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Tower Apocalypse #1
Tower Apocalypse 1
My life was ordinary, but never boring. That is, until a colossal tower landed smack-dab in the middle of the city. What should have followed was mass panic and hysteria, but I never got to that part. Why? Simple. I was taken along with 99,999 other people from Earth and dropped onto an unknown world.
Strange beings appeared before us—floating, featureless figures that call themselves demi-gods. They ruled this place, this fantastical world called Gaea. The reason why they took us? Not so simple. We’d supposedly been selected to show that Earth was worth saving from an upcoming cataclysmic event. So, no pressure there.
Gaea is a world entirely controlled by the System, a sarcastic and level-hungry intelligence that granted everyone magical powers, strange classes based on personality or luck, monsters to fight and even loot. It forces us to compete in ‘events’ but no one can really tell us what the endgame is. Climbing the tower and finding out exactly what Gaea is, who created it, and why, could bring us closer to the truth behind our abduction and the fate of our world.
My name is Devin Cain. Join me as I wield Muramasa, a cursed katana that hungers for blood and souls, and a class created to curse players and monsters to death. What can go wrong?
Strange beings appeared before us—floating, featureless figures that call themselves demi-gods. They ruled this place, this fantastical world called Gaea. The reason why they took us? Not so simple. We’d supposedly been selected to show that Earth was worth saving from an upcoming cataclysmic event. So, no pressure there.
Gaea is a world entirely controlled by the System, a sarcastic and level-hungry intelligence that granted everyone magical powers, strange classes based on personality or luck, monsters to fight and even loot. It forces us to compete in ‘events’ but no one can really tell us what the endgame is. Climbing the tower and finding out exactly what Gaea is, who created it, and why, could bring us closer to the truth behind our abduction and the fate of our world.
My name is Devin Cain. Join me as I wield Muramasa, a cursed katana that hungers for blood and souls, and a class created to curse players and monsters to death. What can go wrong?
651 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2022
676 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 7, 2022
book one
This is just bad. I had high hopes when I saw this book, they did not pan out.
The fighting was ridicules. Getting mauled at his shoulder while laying on his back the mc kicks the beast in the face. He never came across as a gymnast.
Another fight he disarmed the bad guy, the weapon an axe lands between them. Yet when the bad guy tried to run away he tripped over the axe. He would have had to charge the mc for that to happen.
Yet another mc that kills an admitted murder and now thinks of himself as a murder instead of an executioner.
If the white zone means nobody can attack each other then how was there a riot? White zone would mean that they couldn’t trample anyone much less get into a brawl.
Conversation between characters is bad, I mean really bad. Authors should read every conversation aloud just to see how they actually sound.
Anger clouds the mind yet so many authors make this the driving force for the mc.
Get over yourself and have a more realistic emotional response. Fright, panic, awe, wonder these are also emotions that would have worked so much better, but hey let’s just be a rage machine! After all he can turn it on and off like a light switch!
Another mc that has a super powerful weapon right from the start. Didn’t do anything to earn it, just a random pick.
No I didn’t finish the book. Didn’t even make it 15% of the way through. Just to much wrong to early. I can’t recommend this book.
This is just bad. I had high hopes when I saw this book, they did not pan out.
The fighting was ridicules. Getting mauled at his shoulder while laying on his back the mc kicks the beast in the face. He never came across as a gymnast.
Another fight he disarmed the bad guy, the weapon an axe lands between them. Yet when the bad guy tried to run away he tripped over the axe. He would have had to charge the mc for that to happen.
Yet another mc that kills an admitted murder and now thinks of himself as a murder instead of an executioner.
If the white zone means nobody can attack each other then how was there a riot? White zone would mean that they couldn’t trample anyone much less get into a brawl.
Conversation between characters is bad, I mean really bad. Authors should read every conversation aloud just to see how they actually sound.
Anger clouds the mind yet so many authors make this the driving force for the mc.
Get over yourself and have a more realistic emotional response. Fright, panic, awe, wonder these are also emotions that would have worked so much better, but hey let’s just be a rage machine! After all he can turn it on and off like a light switch!
Another mc that has a super powerful weapon right from the start. Didn’t do anything to earn it, just a random pick.
No I didn’t finish the book. Didn’t even make it 15% of the way through. Just to much wrong to early. I can’t recommend this book.
January 17, 2025
The setup for this is pretty badly realized. I mean a system that creates a grouping of "heroes" where a fifth are sociopathic killers is bad enough. Having those scum automatically group up and work together is just dumb. But saying they also pulled a fifth from the organized protector population (soldiers and cops) and make them a complete no-show is just sloppy. And don't get me started on the "subtle hints" (i.e. clues even Clouseau would notice) that the guy the system called out as a hero is a mind-controlling psychopath. Add that you get negative Karma (yeah, don't get me started on that's not what Karma is) for killing a murdering bastard while protecting innocents from predation and you have a setup that is actively evil and a complete transversal of the human community instinct and instinctive moral calculus.
I was enduring because the main character had found a couple of interesting companions and their teamwork and growing trust was at least engaging (even if the characterization was all over the place with the cute girl). And then the author chose to strip that away and make the main character be a loner in an area where obviously evil groups had managed to stay together. I'm sorry. That's a bit too stupidly manipulated. So I'm out.
I was enduring because the main character had found a couple of interesting companions and their teamwork and growing trust was at least engaging (even if the characterization was all over the place with the cute girl). And then the author chose to strip that away and make the main character be a loner in an area where obviously evil groups had managed to stay together. I'm sorry. That's a bit too stupidly manipulated. So I'm out.
September 7, 2022
I wanted to like this story and felt like other reviews maybe graded it a bit too harshly too early. But no, it was just a downhill journey.
Character - 2/10, Plot 6/10, Setting/Game Mechanics - 5/10, Writing - 6/10, Enjoyment 3/10
I'll start with the plot and setting since they kind of go hand in hand. They were pretty run-of-the-mill, but that isn't really a problem since most gamelit/litrpg readers are looking for standard scenarios.
The game mechanics were also pretty basic, but I'll give credit where credit's due: I liked the fact that this story included a PvP mechanic. Not the karma because I thought that was dumb and childish. But the Shield stat only came into play when players attacked other players. I enjoy PvP mechanics because it adds an additional level to human vs human combat. I tend to favor isekai/parallel world gamelit to VR gamelit, so the PvP mechanics are not as prevalent. Unfortunately, they were a bit squandered in this story due to the lack of characterization.
The characters were the weakest part of the story by far. The overwhelming majority of them were the equivalent of cardboard cutouts and the interactions between them and the MC were usually cringe, especially when you consider that they had only known each other for a handful of hours.
The poor character development and interactions turned what was initially a 4-star story into something I considered dropping repeatedly from the 60% mark onward. This story showed a lot of red flags early with the main character being a typical white knight nerd who happened to train kendo so he's capable in a fight. As the story developed, the MC continuously jumped to unsupported conclusions because the author wanted him to seem smart and experienced, but it all seemed very childish and plot-contrived to me. I also got tired of the MC agonizing over killing people and then the game mechanics even exaggerated things more with the karma stat. Give me a break. Everything about this story was too simplistic for us to delve into a genuine examination of what it's like to take the life of a fellow man. Just give me my standard litrpg power fantasy and call it a day.
I don't think I can recommend this book to anyone who has read a decent number of gamelit stories.
Character - 2/10, Plot 6/10, Setting/Game Mechanics - 5/10, Writing - 6/10, Enjoyment 3/10
I'll start with the plot and setting since they kind of go hand in hand. They were pretty run-of-the-mill, but that isn't really a problem since most gamelit/litrpg readers are looking for standard scenarios.
The game mechanics were also pretty basic, but I'll give credit where credit's due: I liked the fact that this story included a PvP mechanic. Not the karma because I thought that was dumb and childish. But the Shield stat only came into play when players attacked other players. I enjoy PvP mechanics because it adds an additional level to human vs human combat. I tend to favor isekai/parallel world gamelit to VR gamelit, so the PvP mechanics are not as prevalent. Unfortunately, they were a bit squandered in this story due to the lack of characterization.
The characters were the weakest part of the story by far. The overwhelming majority of them were the equivalent of cardboard cutouts and the interactions between them and the MC were usually cringe, especially when you consider that they had only known each other for a handful of hours.
The poor character development and interactions turned what was initially a 4-star story into something I considered dropping repeatedly from the 60% mark onward. This story showed a lot of red flags early with the main character being a typical white knight nerd who happened to train kendo so he's capable in a fight. As the story developed, the MC continuously jumped to unsupported conclusions because the author wanted him to seem smart and experienced, but it all seemed very childish and plot-contrived to me. I also got tired of the MC agonizing over killing people and then the game mechanics even exaggerated things more with the karma stat. Give me a break. Everything about this story was too simplistic for us to delve into a genuine examination of what it's like to take the life of a fellow man. Just give me my standard litrpg power fantasy and call it a day.
I don't think I can recommend this book to anyone who has read a decent number of gamelit stories.
September 19, 2022
Hot Garbage!
I tried to finish this book. Like REALLY tried. It’s a “and then everyone clapped” fever dream of base archetype character tropes. All the girls fall over themselves for some self-proclaimed emo “weeb” during the apocalypse. Everything the MC does is either “pure genius” just because, “necessary” but soooo hard… for reasons, or unbelievably stupid while the authors themselves are oblivious to the reality of what they just wrote.
This book is bad. It’s really bad. All choices made by every character are so illogical it had me rolling my eyes at every page by the end of the first half, then I just started skipping pages because the contents were completely irrelevant. It’s unfortunate too as the premise and potential systems could have been awesome. Unfortunately, the author dunked on their own work here.
I tried to finish this book. Like REALLY tried. It’s a “and then everyone clapped” fever dream of base archetype character tropes. All the girls fall over themselves for some self-proclaimed emo “weeb” during the apocalypse. Everything the MC does is either “pure genius” just because, “necessary” but soooo hard… for reasons, or unbelievably stupid while the authors themselves are oblivious to the reality of what they just wrote.
This book is bad. It’s really bad. All choices made by every character are so illogical it had me rolling my eyes at every page by the end of the first half, then I just started skipping pages because the contents were completely irrelevant. It’s unfortunate too as the premise and potential systems could have been awesome. Unfortunately, the author dunked on their own work here.
December 4, 2022
Had to drop about 15% through this. Scathing review of the first 6ish chapters ahead
Tldr;
Don't waste your time. Both genres this is trying to emulate, Tower climbers and system apocalypse, are done much better in other books.
Just comically bad. The protag/MC (who's name I can't even remember even though I just sat the book down(or well paused the audio book)) has a hardcore Chuuni complex. Actually he's a closeted weabu. He lives for Kendo and he'll remind you every single action scene. Really he's just into everything about Japanese culture, he loves "Code Geass and Gundam, really all the dark and gritty anime". (both good series, neither of which are that dark lol)
He's also really smart and cool, and good at everything he does whether that's computers, crypto currency, and uhh scamming people? Wait a second, he's actually kind of an asshole.
Women were represented pretty poorly, which is par for the course tbh. Sex is brought up almost anytime the two female characters that have been introduced were mentioned.
Woman num 2 said: "I'm sorry for being a bitch when we first met 30 seconds ago. I just thought you were like other guys. "
- - -
The plot moved too fast and every piece of dialogue was either pushy and bland exposition to set up what happens next or something about how chuuni and badass the main character is suppose to be.
Action scenes were fine, nothing special. They felt a little clunky but I've heard worse. Almost every single scene description or how the main character was feeling was done poorly. Full of cliche similes.
This was written by two different people, with two different styles. They needed to communicate better and slow things down. In just the first few chapters there were continuity issues like his friend who entered with the main character wasn't in the same place (the waiting room/tutorial level) but then the siblings he meets and all the "bad human criminal scum" got to come in together?
Then the brother and sister say they were both sleeping when the apocalypse happens and like two minutes later they say they were about to eat? These are suppose to be important characters right? These events are suppose to be important and traumatic and life changing.
I wanted to like it, I tried giving it a fair shot. But even going in expecting very very little, I couldn't get passed all the God-awful dialogue. Every single interaction the main character has with other characters is stiff and unnatural.
Tldr;
Don't waste your time. Both genres this is trying to emulate, Tower climbers and system apocalypse, are done much better in other books.
Just comically bad. The protag/MC (who's name I can't even remember even though I just sat the book down(or well paused the audio book)) has a hardcore Chuuni complex. Actually he's a closeted weabu. He lives for Kendo and he'll remind you every single action scene. Really he's just into everything about Japanese culture, he loves "Code Geass and Gundam, really all the dark and gritty anime". (both good series, neither of which are that dark lol)
He's also really smart and cool, and good at everything he does whether that's computers, crypto currency, and uhh scamming people? Wait a second, he's actually kind of an asshole.
Women were represented pretty poorly, which is par for the course tbh. Sex is brought up almost anytime the two female characters that have been introduced were mentioned.
Woman num 2 said: "I'm sorry for being a bitch when we first met 30 seconds ago. I just thought you were like other guys. "
- - -
The plot moved too fast and every piece of dialogue was either pushy and bland exposition to set up what happens next or something about how chuuni and badass the main character is suppose to be.
Action scenes were fine, nothing special. They felt a little clunky but I've heard worse. Almost every single scene description or how the main character was feeling was done poorly. Full of cliche similes.
This was written by two different people, with two different styles. They needed to communicate better and slow things down. In just the first few chapters there were continuity issues like his friend who entered with the main character wasn't in the same place (the waiting room/tutorial level) but then the siblings he meets and all the "bad human criminal scum" got to come in together?
Then the brother and sister say they were both sleeping when the apocalypse happens and like two minutes later they say they were about to eat? These are suppose to be important characters right? These events are suppose to be important and traumatic and life changing.
I wanted to like it, I tried giving it a fair shot. But even going in expecting very very little, I couldn't get passed all the God-awful dialogue. Every single interaction the main character has with other characters is stiff and unnatural.
August 14, 2022
Entertaining enough
The premise is nothing new but done well enough.
Skills and items are interesting but not intriguing.
Magic system is more anime-style all over the place than that of a balanced game.
Side characters are pretty one dimensional and generally serve to make the MC feel better about himself.
More or less a SAO-type of deal.
Good enough to read through, might continue the series.
The premise is nothing new but done well enough.
Skills and items are interesting but not intriguing.
Magic system is more anime-style all over the place than that of a balanced game.
Side characters are pretty one dimensional and generally serve to make the MC feel better about himself.
More or less a SAO-type of deal.
Good enough to read through, might continue the series.
October 18, 2025
Is it really that hard to write likeable main characters?
Decent litrpg story, but as per usual the author doesn't understand hard core gaming.
Decent litrpg story, but as per usual the author doesn't understand hard core gaming.
October 6, 2022
Jumbled shallow disconnection
Boring. Shallow. Lacks any true writing skill. Just a jumble of collected words that tries to mimic a book.just not worth it
Boring. Shallow. Lacks any true writing skill. Just a jumble of collected words that tries to mimic a book.just not worth it
December 12, 2022
Not for me
The story is too gamified. I don't mind litrpg, but I'm not a fan a reading about someone playing a game. There is too little to make it real.
A god took over earth, and set up a video game a stuck people in it... specifically big criminal organizations are put in there with a lot of old and week people so they can kill and enslave them. The gangs and thugs are the largest organizations brought. Any group set up is split except the gangs. If two people are brought in, they get split up, if you form a party, you get split up, except for the gangsters and mobsters, they get put in together.
This is just too contrived, I couldn't get into the story, as it was just one ridiculous hit after another to set up our hero as the big good guy.
The story is too gamified. I don't mind litrpg, but I'm not a fan a reading about someone playing a game. There is too little to make it real.
A god took over earth, and set up a video game a stuck people in it... specifically big criminal organizations are put in there with a lot of old and week people so they can kill and enslave them. The gangs and thugs are the largest organizations brought. Any group set up is split except the gangs. If two people are brought in, they get split up, if you form a party, you get split up, except for the gangsters and mobsters, they get put in together.
This is just too contrived, I couldn't get into the story, as it was just one ridiculous hit after another to set up our hero as the big good guy.
August 16, 2022
Good System apocalypse story with karma as a stat, which can impact behavior
Interesting and well written. The protagonist is a good guy, but he gains an item that will gain in power whether his karma goes up or down, but it is different kind of power depending on his karma stat. And, his karma goes down if he kills someone for any reason, including self defense! Add to that, the lower his karma and the more it impacts his thinking.
I'm looking forward to the next book! It will be interesting to see how he and humanity fare, now that the tutorial is over and they will be meeting the competition soon..
Interesting and well written. The protagonist is a good guy, but he gains an item that will gain in power whether his karma goes up or down, but it is different kind of power depending on his karma stat. And, his karma goes down if he kills someone for any reason, including self defense! Add to that, the lower his karma and the more it impacts his thinking.
I'm looking forward to the next book! It will be interesting to see how he and humanity fare, now that the tutorial is over and they will be meeting the competition soon..
September 16, 2022
Overall I liked it, but it had a few weaknesses that keep it from awesomeness.
I'm not one to get bogged down in stats in these kind of books, but I found it was hard to get a handle on how powerful everyone was. In a way that was good, as constant stat upgrades are tedious, but it also made things a bit vague. That may have been on purpose. The juvenility of the summons was definitely something I could use less of, and even the MC thought so.
Anything else would get into spoilers, but in the big picture it held my attention, so I'll be reading book two.
I'm not one to get bogged down in stats in these kind of books, but I found it was hard to get a handle on how powerful everyone was. In a way that was good, as constant stat upgrades are tedious, but it also made things a bit vague. That may have been on purpose. The juvenility of the summons was definitely something I could use less of, and even the MC thought so.
Anything else would get into spoilers, but in the big picture it held my attention, so I'll be reading book two.
August 9, 2022
Great story with interesting class!
Man I loved reading this from start to finish! If I didn't have to work this afternoon I'd have finished it the same day it came out! I loved the diversity in the characters and the main character with his ideals and interesting class were a fresh take on some common LITRPG tropes. All in all I loved it and can't wait for the second book!!!!!!!!
Man I loved reading this from start to finish! If I didn't have to work this afternoon I'd have finished it the same day it came out! I loved the diversity in the characters and the main character with his ideals and interesting class were a fresh take on some common LITRPG tropes. All in all I loved it and can't wait for the second book!!!!!!!!
August 10, 2022
Litrpg lite.
The story is very well written, but the litrpg elements are very vague and not explained very much. The MC does become OP, but you do not see any stats to back it up. The fight scenes are also driven by the story line, not the numbers from the stats. Some scenes are a bit confusing, and it was done that way to add a bigger bang. With the litrpg elements removed it would of been a very popular novel 10 years ago.
The story is very well written, but the litrpg elements are very vague and not explained very much. The MC does become OP, but you do not see any stats to back it up. The fight scenes are also driven by the story line, not the numbers from the stats. Some scenes are a bit confusing, and it was done that way to add a bigger bang. With the litrpg elements removed it would of been a very popular novel 10 years ago.
September 18, 2022
Great Reading
This story of the System taking some earthlings to fight for humanity right to exist was a very good read. The Mc is a swordsman hex master that gets a Bone Lord and wyrm summons. He is person non grata as he gets bad karma for killing thugs and gangsters, while one of the gang leaders gets Angels..
This story of the System taking some earthlings to fight for humanity right to exist was a very good read. The Mc is a swordsman hex master that gets a Bone Lord and wyrm summons. He is person non grata as he gets bad karma for killing thugs and gangsters, while one of the gang leaders gets Angels..
December 14, 2023
4 solid and entertaining stars
A nice litrpg read.
Also absolutely adore Shai and Reinhardt, bonus chapters with their shenanigans when
A nice litrpg read.
Also absolutely adore Shai and Reinhardt, bonus chapters with their shenanigans when
January 5, 2024
The Second Time's the Charm...?
Tower Apocalypse is a novel that I have dropped before. I wanted to like this because I loved the concept of the tower with humanity having to build a new home on a foreign planet. I could not finish this novel the second time and won't be revisiting it for a third.
The Main Character
Devin Cain as our main character is unbearable. He comes across as a loser who cares more about how others see him than actually surviving in the new world. We are told time after time that Devin wants to be seen as a hero and he takes it upon himself to be the savior that no one asked for. The readers are subjected to his constant whining whenever he has to take the life of a fellow human even though most of the time, it is in self-defense and no one would ridicule him for it. Devin has such a weak mental fortitude that it becomes a trend. If not for the author making Devin the main character of his series, I would not think of him as a person able to survive this situation for more than several months. I think you can tell that his constant moral dilemma wore thin on my patience after the first few times.
As much as the author attempted to convince us otherwise, I was never convinced that the MC was as intelligent as the author claimed him to be. I mentioned this before, but I keep a question in mind whenever I read a book of this nature. The question is this: can I be convinced that the main character could survive, or even thrive if this situation were to happen IRL? The answer was a flat, no. The book felt like an excuse for the author to take a loser and turn him into a superhero. The author was even kind enough to include all sorts of evil bad guys for him to fight to save the day.
The System
The system and LitRPG elements were not bad, but not the best that I have seen. I liked the concept of Devin's class as a hexamancer. It was different than usual and I could see a lot of potential in a class that focused on debuffs. Of course, Devin didn't because he cared too much about being perceived as a hero and good person to others who wouldn't care anyway.
Additionally, I liked the concept of building a brand new civilization in the world of Gaea, but I think it should have been done more naturally. Sometimes it is better to let stuff develop outside of the system.
The karma system was a terrible mechanic and has to be one of the least-liked system mechanics for me that I've read in recent times. It seemed to exist to fuel Devin's sword, but it became a moral shackle that convinced him that he was not a good person. Who cares? Grow up. I did not like how the system summoned a bunch of villainous goons alongside those that could be considered 'good.' It came across as the author wanting to shove even more black-and-white nonsense than we already had to suffer with.
The Side Characters
None of the side characters were that good. I can understand that shared trauma can help some people bond, but a lot of the relationships in this novel were too quick to be natural. The love interest felt like she was created to become the author's ideal woman. She was a beautiful and popular woman who had all of the same nerdy interests that Devin had. Additionally, she was throwing herself all over him and teasing him. Yeah... no. Those people do exist in the world but the situation felt too contrived.
I will have to rate Tower Apocalypse a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Tower Apocalypse is a novel that I have dropped before. I wanted to like this because I loved the concept of the tower with humanity having to build a new home on a foreign planet. I could not finish this novel the second time and won't be revisiting it for a third.
The Main Character
Devin Cain as our main character is unbearable. He comes across as a loser who cares more about how others see him than actually surviving in the new world. We are told time after time that Devin wants to be seen as a hero and he takes it upon himself to be the savior that no one asked for. The readers are subjected to his constant whining whenever he has to take the life of a fellow human even though most of the time, it is in self-defense and no one would ridicule him for it. Devin has such a weak mental fortitude that it becomes a trend. If not for the author making Devin the main character of his series, I would not think of him as a person able to survive this situation for more than several months. I think you can tell that his constant moral dilemma wore thin on my patience after the first few times.
As much as the author attempted to convince us otherwise, I was never convinced that the MC was as intelligent as the author claimed him to be. I mentioned this before, but I keep a question in mind whenever I read a book of this nature. The question is this: can I be convinced that the main character could survive, or even thrive if this situation were to happen IRL? The answer was a flat, no. The book felt like an excuse for the author to take a loser and turn him into a superhero. The author was even kind enough to include all sorts of evil bad guys for him to fight to save the day.
The System
The system and LitRPG elements were not bad, but not the best that I have seen. I liked the concept of Devin's class as a hexamancer. It was different than usual and I could see a lot of potential in a class that focused on debuffs. Of course, Devin didn't because he cared too much about being perceived as a hero and good person to others who wouldn't care anyway.
Additionally, I liked the concept of building a brand new civilization in the world of Gaea, but I think it should have been done more naturally. Sometimes it is better to let stuff develop outside of the system.
The karma system was a terrible mechanic and has to be one of the least-liked system mechanics for me that I've read in recent times. It seemed to exist to fuel Devin's sword, but it became a moral shackle that convinced him that he was not a good person. Who cares? Grow up. I did not like how the system summoned a bunch of villainous goons alongside those that could be considered 'good.' It came across as the author wanting to shove even more black-and-white nonsense than we already had to suffer with.
The Side Characters
None of the side characters were that good. I can understand that shared trauma can help some people bond, but a lot of the relationships in this novel were too quick to be natural. The love interest felt like she was created to become the author's ideal woman. She was a beautiful and popular woman who had all of the same nerdy interests that Devin had. Additionally, she was throwing herself all over him and teasing him. Yeah... no. Those people do exist in the world but the situation felt too contrived.
I will have to rate Tower Apocalypse a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
December 13, 2022
The "game-like" system is above average, the character and world descriptions are also above average. This new fantasy novel series has a map of the first floor (although the author does not explain the map at all). The story is organized and balanced, characters are described and developed, so is the tower world and the governance of the territories. The character dialogues are well-written and the relationships between the main characters is a plus in this novel series.
The author creates confusion in his story, making the main character Devin a cursed sword bad karma accumulator while the main antagonist, Roland, charms and uses the weak and the fragile humans as meat-shields and level-up fuel. Why create an obvious contradiction? why make this story convoluted and confusing for the readers? Why can the evil antagonist "charm" and send vulnerable victims to their deaths without any penalties or consequences? While at the same time, the main character, that is trying to "do good" is punished with curses and "bad karma points" defending the victims of the organized crime groups and the evil antagonists (almost to the point of becoming a "Christ-figure"/martyr)...
The thing is, an author needs to prove themselves with quality work before they can start to "change it up" and try to "send mixed-messages", contradictions, "noise" towards the readers, because if the authors start out with confusing messages, contradictory stories, what they let the readers see, is that they do not have their books well-thought out, and worse, they publish it with obvious "noise"(mistakes), contradictions, plot holes, yes-but-no thinking and zero-results arguments, etc... So, instead of making a clear and concise "home-run", they just hit foul ball after foul ball...and it is tiring to read a story filled with foul-balls.
Karma is always bad (consequences of bad actions or bad omissions). Dharma is good deeds. Because the author does not have this clear and well-explained in this novel series, it just makes it more convoluted and confusing, because positive karma points are "bad" and negative karma points are "good", but the author places it in reverse.
The author creates confusion in his story, making the main character Devin a cursed sword bad karma accumulator while the main antagonist, Roland, charms and uses the weak and the fragile humans as meat-shields and level-up fuel. Why create an obvious contradiction? why make this story convoluted and confusing for the readers? Why can the evil antagonist "charm" and send vulnerable victims to their deaths without any penalties or consequences? While at the same time, the main character, that is trying to "do good" is punished with curses and "bad karma points" defending the victims of the organized crime groups and the evil antagonists (almost to the point of becoming a "Christ-figure"/martyr)...
The thing is, an author needs to prove themselves with quality work before they can start to "change it up" and try to "send mixed-messages", contradictions, "noise" towards the readers, because if the authors start out with confusing messages, contradictory stories, what they let the readers see, is that they do not have their books well-thought out, and worse, they publish it with obvious "noise"(mistakes), contradictions, plot holes, yes-but-no thinking and zero-results arguments, etc... So, instead of making a clear and concise "home-run", they just hit foul ball after foul ball...and it is tiring to read a story filled with foul-balls.
Karma is always bad (consequences of bad actions or bad omissions). Dharma is good deeds. Because the author does not have this clear and well-explained in this novel series, it just makes it more convoluted and confusing, because positive karma points are "bad" and negative karma points are "good", but the author places it in reverse.
October 12, 2023
This definitely felt like a first novel. There were some minor spelling, grammatical, and sentence structure errors, but nothing too jarring.
The author seemed to have a hard time keeping the same style for the summons' speech. Sometimes it was italicized, other times not.
Behaviorally, things seemed odd at times. The MC, Devin Cain, was able to gather folks to him without much issue and folks tended to address him with honorifics. Presumably this is influenced by the System, since when the MC met Parfanel he felt the desire to kneel before him.
The villain of the piece, Roman Alexander, was a bit obvious, but his destruction was well done, with our MC really just ending his misery.
The final battle provided some history on Parfanel the demigod that brought the humans to the tower. Presumably we will learn how he went from a mere mortal to a demigod, perhaps Devin will have the same opportunity.
The epilogue gave us some interesting world building, where Parfanel realizes he should have given Devin a major boon since he defeated Roman (one of his major boon recipients). The other human who received a major boon, Ben Diver, is subservient to Devin.
The final image is of Parfanel looking at Devin and Emily lying in bed thinking about how he can turn it all to his advantage. It seems Parfanel is going to attempt to engineer Devin's continued growth in the hopes that Humanity survives/wins the Tower of Oblivion, which will allow Parfanel to ascend the tower as well.
The author seemed to have a hard time keeping the same style for the summons' speech. Sometimes it was italicized, other times not.
Behaviorally, things seemed odd at times. The MC, Devin Cain, was able to gather folks to him without much issue and folks tended to address him with honorifics. Presumably this is influenced by the System, since when the MC met Parfanel he felt the desire to kneel before him.
The villain of the piece, Roman Alexander, was a bit obvious, but his destruction was well done, with our MC really just ending his misery.
The final battle provided some history on Parfanel the demigod that brought the humans to the tower. Presumably we will learn how he went from a mere mortal to a demigod, perhaps Devin will have the same opportunity.
The epilogue gave us some interesting world building, where Parfanel realizes he should have given Devin a major boon since he defeated Roman (one of his major boon recipients). The other human who received a major boon, Ben Diver, is subservient to Devin.
The final image is of Parfanel looking at Devin and Emily lying in bed thinking about how he can turn it all to his advantage. It seems Parfanel is going to attempt to engineer Devin's continued growth in the hopes that Humanity survives/wins the Tower of Oblivion, which will allow Parfanel to ascend the tower as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
A relatively simple set up for an Isekai like tower apocalypse but the was no Van/Truck!
The entire world gets the treatment starting with the first 100K
Our main character is a usual middlish class drone who messes around online but in a nice change of pace is a tad older than most MCs and is in his 30s
He soon meets up with a crew while searching for one of his friends. This new crew seems good though one interpersonal connection seems a tad flimsy/forced.
Outside that I enjoy the character portrayals and the oddities of this system.
The villain hero dynamic is interesting too as well as how the different types of humans attempt to game the system.
There are demigods that I would like to know more about and the epilogue really builds on that hook/line/sinker.
Overall if you like litrpg style novels with a sci-fi/fantasy esque apocalypse give it a go.
All reviews of subsequent entries will likely be flimsier and based on enjoyment levels.
Note: the main love interest is pretty 2Dimensional and most other women are also a bit flat. I'm hoping this is a narrator perspective as one of the other high rank woman leaders seems to have more going on. We shall see
The entire world gets the treatment starting with the first 100K
Our main character is a usual middlish class drone who messes around online but in a nice change of pace is a tad older than most MCs and is in his 30s
He soon meets up with a crew while searching for one of his friends. This new crew seems good though one interpersonal connection seems a tad flimsy/forced.
Outside that I enjoy the character portrayals and the oddities of this system.
The villain hero dynamic is interesting too as well as how the different types of humans attempt to game the system.
There are demigods that I would like to know more about and the epilogue really builds on that hook/line/sinker.
Overall if you like litrpg style novels with a sci-fi/fantasy esque apocalypse give it a go.
All reviews of subsequent entries will likely be flimsier and based on enjoyment levels.
Note: the main love interest is pretty 2Dimensional and most other women are also a bit flat. I'm hoping this is a narrator perspective as one of the other high rank woman leaders seems to have more going on. We shall see
December 13, 2022
25.0% "Really not sure if I am going to finish this one - I already wanted to bash the MCs head in a few times for being too much of a wimp, like - „oh, they wanted to kill me? But I don’t wanna kill them! I’d rather let them go free to murder and enslave other people - that’s what a hero would do!“ Just like - this a bloody apocalypse and you know that there are people gunning for you, but you feel too squeamish? Just no."
57.0% "I can‘t deal with it anymore. Might just be me, but I hate MCs that don’t even consider basic options or think more than a second on important decisions, I mean, is that head just for show? Probably? And then there is that one annoying girl, that obviously falls head over heels for the MC and seems to lose half her brain in the process. Great, now you’ll have one whole brain for the two of you to share. Good luck."
Dropped at 57%
57.0% "I can‘t deal with it anymore. Might just be me, but I hate MCs that don’t even consider basic options or think more than a second on important decisions, I mean, is that head just for show? Probably? And then there is that one annoying girl, that obviously falls head over heels for the MC and seems to lose half her brain in the process. Great, now you’ll have one whole brain for the two of you to share. Good luck."
Dropped at 57%
January 27, 2025
Tower Apocalypse 1" is an absolute gem for fans of world-building and character development!** The intricate world created by the author is immersive and detailed, pulling you into a post-apocalyptic universe filled with intriguing locations and lore. The character development, particularly that of the main character Devon, is exceptional. Devon's journey is compelling and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
What sets this book apart is its ambitious RPG elements. The diversity of these aspects makes it feel like you're in a massive multiplayer server, adventuring alongside friends. The blend of action, strategy, and exploration is executed flawlessly, making every moment engaging.
If you're a fan of richly detailed worlds and well-crafted characters, "Tower Apocalypse 1" is a must-read. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series!
What sets this book apart is its ambitious RPG elements. The diversity of these aspects makes it feel like you're in a massive multiplayer server, adventuring alongside friends. The blend of action, strategy, and exploration is executed flawlessly, making every moment engaging.
If you're a fan of richly detailed worlds and well-crafted characters, "Tower Apocalypse 1" is a must-read. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series!
April 18, 2025
This book was decent, but it had stuff that I personally dislike. It had lots of deceit, uncaring gods, a system that hates its users, and the main character's points are influencing his thoughts. Some people may love those things and be looking for them. If they are, I would recommend this book. If, like me, they dislike those things, I would not recommend. The world and the system are pretty interesting. I wish the author made the system not sentient or at least lack its dislike for humanity. If they had, the book may have gotten another star from me. The system is interesting but also has a personality that sucks. The author seems to be good enough at writing to keep the story interesting for the most part. Unfortunately, there are too many elements that kept this book from rising above the status of me only slightly enjoying it.
May 28, 2024
Karma System
My biggest issue so far is the karma system. I feel like it should been called the Quaker system. If you kill someone you lose karma points. It doesn’t matter if you’re protecting yourself or another person. The more negative your karma is the more you can’t control your desire to kill more people. Yet, someone with “good” karma can brainwash someone to killing people or to die for this person with “good” karma. This karma system is frustrating and doesn’t really make sense to me considering everyone is fighting for their lives. It seems difficult for anyone to have good karma - at least anyone who is willing to fight for their lives.
Other than the karma system, the rest of the story is pretty decent.
My biggest issue so far is the karma system. I feel like it should been called the Quaker system. If you kill someone you lose karma points. It doesn’t matter if you’re protecting yourself or another person. The more negative your karma is the more you can’t control your desire to kill more people. Yet, someone with “good” karma can brainwash someone to killing people or to die for this person with “good” karma. This karma system is frustrating and doesn’t really make sense to me considering everyone is fighting for their lives. It seems difficult for anyone to have good karma - at least anyone who is willing to fight for their lives.
Other than the karma system, the rest of the story is pretty decent.
January 29, 2023
Underwhelming
This rating is for the first two books of the series.
The karma concept in the story is - mildly put -wonky. It is unbelievable that whole criminal organisations are chosen as players together with unskilled and/or unsuited civilians and even entire families. Either the choice is random or it is by skill... Having both killed the competitive concept for me.
The permanent bitching of the protagonists about having to end threats at the start is really annoying! The characters are flat and cut from card board. They don´t evolve and their interactions are wooden. The MC soon becomes OP for plot reasons. I didn´t care about any of the characters.
This rating is for the first two books of the series.
The karma concept in the story is - mildly put -wonky. It is unbelievable that whole criminal organisations are chosen as players together with unskilled and/or unsuited civilians and even entire families. Either the choice is random or it is by skill... Having both killed the competitive concept for me.
The permanent bitching of the protagonists about having to end threats at the start is really annoying! The characters are flat and cut from card board. They don´t evolve and their interactions are wooden. The MC soon becomes OP for plot reasons. I didn´t care about any of the characters.
June 20, 2023
Very disappointed if you have to pay for the books don't bother.
( warning proceed your risk )
I get my Amazon 10 amazon books free, if you have to pay for this stuff, don't. It's not worth it. Find something else as the story plot just falls a part and has a lame ending if you want to call it that. I won't go into details to ruin it for those who do not listen to my warning . I will say it starts kinda cool in the first book but the story plot just starts to break down from there.
If I had to actually pay for these books I would be so pissed off at the end. NOTE : THANKS TO AMAZON Kindle for about 9 and change you get 10 books free at a time, it so worth it.
( warning proceed your risk )
I get my Amazon 10 amazon books free, if you have to pay for this stuff, don't. It's not worth it. Find something else as the story plot just falls a part and has a lame ending if you want to call it that. I won't go into details to ruin it for those who do not listen to my warning . I will say it starts kinda cool in the first book but the story plot just starts to break down from there.
If I had to actually pay for these books I would be so pissed off at the end. NOTE : THANKS TO AMAZON Kindle for about 9 and change you get 10 books free at a time, it so worth it.
September 23, 2022
I made it 41% and put it down. While I think I would have enjoyed the story (I love tower climbing, interesting class, and loot), what killed for me was the love interest and juvenile anime dialog. I'm not at all into possessive, childish, and easily jealous women(after knowing the mc for a day). Especially those that can't stand on their own. Upon her introduction (after saving her life) she decided to be a b**** to the mc, and after knowing her for all of two days, the mc is In love. Nah. Not for me.
April 11, 2024
Arriving after many other tower stories, you would think this book would provide something novel. Nope. You get another 'nerdy' gamer who likes anime and is just soo much more clever than others; he chooses a cringy samurai sword because he practiced kendo, despite being Western; he self-describes his hobbies as liking women, and he can barely talk to anyone competently. The author was too caught up in cloning other anime-esque stories as that's what the author likes and forgot to provide something of value.
August 6, 2024
I, like others, wanted to like this book, but there was no substance to the characters. They were all watered down tropes and sensationalized reactions to situations. There wasn't any cohesive overarching storyline or character development, just a series of situations in which something is needed, then MC magically gets thing via wish fulfillment, then everyone celebrates the MC for saving the day, rinse and repeat. I think if I were 12, I would have liked it more. Great premise, terrible execution.
October 19, 2022
This book has so many issues. Horrible MC that's inconsistent as hell with the typical insufferable martyr/savior complex (how would him having sex w/ his girlfriend before saving the world ruin everything?). Imbalanced power system in the book for everyone, and is selectivly applied to diff characters. The plot and story basically just suck and appear to be made up on the spot. I wouldn't be surprised if this was written by an AI.
December 27, 2022
Decent premise ruined by an awful MC and some seriously insane world building with regards to the karma system. Sending endless hordes of brainwashed people to their deaths results in no negative karma but defending yourself from said suiciding hordes results in boundless debilitating negative karma. Absolutely farcical. I face palmed through the vast majority of this book and won't be submitting myself to the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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