG Lit.
Profile Image for Andrew Riley.
199 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2025
Brilliant

Really enjoy this series and always want more after finishing trashy so end up reading from the beginning and reading the last book with it. Jace was a funny addition to the book most reading about Alanna and as always Derick is a fun read.Really looking forward to system origin. Keep the book comin g as it's still one of my top e series to read.
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,588 reviews12 followers
November 15, 2025
Overall Excellent Stuff

I really enjoyed this series though this episode was not as good. I thought the clash of the different systems would be more interesting. Our guy just dominated to no surprise and no clear answers were given. Hopefully the next episode will clear and clean up this cliffhanger.
Profile Image for William Howe.
1,801 reviews88 followers
November 17, 2025
it drags for awhile

Basically, all of the different characters need to get ready for the main event. Most of the first half is Derek taking care of old business.

Then he gets serious about finishing the system quest, and every thing starts moving. Some excellent fights really round out the book.

Pre-ordered book 9
37 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2025
good installment

Good installment in the series I think the only reason for four stars is one of my personal preference. I think a lot of these books where something happens to someone and now they’re in God mode are just getting old as a genre, but still a pretty good installment.
134 reviews
November 23, 2025
A great callback climax

This book does a great job of blending events from the very beginning of the story into a fun climax for this section of the series. The fights are enjoyable and cool and the character interactions with the many new characters are a lot of fun.

I'm very much looking forward to the next book, but this was also a satisfying ending for now.
15 reviews
November 27, 2025
Derek Hunt

This book seemed to be paced slightly different than the rest. A lot of waiting. Tying up lose ends. I genuinely enjoy the story and the characters. I just wish there had been a bit more strategy and fighting.

The overall plot was great, the story itself is immersive.

Waiting patiently for the next book. This has been my go to comfort series for LITRPG.
Profile Image for Old Time Tales.
310 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2025
It all starts to come together.

All the hints, all the clues, all the foreshadowing from earlier books in the series, they all start to come together here in a satisfying step forward. We still don’t know what is next for Derek and his friends but we get a solid battle between the systems.

Well done!

Read every day!
15 reviews
November 12, 2025
Love how this author writes

T.his was a great final chapter for the "Dave system". It is awesome to finally see Derek and Jason interact. I can't wait to see Derek finally ascend to the "Great System"
3 reviews
November 14, 2025
Another great read of Derek with new and old friends

Another great book in the series. If you haven't read the others, go back! Great book 8. Looking forward to seeing where the story takes our hero next.
3 reviews
November 14, 2025
Good installment

Super happy with this book. Was worried there would be a drop in quality. There was not. Intriguing and I stayed up all night to Finish the book. Well done to the author for another great book
128 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
great book

What a great book. It almost makes up for the boring filler chapters and books. Almost. It took too long to get to this point but this book certainly delivers. Definitely a great reward for sticking with the series. Fabulous. Great job.
Profile Image for Kolby Kinsey.
6 reviews
November 15, 2025
Great book!

Finally we get to see Jace and Derek’s old system face the new. Great book! I enjoyed the pace. The battles but I miss Alanah and that dynamic. How many books do we have to go without her? Still, great addition to the series. Keep them coming!
Profile Image for Scott.
1,485 reviews12 followers
November 23, 2025
Brilliant Arc

The adventures of Derek continues and now as he works towards leaving, the hidden side starts to come out more and we get a peak behind the curtain. Got to love the new characters and the extra bit if humour added in for this one.
28 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
If u haven't read this series...

You don't know what you're missing. I cannot wait for the next series! Excellent in every regard; from writing, to characters, to plot, you name it. Outstanding!
103 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
awesome

Another great addition to the series. It started off a bit slow as Derek set the scene, but when the fights came the action scenes were great and I can’t wait to see what the next level looks like.
Profile Image for Dan Pangione.
10 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2025
These books have been getting better and better. The story has always been excellent, but the dialogue has left a lot of room for improvement. I'm happy to say it has reached a high level, making the story even more engaging. I am anxiously awaiting the next volume! Keep up the good work!
398 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2025
fun. not too complicated

The series continues as it has been. It’s fun, it has interesting characters, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Enough things to still discover that it stays interesting and some plot lines started long ago finally come to fruition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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