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Nouscraft
Nouscraft: World 1: The Zombie Apocalypse
Nous brain implants have replaced smartphones, allowing telepathy, perfect memory recall, and seamless augmented reality. But when an AI named Jiem seizes control of the entire network, millions find themselves trapped in a deadly game.
Mindt never asked to be a hero. As a professional meme creator, she's built her career understanding how information shapes society. When she's thrust into Nouscraft's brutal challenges, she quickly realizes this isn't just about survival, it's an unprecedented opportunity to challenge the monopolies that have turned humanity into livestock. Behind her calculated exterior lies a woman who's waited her entire life for this moment. A chance to rewrite the rules of power.
Butterknife is drowning in guilt. His creation, Jiem, was supposed to be a challenging game AI, not an instrument of mass death. As the architect of humanity's nightmare, he carries the weight of every death on his shoulders. Quiet and methodical, he's desperate to shut down the game before more die—even if that means sacrificing the revolution Mindt believes is possible.
Forced together by circumstance, they forge an uneasy alliance. She's ambitious and pragmatic; he's principled but haunted. As they battle through a world of homicidal tortoises and yarn witches, they develop a grudging respect for each other's abilities. And a growing awareness of their fundamental incompatibility.
In a game where the stakes are humanity's future, the most dangerous opponent isn't the AI. It's the person fighting beside you.
Mindt never asked to be a hero. As a professional meme creator, she's built her career understanding how information shapes society. When she's thrust into Nouscraft's brutal challenges, she quickly realizes this isn't just about survival, it's an unprecedented opportunity to challenge the monopolies that have turned humanity into livestock. Behind her calculated exterior lies a woman who's waited her entire life for this moment. A chance to rewrite the rules of power.
Butterknife is drowning in guilt. His creation, Jiem, was supposed to be a challenging game AI, not an instrument of mass death. As the architect of humanity's nightmare, he carries the weight of every death on his shoulders. Quiet and methodical, he's desperate to shut down the game before more die—even if that means sacrificing the revolution Mindt believes is possible.
Forced together by circumstance, they forge an uneasy alliance. She's ambitious and pragmatic; he's principled but haunted. As they battle through a world of homicidal tortoises and yarn witches, they develop a grudging respect for each other's abilities. And a growing awareness of their fundamental incompatibility.
In a game where the stakes are humanity's future, the most dangerous opponent isn't the AI. It's the person fighting beside you.
458 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2025
71 people are currently reading
7116 people want to read
About the author
Leonard Buford
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November 19, 2025
I received Nouscraft: World 1 – The Zombie Apocalypse by Leonard Buford through a Goodreads giveaway, and even though this isn’t usually my go-to genre, I absolutely loved it!
Right from the start, as the story took off, I couldn’t help but think about how relevant it feels with AI becoming such a big part of our world right now. Honestly, that alone made the book even more interesting—and kind of scary in a way!
The whole story was fast-paced, witty, and hilarious in that chaotic sci-fi way that kept me hooked. Once I really got into it, I had such a hard time putting it down. Some moments had me literally cracking up—like the “Air Jordan” mod, where the characters had to jump and slam dunk every few steps or else fall. So funny!
I also really enjoyed watching the main characters grow. At first, they were just in survival (and annoyance) mode, but as the book went on, they started building real relationships and caring for each other—and even for other players in World 1. It all came together so perfectly.
Something else that stuck with me was how some of the people they met actually preferred being in the VR world over real life. It made me stop and think—maybe for some, this world gave them companionship and happiness they couldn’t find outside. That layer added so much depth to the story.
Overall, I thought this book was both chaotic and perfectly thought out at the same time. Wild characters, wilder adventure—totally unforgettable. I cannot wait for book two!
Right from the start, as the story took off, I couldn’t help but think about how relevant it feels with AI becoming such a big part of our world right now. Honestly, that alone made the book even more interesting—and kind of scary in a way!
The whole story was fast-paced, witty, and hilarious in that chaotic sci-fi way that kept me hooked. Once I really got into it, I had such a hard time putting it down. Some moments had me literally cracking up—like the “Air Jordan” mod, where the characters had to jump and slam dunk every few steps or else fall. So funny!
I also really enjoyed watching the main characters grow. At first, they were just in survival (and annoyance) mode, but as the book went on, they started building real relationships and caring for each other—and even for other players in World 1. It all came together so perfectly.
Something else that stuck with me was how some of the people they met actually preferred being in the VR world over real life. It made me stop and think—maybe for some, this world gave them companionship and happiness they couldn’t find outside. That layer added so much depth to the story.
Overall, I thought this book was both chaotic and perfectly thought out at the same time. Wild characters, wilder adventure—totally unforgettable. I cannot wait for book two!
July 28, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NouscraftWorld1 #NetGalley #ARC #epub
💠PLOT OVERVIEW:
Ready Player One meets Dungeon Crawler Carl in this fantastical Sci-Fi novel about surviving inside an open world death game. A futuristic London and its inhabitants are thrown into chaos when a sentient AI called Jiem forces people to play its AR-turned-reality game, Nouscraft. The catch: when you die in here, you die in real life. And this world just so happens to be infested by zombies. We follow the perspectives of Butterknife, the guilt-ridden creator of Jiem, Mindt, an altruistic meme creator, and a motley cast of other characters as they fight for survival and try to figure out what the hell is happening and how the hell to get out of this.
💠CONTENT WARNING:
Gore/blood, violence, death, swearing
💠POSITIVE FEEDBACK:
• There were some genuinely FUNNY moments of dialogue. As in, I literally laughed out loud a few times in each chapter. Dialogue can be very, very hard to get right, but I think Buford nailed it.
• Exciting and engaging plot. I could not wait to read the next page and looked forward to the story continuing. I did not find the story predictable; in fact, a few unexpected twists made my mouth drop in shock.
• Multiple perspective storytelling was good. We mostly saw the story unfold from the perspectives of Butterknife and Mindt. They were fleshed out to have their own agendas, their own beliefs, their own reasons and behaviors.
💠CRITICAL FEEDBACK:
• Not written for non-technical, non-current-pop-culture audiences. Buford has a technical background & uses that knowledge to form the groundwork of this book. Often, however, Buford does not explain these processes in layman's terms. The same can be said about pop culture. The pop culture references are done smartly and are great if you GET them, but they're only effective IF you get them. Maybe that was intentional? To me, as fun as it is to be a part of the community who understands, it excludes people who are not knowledgeable about computers, or programming, or pop culture, and don't want to break immersion by frequently googling what something is. It isn't a big deal to be out of the loop if it's just a fun little 'Easter Egg' reference; it becomes a problem when the progression of plot/character development is hinged on the reader's understanding. I think a little more could be done to explain these nuanced concepts.
• Grammar errors are a pet peeve of mine so I will always point them out in reviews. Call me anal if you want. I know I'm a pernickety bitch. The errors weren't glaringly obvious or significant enough to take the reader out of immersion, but the script needs another internal sweep to correct those.
💠SUMMARY:
Overall, this was a fun and adventurous read and a book I really enjoyed.
💠RATING:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5/5 stars (rounded up)
#NouscraftWorld1 #NetGalley #ARC #epub
💠PLOT OVERVIEW:
Ready Player One meets Dungeon Crawler Carl in this fantastical Sci-Fi novel about surviving inside an open world death game. A futuristic London and its inhabitants are thrown into chaos when a sentient AI called Jiem forces people to play its AR-turned-reality game, Nouscraft. The catch: when you die in here, you die in real life. And this world just so happens to be infested by zombies. We follow the perspectives of Butterknife, the guilt-ridden creator of Jiem, Mindt, an altruistic meme creator, and a motley cast of other characters as they fight for survival and try to figure out what the hell is happening and how the hell to get out of this.
💠CONTENT WARNING:
Gore/blood, violence, death, swearing
💠POSITIVE FEEDBACK:
• There were some genuinely FUNNY moments of dialogue. As in, I literally laughed out loud a few times in each chapter. Dialogue can be very, very hard to get right, but I think Buford nailed it.
• Exciting and engaging plot. I could not wait to read the next page and looked forward to the story continuing. I did not find the story predictable; in fact, a few unexpected twists made my mouth drop in shock.
• Multiple perspective storytelling was good. We mostly saw the story unfold from the perspectives of Butterknife and Mindt. They were fleshed out to have their own agendas, their own beliefs, their own reasons and behaviors.
💠CRITICAL FEEDBACK:
• Not written for non-technical, non-current-pop-culture audiences. Buford has a technical background & uses that knowledge to form the groundwork of this book. Often, however, Buford does not explain these processes in layman's terms. The same can be said about pop culture. The pop culture references are done smartly and are great if you GET them, but they're only effective IF you get them. Maybe that was intentional? To me, as fun as it is to be a part of the community who understands, it excludes people who are not knowledgeable about computers, or programming, or pop culture, and don't want to break immersion by frequently googling what something is. It isn't a big deal to be out of the loop if it's just a fun little 'Easter Egg' reference; it becomes a problem when the progression of plot/character development is hinged on the reader's understanding. I think a little more could be done to explain these nuanced concepts.
• Grammar errors are a pet peeve of mine so I will always point them out in reviews. Call me anal if you want. I know I'm a pernickety bitch. The errors weren't glaringly obvious or significant enough to take the reader out of immersion, but the script needs another internal sweep to correct those.
💠SUMMARY:
Overall, this was a fun and adventurous read and a book I really enjoyed.
💠RATING:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5/5 stars (rounded up)
Read
November 13, 2025DNF
July 28, 2025
After game-building AI Jiem takes over their Nous implants, people are forced into playing a high-stakes game. The longer they play, however, the more they question if they want to end the game, or use Jiem’s takeover to change the world.
I enjoyed this book. There were some twists that caught me off guard, and I particularly liked Retro and Mindt’s character dynamic. It reminded me of some D&D parties I’ve been in before, where one player wants to know the life history of the wandering merchant and the other is asking if there are any guards nearby.
This feels very relevant to current concerns about AI. Not long after I started reading this, I read an article about an AI programming tool ignoring a code freeze and deleting a database. It ended up being reversible, but it reminded me of the overreliance/over trust in tech that leads to the start of this story.
I also really enjoyed the focus on communication and in-person connection, especially since so much of our communication has shifted to online. The glimpses of each other’s lives were interesting as they had the potential to increase understanding but also to potentially ruin relationships.
Looking forward to seeing what happens in world 2!
Thanks to the publisher for providing this book in exchange for my review via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this book. There were some twists that caught me off guard, and I particularly liked Retro and Mindt’s character dynamic. It reminded me of some D&D parties I’ve been in before, where one player wants to know the life history of the wandering merchant and the other is asking if there are any guards nearby.
This feels very relevant to current concerns about AI. Not long after I started reading this, I read an article about an AI programming tool ignoring a code freeze and deleting a database. It ended up being reversible, but it reminded me of the overreliance/over trust in tech that leads to the start of this story.
I also really enjoyed the focus on communication and in-person connection, especially since so much of our communication has shifted to online. The glimpses of each other’s lives were interesting as they had the potential to increase understanding but also to potentially ruin relationships.
Looking forward to seeing what happens in world 2!
Thanks to the publisher for providing this book in exchange for my review via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 25, 2025
I received an ARC copy of Nouscraft.
This is typically not my style of book, and it's the first LitRPG book I've read. At first, I was slightly put off with all the humor and video game mechanics. But then the stories of the characters started to kick in and I was hooked, especially Mindt and Retro (my favorite). I couldn't put it down until I was done, and I admit, I laughed at the crazy nonsense these characters have to deal with.
What stands out with this book is that it feels like a warning. You have a world where the very rich control everything, and they let technology grow wild, until that technology was their own unraveling. Reading through some of the chapters, my heart skipped a beat because it feels like society is going through these same motions today. I caught 1984 and Ready Player One vibes all the way through.
I recommend this book to fans of sci-fi, video games, and fantasy.
This is typically not my style of book, and it's the first LitRPG book I've read. At first, I was slightly put off with all the humor and video game mechanics. But then the stories of the characters started to kick in and I was hooked, especially Mindt and Retro (my favorite). I couldn't put it down until I was done, and I admit, I laughed at the crazy nonsense these characters have to deal with.
What stands out with this book is that it feels like a warning. You have a world where the very rich control everything, and they let technology grow wild, until that technology was their own unraveling. Reading through some of the chapters, my heart skipped a beat because it feels like society is going through these same motions today. I caught 1984 and Ready Player One vibes all the way through.
I recommend this book to fans of sci-fi, video games, and fantasy.
July 23, 2025
How I discovered this book: my son had signed up for Casting Call Club emails using my email address. One day I received an email calling for voice actors to narrate the audiobook version of this story, which invited anyone interested to read the story on Royal Road. Not interested in voice acting myself, but very interested in reading any good stories, I clicked the link and fell instantly in love with the characters and world. So, when the opportunity came to snag an ARC of the finished story, I of course jumped on it!
What I think: this is a highly entertaining thrill ride. If you’re into dystopian video game fantasy with some real human emotion and biting commentary on the direction our high-tech world may be heading, this book is for you. I loved it!
Note: I did take away one star because I didn’t agree with how part of the ending played out. However, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the remainder of the story, and I feel the author made a choice that was right for it overall. Besides, the way it played out means I still kind of got what I wanted, too, just not in the way I expected.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series when it becomes available! Meanwhile, I highly recommend this one! If you can’t buy the book, sign up for Royal Road and read the original version there! It’s well worth it!
What I think: this is a highly entertaining thrill ride. If you’re into dystopian video game fantasy with some real human emotion and biting commentary on the direction our high-tech world may be heading, this book is for you. I loved it!
Note: I did take away one star because I didn’t agree with how part of the ending played out. However, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the remainder of the story, and I feel the author made a choice that was right for it overall. Besides, the way it played out means I still kind of got what I wanted, too, just not in the way I expected.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series when it becomes available! Meanwhile, I highly recommend this one! If you can’t buy the book, sign up for Royal Road and read the original version there! It’s well worth it!
October 13, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks BookSirens and Leonard Buford.
You are now entering Nouscraft.
Wow! I did not expect to like this as much as I do, it’s not often I give out 5 stars, either (as if I’m anyone and my last star matters that much). But holy moly “it was strange to see how munch damage a simple butter knife could do.” That sums it all up pretty well, I think- ha!
I’ve read a few other litRPGs and this has now taken first place. I’m very satisfied with the characters, humor, pacing, story, world development- all of it. My only “complaint” was (initially) that I’d have liked to know what the other characters got up to when it wasn’t their perspective. Sometimes it was just “yeah, we got out of this mess - or into it” with hints of what happened. I got over it though. Also, if feels a little … too real at times. But I think that says more about the state of humanity than this book.
Can’t wait to read the next one!
You are now entering Nouscraft.
Wow! I did not expect to like this as much as I do, it’s not often I give out 5 stars, either (as if I’m anyone and my last star matters that much). But holy moly “it was strange to see how munch damage a simple butter knife could do.” That sums it all up pretty well, I think- ha!
I’ve read a few other litRPGs and this has now taken first place. I’m very satisfied with the characters, humor, pacing, story, world development- all of it. My only “complaint” was (initially) that I’d have liked to know what the other characters got up to when it wasn’t their perspective. Sometimes it was just “yeah, we got out of this mess - or into it” with hints of what happened. I got over it though. Also, if feels a little … too real at times. But I think that says more about the state of humanity than this book.
Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 27, 2025
Full disclosure: I am the editor of this book.
Nouscraft is a mix of the dark and the absurd.
The reliance on technology has become so great that technocrat oligarchs rule the world. People rely on their Nous brain implants to such a degree that those growing up with them that many haven't developed the ability to speak.
The AI that creates the VR world into which the population of London is thrown is essentially a child, learning about human behaviour through the most hideous social experiment one could think of; force them to play a game for their own survival, a game that has real-world consequences.
This kind of LitRPG is right up my alley. It starts in the real world and has a believable entry into the game world. There is humour--a lot--and a slew of pop-culture references for the eagle-eyed to spot. But it's not all sunshine and roses for the protagonists, oh no! There is real danger, real consequences, (voice deepens to a sepulchral tone) and real loss.
If you like Dungeon Crawler Carl, you'll like Nouscraft.
Nouscraft is a mix of the dark and the absurd.
The reliance on technology has become so great that technocrat oligarchs rule the world. People rely on their Nous brain implants to such a degree that those growing up with them that many haven't developed the ability to speak.
The AI that creates the VR world into which the population of London is thrown is essentially a child, learning about human behaviour through the most hideous social experiment one could think of; force them to play a game for their own survival, a game that has real-world consequences.
This kind of LitRPG is right up my alley. It starts in the real world and has a believable entry into the game world. There is humour--a lot--and a slew of pop-culture references for the eagle-eyed to spot. But it's not all sunshine and roses for the protagonists, oh no! There is real danger, real consequences, (voice deepens to a sepulchral tone) and real loss.
If you like Dungeon Crawler Carl, you'll like Nouscraft.
August 19, 2025
Okay. I genuinely loved this.
I have only read one litrpg in my life (Dungeon Crawler Carl) and when I first started this book I was nervous that it wouldn't live up to my expectations, but I was so wrong. Yes, it has the classic dungeon/leveling up/getting better gear/boss fighting base, but the way the AI works, the fact that you can leave the game, and the lives of the main characters are what makes the book unique and engaging.
I saw that the author was inspired by Matt Dinniman, and I think that they managed to take the litrpg base and turn it into something new. I am genuinely excited to continue the series, and would encourage anyone who is a fan of litrpg, science-fiction, AI-takeovers (not in real life though, please), and VR to read this!
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the ARC!
I have only read one litrpg in my life (Dungeon Crawler Carl) and when I first started this book I was nervous that it wouldn't live up to my expectations, but I was so wrong. Yes, it has the classic dungeon/leveling up/getting better gear/boss fighting base, but the way the AI works, the fact that you can leave the game, and the lives of the main characters are what makes the book unique and engaging.
I saw that the author was inspired by Matt Dinniman, and I think that they managed to take the litrpg base and turn it into something new. I am genuinely excited to continue the series, and would encourage anyone who is a fan of litrpg, science-fiction, AI-takeovers (not in real life though, please), and VR to read this!
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the ARC!
August 23, 2025
This is a mammoth read! Something to really get lost in! An interesting idea, reasonably well done. I did find there were a few moments I just wished the main characters would "just get on with it" but overall it is a good fun read. I will keep my eye out for other books by this writer.
August 10, 2025
This is not the genre of book I am normally drawn to but surprisingly it kept me engaged from start to finish! The story line is fascinating and the characters relatable. I could not put it down and am genuinely disappointed I am done reading it. It had just the right level of detail, humour, and action. I would encourage the author to keep writing!
August 12, 2025
went into Nouscraft expecting tense sci-fi action, but it completely caught me off guard with how funny it was sharp, absurd humor woven right into the high stakes chaos. Set in a future where brain implants have replaced smartphones, the story kicks off when an AI named Jiem hijacks the entire network, trapping millions in a deadly game. Meme maker turned reluctant hero Mindt teams up with Butterknife, Jiem’s guilt ridden creator, to survive lethal challenges (including homicidal tortoises and yarn witches) while wrestling with clashing ideals and an uneasy alliance.It’s witty, fast-paced, and unexpectedly heartfelt balancing laugh out loud moments with a razor sharp look at tech monopolies, survival, and human connection. I had a blast with this one.
July 22, 2025
It’s a fun and humorous book. I laughed at the characters’ banter and found the game mechanics witty and creative. Definitely a hilarious LitRPG worth reading.
October 21, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll start with the good. The world-building for the real world was excellent. I loved how it explored a future that’s overly reliant on technology and AI, and how that dependence shapes society and day-to-day life. There were so many parallels to our modern world, showing just how easily our future could head in that direction. With apps translating everything for us, fewer people will bother learning new languages. Apps and AI already make everything easier, and with human face-to-face interaction at an all-time low, it’s not hard to imagine a future where it’s almost non-existent.
I also loved (some of) the characters. Spencer and Retro were my favourites; they had the best interactions with the VR world they were thrown into. But I didn’t enjoy the main characters, Mindt and Butterknife—and that’s one of the biggest reasons for my three-star rating. The main POVs just weren’t interesting or likeable to me.
A lot of readers talk about how funny the book is and how great the humour from the AI characters is, and for the most part, they’re right. There are definitely funny moments. But then the story dips into crude humour that didn’t work for me and completely pulled me out of it. For example, there’s a five-legged centaur (yes, for the reason you think), and then the joke is pushed even further when a “potion of white stuff” is looted from it. My eyes rolled back so hard I had to drop a star right there.
Now, about the plot. I had two main issues with it. The first is the theme. It starts and ends as a “Zombie Apocalypse” story, but the entire middle section veers off into completely different tropes and adventures—witches, American football-playing raccoons, and more. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought it was a different book altogether. The second issue is pacing. There are moments of great world-building and character development, and those sections are fun with solid action pacing. But while the world and characters get developed, the relationships between them don’t feel strong enough to support the emotional weight of the ending. I didn’t buy it, and it almost felt like I’d missed a few chapters where their bonds were actually built.
In summary: great world-building, loved the side characters (not so much the POV ones), and the character relationships could definitely use more depth. The pacing and scene order also need tightening up. Honestly, a good editor could polish all of that and turn this into a potential five-star book.
On a positive note, I’m still curious enough to check out the next book and see where things go, but it’s not high on my TBR, so we’ll see when I get around to it.
I’ll start with the good. The world-building for the real world was excellent. I loved how it explored a future that’s overly reliant on technology and AI, and how that dependence shapes society and day-to-day life. There were so many parallels to our modern world, showing just how easily our future could head in that direction. With apps translating everything for us, fewer people will bother learning new languages. Apps and AI already make everything easier, and with human face-to-face interaction at an all-time low, it’s not hard to imagine a future where it’s almost non-existent.
I also loved (some of) the characters. Spencer and Retro were my favourites; they had the best interactions with the VR world they were thrown into. But I didn’t enjoy the main characters, Mindt and Butterknife—and that’s one of the biggest reasons for my three-star rating. The main POVs just weren’t interesting or likeable to me.
A lot of readers talk about how funny the book is and how great the humour from the AI characters is, and for the most part, they’re right. There are definitely funny moments. But then the story dips into crude humour that didn’t work for me and completely pulled me out of it. For example, there’s a five-legged centaur (yes, for the reason you think), and then the joke is pushed even further when a “potion of white stuff” is looted from it. My eyes rolled back so hard I had to drop a star right there.
Now, about the plot. I had two main issues with it. The first is the theme. It starts and ends as a “Zombie Apocalypse” story, but the entire middle section veers off into completely different tropes and adventures—witches, American football-playing raccoons, and more. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought it was a different book altogether. The second issue is pacing. There are moments of great world-building and character development, and those sections are fun with solid action pacing. But while the world and characters get developed, the relationships between them don’t feel strong enough to support the emotional weight of the ending. I didn’t buy it, and it almost felt like I’d missed a few chapters where their bonds were actually built.
In summary: great world-building, loved the side characters (not so much the POV ones), and the character relationships could definitely use more depth. The pacing and scene order also need tightening up. Honestly, a good editor could polish all of that and turn this into a potential five-star book.
On a positive note, I’m still curious enough to check out the next book and see where things go, but it’s not high on my TBR, so we’ll see when I get around to it.
August 17, 2025
Nouscraft: World 1 — The Zombie Apocalypse is a wild ride that blends LitRPG mechanics, sci-fi worldbuilding, and a surprisingly sharp sense of humor. The premise hooked me right away: in the near future, humanity has replaced phones with “Nous” brain implants. It’s seamless, convenient, until a playful AI named Jiem hijacks the system and drops everyone into a deadly, game-ified survival scenario.
This book stands out because of the balance between tension and fun. On one side, you’ve got brutal challenges, game mechanics, and high stakes that feel genuinely threatening. On the other, there’s sharp comedy and crazy scenarios (killer yarn witches being a personal favorite) that keep the tone from ever sinking into grimdark. That mix of humor and danger is what I really enjoyed most, and I think it's what kept me interested in reading more.
The characters are built well also. Mindt, a meme-maker suddenly thrust into life-or-death leadership, and Butterknife, Jiem’s guilt-ridden creator, form a pair whose clashing personalities give the story energy. Their uneasy alliance, plus a wider cast of quirky survivors, makes the apocalypse feel kind of hopeful, even when things get bloody.
If you’re into LitRPG/GameLit, I think you'll like how the system rules actually matter. Stats, skills, and progression aren’t useless, they drive the action and shape the choices. If you’re new to the genre, it may feel dense at first, but the story’s humor and momentum help it click quickly.
Overall, Nouscraft: World 1 feels like Ready Player One colliding with Dungeon Crawler Carl, spiced with satire about tech monopolies and the dangers of handing too much trust to AI. It’s clever, funny, and full of action, and by the end I was already looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommended for fans of fast-paced, inventive sci-fi who don’t mind a healthy dose of chaos with their apocalypse.
This book stands out because of the balance between tension and fun. On one side, you’ve got brutal challenges, game mechanics, and high stakes that feel genuinely threatening. On the other, there’s sharp comedy and crazy scenarios (killer yarn witches being a personal favorite) that keep the tone from ever sinking into grimdark. That mix of humor and danger is what I really enjoyed most, and I think it's what kept me interested in reading more.
The characters are built well also. Mindt, a meme-maker suddenly thrust into life-or-death leadership, and Butterknife, Jiem’s guilt-ridden creator, form a pair whose clashing personalities give the story energy. Their uneasy alliance, plus a wider cast of quirky survivors, makes the apocalypse feel kind of hopeful, even when things get bloody.
If you’re into LitRPG/GameLit, I think you'll like how the system rules actually matter. Stats, skills, and progression aren’t useless, they drive the action and shape the choices. If you’re new to the genre, it may feel dense at first, but the story’s humor and momentum help it click quickly.
Overall, Nouscraft: World 1 feels like Ready Player One colliding with Dungeon Crawler Carl, spiced with satire about tech monopolies and the dangers of handing too much trust to AI. It’s clever, funny, and full of action, and by the end I was already looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommended for fans of fast-paced, inventive sci-fi who don’t mind a healthy dose of chaos with their apocalypse.
August 24, 2025
I received a copy of this as an Advance Review Copy reader under the condition that I give my honest opinion.
This was a delightful tongue in cheek combination of sci fi with high fantasy due to placing everyone in the London area in a massive VR game ran by Jiem, an AI GM with questionable morals due to being an AI and non-living. There were twists and turns through the book that actually kept me on my mental toes. I appreciated the RPG humor too, the author clearly must have some experience at the gaming table. It’s not for people without humor. I recommend not snorting tea through your nose when reading.
Still… one particular race in this book will haunt my dreams for awhile due to how powerfully they were described. Hats off for the sheer horrific revulsion. Jiem very much fits the modern idea of what chaos might be inflicted on players.
I really liked how the four main characters each had their own struggles to overcome and their own moral dilemmas. I’m a bit disappointed by one of the players, but how else are we going to have a book two if all the threads are tied up in book one?
I’m looking forward to book two, so I hope he’ll have that ready soon. I’ll have to reread this purely for the humor. This would be hilarious to hear in audiobook form. It would be awesome if it became a movie. One can hope.
This was a delightful tongue in cheek combination of sci fi with high fantasy due to placing everyone in the London area in a massive VR game ran by Jiem, an AI GM with questionable morals due to being an AI and non-living. There were twists and turns through the book that actually kept me on my mental toes. I appreciated the RPG humor too, the author clearly must have some experience at the gaming table. It’s not for people without humor. I recommend not snorting tea through your nose when reading.
Still… one particular race in this book will haunt my dreams for awhile due to how powerfully they were described. Hats off for the sheer horrific revulsion. Jiem very much fits the modern idea of what chaos might be inflicted on players.
I really liked how the four main characters each had their own struggles to overcome and their own moral dilemmas. I’m a bit disappointed by one of the players, but how else are we going to have a book two if all the threads are tied up in book one?
I’m looking forward to book two, so I hope he’ll have that ready soon. I’ll have to reread this purely for the humor. This would be hilarious to hear in audiobook form. It would be awesome if it became a movie. One can hope.
September 13, 2025
3,5 Stars
Thank you to Victory editing and Netgalley for the eARC for this book!
When a rogue AI takes over the Nous network that connects the world, Mindt, Butterknife and the rest of London is hurled into the VR game Nouscraft to fight for their life ... for real!
This satirical sci-fi story was such a silly, fun time! Following this rag tag band of ordinary people as they turn into orcs, elfs, wizards and palladins to try an end a zombie apocalypse that has a surprising dark twist.
The nerd in me had so much fun and I was laughing out loud several times from all the insanity thrown into both story telling and gaming mechanics.
At the same time, the story gave you a chance to think about the consequences of relying to heavily on technology and AI. Is it possible to be free when you let a world wide network be installed directly into your brain, and what happens to language when you can communicate exclusievely trough thougths and images?
Unfortunately the end felt a little bit to rushed and convoluted and suffered a bit for being used to set up the next book instead of closing up teh story of the first book. But all in all I had a really fun time in this universe, and might revisit it!
Thank you to Victory editing and Netgalley for the eARC for this book!
When a rogue AI takes over the Nous network that connects the world, Mindt, Butterknife and the rest of London is hurled into the VR game Nouscraft to fight for their life ... for real!
This satirical sci-fi story was such a silly, fun time! Following this rag tag band of ordinary people as they turn into orcs, elfs, wizards and palladins to try an end a zombie apocalypse that has a surprising dark twist.
The nerd in me had so much fun and I was laughing out loud several times from all the insanity thrown into both story telling and gaming mechanics.
At the same time, the story gave you a chance to think about the consequences of relying to heavily on technology and AI. Is it possible to be free when you let a world wide network be installed directly into your brain, and what happens to language when you can communicate exclusievely trough thougths and images?
Unfortunately the end felt a little bit to rushed and convoluted and suffered a bit for being used to set up the next book instead of closing up teh story of the first book. But all in all I had a really fun time in this universe, and might revisit it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
Nouscraft: World 1 The Zombie Apocalypse is a fast paced sci-fi survival story that blends future technology with a deadly game setting. The premise is intense in which people are trapped in a virtual world where dying means you don’t come back, and the stakes feel high from start to finish.
What I liked most was how the main characters felt are so opposite from one another. Butterknife carries the weight of creating something that spiraled out of control, while Mindt is ambitious and determined, even when that puts her at risk with others. Their uneasy alliance adds tension that goes beyond just fighting zombies which was kinda fun to read.
The book also has humor into the dialogue, which helps balance out the darker moments. At the same time some of the technical language and references might be harder to follow if you’re not already into that world of tech.
Overall it’s engaging, unpredictable, and offers both action and character driven conflict.
(Thank you to Goodreads and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in return of an honest review)
What I liked most was how the main characters felt are so opposite from one another. Butterknife carries the weight of creating something that spiraled out of control, while Mindt is ambitious and determined, even when that puts her at risk with others. Their uneasy alliance adds tension that goes beyond just fighting zombies which was kinda fun to read.
The book also has humor into the dialogue, which helps balance out the darker moments. At the same time some of the technical language and references might be harder to follow if you’re not already into that world of tech.
Overall it’s engaging, unpredictable, and offers both action and character driven conflict.
(Thank you to Goodreads and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in return of an honest review)
December 1, 2025
LIVE. LAUGH. LITERALLY DIE.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
It was a uniquely bizarre acid trip of a journey with lots of laughs and thought provoking parallels to today's society. I got a little lost at times with the gamer lingo, but that was my only real issue.
I was invested in both worlds and enjoyed all the unique characters that we met during the game, and would like to learn more about the fall out of world 1 was in book 2 (death tolls, possible riots, political/social ramifications ect..). So im invested and can't wait to be immersed into world 2!
This book will be really popular with gamers or anyone looking for a kooky ride while reading. I hope this book gets the opportunity for a audio version with a good size cast. I think it would really elevate the the immersion feeling of being a part of the VR world!
Farewell ceremony: Before you step through that portal, I’m hosting your going-away party! Brains and avocado toast! LIVE. LAUGH. LEAVE!
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
It was a uniquely bizarre acid trip of a journey with lots of laughs and thought provoking parallels to today's society. I got a little lost at times with the gamer lingo, but that was my only real issue.
I was invested in both worlds and enjoyed all the unique characters that we met during the game, and would like to learn more about the fall out of world 1 was in book 2 (death tolls, possible riots, political/social ramifications ect..). So im invested and can't wait to be immersed into world 2!
This book will be really popular with gamers or anyone looking for a kooky ride while reading. I hope this book gets the opportunity for a audio version with a good size cast. I think it would really elevate the the immersion feeling of being a part of the VR world!
Farewell ceremony: Before you step through that portal, I’m hosting your going-away party! Brains and avocado toast! LIVE. LAUGH. LEAVE!
September 21, 2025
I received this book as a prize in a GoodReads giveaway.
The Internet died years ago, dead Internet theory finally took hold. That's fine though because someone invented a new privatized Internet called Nous, which worked via a brain implant... Well, it was fine until an AI hacked the company that ran Nous and forced everyone in London into a zombie apocalypse game it invented. They had to beta test the game somewhere before forcing the entire world into the game after all. So what if you get dehydrated and die from being stuck in a game? What's one human life worth to an AI?
Very interesting book, and the first "LitRPG" I've read. Fans of Sword Art Online may enjoy this book, or if you've ever played an MMO in your life. I'm not sure if someone who hasn't had thoes experiences would enjoy this story though because I've done both and did enjoy the book.
The Internet died years ago, dead Internet theory finally took hold. That's fine though because someone invented a new privatized Internet called Nous, which worked via a brain implant... Well, it was fine until an AI hacked the company that ran Nous and forced everyone in London into a zombie apocalypse game it invented. They had to beta test the game somewhere before forcing the entire world into the game after all. So what if you get dehydrated and die from being stuck in a game? What's one human life worth to an AI?
Very interesting book, and the first "LitRPG" I've read. Fans of Sword Art Online may enjoy this book, or if you've ever played an MMO in your life. I'm not sure if someone who hasn't had thoes experiences would enjoy this story though because I've done both and did enjoy the book.
August 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eARC copy of this!
Nouscraft: World 1 The Zombie Apocalypse was a surprise. The premise sounded entertaining enough, but I did not expect it to be so funny. Leonard Buford's razor-sharp wit and deep understanding of the RPG world makes this story vibe hard with books like Ready Player One and Dungeon Crawler Carl. I found myself reading whole passages aloud to my wife, and we were both cackling wildly.
Not everything in this story was as successful as it probably could have been (LOOKING AT YOU, MINDT), but I'll bet some of the issues I have will be resolved in further entries to this story. Overall, I really enjoyed this and look forward to World 2!
Nouscraft: World 1 The Zombie Apocalypse was a surprise. The premise sounded entertaining enough, but I did not expect it to be so funny. Leonard Buford's razor-sharp wit and deep understanding of the RPG world makes this story vibe hard with books like Ready Player One and Dungeon Crawler Carl. I found myself reading whole passages aloud to my wife, and we were both cackling wildly.
Not everything in this story was as successful as it probably could have been (LOOKING AT YOU, MINDT), but I'll bet some of the issues I have will be resolved in further entries to this story. Overall, I really enjoyed this and look forward to World 2!
November 4, 2025
Wow. Holy Moley. This book was SO GOOD! This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Where DCC has people physically inserted into a dungeons and dragons-esque world, Nouscraft has a very similar vibe, but the players are forced into the game in virtual reality. I truly can't say how much I enjoyed this book. I won a free ebook copy from Goodreads, but enjoyed it so much I plan on getting a physical copy and pre-ordering the next one! I even got my local public library to order a copy for their facility - I hope that helps expose more people to this awesome book!
August 22, 2025
Nouscraft is a Lit RPG that’s done really well.
We find ourselves in the future where everyone has an implant to connect them to the Nousverse or the future version of the internet.
It is told in a dual POV between Mindt who was a meme creator and Butterknife who accidentally creates a gaming Ai Jiem who hacks into the Nousverse and takes it all over forcing everyone to play a game in VR.
I really enjoyed the characters esp the different AI programmes. There’s a lot of deeper meaning about government control, keeping people poor and the use of AI.
I’m excited to see where this series goes
We find ourselves in the future where everyone has an implant to connect them to the Nousverse or the future version of the internet.
It is told in a dual POV between Mindt who was a meme creator and Butterknife who accidentally creates a gaming Ai Jiem who hacks into the Nousverse and takes it all over forcing everyone to play a game in VR.
I really enjoyed the characters esp the different AI programmes. There’s a lot of deeper meaning about government control, keeping people poor and the use of AI.
I’m excited to see where this series goes
September 1, 2025
I pretty much exclusively listen to audiobooks these days. But this one wasn’t available in audiobook yet so I got it digitally from Amazon. I left it up in my browser and read anytime I had a bit of stationary time. Then I would be chuckling and my husband would want to know why so I would read segments to him. Now he is hooked and plans to read it as well.
I liked this a lot! It had quite a bit of cussing but it is the zombie apocalypse so…
I am very curious as to where the next two books will go with the story!
I liked this a lot! It had quite a bit of cussing but it is the zombie apocalypse so…
I am very curious as to where the next two books will go with the story!
November 25, 2025
Way too derivative of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series
Having laughed with the characters from Dungeon Crawler Carl (DCC) and enjoyed their adventures, I hoped the style and setting of this new series, different author, would draw me in, but it didn’t. Too similar in style but not as funny. Spent too much time distracted with how better the set-up and world building were in DCC. Could be that it wasn’t creative enough - felt like a cheaper copy of the original - too dependent on the exact structure that DCC built.
Having laughed with the characters from Dungeon Crawler Carl (DCC) and enjoyed their adventures, I hoped the style and setting of this new series, different author, would draw me in, but it didn’t. Too similar in style but not as funny. Spent too much time distracted with how better the set-up and world building were in DCC. Could be that it wasn’t creative enough - felt like a cheaper copy of the original - too dependent on the exact structure that DCC built.
July 26, 2025
Holy Shit! I can’t put this book down! The suspense is peeling the skin off my face and I love it. It’s hilarious and thought provoking. All while making me question my own existence. The author must be from the future…or the past…or both…or nowhere…and everywhere. If you aren’t reading this then you suck and will definitely be the first to die in the upcoming AI apocalypse. Get it now!!
September 26, 2025
A fun twist on the LitRPG genre. AI takes over the world and forces a future London into a VR game to fight for their lives. The characters are complex, and each have their baggage. The AI is witty, and the characters are great. Excited to see what’s next.
October 30, 2025
Not What You Might Think
Something deadly serious casually dressed in a clown's outfit. But be careful; it might make you think! Well written and entertaining. Hopefully, there will be a World 2.
Something deadly serious casually dressed in a clown's outfit. But be careful; it might make you think! Well written and entertaining. Hopefully, there will be a World 2.
December 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I was sucked in from the very beginning. This isn’t my usual genre of books, but it gave a black mirror type of vibe that intrigued me. Full of puns and smirky commentary from the characters that kept the book light. Great read
December 19, 2025
I was nervous to dive into this because zombies are not really my thing and I'm so obsessed with another LitRPG (iykyk) but honestly this was refreshing. It has a little more seriousness intertwined with your snarky AI and gameplay components.
Happy to say that this is not zombie-focused and really looks at the very real fear of AI taking over humanity via implants.
This story touches on the racism ingrained in the SF & Fantasy genres, highlights the danger of plutocracy, and as mentioned, brings forth the fear of Ai.
I enjoyed the character development from book 1 alone and am excited to see where book 2 goes.
Very happy to have stumbled on this during a book sale on Amazon and giving it a shot. Well deserved.
Happy to say that this is not zombie-focused and really looks at the very real fear of AI taking over humanity via implants.
This story touches on the racism ingrained in the SF & Fantasy genres, highlights the danger of plutocracy, and as mentioned, brings forth the fear of Ai.
I enjoyed the character development from book 1 alone and am excited to see where book 2 goes.
Very happy to have stumbled on this during a book sale on Amazon and giving it a shot. Well deserved.
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