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Restarting the Apocalypse #2
Against Ruin's Fate
The apocalypse didn’t break Plynthia. The nobles did that long before the end came.
Len and Rick survived its fall—barely. Sent into dungeon after dungeon to map, clear, and die for noble profit, they earned their stats the hard one scar, one kill, one body at a time.
Now they’ve gone back. Not by choice. Not by magic. By system design.
The cracks they remember are spreading again.
Trapped on the frontlines of the Stained Mountain Range, they're under siege by mana-mutated beasts. Their only shot at saving the firebase? Dig through the mountain to reach Goran before Halem Forest spills over and devours them all.
But Goran isn't a rescue. It's a powder keg.
The kingdom’s lords are circling—offering bribes, spinning promises, preparing for a civil war that hasn’t started yet... but will. Len and Rick have seen this game before, and they know how it with bodies stacked in dungeons and nobles squabbling over the loot.
This time, it’s not their war.
But if they walk away, it might be everyone’s last.
Against Ruin’s Fate is Book 2 of Restarting the Apocalypse, a gritty Regressor LitRPG series by international bestseller Michael Chatfield.
✔ Dungeon warfare
✔ Crafting-based progression
✔ Military realism
✔ Zero plot armor
✔ Power earned, not gifted
Rage, rage against ruin’s fate—and change it.
Len and Rick survived its fall—barely. Sent into dungeon after dungeon to map, clear, and die for noble profit, they earned their stats the hard one scar, one kill, one body at a time.
Now they’ve gone back. Not by choice. Not by magic. By system design.
The cracks they remember are spreading again.
Trapped on the frontlines of the Stained Mountain Range, they're under siege by mana-mutated beasts. Their only shot at saving the firebase? Dig through the mountain to reach Goran before Halem Forest spills over and devours them all.
But Goran isn't a rescue. It's a powder keg.
The kingdom’s lords are circling—offering bribes, spinning promises, preparing for a civil war that hasn’t started yet... but will. Len and Rick have seen this game before, and they know how it with bodies stacked in dungeons and nobles squabbling over the loot.
This time, it’s not their war.
But if they walk away, it might be everyone’s last.
Against Ruin’s Fate is Book 2 of Restarting the Apocalypse, a gritty Regressor LitRPG series by international bestseller Michael Chatfield.
✔ Dungeon warfare
✔ Crafting-based progression
✔ Military realism
✔ Zero plot armor
✔ Power earned, not gifted
Rage, rage against ruin’s fate—and change it.
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2025
About the author
Michael Chatfield
70 books1,413 followersMichael Chatfield is a Canadian Army veteran and international bestselling author who writes the kind of books he always wanted to read—character-driven, gritty, tactical, and grounded in reality.
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 9, 2026
This book keeps you interested by demanding that you pay attention so you understand what's coming next. Intriguing.
November 11, 2025
Poorly written plot
This was slightly better than the first book just because the author stopped repeating the poorly explained time travel excuse every few pages. The plot is still not great. it could be so much better but the author instead uses vague descriptions as a crutch to get by. The timeline is vague. How much time has passed? Who knows. How much time before winter? Who knows, but it's definitely going to be a scary problem. This also makes the advancement and development of the soldiers and city make little to no sense. They all jump forward in tech and abilities very quickly with no perceived effort. The whole idea of cultivation/ leveling/ and skills is also super vague to the point that it doesn't even matter. The author can't even be bothered to show full status sheets because then he couldn't change things on the fly to make things just work out for the MCs
This was slightly better than the first book just because the author stopped repeating the poorly explained time travel excuse every few pages. The plot is still not great. it could be so much better but the author instead uses vague descriptions as a crutch to get by. The timeline is vague. How much time has passed? Who knows. How much time before winter? Who knows, but it's definitely going to be a scary problem. This also makes the advancement and development of the soldiers and city make little to no sense. They all jump forward in tech and abilities very quickly with no perceived effort. The whole idea of cultivation/ leveling/ and skills is also super vague to the point that it doesn't even matter. The author can't even be bothered to show full status sheets because then he couldn't change things on the fly to make things just work out for the MCs
October 21, 2025
grrr
I like it. But it’s a bit ham-handed.
I am *very* glad the ‘future plans’ of the MCs are to travel instead of getting further involved in production and development. City building gets tedious, and the politics are frustrating as well.
I will pre-order book 3. Not amazing, but it works for me.
I like it. But it’s a bit ham-handed.
I am *very* glad the ‘future plans’ of the MCs are to travel instead of getting further involved in production and development. City building gets tedious, and the politics are frustrating as well.
I will pre-order book 3. Not amazing, but it works for me.
October 25, 2025
A great read!
Len and Rick went thru it all before, but this time things have changed a bit. Things are progressing faster than before. Can they still achieve their goal and save the world they know?
Len and Rick went thru it all before, but this time things have changed a bit. Things are progressing faster than before. Can they still achieve their goal and save the world they know?
October 21, 2025
Good story
I like the story but wish there was more of it. This book is 3 parts fighting 1 part story. A lot of world building. A lot of set up. Hopefully the next will have some payoff.
I like the story but wish there was more of it. This book is 3 parts fighting 1 part story. A lot of world building. A lot of set up. Hopefully the next will have some payoff.
October 26, 2025
Great book
This is a great book with a unique story line with well developed characters. This series is well worth a read.
This is a great book with a unique story line with well developed characters. This series is well worth a read.
October 26, 2025
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful! I can not wait for the next book to come out+
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful! I can not wait for the next book to come out+
October 21, 2025
Excellent
Nice combination of world building and action, the world building is amazing. The characters are so lifelike, especially the Royals.
Nice combination of world building and action, the world building is amazing. The characters are so lifelike, especially the Royals.
May 17, 2026
Against Ruin's Fate is the second book in this series, but I have to say, I'm not impressed. I really liked the first one, but this second one just wasn't up to the writing standards I've come to enjoy from this author. I'll go ahead and read the next one in the series, but if that one has the same lackluster writing style, I'm not sure I'll continue past that point. The story did make progress in this installment, and there was character development, which of course is why we read these kinds of stories, but outside of that, the story just felt flat to me, more like a cardboard cutout than an actual adventure. Can't really point to any one thing that says that's the problem, but for what it's worth, I just didn't enjoy this one as much as other books from this author. It took me nearly a week to push through this book, and for me, that's unusual, but I'll simply hold out hope that the next book improves on this one, and go ahead and read the next one, Hopefully it reads better, I'd really hate to abandon the series after the third book.
October 31, 2025
It's good
If you like the previous book in the series you're going to like this one. Well, not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one. It'll give you a lot more to context and a lot more enjoyment if you do plenty of action. Plenty of rollability lots of city building which I really enjoy. Lots of research dungeon exploration. The main characters are powerful but not overpowered. Just a step above everybody else that's a nice satisfaction of two main characters who haven't already survived the Apocalypse. One time know exactly what to do the next for the most part, the longer the book series continues the more out of whack their information becomes and the more tenuous their situation. I know it's a good book because when I finished it I was disappointed there wasn't more to read. Looking forward to the next one in the series. I apologize for any spelling errors and writingness review with voice to text. I haven't gone over the plot cuz I feel it would destroy the value of the book to you knowing any thing that's going to happen in the future. Hope this helps
If you like the previous book in the series you're going to like this one. Well, not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one. It'll give you a lot more to context and a lot more enjoyment if you do plenty of action. Plenty of rollability lots of city building which I really enjoy. Lots of research dungeon exploration. The main characters are powerful but not overpowered. Just a step above everybody else that's a nice satisfaction of two main characters who haven't already survived the Apocalypse. One time know exactly what to do the next for the most part, the longer the book series continues the more out of whack their information becomes and the more tenuous their situation. I know it's a good book because when I finished it I was disappointed there wasn't more to read. Looking forward to the next one in the series. I apologize for any spelling errors and writingness review with voice to text. I haven't gone over the plot cuz I feel it would destroy the value of the book to you knowing any thing that's going to happen in the future. Hope this helps
July 9, 2026
3.5 stars.
There are elements of this book and series that I really like: The focus on building a society in the face of an apocalypse, the use of magic to enhance or replace mundane engineering, and the character relationships, particularly between the two main characters.
The "adventure" bits, OTOH, are pretty generic. Go into the bad place, get attacked by creatures in greater numbers and with greater capabilities than expected, win anyway, repeat.
The "game" seems mostly there to put this in the LitRPG category. There isn't much obvious difference to the characters from their various increases in power, which makes the periodic "You earn 3122 experience" notes in the text both superfluous and distracting.
Overall, I'm enjoying the series, but I'd prefer it if the pacing were more brisk. Cautiously recommended for LitRPG fans.
There are elements of this book and series that I really like: The focus on building a society in the face of an apocalypse, the use of magic to enhance or replace mundane engineering, and the character relationships, particularly between the two main characters.
The "adventure" bits, OTOH, are pretty generic. Go into the bad place, get attacked by creatures in greater numbers and with greater capabilities than expected, win anyway, repeat.
The "game" seems mostly there to put this in the LitRPG category. There isn't much obvious difference to the characters from their various increases in power, which makes the periodic "You earn 3122 experience" notes in the text both superfluous and distracting.
Overall, I'm enjoying the series, but I'd prefer it if the pacing were more brisk. Cautiously recommended for LitRPG fans.
October 24, 2025
Mix feelings
On one points the story is moving forward. On another to many plots confusing the narrative. What is the reader suppose to focus on? How many plots before the author, the reader, or some random entity, just forgets where this is all going. Focus needs to be streamlined. But like I said the story is moving... just slowly. End of book two and atleast the two MC's talked about the third person that sent them back in time to begin with... I mean it was one maybe two lines about him but it was there... sigh.
On one points the story is moving forward. On another to many plots confusing the narrative. What is the reader suppose to focus on? How many plots before the author, the reader, or some random entity, just forgets where this is all going. Focus needs to be streamlined. But like I said the story is moving... just slowly. End of book two and atleast the two MC's talked about the third person that sent them back in time to begin with... I mean it was one maybe two lines about him but it was there... sigh.
November 2, 2025
Good but not great
I love the story and its pretty well thought out. Its very similar in themes to the previous stories. Two main characters with special knowledge and abilities fighting the system.
I wish less time and details would be devoted to nuances. For example spending entire chapters on details around manufacturing, engineering or farming. Those very specific details really slow down the story sometimes.
Overall good plot, just didnt move too much due to a lot of time and effort being invested into very minute details
I love the story and its pretty well thought out. Its very similar in themes to the previous stories. Two main characters with special knowledge and abilities fighting the system.
I wish less time and details would be devoted to nuances. For example spending entire chapters on details around manufacturing, engineering or farming. Those very specific details really slow down the story sometimes.
Overall good plot, just didnt move too much due to a lot of time and effort being invested into very minute details
February 27, 2026
There are bits I like and bits I don't like so I have settled on a 3 out of 5. Our team being on the move is definitely a plus because the mountain arc got very boring about a third of the way through. Things are a bit better paced here but I could have done without or at least a retooling of introducing the Titans that bit felt boring and I feel like I've read more than enough adventure and fantasy to see characters get introduced in a smoother manner but maybe I am just becoming more impatient I dunno.
October 28, 2025
Great read
If you liked the first book, you'll enjoy this one as well. Thankfully the technical descriptions aren't as abundant in this one.
It doesn't end on a cliffhanger as much as it does a redundancy, in case anyone wasnt paying attention to the several times the ending was hinted at, especially in the latter third of the novel. I want to read the next book, but not because I'm feeling any hook from where the book closed.
If you liked the first book, you'll enjoy this one as well. Thankfully the technical descriptions aren't as abundant in this one.
It doesn't end on a cliffhanger as much as it does a redundancy, in case anyone wasnt paying attention to the several times the ending was hinted at, especially in the latter third of the novel. I want to read the next book, but not because I'm feeling any hook from where the book closed.
Read
November 27, 2025Enthralling
As the second of the series, this book continues it's combination of action and discovery, that caught my attention in the first npovel. The characters are very realistic and engaging, the world large and detailed. The political climate is fraught (unfortunately - I don't like politics) and currently relevant as the 'world' deals with the changes wrought by apocalyptic change, and a crumbling monarchy. I'm sad that I have to wait for the next book.. 😉🤣
As the second of the series, this book continues it's combination of action and discovery, that caught my attention in the first npovel. The characters are very realistic and engaging, the world large and detailed. The political climate is fraught (unfortunately - I don't like politics) and currently relevant as the 'world' deals with the changes wrought by apocalyptic change, and a crumbling monarchy. I'm sad that I have to wait for the next book.. 😉🤣
January 23, 2026
Bad writing story structure.
Inconsistent chronology and internal story logic.
Far to much tell of the worst sort like using the two MC's to tell each other obvious things both of them know already. Retroactive storytelling where a bunch of things that weren't shown happening are later added in a detailed 'tell dump' that is just jarringly suspect because of the aforementioned poor handling of the chronology/passage of time.
DNF
Inconsistent chronology and internal story logic.
Far to much tell of the worst sort like using the two MC's to tell each other obvious things both of them know already. Retroactive storytelling where a bunch of things that weren't shown happening are later added in a detailed 'tell dump' that is just jarringly suspect because of the aforementioned poor handling of the chronology/passage of time.
DNF
May 29, 2026
This could have used a bit more editing for certain mistakes, but was altogether a positive experience and a fun read that I'm already looking forward to rereading at some point in the future. RTA2 expands on the premise and story of the first in a way that didn't feel like wasted words. The characters start to hone in on progression and I think at this point you start to see more imbalance in the two main character perspectives page counts.
July 3, 2026
Good storyline, bad editing!
The title says it all,... It's a good story with a lot of potential and a decent amount of depth. Unfortunately , the first two books are full of many misprints, mixed up storylines, and contradictory information.
So, is it worth reading?... As long as you don't have a compulsory problem and can ignore the above., the series, so far, is indeed worth reading.
The title says it all,... It's a good story with a lot of potential and a decent amount of depth. Unfortunately , the first two books are full of many misprints, mixed up storylines, and contradictory information.
So, is it worth reading?... As long as you don't have a compulsory problem and can ignore the above., the series, so far, is indeed worth reading.
October 26, 2025
Better but still not the best
Still has the same issue as the last book, 20 percent good and 80 filler. A lot of boring build up, if you like that stuff from the first book there's more. What I really liked was the epic battles and interacting with the people. The highlights always involved the two MC working with grandma or meeting people to get things done.
Still has the same issue as the last book, 20 percent good and 80 filler. A lot of boring build up, if you like that stuff from the first book there's more. What I really liked was the epic battles and interacting with the people. The highlights always involved the two MC working with grandma or meeting people to get things done.
October 28, 2025
More of the same.
The second book started to liven up in the second half when the grubby politicians got involved , I don't particularly enjoy the dungeon diving and the basic story is okay but as the MCs realise they need help , I'm hoping book three will be more world building and less dungeons.
The second book started to liven up in the second half when the grubby politicians got involved , I don't particularly enjoy the dungeon diving and the basic story is okay but as the MCs realise they need help , I'm hoping book three will be more world building and less dungeons.
November 1, 2025
Disappointing.
I was disappointed with some of the decisions made and what I see as plot holes. I don’t understand why the Inspector and company didn’t have an accident due to beast attack on the way back staged by the MCs and I don’t understand why Len is dragging his feet in reuniting with his former wife who he said he loved and doesn’t even seem to mention her or care.
I was disappointed with some of the decisions made and what I see as plot holes. I don’t understand why the Inspector and company didn’t have an accident due to beast attack on the way back staged by the MCs and I don’t understand why Len is dragging his feet in reuniting with his former wife who he said he loved and doesn’t even seem to mention her or care.
November 8, 2025
Not your best work
I was really looking forward to this series when I saw it. But the writing really is not as polished as your other work. Emerilia is definitely your best written series. This one almost seems like it was written by A.I. a lot of redundant sentences and holes in the story. Hopefully there's improvement in the next book
I was really looking forward to this series when I saw it. But the writing really is not as polished as your other work. Emerilia is definitely your best written series. This one almost seems like it was written by A.I. a lot of redundant sentences and holes in the story. Hopefully there's improvement in the next book
October 8, 2025
Really enjoyed the character interactions/development and world (re)building. Good dose of politics without getting really bogged down in it (for me). Looking forward to where this series goes next!
October 28, 2025
Good read
Author has a good balance with the MCs being strong but not OP to doing everything themselves. Also factor in that MCs are changing the future with their changes. A really good read, definitely recommend.
Author has a good balance with the MCs being strong but not OP to doing everything themselves. Also factor in that MCs are changing the future with their changes. A really good read, definitely recommend.
Read
February 12, 2026Great book 2
Excellent details of world building while having plenty of action and adventure to satisfy our appetite. Author once again keeps attention on the main characters while giving glimpses of the world changes around them.
Excellent details of world building while having plenty of action and adventure to satisfy our appetite. Author once again keeps attention on the main characters while giving glimpses of the world changes around them.
February 13, 2026
Gaining momentum
Things are starting to heat up for a world hurtling towards an apocalypse.... And our two MCs are trying to prepare their families and city for it. Love the everyone in this book and I'm curious to see how thing develop in the next book!
Things are starting to heat up for a world hurtling towards an apocalypse.... And our two MCs are trying to prepare their families and city for it. Love the everyone in this book and I'm curious to see how thing develop in the next book!
March 14, 2026
This is a reboot of ten realms, and a very boring one at that. I expected politics and got a simplistic set up with no payoff. At some point I thoughtfully this would finally kick off, apparently it is just an entire set up arc.
May 23, 2026
Not sure this series is really for me. Lot of planning, politics, and town building. Some combat but feels more like a squad than typical fantasy. Humor is pretty good, and it’s holding my interest for now.
October 12, 2025
Great book with strong characters and a story, this is the best of the LITRPG genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews