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Systems of the Apocalypse #4
Apocalypse: Quest System
Jebediah Trapper is a ticking time bomb.
After sort-of saving the day months ago, he's got a nuclear bomb attached to him in the Fate dimension, where magic and potential collide.
Jeb just wants to defuse himself before he collapses into a sickly pile of green goo or ignites in a city-destroying blast.
There's just one problem: The world doesn't slow down because you've got a nuclear hangnail. Mab, Queen of the Fae wants him for unknown, yet most likely sinister reasons. A mysterious, abhorrent entity is making him an offer he can't refuse, and the undead are getting organized.
The bomb can wait...Right?
After sort-of saving the day months ago, he's got a nuclear bomb attached to him in the Fate dimension, where magic and potential collide.
Jeb just wants to defuse himself before he collapses into a sickly pile of green goo or ignites in a city-destroying blast.
There's just one problem: The world doesn't slow down because you've got a nuclear hangnail. Mab, Queen of the Fae wants him for unknown, yet most likely sinister reasons. A mysterious, abhorrent entity is making him an offer he can't refuse, and the undead are getting organized.
The bomb can wait...Right?
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2022
296 people are currently reading
132 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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 23, 2022
Glorious. So different from most LitRPG, more like a funnily complex and snarky modern SF than a strict level-up fantasy system.
I mean, don't get me wrong, this is still firmly in the LitRPG genre, but the fact that it steals from and revels in top-notch SF and not merely tropes, but solid ideas, makes this a stand-out for me.
I'm frankly impressed. LitRPG has successfully grown up enough to be genre-bended in a non-sloppy way. :) Key word: non-sloppy. :)
The fact that we've spent three of four books on Earth, with aliens and gods and emperors and 5th-dimensional nuclear bombs attached to your status page should tell you everything you need to know. Oh, and the smart undead apocalypse is delicious, too. :) I want MORE of everything.
I mean, don't get me wrong, this is still firmly in the LitRPG genre, but the fact that it steals from and revels in top-notch SF and not merely tropes, but solid ideas, makes this a stand-out for me.
I'm frankly impressed. LitRPG has successfully grown up enough to be genre-bended in a non-sloppy way. :) Key word: non-sloppy. :)
The fact that we've spent three of four books on Earth, with aliens and gods and emperors and 5th-dimensional nuclear bombs attached to your status page should tell you everything you need to know. Oh, and the smart undead apocalypse is delicious, too. :) I want MORE of everything.
April 12, 2022
Rollercoaster of a book
So once again I’m a huge fan of the sarcasm and humor. Also love the mechanics and creativity of the magic system.
Was a little bummed in that Jebediah’s class profession didn’t see a lot of progression or evolution. Before the end he only made a couple deals with people, and even those felt like an afterthought.
So once again I’m a huge fan of the sarcasm and humor. Also love the mechanics and creativity of the magic system.
Was a little bummed in that Jebediah’s class profession didn’t see a lot of progression or evolution. Before the end he only made a couple deals with people, and even those felt like an afterthought.
April 3, 2022
So. Many. Jokes.
But written cleverly. It’s not the obvious joke, it’s the clever setup to a nice bit of humor that makes you re-read a passage just so you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship.
Book 1 didn’t prepare me for this level of awesomeness.
My favorite was when a Support-ing character complained about being considered as dangerous as a child…then realized his complaint amounted to a demand of ‘KILL ME NOW!’ It was just very well done.
Please tell me there is more.
But written cleverly. It’s not the obvious joke, it’s the clever setup to a nice bit of humor that makes you re-read a passage just so you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship.
Book 1 didn’t prepare me for this level of awesomeness.
My favorite was when a Support-ing character complained about being considered as dangerous as a child…then realized his complaint amounted to a demand of ‘KILL ME NOW!’ It was just very well done.
Please tell me there is more.
April 13, 2022
I've enjoyed this series so far, and this one doesn't disappoint. The imagination, wit and good pacing make these all an engaging read, and I am happy to keep reading them as long as they stay this good.
Jeb really should get his leg fixed though. I find it hard to believe that in a world of magic that is somehow impossible. We can almost do that with medical science now, and we certainly know how it could be done. Is manipulating stem cells with magical intent so farfetched? I feel this plot device is on its last legs.
Jeb really should get his leg fixed though. I find it hard to believe that in a world of magic that is somehow impossible. We can almost do that with medical science now, and we certainly know how it could be done. Is manipulating stem cells with magical intent so farfetched? I feel this plot device is on its last legs.
July 19, 2022
I'm a few chapters in, and I'm already pissed the author is going to use the stupid fairy to set up some big event later in the book (what all the signs point to).
If this book ends stupidly, I'm dropping the series. It already hugely diverted from where book one hinted the series was going to go.
The cover already tells me this is going to be mainly about the cyborg. I can't take this character stuff...
I should just make my peace with the author continuing as is.
I finished the book, and while there were a lot of parts I didn't like reading, the ending makes me feel like the book will be going in a direction I like. So I will be picking up book five.
Although I don't know when that will be, as the author got copyright striked by Tao Wong for using the words "system" and "apocalypse" in his book title, and his amazon books were nuked.
3/5 Stars
If this book ends stupidly, I'm dropping the series. It already hugely diverted from where book one hinted the series was going to go.
The cover already tells me this is going to be mainly about the cyborg. I can't take this character stuff...
I should just make my peace with the author continuing as is.
I finished the book, and while there were a lot of parts I didn't like reading, the ending makes me feel like the book will be going in a direction I like. So I will be picking up book five.
Although I don't know when that will be, as the author got copyright striked by Tao Wong for using the words "system" and "apocalypse" in his book title, and his amazon books were nuked.
3/5 Stars
October 26, 2023
Apocalypse: Quest System (Systems of the Apocalypse, #4) by Macronomicon
Apocalypse: Quest System is the fourth book in the Systems of the Apocalypse series by Macronomicon. It follows the protagonist, Jeb Trapper, as he continues his journey to become the most powerful being in the world. In this book, Jeb is tasked with completing a series of quests in order to unlock new abilities and powers.
The book is well-written and humorous, with a unique and creative magic system. Jeb remains a likable and relatable protagonist, and his interactions with the other characters are entertaining. The story is fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of twists and turns. However, there are a few issues with the book that prevent it from being as good as the previous installments in the series.
One of the main issues with the book is that the quest system feels repetitive and uninspired. Jeb is constantly being tasked with completing the same types of quests, such as killing monsters, collecting items, and defeating bosses. This makes the story feel stale and predictable.
Another issue with the book is that the power scaling is inconsistent. Jeb's power level increases at an exponential rate, which makes him feel overpowered and less relatable. Additionally, some of the new abilities that Jeb gains are too powerful and give him an unfair advantage over his enemies.
Overall, Apocalypse: Quest System is a decent LitRPG novel. However, it is not as good as the previous installments in the series due to the repetitive quest system and inconsistent power scaling. I recommend it to fans of the series who are looking for more Jeb Trapper adventures, but I caution them to expect a less polished product.
Read
April 3, 2022Still a great series
The thing i like most about the MC Jeb is that he isn't overpowered, a henpecked wuss, or a moron. He is a reasonably clever guy that uses his very human imagination to maximize his advantages. Anything he thinks up i would like to think i could as well.
Of all the litrpgs this is one of my favorites, it doesn't have character sheets every other page, it doesn't drown you in damage statistics every battle. No one yells, "FIVE ELEMENT SINGING SWORD OF DOOM ATTACK!" or other such nonsense. The story is character and plot driven, those characters are unique and well fleshed out (i love Borg) and grow and evolve.
I read this in a day and can't wait until the audio comes out.
The thing i like most about the MC Jeb is that he isn't overpowered, a henpecked wuss, or a moron. He is a reasonably clever guy that uses his very human imagination to maximize his advantages. Anything he thinks up i would like to think i could as well.
Of all the litrpgs this is one of my favorites, it doesn't have character sheets every other page, it doesn't drown you in damage statistics every battle. No one yells, "FIVE ELEMENT SINGING SWORD OF DOOM ATTACK!" or other such nonsense. The story is character and plot driven, those characters are unique and well fleshed out (i love Borg) and grow and evolve.
I read this in a day and can't wait until the audio comes out.
April 4, 2022
The book lacked any real direction other than survive. Though when a being whose title includes, the destroyer of all things, gives you a wish, and lets you get away with writing so small that the wave length of light becomes relevant, one cannot help but be amused.
Even with the line that he would become the mortal agent of this being until the end of time. The first line of this is, what he must do is held in abeyance until all of the terms are fulfilled by this being. And the first thing, destroy the world, the instant it is about to be destroyed by a super nova.
Yeah I laughed enough in the last few pages that it almost got a 4/5 but then the moment passed.
Even with the line that he would become the mortal agent of this being until the end of time. The first line of this is, what he must do is held in abeyance until all of the terms are fulfilled by this being. And the first thing, destroy the world, the instant it is about to be destroyed by a super nova.
Yeah I laughed enough in the last few pages that it almost got a 4/5 but then the moment passed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2022
solid addition. far too short
One, I appreciated the reduction I swearing, I wish there were less so I could share this series with my young boys. I think they’d probably love it. Maybe when they’re older.
Two, fun times and laughs! The story moves forward… however I felt like this book need another hundred pages of story where the plot actually moves along because I can summarize it with “Jed tries to get rid of his bomb, unleashes undead horde, and fights his way to victory while cleverly manipulating multiple super powerful beings, the end.” Which, In my opinion is a pretty small progression.
Looking forward to the next one!
One, I appreciated the reduction I swearing, I wish there were less so I could share this series with my young boys. I think they’d probably love it. Maybe when they’re older.
Two, fun times and laughs! The story moves forward… however I felt like this book need another hundred pages of story where the plot actually moves along because I can summarize it with “Jed tries to get rid of his bomb, unleashes undead horde, and fights his way to victory while cleverly manipulating multiple super powerful beings, the end.” Which, In my opinion is a pretty small progression.
Looking forward to the next one!
May 1, 2022
Captivating
As usual I find the most interesting of books when there is a need to sleep, and according to the patern I was enthralled by this book until the very last moment of consciousness slipped into wild dreams possibly vaguely related to the story I can't actually remember any details. Regardless I've finished this latest installment in a personal best time. My feelings on which are mixed because it's a fantastic story that has no currently published sequal and now I'm left to fill the space it has left behind with books that are only comparable in that they are formed of words.
As usual I find the most interesting of books when there is a need to sleep, and according to the patern I was enthralled by this book until the very last moment of consciousness slipped into wild dreams possibly vaguely related to the story I can't actually remember any details. Regardless I've finished this latest installment in a personal best time. My feelings on which are mixed because it's a fantastic story that has no currently published sequal and now I'm left to fill the space it has left behind with books that are only comparable in that they are formed of words.
April 6, 2022
love Jeb
Fun and captivating! Jeb has a nuke fused to his soul and is in desperate pursuit of removing it. His path upends society, kills a harem, unleashes undead, reveals the true source of Fairy powers, and makes a deal with a devil. In the end the undead are vanquished, the devil in therapy, the fairies schooled, and Jeb is now apprentice to a legendary figure.
I loved the story and the world building. Especially the on point references. It’s truly a pleasurable read. Please enjoy
Fun and captivating! Jeb has a nuke fused to his soul and is in desperate pursuit of removing it. His path upends society, kills a harem, unleashes undead, reveals the true source of Fairy powers, and makes a deal with a devil. In the end the undead are vanquished, the devil in therapy, the fairies schooled, and Jeb is now apprentice to a legendary figure.
I loved the story and the world building. Especially the on point references. It’s truly a pleasurable read. Please enjoy
April 8, 2022
A rather unique bad ass hero...
To put it simply, read the entire series prior to this one or you'll have a problem understanding what's going on. If you already HAVE read up to this book, you are in for a very fun ride. Jeb is a human on a world that now has Earth as a part of it, (don't ask) and is having to deal with issues from the mundane to the cosmic level! From orphans to gods to cosmic entities. Yeah, that's what Jeb would call a Tuesday. Had a blast reading this and can't wait for the next book!!!
To put it simply, read the entire series prior to this one or you'll have a problem understanding what's going on. If you already HAVE read up to this book, you are in for a very fun ride. Jeb is a human on a world that now has Earth as a part of it, (don't ask) and is having to deal with issues from the mundane to the cosmic level! From orphans to gods to cosmic entities. Yeah, that's what Jeb would call a Tuesday. Had a blast reading this and can't wait for the next book!!!
April 7, 2022
Story Remains Interesting and Crazy in equal Measure
What impresses me about this series is the authors capability to keep the main character absurd and yet entertaining at the same time. Not everyone can pull that off, so I must say it is a huge selling point of the story.
There’s a lot of chaotic silliness that comes together in fun ways that lead to climatic battles or epic conclusions in equal measure.
Will look forward to book 5
What impresses me about this series is the authors capability to keep the main character absurd and yet entertaining at the same time. Not everyone can pull that off, so I must say it is a huge selling point of the story.
There’s a lot of chaotic silliness that comes together in fun ways that lead to climatic battles or epic conclusions in equal measure.
Will look forward to book 5
April 25, 2022
a nice middle of the story conclusion
A well written and satisfying book. Takes where it left and took the whole “nuclear bomb in my 5th dimension space” all the way to the end with a good solution to the Mab problem and the Casey problem (trying not to do spoilers really hard here…). A little wink to Jen’s love life and a few new secondary characters that are a lot of fun, including a Mystic Plastic Surgeon that is just a lot of fun…
A well written and satisfying book. Takes where it left and took the whole “nuclear bomb in my 5th dimension space” all the way to the end with a good solution to the Mab problem and the Casey problem (trying not to do spoilers really hard here…). A little wink to Jen’s love life and a few new secondary characters that are a lot of fun, including a Mystic Plastic Surgeon that is just a lot of fun…
January 11, 2023
This was facking cool
This book was awesome and I loved that it handled everything so well. Nothing was missed and no unnecessary cliff hangar.
Jebediah was on his A-game throughout this book and he made the ending the coolest thing I have read in some time.
Borg was surprisingly funny and cool. I love to see him again in future books.
Mad was deliciously evil and I liked her arcs a lot.
Overall this book was well done.
This book was awesome and I loved that it handled everything so well. Nothing was missed and no unnecessary cliff hangar.
Jebediah was on his A-game throughout this book and he made the ending the coolest thing I have read in some time.
Borg was surprisingly funny and cool. I love to see him again in future books.
Mad was deliciously evil and I liked her arcs a lot.
Overall this book was well done.
April 10, 2023
Help feed my reading habit
This was a very strange installment in the storyline. It's well worth the read, but there's a lot of screwy things happening here, and they don't all make very much sense until all is said and done. There are laugh out loud moments in this one, so be ware of that, (don't read this one at night when you're trying to be stealthy).
This was a very strange installment in the storyline. It's well worth the read, but there's a lot of screwy things happening here, and they don't all make very much sense until all is said and done. There are laugh out loud moments in this one, so be ware of that, (don't read this one at night when you're trying to be stealthy).
April 2, 2022
More Jeb!
I love this guy. He's powerful, but has limits and weaknesses. The way he makes Deals is just amazing.
I want more of the Casey Cabal. I'm not sure still if they're going to end up an antagonist or an ally of circumstance for Jeb, but their sections are so fun to read.
I love this guy. He's powerful, but has limits and weaknesses. The way he makes Deals is just amazing.
I want more of the Casey Cabal. I'm not sure still if they're going to end up an antagonist or an ally of circumstance for Jeb, but their sections are so fun to read.
April 5, 2022
great addition
This book series is great, and the trickery involved with fairy rules always feels consistent and conducive to a great story. I really like the fact that Jeb always tells the truth as he sees it, it creates an interesting dynamic that brings small jokes to a greater light as well as an interesting dynamic with the other characters. Great book :)
This book series is great, and the trickery involved with fairy rules always feels consistent and conducive to a great story. I really like the fact that Jeb always tells the truth as he sees it, it creates an interesting dynamic that brings small jokes to a greater light as well as an interesting dynamic with the other characters. Great book :)
May 2, 2022
Simply phenomenal
So, so, so good. Incredible. No joke, no sarcasm, I absolutely loved this book. The series defies imagination because it just keeps getting better. Every book is better than the last. Omg I'm a huge fan and now reading every book this author ever writes. Another megafan has been made.
So, so, so good. Incredible. No joke, no sarcasm, I absolutely loved this book. The series defies imagination because it just keeps getting better. Every book is better than the last. Omg I'm a huge fan and now reading every book this author ever writes. Another megafan has been made.
May 27, 2022
Entertaining
I read the first book, and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it got to the “game” aspect. Is this series perfect? No. Are there better series? Yes. It is entertaining, surprising, and gloriously imperfect. I wouldn’t recommend this to people who are pretentious, looking for the “next great American novel”, or nitpicks. Definitely worth trying in my opinion.
I read the first book, and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it got to the “game” aspect. Is this series perfect? No. Are there better series? Yes. It is entertaining, surprising, and gloriously imperfect. I wouldn’t recommend this to people who are pretentious, looking for the “next great American novel”, or nitpicks. Definitely worth trying in my opinion.
June 2, 2022
Great progression
I love the expansion of the magic system and world. The characters had funny interactions.
Previous books have had other characters solve problems, in this one plot holes seemed to be introduced because Jeb had to be at the center of events. Can't wait for the next one.
I love the expansion of the magic system and world. The characters had funny interactions.
Previous books have had other characters solve problems, in this one plot holes seemed to be introduced because Jeb had to be at the center of events. Can't wait for the next one.
September 10, 2022
Epic conclusion to a fun series
Well, at least, I THINK this is the last in the series.... I might be wrong. Anyways, this was great. Plenty of action, a crazy plot, twists and turns....the works. I greatly enjoyed Jeb figuring things out and achieving his goals despite every way the world was attacked against him. Good times. Highly recommend!
Well, at least, I THINK this is the last in the series.... I might be wrong. Anyways, this was great. Plenty of action, a crazy plot, twists and turns....the works. I greatly enjoyed Jeb figuring things out and achieving his goals despite every way the world was attacked against him. Good times. Highly recommend!
October 22, 2022
Amazing series
So I started this book because I enjoy a story or two about world ending apocalypse and the struggle to survive with a mix of thing that are not realistic by current definition. And it did not disappoint so take a load off give a read and who knows you may find yourself enjoying it.
So I started this book because I enjoy a story or two about world ending apocalypse and the struggle to survive with a mix of thing that are not realistic by current definition. And it did not disappoint so take a load off give a read and who knows you may find yourself enjoying it.
March 31, 2024
great read
This is probably not the end of the series, but i could see this as an end to the current protagonist story. Everything is wrapped up in a pretty bow. nothing is particularly resolved, but everything is open for future work. All the characters are extremely interesting, and I would read a spin off on any of the them. But as it is, I'd say this was a great read.
This is probably not the end of the series, but i could see this as an end to the current protagonist story. Everything is wrapped up in a pretty bow. nothing is particularly resolved, but everything is open for future work. All the characters are extremely interesting, and I would read a spin off on any of the them. But as it is, I'd say this was a great read.
April 1, 2022
Another great time in Pharos!
It's always fun to watch Jeb and co. on their journeys, and Quest System is no different! If you liked the other three, you'll be well pleased with number four.
It's always fun to watch Jeb and co. on their journeys, and Quest System is no different! If you liked the other three, you'll be well pleased with number four.
April 3, 2022
Womderful
This was a wonderful addition to the series.
Mc is moving in believable ways and problems are resolved logically instead of with overwhelming force. Loved it. Can't wait for more.
This was a wonderful addition to the series.
Mc is moving in believable ways and problems are resolved logically instead of with overwhelming force. Loved it. Can't wait for more.
April 4, 2022
Too good to put down
Every time I pick up one of the books in this series I tell myself I have to stop staying up too late to read them. Every time I do it anyway. I'll save my regrets for the morning.
Every time I pick up one of the books in this series I tell myself I have to stop staying up too late to read them. Every time I do it anyway. I'll save my regrets for the morning.
April 5, 2022
Better than ever
The story never slows down, in the best of ways. More development and discovery of what he can do by Jeb, some interesting changes for Smartass, and more tricks than ever.
The story never slows down, in the best of ways. More development and discovery of what he can do by Jeb, some interesting changes for Smartass, and more tricks than ever.
April 9, 2022
A fantastic yarn
The saga of Jeb is brilliant and this book was a huge win. If you liked the first three at all, this one will be right in your strike zone, it's funny, clever, entertaining and it might even do your laundry for you!
The saga of Jeb is brilliant and this book was a huge win. If you liked the first three at all, this one will be right in your strike zone, it's funny, clever, entertaining and it might even do your laundry for you!
April 11, 2022
another great book
This installment was action packed. I really like how the MC is developing. He’s overpowered compared to others on his level but is always confronting challenges bigger than he is and thus has to use his brain to solve problems. Looking forward to the next one.
This installment was action packed. I really like how the MC is developing. He’s overpowered compared to others on his level but is always confronting challenges bigger than he is and thus has to use his brain to solve problems. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews