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Super Genetics #1
System Awakening
There are no heroes in Wichita…
The heroes Terry Fairway once idolized have turned against him, hunting him down at every turn. His grandfather, the ruthless S-ranked necromancer who rules the city, watches from his throne as the people starve and suffer. Vampires stalk the streets unchecked, feeding on the innocent without fear of reprisal.
Terry always believed his family were the good guys, but Wichita isn't a city of heroes or villains—it's a city of power. And if power is all that matters, then power is what Terry will seize.
He’ll become powerful enough to drive the vampires from the shadows. Powerful enough to feed the hungry and defend the downtrodden. Powerful enough to challenge his grandfather and bring hope to a city drowning in darkness.
Because even in the deepest black, a single light can spark a revolution. And Terry's ready to burn bright.
Or burn it all to the ground trying.
The heroes Terry Fairway once idolized have turned against him, hunting him down at every turn. His grandfather, the ruthless S-ranked necromancer who rules the city, watches from his throne as the people starve and suffer. Vampires stalk the streets unchecked, feeding on the innocent without fear of reprisal.
Terry always believed his family were the good guys, but Wichita isn't a city of heroes or villains—it's a city of power. And if power is all that matters, then power is what Terry will seize.
He’ll become powerful enough to drive the vampires from the shadows. Powerful enough to feed the hungry and defend the downtrodden. Powerful enough to challenge his grandfather and bring hope to a city drowning in darkness.
Because even in the deepest black, a single light can spark a revolution. And Terry's ready to burn bright.
Or burn it all to the ground trying.
- GenresFantasySuperheroes
1100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2025
701 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 23, 2025
Teenage angst
First I DNF this book. I made it to about 50% and just couldn’t stand it anymore.
The ENTIRE book so far is basically just more drama and angst than a 90s teenager sitcom on CW! The MC is a 13 year old kid with all the annoying that comes with that. Sadly even being 13, he acts like a petulant child the majority of the time. The family dynamics are beyond cringe, heck his own grandfather treats the family as nothing more than chess pieces to position.
The “system” when he finally awakens is just awful. Literally sets up a linear roller coaster track. They have to follow quests from some super powerful beings that run it, and if they don’t there are consequences. There are rules they have to adhere to and of course the first rule of fight club is…. Don’t talk about it.
It could have been a really interesting book and series but the delivery was so bad, I genuinely feel like I wasted a day reading as much as I did. The book is super long but takes forever to accomplish nothing.
It might have gotten better in the end, but definitely not worth the time it takes to get there.
First I DNF this book. I made it to about 50% and just couldn’t stand it anymore.
The ENTIRE book so far is basically just more drama and angst than a 90s teenager sitcom on CW! The MC is a 13 year old kid with all the annoying that comes with that. Sadly even being 13, he acts like a petulant child the majority of the time. The family dynamics are beyond cringe, heck his own grandfather treats the family as nothing more than chess pieces to position.
The “system” when he finally awakens is just awful. Literally sets up a linear roller coaster track. They have to follow quests from some super powerful beings that run it, and if they don’t there are consequences. There are rules they have to adhere to and of course the first rule of fight club is…. Don’t talk about it.
It could have been a really interesting book and series but the delivery was so bad, I genuinely feel like I wasted a day reading as much as I did. The book is super long but takes forever to accomplish nothing.
It might have gotten better in the end, but definitely not worth the time it takes to get there.
March 14, 2025
Disclaimer:
Due to the nature of Goodreads’ aggregate review system, I only leave 5-star reviews. Please note that a 5-star rating does not mean the book is perfect; it simply means I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. I will try to specify in my review the type of reader who might enjoy the book.
Negative reviews are not something I typically write.
I primarily listen to audiobooks, so I’m not concerned with punctuation or minor editing errors. However, I may comment on the quality of the narration.
Review:
This book turned out to be much better than I expected, so much so that I’m now eager to explore the author’s other works. I’ve read a few other Superhero LitRPG books, and I’d say this one is among the best executed that I’ve encountered. The only book in the genre I’d rate higher in terms of personal enjoyment would be Super Supportive (also on Royal Road).
I really appreciated the explanation behind the origins of the “system” and the complexity it introduces in distinguishing friend from foe, as well as hero from villain. As the story progresses, we’re definitely heading toward a very overpowered main character, but the journey there feels earned rather than contrived. It’s a coming-of-age story that also tackles some complex moral questions beneath the surface.
If you enjoy superhero stories and LitRPG/progression fantasy, I think you’ll enjoy this book. The audiobook was also excellently narrated. Daniel Wisniewski has earned a spot in my top five narrators of all time, alongside Travis Baldree and Nick Podehl.
Due to the nature of Goodreads’ aggregate review system, I only leave 5-star reviews. Please note that a 5-star rating does not mean the book is perfect; it simply means I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. I will try to specify in my review the type of reader who might enjoy the book.
Negative reviews are not something I typically write.
I primarily listen to audiobooks, so I’m not concerned with punctuation or minor editing errors. However, I may comment on the quality of the narration.
Review:
This book turned out to be much better than I expected, so much so that I’m now eager to explore the author’s other works. I’ve read a few other Superhero LitRPG books, and I’d say this one is among the best executed that I’ve encountered. The only book in the genre I’d rate higher in terms of personal enjoyment would be Super Supportive (also on Royal Road).
I really appreciated the explanation behind the origins of the “system” and the complexity it introduces in distinguishing friend from foe, as well as hero from villain. As the story progresses, we’re definitely heading toward a very overpowered main character, but the journey there feels earned rather than contrived. It’s a coming-of-age story that also tackles some complex moral questions beneath the surface.
If you enjoy superhero stories and LitRPG/progression fantasy, I think you’ll enjoy this book. The audiobook was also excellently narrated. Daniel Wisniewski has earned a spot in my top five narrators of all time, alongside Travis Baldree and Nick Podehl.
August 29, 2025
Sean is continuing to show his upwards trajectory as a story teller, and SA is a great start to an epic tale.
System Awakening had a very unique approach and one that certainly avoids many of the shortcuts and clichés you might find in similar stories. Instead of rushing into action, the author takes time to build the world and characters and I really emphasize that. The first half of the books is not how the story ends. It was clear that Sean loved and wanted to lay a large foundation for this story to evolve from. As some readers may mention, this story shifts quickly just after the midway point, and it certainly seems deliberately done by Sean, but for good reasons.
Once Terry gains his powers, the story quickly starts to evolve and many mysteries and the twists and turns of the story begin to unfold. There are some family dynamics that are certainly unique with that slight flair of political intrigue that makes you naturally become curious for more. The story is very unpredictable, and is cleverly executed to bring you twists and turns within the plots that don’t feel forced.
Overall, the story is really well-plotted out. Sean knew where he was going and took you through a very creative and thoughtfully written path. System Awakening is engaging and worth your time if you like superhero stories, but want a new and fresh take on them.
System Awakening had a very unique approach and one that certainly avoids many of the shortcuts and clichés you might find in similar stories. Instead of rushing into action, the author takes time to build the world and characters and I really emphasize that. The first half of the books is not how the story ends. It was clear that Sean loved and wanted to lay a large foundation for this story to evolve from. As some readers may mention, this story shifts quickly just after the midway point, and it certainly seems deliberately done by Sean, but for good reasons.
Once Terry gains his powers, the story quickly starts to evolve and many mysteries and the twists and turns of the story begin to unfold. There are some family dynamics that are certainly unique with that slight flair of political intrigue that makes you naturally become curious for more. The story is very unpredictable, and is cleverly executed to bring you twists and turns within the plots that don’t feel forced.
Overall, the story is really well-plotted out. Sean knew where he was going and took you through a very creative and thoughtfully written path. System Awakening is engaging and worth your time if you like superhero stories, but want a new and fresh take on them.
September 10, 2025
Petulant and asinine
The MC is a stupid and petulant child. The MC makes so many stupid decisions just because his mother "dies" (I don't know if she dies because I only made it through 29%) and his father has to govern another city because of a war. Then the MC keeps saying he needs to grow up and start being an adult, BUT he keeps making stupid and childish choices. If there's one thing that annoys me about these books these days, it's when the MC keeps saying, "I'm going to do better" or "I need to do better." Then keeps doing stupid and childish stuff. You only get 2 stars because the editing was good and I've come across to many books recently that seems to have been proof read by 3rd graders.
The MC is a stupid and petulant child. The MC makes so many stupid decisions just because his mother "dies" (I don't know if she dies because I only made it through 29%) and his father has to govern another city because of a war. Then the MC keeps saying he needs to grow up and start being an adult, BUT he keeps making stupid and childish choices. If there's one thing that annoys me about these books these days, it's when the MC keeps saying, "I'm going to do better" or "I need to do better." Then keeps doing stupid and childish stuff. You only get 2 stars because the editing was good and I've come across to many books recently that seems to have been proof read by 3rd graders.
March 10, 2025
Keep reading… it’ll be worth it!
Not going to lie, the world building at the beginning was really cool but also felt pretty slow compared to what most books in the genre provide. It served to build a sense of who the MC was and how incredibly wrong the world had become.
It gets into some philosophical stuff about Good and Evil being all gray in the big picture - justifying a nihilistic world view where ends justifies the means.
After a first read, that last sentence sums up what the book explores… in a superhero litrpg world with multiple Systems playing 4D chess with people as the game pieces.
I don’t usually take the time to write reviews but authors don’t usually take the time and effort to make me think of terms like “nihilistic worldview” so I’m looking forward to more!
Not going to lie, the world building at the beginning was really cool but also felt pretty slow compared to what most books in the genre provide. It served to build a sense of who the MC was and how incredibly wrong the world had become.
It gets into some philosophical stuff about Good and Evil being all gray in the big picture - justifying a nihilistic world view where ends justifies the means.
After a first read, that last sentence sums up what the book explores… in a superhero litrpg world with multiple Systems playing 4D chess with people as the game pieces.
I don’t usually take the time to write reviews but authors don’t usually take the time and effort to make me think of terms like “nihilistic worldview” so I’m looking forward to more!
May 5, 2025
Different take on LitRPG and superheroes
I want sure what to expect with this book, and for the first bit I was a little impatient to get to the good stuff....but, in retrospect, I think the pacing was right. Dunning has done some awesome worldbuilding, with a plot that keeps twisting and turning enough that you're not quite sure where it's going next.
I found I did really start to enjoy Terry, though in places his brash aparición SAS very immature....which I kind of to be expected from a young teenager, TBH. So, that part might be more realistic than many realize. All in all, the story ended in an interesting spot and I'm curious about how it will develop in the next book of the series.
I want sure what to expect with this book, and for the first bit I was a little impatient to get to the good stuff....but, in retrospect, I think the pacing was right. Dunning has done some awesome worldbuilding, with a plot that keeps twisting and turning enough that you're not quite sure where it's going next.
I found I did really start to enjoy Terry, though in places his brash aparición SAS very immature....which I kind of to be expected from a young teenager, TBH. So, that part might be more realistic than many realize. All in all, the story ended in an interesting spot and I'm curious about how it will develop in the next book of the series.
May 12, 2025
Yeah it was a little angsty...(Via Audiobook)
I'd run out of good books to listen to so I gave this one a chance. It was tough to begin with and I thought about DNF'ing it, but I'd just DNF'd five books in a row so I needed to be more generous. And good thing too.
For six hours I listened and there was angst and petulance. But of course the MC is a 14 year old royal, so personal development shouldn't be expected.
After this point things began to change and the story expanded and gained some depth.
Intrigue was introduced, machinations were unearthed and troublesome life truths were revealed to the MC creating a vehicle for change. And change he did.
I'm glad I gave this book a chance as I'll be chasing down all future editions.
I had to pull back one star due to the beginning slog, and due to the lack of growth given to Tanya (Tania?). She's introduced and then sidelined. I can only assume she will be more present in the future escapades.
I'd run out of good books to listen to so I gave this one a chance. It was tough to begin with and I thought about DNF'ing it, but I'd just DNF'd five books in a row so I needed to be more generous. And good thing too.
For six hours I listened and there was angst and petulance. But of course the MC is a 14 year old royal, so personal development shouldn't be expected.
After this point things began to change and the story expanded and gained some depth.
Intrigue was introduced, machinations were unearthed and troublesome life truths were revealed to the MC creating a vehicle for change. And change he did.
I'm glad I gave this book a chance as I'll be chasing down all future editions.
I had to pull back one star due to the beginning slog, and due to the lack of growth given to Tanya (Tania?). She's introduced and then sidelined. I can only assume she will be more present in the future escapades.
April 18, 2025
family drama + superhero dystopia
I didn’t have any expectations coming into this book and was pleasantly surprised. Set in a world where the advent of superpowers has thrown the world into chaos, it centers around Terry, the son and grandson of a superhero family.
Well plotted with realistic family dynamics and an explanation of where powers come from which drives the plot forward, this reads more like an actual novel rather than the episodic ‘numbers go up’ that you often get in Litrpg.
It’s not perfect—the motivations of characters are at times too neatly wrapped up and many of the secondary characters are 2 dimensional—but worth your time. I will be picking up the sequel.
I didn’t have any expectations coming into this book and was pleasantly surprised. Set in a world where the advent of superpowers has thrown the world into chaos, it centers around Terry, the son and grandson of a superhero family.
Well plotted with realistic family dynamics and an explanation of where powers come from which drives the plot forward, this reads more like an actual novel rather than the episodic ‘numbers go up’ that you often get in Litrpg.
It’s not perfect—the motivations of characters are at times too neatly wrapped up and many of the secondary characters are 2 dimensional—but worth your time. I will be picking up the sequel.
March 21, 2025
First 1/3 of the book starts off slow, with a non-powered, weak-ass normie MC. But it's all part of the integral world-building needed to set the environment and rules of the universe. Once you get past the first 1/3 of the book then stuff starts getting interesting, with the action really picking up and the author begins to dig deep into everything.
I like that the MC doesn't become a total badass overnight, but must use his skills to their limit as well as his ingenuity and some assists by the System to get where he needs to go.
Definitely looking forward to starting Book 2.
I like that the MC doesn't become a total badass overnight, but must use his skills to their limit as well as his ingenuity and some assists by the System to get where he needs to go.
Definitely looking forward to starting Book 2.
July 20, 2025
This is a higher story-to-progression ratio and was better for it.
Took a bit longer to get going than I'd like, maybe the first 1/4 could use some editing to tighten the story.
It also did a good job of making you assume something and then either rewarding it or changing your expectations based on new information. That was nice to see some breadcrumbs and storytelling in the genre,e and not just brainless aurafarming. That is fun, but sometimes you want more substance than things like PH or DoTF, HwFWm, which have just 1 note to play for 4+ books in a row.
Interested in more.
Took a bit longer to get going than I'd like, maybe the first 1/4 could use some editing to tighten the story.
It also did a good job of making you assume something and then either rewarding it or changing your expectations based on new information. That was nice to see some breadcrumbs and storytelling in the genre,e and not just brainless aurafarming. That is fun, but sometimes you want more substance than things like PH or DoTF, HwFWm, which have just 1 note to play for 4+ books in a row.
Interested in more.
August 28, 2025
wow
Okay, this was one hell of a ride. It just gets better and better as it goes. Twists and turns that I did not expect at all. This is a who needs sleep book, get up early, nope gotta hit the next chapter gotta know what happens next.
Fair warning, the author has one hell of a twisted mind in the best possible way. I will read everything he writes after this because I enjoyed it that much.
Just. Damn. WTH did I just read and why was it so good and why was … spoiler. Nope that twist was epic do I start book 2 at 2am. Definitely considering it.
Well done
Okay, this was one hell of a ride. It just gets better and better as it goes. Twists and turns that I did not expect at all. This is a who needs sleep book, get up early, nope gotta hit the next chapter gotta know what happens next.
Fair warning, the author has one hell of a twisted mind in the best possible way. I will read everything he writes after this because I enjoyed it that much.
Just. Damn. WTH did I just read and why was it so good and why was … spoiler. Nope that twist was epic do I start book 2 at 2am. Definitely considering it.
Well done
March 1, 2025
amazing story depth
Unlike a lot of litRPG, this one is not so focused on the main character and their progression. Oh it’s there, but so much more is layered here.
Honestly the first 250 pages or so were difficult for me to get through, maybe by the author’s design.
This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
Unlike a lot of litRPG, this one is not so focused on the main character and their progression. Oh it’s there, but so much more is layered here.
Honestly the first 250 pages or so were difficult for me to get through, maybe by the author’s design.
This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
March 3, 2025
Wow
This may be the best book I have read in years. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started it. It was definitely a page turner and ended strong. If you like a good power fantasy/coming of age novel but want something with substance, you have found your story. Enjoy. Now to wait for the next book and see if it's as good.
This may be the best book I have read in years. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started it. It was definitely a page turner and ended strong. If you like a good power fantasy/coming of age novel but want something with substance, you have found your story. Enjoy. Now to wait for the next book and see if it's as good.
March 7, 2025
It’s Super!
This is a great Superhero LitRPG, excellent start to a series, it’s got all the goodies you want.
World in danger - check
Complicated superheroes with mixed motives - check
An MC who is both super and a hero - check
Interesting system with levels, skills, and progress - check
Gripping story - check
It’s good and I’m excited for more!
This is a great Superhero LitRPG, excellent start to a series, it’s got all the goodies you want.
World in danger - check
Complicated superheroes with mixed motives - check
An MC who is both super and a hero - check
Interesting system with levels, skills, and progress - check
Gripping story - check
It’s good and I’m excited for more!
March 24, 2025
It's alright.
An already past the System semi-apoclypse with a teenage MC. The beginning third is a bit rough for me as Terry is a whiny, emotionally immature brat with some bits that don't fit well as they feel like author self inserts. The MC only matures slightly as the plot goes on. Not sure I'll pick up book 2 yet
An already past the System semi-apoclypse with a teenage MC. The beginning third is a bit rough for me as Terry is a whiny, emotionally immature brat with some bits that don't fit well as they feel like author self inserts. The MC only matures slightly as the plot goes on. Not sure I'll pick up book 2 yet
March 30, 2025
Great start!
I honestly think that this book is one of the best super hero book in the progression fantasy subgenre and looking forward to the next book. The quality of writing, drama, mystery and obviously the progression of the main character gives enough energy to the story that a prog fantasy addict like myself would not hesitate to pick up the next in this series. 5/5
I honestly think that this book is one of the best super hero book in the progression fantasy subgenre and looking forward to the next book. The quality of writing, drama, mystery and obviously the progression of the main character gives enough energy to the story that a prog fantasy addict like myself would not hesitate to pick up the next in this series. 5/5
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April 4, 2025Great Story!
This story started in a way I did not think would keep me engaged enough to finish. As the story progressed I got pulled into the lives of the characters in a way that I have not experienced in a while. My suggestion to future readers is to stick with this story. Just go with the flow and you may be surprised by what you get out of this book.
This story started in a way I did not think would keep me engaged enough to finish. As the story progressed I got pulled into the lives of the characters in a way that I have not experienced in a while. My suggestion to future readers is to stick with this story. Just go with the flow and you may be surprised by what you get out of this book.
April 24, 2025
LitRPG and Superheroes!
I really enjoyed this new take on magic and the intrigue really just wants me to dive deep. I really like the characters we met and think they were mostly complex. I appreciate the depth added to the revenant's. I am really looking forward to what comes next.
I really enjoyed this new take on magic and the intrigue really just wants me to dive deep. I really like the characters we met and think they were mostly complex. I appreciate the depth added to the revenant's. I am really looking forward to what comes next.
December 4, 2025
Mage Hero
I very much enjoyed this book but it really feels misnamed. Almost everything is done by powers A.K.A. magic. Very little physical stuff. The powers seem well thought out and consistent. The epilogue was nice as far as getting people safe and resting for the next book. But it was confusing too.
Read on!
I very much enjoyed this book but it really feels misnamed. Almost everything is done by powers A.K.A. magic. Very little physical stuff. The powers seem well thought out and consistent. The epilogue was nice as far as getting people safe and resting for the next book. But it was confusing too.
Read on!
February 27, 2025
Innovating and absorbing!
Very well done book. Well worth your time, excellent blend of a system apocalypse and superheroes. Throughly enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to continue the series.
Very well done book. Well worth your time, excellent blend of a system apocalypse and superheroes. Throughly enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to continue the series.
July 23, 2025
Fantasy Unlimited
This is a well written novel that you will enjoy . The world he has created is full of wonder . The characters he populated in this world are phenomenal . If you enjoy stats and progression , well read on...
This is a well written novel that you will enjoy . The world he has created is full of wonder . The characters he populated in this world are phenomenal . If you enjoy stats and progression , well read on...
September 4, 2025
A MUCH Better Genre Read Than Many!!
If You enjoy GameLit Hero Progression genre series then do your future self a "Happy" & read this series! When you finish, Your future Self will reach back in time to give your past Self a great big 'ol Happy Hug!
If You enjoy GameLit Hero Progression genre series then do your future self a "Happy" & read this series! When you finish, Your future Self will reach back in time to give your past Self a great big 'ol Happy Hug!
October 27, 2025
A yummy bowl of ice cream with a couple big spoonfuls of cockroach legs. Yuck. Too much swearing. The f-bombs get more frequent as you read the story. The story itself had potential. I just got tried of all the swearing and I'm not going to finish it. Sad.
March 16, 2025
I did not expect to enjoy this book, interesting take to a superhero style litrpg
May 2, 2025
looking forward to more !
A bit of a slow start but it was needed to show background and world building. Ready for more !
A bit of a slow start but it was needed to show background and world building. Ready for more !
June 7, 2025
Great read.
Wow. Didn't expect to get pulled in at first. Slow build...but definitely worth the wait. Looking forward to the next book
Wow. Didn't expect to get pulled in at first. Slow build...but definitely worth the wait. Looking forward to the next book
June 13, 2025
TOO SLOW!
No system awakening for almost half the book. Absolutely not what I like in a book called system awakening! WTF ARE WE DOING?
No system awakening for almost half the book. Absolutely not what I like in a book called system awakening! WTF ARE WE DOING?
June 16, 2025
Very good series, interesting setting and world building, interesting characters.
Definitely some unexpected plot twists, as well as morality questions.
Definitely some unexpected plot twists, as well as morality questions.
July 24, 2025
Keep reading- this builds into a complex world and system and watching Terry grow as a character and a power user is fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews