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Phase Shift #1
Quantum Shift: Phase Shift Series, Book 1
Phase Shift incoming!
Your local sector has been selected to undergo a Quantum Phase Shift in order to increase its habitability. Any humans who survive this process will receive more information on these changes.
Expected survival one to five percent.
Phase Shift begins in three...two...one...commence Phase Shift.
Troias Drakos awakens to find that the world he knew is gone, and a new reality has risen to take its place. Most of Earth's life was killed in a single instant, and those that survived have been granted powers and abilities that seem almost magical. Unfortunately, this world is filled with terrors and monsters that are equally powerful...or far more so. Only by uniting and learning to use their new abilities will humanity survive.
Troias has been given a unique set of powers, and if he is to have any chance to survive, he must learn to master these and become a true Spirit Warrior. Will even his great abilities be enough to survive the Quantum Shift?
Your local sector has been selected to undergo a Quantum Phase Shift in order to increase its habitability. Any humans who survive this process will receive more information on these changes.
Expected survival one to five percent.
Phase Shift begins in three...two...one...commence Phase Shift.
Troias Drakos awakens to find that the world he knew is gone, and a new reality has risen to take its place. Most of Earth's life was killed in a single instant, and those that survived have been granted powers and abilities that seem almost magical. Unfortunately, this world is filled with terrors and monsters that are equally powerful...or far more so. Only by uniting and learning to use their new abilities will humanity survive.
Troias has been given a unique set of powers, and if he is to have any chance to survive, he must learn to master these and become a true Spirit Warrior. Will even his great abilities be enough to survive the Quantum Shift?
- GenresFantasyPost Apocalyptic
Audible Audio
First published September 30, 2020
712 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Johnson
31 books52 followersKyle Johnson is a kids gymnastics and martial arts instructor who teaches outside of Chicago. He's worked on cruise ships, traveled the world, climbed glaciers, ziplined between mountains, and even danced in the end of a rainbow.
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 12, 2023
A system apocalypse LitRPG with a protagonist who is at least believably OP. I mean, Troias is a former MMA competitor who teaches in his own dojo. So he has skillz. So when the system lands, he's in a good place, life-plans-wise to capitalize. And it doesn't hurt that the system is interesting and, well, I won't say unique (because they all are in their own way) but rather that it has some aspects I found engaging.
This story also has a lot of base-building attached to it with Troias running around establishing fortifications and strongholds for survivors to find safety. I actually really like how Johnson used this aspect in the story. Troias is trying to get back to his home in Chicago, so he's not actually creating just one settlement so much as establishing communities along his route like a rogue Johnny Appleseed leaving hope in his wake. It's a nice change from the loners you often get in system apocalypse stories.
Plus, I really like his travelling companions, Maya (the dog) and Annalise (not a dog). I like seeing Troias' character illustrated by his care and support of them. I was afraid at first that Annalise was going to lean into her backstory of despair and post-abuse issues, but I think Johnson did a decent job making it real without having it overtake the story.
The base building does drag the pace a bit and the character interactions could be, um, snappier? I think I mean that the interactions trend toward the mundane more than they needed to. I know that survival details are part of the draw for this kind of story, so that's not what I mean. I guess it's just that some of the chosen details could have been better presented/written.
Anyway, this is a fun four stars and I'm definitely interested in the next.
A note about Steamy/Chaste: There isn't really any steam, per se, but there's some tantalizing bits. Enough that I can't call this chaste. And while Annalise and Troias do get together in the end (in a satisfactorily romantic slow-burn), it fades to black before we get enough steam for me to tag it as such.
This story also has a lot of base-building attached to it with Troias running around establishing fortifications and strongholds for survivors to find safety. I actually really like how Johnson used this aspect in the story. Troias is trying to get back to his home in Chicago, so he's not actually creating just one settlement so much as establishing communities along his route like a rogue Johnny Appleseed leaving hope in his wake. It's a nice change from the loners you often get in system apocalypse stories.
Plus, I really like his travelling companions, Maya (the dog) and Annalise (not a dog). I like seeing Troias' character illustrated by his care and support of them. I was afraid at first that Annalise was going to lean into her backstory of despair and post-abuse issues, but I think Johnson did a decent job making it real without having it overtake the story.
The base building does drag the pace a bit and the character interactions could be, um, snappier? I think I mean that the interactions trend toward the mundane more than they needed to. I know that survival details are part of the draw for this kind of story, so that's not what I mean. I guess it's just that some of the chosen details could have been better presented/written.
Anyway, this is a fun four stars and I'm definitely interested in the next.
A note about Steamy/Chaste: There isn't really any steam, per se, but there's some tantalizing bits. Enough that I can't call this chaste. And while Annalise and Troias do get together in the end (in a satisfactorily romantic slow-burn), it fades to black before we get enough steam for me to tag it as such.
April 26, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
This book had a similar feel to the Shadow Sun series with a few notable exceptions. The earth gets a notification that the world is going to be changed and only 2-5 % of the population are going to survive. The MC is a 40 something year old Marital arts instructor who is on vacation up in the upper peninsula of Michigan when the he gets the message. He is one of the few that survive the transition. He gets a message in his vision that he needs to pick a path: Mage, Adept, or Savant. (think mage, cultivator, and enchanter). He picks Adept. He also needs to pick a spirit guide. Each person has access to a certain number of magic types. It is rare to have more than one, even rarer to have more than 2. The MC is very rare. He meets up with another woman and tries to find out how to live in this new world. He is able to claim buildings after he kills all the monsters inside them. He is then able to upgrade his buildings and equipment to live in this world.
One of the differences between this book and the Shadow sun series is that the MC does almost everything solo, or in a very small group. He goes and clears out buildings, builds a group and then leaves to another town to do the same thing. There really isn't any group activities. The second difference is that the MC in this book just didn't end up getting lucky with how things turned out. He was able to succeed in this book because of his martial arts experience. In most books I try to put myself in the MCs place and figure out what I would do. That didn't work for me in this book because I don't have an MMA background and I am not a marital arts master. His decisions are based off those 2 things.
There wasn't much on the magic system. His power helped his martial arts but there wasn't anything super flashy. I would have liked a little more character interactions. A little more world building, but it was still pretty good. The MC and his companions have a good chemistry. One is a Cubs fan and the other is Brewers fan, so that makes for some fun interactions. Overall I enjoyed this book.
This book had a similar feel to the Shadow Sun series with a few notable exceptions. The earth gets a notification that the world is going to be changed and only 2-5 % of the population are going to survive. The MC is a 40 something year old Marital arts instructor who is on vacation up in the upper peninsula of Michigan when the he gets the message. He is one of the few that survive the transition. He gets a message in his vision that he needs to pick a path: Mage, Adept, or Savant. (think mage, cultivator, and enchanter). He picks Adept. He also needs to pick a spirit guide. Each person has access to a certain number of magic types. It is rare to have more than one, even rarer to have more than 2. The MC is very rare. He meets up with another woman and tries to find out how to live in this new world. He is able to claim buildings after he kills all the monsters inside them. He is then able to upgrade his buildings and equipment to live in this world.
One of the differences between this book and the Shadow sun series is that the MC does almost everything solo, or in a very small group. He goes and clears out buildings, builds a group and then leaves to another town to do the same thing. There really isn't any group activities. The second difference is that the MC in this book just didn't end up getting lucky with how things turned out. He was able to succeed in this book because of his martial arts experience. In most books I try to put myself in the MCs place and figure out what I would do. That didn't work for me in this book because I don't have an MMA background and I am not a marital arts master. His decisions are based off those 2 things.
There wasn't much on the magic system. His power helped his martial arts but there wasn't anything super flashy. I would have liked a little more character interactions. A little more world building, but it was still pretty good. The MC and his companions have a good chemistry. One is a Cubs fan and the other is Brewers fan, so that makes for some fun interactions. Overall I enjoyed this book.
October 13, 2020
I Don't Normally
It is oh so very seldom I write a review. This story forces itself into the very seldom category. The characters are vibrant and believable, the fight scenes are choreographed perfectly without being corny remakes of a b rated kung fu movie. The two things I sincerely wish is that book 2 isn't a rinse and repeat but builds organically towards whatever conclusion the writer has in mind and most importantly I am not waiting for #2 for a year. I need the sequel like yesterday and once you read this book, you will too.
It is oh so very seldom I write a review. This story forces itself into the very seldom category. The characters are vibrant and believable, the fight scenes are choreographed perfectly without being corny remakes of a b rated kung fu movie. The two things I sincerely wish is that book 2 isn't a rinse and repeat but builds organically towards whatever conclusion the writer has in mind and most importantly I am not waiting for #2 for a year. I need the sequel like yesterday and once you read this book, you will too.
October 30, 2020
Very good
Good pacing, well designed systems, decent characters, and a quick passage through to the new reality.
A few typos, but nothing terrible. The epilogue is after an ad, so that was weird.
I will read the next novel when it comes out.
Good pacing, well designed systems, decent characters, and a quick passage through to the new reality.
A few typos, but nothing terrible. The epilogue is after an ad, so that was weird.
I will read the next novel when it comes out.
November 21, 2020
A good start.
Solid characters with a good world build. A bit OP but still being challenged. Needs more character development, they feel a bit one dimensional. A good series start, next one will make or break it.
Solid characters with a good world build. A bit OP but still being challenged. Needs more character development, they feel a bit one dimensional. A good series start, next one will make or break it.
November 1, 2020
4.5. Very well written, good pacing and relatable/sympathetic characters. Nothing particularly original, but a good book within the genre.
January 11, 2022
I thought this book was okay. Not bad but also not great. Fair warning I only read 60%.
The premise of the book is nothing new. Especially for the litrpg genre. The world suddenly changes and everyone gets powers. I liked the power system design though. Again nothing new but at least I thought it was done in an interesting way.
The characters were also pretty interesting. I did not like the protagonist design however.
The power system is basically everyone gets access to one or more "Faucets". Faucets are basically sources of specific energy. So there is the Fire, Death, Force Faucets for a total of nine. Most people have access to one, maybe two faucets. The protagonist gets access to all nine and some of them are quite strong. Also everyone gets access to a "Totem", basically a familiar that will guide them. The protagonist's totem is incredibly knowledgeable.
So the protagonist is very strong and very knowledgeable which are both highly important traits in a world that just suddenly changed and everyone is discovering everything for the first time.
So what does the protagonist do? He goes around saving literally everyone he meets. Well or killing them.
The first person he meets is an abused woman. The protagonist doesn't save the woman from her abuser but he does help he come to terms will her abuser's death and the new world. I thought this was pretty well done and thankfully she does not become a romantic interest (at least up to the point where I stopped reading).
He then goes exploring and finds some people and using his power and knowledge saves them. Before he got there, these people were just wasting away totally useless. In return for the protagonist saving them, they have to swear an oath. This felt so contrived. This is a system requirement (the system being the entity that gave every powers and basically controls the new world). So this forces everyone into a feudal-like system of government. Of course the protagonist doesn't want people to swear oaths to him because he is so humble but he will make them if the system demands it.
So then after everyone swears loyalty to him, he just straight up abandons them. Just leaves hours later. I got the feeling they maybe come back into play later in the book. But who knows?
Now, to be fair, the reason everyone had to swear oaths is for them to be able to access the protagonist's "fortifications", basically a base created by the system. So they weren't looking for his leadership or really anything from him, just access to shelter which doesn't require his presence. But if that is the case why setup this whole thing making people swear loyalty if it actually doesn't matter?
So then some stuff happens and he goes exploring again. He finds another group. They have setup a toll booth on a road and extorting people. So the protagonist and this group clash. Okay makes sense I wouldn't like highwaymen robbing me either. So the protagonist goes to this groups camp and attacks with the intention of making them stop, hopefully not killing them. The group is trying to get the protagonist to leave them alone because the protagonist is obviously so much stronger. Then this happens:
Ugh. This is where I put the book down. "The big man", and Toais are both the protagonist. This is the first time the issue of Sir/Ma'am has come up. No one in their right mind expects strangers to call them Sir/Ma'am (I guess this could be culture dependent but this is set in the US). Especially not in a post-apocalyptic setting in the middle of a confrontation.
A part of the power system is this "death stare". You think really hard about how big and strong you are which frightens enemies. The protagonist was does that right before the quoted conversation took place. So basically the the protagonist shows how badass he is and intimidates his enemies but at the same time the author tries to show how impressive and gentle his is.
Basically the protagonist is the embodiment of what self-described "alpha males" think/want themselves to be. The whole book is just one big power-fantasy, wish fulfillment. I should have guessed just by the cover alone. In general I avoid books with covers that have characters showing an excessive amount of skin. Mostly because then its a steamy romance novel or the protagonist does literally nothing and gets a harem. Which is sadly too common in fantasy. But I guess a man on a power trip is also a possibility.
The premise of the book is nothing new. Especially for the litrpg genre. The world suddenly changes and everyone gets powers. I liked the power system design though. Again nothing new but at least I thought it was done in an interesting way.
The characters were also pretty interesting. I did not like the protagonist design however.
The power system is basically everyone gets access to one or more "Faucets". Faucets are basically sources of specific energy. So there is the Fire, Death, Force Faucets for a total of nine. Most people have access to one, maybe two faucets. The protagonist gets access to all nine and some of them are quite strong. Also everyone gets access to a "Totem", basically a familiar that will guide them. The protagonist's totem is incredibly knowledgeable.
So the protagonist is very strong and very knowledgeable which are both highly important traits in a world that just suddenly changed and everyone is discovering everything for the first time.
So what does the protagonist do? He goes around saving literally everyone he meets. Well or killing them.
The first person he meets is an abused woman. The protagonist doesn't save the woman from her abuser but he does help he come to terms will her abuser's death and the new world. I thought this was pretty well done and thankfully she does not become a romantic interest (at least up to the point where I stopped reading).
He then goes exploring and finds some people and using his power and knowledge saves them. Before he got there, these people were just wasting away totally useless. In return for the protagonist saving them, they have to swear an oath. This felt so contrived. This is a system requirement (the system being the entity that gave every powers and basically controls the new world). So this forces everyone into a feudal-like system of government. Of course the protagonist doesn't want people to swear oaths to him because he is so humble but he will make them if the system demands it.
So then after everyone swears loyalty to him, he just straight up abandons them. Just leaves hours later. I got the feeling they maybe come back into play later in the book. But who knows?
Now, to be fair, the reason everyone had to swear oaths is for them to be able to access the protagonist's "fortifications", basically a base created by the system. So they weren't looking for his leadership or really anything from him, just access to shelter which doesn't require his presence. But if that is the case why setup this whole thing making people swear loyalty if it actually doesn't matter?
So then some stuff happens and he goes exploring again. He finds another group. They have setup a toll booth on a road and extorting people. So the protagonist and this group clash. Okay makes sense I wouldn't like highwaymen robbing me either. So the protagonist goes to this groups camp and attacks with the intention of making them stop, hopefully not killing them. The group is trying to get the protagonist to leave them alone because the protagonist is obviously so much stronger. Then this happens:
"What's your name, son?", the big man asked gently, raising his glaive to his shoulder.
...
The [young] man sighed. "Spencer," he said at last.
"You should have said, 'Spencer, sir'" Toais corrected in the same gentle voice. "It's polite to say, 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' when you're speaking to your elders, and you're what? 23? 24?"
Ugh. This is where I put the book down. "The big man", and Toais are both the protagonist. This is the first time the issue of Sir/Ma'am has come up. No one in their right mind expects strangers to call them Sir/Ma'am (I guess this could be culture dependent but this is set in the US). Especially not in a post-apocalyptic setting in the middle of a confrontation.
A part of the power system is this "death stare". You think really hard about how big and strong you are which frightens enemies. The protagonist was does that right before the quoted conversation took place. So basically the the protagonist shows how badass he is and intimidates his enemies but at the same time the author tries to show how impressive and gentle his is.
Basically the protagonist is the embodiment of what self-described "alpha males" think/want themselves to be. The whole book is just one big power-fantasy, wish fulfillment. I should have guessed just by the cover alone. In general I avoid books with covers that have characters showing an excessive amount of skin. Mostly because then its a steamy romance novel or the protagonist does literally nothing and gets a harem. Which is sadly too common in fantasy. But I guess a man on a power trip is also a possibility.
October 10, 2020
Fun and well thought out.
Really a great book. Lots of action . I know this was science fiction but the MC came off real and believable, just enough soul searching for the MC to be human with out the silly whining that so many books have nowadays. The forced rationalizing is nowhere to seen, it was a great read written by an adult man and as adult man ... I say great book. Can't wait for book 2.
Really a great book. Lots of action . I know this was science fiction but the MC came off real and believable, just enough soul searching for the MC to be human with out the silly whining that so many books have nowadays. The forced rationalizing is nowhere to seen, it was a great read written by an adult man and as adult man ... I say great book. Can't wait for book 2.
November 21, 2020
Fantastic!
This book is the best game lit I have read so far. There have been quite a few books in this genre that I haven't finished because of the way the characters were portrayed. A lot of these authors don't seem to be able to write women but Mr. Johnson got it right. I didn't want it to end. You can't ask for more from a writer than that. I look forward to reading book 2. I expect this author has a long career ahead.
This book is the best game lit I have read so far. There have been quite a few books in this genre that I haven't finished because of the way the characters were portrayed. A lot of these authors don't seem to be able to write women but Mr. Johnson got it right. I didn't want it to end. You can't ask for more from a writer than that. I look forward to reading book 2. I expect this author has a long career ahead.
October 20, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: I found three, his truck turns into a can for one line, they go over a fence with bobwire, but cut a hole in the fence was another, and I forgot the third so it probably wasn't major.
The real problem with this book is the seemingly random level ups.
Plot: The apocalypse comes and the MC runs around capturing buildings and fighting monsters.
Characters: Interesting enough that I read the entire book, but I found the female less boring when she talked about her past.
5/10
Mistakes: I found three, his truck turns into a can for one line, they go over a fence with bobwire, but cut a hole in the fence was another, and I forgot the third so it probably wasn't major.
The real problem with this book is the seemingly random level ups.
Plot: The apocalypse comes and the MC runs around capturing buildings and fighting monsters.
Characters: Interesting enough that I read the entire book, but I found the female less boring when she talked about her past.
5/10
January 13, 2023
This is a dystopian-apocalyptic-and-post-apocalyptic-hell-like-world... This is not my slice of pie... The author kills 95% of all the planet's population and leaves the convicts and evil people behind. The few humans that remain want to commit suicide, and some do, at the first chance, like was the case of Officer Jimenez. What is the point of killing everybody? What kind of "death-wish" ("mass-genocide/total-extinction" can a "martial-arts instructor" have to write a story like this one?
It's a horror story filled with blood, gore and violence that all make anyone cringe. It would take a very special and not that smart of a person/very low emotional intelligence to "enjoy" and be "entertained" by a terror-dramatic urban-dystopian story like this one.
There really is no game-like system because everybody does whatever the hell they want, whether they have martial arts training, magical powers or they don't... The thing about "pretending to have a game-like system" is that a story like this one lacks balance. Main character is super-overly-powered and yet, has not really done anything to earn or deserve those over-powered abilities and skills (while in the system)...just practiced and taught "martial arts" before the world turned to crap...If killing everybody was not enough, the author kills technology too, and on top of that creates a series of monsters that hunt the survivors. Nothing can save the "soul" of an author like this one...
There is no adult situations, warnings about blood, gore and excessive violence, suicide, sexual assaults, etc...
I really do not understand why Amazon (Goodreads was bought by amazon in 2013) promotes and recommends books like these to me, not because they are good (well- written, rational, makes sense, are positive, creative, etc.), but because it makes them money... A worse conflict of interest and lack of ethical values is not possible...
It's a horror story filled with blood, gore and violence that all make anyone cringe. It would take a very special and not that smart of a person/very low emotional intelligence to "enjoy" and be "entertained" by a terror-dramatic urban-dystopian story like this one.
There really is no game-like system because everybody does whatever the hell they want, whether they have martial arts training, magical powers or they don't... The thing about "pretending to have a game-like system" is that a story like this one lacks balance. Main character is super-overly-powered and yet, has not really done anything to earn or deserve those over-powered abilities and skills (while in the system)...just practiced and taught "martial arts" before the world turned to crap...If killing everybody was not enough, the author kills technology too, and on top of that creates a series of monsters that hunt the survivors. Nothing can save the "soul" of an author like this one...
There is no adult situations, warnings about blood, gore and excessive violence, suicide, sexual assaults, etc...
I really do not understand why Amazon (Goodreads was bought by amazon in 2013) promotes and recommends books like these to me, not because they are good (well- written, rational, makes sense, are positive, creative, etc.), but because it makes them money... A worse conflict of interest and lack of ethical values is not possible...
April 3, 2023
Very good overall
Good writing, grammar, vocabulary, and structure. Enjoyable character development, a little too much exposition for my taste but it isn’t bad.
Minor complaint with the Japanese honorifics, I know it isn’t very important but a quick Wikipedia search showed that there were more appropriate options for his employees/friends. A dojo would have one sensei, who would likely have a few disciples (deshi) many students (gakusei) and some instructors with titles dependent on their rank (renshi, kyoushi, shidouin, etc…)
One major complaint and the reason it’s 4 and not 5 for me is how technology is handled.
Electricity and anything that uses it doesn’t work anymore. Soft magic system makes cars, water pumps, lights, communication towers, handheld radios, and all sorts of other immediately useful things useable. Gas pumps, toasters, treadmills, computers, and various other things still don’t work. These two sets of items that either work or don’t both vary wildly on the scale of technology and what is feasible with magical realism. This lack of consistency breaks the immersion for me personally. If you can generate magical lights why can’t you create a magical toaster? With both science and magic they would both run on practically the same principle, one generates light the other heat. Same issue with water vs gas pumps or the fact that all modern cars use computers to work. Finally on the computer front they have automated gun turrets, if an object can have the sensors, programming, and motors to function like that then there is obviously some level of magitech that is at least equivalent.
Good writing, grammar, vocabulary, and structure. Enjoyable character development, a little too much exposition for my taste but it isn’t bad.
Minor complaint with the Japanese honorifics, I know it isn’t very important but a quick Wikipedia search showed that there were more appropriate options for his employees/friends. A dojo would have one sensei, who would likely have a few disciples (deshi) many students (gakusei) and some instructors with titles dependent on their rank (renshi, kyoushi, shidouin, etc…)
One major complaint and the reason it’s 4 and not 5 for me is how technology is handled.
Electricity and anything that uses it doesn’t work anymore. Soft magic system makes cars, water pumps, lights, communication towers, handheld radios, and all sorts of other immediately useful things useable. Gas pumps, toasters, treadmills, computers, and various other things still don’t work. These two sets of items that either work or don’t both vary wildly on the scale of technology and what is feasible with magical realism. This lack of consistency breaks the immersion for me personally. If you can generate magical lights why can’t you create a magical toaster? With both science and magic they would both run on practically the same principle, one generates light the other heat. Same issue with water vs gas pumps or the fact that all modern cars use computers to work. Finally on the computer front they have automated gun turrets, if an object can have the sensors, programming, and motors to function like that then there is obviously some level of magitech that is at least equivalent.
June 2, 2021
I've picked up on occasion various books in the Game or RPG Lit genre (Stories based around the rules/tropes of role-playing or computer games) and in general, have found them OK reads but nothing that great. The idea of the rules and regs of a game world being enforced on reality seems pretty bizarre but in saying that this type of book seems popular. If you can get past the inherent absurdities of the whole genre you can find some enjoyable stuff.
This book I found stood out from the crowd. The game aspect is well thought out, but its strengths are in the characters which are well developed as the book proceeds, the post-crisis world it is based in, and the well-written fight scenes. the last should not be too much of a surprise as the author is a martial artist and teacher. It was free of the teenage level sexuality that seems to come along with a lot of these books.
On the other side, it wasn't a book I couldn't put down more a read I could come back to easily if I had nothing better to read. Otherwise not a lot to fault it. There are at the moment a couple of follow-ups that I might think about purchasing down the line.
Overall a good example of the genre and recommended if your into it.
This book I found stood out from the crowd. The game aspect is well thought out, but its strengths are in the characters which are well developed as the book proceeds, the post-crisis world it is based in, and the well-written fight scenes. the last should not be too much of a surprise as the author is a martial artist and teacher. It was free of the teenage level sexuality that seems to come along with a lot of these books.
On the other side, it wasn't a book I couldn't put down more a read I could come back to easily if I had nothing better to read. Otherwise not a lot to fault it. There are at the moment a couple of follow-ups that I might think about purchasing down the line.
Overall a good example of the genre and recommended if your into it.
March 28, 2023
Troias is a martial arts instructor on vacation in a remote cabin when the Quantum Phase Shift occurs. He wakes in a world completely changed, one where most of humanity is gone, and the only way to survive is to learn the system.
The system itself is well developed, but not particularly flashy. No mages tossing fireballs. But it does make sense, and it's consistent.
Troias is a good protagonist for this journey. He's competent, smart, and thoughtful. He doesn't charge in, and is willing to work hard to advance.
He meets Annalise, who is a good counterbalance to him. I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed. Their relationship started with respect, and expanded from there. Also... okay, many LitRPG books have misogyny, and this has zero. Annalise has a personality, has agency, and Troias doesn't spend all his time salivating over her boobs. He never treats her like an object.
There are plenty of action scenes, and varied. I think a bit less action, and developing more secondary characters would have made things more fun. While I liked that they spent most of their time clearing different areas to make them safe, I needed more time with other characters.
Enjoyable, and I'm already on the second book.
The system itself is well developed, but not particularly flashy. No mages tossing fireballs. But it does make sense, and it's consistent.
Troias is a good protagonist for this journey. He's competent, smart, and thoughtful. He doesn't charge in, and is willing to work hard to advance.
He meets Annalise, who is a good counterbalance to him. I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed. Their relationship started with respect, and expanded from there. Also... okay, many LitRPG books have misogyny, and this has zero. Annalise has a personality, has agency, and Troias doesn't spend all his time salivating over her boobs. He never treats her like an object.
There are plenty of action scenes, and varied. I think a bit less action, and developing more secondary characters would have made things more fun. While I liked that they spent most of their time clearing different areas to make them safe, I needed more time with other characters.
Enjoyable, and I'm already on the second book.
November 17, 2020
Contemplative & fierce, Troikas single-mindedly focuses on growing power
But not just his own power, as much of humanity’s that is worth saving in this new world of terror and fast, final deaths. 2.3% survived the phase shift but it doesn’t look as though all those can possibly survive what follows.
Creating safe spots and gaining followers as well as laying down martial justice with glance, shouts sword, or his body, put martial arts master MC is growing as his new totem guides him with quite a bit more intelligence than anyone else’s totem. Great and interesting story, definitely enjoyed the fights and humor as well as the harsh reality of this kind of change in how our world and lives work. It could definitely use some further proofreading and corrections, unless those are purposefully there due to plagiarism. Looking forward to their continuing story.
But not just his own power, as much of humanity’s that is worth saving in this new world of terror and fast, final deaths. 2.3% survived the phase shift but it doesn’t look as though all those can possibly survive what follows.
Creating safe spots and gaining followers as well as laying down martial justice with glance, shouts sword, or his body, put martial arts master MC is growing as his new totem guides him with quite a bit more intelligence than anyone else’s totem. Great and interesting story, definitely enjoyed the fights and humor as well as the harsh reality of this kind of change in how our world and lives work. It could definitely use some further proofreading and corrections, unless those are purposefully there due to plagiarism. Looking forward to their continuing story.
November 20, 2020
Good start
Good first book. Intriguing magic system. New and certainly unique so will see how it is fleshed out in the next books. Though a litrpg there is not much stat work and not much focus on the numbers... Which the MC doesn't do well with (math). Very little romance but obviously one could see it's coming. Could be a little more truthfully and there still is wide world to deal with so.... The see of course is an anomaly and Could potentially become extremely powerful once he actually learned to work with the gifts he has. But that's the nature of the story. Learning about the system new enemies and about oneself and improving. Work hard and help others resonates with me and of course reaping the rewards is fine as long as that is the bonus not the goal. Hard work and self improvement should be the primary reward. Looking forward to the next book.
Good first book. Intriguing magic system. New and certainly unique so will see how it is fleshed out in the next books. Though a litrpg there is not much stat work and not much focus on the numbers... Which the MC doesn't do well with (math). Very little romance but obviously one could see it's coming. Could be a little more truthfully and there still is wide world to deal with so.... The see of course is an anomaly and Could potentially become extremely powerful once he actually learned to work with the gifts he has. But that's the nature of the story. Learning about the system new enemies and about oneself and improving. Work hard and help others resonates with me and of course reaping the rewards is fine as long as that is the bonus not the goal. Hard work and self improvement should be the primary reward. Looking forward to the next book.
January 15, 2021
Truly Superb
This is excellent and a step above so many such books. It is well written and as such paced perfectly to keep you turning pages.
The MCs are very good, I’m including Annalise, and not over the top super powered. Ok Troias does have above average abilities but the reasons come out as the book unfolds.
The author does a great job world building and I’m liking the system he’s created and how he’s set out all the various elements. I thought he’d set us up for a mini boss back at the first town and then forgot it but he dealt with it nicely later on in the 2nd town.
I look forward to the next and seeing how people take to his Lordship and his right from wrong take on life. I’d like to think more people are like that but think we’d find most in this situation aren’t.
Anyway enjoy 😁
This is excellent and a step above so many such books. It is well written and as such paced perfectly to keep you turning pages.
The MCs are very good, I’m including Annalise, and not over the top super powered. Ok Troias does have above average abilities but the reasons come out as the book unfolds.
The author does a great job world building and I’m liking the system he’s created and how he’s set out all the various elements. I thought he’d set us up for a mini boss back at the first town and then forgot it but he dealt with it nicely later on in the 2nd town.
I look forward to the next and seeing how people take to his Lordship and his right from wrong take on life. I’d like to think more people are like that but think we’d find most in this situation aren’t.
Anyway enjoy 😁
October 9, 2022
DNF 90%
Good: Well written, interesting premise and a MC who actually has a proper background for kicking ass.
Bad: Boring/bland progression system. There is also no feeling of power in it and the scaling makes no sense. Author even explains in the book that its hard to know how strong people are. So basically the system doesnt matter. The build system is just a blank checkque for the author to build what they want when they want. The MC will spend many pages thinking how the world works, when all he had to do was ask his "totem" who quickly explains in a short sentence. It really makes no sense at all how the totem will only comment once in a while..
Conclusion: I really wanted to like this book, but the complete lack of excitement with progression, the weird passive Totem and the sometimes meandering text made me ultimately DNF due to boredom.
Good: Well written, interesting premise and a MC who actually has a proper background for kicking ass.
Bad: Boring/bland progression system. There is also no feeling of power in it and the scaling makes no sense. Author even explains in the book that its hard to know how strong people are. So basically the system doesnt matter. The build system is just a blank checkque for the author to build what they want when they want. The MC will spend many pages thinking how the world works, when all he had to do was ask his "totem" who quickly explains in a short sentence. It really makes no sense at all how the totem will only comment once in a while..
Conclusion: I really wanted to like this book, but the complete lack of excitement with progression, the weird passive Totem and the sometimes meandering text made me ultimately DNF due to boredom.
January 24, 2023
Stumbled over this little gem, very good.
First of all, I just found this book while going through Kindle, Unlimited to look for something to read. Glad I read it. And for my great fortune, there are other books in the series. The character is very likable a little slow on the uptake, but he picks up with his intellect. Even the MC mentions that he’s a little bit slow on the draw. But he finds a very interesting, pistol, packing sidekick who I enjoy very much. She seems to have grown into her own during this book. They make it interesting dynamic team, not sure that I believe that you should bring a sword to a gun fight but that’s the premise, a martial artist in a post apocalyptic RPG type world. The MC and his pistol packing sidekick are very likable. Will continue on reading the series because I found the story intriguing.
First of all, I just found this book while going through Kindle, Unlimited to look for something to read. Glad I read it. And for my great fortune, there are other books in the series. The character is very likable a little slow on the uptake, but he picks up with his intellect. Even the MC mentions that he’s a little bit slow on the draw. But he finds a very interesting, pistol, packing sidekick who I enjoy very much. She seems to have grown into her own during this book. They make it interesting dynamic team, not sure that I believe that you should bring a sword to a gun fight but that’s the premise, a martial artist in a post apocalyptic RPG type world. The MC and his pistol packing sidekick are very likable. Will continue on reading the series because I found the story intriguing.
March 15, 2022
The short version?
Spelling mistakes spelt out how a beta male contemplates to himself into thinking that hearts and rainbows is viable in helping him survive an apocalypse that killed 98% of the population and gave superpowers to the rest. Somewhere at the 30% mark he thought: the most important thing right now is to secure a place to live and make it defensible. No, he almost got killed just before that, and he's still level 1. At about the 75% mark he had collected 3 fk buddies, although unintentional, it's very clear what's going. Grammar mistakes are fine, spelling mistakes means that he couldn't even be bothered to spellcheck.
Spelling mistakes spelt out how a beta male contemplates to himself into thinking that hearts and rainbows is viable in helping him survive an apocalypse that killed 98% of the population and gave superpowers to the rest. Somewhere at the 30% mark he thought: the most important thing right now is to secure a place to live and make it defensible. No, he almost got killed just before that, and he's still level 1. At about the 75% mark he had collected 3 fk buddies, although unintentional, it's very clear what's going. Grammar mistakes are fine, spelling mistakes means that he couldn't even be bothered to spellcheck.
March 28, 2022
I have the author's other book about virtual reality on hold for a long time now.
Usually when I put a book on hold, I never continue it... My friend read this book and said it was a fun apocalypse book, he shares similar tastes with me.. and despite this godawful cover (which made me pass over the book multiple times) I will give this a go.
This didn't turn out too bad. The author used a lot of different bits from the post apocalyptic genre, and stitched them into a coherent whole.
It had a shaky start that was slightly confusing, but after you got into motion it was pretty enjoyable.
I will pick up the sequel.
3/5 Stars
Usually when I put a book on hold, I never continue it... My friend read this book and said it was a fun apocalypse book, he shares similar tastes with me.. and despite this godawful cover (which made me pass over the book multiple times) I will give this a go.
This didn't turn out too bad. The author used a lot of different bits from the post apocalyptic genre, and stitched them into a coherent whole.
It had a shaky start that was slightly confusing, but after you got into motion it was pretty enjoyable.
I will pick up the sequel.
3/5 Stars
April 4, 2025
Not for me. Troias Drakos - I should have assumed a wish fulfillment story from the name alone. Frankly that wasn’t even what bothered me about the whole thing. There are more than enough op protagonist out there that I like. What I do not like is an op protagonist that didn’t have to work for his advantage AND is suffering under hero syndrome with a holier than thou attitude.
The rest was ok but fairly standard.
The power system is a bit boring as is the Mc’s advantage. I did like the Fmc - she at least could do what needed to be done. The fights are ok. The basebuilding as well, but both got repetitive towards the end.
The rest was ok but fairly standard.
The power system is a bit boring as is the Mc’s advantage. I did like the Fmc - she at least could do what needed to be done. The fights are ok. The basebuilding as well, but both got repetitive towards the end.
November 24, 2020
Much more than expected
The first chapter definitely had over tones of the all great and powerful tao wong books saga, which i have to say I'm a big fan of. But it definitely takes a very different direction after that. I like the actual MMA parts and how that interacts with the progression, though it will be interesting to see if the author actually l ow anything about medieval martial weapons or not, I the hopefully soon next book. But it's nice having g another series that doesnt rely on redicpulous tropes and has no idiotic harem elements.
The first chapter definitely had over tones of the all great and powerful tao wong books saga, which i have to say I'm a big fan of. But it definitely takes a very different direction after that. I like the actual MMA parts and how that interacts with the progression, though it will be interesting to see if the author actually l ow anything about medieval martial weapons or not, I the hopefully soon next book. But it's nice having g another series that doesnt rely on redicpulous tropes and has no idiotic harem elements.
September 12, 2021
Give it a Chance - it’s worth it
I initially put this down because of A) the cover and B) it sounded generic.
Well, I can admit I was wrong about one of those things. This story is a good take on the post apocalyptic system LitRPG style story. The ways it tweaks it make for an interesting system / stats situation, and though it isn’t crunchy it feeds that part of the LitRPG reading situation well.
Combat is written well, and the plot is straightforward but rewarding.
Will read book 2.
I initially put this down because of A) the cover and B) it sounded generic.
Well, I can admit I was wrong about one of those things. This story is a good take on the post apocalyptic system LitRPG style story. The ways it tweaks it make for an interesting system / stats situation, and though it isn’t crunchy it feeds that part of the LitRPG reading situation well.
Combat is written well, and the plot is straightforward but rewarding.
Will read book 2.
April 13, 2023
System apocalypse kind of story.
Over night the world changes - 98% of all people and animals are dead - those who are left have some new super powers as well as a some kind of game system but also new monster spawn.
Our Hero was in the wilderness and fights his way back into the cities. Of course he has the biggest range of powers and is an ex MMA fighter.
while the overpowered MC seemed to be a kind of garantie for disaster it is not. The book is quite good. the character development is good too and the fights were decent and not always the same stuff.
Over night the world changes - 98% of all people and animals are dead - those who are left have some new super powers as well as a some kind of game system but also new monster spawn.
Our Hero was in the wilderness and fights his way back into the cities. Of course he has the biggest range of powers and is an ex MMA fighter.
while the overpowered MC seemed to be a kind of garantie for disaster it is not. The book is quite good. the character development is good too and the fights were decent and not always the same stuff.
December 17, 2023
Fairly standard for its type of apocalypse LitRPG. I think that the portrayal of martial arts is more realistic in this than in many books in the genre. People don't immediately become experts and it is pointed out that the flashy moves shown in movies aren't realistic in a real life fight. I really like Annalise's development from a frightened woman into a very competent shooter (she does have a background in it before the Phase Shift) and Troias, the male main character, doesn't really have any knowledge at all and doesn't really become one.
December 30, 2023
DNF. A big nothingburger. I was all psyched up for an intense rpg lit apocalyspe system. MC was way too op. No true challenges. Unrealistic beginning skills. Unrealistic companions such as the girl who is introduced as a victim of domestic violence/qualified nurse/an NRA certified gun specialist/football sportsfan/available romantic interest. The prose is fine. The system is unusual but not really fundamental to anything and I just wasnt seeing any development. Too much base building and everything can be solved with free endless base points for capturing whatever building you come across.
June 6, 2024
System Apocalypse with focus on "realistic" response.
If you've read Shadow Sun, this series is exactly the same but better.
So imo you have 2 routes with System Apocalypse. You've got Primal Hunter/DOTF with a focus on grinding/leveling/loot,... and you have Phase Shift/Shadow Sun/Dawn Of The Void where they focus on structurally dealing with the apocalypse with guns/military/politics.
Phase Shift is strongly in group 2. The story revolves around our MC and his group slowly retaking the US. They take cities, build a military,... They get stronger but it's not really the focus.
The entire series is consistently well written, but overstays its welcome. The first time our MC retakes a major city is pretty cool, the 8th time around it's hard to get excited.
Side note: The retro cover art for this is terrible and kept this on my backlog for a long time
If you've read Shadow Sun, this series is exactly the same but better.
So imo you have 2 routes with System Apocalypse. You've got Primal Hunter/DOTF with a focus on grinding/leveling/loot,... and you have Phase Shift/Shadow Sun/Dawn Of The Void where they focus on structurally dealing with the apocalypse with guns/military/politics.
Phase Shift is strongly in group 2. The story revolves around our MC and his group slowly retaking the US. They take cities, build a military,... They get stronger but it's not really the focus.
The entire series is consistently well written, but overstays its welcome. The first time our MC retakes a major city is pretty cool, the 8th time around it's hard to get excited.
Side note: The retro cover art for this is terrible and kept this on my backlog for a long time
November 8, 2020
Good book
All in all the book is a good read, while I don't like the aspect system as it isn't linear at all and confusing, and for a system that gives the mc a stat page you only see it once so you can't see how the mc is growing and the leveling doesn't seem to do much anyways except to get new abilities. That said the book is well written and although I don't like the leveling system it is well thought out, all in all a solid book.
All in all the book is a good read, while I don't like the aspect system as it isn't linear at all and confusing, and for a system that gives the mc a stat page you only see it once so you can't see how the mc is growing and the leveling doesn't seem to do much anyways except to get new abilities. That said the book is well written and although I don't like the leveling system it is well thought out, all in all a solid book.
January 11, 2021
Awesome Story Unique System
The only thing I could not understand was Why percentage and fractions?
This story of the world going into Game System with only 2% of all living creatures of Earth surviving was a very interesting entertaining fast paced book that I really enjoyed reading. The Mc is an ex MMA fighter that teaches and his girlfriend is a military Brat of an Marine dad.
The only thing I could not understand was Why percentage and fractions?
This story of the world going into Game System with only 2% of all living creatures of Earth surviving was a very interesting entertaining fast paced book that I really enjoyed reading. The Mc is an ex MMA fighter that teaches and his girlfriend is a military Brat of an Marine dad.
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