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The Fanged Janitor: An Office Drone's Apocalyptic LitRPG
THE FANGED JANITOR
The world ended not with a bang, but with a pop-up ad for your life.
David Reynolds was a nobody. His biggest daily threat was the notoriously temperamental office printer. Then, a cold, indifferent system notification announced that New York—and Earth—had been integrated into a brutal, cosmic entertainment quota.
The human race is now livestock. Survival is a gladiator show for the sick amusement of the galaxy’s ruling elite, the Elven Hegemony.
David is labeled Variable #11,308,992, a 'Low Utility Index' non-factor ripe for 'Recycling.'
But the Hegemony made one they left him with his rage and a heavy-duty monkey wrench pilfered from a janitor's closet.
He has no destiny. He has no class. He has a list of grievances and a growing kill count.
• Welcome to the Nexus Level up or dissolve into acidic Corpse-Slime goo. Gain skills like [Quick Fix] and [Efficient Grasp] from your years of soul-crushing corporate servitude.
• The Unconventional David must use his wits, his Zippo lighter, and his unexpected brutality to turn every grim corridor of his ruined city into a lethal, rigged dungeon.
• A New Name, A New The alien viewers have given him a title—a nickname for the office drone who refuses to The Fanged Janitor.
Now, the janitor is embracing the role of the monster, and his sights are set not just on survival, but on retribution against Commander Valeris and the entire sadistic System. He’s here to clean up the bloodiest mess in galactic history.
The show has begun. And the star is the man who just learned how to fight fire with a monkey wrench.
The world ended not with a bang, but with a pop-up ad for your life.
David Reynolds was a nobody. His biggest daily threat was the notoriously temperamental office printer. Then, a cold, indifferent system notification announced that New York—and Earth—had been integrated into a brutal, cosmic entertainment quota.
The human race is now livestock. Survival is a gladiator show for the sick amusement of the galaxy’s ruling elite, the Elven Hegemony.
David is labeled Variable #11,308,992, a 'Low Utility Index' non-factor ripe for 'Recycling.'
But the Hegemony made one they left him with his rage and a heavy-duty monkey wrench pilfered from a janitor's closet.
He has no destiny. He has no class. He has a list of grievances and a growing kill count.
• Welcome to the Nexus Level up or dissolve into acidic Corpse-Slime goo. Gain skills like [Quick Fix] and [Efficient Grasp] from your years of soul-crushing corporate servitude.
• The Unconventional David must use his wits, his Zippo lighter, and his unexpected brutality to turn every grim corridor of his ruined city into a lethal, rigged dungeon.
• A New Name, A New The alien viewers have given him a title—a nickname for the office drone who refuses to The Fanged Janitor.
Now, the janitor is embracing the role of the monster, and his sights are set not just on survival, but on retribution against Commander Valeris and the entire sadistic System. He’s here to clean up the bloodiest mess in galactic history.
The show has begun. And the star is the man who just learned how to fight fire with a monkey wrench.
- GenresAmazon
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
40 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Yusif Elatmani
1 book#1 Amazon Best-Selling Author
Yusif Elatmani is a sci-fi and LitRPG author based in Surrey, England, where he lives with his family. A lover of all things science fiction, from brutalist alien engineering to the quiet horror of a rigged system, Yusif writes stories about ordinary people forced to become extraordinary monsters.
His debut series, The Fanged Janitor, explores a post-apocalyptic world where survival means hacking the very code of reality. Drawing inspiration from years of battling temperamental office equipment, Yusif channels the frustration of glitches and error messages into a terrifying and visceral LitRPG experience.
When he isn't writing about system-breaking protagonists or bio-mechanical horrors, he can be found online at:
reddit.com/user/AuthorYusif
instagram.com/authoryusif
facebook.com/djmany22
Yusif Elatmani is a sci-fi and LitRPG author based in Surrey, England, where he lives with his family. A lover of all things science fiction, from brutalist alien engineering to the quiet horror of a rigged system, Yusif writes stories about ordinary people forced to become extraordinary monsters.
His debut series, The Fanged Janitor, explores a post-apocalyptic world where survival means hacking the very code of reality. Drawing inspiration from years of battling temperamental office equipment, Yusif channels the frustration of glitches and error messages into a terrifying and visceral LitRPG experience.
When he isn't writing about system-breaking protagonists or bio-mechanical horrors, he can be found online at:
reddit.com/user/AuthorYusif
instagram.com/authoryusif
facebook.com/djmany22
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 10, 2026
Stay Out of the Light
I received a free copy of this book on return for an honest review.
If you enjoyed Dungeon Crawler Carl or other system-based LitRPGs, this one is well worth picking up.
The book hooked me immediately. Instead of the usual class selection, the protagonist gains skills based on what he does (or pointedly doesn’t do) which felt fresh and genuinely interesting. From the first chapter, the MC is highly relatable, reacting much as I imagine most of us would if suddenly dropped into a system-run world and attacked by a gelatinous monstrosity. The early, forced choice regarding his race is absurd in the best way, and realistically, what other option does he have?
One of the highlights is the system itself: sarcastic, bureaucratic, and consistently entertaining through its notifications.
While I wasn’t personally a fan of the MC acquiring better items through discovery rather than mob looting, it fits the story and worldbuilding well. My main issue came around the halfway point, where the tension drops. The MC rarely feels challenged, which reduces suspense, and the narrative tends to tell us what’s happening rather than showing how the character feels. This emotional distance made it harder to stay fully invested.
Overall, a clever and enjoyable LitRPG with a strong hook and personality…just in need of a bit more struggle and emotional depth to truly shine.
I received a free copy of this book on return for an honest review.
If you enjoyed Dungeon Crawler Carl or other system-based LitRPGs, this one is well worth picking up.
The book hooked me immediately. Instead of the usual class selection, the protagonist gains skills based on what he does (or pointedly doesn’t do) which felt fresh and genuinely interesting. From the first chapter, the MC is highly relatable, reacting much as I imagine most of us would if suddenly dropped into a system-run world and attacked by a gelatinous monstrosity. The early, forced choice regarding his race is absurd in the best way, and realistically, what other option does he have?
One of the highlights is the system itself: sarcastic, bureaucratic, and consistently entertaining through its notifications.
While I wasn’t personally a fan of the MC acquiring better items through discovery rather than mob looting, it fits the story and worldbuilding well. My main issue came around the halfway point, where the tension drops. The MC rarely feels challenged, which reduces suspense, and the narrative tends to tell us what’s happening rather than showing how the character feels. This emotional distance made it harder to stay fully invested.
Overall, a clever and enjoyable LitRPG with a strong hook and personality…just in need of a bit more struggle and emotional depth to truly shine.
January 17, 2026
An absolute thrill ride
**Customer Review:**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yusif Elatmani's "The Fanged Janitor" is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish! Set in a gripping dystopian world, the story follows David Reynolds, who transforms from a desperate survivor into the cunning Fanged Janitor. The action is intense, and the strategic depth keeps you hooked.
David's character development is superb. Watching him struggle with his dual nature and evolve into a powerful force is both compelling and relatable. The themes of identity and choice are woven beautifully throughout the story, making you think about what it truly means to grow and change.
The world-building is top-notch, with a fascinating blend of alien tech and a post-apocalyptic setting. The RPG-like system mechanics add an extra layer of excitement, tracking David's progress in a unique way.
Elatmani's writing style is sharp and evocative, capturing both the chaos of battles and moments of introspection. The structure of the story, with its gamified elements, keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher.
If you're into action-packed stories with deep themes and a philosophical edge, "The Fanged Janitor" is a must-read. It's a captivating and innovative book that challenges traditional genre boundaries. Highly recommend!
**Customer Review:**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yusif Elatmani's "The Fanged Janitor" is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish! Set in a gripping dystopian world, the story follows David Reynolds, who transforms from a desperate survivor into the cunning Fanged Janitor. The action is intense, and the strategic depth keeps you hooked.
David's character development is superb. Watching him struggle with his dual nature and evolve into a powerful force is both compelling and relatable. The themes of identity and choice are woven beautifully throughout the story, making you think about what it truly means to grow and change.
The world-building is top-notch, with a fascinating blend of alien tech and a post-apocalyptic setting. The RPG-like system mechanics add an extra layer of excitement, tracking David's progress in a unique way.
Elatmani's writing style is sharp and evocative, capturing both the chaos of battles and moments of introspection. The structure of the story, with its gamified elements, keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher.
If you're into action-packed stories with deep themes and a philosophical edge, "The Fanged Janitor" is a must-read. It's a captivating and innovative book that challenges traditional genre boundaries. Highly recommend!
December 31, 2025
Wow read immediately
A brilliant book, the MC is interesting and the best character I have found, since the wandering inn mc. My only question is how many humans are left, I hope there are more found in the next book. The other 2 races were interesting and I look forward to see what they will offer .Thank you for a very interesting book. Please keep up the good work
A brilliant book, the MC is interesting and the best character I have found, since the wandering inn mc. My only question is how many humans are left, I hope there are more found in the next book. The other 2 races were interesting and I look forward to see what they will offer .Thank you for a very interesting book. Please keep up the good work
December 22, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing The Fanged Janitor has been an incredible journey. I wanted to create a LitRPG that broke the 'Chosen One' mold—David is an older protagonist who relies on his wits and a heavy-duty industrial monkey wrench rather than a magical destiny.
To everyone who has joined the 'Cleanup Crew' so far: thank you. Your support and the 4.75-star feedback mean the world to me. Seeing this hit #1 on Amazon as a debut is a dream come true!
I’m already deep into writing Book 2 to keep the 'cleanup' going. Happy reading!
Writing The Fanged Janitor has been an incredible journey. I wanted to create a LitRPG that broke the 'Chosen One' mold—David is an older protagonist who relies on his wits and a heavy-duty industrial monkey wrench rather than a magical destiny.
To everyone who has joined the 'Cleanup Crew' so far: thank you. Your support and the 4.75-star feedback mean the world to me. Seeing this hit #1 on Amazon as a debut is a dream come true!
I’m already deep into writing Book 2 to keep the 'cleanup' going. Happy reading!
December 29, 2025
Felt like a first draft
Poorly edited, lots of repetition from one chapter to the next. Interesting idea for a story but needs a lot of polish.
Poorly edited, lots of repetition from one chapter to the next. Interesting idea for a story but needs a lot of polish.
January 4, 2026
The Dark Horse of books. Found this book through a Facebook interaction. It's a really good book, well thought out, and now I require the 2nd book to be released. Definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews