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A Glitched System LitRPG Apocalypse #1
Madman Apocalypse Book 1
A crazy new SysApoc LitRPG for fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl and 100th Run, but with the insanity set to max.
The whole world has gone mad, so it's a good thing that Gambit is already insane.Locked away in a padded room, Gambit watches as the world goes to hell. Blood rains from the sky. Screams echo through the city. Monsters tear through reality.
The world transforms overnight into the GREAT GAME, an apocalyptic battleground where monsters hunt, dungeons materialize, and the System destroys everything humanity once knew. All for the entertainment of the unseen audience.
Armed with nothing but his fists, Panda the talking plushie, and a glitched character Class that shouldn't exist, Gambit fights his way out of the asylum. But his existence triggers alerts across the GREAT GAME, drawing the attention of its agents who hunt players that don't follow their rules.
As civilization burns around him, Gambit battles both his personal demons and the literal ones stalking the streets. But in a world where insanity transforms humans into the very monsters they fear, Gambit's fractured mind becomes his deadliest weapon.
The GREAT GAME demands players. Its orchestrators demand victims.
But what they get is Gambit, the glitch they never saw coming.
The whole world has gone mad, so it's a good thing that Gambit is already insane.Locked away in a padded room, Gambit watches as the world goes to hell. Blood rains from the sky. Screams echo through the city. Monsters tear through reality.
The world transforms overnight into the GREAT GAME, an apocalyptic battleground where monsters hunt, dungeons materialize, and the System destroys everything humanity once knew. All for the entertainment of the unseen audience.
Armed with nothing but his fists, Panda the talking plushie, and a glitched character Class that shouldn't exist, Gambit fights his way out of the asylum. But his existence triggers alerts across the GREAT GAME, drawing the attention of its agents who hunt players that don't follow their rules.
As civilization burns around him, Gambit battles both his personal demons and the literal ones stalking the streets. But in a world where insanity transforms humans into the very monsters they fear, Gambit's fractured mind becomes his deadliest weapon.
The GREAT GAME demands players. Its orchestrators demand victims.
But what they get is Gambit, the glitch they never saw coming.
667 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 9, 2025
(I listen to the audio version but could not finish it)
I’m not sure what the other reviews for this book are talking about because I found it to be quite terrible. This is one of the worst audiobooks I've listened to in a long time. I understand the premise—the protagonist is supposed to be insane and talks to imaginary things, and I actually find that aspect somewhat interesting. However, the constant naming of the skill "dot dot dot, whatever skill name, explanation point zero, whatever" is ridiculous and serves no purpose. The excessive recitation of everything in the inventory is also unnecessary, especially when it occurs multiple times within the same chapters only to do it again in the next chapter is completely ridiculous. I don't care if the character has a torn shirt etc... in his inventory; it detracts from the story rather than adding to it.
Maybe the way the status page is written is intended to have some deeper meaning, but after six hours, I still see it as nonsensical fluff. I shouldn't have to be force-fed the idea that the character is crazy. If the author needs to write like this to conveyors characters insane then they are not a good writer; it feels like he’s just throwing words at the wall to see what sticks.
The disappointing part is that I genuinely like the premise—it’s interesting—but the execution is extremely poor and unnecessarily wordy.
In conclusion, I got this book on sale for $7.70, but if I could go back, I wouldn’t spend even $1 on it.
Do not waste your money or your time on this one; it’s truly bad.
I’m not sure what the other reviews for this book are talking about because I found it to be quite terrible. This is one of the worst audiobooks I've listened to in a long time. I understand the premise—the protagonist is supposed to be insane and talks to imaginary things, and I actually find that aspect somewhat interesting. However, the constant naming of the skill "dot dot dot, whatever skill name, explanation point zero, whatever" is ridiculous and serves no purpose. The excessive recitation of everything in the inventory is also unnecessary, especially when it occurs multiple times within the same chapters only to do it again in the next chapter is completely ridiculous. I don't care if the character has a torn shirt etc... in his inventory; it detracts from the story rather than adding to it.
Maybe the way the status page is written is intended to have some deeper meaning, but after six hours, I still see it as nonsensical fluff. I shouldn't have to be force-fed the idea that the character is crazy. If the author needs to write like this to conveyors characters insane then they are not a good writer; it feels like he’s just throwing words at the wall to see what sticks.
The disappointing part is that I genuinely like the premise—it’s interesting—but the execution is extremely poor and unnecessarily wordy.
In conclusion, I got this book on sale for $7.70, but if I could go back, I wouldn’t spend even $1 on it.
Do not waste your money or your time on this one; it’s truly bad.
May 8, 2025
Very good, very funny, not for everyone.
First off. I really enjoyed this book. There were parts that I was literally cackling. The problem is that it us almost silly on parts. That might not bother some people, but it's not really my cup of tea. However, this book does a great job of keeping the silliness in check. Most people will probably love this book, but it is definitely not for everyone.
Still, it's worth the read. Just, read the sample first. It sets the tone for the rest of the book pretty well.
Highly recommended, just not for everyone.
First off. I really enjoyed this book. There were parts that I was literally cackling. The problem is that it us almost silly on parts. That might not bother some people, but it's not really my cup of tea. However, this book does a great job of keeping the silliness in check. Most people will probably love this book, but it is definitely not for everyone.
Still, it's worth the read. Just, read the sample first. It sets the tone for the rest of the book pretty well.
Highly recommended, just not for everyone.
May 13, 2025
An Incredible Read!
A humor-filled and thrilling tale, filled with insanity and madmen. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, and can't wait for the next book. I've followed the Author's work for sometime and was overjoyed when I saw this published. All in all I found it to be a well written and enjoyable read.
A humor-filled and thrilling tale, filled with insanity and madmen. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, and can't wait for the next book. I've followed the Author's work for sometime and was overjoyed when I saw this published. All in all I found it to be a well written and enjoyable read.
May 26, 2025
Sanity is overrated during the apocalypse. That is what the voices tell me.
Truly great read. Cannot wait for the next book.
Truly great read. Cannot wait for the next book.
May 19, 2025
The Newest madcap LitRPG apocalypse story
Ok so everyone that says I like DCC, what's another book like that and you didn't have an answer before, well now you do. This features much of the same kind of humor, violence, insanity and just fun. The MC, Gambit is insane (literally) and talks to his panda plushie that acts like Jiminie Cricket, but funnier. The story is bonkers in the best way. Go out and get this one, now!
Ok so everyone that says I like DCC, what's another book like that and you didn't have an answer before, well now you do. This features much of the same kind of humor, violence, insanity and just fun. The MC, Gambit is insane (literally) and talks to his panda plushie that acts like Jiminie Cricket, but funnier. The story is bonkers in the best way. Go out and get this one, now!
July 2, 2025
3.5 rounded up!
Straight up, this book is not for everyone, not even for readers who love LitRPG. Several reasons, the first being the humor. There's a huge range of humor, and there's something to bother everyone. Hate puns? It's here. Slapstick? That's here too? Wordplay? Yep. Just plain silliness? Oh, yeah.
The pace may also be off-putting. It's non-stop, frenetic action. Don't expect any breathing room.
Then there's the mental health representation. Don't expect a realistic and sensitive portrayal of a person struggling with their mental health.
Gambit starts out in a mental hospital when the System crashes Earth. The System is incredibly cruel and hateful, and Gambit has to fight his way out. Everyone else in the hospital was turned into monsters. Actually, half the people on Earth has been turned into monsters.
I have to give the author credit for going all out with all the ideas in this book. This is a no-holds-barred, wild ride. While the monsters are creative, the System bureaucrats are... I don't even know how to explain. They're awful, horrible, and cruel, but also put to good use by the author. I found the infighting between departments pretty amusing.
I also enjoyed Bee and Panda. Panda is Gambit's invisible friend, only people who have topped out their sanity meter can see him. Did I mention that if a person's sanity meter fills up, they become a monster, too?
Another thing that might annoy readers is the strong anime feel to the story. Many of the fight scenes could have been added to an anime movie. The whole book is colorful, bright and visual. But also, oddly enough, taste was brought in. Lot of flavor jokes.
In the end, I enjoyed it. I'll probably pick up the next book when I'm in the mood for some brain candy.
Straight up, this book is not for everyone, not even for readers who love LitRPG. Several reasons, the first being the humor. There's a huge range of humor, and there's something to bother everyone. Hate puns? It's here. Slapstick? That's here too? Wordplay? Yep. Just plain silliness? Oh, yeah.
The pace may also be off-putting. It's non-stop, frenetic action. Don't expect any breathing room.
Then there's the mental health representation. Don't expect a realistic and sensitive portrayal of a person struggling with their mental health.
Gambit starts out in a mental hospital when the System crashes Earth. The System is incredibly cruel and hateful, and Gambit has to fight his way out. Everyone else in the hospital was turned into monsters. Actually, half the people on Earth has been turned into monsters.
I have to give the author credit for going all out with all the ideas in this book. This is a no-holds-barred, wild ride. While the monsters are creative, the System bureaucrats are... I don't even know how to explain. They're awful, horrible, and cruel, but also put to good use by the author. I found the infighting between departments pretty amusing.
I also enjoyed Bee and Panda. Panda is Gambit's invisible friend, only people who have topped out their sanity meter can see him. Did I mention that if a person's sanity meter fills up, they become a monster, too?
Another thing that might annoy readers is the strong anime feel to the story. Many of the fight scenes could have been added to an anime movie. The whole book is colorful, bright and visual. But also, oddly enough, taste was brought in. Lot of flavor jokes.
In the end, I enjoyed it. I'll probably pick up the next book when I'm in the mood for some brain candy.
May 22, 2025
3/5
I dropped the story. I feel like the premise fell flat. I have seen sane protagonists commit more insane or self destructive feats. This protagonist acted more or less reasonable. Yes, his insane meter was at 100% and he was accompanied by a talking stuffed bear that no one else could see. But the protagonist rarely conveyed his insanity through his actions.
The protagonist opens a loot box which spawns a lv99 dungeon. The stuffed bear warns the protagonist to not enter the portal for obvious reasons. The protagonist agrees with the stuffed bears assessment and leaves the area. That was not the actions of an insane protagonist. He supposedly has self destructive tendencies, yet he doesn't display such behavior aside from fighting monsters. Which everyone one else is doing to grow stronger.
The only thing that is distinguishing him is his glitched system.
I dropped the story. I feel like the premise fell flat. I have seen sane protagonists commit more insane or self destructive feats. This protagonist acted more or less reasonable. Yes, his insane meter was at 100% and he was accompanied by a talking stuffed bear that no one else could see. But the protagonist rarely conveyed his insanity through his actions.
The protagonist opens a loot box which spawns a lv99 dungeon. The stuffed bear warns the protagonist to not enter the portal for obvious reasons. The protagonist agrees with the stuffed bears assessment and leaves the area. That was not the actions of an insane protagonist. He supposedly has self destructive tendencies, yet he doesn't display such behavior aside from fighting monsters. Which everyone one else is doing to grow stronger.
The only thing that is distinguishing him is his glitched system.
June 23, 2026
Tired of overdone LitRPG? This is for you.
Absolute Pandamonium ensues in this unique System Apocalypse LitRPG. You’ll Bee saying “Yummy, yummy!” by the time it’s done.
Want even more after? Well then, good news.
Achievement Unlocked: You Got a Sequel!
Wait, what’s this? You’re just now reading and there are THREE books, and TWO audiobooks? That can’t be right. Must be a glitch.
Reward?
All three books are free to read with Kindle Unlimited, and the first two audiobooks are a credit each!
—Vex
Absolute Pandamonium ensues in this unique System Apocalypse LitRPG. You’ll Bee saying “Yummy, yummy!” by the time it’s done.
Want even more after? Well then, good news.
Achievement Unlocked: You Got a Sequel!
Wait, what’s this? You’re just now reading and there are THREE books, and TWO audiobooks? That can’t be right. Must be a glitch.
Reward?
All three books are free to read with Kindle Unlimited, and the first two audiobooks are a credit each!
—Vex
July 15, 2025
I loved it and I cannot wait for the next book. I don't know what that says about me, but hey. Everything feels original which is quite a breath of fresh air. We need more morally gray/black main characters.
July 30, 2025
DCC try hard - e si nota tantissimo quanto l'autore ci stia provando ad assomigliare a Dungeon Crawler Carl, ma anche quanto per scrivere certe cose bisogno mettersi di piglio buono.
Non posso bocciarlo, e ha ampi margini di miglioramento, ma per ora N_C_S Non ci siamo!
Non posso bocciarlo, e ha ampi margini di miglioramento, ma per ora N_C_S Non ci siamo!
December 10, 2025
Not bad, but strong Dungeon Crawler Carl vibe. There were some unique changes and funny moments but to me, Dungeon Crawler Carl's story felt more cohesive (at least in the first several books). Not planning to read the second book yet.
May 8, 2025
DNF 2.5 Stars
didn-t-like-it
June 10, 2025Note to self: big fat nope.
July 21, 2025
Thought it would be trying too hard
It's not. It's perfect. I love it. Also this cover is absolute peak. Words words words words words words words
It's not. It's perfect. I love it. Also this cover is absolute peak. Words words words words words words words
September 28, 2026
Pretty decent LitRPG. I'm curious enough to see where book 2 goes.
June 5, 2026
Fun and insane apocalypse story which is reminiscent of Dungeon Crawler Carl but in a good way, not a rip off way. Loved Pandamonium, great imaginary sidekick, and Bee is a great companion. Funny and crazy in the best ways but I feel something intangible is missing to make it truly great. Not sure what is missing exactly but something just feels a little off. Maybe its Gambit's total lack of morals, it is hard to root for someone who has no redeeming features, even if he is funny as hell.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews