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System Apocalypse: Relentless #2
Dungeon World Drifters
The hunter becomes the hunted
Bounty hunter Hal Mason is doing well for himself, a year after the System converted Earth into a lawless, apocalyptic Dungeon World.
Now, though, old friends have come calling with a new opportunity and with it, the murky politics of Galactic interests and overlapping contracts. Hal must protect the first train to cross the new wildlands of the American Midwest.
Broken terrain, monsters, Galactic renegades, and even System enhanced weather all plague the journey. With pressure building from external forces, hidden agendas threaten to tear the expedition apart from within.
Will Hal persevere or will he be consumed by the System?
Dungeon World Drifters is the second book in the System Apocalypse - Relentless series. Set in the same universe as Tao Wong’s bestselling post-apocalyptic LitRPG, the System Apocalypse, it’s another glimpse into what humanity will do when the chips are down and the monsters are crawling from the shadows.
Bounty hunter Hal Mason is doing well for himself, a year after the System converted Earth into a lawless, apocalyptic Dungeon World.
Now, though, old friends have come calling with a new opportunity and with it, the murky politics of Galactic interests and overlapping contracts. Hal must protect the first train to cross the new wildlands of the American Midwest.
Broken terrain, monsters, Galactic renegades, and even System enhanced weather all plague the journey. With pressure building from external forces, hidden agendas threaten to tear the expedition apart from within.
Will Hal persevere or will he be consumed by the System?
Dungeon World Drifters is the second book in the System Apocalypse - Relentless series. Set in the same universe as Tao Wong’s bestselling post-apocalyptic LitRPG, the System Apocalypse, it’s another glimpse into what humanity will do when the chips are down and the monsters are crawling from the shadows.
- GenresFantasy
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
174 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Tao Wong
143 books965 followersTao Wong is the author of the A Thousand Li progression fantasy series and the System Apocalypse LitRPG series, among others. His work has been released in audio, paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, and translated into German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and several other languages. He was shortlisted for the UK Kindle Storyteller Award in 2021 for A Thousand Li: The Second Sect. In 2026, the first three books in the A Thousand Li series will be republished in hardcover by Ace Books.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 24, 2024
Not going in the right direction for me. The author focused less on progression and building relationships and more on fighting through a mission. Currently not planning on reading the next book.
December 17, 2022
Hal doggedly pursues just goal of growing stronger, this time guarding a train
As the Phyralari expedition gears up, Hal is recommended for security after his performance assisting the retaking of the Spaceport. His skills, experience, survivability, two handed fighting styles, and knowledge will be put to the test as he and the Countess sign on to guard the train as it rebuilds new System tracks over the pre-system ones. The process will draw monsters due to the high energy used to convert and lay new tracks from Pittsburgh to Denver and it’s going to be full of surprises.
I really enjoyed the humor, story, and challenges laid out as well as the reveals later of the whys of some of the ‘mishaps.’
The ending was a nice setup for a turn into the greater intricacies of the universe under the System.
As the Phyralari expedition gears up, Hal is recommended for security after his performance assisting the retaking of the Spaceport. His skills, experience, survivability, two handed fighting styles, and knowledge will be put to the test as he and the Countess sign on to guard the train as it rebuilds new System tracks over the pre-system ones. The process will draw monsters due to the high energy used to convert and lay new tracks from Pittsburgh to Denver and it’s going to be full of surprises.
I really enjoyed the humor, story, and challenges laid out as well as the reveals later of the whys of some of the ‘mishaps.’
The ending was a nice setup for a turn into the greater intricacies of the universe under the System.
March 26, 2023
A good second book. Not too number crunchy in terms of experience kills etc, good flow and good fighting.
A little OP’d in place but didn’t distract from the story
Looking forward to book 3
A little OP’d in place but didn’t distract from the story
Looking forward to book 3
July 10, 2023
The short summary about what happened between book 1 and 2 sound more interesting than the plot of this book.
The book once more suffers from Tao Wong´s apparent inability to give the characters depth and make them human. Both the protagonist and his plot-mandated OP new boss seem to have no motivation besides getting money to become stronger. This leaves them once more bland, stale and unrelatable for the reader.
The bounty hunter arc which i found most interesting in book 1 was completely abandoned.
The book once more suffers from Tao Wong´s apparent inability to give the characters depth and make them human. Both the protagonist and his plot-mandated OP new boss seem to have no motivation besides getting money to become stronger. This leaves them once more bland, stale and unrelatable for the reader.
The bounty hunter arc which i found most interesting in book 1 was completely abandoned.
March 27, 2023
“Dungeon World Drifters” is the second audiobook in the “System Apocalypse – Relentless series”. This latest audiobook takes the LitRPG and post-apocalyptic genre to an even high level than the previous one. The story is a continuation from where the first audiobook left off, but this one felt more refined and elevated. The series is a blending of fantasy RPG questing and a fair amount of monster hunting. Yet, the story is placed in a modern-time world where aliens have taken control of the Earth and things have deteriorated into a dystopian society. Here the strong struggle to survive and the weak do not last long, including both players and monsters. The series is jointly authored by Craig Hamilton and Tao Wong. The audiobook edition is rather well narrated by Shamaan Casey, whose deep voice helps to set the overall feel of the story world. For those that like their LitRPGs a bit more unique than traditional fantasy, I would recommend you give this series a listen as there is a bit for everyone in here.
What could be more action packed than to have a world taken over by aliens that enslave the inhabitants requiring them to fight for survival much like the movie Running Man. Most of all, the planet is our own planet Earth. Add to this some rather powerful boss monsters, modern day weapons, and a decent leveling system, and you have a template for a well-written and engaging tale. What I found enjoyable was the use of many fantasy tropes and creatures to create humor in what could be a very dark story. Including creatures such as kobolds, gnomes, minotaurs, and even a dragon alongside other wild creatures found in most post-apocalyptic worlds, the blending of genres felt natural. I always find it welcoming when a series includes a prelude chapter catching one up on what has happened previously. Here the authors did a great job getting a listener up to speed rather quickly. However, I would always recommend people not skip previous audiobooks in a series just because there is a prequel. Book one was also reviewed and recommended to listeners.
The writing and world of this story felt well described and the characters seemed realistic. There were a few places where the main character appeared invincible, I would have liked a few more close calls or vulnerabilities during the fights making me wonder if this is the end. This series starts off with the character at level forty, but often when one levels up there are bigger and nastier monsters to overcome as quests become ramped up as well. There was some of this in the story, but I would have like to have seen more. The world felt like a combination of World of Warcraft meets Mad Max and it works. A portion of the story takes place on a train which added some additional complexity to the quest as well. I found that equipment could degrade based on the material or creature being fought. I always hatted in my RPG experiences having to repair gear, but again, this made it interesting as the risk of not maintaining it could have severe consequences.
Let me turn my thoughts to the audiobook’s narration. I have reviewed quite a few of Mr. Casey’s narrated audiobooks and I have enjoyed each of them. He has narrated a variety of genres, and each feels natural for his voice. It shows just how diverse he can be with his narrations. While listening to his voice, I feel engaged and involved with the story. Each of the characters feels unique and even some of the accents (including aliens) sound right for this series. Based on his inflection, you can hear that he knows his material and the audio itself is of high quality. I noted one or two small places where I believed there may have been an edit, but it was nearly unnoticeable if you were not listening for it. I would recommend the other audiobooks from this narrator, and it should not be hard to find one you could enjoy.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook does contain some vulgar language and graphic violence. Nothing apart from what one could expect from an RPG experience, such as in a video game or role play session. I think the series at this point could be enjoyed by teenagers and older audiences, or younger listeners that are not easily offended by the use of profanity.
In summary, the story kept me involved and I found the narration to meet my expectations for a dystopian story. The leveling system was managed well as some LitRPGs too heavily focus on this aspect over story. I would have like to have a main character that appears more vulnerable, but overall, he is a likable character that fits his surroundings. It was a fun listen and one that I look forward to continuing in the future.
What could be more action packed than to have a world taken over by aliens that enslave the inhabitants requiring them to fight for survival much like the movie Running Man. Most of all, the planet is our own planet Earth. Add to this some rather powerful boss monsters, modern day weapons, and a decent leveling system, and you have a template for a well-written and engaging tale. What I found enjoyable was the use of many fantasy tropes and creatures to create humor in what could be a very dark story. Including creatures such as kobolds, gnomes, minotaurs, and even a dragon alongside other wild creatures found in most post-apocalyptic worlds, the blending of genres felt natural. I always find it welcoming when a series includes a prelude chapter catching one up on what has happened previously. Here the authors did a great job getting a listener up to speed rather quickly. However, I would always recommend people not skip previous audiobooks in a series just because there is a prequel. Book one was also reviewed and recommended to listeners.
The writing and world of this story felt well described and the characters seemed realistic. There were a few places where the main character appeared invincible, I would have liked a few more close calls or vulnerabilities during the fights making me wonder if this is the end. This series starts off with the character at level forty, but often when one levels up there are bigger and nastier monsters to overcome as quests become ramped up as well. There was some of this in the story, but I would have like to have seen more. The world felt like a combination of World of Warcraft meets Mad Max and it works. A portion of the story takes place on a train which added some additional complexity to the quest as well. I found that equipment could degrade based on the material or creature being fought. I always hatted in my RPG experiences having to repair gear, but again, this made it interesting as the risk of not maintaining it could have severe consequences.
Let me turn my thoughts to the audiobook’s narration. I have reviewed quite a few of Mr. Casey’s narrated audiobooks and I have enjoyed each of them. He has narrated a variety of genres, and each feels natural for his voice. It shows just how diverse he can be with his narrations. While listening to his voice, I feel engaged and involved with the story. Each of the characters feels unique and even some of the accents (including aliens) sound right for this series. Based on his inflection, you can hear that he knows his material and the audio itself is of high quality. I noted one or two small places where I believed there may have been an edit, but it was nearly unnoticeable if you were not listening for it. I would recommend the other audiobooks from this narrator, and it should not be hard to find one you could enjoy.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook does contain some vulgar language and graphic violence. Nothing apart from what one could expect from an RPG experience, such as in a video game or role play session. I think the series at this point could be enjoyed by teenagers and older audiences, or younger listeners that are not easily offended by the use of profanity.
In summary, the story kept me involved and I found the narration to meet my expectations for a dystopian story. The leveling system was managed well as some LitRPGs too heavily focus on this aspect over story. I would have like to have a main character that appears more vulnerable, but overall, he is a likable character that fits his surroundings. It was a fun listen and one that I look forward to continuing in the future.
September 2, 2022
Book starts out with a scene that while interesting, doesn't come into play until after the 50% mark of the book.
Then the story meanders a bit before picking up the main plot, which is protecting a new train from the Pittsburg star port to Denver. While I'm sure the old western writers of the last century wrote something very similar, this happens within the backdrop of the system apocalypse, and all the politics that come along with it.
I liked the Aussie series to a certain extent, but this series feels closer to the original. It's gritty, in your face with tons of action, while the Aussie apocalypse (IMO) reads like the struggles of suburbanites to find safety and not die.
I'll take Hal any day over that nonsense.
The editing is just okay. There are a couple accidental portmanteau's thrown in and other problems, but nothing that took me out of the story. The stats are there but they're not the focus. There's enough meat on the bone to keep any LitRPG stat-head happy.
As a final note, Hal should either kiss the unfortunate Truinnar he keeps running into or kill her. Either one is fine.
Recommended. 5/5*
Then the story meanders a bit before picking up the main plot, which is protecting a new train from the Pittsburg star port to Denver. While I'm sure the old western writers of the last century wrote something very similar, this happens within the backdrop of the system apocalypse, and all the politics that come along with it.
I liked the Aussie series to a certain extent, but this series feels closer to the original. It's gritty, in your face with tons of action, while the Aussie apocalypse (IMO) reads like the struggles of suburbanites to find safety and not die.
I'll take Hal any day over that nonsense.
The editing is just okay. There are a couple accidental portmanteau's thrown in and other problems, but nothing that took me out of the story. The stats are there but they're not the focus. There's enough meat on the bone to keep any LitRPG stat-head happy.
As a final note, Hal should either kiss the unfortunate Truinnar he keeps running into or kill her. Either one is fine.
Recommended. 5/5*
October 16, 2022
very likable character, plenty of action, good story.
Excellent book, like I said, in the previous review, the main character doesn’t moralize, he has a job to do and he just goes and does it. His side kick
Is also very likable. There could be just a little bit more power progression and leveling up. Can’t wait to see where the series goes. I like the fact that the main character is not tied down to one situation. The only thing that I did not see is what level he was. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Excellent book, like I said, in the previous review, the main character doesn’t moralize, he has a job to do and he just goes and does it. His side kick
Is also very likable. There could be just a little bit more power progression and leveling up. Can’t wait to see where the series goes. I like the fact that the main character is not tied down to one situation. The only thing that I did not see is what level he was. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
September 4, 2022
4.5 stars. I was hoping for another book with Hal, as I'd gotten tired of the original series and found his character more enjoyable to read about. Likewise in the shared SA universe I didn't much care for the Aussie franchise, disappointing as the environment gives a lot of promise which the story failed to capitalize on.
This one is solid, if not quite a 5-star result. It's interesting enough that I'll be watching for the next one.
This one is solid, if not quite a 5-star result. It's interesting enough that I'll be watching for the next one.
September 11, 2022
great system read
Number 2 in Craig Hamilton’s view of Mr. Tao’ System universe is engaging and fun. Hal the MC has none of mopey navel gazing tendencies your hoping are missing from System Survivor. He has focus, drive and just plainly gets things done. Mr Hamilton keeps the stat sheet spam to a reasonable level and mostly supplies an understanding of what power is being generated compared to base human.
Number 2 in Craig Hamilton’s view of Mr. Tao’ System universe is engaging and fun. Hal the MC has none of mopey navel gazing tendencies your hoping are missing from System Survivor. He has focus, drive and just plainly gets things done. Mr Hamilton keeps the stat sheet spam to a reasonable level and mostly supplies an understanding of what power is being generated compared to base human.
October 16, 2022
Intriguing Story
This story of a bounty hunter becoming a galactic bounty hunter once the System takes over Earth was a very entertaining fast paced action packed read that I really enjoyed reading. The only problem I have is the MC getting gimped for his experience points. Ie a level 6 killing a level 50 and only getting two levels. By this book end he’s only level 40 but has killed many thousands over his level monsters. Good Read nonetheless
This story of a bounty hunter becoming a galactic bounty hunter once the System takes over Earth was a very entertaining fast paced action packed read that I really enjoyed reading. The only problem I have is the MC getting gimped for his experience points. Ie a level 6 killing a level 50 and only getting two levels. By this book end he’s only level 40 but has killed many thousands over his level monsters. Good Read nonetheless
September 8, 2022
Obvious.
The addition of a patron, and how she was acquired, is adding in a team without going through the motions of introducing new characters. It feels cheap and forced. The story becomes obvious with the twists being cheap and forced. The overall quality of storyline has fallen off significantly, I think this setting has been played out.
The addition of a patron, and how she was acquired, is adding in a team without going through the motions of introducing new characters. It feels cheap and forced. The story becomes obvious with the twists being cheap and forced. The overall quality of storyline has fallen off significantly, I think this setting has been played out.
October 3, 2023
Help me read more books
As far as LitRPG goes, this one is pretty good. I'm finding it harder to find LitRPG stories I enjoy, but this one dropped square in the middle of the like field, and it makes me want to read more in the series, so that's always a good thing. Now, I need to find more like this one that I haven't read yet.
As far as LitRPG goes, this one is pretty good. I'm finding it harder to find LitRPG stories I enjoy, but this one dropped square in the middle of the like field, and it makes me want to read more in the series, so that's always a good thing. Now, I need to find more like this one that I haven't read yet.
November 8, 2023
Very exciting second book.
I had a bit of trouble getting into book 2 since it had been quite a while since reading book 1. However, even without recalling the events of book 1, I got hooked into the 2nd book and started remembering the storyline. Very enthralling and exciting books. Can't wait to see book 3.
I had a bit of trouble getting into book 2 since it had been quite a while since reading book 1. However, even without recalling the events of book 1, I got hooked into the 2nd book and started remembering the storyline. Very enthralling and exciting books. Can't wait to see book 3.
September 23, 2022
Western Grit with a Sci-fi/Fantasy Mix
Once again, the author has managed to capture the feel of a good western mixed with a modern flare. This book took a few twists and turns that I had not expected but thoroughly enjoyed.
Keep bringing them and I'll keep reading them!
Once again, the author has managed to capture the feel of a good western mixed with a modern flare. This book took a few twists and turns that I had not expected but thoroughly enjoyed.
Keep bringing them and I'll keep reading them!
September 26, 2022
Very good read
I enjoyed the second book in this series and am looking forward to the next one. Good characterizations, good action scenes, and nice movie references scattered in. Recommended read to LitRPG fans.
I enjoyed the second book in this series and am looking forward to the next one. Good characterizations, good action scenes, and nice movie references scattered in. Recommended read to LitRPG fans.
October 24, 2022
Dungeon World Drifters: Relentless Bk2
Excellent second book in this series .... Continuing story of Hal Mason and the Countess ..... Great story.... Lots of action .... Looking forward for book 3
Excellent second book in this series .... Continuing story of Hal Mason and the Countess ..... Great story.... Lots of action .... Looking forward for book 3
November 26, 2022
Spoiler in Review
What was the mercenaries plan for when they reached the safe zone? Yes they delivered, BUT THEY WERENT THE ORIGINAL DRIVERS. They'd be hunted down IMMEDIATELY ON ARRIVAL! Idk
What was the mercenaries plan for when they reached the safe zone? Yes they delivered, BUT THEY WERENT THE ORIGINAL DRIVERS. They'd be hunted down IMMEDIATELY ON ARRIVAL! Idk
November 30, 2022
Another great book
I must admit I enjoyed the first book better but I must still give book two a four star. Well worth the purchase price and time reading. Hope book three comes soon.
I must admit I enjoyed the first book better but I must still give book two a four star. Well worth the purchase price and time reading. Hope book three comes soon.
December 15, 2022
Very Nice LitRPG Format
An entertaining, fast moving story.
Avoids getting bogged down in too much useless detail, while keeping the reader up to date with progress development.
Fight scenes are also good without every, single blow-by-blow detail.
An entertaining, fast moving story.
Avoids getting bogged down in too much useless detail, while keeping the reader up to date with progress development.
Fight scenes are also good without every, single blow-by-blow detail.
July 31, 2025
Amazing story
The action just kept going. The hero had to struggle throughout and did not get ridiculous power-ups. There is a lot of story to go for this story. Definitely getting and reading.
The action just kept going. The hero had to struggle throughout and did not get ridiculous power-ups. There is a lot of story to go for this story. Definitely getting and reading.
September 11, 2022
Great book
Rally enjoyed this entry in the apocalyptic universe. Love the different takes and the story. The book is well written and interesting. Cannot wait for the next book.
Rally enjoyed this entry in the apocalyptic universe. Love the different takes and the story. The book is well written and interesting. Cannot wait for the next book.
September 12, 2022
Good addition to the series!
As well written as the first. A lot of fun, a lot of action, and very well paced. If you liked the first then read this one, too.
As well written as the first. A lot of fun, a lot of action, and very well paced. If you liked the first then read this one, too.
September 15, 2022
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
October 19, 2022
decent
Overall, a decent read. Better than Wongs original series, and a lot better than the horrid Australia spin off. If food, it’d be fast food.
Overall, a decent read. Better than Wongs original series, and a lot better than the horrid Australia spin off. If food, it’d be fast food.
October 26, 2022
Great book
Stellar work once again from Craig Hamilton! Lots of action and adventure, guns and monsters. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Craig Hamilton! Lots of action and adventure, guns and monsters. Looking forward to the next one!
December 30, 2022
This book was not a train wreck (inside joke here). Loved it! Lots of good action and we can see progress in experience for our main character.
March 22, 2025
DNF @12% Giving up early. Jumps 13 months into the future from book 1 and jumps away from everything that made book 1 good.
June 3, 2025
Loved it
Original concept and a fun read. The premise is good and the cast is very likable. I started in book 2, but will need to go ahead and get book 1 and 3.
Original concept and a fun read. The premise is good and the cast is very likable. I started in book 2, but will need to go ahead and get book 1 and 3.
November 19, 2025
okay now this one was hard to get thru. it's a whole year after book 1. wtf happened in that year?!! hard to follow, I didn't enjoy it
November 19, 2025
DNF Chapter 7
It's difficult to read, perhaps if there were a summary of Part 1 it would be easier.
It's difficult to read, perhaps if there were a summary of Part 1 it would be easier.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews