What do you think?
Rate this book
Systems of the Apocalypse #3
Apocalypse: Dungeon System
Jeb is settling into his role as the head of the biggest orphanage in the alien city of Solmnath, taking in hundreds of human children orphaned by the harsh trials of the Tutorial.
It wasn't meant to last.
A group of human extremists are scavenging nuclear bombs from the corpse of Las Vegas, and they intend to use them to wipe Solmnath off the map.
And behind them? Something...stranger.
It wasn't meant to last.
A group of human extremists are scavenging nuclear bombs from the corpse of Las Vegas, and they intend to use them to wipe Solmnath off the map.
And behind them? Something...stranger.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
406 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Macronomicon
16 books262 followersI could tell you that the author is a middle class, middle age white dude with a generic wife and a generic pet who lives somewhere vaguely rural...but aren't they all?
F%$! that noise! There are Author Bios and then there's Mythos.
Welcome to the Mythos of Macronomicon.
Macronomicon is almost three years old now, hatched on the open-mic writing website Royal Road. The pen name burst from the cocoon of blissful ignorance and deposited his first humble contribution into the world of writing, tired and sticky, yet satisfied. Content in the knowledge his work would be warmly received by thousands of potential fans, and more importantly...friends.
The first comment was, "Can you, I don't know, make the main character less stupid?"
That was sobering.
Macronomicon has no actual weight, because he is a pen name, and while his existence is ephemeral, he does have a presence, often stalking the back-channels of Discord like a novelty vampire, waiting to suck nourishing creativity out of unfortunate* fans.
Macronomicon has a talent for brainstorming and stringing together disparate ideas into a cohesive story. That talent has been strengthened and built upon to form the foundation of his writing career. He once outlined the plot (quality notwithstanding) of an entire book from start to finish in a tiny room with nothing but Cheerios, beef jerky, Pepsi and B.O.**
If you wish to hunt for the elusive Macronomicon, you may find him at Royal Road, where he began, or Patreon, where he works*** at distilling new stories from a raw, chunky slurry of ideas.
*Or fortunate, depending on your point of view. The sucking is consensual.
**Quality of B.O. also notwithstanding.
*** Working is subjective.
F%$! that noise! There are Author Bios and then there's Mythos.
Welcome to the Mythos of Macronomicon.
Macronomicon is almost three years old now, hatched on the open-mic writing website Royal Road. The pen name burst from the cocoon of blissful ignorance and deposited his first humble contribution into the world of writing, tired and sticky, yet satisfied. Content in the knowledge his work would be warmly received by thousands of potential fans, and more importantly...friends.
The first comment was, "Can you, I don't know, make the main character less stupid?"
That was sobering.
Macronomicon has no actual weight, because he is a pen name, and while his existence is ephemeral, he does have a presence, often stalking the back-channels of Discord like a novelty vampire, waiting to suck nourishing creativity out of unfortunate* fans.
Macronomicon has a talent for brainstorming and stringing together disparate ideas into a cohesive story. That talent has been strengthened and built upon to form the foundation of his writing career. He once outlined the plot (quality notwithstanding) of an entire book from start to finish in a tiny room with nothing but Cheerios, beef jerky, Pepsi and B.O.**
If you wish to hunt for the elusive Macronomicon, you may find him at Royal Road, where he began, or Patreon, where he works*** at distilling new stories from a raw, chunky slurry of ideas.
*Or fortunate, depending on your point of view. The sucking is consensual.
**Quality of B.O. also notwithstanding.
*** Working is subjective.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
August 9, 2021
Confusing
The frequent character shifts are still annoying, especially when the characters die after a few paragraphs. This was confusing. The magic was confusing, as well as the story. Who is the antagonist? The book implied it was one person, but she ended up dying. I thought it was another guy, but the end of the book made it seem like it wasn’t him? I don’t know. This book was just confusing.
Oh, and Jeb apparently had a fairy ancestor...?
The frequent character shifts are still annoying, especially when the characters die after a few paragraphs. This was confusing. The magic was confusing, as well as the story. Who is the antagonist? The book implied it was one person, but she ended up dying. I thought it was another guy, but the end of the book made it seem like it wasn’t him? I don’t know. This book was just confusing.
Oh, and Jeb apparently had a fairy ancestor...?
August 5, 2021
This is just irrelevant.
That is what you feel the whole way through. Nothing matters, none of the choices made matter. You start skimming sections to reach the end because none of it matters. The enemies are god like entities that do whatever they want, the main character just survives but never succeeds. At this point, I can say this book does not matter and is no fun to read.
That is what you feel the whole way through. Nothing matters, none of the choices made matter. You start skimming sections to reach the end because none of it matters. The enemies are god like entities that do whatever they want, the main character just survives but never succeeds. At this point, I can say this book does not matter and is no fun to read.
August 28, 2021
Decent story, and I liked it well enough. There were a couple places where the combat really didn't seem necessary, but I suppose action scenes are there to liven up the narrative, and that's fine, I just found some of them to be unnecessary as a whole. Still though, a decent entry into the series, and still good enough to make me want to read the next one.
August 5, 2021
Loved the trigger words for his trap spells. The authors sense of humor really jived with me.
Some of the magic dynamics felt a little forced and over complicated. Found myself skimming some parts when those are normally my jam.
Some of the magic dynamics felt a little forced and over complicated. Found myself skimming some parts when those are normally my jam.
October 18, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Tone: good blend of seriousness and humor
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Tone: good blend of seriousness and humor
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
April 10, 2022
2.5/5
This was confusing and rough.
I was initially very excited for this entry because I loved the previous two but unfortunately it was challenging to finish. The pov changes were confusing, and more often than not I was lost about what was going on. Not only that but the story felt lackluster for the most part without much happening.
I will still give the next book a try because this one ended on a somewhat cliffhanger and with a interesting character introduced in the story, but unless it picks back up I will probably drop the series.
This was confusing and rough.
I was initially very excited for this entry because I loved the previous two but unfortunately it was challenging to finish. The pov changes were confusing, and more often than not I was lost about what was going on. Not only that but the story felt lackluster for the most part without much happening.
I will still give the next book a try because this one ended on a somewhat cliffhanger and with a interesting character introduced in the story, but unless it picks back up I will probably drop the series.
March 1, 2022
I have no clue what the fuck the author is doing with this book. It's like it has flipped a switch and drunk 10 cans of RedBull and gone on a ADHD side track with the entire story. It's just random events, side events that mean nothing and not a single step forward with the original story.
Series has been dropped.
Series has been dropped.
August 7, 2021
Enjoyable
I really like Jeb and all of the hijinks he gets roped into by circumstances and Beings more powerful than him. One aspect I could stand to see less of is all of the pseudo science and magic theory. It’s a bit excessive and in my opinion, not necessary to enjoy the story. The author acts as though there is going to be a quiz on this stuff. I’m not a physicist and I couldn’t wait to get out of physics class so I would never have to revisit it again. I don’t care to see so much of fake science in my pleasure fantasy fiction. I found myself skipping pages of that foolishness and hoped that I did not miss something important in between all of the calculations, experimentation and formulas, ugh.
I really like Jeb and all of the hijinks he gets roped into by circumstances and Beings more powerful than him. One aspect I could stand to see less of is all of the pseudo science and magic theory. It’s a bit excessive and in my opinion, not necessary to enjoy the story. The author acts as though there is going to be a quiz on this stuff. I’m not a physicist and I couldn’t wait to get out of physics class so I would never have to revisit it again. I don’t care to see so much of fake science in my pleasure fantasy fiction. I found myself skipping pages of that foolishness and hoped that I did not miss something important in between all of the calculations, experimentation and formulas, ugh.
September 28, 2021
Looking forward to the next one
Love this series for its weirdness and the main characters oddities.
It fits well in the absurd and strange world of game mechanics in a world, and I loved it. Look forward to the next one.
Love this series for its weirdness and the main characters oddities.
It fits well in the absurd and strange world of game mechanics in a world, and I loved it. Look forward to the next one.
August 14, 2021
Gets better with each book
Book 3 starts off with Jeb doing the usual things until his favorite enforcer gives him a quest to destroy all the nukes from Nellis AFB. While in the process of doing this things get screwy and some unsavory characters show up messing up his plans. Eventually things get straightened out and Jeb receives notice that he is no longer blacklisted by the system but now must go and kill the queen of the fairies.
Book 3 starts off with Jeb doing the usual things until his favorite enforcer gives him a quest to destroy all the nukes from Nellis AFB. While in the process of doing this things get screwy and some unsavory characters show up messing up his plans. Eventually things get straightened out and Jeb receives notice that he is no longer blacklisted by the system but now must go and kill the queen of the fairies.
March 25, 2022
Almost half way through the book and the protagonist hasn't done any mad scientist level experiments that made me like book one so much.
I finished the book and I still don't like that necromancer or teen Mom.
Maybe the next book will get back to the level of fun book one was.
3/5 Stars
I finished the book and I still don't like that necromancer or teen Mom.
Maybe the next book will get back to the level of fun book one was.
3/5 Stars
April 2, 2022
After two pretty damn good books, this one was just fine. I can't put my finger on it, but it lacked something the first two had. Still very excited to see where the story goes. 👍🏾
October 27, 2023
Apocalypse: Dungeon System by Macronomicon is the third book in the Systems of the Apocalypse series, and it continues the story of Jeb, a human who has been transported to an alien world and granted a dungeon system. In this book, Jeb must defend his orphanage from a group of human extremists, while also trying to learn more about his dungeon system and the world around him.
Critical Review
The book has a number of strengths. The worldbuilding is interesting and well-developed, with a variety of different alien races and cultures. The magic system is also unique and innovative, and the dungeon system itself is a fun and interesting mechanic. The characters are also well-developed and likable, and the relationships between them are well-written.
However, the book also has some weaknesses. The pacing is slow at times, and there are a number of subplots that don't really go anywhere. The plot also becomes somewhat convoluted at times, and it can be difficult to keep track of everything that's happening. Additionally, the author has a tendency to use expository dumps to explain the worldbuilding and magic system, which can be jarring at times.
Comparison to Contemporaries
Apocalypse: Dungeon System is comparable to other litRPG novels such as Solo Leveling and The Way of the Shaman. It shares many of the same elements, such as a focus on character growth and progression, a variety of different monsters and enemies, and a unique and innovative magic system.
However, Apocalypse: Dungeon System also stands out from its contemporaries in a number of ways. First, the worldbuilding is much more complex and developed than in many other litRPG novels. Second, the magic system is more unique and innovative. Third, the characters are more well-developed and likable.
Overall Review
Apocalypse: Dungeon System is a good litRPG novel with a number of strengths, including interesting worldbuilding, a unique and innovative magic system, and well-developed and likable characters. However, the pacing is slow at times, the plot can be convoluted, and the author has a tendency to use expository dumps.
Overall, I would recommend Apocalypse: Dungeon System to fans of litRPG novels who are looking for a book with a unique and well-developed world, a unique and innovative magic system, and well-developed and likable characters. However, readers should be aware that the pacing is slow at times, the plot can be convoluted, and the author has a tendency to use expository dumps.
Critical Review
The book has a number of strengths. The worldbuilding is interesting and well-developed, with a variety of different alien races and cultures. The magic system is also unique and innovative, and the dungeon system itself is a fun and interesting mechanic. The characters are also well-developed and likable, and the relationships between them are well-written.
However, the book also has some weaknesses. The pacing is slow at times, and there are a number of subplots that don't really go anywhere. The plot also becomes somewhat convoluted at times, and it can be difficult to keep track of everything that's happening. Additionally, the author has a tendency to use expository dumps to explain the worldbuilding and magic system, which can be jarring at times.
Comparison to Contemporaries
Apocalypse: Dungeon System is comparable to other litRPG novels such as Solo Leveling and The Way of the Shaman. It shares many of the same elements, such as a focus on character growth and progression, a variety of different monsters and enemies, and a unique and innovative magic system.
However, Apocalypse: Dungeon System also stands out from its contemporaries in a number of ways. First, the worldbuilding is much more complex and developed than in many other litRPG novels. Second, the magic system is more unique and innovative. Third, the characters are more well-developed and likable.
Overall Review
Apocalypse: Dungeon System is a good litRPG novel with a number of strengths, including interesting worldbuilding, a unique and innovative magic system, and well-developed and likable characters. However, the pacing is slow at times, the plot can be convoluted, and the author has a tendency to use expository dumps.
Overall, I would recommend Apocalypse: Dungeon System to fans of litRPG novels who are looking for a book with a unique and well-developed world, a unique and innovative magic system, and well-developed and likable characters. However, readers should be aware that the pacing is slow at times, the plot can be convoluted, and the author has a tendency to use expository dumps.
December 31, 2021
The third book is entirely misnamed. Based on the previous two, you'd expect the book to revolve around dungeon core progression. But that is not what's happening. While you have some interesting shenanigans involving dungeons going on, there is absolutely zero progression directly tied to dungeons, which makes the title slightly baffling. In fact, the book is a straight followup to the previous one, with Jeb making progress with his god system locks, enemies and various creative use of his abilities and a handful of others.
The main point that weakens the entire book is the overpoweredness of the antagonist and the King. They lead to contortions to prevent direct conflict, and other elements that make the entire story strain more the suspension of disbelief, which is always a risk in those stories.
The net result is a book that is relatively readable, but hard to get excited about.
The main point that weakens the entire book is the overpoweredness of the antagonist and the King. They lead to contortions to prevent direct conflict, and other elements that make the entire story strain more the suspension of disbelief, which is always a risk in those stories.
The net result is a book that is relatively readable, but hard to get excited about.
March 9, 2023
This addition to the series was... okay. The pacing was uneven, and the action scenes so frenetic they became tiring.
The saving grace is Jeb. He's not an overpowered superhero. He can't punch his way out of his problems, so he has to come up with clever contingency plans. What I really like is that he's willing to study, experiment, and practice his abilities. Granted, some of the explanations of Myst (magic) became a little technical for me, but it was still better than the usual hand waving. It's magic - why explain anything?
The villains were both distinct, and completely different from each other. I also like that a few side characters got some of the spotlight, though not really enough. I wanted a lot more of Nancy and Colt.
I'm still interested in this series, and I'll be reading the fourth book.
The saving grace is Jeb. He's not an overpowered superhero. He can't punch his way out of his problems, so he has to come up with clever contingency plans. What I really like is that he's willing to study, experiment, and practice his abilities. Granted, some of the explanations of Myst (magic) became a little technical for me, but it was still better than the usual hand waving. It's magic - why explain anything?
The villains were both distinct, and completely different from each other. I also like that a few side characters got some of the spotlight, though not really enough. I wanted a lot more of Nancy and Colt.
I'm still interested in this series, and I'll be reading the fourth book.
September 18, 2022
I'm honestly rather surprised how this series is going. I totally expect the normal LitRPG thing with leveling, quests, and amazingly overpowering quips and sarcasm, but this one delivers on an entirely new level -- almost like it's willing to branch out and become real SF.
What does this mean?
It means the story is taking clever and well-thought-out turns. It means it's taking from a set number of starting conditions and fully exploiting them to their natural conclusions. It also means that the author had put the time in to read and abuse other great SF novels in the past to leap ahead and pull off some really funky cool shit.
I could tell you, but that's kinda telling.
This OP stuff is fully self-aware and I'm having a great time. And now, I'm gonna go watch Princess Bride.
What does this mean?
It means the story is taking clever and well-thought-out turns. It means it's taking from a set number of starting conditions and fully exploiting them to their natural conclusions. It also means that the author had put the time in to read and abuse other great SF novels in the past to leap ahead and pull off some really funky cool shit.
I could tell you, but that's kinda telling.
This OP stuff is fully self-aware and I'm having a great time. And now, I'm gonna go watch Princess Bride.
July 26, 2024
Again better than the previous. The author is really good at keeping you wanting more. What makes me ask myself how that is, is that aside from Jeb and Vex I don't feel particularly attached to the fate of the other secondary characters, they "feel" just like scenery for Jeb, but I'm interested anyway.
It's also kinda funny that it seems to me, all things considered, that Vex is the most balanced and sensible character in the whole series. I hope Jeb becomes his apprentice instead of having him on a path to defeat him. Jeb may have not rejected the system by choice, but after all this, I don't see Jeb wanting the system back (especially after all this effort getting back to power independently)
It's also kinda funny that it seems to me, all things considered, that Vex is the most balanced and sensible character in the whole series. I hope Jeb becomes his apprentice instead of having him on a path to defeat him. Jeb may have not rejected the system by choice, but after all this, I don't see Jeb wanting the system back (especially after all this effort getting back to power independently)
April 8, 2024
I got hooked enough into the protagonist to want to see where it goes. The first two books felt surprisingly distinctive in plot - this one feels like a mix of the first two. Yet, I always find myself wanting to know what happens and the author's pacing always giving me enough and creating replacement questions to keep me going. At the same time the humor continues throughout so that there's satisfaction beyond just getting to the next answer
August 3, 2021
Awesome Absolutely
The first five % of this book has repeated pages that is common error of software editors.
After that it’s pure awesomeness. In this story they go up against a General who wants to nuke their town and a Wizard who wants to nuke the System. Fantastic Story
The first five % of this book has repeated pages that is common error of software editors.
After that it’s pure awesomeness. In this story they go up against a General who wants to nuke their town and a Wizard who wants to nuke the System. Fantastic Story
August 8, 2021
Very interesting series
This us a very good if sometimes confusing read. The mystic/power system is a bit hard to follow at timed. The main protagonist's ability to think outside the box is fun to follow. I recommend this series to LitRPG fans, as well as futuristic fantasy readers.
This us a very good if sometimes confusing read. The mystic/power system is a bit hard to follow at timed. The main protagonist's ability to think outside the box is fun to follow. I recommend this series to LitRPG fans, as well as futuristic fantasy readers.
November 15, 2021
I think this is my favorite of this series. Jeb has to get strong fast, and piece his way through everything to try and do so. We learn a lot more about the System, and about the people of the world. We also seem some pretty dark things happening just off screen. Plus it deals with some of the problems that come from stitching in the earth among the alien worlds. Quite enjoyable.
February 21, 2022
This book was so much fun! The story's still well-written, very entertaining, and clever. The pop culture references were super fun. Also, it's great to get to know the characters more. Starfish's stinking cute!
Of course, Steve Campbell totally rocked the narration! His performance was just awesome!
Of course, Steve Campbell totally rocked the narration! His performance was just awesome!
April 17, 2022
hits all the right spots
Well written snarky novel that doesn’t fall into the same pitfalls most of the other similar systems book fall into. You never feel like the main character will win or live simply because he is the main character and for that this novel deserves fives stars alone.
Well written snarky novel that doesn’t fall into the same pitfalls most of the other similar systems book fall into. You never feel like the main character will win or live simply because he is the main character and for that this novel deserves fives stars alone.
January 9, 2023
This was awesome.
Book 3 was awesome and had such an epic end to the book. I feel sad for all the trials and trauma Jeb goes through but happy that his life moving forward would be slightly better.
Also the series could seriously use better names and cover. Cause they don't justify how awesome the book or Jeb is.
Y
Book 3 was awesome and had such an epic end to the book. I feel sad for all the trials and trauma Jeb goes through but happy that his life moving forward would be slightly better.
Also the series could seriously use better names and cover. Cause they don't justify how awesome the book or Jeb is.
Y
September 11, 2025
First two books in the series were great, but this one, not so much. I totally agree with lot of the negative reviews of this book. It seems like a series of random events stitched together into a novel. I don't even think there is an overlying plot in this book. I hope the final book in the series is better.
August 2, 2021
No pulled punches
MC is definitely not OP. Still. But he is smart enough to leverage his tricks to keep from dying.
Weapons of Mass Destruction come into play. Nukes.
Key supporting characters are not protected. Death happens.
Looking forward to the next.
MC is definitely not OP. Still. But he is smart enough to leverage his tricks to keep from dying.
Weapons of Mass Destruction come into play. Nukes.
Key supporting characters are not protected. Death happens.
Looking forward to the next.
August 3, 2021
More Jeb!
This Macronomicon fellow knows how to weave words into gold, and without a lense! Great mix of a complicated hero, hilarious side plots and characters, all slathered in magic to taste.
This Macronomicon fellow knows how to weave words into gold, and without a lense! Great mix of a complicated hero, hilarious side plots and characters, all slathered in magic to taste.
August 3, 2021
Weird, Wonder filled, Fun
Nuclear weapons, impossibly powerful wizards, an ambitious general, a major empire, and Jeb Trapsmith collide with spectacular results.
A poor entry for the series but an excellent continuation.
Nuclear weapons, impossibly powerful wizards, an ambitious general, a major empire, and Jeb Trapsmith collide with spectacular results.
A poor entry for the series but an excellent continuation.
August 3, 2021
Impeccable
This series is one of my most enjoyed sets of novels. I am thrilled to have read this far, and dad that I could only milk two days of reading out of this latest one. I eagerly await the next book.
This series is one of my most enjoyed sets of novels. I am thrilled to have read this far, and dad that I could only milk two days of reading out of this latest one. I eagerly await the next book.
August 5, 2021
Just keeps getting better
One of the best modern authors. Compelling storyline and engaging characters, suffering and triumph! Jeb keeps doing good guy stuff even when he could be getting away with bad guy stuff
One of the best modern authors. Compelling storyline and engaging characters, suffering and triumph! Jeb keeps doing good guy stuff even when he could be getting away with bad guy stuff
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews