Me, My Son, & the Apocalypse: A Cataclysm Survival LitRPG

by System Lad

When Harris took his video game-obsessed teenage son camping, he was hoping for a bonding session in the great outdoors teaching his boy the essentials of how to survive in the wilderness.

But when mysterious forces destroy society and impose a game-like system upon the survivors, Harris and Leo discover they have a lot to teach each other. Harris can’t survive this new world without Leo’s gaming experience, and Leo can’t survive without his dad’s survival instincts and skills.

Now they have three level up, gear up, get home to mom.

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

Reviews

[Ozsaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like books that feature positive family relationships, usually mother & daughter or sisters, but when I spotted this one while browsing around, I decided to give it a look. It turned out to be exactly what I wanted. It has a lovely wholesome quality, while also having a good adventure story.

Another thing I appreciated was the atmosphere. The father is an experienced outdoorsman, but the changes after the System takes over doesn't always align with his knowledge. I liked that the world had an alien feel to it.

There were a couple of things that didn't quite work for me, but I'll be happy to continue reading this series.

[Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but plagued with conflicting descriptions

I enjoyed this book enough to finish it, however, I do believe the author needs to keep his descriptions in sync. Example: they are crossing a river that is "calf deep" but they need to remove their cloaks so if they fall in they don't "sink like a rock". These kinds of conflicting descriptions disrupts a story (maybe just my issue). Still worth reading though.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start

Good wholesome storyline with father and son trying to get home to mom after the system overtakes the earth. The system is very simple and only slightly crynchy. The progression is slow and steady but not easily tracked by the reader. Good dynamics between father and son made for entertaining dialog. I awate the next book.

[William H Merlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started a little slow but picked up soon enough.

Enjoyed the engaging narrative and eagerly anticipating the continuation of this series by System Lad ! Once you get into it you won't put it down...

[Erin Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. All the character said stuff like "It is a X, and Y/Z swear by them" even though the system had been in effect only 5-7 days. Most people would still be cowaring in their homes, not out adventuring.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading

I initially chose this book due to the name, I thought it might be fun for my son and I to read together. And while it is a good book, it's not fast paced, and also a bit light on stats and progression. Overall I enjoyed the book though.

[Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just Refreshing

This book had me keep reading it until it was done and wanting more. I want to know if the mom is as badass as the father makes her out to be.

[Miscah Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

If you like survival and gaming you'll love this book! Funny entertaining and loveable. Can't wait for the next book!

[Julie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

I enjoyed reading this quite abit. Harris and Leo were quite the pair. I can't wait for the next book!

[Will Ferrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

I enjoyed the story. It took an interesting slant on a system arrival. Looking forward to the next book. Hope it comes out soon.

[Johnie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

I enjoyed reading the book Very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.