What do you think?
Rate this book
Apocalypse Parenting #4
Breaking Rules
Meghan, Pointy, and the kids have conquered Challenges, gathered allies, and bought themselves a little breathing room.
Pointy thinks she has a way to contact the artificial intelligence controlling the contest. She wants to convince it to give her information. Maybe she can get it to tweak the rules!
If she can, it could be critical to humanity's survival.
But how will the aliens running the contest react?
Pointy thinks she has a way to contact the artificial intelligence controlling the contest. She wants to convince it to give her information. Maybe she can get it to tweak the rules!
If she can, it could be critical to humanity's survival.
But how will the aliens running the contest react?
602 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
56 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Erin Ampersand
8 books59 followersI'm going to start putting reviews up on Goodreads! A note about my reviews: I object to the star system for books. I don't think it's helpful, and would prefer a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down system. Since that's not offered, I'm just going to be giving 5 stars to any book I'd give a thumbs-up. If I wouldn't give it at least a thumbs-up, I'm not going to review it at all!
To help differentiate between different books, I'll also post tiny review for each stating why a book might particularly draw someone in, and what kind of person might want to avoid it, since no book is for everyone.
You can browse more of my posts and reviews on my Instagram or Bluesky:
https://www.instagram.com/erinampersand/
https://bsky.app/hashtag/%26microrevi...
...
Erin Ampersand is from a lesser-known branch of the Punctuation Peerage. Neither as elegant as the noble Parentheses, nor as well-regarded as the heroic Dashes, the Ampersands are instead considered little better than the scurrilous Interrobangs.
In addition to writing and reading, Erin loves games of all sorts, from tabletop RPGs to videogames, although she is rather bad at platformers and hopeless at first-person shooters. She and her husband own enough board games to capsize a standard canoe.
To help differentiate between different books, I'll also post tiny review for each stating why a book might particularly draw someone in, and what kind of person might want to avoid it, since no book is for everyone.
You can browse more of my posts and reviews on my Instagram or Bluesky:
https://www.instagram.com/erinampersand/
https://bsky.app/hashtag/%26microrevi...
...
Erin Ampersand is from a lesser-known branch of the Punctuation Peerage. Neither as elegant as the noble Parentheses, nor as well-regarded as the heroic Dashes, the Ampersands are instead considered little better than the scurrilous Interrobangs.
In addition to writing and reading, Erin loves games of all sorts, from tabletop RPGs to videogames, although she is rather bad at platformers and hopeless at first-person shooters. She and her husband own enough board games to capsize a standard canoe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 28, 2025
Note: This book should be read after "Engineer's Odyssey", which follows Megan's husband's return from his business trip. It's not shown as a part of the Apocalypse Parenting series, but in continuity, it ends before this book begins.
The conflict between the humans and the alien race running the "game" is escalating quickly, and this is abetted by the desire of AI "slaves" wanting to survive the contest, which complicates their reactions to events.
Unlike many LitRPG series, this series is showing significant progress with each volume. While the first book is about survival in apocalypse, this book shows the beginning of the human's fight back against the aliens.
The plotting is solid, presenting major challenges, but providing commensurate rewards for success (in narrative terms, not necessarily in game terms). There are costs that make sense in the dangerous environment of the game, and some of those costs are painful. Character development is significant and handled well by the author, with none of the characters seeming to act outside their established personalities, but all growing as the challenges continue. And it seems that there might be some effect from the "lawyers'" efforts against the worst abuses of the system.
This series has better characters and a better story than nearly every LitRPG series I've read. With that said, I have come to care enough about the characters that I actually want this series to finish its story. This need not happen in the very short term, but I really want a conclusion eventually, not just the usual grind from threat to escalating threat that we see so often.
This series has my highest recommendation.
The conflict between the humans and the alien race running the "game" is escalating quickly, and this is abetted by the desire of AI "slaves" wanting to survive the contest, which complicates their reactions to events.
Unlike many LitRPG series, this series is showing significant progress with each volume. While the first book is about survival in apocalypse, this book shows the beginning of the human's fight back against the aliens.
The plotting is solid, presenting major challenges, but providing commensurate rewards for success (in narrative terms, not necessarily in game terms). There are costs that make sense in the dangerous environment of the game, and some of those costs are painful. Character development is significant and handled well by the author, with none of the characters seeming to act outside their established personalities, but all growing as the challenges continue. And it seems that there might be some effect from the "lawyers'" efforts against the worst abuses of the system.
This series has better characters and a better story than nearly every LitRPG series I've read. With that said, I have come to care enough about the characters that I actually want this series to finish its story. This need not happen in the very short term, but I really want a conclusion eventually, not just the usual grind from threat to escalating threat that we see so often.
This series has my highest recommendation.
September 3, 2025
Really good stuff. I spent the first third of the book waiting for Vince, and that reunion was just as fun and emotional as it was in Engineers Odyssey. I am very glad this was still a Meghan story. Vince was there and fit in with what she built very nicely. Even though he's a strong character I'm glad he didn't bogart Meghan's light. 👍🏽👍🏽
August 29, 2025
I adore this series.
Megan is the perfect protagonist. I love her loyalty, her fierceness, her overall vibe. And I love her children. I love the pacing of this series as well. Book two was slightly underwhelming but books three and four were fantastic. I can't say too much for fear of spoilers. But this book definitely sets up the next one to be the final one, which I believe it will be.
I do recommend reading Engineer's Odyssey as an "Apocalypse Parenting book 3.5" before reading this one. That's Vince's story and it is also AMAZING.
I'm so excited to continue with this series and see how it concludes!
Megan is the perfect protagonist. I love her loyalty, her fierceness, her overall vibe. And I love her children. I love the pacing of this series as well. Book two was slightly underwhelming but books three and four were fantastic. I can't say too much for fear of spoilers. But this book definitely sets up the next one to be the final one, which I believe it will be.
I do recommend reading Engineer's Odyssey as an "Apocalypse Parenting book 3.5" before reading this one. That's Vince's story and it is also AMAZING.
I'm so excited to continue with this series and see how it concludes!
September 5, 2025
Does not disappoint!!
This series is one of my all time favorites. I could not wait for this to come out to continue my journey with Meghan. I read it so fast, and now I want to cry that I have to wait fir the conclusion. But it was worth it, to get my dose of the Morretti family!
This series is one of my all time favorites. I could not wait for this to come out to continue my journey with Meghan. I read it so fast, and now I want to cry that I have to wait fir the conclusion. But it was worth it, to get my dose of the Morretti family!
December 1, 2025
4.5 stars
Just wow. Seriously. I'm loving the story, the surprises, and also that it isn't going to be dragging on forever haha. Looks like the 5th book will be the last.
I'm glad we got a reunion! I'm glad there is hope for the humans!
Seriously, looking forward to the next book.
Just wow. Seriously. I'm loving the story, the surprises, and also that it isn't going to be dragging on forever haha. Looks like the 5th book will be the last.
I'm glad we got a reunion! I'm glad there is hope for the humans!
Seriously, looking forward to the next book.
October 11, 2025
It was only because I was reviewing books for the 2023 Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC) that I read Time to Play: Apocalypse Parenting. Book One introduced us to a suburban mom hero, a worldwide life or death game, superpowers, aliens, and a talking stuffed turtle. This is a book that would ordinarily not find its way onto my reading list. By the time I finished Erin Ampersand’s (AKA Erin Dury) first book I decided it was the most unique apocalyptic science fiction book I have ever read and looked forward to book two. And then book three and then two novellas and now book four.
Breaking Rules is the latest book in this series - if you ignore the two short stories about Meghan’s husband. The author suggests, quite rightly, that you read Engineer’s Odyssey before reading Breaking Rules as it gives you some background that enhances the story.
As with her previous books, Ampersand has filled this one with a lot of action, aliens, monsters, thrills, chills, and a side of “mom stuff”. At times I found myself reading faster to see how some of the “scary” sequences played out.
The best part of this series is the idea of a mother battling aliens and keeping her three young children safe at the same time. How do you calm a three year old while battling a fire breathing dragon? Somehow Meghan manages this and a lot more. In book four her life gets more and more complicated and, just when you think you are getting near the end, a new plot twist puts you back to square one.
I do not read a lot of tales that continue over several books so you might take my criticism with a grain of salt. Breaking Rules was well written and full of action but I found myself hoping that it would be the concluding book in the series. Unfortunately this is not to be as there is a book five coming out. Fortunately, Ampersand promises that it is the final installment.
Needless to say, I plan to pre-order book five and read it as soon as it arrives.
Breaking Rules is the latest book in this series - if you ignore the two short stories about Meghan’s husband. The author suggests, quite rightly, that you read Engineer’s Odyssey before reading Breaking Rules as it gives you some background that enhances the story.
As with her previous books, Ampersand has filled this one with a lot of action, aliens, monsters, thrills, chills, and a side of “mom stuff”. At times I found myself reading faster to see how some of the “scary” sequences played out.
The best part of this series is the idea of a mother battling aliens and keeping her three young children safe at the same time. How do you calm a three year old while battling a fire breathing dragon? Somehow Meghan manages this and a lot more. In book four her life gets more and more complicated and, just when you think you are getting near the end, a new plot twist puts you back to square one.
I do not read a lot of tales that continue over several books so you might take my criticism with a grain of salt. Breaking Rules was well written and full of action but I found myself hoping that it would be the concluding book in the series. Unfortunately this is not to be as there is a book five coming out. Fortunately, Ampersand promises that it is the final installment.
Needless to say, I plan to pre-order book five and read it as soon as it arrives.
October 6, 2025
Another great one!
I just love this series so much and the newest installation did not disappoint! I enjoy LitRPG and I'm a mother of two young children, so this series has, from the start, resonated beautifully with me. I can't wait for the next one!
I just love this series so much and the newest installation did not disappoint! I enjoy LitRPG and I'm a mother of two young children, so this series has, from the start, resonated beautifully with me. I can't wait for the next one!
September 15, 2025
Big fan of the series.
Well fuck. I felt like the reunion was glossed over majorly. The connection was thin and his character a bit of an after thought. Then I just read another review.
"This book should be read after 'Engineer's Odyssey'"
How was I supposed to know? ah well.
For some reason the becoming hunted by the system was not paced well enough for me (or I'm dumb or slow) to completely understand how it played out especially in the audio book.
The other thing I noticed and this is not a criticism of the book I think but sometimes these are easier to consume back to back when the events are very fresh for the characters. I think I waited quite some time for this book but my feelings didn't quite catch up.
Well fuck. I felt like the reunion was glossed over majorly. The connection was thin and his character a bit of an after thought. Then I just read another review.
"This book should be read after 'Engineer's Odyssey'"
How was I supposed to know? ah well.
For some reason the becoming hunted by the system was not paced well enough for me (or I'm dumb or slow) to completely understand how it played out especially in the audio book.
The other thing I noticed and this is not a criticism of the book I think but sometimes these are easier to consume back to back when the events are very fresh for the characters. I think I waited quite some time for this book but my feelings didn't quite catch up.
October 12, 2025
I decided not to read the novella with Meghan's husband first, and I probably should have. But, I don't think it harmed my reading experience either. I didn't want to change my focus from Meghan. I'll read it eventually.
I love this series. This series feels like every book pushes the main story arc forward. There's very little meandering, and few side quests.
I also love that the story stays focused on Meghan and the kids. The family is the main reason I started this series, and I haven't been disappointed. There's plenty of action, and the losses hurt.
This book has an amazing surprise that sets up the direction for the next book(s). I really wasn't expecting that to happen!
This is a favorite series.
I love this series. This series feels like every book pushes the main story arc forward. There's very little meandering, and few side quests.
I also love that the story stays focused on Meghan and the kids. The family is the main reason I started this series, and I haven't been disappointed. There's plenty of action, and the losses hurt.
This book has an amazing surprise that sets up the direction for the next book(s). I really wasn't expecting that to happen!
This is a favorite series.
December 20, 2025
This continues to be a series I want to read all the way to the end. It has not disappointed me yet, and it keeps me interested in finding out what happens next. I heard there is another book, Engineer’s Odyssey, which focuses on Meghan’s husband, Vince. I had a feeling he would show up in this book, and he does. I chose not to read his story because I wanted to stay with Meghan and the kids. Skipping it did not detract from this book at all, since it works more as an optional companion piece for readers who want to learn more about him.
October 25, 2025
Wildly in love with the first volume, I've grown less engaged as the battle with monsters dominates. I had hoped for increased family life with the return of Vince, which occurs later than I hoped in the installment. I care about the family featured in this well-conceived story. But if I didn't fall in love with the beginning, I might have awarded less stars. I am not especially interested in monster battles and wish they were more background. The author is talented.
August 29, 2025
crazy roller coaster
This book hit hard and fast. Very depressing in the first part but bounced back to an aggressive story. Got learn more about the universe as well as quite a few twists in the story. Very well written.
This book hit hard and fast. Very depressing in the first part but bounced back to an aggressive story. Got learn more about the universe as well as quite a few twists in the story. Very well written.
September 2, 2025
4.5 stars. After reading Engineer's Odessey, I had a little more difficulty getting back into Megan's story. I was really looking for just a couple of chapters before Vince and Meghan were reunited, while it was almost half the book.
August 26, 2025
Cannot praise this series enough.
September 25, 2025
Continues to be a compelling series
November 3, 2025
Interesting turns of events in this one. Not entirely sure how I feel about one of them, but I guess I'll sort it out in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews