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The System Apocalypse #11
Forbidden Zone
An Apocalyptic Space Opera LitRPG
They can run, but hiding isn't in their forte.
After revealing the deception spread by the Galactic Council and the hidden aspects of the System, John Lee and his friends flee the council building on Irvina.
Just escaping the capital planet will tax them to their utmost. Evading the full force of the Galactic Council and their minions might be more than they can handle. While old allies deal with the new truths, friends fracture under the increasing pressure and all the while, the System Quest hangs over John's head, unfinished.
Their only hope, their only clue, lies in the Forbidden Zone.
The Forbidden Zone is book 11 of the System Apocalypse universe and the penultimate book of the series. The System Apocalypse is the best-selling LitRPG series mixing post-apocalyptic fiction with alien invasions, military science fiction and fantasy elements with game-like statuses and levels.
They can run, but hiding isn't in their forte.
After revealing the deception spread by the Galactic Council and the hidden aspects of the System, John Lee and his friends flee the council building on Irvina.
Just escaping the capital planet will tax them to their utmost. Evading the full force of the Galactic Council and their minions might be more than they can handle. While old allies deal with the new truths, friends fracture under the increasing pressure and all the while, the System Quest hangs over John's head, unfinished.
Their only hope, their only clue, lies in the Forbidden Zone.
The Forbidden Zone is book 11 of the System Apocalypse universe and the penultimate book of the series. The System Apocalypse is the best-selling LitRPG series mixing post-apocalyptic fiction with alien invasions, military science fiction and fantasy elements with game-like statuses and levels.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
230 people are currently reading
180 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 64 reviews
March 6, 2022
Notes:
SA is one of my fav LitRPG series. I'm happy & sad to see that I'm near the end of a series that I've enjoyed reading. That said, this book was too much tell and not enough show. A bunch of summaries with a couple of active scenes. Another transition piece without much to make it stand out. I already have System Finale #12 loaded to read on my tablet. I hope it's a good wrap up.
SA is one of my fav LitRPG series. I'm happy & sad to see that I'm near the end of a series that I've enjoyed reading. That said, this book was too much tell and not enough show. A bunch of summaries with a couple of active scenes. Another transition piece without much to make it stand out. I already have System Finale #12 loaded to read on my tablet. I hope it's a good wrap up.
September 7, 2021
Disliked this book for not doing all the things I felt the previous book did spectacularly. Way too much happening in way too short a time. Obviously as lovers of science fiction of this type we can suspend our belief in physics and embrace the concepts of the system…. but this was just too much shoved down my throat. In my opinion the folks saying this is filler are on to something because we do see that often in long series. The thing is I feel, filler might have been better than what we got which was an action junkie fluff piece. This should have been the first chapter of book 11 in an 11-book series. The MC barely even gained any power regardless of those weak notifications we got this book. Book 12 coming and he is a middling heroic class fighting against the entire galactic counsel. Bummed that our abrasive introverted overpowered cheating hero has become an asshat scrub who makes me cringe every other page.
This is very much my opinion. but either this was a passion project, or the author conveys a sense of arrogance. I find a bit disappointing if the later. Can he say whatever he wants, write whatever he wants, and he knows we are on the hook at this point? I don’t know but while technically sound this book just felt like a really long chapter to me.
This is very much my opinion. but either this was a passion project, or the author conveys a sense of arrogance. I find a bit disappointing if the later. Can he say whatever he wants, write whatever he wants, and he knows we are on the hook at this point? I don’t know but while technically sound this book just felt like a really long chapter to me.
September 1, 2021
We are in the Endgame Now
We are there. We taste the end. Will John find out what lies at the center of the System that destroyed his planet and trillions of lives over the time it has existed ?
That’s what is great about this book. The character gained the System Administrator class a few books back, we got to see the fun aspects of that in the book before… and now we see where that path leads.
It’s a worthwhile ride. I look forward to the last book…
We are there. We taste the end. Will John find out what lies at the center of the System that destroyed his planet and trillions of lives over the time it has existed ?
That’s what is great about this book. The character gained the System Administrator class a few books back, we got to see the fun aspects of that in the book before… and now we see where that path leads.
It’s a worthwhile ride. I look forward to the last book…
September 12, 2021
Epic battles, surviving on the line of disaster John continues his quest
As John moved into larger and larger stages in the universe, he has made friends and enemies of all kinds. The forbidden zone is an inhospitable area that grows regularly due to more mana than can be processed overrunning a world. The inhabitants cannot keep up with the mana flows and eventually lose control of the planet to the wildness of mana overflow, only this is a huge area containing many planets that has become saturated. This makes it incredibly dangerous as the creatures have all migrated and leveled up with that excess mana as the system tries to process it.
John is playing at the heroic levels now, or should I say making enemies at that level. With his information share about being a System Admin breaking of the universe’s status quo, John runs to the forbidden zone in hopes of hiding away from some of the larger council members and their supporters.
At the end of the day, people deserve the truth, especially if it screws over the aliens who decided to slaughter 90% of the human population. He wants payback and that he’s willing to give his life, as well as anyone else around him, in pursuit of the knowledge of the System and that damn system quest… after passing 90% completion, John finds quite a few folks trying to stop him…
As John moved into larger and larger stages in the universe, he has made friends and enemies of all kinds. The forbidden zone is an inhospitable area that grows regularly due to more mana than can be processed overrunning a world. The inhabitants cannot keep up with the mana flows and eventually lose control of the planet to the wildness of mana overflow, only this is a huge area containing many planets that has become saturated. This makes it incredibly dangerous as the creatures have all migrated and leveled up with that excess mana as the system tries to process it.
John is playing at the heroic levels now, or should I say making enemies at that level. With his information share about being a System Admin breaking of the universe’s status quo, John runs to the forbidden zone in hopes of hiding away from some of the larger council members and their supporters.
At the end of the day, people deserve the truth, especially if it screws over the aliens who decided to slaughter 90% of the human population. He wants payback and that he’s willing to give his life, as well as anyone else around him, in pursuit of the knowledge of the System and that damn system quest… after passing 90% completion, John finds quite a few folks trying to stop him…
September 6, 2021
I liked this newest addition to the series, but it distinctly lacked a lot of the body the previous books had. This seemed like a get everything out there so we can tie it all together in the last book kind of release. The story was more desperation on behalf of our main character than anything else, and his system editing powers weren't really given any air time (as far as usage/explanation, just that he did this or that, often with no lead into why that particular thing was done vs. another option. In fact, there was a distinct lack of options in this one. I understand the story needs to move along, and that's fine, but this book felt more like a move the story from point a to point b rather than an actual part of the storyline so far, and that's a bit disappointing. I sincerely hope the last book in the series is much better than this one was.
October 26, 2021
A wild chase of a book with many insights on The System
Tao keeps doing serious writing, world building and interesting propositions. Is still a fill up book but the rarely necessary one as we needed a good taste of the forbidden zone, the system admins and the rest.
Tao remains the only deep thinker among the Litrpg writers and his prose has evolved a lot from the first Adventures on Brad (please keep writing it when you finish System, it was getting interesting...).
All in all a worthy setting up of the Finale. Only regret: we haven’t met the other Paladin...maybe in the next one.
Tao keeps doing serious writing, world building and interesting propositions. Is still a fill up book but the rarely necessary one as we needed a good taste of the forbidden zone, the system admins and the rest.
Tao remains the only deep thinker among the Litrpg writers and his prose has evolved a lot from the first Adventures on Brad (please keep writing it when you finish System, it was getting interesting...).
All in all a worthy setting up of the Finale. Only regret: we haven’t met the other Paladin...maybe in the next one.
September 2, 2021
Solid...
Of course, it's a middle book in the last trilogy of the System Apocalypse, so we are left with a Cliffhanger...
Lots of action, lots of reflexion on the nature of the System, good battle descriptions... All in all, enjoyable read, as we work towards the end of the story.
Even the annoying quirks of the Main character get more acceptable now, in light of his motivations.
Looking forward to book 12.
Of course, it's a middle book in the last trilogy of the System Apocalypse, so we are left with a Cliffhanger...
Lots of action, lots of reflexion on the nature of the System, good battle descriptions... All in all, enjoyable read, as we work towards the end of the story.
Even the annoying quirks of the Main character get more acceptable now, in light of his motivations.
Looking forward to book 12.
September 8, 2021
Loved it
This was a changeup in style. It focused more on character exploration over plot progression than I remember in the rest of the series. It worked for me, as I enjoyed this deeper dive. Actions scenes were more esoteric in the sense that skills used were not explained in detail, the nuts and bolts of them somewhat ignored as everything could be picked up in context that was needed. Can't wait for the finale.
This was a changeup in style. It focused more on character exploration over plot progression than I remember in the rest of the series. It worked for me, as I enjoyed this deeper dive. Actions scenes were more esoteric in the sense that skills used were not explained in detail, the nuts and bolts of them somewhat ignored as everything could be picked up in context that was needed. Can't wait for the finale.
September 10, 2021
Unique entry in the series. Overall it was fun and unpredictable but things dragged at the time. Also you take out a couple chapters and this book is no longer a LitRPG. The game aspects have been some of my favorite things in the series and I hope for a return of those elements in the next book. Also less “system editing” and more fighting. I know that this concept is central to the end game but it gets really confusing at times.
September 5, 2021
The agony of victory, the joy of defeat
You will experience neither in this book. Mr Wong has crafted a beautiful tale of John’s progress to the culmination of his system quest. Then he leaves his reader hanging off a cliff waiting for book 12. I did enjoy this book but am now doomed to wait for the final instalment to know what happens.
You will experience neither in this book. Mr Wong has crafted a beautiful tale of John’s progress to the culmination of his system quest. Then he leaves his reader hanging off a cliff waiting for book 12. I did enjoy this book but am now doomed to wait for the final instalment to know what happens.
September 6, 2021
Maybe the best book yet
Really good. So excited for the finale. No sloppy writing, mr.Wong has set up a very satisfying end to this great series. Lots of intense moments and clever writing. Imaginative ideas and story props. Interesting character interactions. Thanks for the story and the journey!
Really good. So excited for the finale. No sloppy writing, mr.Wong has set up a very satisfying end to this great series. Lots of intense moments and clever writing. Imaginative ideas and story props. Interesting character interactions. Thanks for the story and the journey!
September 16, 2021
Another exciting episode in the series. The books is one long chase to capture the Redeemer, while he and his cronies escape the clutches of their galactic overlords. There is little progression plot-wise as more hints to mystery of system are discovered. Though as usual the prose is good, plot moves at breakneck pace with lots of action.
November 3, 2021
I can't believe it is almost over.
One more book, three more months then my favorite system apocalypse will be finished. I will miss the insanity. John was pretty angsty in this book, when he wasn't pushing himself and his friends past their limits. He's been a selfish prick from the beginning and that doesn't change in this episode.
One more book, three more months then my favorite system apocalypse will be finished. I will miss the insanity. John was pretty angsty in this book, when he wasn't pushing himself and his friends past their limits. He's been a selfish prick from the beginning and that doesn't change in this episode.
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.
May 5, 2022
This is one of those transitional books that honestly just feels pointless and could have been skipped over in a chapter or two. The beginning was fantastic with the aftermath from last book but then it just got boring as they travel through the forbidden zone of space. The entire travel coulda been shortened with a couple interludes. Not to mention the ending is very unsatisfying.
September 2, 2021
cataclysmic
There aren’t a lot of numbers this time. All the crunchy stats are left by the wayside as things overwhelm the ability to be expressed in simple numbers. Fighting things that exceed imagination in places that defy understanding.
I’m in this til it ends.
There aren’t a lot of numbers this time. All the crunchy stats are left by the wayside as things overwhelm the ability to be expressed in simple numbers. Fighting things that exceed imagination in places that defy understanding.
I’m in this til it ends.
September 3, 2021
Great leading to the Finale
John is close to answers and finding out what the system is. The pacing is frenetic and the long game John is playing just becomes more important. Can't wait on the final book. I always enjoy Tao's stories and this series in particular.
John is close to answers and finding out what the system is. The pacing is frenetic and the long game John is playing just becomes more important. Can't wait on the final book. I always enjoy Tao's stories and this series in particular.
September 3, 2021
Oh boyo!
What a ride for the penultimate book! There simply is no pause for our beleaguered (hero?) and his allies. Much is revealed but the set-up for the final book is very enticing.
What a ride for the penultimate book! There simply is no pause for our beleaguered (hero?) and his allies. Much is revealed but the set-up for the final book is very enticing.
September 3, 2021
This series is always worth it. I must admit this book was just as good if not better then the first books in the series. The writing is excellent and the story still has not been ruined by overpowered MCs. The balance of the series so far is first rate.
September 6, 2021
Can't wait
A great read and I can't wait for the final book in this series. I mean that in a good way. I'm sure it will be even better than this book , which was 5 stars all the way .
A great read and I can't wait for the final book in this series. I mean that in a good way. I'm sure it will be even better than this book , which was 5 stars all the way .
September 10, 2021
Not what I was expected, but I liked it
The book was honest, the characters were frayed.
Lives were lost and progress was made.
A book title, forbidden zone
A new child, a baby drone
Burning mana and endless nose bleeds
But yet, the book is a fun one to read
The book was honest, the characters were frayed.
Lives were lost and progress was made.
A book title, forbidden zone
A new child, a baby drone
Burning mana and endless nose bleeds
But yet, the book is a fun one to read
September 20, 2021
Conflicted
I’m conflicted about this one. It had some good writing, some good fights, etc.
But literally the ENTIRE book was about fleeing from the Galactic Council after John revealed the truth and trying to get to the Dragon planet.
In a sense, very little happened.
I’m conflicted about this one. It had some good writing, some good fights, etc.
But literally the ENTIRE book was about fleeing from the Galactic Council after John revealed the truth and trying to get to the Dragon planet.
In a sense, very little happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
Another great entry in this series
Man I hate cliffhangers. But I do agree with the author that it was a good place to end this story. And am sad to read that John Lee and company series ends the next book but hope to hear more from these characters.
Man I hate cliffhangers. But I do agree with the author that it was a good place to end this story. And am sad to read that John Lee and company series ends the next book but hope to hear more from these characters.
Read
September 2, 2021Loved it!
Longtime fan of this series , fedgling writer myself, I love how John persevers despite overwhelming odds. One annoying baka indeed. :)
Longtime fan of this series , fedgling writer myself, I love how John persevers despite overwhelming odds. One annoying baka indeed. :)
September 3, 2021
God damn it’s hard to get to this review page.
Yes 10 stars. Stop making me not want to write my own stuff.
This is the best thing I will read this year.
Yes 10 stars. Stop making me not want to write my own stuff.
This is the best thing I will read this year.
September 5, 2021
Great story!
This one moved a bit slower, but tied up a lot of plot points and still moves the plot forward! Can’t wait for the final installment!
This one moved a bit slower, but tied up a lot of plot points and still moves the plot forward! Can’t wait for the final installment!
September 5, 2021
Excellent!
Wow on the forbidden zone!
Lots of action and more and more of the system is revealed!
Great read that is a super enjoyable read!
Wow on the forbidden zone!
Lots of action and more and more of the system is revealed!
Great read that is a super enjoyable read!
September 7, 2021
Here we go
This one is all action all the time against tough enemies. As we get to end of this story o am excited to see what happens next
This one is all action all the time against tough enemies. As we get to end of this story o am excited to see what happens next
September 8, 2021
Give me the final book
I can't stand to wait for the final book. This book alone as crazy, frantic and heart stopping. Read the whole series and join me waiting for the final book
I can't stand to wait for the final book. This book alone as crazy, frantic and heart stopping. Read the whole series and join me waiting for the final book
March 23, 2022
The whole series is worth it
Just reread all 11 books in anticipation for book 12. It's all worth it.
Such a great series. Especially this final arc.
Just reread all 11 books in anticipation for book 12. It's all worth it.
Such a great series. Especially this final arc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews