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System Integration Chronicles #1
A Hard Reset
The world didn't end. It just leveled up in this epic LitRPG adventure.
Fourteen-year-old Caden Taylor was more worried about his grades than his stats. But that was before the universe hit the reset button. Now, the world he knew is gone, replaced by a new reality governed by a game-like System. With stats, skills, and quests, it's the ultimate Gamelit challenge where survival is the only goal.
When the timer hits zero, the world he knew is deleted. Monsters straight out of a nightmare now prowl his suburban neighborhood, and the chaos pulls his father, a game warden, into the heart of the storm.
Now, with only his ride-or-die best friend, Jayden, and Jayden's sharp-witted older sister, Hanna, at his side, Caden has to level up, pick a class, and learn the rules of this new System. Together, they begin the ultimate base-building turning their ruined neighborhood into a defensible fortress.
But as they fortify their settlement against goblins and other System-spawned monsters, they learn a hard something truly massive is carving a path of destruction across the land. It’s an apocalyptic force that dwarfs any monster they've faced, and it's coming straight for them.
Experience the start of a new hit series perfect for fans of Tao Wong, Shirtaloon, and Zogarth. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves action-packed stories with detailed game mechanics, a relatable main character, and a world where every single stat point matters.
Fourteen-year-old Caden Taylor was more worried about his grades than his stats. But that was before the universe hit the reset button. Now, the world he knew is gone, replaced by a new reality governed by a game-like System. With stats, skills, and quests, it's the ultimate Gamelit challenge where survival is the only goal.
When the timer hits zero, the world he knew is deleted. Monsters straight out of a nightmare now prowl his suburban neighborhood, and the chaos pulls his father, a game warden, into the heart of the storm.
Now, with only his ride-or-die best friend, Jayden, and Jayden's sharp-witted older sister, Hanna, at his side, Caden has to level up, pick a class, and learn the rules of this new System. Together, they begin the ultimate base-building turning their ruined neighborhood into a defensible fortress.
But as they fortify their settlement against goblins and other System-spawned monsters, they learn a hard something truly massive is carving a path of destruction across the land. It’s an apocalyptic force that dwarfs any monster they've faced, and it's coming straight for them.
Experience the start of a new hit series perfect for fans of Tao Wong, Shirtaloon, and Zogarth. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves action-packed stories with detailed game mechanics, a relatable main character, and a world where every single stat point matters.
629 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 26, 2025
Book one
I tried to like this but every single interaction the MC has feels forced, phony, and jarring.
Everything from the compliments the adults give him to the entire deal with Mark and Penny.
The MC also spends an awful lot of time reminding us that he is only fourteen.
Don't forget that you have another fourteen year old holding the front line against monsters much bigger than himself, but the kid is like a wrecking ball as we are told repeatedly.
The emotional reaction of the best friend seemed correct for a child while the emotions of the MC didn't fit.
Remember even the MC's dad wouldn't let him stay home alone, so the pushing him into a leadership roll feels awful forced.
The MC has nothing going for him except that rifle.
Lots of little things that just don't fit as well. I highlighted a bunch of things.
4/10 Needs heavy editing to make everything flow better and feel more realistic.
I tried to like this but every single interaction the MC has feels forced, phony, and jarring.
Everything from the compliments the adults give him to the entire deal with Mark and Penny.
The MC also spends an awful lot of time reminding us that he is only fourteen.
Don't forget that you have another fourteen year old holding the front line against monsters much bigger than himself, but the kid is like a wrecking ball as we are told repeatedly.
The emotional reaction of the best friend seemed correct for a child while the emotions of the MC didn't fit.
Remember even the MC's dad wouldn't let him stay home alone, so the pushing him into a leadership roll feels awful forced.
The MC has nothing going for him except that rifle.
Lots of little things that just don't fit as well. I highlighted a bunch of things.
4/10 Needs heavy editing to make everything flow better and feel more realistic.
November 9, 2025
I might have enjoyed this book when I was fifteen years old.
The characters and their reactions to the new environment are simply too ridiculous to read let alone believe or identify with. I quit after a few chapters as it got worse with time.
The characters and their reactions to the new environment are simply too ridiculous to read let alone believe or identify with. I quit after a few chapters as it got worse with time.
October 28, 2025
This is a book (series) with identity issues. This isn't exactly uncommon to see in the LitRPG genre, but Drew McGunn's A Hard Reset (and, for that matter, its sequel) is unique in that the issue is less "the author is not very experienced at writing so the pacing/plot/storyline are all over the place and the alchemist/healer/mage story is actually all of them, at the same time" and more "this book bounces between genres." It starts as solidly YA, with a 14-year-old protagonist trying to make his way through the integration of a new system in the world, but it quickly becomes... I'm not quite sure. Political fantasy? A city builder? The protagonist talks economics and diplomacy for pages and pages before, all of a sudden, blushing because his crush holds his hand, or stuttering because he's confused. It's very hard to reconcile that this freshman in high school whose voice cracks every other sentence is capable of standing toe to toe with adults as they go on diplomatic missions.
I will admit that my issues with this book have grown as I read through the second in the series. On its own, the first book is pretty solid. But with the trajectory of its sequel, I find myself unable to suspend disbelief any longer. Beyond these genre troubles, I have identified three glaring issues with this series.
1. Why, exactly, is a 14-year-old being pushed as a second-in-command? The adults surrounding him keep going, "Oh, you totally have leader potential!" but then he... stutters and needs his comfort-pseudo-girlfriend or hotheaded bsf as backup. He may be good at leading in a battle, but I don't quite get what the adults see in him.
2. The adults in this series take teenagers waaaay more seriously than they ever would in real life. Don't get me wrong: I have long thought that teenagers deserve a lot more credit than they get, but bffr. Dude is literally a freshman in high school. There is no way random ex-police officers or city officials would ever take him seriously, at least not without a lot of pushback. Sure, once or twice we see people say, "Wow, I didn't think a teenager would be so talented!" but that's about all the antagonism we get to someone of his age. For this book/series to truly fall into YA generic conventions, it needs significantly more friction regarding his age.
3. Caden's love interest, Emily, is the biggest Mary Sue ever. He sees her and it's literally love at first sight. She's smart, she's beautiful, she's talented, she's capable of saving the day, she's more diplomatic than everyone, she has terrific situational awareness (nunchi for my Korean speakers out there)... she's perfect. But that's the rub: what, exactly, does she add to the story? She functions more as a plot device intended to show the protagonist's youth/lack of experience than as a real person. I genuinely think she is detrimental to this series. That's not to say that I am against a romantic interest in this series - I think it's a good idea, and realistic for a teenage boy to have a crush. But her entire character needs to be reworked.
Anyways, do I think this book is worth a read? Yeah, I think McGunn is doing something pretty unique here - combining LitRPG with literally any other genre just isn't done, at least not yet, so it's great to see. Do I think this book (series) is actually good? Well, I think it could have used some developmental editing - someone to say, "Pick a lane and stick to it" or "Delete that awful love interest." But maybe I'm just being nitpicky? Idk. I shouldn't expect so much from books published for free on the internet, but I guess I'm weird that way...
I will admit that my issues with this book have grown as I read through the second in the series. On its own, the first book is pretty solid. But with the trajectory of its sequel, I find myself unable to suspend disbelief any longer. Beyond these genre troubles, I have identified three glaring issues with this series.
1. Why, exactly, is a 14-year-old being pushed as a second-in-command? The adults surrounding him keep going, "Oh, you totally have leader potential!" but then he... stutters and needs his comfort-pseudo-girlfriend or hotheaded bsf as backup. He may be good at leading in a battle, but I don't quite get what the adults see in him.
2. The adults in this series take teenagers waaaay more seriously than they ever would in real life. Don't get me wrong: I have long thought that teenagers deserve a lot more credit than they get, but bffr. Dude is literally a freshman in high school. There is no way random ex-police officers or city officials would ever take him seriously, at least not without a lot of pushback. Sure, once or twice we see people say, "Wow, I didn't think a teenager would be so talented!" but that's about all the antagonism we get to someone of his age. For this book/series to truly fall into YA generic conventions, it needs significantly more friction regarding his age.
3. Caden's love interest, Emily, is the biggest Mary Sue ever. He sees her and it's literally love at first sight. She's smart, she's beautiful, she's talented, she's capable of saving the day, she's more diplomatic than everyone, she has terrific situational awareness (nunchi for my Korean speakers out there)... she's perfect. But that's the rub: what, exactly, does she add to the story? She functions more as a plot device intended to show the protagonist's youth/lack of experience than as a real person. I genuinely think she is detrimental to this series. That's not to say that I am against a romantic interest in this series - I think it's a good idea, and realistic for a teenage boy to have a crush. But her entire character needs to be reworked.
Anyways, do I think this book is worth a read? Yeah, I think McGunn is doing something pretty unique here - combining LitRPG with literally any other genre just isn't done, at least not yet, so it's great to see. Do I think this book (series) is actually good? Well, I think it could have used some developmental editing - someone to say, "Pick a lane and stick to it" or "Delete that awful love interest." But maybe I'm just being nitpicky? Idk. I shouldn't expect so much from books published for free on the internet, but I guess I'm weird that way...
October 31, 2025
A Hard Reset is the first book in this series, and It's a really good one. I really like LitRPG books that take place on earth, and that have good world building. This one has both. While the earth aspects aren't really a part of the story, the world building that takes place though is top notch, and we get to see the mechanics of the system rather early, and while it's similar to other systems as is to be expected, it's different enough that it keeps the story interesting right up to the end. I have already borrowed the next book in the series on KU, so should have a review on that one too here in a few days. Let's hope it remains as engaging as this one was.
March 10, 2026
Great story, rough read
I loved every single thing about this story. I thought the kid was a pretty well put together. I kind of noticed that there was a few things that got dropped off. I was expecting that dad‘s persnickety about cleaning their weapon would come back and bite Kayden in the butt or later in the story, but that didn’t happen They kind of forgot about that. Also, there were several sections that were repeated. There were also some rough spots with the grammar.
However, the story was well told the romance at the end was actually pretty well done and I had a great time.
I’d have the main character checked for ulcers with all the times his stomach flipped and he almost threw up.
Can’t wait for the next one.
I loved every single thing about this story. I thought the kid was a pretty well put together. I kind of noticed that there was a few things that got dropped off. I was expecting that dad‘s persnickety about cleaning their weapon would come back and bite Kayden in the butt or later in the story, but that didn’t happen They kind of forgot about that. Also, there were several sections that were repeated. There were also some rough spots with the grammar.
However, the story was well told the romance at the end was actually pretty well done and I had a great time.
I’d have the main character checked for ulcers with all the times his stomach flipped and he almost threw up.
Can’t wait for the next one.
July 1, 2025
Unique and fun read
The best way I can describe this book is - fun. For anyone who enjoys a good RPG, this book imagines life inside of your favorite RPG and does a damn good job of immersing you in a very unique universe.
Drew is clearly a talented and creative author, and I encourage you to give this a try and support his work!
The best way I can describe this book is - fun. For anyone who enjoys a good RPG, this book imagines life inside of your favorite RPG and does a damn good job of immersing you in a very unique universe.
Drew is clearly a talented and creative author, and I encourage you to give this a try and support his work!
July 6, 2025
short and a cliff hanger ending. not a good start
Engaging but as a new series it’s a very short read, with 3/4 of the book the lead up to the cutover. Finally a little action a pause then a cliff hanger.
Disappointing start.
Engaging but as a new series it’s a very short read, with 3/4 of the book the lead up to the cutover. Finally a little action a pause then a cliff hanger.
Disappointing start.
September 2, 2025
A bit too gamelit for me
I enjoy litrpgs, however this book felt like it was trying too hard to be super scary and super fun at discrete times and there was little bleeding. After the fight where the author did a good job of showing how harrowing it was he was just right as rain.
I enjoy litrpgs, however this book felt like it was trying too hard to be super scary and super fun at discrete times and there was little bleeding. After the fight where the author did a good job of showing how harrowing it was he was just right as rain.
September 3, 2025
Good, but a bit dark.
I liked this book. I really liked this book. However, it is really grim in parts. If you are looking for a feel-good story, this ain't it. However, if you are looking for a gritty LitRPG novel, this is perfect fir you
Highly recommended.
I liked this book. I really liked this book. However, it is really grim in parts. If you are looking for a feel-good story, this ain't it. However, if you are looking for a gritty LitRPG novel, this is perfect fir you
Highly recommended.
September 20, 2025
A great book
I liked the main characters and the build up was different, great characters. The mobs were interesting but the choices seamed light,but classes were good but not all for synergy with levels. I enjoyed this book ,I read it cover to cover. Keep up th good work
I liked the main characters and the build up was different, great characters. The mobs were interesting but the choices seamed light,but classes were good but not all for synergy with levels. I enjoyed this book ,I read it cover to cover. Keep up th good work
September 30, 2025
Good book
MC is a 14 yr old young man that has to deal with a lot of stuff as the world as we know it comes to an end and a new "Systemized" RPG like world takes over. Good character progression, bit of romance scattered in, good editing for spelling and grammar.
MC is a 14 yr old young man that has to deal with a lot of stuff as the world as we know it comes to an end and a new "Systemized" RPG like world takes over. Good character progression, bit of romance scattered in, good editing for spelling and grammar.
October 18, 2025
RPG life reset for a 14 year old high school freshman. Logic progression of and forced adventure. Well developed characters. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, read with the Alexa audio assist application.
November 7, 2025
Very good
i Enjoyed this tale. A bit iffy on the mc's age but mostly decided not to dwell on it ( I know was moron at 14 but since that hasn't really changed its probably not age related). Looking forward to more!
i Enjoyed this tale. A bit iffy on the mc's age but mostly decided not to dwell on it ( I know was moron at 14 but since that hasn't really changed its probably not age related). Looking forward to more!
November 22, 2025
Could not put down!
Caden and friends are alone when the system starts and it gets all to real when people start dying. How do they survive and help their neighbors survive as well?
Caden and friends unintentionally step up.
Caden and friends are alone when the system starts and it gets all to real when people start dying. How do they survive and help their neighbors survive as well?
Caden and friends unintentionally step up.
February 10, 2026
Nice opening book one and it's in Texas nuff said.
Nice opening book one and it's in Texas nuff said. Well you have to say more to finish review. Good start and I want to read more.
Nice opening book one and it's in Texas nuff said. Well you have to say more to finish review. Good start and I want to read more.
February 17, 2026
I didn't get very far, because I found all of the characters annoying and childish. Yeah, I know, there are plenty of 14 year olds that behave that way, but that doesn't mean I want to read about them. Either give me a mature-for-his-years protagonist or write about someone older.
September 19, 2025
very enjoyable litRPG
Well written. Great system interesting characters and lots of action. Looking forward to seeing what town building comes out of it.
Well written. Great system interesting characters and lots of action. Looking forward to seeing what town building comes out of it.
September 26, 2025
Good read.
Nice story line. Moves along well. My only problem was I could only read a couple of chapters at a time before suffering from adjective toxicity.
Nice story line. Moves along well. My only problem was I could only read a couple of chapters at a time before suffering from adjective toxicity.
September 27, 2025
Great book
Stellar work from Drew McGunn! Lots of action and adventure, magic and monsters. Looking forward to reading the next one!
Stellar work from Drew McGunn! Lots of action and adventure, magic and monsters. Looking forward to reading the next one!
October 21, 2025
Fun read
Fun read... Interesting take on the litrpg genre. Protagonist is an over powered 14 year old. Seems ok for an adolescent to read
Fun read... Interesting take on the litrpg genre. Protagonist is an over powered 14 year old. Seems ok for an adolescent to read
October 22, 2025
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
November 30, 2025
The reader would make an amazing hypnotist. I could feel my eyes growing heavy...
didn-t-like-it
December 3, 2025Note to self: noooooooooooope.
December 15, 2025
3* ok but not planning to continue the series at this point.
August 31, 2025
Starting aspects of the story along with the Main Character make for a massive Anti-hook for this book literally repelling readers. Made me start thinking it was done on purpose.. which just makes no sense. So far I've managed to get through, I'd say about 3hours of listening and had to take a frustration induced break.
-review tbc-
Gave up on this not much further along. It just got worse and was not worth my time nor my Audible credit.
-review tbc-
Gave up on this not much further along. It just got worse and was not worth my time nor my Audible credit.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews