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Natural Laws Apocalypse #2
System Return
After the discovery that the encampment outside of his Safe Zone is full of friendlies, Marc and his group finally have a chance to try to grow stronger again. The addition of an administrator for the Safe Zone as well as someone to coordinate its defenses finally allows Marc to feel like he can go out and do other things. With the number of survivors they're finding in the immediate area rapidly dwindling, they choose to go farther afield, working on gaining additional resources for the Safe Zone while searching out any remaining survivors they can find. His father reported passing other Safe Zones on his way back to town so Marc decides some investigation is in order. What he intends is to salvage the ruins of a destroyed Safe Zone his father spotted and offer trade and cordial relations to the surviving one that's closer by. What occurs is not what he intended or expected. With the possibility of a technology upgrade for his Safe Zone, what appears to be a community of some sort of elves a few miles south of the Safe Zone, and the sneaking suspicion that the System itself is merely a tool for someone, or something, else, Marc isn't quite as free to just do what he wants.
623 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
623 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Tom Larcombe
31 books244 followersTom Larcombe was introduced to fantasy books at a young age. Those that were aimed more at children hooked him in, but not well enough for him to remember their names at this point in his life. Their draw led him to books aimed more for the adult reader and so he found himself, at around age eight, starting in on the Steven R Donaldson 'Thomas Covenant' series and the Hobbit, followed shortly thereafter by The Lord of the Rings books.
His reading tastes have never looked back, although they have broadened to include science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book.
He lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a variable number of chickens.
His reading tastes have never looked back, although they have broadened to include science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book.
He lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a variable number of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 6, 2021
This was a little slow with a few moments of excitement thrown in. I like the characters, so I am invested in the series... it's just slow going.
October 3, 2021
It took me until I was well into book two of the series to realize what was happening with this series, and why I was so annoyed by it. I love LitRPG post-apocalypse stories, and this series is far outside that mold. It annoyed me as Marc, Felicia, Rob and the others talk about what's happening while not really doing anything.
It clicked for me when I thought back to Light Online, the author's previous series. This might be advertised as a post-apocalypse story, but just like in Light Online, the focus is on town building. Except that in this instance, it translates to Safe Zones.
When I read book 1, I was hoping for masses of monsters, PVP when humans turn on each other (because that seems to always happen), and a struggle to survive against all odds. Maybe some aliens are sprinkled into the mix, too.
There's no struggle here. Not in any real sense of the word. Marc leads his team and the Safe Zone, and everyone else does whatever the heck they do.
Now that I know it's about town building with a thin veneer of apocalypse slapped on, I doubt I'll read book 3.
Having said that, we have other problems. Marc's team is the only one we see, and they aren't really go getters. They don't shy away from problems, but they're also happy hanging out with their girlfriends watching movies and the like.
Except we find out that Marc's safe zone has over 250 people in it, and every person is required to work. There's lots of talk of the scavengers that go out and get the supplies Marc needs to upgrade his precious safe zone, but they might as well be machines because we never see them. and they don't get any credit. There's also another team or two of people out there trying to find survivors, but those teams never surpass Marc and his team in levels or accolades.
What are all these people doing? They can't all be keeping guard or farming the fields. It seems none of them have any initiative to leave the safe zone, despite it not being all that dangerous outside. We don't get a sense of top down management from Marc, or anyone really, which I think is a missed opportunity.
Which leaves us with Marc. As the main character, he's not very well developed. Even with his parents helping out running the safe zone, he doesn't think ahead to what might be needed in a couple days, weeks, or years down the line. How about systemizing a motorcycle to explore the broader area? Nope, they've got different plans for that (which I won't spoil).
Marc just isn't a very memorable character, and the rest of the group suffers even more. Even mom and dad are only memorable because his mom embarrasses him in front of his friends and his dad loves old Roman things. Beyond that they're blank slates.
The things I liked here was that Marc does add some new safe zones, and the system starts adding some new things. Dungeons show up, and they meet another safe zone full of people.
For me, it's not enough. The book is well written and edited, but I read these last two novels for post apocalypse magic, and I'm not getting it. Time to move on.
4/5*
It clicked for me when I thought back to Light Online, the author's previous series. This might be advertised as a post-apocalypse story, but just like in Light Online, the focus is on town building. Except that in this instance, it translates to Safe Zones.
When I read book 1, I was hoping for masses of monsters, PVP when humans turn on each other (because that seems to always happen), and a struggle to survive against all odds. Maybe some aliens are sprinkled into the mix, too.
There's no struggle here. Not in any real sense of the word. Marc leads his team and the Safe Zone, and everyone else does whatever the heck they do.
Now that I know it's about town building with a thin veneer of apocalypse slapped on, I doubt I'll read book 3.
Having said that, we have other problems. Marc's team is the only one we see, and they aren't really go getters. They don't shy away from problems, but they're also happy hanging out with their girlfriends watching movies and the like.
Except we find out that Marc's safe zone has over 250 people in it, and every person is required to work. There's lots of talk of the scavengers that go out and get the supplies Marc needs to upgrade his precious safe zone, but they might as well be machines because we never see them. and they don't get any credit. There's also another team or two of people out there trying to find survivors, but those teams never surpass Marc and his team in levels or accolades.
What are all these people doing? They can't all be keeping guard or farming the fields. It seems none of them have any initiative to leave the safe zone, despite it not being all that dangerous outside. We don't get a sense of top down management from Marc, or anyone really, which I think is a missed opportunity.
Which leaves us with Marc. As the main character, he's not very well developed. Even with his parents helping out running the safe zone, he doesn't think ahead to what might be needed in a couple days, weeks, or years down the line. How about systemizing a motorcycle to explore the broader area? Nope, they've got different plans for that (which I won't spoil).
Marc just isn't a very memorable character, and the rest of the group suffers even more. Even mom and dad are only memorable because his mom embarrasses him in front of his friends and his dad loves old Roman things. Beyond that they're blank slates.
The things I liked here was that Marc does add some new safe zones, and the system starts adding some new things. Dungeons show up, and they meet another safe zone full of people.
For me, it's not enough. The book is well written and edited, but I read these last two novels for post apocalypse magic, and I'm not getting it. Time to move on.
4/5*
October 15, 2021
Ugh
I stopped reading at 48% and started skimming. I don’t think I missed a whole lot either. Once again, this book was just the main character obtaining materials, then building things, over and over again. He did find his parents, but that seemed to fall flat. The dad frequently blushed (which was weird), and the mom was portrayed as an OCD, controlling type of person. The System has started communicating with the main character, which was weird. He could ask questions, and it would answer him. The ending of the book has the main character making contact with elves, but I don’t think they will magically make the third book better.
I stopped reading at 48% and started skimming. I don’t think I missed a whole lot either. Once again, this book was just the main character obtaining materials, then building things, over and over again. He did find his parents, but that seemed to fall flat. The dad frequently blushed (which was weird), and the mom was portrayed as an OCD, controlling type of person. The System has started communicating with the main character, which was weird. He could ask questions, and it would answer him. The ending of the book has the main character making contact with elves, but I don’t think they will magically make the third book better.
October 5, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
This series feels like a light version of the Shadow Sun series. The plot is pretty much the same and a lot of the elements are very similar. The difference is that this feels like a PG-13 version. While death is talked about in this series it is in the periphery. None of the group of those close to the group have died. The monsters that they fight aren't really that powerful. On the other hand the level ups aren't as easy in this book either. The world building is a little slower and there is lot less people in this book. This book had more social interactions, settlement building and crafting without as much fighting. There was one dungeon scene though that I felt was overly long. While I feel this is a little bit of a weaker version of the Shadow Sun series, I still enjoy this type of book very much.
This series feels like a light version of the Shadow Sun series. The plot is pretty much the same and a lot of the elements are very similar. The difference is that this feels like a PG-13 version. While death is talked about in this series it is in the periphery. None of the group of those close to the group have died. The monsters that they fight aren't really that powerful. On the other hand the level ups aren't as easy in this book either. The world building is a little slower and there is lot less people in this book. This book had more social interactions, settlement building and crafting without as much fighting. There was one dungeon scene though that I felt was overly long. While I feel this is a little bit of a weaker version of the Shadow Sun series, I still enjoy this type of book very much.
February 19, 2024
4.5 stars. Book 2 was also an enjoyable read. Level progression is at a much more believable, slower rate than in many other series in this genre.
December 8, 2024
Enjoyable read
Second book really does a good job of building on the first.
Characters are likeable and well written.
Solid balance of humour with plot and character development.
Really enjoying this take on The System.
Heading onto book 3 now :)
Second book really does a good job of building on the first.
Characters are likeable and well written.
Solid balance of humour with plot and character development.
Really enjoying this take on The System.
Heading onto book 3 now :)
January 18, 2022
Got to 80% and was done with the introduction of the redneck batman's anti SJW rant and yet another you gotta work or else pro capitalism anti slacker paragraph.
I skipped from there to the end, and like the first book there wasn't an ending. There's essentially no point to the books.
It's amateur writing, repetitive, navel gazing, torturously poor characters and dialogue, excruciatingly 90s sitcom heteronormative with the interaction of the men and women. The main cast act more like 16 year olds than post college.
With a good editor and a point this could be as good as adequate.
I skipped from there to the end, and like the first book there wasn't an ending. There's essentially no point to the books.
It's amateur writing, repetitive, navel gazing, torturously poor characters and dialogue, excruciatingly 90s sitcom heteronormative with the interaction of the men and women. The main cast act more like 16 year olds than post college.
With a good editor and a point this could be as good as adequate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
Hmm, too much focus on base this, base that, blah, blah... I need more resources.
I get it that base-building is a major subject of the story, but everything else feels neglected.
That's at least the impression I got while reading the book. There was way too much focus on rather repetitive base-building stuff ( more resources, expansion, new buildings, management... repeat).
And I would love to see a second Safe Zone that isn't a pile of junk, or a bandit's nest. So, a second group of people with the same mindset as the protagonist, but they are far away and won't connect bases anytime soon. Would fuel the story with more life.
Also, nobody encountered any dangerous thingies while the protagonist and his crew randomly stumble across rare, legendary, and so on whenever they do something else aside from base-building. I would have expected some adventurer to die to some mutant squirrel or something. But so far, nobody died (nobody out of 250+ people) except that Tim guy and these pyro bandits (who were designed to die because of their role in the story).
Well, I know that not everyone is venturing outside and that there are just a few adventuring parties, but surely, they might have gotten unlucky and crossed paths with some big bad something.
So, a death or two would have added some sense of danger to the world. So far, that is a bit lacking.
And lastly, I think Jeff's character starts to become a bit dumb. He is whining around about renown and stuff like that, acting like a brat that is starving for attention. Seems a bit childish, and that behavior makes the situation they are in feel less serious.
But I guess Jeff is going to perform some 'big upsie' soon? Acting reckless, endangering people, etc. and then he will get his character-development arc into a more serious and professional badass?
Anyways, I still enjoy the story. I especially like the fact that the protagonist got his parents around, and that they aren't control-freaks that usurp the position of their son. Most stories I read go that route, yours not, which is a big + for me.
Another + that I like is the fact that the protagonist isn't an overpowered Super Saiya-Jin already, but still trying to figure stuff out. He isn't weak, but also not dominating everything with absurd ease. There was a challenge in every conflict so far.
Thanks for the story, keep up the good work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
One dimensional
Marcus' story continues as he works to grow Any Port.
That's it.
This is a one dimensional story laser-focused on one character. There is all kinds of cool stuff going on around him, but we never see it because the POV never shifts off of Marcus. There are many other characters (most without names) which could be developed to give the series depth. There are loose ends which could be tied up in order to give the story a more finished feel but they're either left dangling or simply cut off.
I enjoy the parts of the story with them adventuring. Those are clever and done well. You can tell time was spent thinking, planning, writing. The day to day life parts, in Any Port should have the same feel.
Let me give you an exemple.
Jeff runs off and has a solo adventure to gain noteriety. We don't get to SEE this. All we get is Jeff coming back, telling us about it. I get the feeling that this will be a major event in the storyline, we should have been witness to it.
There are so many interesting possibilities of character development. Amy. Begger. Conner. The Sternns even. The book would be so much better if it wasn't always nailed to Marcus. It's like the other characters don't exist if he isn't in the room.
One other thing. The whole PC conversation between Earl and Ella. It was unnecessary. It made her look stupid and added a political shot that this series does not need. I almost quit reading the book right there. If Tom had not added the discllaimer at the end I probably would not bother with book three.
Will I read book three? Most likely. I've peeked ahead at the descriptions for the upcoming books and the System is an interesting story.
Read every day, and read for fun!
Marcus' story continues as he works to grow Any Port.
That's it.
This is a one dimensional story laser-focused on one character. There is all kinds of cool stuff going on around him, but we never see it because the POV never shifts off of Marcus. There are many other characters (most without names) which could be developed to give the series depth. There are loose ends which could be tied up in order to give the story a more finished feel but they're either left dangling or simply cut off.
I enjoy the parts of the story with them adventuring. Those are clever and done well. You can tell time was spent thinking, planning, writing. The day to day life parts, in Any Port should have the same feel.
Let me give you an exemple.
Jeff runs off and has a solo adventure to gain noteriety. We don't get to SEE this. All we get is Jeff coming back, telling us about it. I get the feeling that this will be a major event in the storyline, we should have been witness to it.
There are so many interesting possibilities of character development. Amy. Begger. Conner. The Sternns even. The book would be so much better if it wasn't always nailed to Marcus. It's like the other characters don't exist if he isn't in the room.
One other thing. The whole PC conversation between Earl and Ella. It was unnecessary. It made her look stupid and added a political shot that this series does not need. I almost quit reading the book right there. If Tom had not added the discllaimer at the end I probably would not bother with book three.
Will I read book three? Most likely. I've peeked ahead at the descriptions for the upcoming books and the System is an interesting story.
Read every day, and read for fun!
August 15, 2022
Out of curiosity, I checked out book 2.
The MC (who is well educated) is a moron. If he was an actual leader of the last city on Earth, I would be worried for the human race. He doesn't remember people's name, keeps forgetting important things (base building and learning new spells) , daydreams during combat and uses his position as leader to give his parents and friends position of power. Nepotism at the finest. The book does one thing differently than other apocalypse system. He doesn't have to look for his parents as they just waltz through monster infested country and just shows up at the MC's new kingdom. Their relationship of parent and child is weird as the mother would rather do work than see her son after finding out that he is alive. Works 24 hours a day and ignores him. The father felt like he was a DNA donner and treats him like a long lost bastard of a nephew. What is weird, is the people. No one questions his right to rule and everyone is happy that Caesar is the supreme leader of new Rome. Even if, he works like a peasant and goes "aww shucks" and "we got do the right thing". What is worse is; how is the MC who has difficulty in talking, interacting and lacking emotional empathy and expression be the leader of this community. Seriously, he has the emotional avaliablity of a week old ham sandwich . Anyways, I stopped half way as everything is now falling in the MC's lap because he keeps doing the same dumb thing. What's worse, the MC's friend the thief, is a narcissist/pain in the ass loot whore and everyone is okay of his obvious alcohol abusive. Tom Larcombe, thanks for it with the regular amount of sucking.
The MC (who is well educated) is a moron. If he was an actual leader of the last city on Earth, I would be worried for the human race. He doesn't remember people's name, keeps forgetting important things (base building and learning new spells) , daydreams during combat and uses his position as leader to give his parents and friends position of power. Nepotism at the finest. The book does one thing differently than other apocalypse system. He doesn't have to look for his parents as they just waltz through monster infested country and just shows up at the MC's new kingdom. Their relationship of parent and child is weird as the mother would rather do work than see her son after finding out that he is alive. Works 24 hours a day and ignores him. The father felt like he was a DNA donner and treats him like a long lost bastard of a nephew. What is weird, is the people. No one questions his right to rule and everyone is happy that Caesar is the supreme leader of new Rome. Even if, he works like a peasant and goes "aww shucks" and "we got do the right thing". What is worse is; how is the MC who has difficulty in talking, interacting and lacking emotional empathy and expression be the leader of this community. Seriously, he has the emotional avaliablity of a week old ham sandwich . Anyways, I stopped half way as everything is now falling in the MC's lap because he keeps doing the same dumb thing. What's worse, the MC's friend the thief, is a narcissist/pain in the ass loot whore and everyone is okay of his obvious alcohol abusive. Tom Larcombe, thanks for it with the regular amount of sucking.
October 9, 2021
Like the first book, fun ... but still fluff.
The book has a very rough start with the author using a meeting between the main character and his recently arrived father as a way to summarize book one. I'm not sure the books were really released far enough apart to justify a lengthy rehash (July 31 for book 1, Sep 30 for book 2), and that sort of catch-up meeting was probably better left behind the scenes.
More combat, more expansion, and yet again, Amy the Junior Courier, steals the show whenever she shows up.
The battle scenes are a bit more interesting this time, with a legendary scarecrow, a garage/diner dungeon (resolved a little out of the blue by the bland healer just happening to get a very effective anti-undead spell at just the right time), and some unfortunate defense-against-attacking-humans. A few others involving the base's expansion, but those fights didn't really leave a mark.
Base expansion again occurs ... mostly by establishing outposts and using some "oh, by-the-way" gimmickry that wasn't built up to at all (capture protocol).
Mostly fun, if uninspired, but had a few rougher parts. One of which was the beginning, as mentioned above, but another was a questionable redneck character with positively belligerent views and an apparent hobby of insulting people that champion causes. He and his speeches felt a bit shoehorned in, as if it were a way for the author to sneak dismissive claims against equality into the narrative. That left a bad taste in my mouth, and contributed to me docking a star off the rating compared to the previous book.
The book has a very rough start with the author using a meeting between the main character and his recently arrived father as a way to summarize book one. I'm not sure the books were really released far enough apart to justify a lengthy rehash (July 31 for book 1, Sep 30 for book 2), and that sort of catch-up meeting was probably better left behind the scenes.
More combat, more expansion, and yet again, Amy the Junior Courier, steals the show whenever she shows up.
The battle scenes are a bit more interesting this time, with a legendary scarecrow, a garage/diner dungeon (resolved a little out of the blue by the bland healer just happening to get a very effective anti-undead spell at just the right time), and some unfortunate defense-against-attacking-humans. A few others involving the base's expansion, but those fights didn't really leave a mark.
Base expansion again occurs ... mostly by establishing outposts and using some "oh, by-the-way" gimmickry that wasn't built up to at all (capture protocol).
Mostly fun, if uninspired, but had a few rougher parts. One of which was the beginning, as mentioned above, but another was a questionable redneck character with positively belligerent views and an apparent hobby of insulting people that champion causes. He and his speeches felt a bit shoehorned in, as if it were a way for the author to sneak dismissive claims against equality into the narrative. That left a bad taste in my mouth, and contributed to me docking a star off the rating compared to the previous book.
December 6, 2021
Expanding the safe zone is the best plan for humanity’s future
As ‘settlers’, of the non earthling type, will arrive after one year. Don’t forget that even if it’s a future worry, that many aren’t even aware of.
Marc and his party have grown the safe zone, strengthening themselves while also encouraging others to grow in levels.
Marc won’t forget the system messages warnings that more difficult spawns will behind appearing as time passes until earth has returned to the proper system laws.
We humans are a varied lot but we aren’t all good or bad apples, however there may be a safe zone full of them nearby. Plus what appear to be elves are snooping in his preserve, non-violently so far, but one did try to shoot him earlier during one of their treks to save more people. They may not be friendly elves, but how to talk to them?
So far I have enjoyed both these books and am looking forward to seeing this world and story grow. The characters should fit into the social types you saw growing up but expect them to break those molds more and more as they grow their stats and experience in this new world.
At least the intelligence behind the changes seems sympathetic after all the communication with Marc, which slowly changes his opinion from the AI being the evil mastermind to more of it being a prisoner of its programming. What is software if not a tool to accomplish more…
As ‘settlers’, of the non earthling type, will arrive after one year. Don’t forget that even if it’s a future worry, that many aren’t even aware of.
Marc and his party have grown the safe zone, strengthening themselves while also encouraging others to grow in levels.
Marc won’t forget the system messages warnings that more difficult spawns will behind appearing as time passes until earth has returned to the proper system laws.
We humans are a varied lot but we aren’t all good or bad apples, however there may be a safe zone full of them nearby. Plus what appear to be elves are snooping in his preserve, non-violently so far, but one did try to shoot him earlier during one of their treks to save more people. They may not be friendly elves, but how to talk to them?
So far I have enjoyed both these books and am looking forward to seeing this world and story grow. The characters should fit into the social types you saw growing up but expect them to break those molds more and more as they grow their stats and experience in this new world.
At least the intelligence behind the changes seems sympathetic after all the communication with Marc, which slowly changes his opinion from the AI being the evil mastermind to more of it being a prisoner of its programming. What is software if not a tool to accomplish more…
September 15, 2023
OK story, light, reading, slow, progression, no real danger.
This is for books, one and two of the series. There is a lot of base building and planning, and these two books, not enough action as far as I’m concerned. First of all, let me say this is not a bad story. It’s basically about a group of teenagers probably 19 or so, who just got out of high school and in the first year of college before the apocalypse begins. And of course they act like teenagers. A little immature, a little forgetful, especially the main character. The issue I have with the story is the stat progression seems to be very slow. This is the second book of more than 600 pages and is anybody at level 10 as of yet? Of course, you have every type of character the main character, who is socially awkward, a trope, dutiful, girlfriend, the loyal, hardcharging, tough guy who is the strong man of the team and a rogue, who is also a thief and troublemaker. as I said, all the usual tropes are there. The other issue I have with the story is, there’s really no hardship that befall the characters as of yet no real injury or near death experiences that have happened to them. The character development is not very deep. Maybe that will change as I go into the series more. There are so far eight books in the series and the story is interesting enough that I will go ahead and read the next one. Just wish there was more danger, and that the main character would grow and develop a bit more.
This is for books, one and two of the series. There is a lot of base building and planning, and these two books, not enough action as far as I’m concerned. First of all, let me say this is not a bad story. It’s basically about a group of teenagers probably 19 or so, who just got out of high school and in the first year of college before the apocalypse begins. And of course they act like teenagers. A little immature, a little forgetful, especially the main character. The issue I have with the story is the stat progression seems to be very slow. This is the second book of more than 600 pages and is anybody at level 10 as of yet? Of course, you have every type of character the main character, who is socially awkward, a trope, dutiful, girlfriend, the loyal, hardcharging, tough guy who is the strong man of the team and a rogue, who is also a thief and troublemaker. as I said, all the usual tropes are there. The other issue I have with the story is, there’s really no hardship that befall the characters as of yet no real injury or near death experiences that have happened to them. The character development is not very deep. Maybe that will change as I go into the series more. There are so far eight books in the series and the story is interesting enough that I will go ahead and read the next one. Just wish there was more danger, and that the main character would grow and develop a bit more.
October 4, 2021
Book two
Mistakes: I found a few. Mostly just words that can be dropped or changed to help the sentence flow better. They are listed on Goodreads.
Plot: While there is no recap chapter at the start of the book you do get a recap in chapter one as the MC explains what has happened to his parents.
This is more adventuring, town building, and social growth.
Still has problems with the lack of monsters to the number of deaths.
Characters: While this did have town building and adventuring, I felt that this was more of a social growth book as the MC spends a lot of time talking to everyone. The constant moral nagging was highly annoying and I feel like if this world was real that this would cause people to die. You can still be a good, moral person without letting people run all over you or let less moral people attack you more than once. You would think that people who fight and put down monsters wouldn't have a hard time putting down monterist people. I didn't have a problem with the total lack of regard that they gave once they killed people attacking them, but I had a real problem with them letting it get that far to begin with.
5/10 Trying to stick to the same moral structure of today would get you killed in a world like this book.
Mistakes: I found a few. Mostly just words that can be dropped or changed to help the sentence flow better. They are listed on Goodreads.
Plot: While there is no recap chapter at the start of the book you do get a recap in chapter one as the MC explains what has happened to his parents.
This is more adventuring, town building, and social growth.
Still has problems with the lack of monsters to the number of deaths.
Characters: While this did have town building and adventuring, I felt that this was more of a social growth book as the MC spends a lot of time talking to everyone. The constant moral nagging was highly annoying and I feel like if this world was real that this would cause people to die. You can still be a good, moral person without letting people run all over you or let less moral people attack you more than once. You would think that people who fight and put down monsters wouldn't have a hard time putting down monterist people. I didn't have a problem with the total lack of regard that they gave once they killed people attacking them, but I had a real problem with them letting it get that far to begin with.
5/10 Trying to stick to the same moral structure of today would get you killed in a world like this book.
March 22, 2024
Fun way to pass some time
The story is a slightly different approach to the "our world has turned into an MMO." The author focuses more on the characters building resources than on combat, so it's more like an MMO with a heavy real-time strategy + cozy farming sim emphasis.
I wish the main characters were more emotionally mature--they all act like they're sixteen. Maybe I missed something, but I got the impression they were all in their mid-twenties.
I wish the author was a lot more knowledgeable about women; many times the key female characters are nothing more than sexy lamps. (That's a trope in which a female character could be replaced with a lamp without affecting the story.)
I also wish the author didn't treat food preparers and servers as second-class citizens who must rely on tips to make a wage, as opposed to other classes who are paid a decent wage without having to rely on tips.
And finally, the use of preteen sexual innuendos as humor is a bit much. I think the author thinks it's Dad humor.
My two favorite characters are Beggar, the sentient raccoon, and Amy, the tent year-old with more initiative than many adults in the story. (The author treats most adults like two-dimensional NPCs.)
Overall, the book is worth the few dollars to buy.
The story is a slightly different approach to the "our world has turned into an MMO." The author focuses more on the characters building resources than on combat, so it's more like an MMO with a heavy real-time strategy + cozy farming sim emphasis.
I wish the main characters were more emotionally mature--they all act like they're sixteen. Maybe I missed something, but I got the impression they were all in their mid-twenties.
I wish the author was a lot more knowledgeable about women; many times the key female characters are nothing more than sexy lamps. (That's a trope in which a female character could be replaced with a lamp without affecting the story.)
I also wish the author didn't treat food preparers and servers as second-class citizens who must rely on tips to make a wage, as opposed to other classes who are paid a decent wage without having to rely on tips.
And finally, the use of preteen sexual innuendos as humor is a bit much. I think the author thinks it's Dad humor.
My two favorite characters are Beggar, the sentient raccoon, and Amy, the tent year-old with more initiative than many adults in the story. (The author treats most adults like two-dimensional NPCs.)
Overall, the book is worth the few dollars to buy.
December 8, 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: moderate
Harem elements: none
Tone: good blend of fantasy and post apocalyptic genres. characters are enjoyable to follow.
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: moderate
Harem elements: none
Tone: good blend of fantasy and post apocalyptic genres. characters are enjoyable to follow.
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
May 1, 2022
Not great
Its kind of like the author couldn't remember what stats he had assigned to Marc. High intelligence, but doesn't remember that he has scrolls and books of magic for about10 chapters. And congratulates himself on remembering a couple of peoples names (a pretty low bar) and the author seems to think that this would be a function of charisma (?). And that brings us to the fact that the MC is shoving character points into his dump stat. I can understand adding a couple of points to charisma, but once he found out that there was a stat that let him learn more skills and spells why would he invest more into his dump stat? Because he's a landlord now? He's not running the safe zone day to day so he really doesn't need a charisma above average.
The fights are pretty anticlimactic, and there is generally less action than in the first.
I'm likely to read the next one, if it isn't better that will be the last one. Tom out
Its kind of like the author couldn't remember what stats he had assigned to Marc. High intelligence, but doesn't remember that he has scrolls and books of magic for about10 chapters. And congratulates himself on remembering a couple of peoples names (a pretty low bar) and the author seems to think that this would be a function of charisma (?). And that brings us to the fact that the MC is shoving character points into his dump stat. I can understand adding a couple of points to charisma, but once he found out that there was a stat that let him learn more skills and spells why would he invest more into his dump stat? Because he's a landlord now? He's not running the safe zone day to day so he really doesn't need a charisma above average.
The fights are pretty anticlimactic, and there is generally less action than in the first.
I'm likely to read the next one, if it isn't better that will be the last one. Tom out
May 3, 2022
Nice writing but slow as a snail
If you’re looking for action filled adventure, look elsewhere. I had hopes after the first book that this would develop into something greater but instead it gets bogged down in the minute details. There are very few fights and next to no loot descriptions. The characters level slowly and 3/4 of the book is spent in slow town development. There is no tension or mystery, just people plodding along. The MC seems to have a hard limit of five actions a day, and the author wastes so much time on describing uninteresting things, like going to breakfast or watching a movie. There is no passion or drive in any character. They all talk like robots. There is no excitement or thrill, and no reason to keep reading- just a slow and steady tale with no ups or downs. The best thing about this series is the lack of spelling or factual errors, otherwise it’s the most boring apocalypse scenario I could imagine.
If you’re looking for action filled adventure, look elsewhere. I had hopes after the first book that this would develop into something greater but instead it gets bogged down in the minute details. There are very few fights and next to no loot descriptions. The characters level slowly and 3/4 of the book is spent in slow town development. There is no tension or mystery, just people plodding along. The MC seems to have a hard limit of five actions a day, and the author wastes so much time on describing uninteresting things, like going to breakfast or watching a movie. There is no passion or drive in any character. They all talk like robots. There is no excitement or thrill, and no reason to keep reading- just a slow and steady tale with no ups or downs. The best thing about this series is the lack of spelling or factual errors, otherwise it’s the most boring apocalypse scenario I could imagine.
November 21, 2023
INTERESTING BUT mmmm..
I will keep this short and sweet. Not to say I Don't like this book and series so far but I have to say and I'm not sure if this is by design from the Author, this is one of the few books I've ever read where not a single character is likeable at all. Even the MC is quite annoying and plain as dough.
I'm quite childish and I have to say the characters and their decisions and thought processes make me seem like a geriatric old person.
It Can get annoying and infuriating at some points because it makes the pace really drag in points when the characters take such a ridiculous route to deciding the simplest things.
I'm still figuring why the character Jeff does what he does but it's boring and I think that's all I can say.
Do read it and you have patience you might be able to get past the awful characters and enjoy the story and semblance of progression.
I will keep this short and sweet. Not to say I Don't like this book and series so far but I have to say and I'm not sure if this is by design from the Author, this is one of the few books I've ever read where not a single character is likeable at all. Even the MC is quite annoying and plain as dough.
I'm quite childish and I have to say the characters and their decisions and thought processes make me seem like a geriatric old person.
It Can get annoying and infuriating at some points because it makes the pace really drag in points when the characters take such a ridiculous route to deciding the simplest things.
I'm still figuring why the character Jeff does what he does but it's boring and I think that's all I can say.
Do read it and you have patience you might be able to get past the awful characters and enjoy the story and semblance of progression.
November 12, 2023
Ok story....but so slow. Writing is young adults with horrible over explaining every issue.
I enjoyed the concept in the story that the author created here. The writing is at the level of Middle School? The worst I will say is that the story moves so slow, and the author repeats himself as the main character repeats information over and over again after it's already been explained to the reader. He's explaining it to other characters in the story but it becomes repetitive and incredibly tedious and over explained. Also every single thought feeling and emotion has to be explained from the main character to any person who interacts with and it becomes tedious... Painfully tedious. I like the world building the concept.. but the writing of the dialogue is cringe and young adult...its so tedious I don't know if I can get to book three.
I enjoyed the concept in the story that the author created here. The writing is at the level of Middle School? The worst I will say is that the story moves so slow, and the author repeats himself as the main character repeats information over and over again after it's already been explained to the reader. He's explaining it to other characters in the story but it becomes repetitive and incredibly tedious and over explained. Also every single thought feeling and emotion has to be explained from the main character to any person who interacts with and it becomes tedious... Painfully tedious. I like the world building the concept.. but the writing of the dialogue is cringe and young adult...its so tedious I don't know if I can get to book three.
April 9, 2024
Easy to read
Litrpg focusing more on the civ building aspects than usual (not focus, just more).
Also around a core party of people.
Clearly American in both messaging and displays of affection (no sex, barely any swearing, mores).
Really easy to read. Characters make, while not 100% rational, logical decisions based on their character. The continuous growth aspect is also something I enjoy in the genre. And the way the effects of charisma is done are nice. (Although intelligence, willpower doesn't effect behavior. But I guess that the first would be very hard to write).
Don't know if it was meant as a pun, but Marcus Aurelius meditating always makes me laugh. I kind of feel like this should give him a stoicism skill. If he every produces a book it should be called meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
Keep up the good work or I hope you ll read this
Litrpg focusing more on the civ building aspects than usual (not focus, just more).
Also around a core party of people.
Clearly American in both messaging and displays of affection (no sex, barely any swearing, mores).
Really easy to read. Characters make, while not 100% rational, logical decisions based on their character. The continuous growth aspect is also something I enjoy in the genre. And the way the effects of charisma is done are nice. (Although intelligence, willpower doesn't effect behavior. But I guess that the first would be very hard to write).
Don't know if it was meant as a pun, but Marcus Aurelius meditating always makes me laugh. I kind of feel like this should give him a stoicism skill. If he every produces a book it should be called meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
Keep up the good work or I hope you ll read this
October 5, 2021
Enjoyable mix of city building and action
I enjoyed this book and series, it was well written and edited. I found the city building fun to read, although some people might get bogged down with it. The research was well done into the historical side of things, which was nice to see. Even the crafting references were well done.
The bad bits: Although I think the Main character, although he has shown some growth in social interactions, he needs to grow up a bit and stop being quite so reluctant to eliminate problems. That all said, I would have throttled both the MC and Jeff if I had them in a raid group lol. At a certain point, you gotta learn that death is real and stop with the screwing around when you are in an unknown situation.
I enjoyed this book and series, it was well written and edited. I found the city building fun to read, although some people might get bogged down with it. The research was well done into the historical side of things, which was nice to see. Even the crafting references were well done.
The bad bits: Although I think the Main character, although he has shown some growth in social interactions, he needs to grow up a bit and stop being quite so reluctant to eliminate problems. That all said, I would have throttled both the MC and Jeff if I had them in a raid group lol. At a certain point, you gotta learn that death is real and stop with the screwing around when you are in an unknown situation.
December 27, 2021
Intriguing System LitRPG situation
I am wondering what was the class of the leader of the small Safe Zone? The group seems to have set up the fighters as a superior caste, but he clearly wasn’t. He seemed to be wanting to set himself up as a dungeon master.
Marc seems to be working off of an assumption based on fear and xenophobia. The System talks about people coming to Earth as settlers, but not taking over from humanity. That doesn’t sound, to me, like the brutal invasions that Marc is prepping against. But perhaps he’s just breeding true to is upbringing since his father was a prepper before this all started.
Will Any Port, and it’s associated sites be able to maintain their territory? Will any further immigrants show up?
I am wondering what was the class of the leader of the small Safe Zone? The group seems to have set up the fighters as a superior caste, but he clearly wasn’t. He seemed to be wanting to set himself up as a dungeon master.
Marc seems to be working off of an assumption based on fear and xenophobia. The System talks about people coming to Earth as settlers, but not taking over from humanity. That doesn’t sound, to me, like the brutal invasions that Marc is prepping against. But perhaps he’s just breeding true to is upbringing since his father was a prepper before this all started.
Will Any Port, and it’s associated sites be able to maintain their territory? Will any further immigrants show up?
October 7, 2021
Excellent World-building
Tom has done a fantastic job building up a believable world, with an array of characters that actually make sense. They all have their own opinions and ideas, and stick together because they share the same end goal.
As far as post-apocalyptic style LitRPGs this one is up there. The world-building carries it higher than just the characters could get themselves, especially with how new groups and ideas are introduced.
Well-paced and well-written, with great sub context, I recommend this book to any fan of post-apocalyptic books, or fans of GameLit or LitRPGs.
Tom has done a fantastic job building up a believable world, with an array of characters that actually make sense. They all have their own opinions and ideas, and stick together because they share the same end goal.
As far as post-apocalyptic style LitRPGs this one is up there. The world-building carries it higher than just the characters could get themselves, especially with how new groups and ideas are introduced.
Well-paced and well-written, with great sub context, I recommend this book to any fan of post-apocalyptic books, or fans of GameLit or LitRPGs.
October 30, 2021
OK, but it's been done better other places. I didn't find myself engaged in the characters, but it was competently executed from a technical standpoint. Took me a while to finish, but that's more than I can say for an increasing number of books I've been trying these days so that's something.
One note: reading about a socially awkward MC is not always fun, but at least he improves as the story goes on. His inconsistency on dealing effectively with those trying to kill him is annoying, and I really feel that he isn't pragmatic enough (doesn't need to be ruthless) to push his settlements where they need to go.
One note: reading about a socially awkward MC is not always fun, but at least he improves as the story goes on. His inconsistency on dealing effectively with those trying to kill him is annoying, and I really feel that he isn't pragmatic enough (doesn't need to be ruthless) to push his settlements where they need to go.
November 12, 2021
Good, but disjointed
I love the idea of building a settlement and slowly growing it into a proper village or town. The author does a good job exploring this slow build and providing enjoyable character interactions throughout. But there is a real problem of bad transitions. Having a conversation without a Goodbye or definite is permissible, but is often jarring when the next sentence has nothing to do with the last sentence. Also, the main character seems to be growing socially and intellectually but is constantly forgetting to finish his plans or even identify his loot after its acquisition. Happy to read next in series
I love the idea of building a settlement and slowly growing it into a proper village or town. The author does a good job exploring this slow build and providing enjoyable character interactions throughout. But there is a real problem of bad transitions. Having a conversation without a Goodbye or definite is permissible, but is often jarring when the next sentence has nothing to do with the last sentence. Also, the main character seems to be growing socially and intellectually but is constantly forgetting to finish his plans or even identify his loot after its acquisition. Happy to read next in series
October 4, 2021
Loved this book
I have read Mr Larcombe's series Light Online, first on KU, then bought the books and have reread the full series now a couple of times.
I am not really a fan of Harry Dresden, but tried the Crow series, but could not get interested in it enough to finish it.
Already read the first book at least twice now, and when I saw this in my recommended for me section, I bought it immediately, and just finished it. The characters seem real, and well thought out, just like the Light Online series.
I have read Mr Larcombe's series Light Online, first on KU, then bought the books and have reread the full series now a couple of times.
I am not really a fan of Harry Dresden, but tried the Crow series, but could not get interested in it enough to finish it.
Already read the first book at least twice now, and when I saw this in my recommended for me section, I bought it immediately, and just finished it. The characters seem real, and well thought out, just like the Light Online series.
October 6, 2021
This one was...
This one was much better. It had a good pace. The plot continued with a few interesting developments. There was more information about the system and changes to the world revealed, which I really enjoyed. The main characters also progressed, developing mentally and emotionally in some profound ways and not so profound ways. The Safe Zone(s) also advanced in an interesting manner.
It ended on a little cliff hanger, but not one that annoys me.
Looking forward to the next installment.
This one was much better. It had a good pace. The plot continued with a few interesting developments. There was more information about the system and changes to the world revealed, which I really enjoyed. The main characters also progressed, developing mentally and emotionally in some profound ways and not so profound ways. The Safe Zone(s) also advanced in an interesting manner.
It ended on a little cliff hanger, but not one that annoys me.
Looking forward to the next installment.
October 8, 2021
Keep the series coming
Enjoying this book. Wasn't anything super special but I like the pacing. The story consists mostly of continueing growth of the characters and party, as well as learning more about the system as the system itself evolves on Earth. Particularly enjoy that there is no lead up to some impossible mega battle at the end of the book. It's awfully nice just to have the big battles in the middle And have The rest of the book pave the way for personal growth and future books. I look forward to the next book in the series of play don't have to wait too long.
Enjoying this book. Wasn't anything super special but I like the pacing. The story consists mostly of continueing growth of the characters and party, as well as learning more about the system as the system itself evolves on Earth. Particularly enjoy that there is no lead up to some impossible mega battle at the end of the book. It's awfully nice just to have the big battles in the middle And have The rest of the book pave the way for personal growth and future books. I look forward to the next book in the series of play don't have to wait too long.
November 2, 2021
good, but
Not great.
Solidly written. No real major complaints. Clean grammar, good characters, lots of moving parts. Pretty family friendly.
There are a few moments where an ‘in’ joke fractures the narrative a bit. Almost trying to be cool but not really pulling it off.
Some parts of the system are a little clunky.
I’m going to keep reading the series. It’s not bad, I simply wouldn’t put this high on the list of ‘best system apocalypse’ series. It’s good, it’s just not great/amazing.
Not great.
Solidly written. No real major complaints. Clean grammar, good characters, lots of moving parts. Pretty family friendly.
There are a few moments where an ‘in’ joke fractures the narrative a bit. Almost trying to be cool but not really pulling it off.
Some parts of the system are a little clunky.
I’m going to keep reading the series. It’s not bad, I simply wouldn’t put this high on the list of ‘best system apocalypse’ series. It’s good, it’s just not great/amazing.
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