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The System Apocalypse #8
Rebel Star
Answers and questions abound in the Rebel Star
Weary and tired from playing Galactic bounty hunter and assassin, John and his crew of intrepid human survivors find themselves stopping off in Prax after their latest actions bring more heat than ever. In the outcast station of rebels and pirates, John is caught up in Galactic politics and wars again.
As trouble approaches on the hyperdrive engines of his many enemies, John finds answers to the System Quest and even more questions.
Rebel Star is Book 8 of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG Apocalypse series that combines modern day life, science fiction and fantasy elements along with game mechanics.
Weary and tired from playing Galactic bounty hunter and assassin, John and his crew of intrepid human survivors find themselves stopping off in Prax after their latest actions bring more heat than ever. In the outcast station of rebels and pirates, John is caught up in Galactic politics and wars again.
As trouble approaches on the hyperdrive engines of his many enemies, John finds answers to the System Quest and even more questions.
Rebel Star is Book 8 of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG Apocalypse series that combines modern day life, science fiction and fantasy elements along with game mechanics.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
633 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Tao Wong
137 books957 followersTao Wong is the author of the A Thousand Li progression fantasy series and the System Apocalypse LitRPG series, among others. His work has been released in audio, paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, and translated into German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and several other languages. He was shortlisted for the UK Kindle Storyteller Award in 2021 for A Thousand Li: The Second Sect. In 2026, the first three books in the A Thousand Li series will be republished in hardcover by Ace Books.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 8, 2020
maybe 3.5 for me. most of the book was unimportant it felt like and really wasn't until the end that anything happened.
January 12, 2020
Book eight
Mistakes: I didn’t find any. This is actually one of the more well written books of the series.
Plot: Battle. Lots of fighting. Space stations and questing. Giant space battles and even a few monsters.
Characters: I still don’t really like the Mc. There is just something about his personality that I don’t like.
8/10
Mistakes: I didn’t find any. This is actually one of the more well written books of the series.
Plot: Battle. Lots of fighting. Space stations and questing. Giant space battles and even a few monsters.
Characters: I still don’t really like the Mc. There is just something about his personality that I don’t like.
8/10
January 13, 2022
The start of the book was promising but the rest of the book was a huge let-down again. I read until 81 percent of the book skipping more and more pages about the MC´s quest and dull conversations.
The usage of melee weapons and magic in space against space beasts and entire battleships reminded me too much of very bad comics.
The usage of melee weapons and magic in space against space beasts and entire battleships reminded me too much of very bad comics.
May 3, 2020
05/03/2020 Notes:
I really do enjoy the audiobooks more than the ebooks for SA. Nick Podelh adds more emotion/atmosphere to the story with his narration.
I really do enjoy the audiobooks more than the ebooks for SA. Nick Podelh adds more emotion/atmosphere to the story with his narration.
December 25, 2019
It is just one detailed fight after another. And not enough story progression sprinkled in between.
December 6, 2019
This felt like a table-setting transition story with a little side story action thrown in. It was ok, but despite all the action going on, I didn't find myself invested since there were no real stakes.
This book put the other characters in storage and left us with only John. Unfortunately, he really lacked agency and just wanted to immerse himself in research papers on the System. There was a lot of info presented but not anchored by anything exciting. I skimmed often. When action happened, John seemed like an idiot and never did quite the right thing. I couldn't help but almost feel like I was back in book 1 again.
Readers can always play the Snarling drinking game where you take a drink each time someone's (usually John's) dialogue is 'snarled' instead of 'he/she said'. If you are a quick reader, prepare your body.
I am still looking forward to the next book, especially since the series is supposed to end in the next 3-4, but I am also mildly concerned with where things are going. I enjoyed the story more when there were more characters I was interested in playing active roles.
This book put the other characters in storage and left us with only John. Unfortunately, he really lacked agency and just wanted to immerse himself in research papers on the System. There was a lot of info presented but not anchored by anything exciting. I skimmed often. When action happened, John seemed like an idiot and never did quite the right thing. I couldn't help but almost feel like I was back in book 1 again.
Readers can always play the Snarling drinking game where you take a drink each time someone's (usually John's) dialogue is 'snarled' instead of 'he/she said'. If you are a quick reader, prepare your body.
I am still looking forward to the next book, especially since the series is supposed to end in the next 3-4, but I am also mildly concerned with where things are going. I enjoyed the story more when there were more characters I was interested in playing active roles.
December 8, 2019
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
December 10, 2019
Interesting change of pace for this entry in the series.
Where the previous books had a lot of variety, even when they occurred on a single planet, this one had a tight scale. The events unfold over a - relatively - short period, in a single space, over a relatively single event. There's of course a smaller introduction following a time jump between book 7 and 8, and a few intro to properly develop the latest supporting character, then it's off the major battle, strike, counter-strike, and so on.
So, as usual, the series keep on giving you variety within the same general framework. Well done enough.
Where the previous books had a lot of variety, even when they occurred on a single planet, this one had a tight scale. The events unfold over a - relatively - short period, in a single space, over a relatively single event. There's of course a smaller introduction following a time jump between book 7 and 8, and a few intro to properly develop the latest supporting character, then it's off the major battle, strike, counter-strike, and so on.
So, as usual, the series keep on giving you variety within the same general framework. Well done enough.
December 14, 2019
Another thrilling chapter as System Apocalypse goes Full Space Opera
John and his friends travel the system, taking bounties as they seek.to make earth safe. They end up seeking a break at an Interstellar Tortuga, a massive space station.home to pirates, scoundrels, freeloaders and maybe even Rebel Stars. John's quest to understand the system is interrupted by a Council space attack that dwarfs any fleet seem in Star Wars.
Great action, interaction and world building. If you decided that John had gotten too morose or politics was too much, fear not, if you've loved every book as I have, rejoice.
John and his friends travel the system, taking bounties as they seek.to make earth safe. They end up seeking a break at an Interstellar Tortuga, a massive space station.home to pirates, scoundrels, freeloaders and maybe even Rebel Stars. John's quest to understand the system is interrupted by a Council space attack that dwarfs any fleet seem in Star Wars.
Great action, interaction and world building. If you decided that John had gotten too morose or politics was too much, fear not, if you've loved every book as I have, rejoice.
December 3, 2019
A transition book, but a good one
This book is definitely more of a standalone in terms of its plot, starting somewhere barely connected to the prior book, and ending somewhere unrelated to the bulk of the plot. But I get where the author is going with it, and taking the time to develop the main character in transition will be worth it as the series focus comes closer to resolving. Really good entry to the series and with very few editing errors that seem to plague this genre.
This book is definitely more of a standalone in terms of its plot, starting somewhere barely connected to the prior book, and ending somewhere unrelated to the bulk of the plot. But I get where the author is going with it, and taking the time to develop the main character in transition will be worth it as the series focus comes closer to resolving. Really good entry to the series and with very few editing errors that seem to plague this genre.
December 13, 2019
Solid book,
The storyline progresses in the sense that the protagonist begins to get a better hang of the System quest. He still is the same irritating jerk in some respects (and I am still pissed about the whole Lana issue since the last book) but the story is solid, jumping the timeline a couple of years, showing new aspects of the galactic society and all in all making for a pleasant read.
Lots of combat, an interesting new character we shall probably meet again, an inkling of space combat… all in all, well done!
The storyline progresses in the sense that the protagonist begins to get a better hang of the System quest. He still is the same irritating jerk in some respects (and I am still pissed about the whole Lana issue since the last book) but the story is solid, jumping the timeline a couple of years, showing new aspects of the galactic society and all in all making for a pleasant read.
Lots of combat, an interesting new character we shall probably meet again, an inkling of space combat… all in all, well done!
April 13, 2022
Great book.
I enjoyed this book among others in this series. I'm writing a review since Amazon is screwing with authors and making folks write a review rather than just star it in order for the author to get credit or whatever for the review. So I'm writing one.
The book is amazing. The series is great. I don't like to review individual books in a series so that's why I usually give it the stars, then review the series as a whole if possible.
Read the books. This series is great.
I enjoyed this book among others in this series. I'm writing a review since Amazon is screwing with authors and making folks write a review rather than just star it in order for the author to get credit or whatever for the review. So I'm writing one.
The book is amazing. The series is great. I don't like to review individual books in a series so that's why I usually give it the stars, then review the series as a whole if possible.
Read the books. This series is great.
December 3, 2019
Another great read in the series
We're further and further away from Earth as the series goes on and as we're shown the wider universe in the series, we really get to see the imagination from the author.
There are few series that continue to consistently entertain this deep into a book count, but this is definitely one of them.
Looking forward to not only the next book in the series, but the other ones the author mentions at the end of the book.
We're further and further away from Earth as the series goes on and as we're shown the wider universe in the series, we really get to see the imagination from the author.
There are few series that continue to consistently entertain this deep into a book count, but this is definitely one of them.
Looking forward to not only the next book in the series, but the other ones the author mentions at the end of the book.
January 11, 2020
Great blend of sci-fi and fantasy
Love the MC and happy he isn’t the normal overpowered character who blasts through all story plots with contrived hardships. That being said, I eagerly await a power up of the MC in the future as I would love to see him separate from his group powerwise. I feel like there is some foreshadowing to a class mutation and potential to see John shine! Eagerly awaiting the next books in the series.
Love the MC and happy he isn’t the normal overpowered character who blasts through all story plots with contrived hardships. That being said, I eagerly await a power up of the MC in the future as I would love to see him separate from his group powerwise. I feel like there is some foreshadowing to a class mutation and potential to see John shine! Eagerly awaiting the next books in the series.
December 5, 2019
Woohoo!
Another great entry to this series. I thought I was going to be rather boring with them being "stuck" in the same place almost the entire book. I'm more than happy to report that I was subject to phobia and the end result is quite spectacular.
The epilogue was even better 🤟🏾
Another great entry to this series. I thought I was going to be rather boring with them being "stuck" in the same place almost the entire book. I'm more than happy to report that I was subject to phobia and the end result is quite spectacular.
The epilogue was even better 🤟🏾
December 9, 2019
Disappointing
The move entirely away from earth is disappointing and the book feels worse for it. This combined with yet another time skip means that any remaining sense of continuity is entirely broken. In the end what it comes down to is the entire book feeling impersonal and unrelatable.
The move entirely away from earth is disappointing and the book feels worse for it. This combined with yet another time skip means that any remaining sense of continuity is entirely broken. In the end what it comes down to is the entire book feeling impersonal and unrelatable.
December 11, 2019
I feel like the story is losing its cohesion. On earth, he had a set of goals and seemed to be making progress along that path. He leaves and just aimlessly fights to the death in a situation he could have easily avoided for what overall purpose?? The fight scenes? The epilogue hinted at something better but I'm not holding my breath.
December 25, 2019
Felt like a short story or a teaser novel.
I felt this book needed more depth to it. It had good fast paced action but I don't think it moved the overall story arc forward much. It just threw a lot of hints and set up the next book. But every series has those kind of books. however, I think it had the bones there for a more fleshed out book.
I felt this book needed more depth to it. It had good fast paced action but I don't think it moved the overall story arc forward much. It just threw a lot of hints and set up the next book. But every series has those kind of books. however, I think it had the bones there for a more fleshed out book.
December 27, 2019
At 80 percent of the way through I was terrified...that the series might end
Compelling and fast paced. This one kept me up all night. There was a point, with about 100 pages to go, where I feared that the author would try to wrap up the series. Spoiler there's another book coming; which is fantastic news for everyone I'm sure.
Compelling and fast paced. This one kept me up all night. There was a point, with about 100 pages to go, where I feared that the author would try to wrap up the series. Spoiler there's another book coming; which is fantastic news for everyone I'm sure.
January 2, 2020
Great series
I'm a big fan of the series overall. Each time a book comes out I'm concerned it will be the one to let me down... so far hasn't happened! Good editing, great world building, solid character development and diversity: all wrapped around a compelling story with surprising depth.
I'm a big fan of the series overall. Each time a book comes out I'm concerned it will be the one to let me down... so far hasn't happened! Good editing, great world building, solid character development and diversity: all wrapped around a compelling story with surprising depth.
March 23, 2020
Not much substance
Nothing much really happens. Reflecting, most books in the series advance the plot much, but this one is particularly small. Wayyyy too much detail about system research, spells, and other stuff that doesn’t really move the story forward. Without action and dramatic conflict, this falls flat.
Nothing much really happens. Reflecting, most books in the series advance the plot much, but this one is particularly small. Wayyyy too much detail about system research, spells, and other stuff that doesn’t really move the story forward. Without action and dramatic conflict, this falls flat.
April 2, 2020
Awesome expansion to the system works
Johns will alone is his driving force. This book moved to the galactic system and space as a whole very fluidly. Great writing and looking forward to the next. The RISING CRESCENDO plot point was very interesting and shows how overwhelming a true skill can change a fight. Wow
Johns will alone is his driving force. This book moved to the galactic system and space as a whole very fluidly. Great writing and looking forward to the next. The RISING CRESCENDO plot point was very interesting and shows how overwhelming a true skill can change a fight. Wow
May 6, 2020
Things are almost at an end with this series. I started out hating it but I really appreciate the detail of the litrpg aspects and the way the book takes a technical look at what living in a game system might actually be like, that along with the political intrigue and a very unwilling "hero" make this series one of the best and most consistent litrpg offerings out there.
May 29, 2020
So slow and dry
The first half of this book almost made me drop the series. So slow and with so much needles information going for pages. I put aside this book four times before finishing it. The second half of the book is the redeemer of my three stars. Great action, many surprises and a ok flow of the story.
The first half of this book almost made me drop the series. So slow and with so much needles information going for pages. I put aside this book four times before finishing it. The second half of the book is the redeemer of my three stars. Great action, many surprises and a ok flow of the story.
August 30, 2020
Good continuation
Returned to this series after taking a break for a while. The first few books were just absolutely amazing. There was a little bit of a lull in the middle of the series. This book picked things back up again.
The world building is just amazing. Though I miss the “settlement building” of the earlier books, I really enjoyed the action and fights in this one.
Returned to this series after taking a break for a while. The first few books were just absolutely amazing. There was a little bit of a lull in the middle of the series. This book picked things back up again.
The world building is just amazing. Though I miss the “settlement building” of the earlier books, I really enjoyed the action and fights in this one.
October 19, 2020
This like Book 4 felt like a bit of filler book (if not for a key plot event happening and a interesting new character introduced). The space station escapade another change in setting. The plot focuses a bit too much in the immediate and we could have been treated to a bit more of the space station itself.Still a cracking read!
November 21, 2021
I loved this entire series. I've just read all the way from Book 1 - to Book 11. I'm eagerly waiting for the Final book to come out so I can read it! The entire story of John and Ali is amazing, I very much enjoyed earths evolution as well as the way all the main characters changed and adapted through the story. Thank you Tao Wong, I've enjoyed these first 11 books endlessly.
December 2, 2019
Another Great Entry in the Series
Moved the story along nicely. I like that there is real growth and story advancement. Unlike some series that start to rehash by book 8, this series stays fresh with changes and growth. Really curious to see where the overarching quest is going.
Moved the story along nicely. I like that there is real growth and story advancement. Unlike some series that start to rehash by book 8, this series stays fresh with changes and growth. Really curious to see where the overarching quest is going.
December 2, 2019
Worth the wait!
Love the action scenes. John has grown in power and intelligence. His adventures in space have been cathartic. He has mellowed out from from the brash kid he was in book 1. I am looking forward to reading more.
Love the action scenes. John has grown in power and intelligence. His adventures in space have been cathartic. He has mellowed out from from the brash kid he was in book 1. I am looking forward to reading more.
December 4, 2019
Love this series
The reality is you can’t win them all. And knowing when to run. And I truly enjoy that John does win, it isn’t always through skill alone, it’s through luck, grit and just sheer determination. And sometimes just cheating. And when he can’t. He runs.
The reality is you can’t win them all. And knowing when to run. And I truly enjoy that John does win, it isn’t always through skill alone, it’s through luck, grit and just sheer determination. And sometimes just cheating. And when he can’t. He runs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews