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Apocalypse Tamer #1
Apocalypse Tamer
Basil Bohen was asleep when the System arrived and the world changed...
Dungeons suddenly popped up across the planet, summoning invaders and monsters from alternate realities. Ancient gods slumbering beneath the Earth were woken. And all humans were empowered with Levels and Classes gained by, amongst other things, killing monsters and other humans.
Only a single instruction was provided by the System: “Whoever reaches Level 100 first shall become Earth’s new Overgod.”
So initiated a worldwide battle royale of epic proportions... which Basil would rather sit out. Choosing the [Tamer] profession which allows him to speak with his cat, Plato, and other apocalyptic monsters, he'll adopt and train them to fight alongside him and defend his corner of the countryside.
After all, why bother fighting the apocalypse when you can tame it?
Dungeons suddenly popped up across the planet, summoning invaders and monsters from alternate realities. Ancient gods slumbering beneath the Earth were woken. And all humans were empowered with Levels and Classes gained by, amongst other things, killing monsters and other humans.
Only a single instruction was provided by the System: “Whoever reaches Level 100 first shall become Earth’s new Overgod.”
So initiated a worldwide battle royale of epic proportions... which Basil would rather sit out. Choosing the [Tamer] profession which allows him to speak with his cat, Plato, and other apocalyptic monsters, he'll adopt and train them to fight alongside him and defend his corner of the countryside.
After all, why bother fighting the apocalypse when you can tame it?
514 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2022
1429 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 28, 2023
I made it over halfway but got tired. Basil is fine and there's some interesting repartee with his tamed beasts, particularly his cat, Plato. Unfortunately, those turn a bit one-note after a while.
Normally, the power fantasy would be enough to keep me engaged, but Basil is all over the freaking place. By the time I stopped he had three or four classes he was splitting his time with and I never could get a read on his reasoning. I'm not a big cross-class guy when I play, preferring to stick with a concept. So I found Basil just frustrating.
I think the last straw came with the ditzy angel summoned by a witch using a saint reliquary. And it's not so much the sacrilege as that the angel was obviously being played for jokes regarding spiritual maladies and I just didn't find those funny. Like, why would anyone care about their spiritual malaise while everything else is trying to kill them? And I'm not sure if I'd have liked it better or worse if there had been buffs or status effects related to those maladies. Since they were largely jokes, probably worse.
Anyway, this wasn't a dead loss. There's some creativity and fun snark. Just not enough to keep me engaged. Or rate this over two stars.
Normally, the power fantasy would be enough to keep me engaged, but Basil is all over the freaking place. By the time I stopped he had three or four classes he was splitting his time with and I never could get a read on his reasoning. I'm not a big cross-class guy when I play, preferring to stick with a concept. So I found Basil just frustrating.
I think the last straw came with the ditzy angel summoned by a witch using a saint reliquary. And it's not so much the sacrilege as that the angel was obviously being played for jokes regarding spiritual maladies and I just didn't find those funny. Like, why would anyone care about their spiritual malaise while everything else is trying to kill them? And I'm not sure if I'd have liked it better or worse if there had been buffs or status effects related to those maladies. Since they were largely jokes, probably worse.
Anyway, this wasn't a dead loss. There's some creativity and fun snark. Just not enough to keep me engaged. Or rate this over two stars.
December 22, 2022
Painfully woke mess
Between the revisionist history, painfully wake garbage, deliberate misunderstanding of most basic things, and general bashing of several religions on earth, the only positive thing I can say is
I'm glad I didn't pay for this steaming pile of trash.
Between the revisionist history, painfully wake garbage, deliberate misunderstanding of most basic things, and general bashing of several religions on earth, the only positive thing I can say is
I'm glad I didn't pay for this steaming pile of trash.
December 23, 2022
I've read one other book by this author, though I didn't notice that until I was a few chapters in and I had a feeling of déjà vu. Sure enough, this is the author that wrote Vainqueur the Dragon. I kept reading for a bit, but I threw in the towel at the 35% mark.
Similar to my experience with Vainqueur, I thought this story had a fun premise. Unfortunately, also similar to Vainqueur, the glamour faded and I just didn't care to go much deeper into the book.
The characters were all varying degrees of idiot for comedic effect. Maybe that's great for some people, but it quickly got old for me and I just didn't like any of the characters. There's nothing blander than a running gag that's grown stale. The plot also felt like a series of contrivances designed to bring about the next series of gags rather than anything that resembled a normal set of decisions.
On a side note, I will say that the writing itself has improved from the previous book. There are still grammar issues here and there, but the prose reads a lot smoother than I remember in Vainqueur. So I guess if you are a fan of this author, then you will probably enjoy this book. For anyone else, I guess give it a shot. It's not bad by any means, just a matter of taste.
Similar to my experience with Vainqueur, I thought this story had a fun premise. Unfortunately, also similar to Vainqueur, the glamour faded and I just didn't care to go much deeper into the book.
The characters were all varying degrees of idiot for comedic effect. Maybe that's great for some people, but it quickly got old for me and I just didn't like any of the characters. There's nothing blander than a running gag that's grown stale. The plot also felt like a series of contrivances designed to bring about the next series of gags rather than anything that resembled a normal set of decisions.
On a side note, I will say that the writing itself has improved from the previous book. There are still grammar issues here and there, but the prose reads a lot smoother than I remember in Vainqueur. So I guess if you are a fan of this author, then you will probably enjoy this book. For anyone else, I guess give it a shot. It's not bad by any means, just a matter of taste.
December 10, 2022
At the end you go back to the beginning basically
I didn't like the main character.. He has a weird personality. I'm all for sitting back and hunkering down, but his decisions are just all over the place. One of his first tasks is the same as his last task and he chooses a different resolution at the end but just makes you feel like he should have just done that in the first place so you wasted chapters of him"forging his own path" only for him to do the logical thing in the end anyway. 😵💫 Also the wierd oaths to Jesus Christ when it's proven that aliens exist and are overlords who create systems for entire planets is just incongruous..
I didn't like the main character.. He has a weird personality. I'm all for sitting back and hunkering down, but his decisions are just all over the place. One of his first tasks is the same as his last task and he chooses a different resolution at the end but just makes you feel like he should have just done that in the first place so you wasted chapters of him"forging his own path" only for him to do the logical thing in the end anyway. 😵💫 Also the wierd oaths to Jesus Christ when it's proven that aliens exist and are overlords who create systems for entire planets is just incongruous..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2023
I laughed I cried. Great book.
December 5, 2022
It's okay
The book has some really good moments in it and I really love Plato, but the religious overtones kind of pull away from the story, specially with the main character ignoring the fact of multiple, if not thousands, of so-called 'heavens'.
The book has some really good moments in it and I really love Plato, but the religious overtones kind of pull away from the story, specially with the main character ignoring the fact of multiple, if not thousands, of so-called 'heavens'.
October 18, 2023
Apocalypse Tamer - A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Tale
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Apocalypse Tamer by Maxime J. Durand is a captivating story that immerses readers in a post-apocalyptic world filled with action, suspense, and a hint of the supernatural. This book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction looking for a fresh take on the genre.
The story follows the resilient and resourceful protagonist, Alex, who possesses an extraordinary ability to communicate with the mutated creatures roaming the Earth after a global catastrophe. This unique gift, known as "taming," sets the stage for a thrilling adventure as Alex navigates the dangerous landscape, forges unlikely alliances, and confronts formidable challenges.
The strength of Apocalypse Tamer lies in its world-building. Durand's vision of a post-apocalyptic Earth is gritty and vividly portrayed, with detailed descriptions that make the setting come to life. The mutated creatures and the remnants of human society are both intriguing and terrifying, adding layers of complexity to the story's backdrop.
Character development is another highlight of this novel. Alex is a relatable and multi-dimensional protagonist who faces internal and external conflicts as he grapples with the moral implications of his gift. The supporting cast is equally well-rounded, each contributing to the story in their unique way and adding depth to the narrative.
The pacing is generally well-done, with a good balance of intense action sequences, moments of introspection, and plot twists that keep readers engaged. The writing style is clear and concise, making it easy to visualize the story's events and immerse oneself in the world Durand has created.
While the narrative is engaging and the world-building is top-notch, the story occasionally feels rushed, and some plot points could benefit from more exploration. Additionally, the ending leaves some questions unanswered, which may frustrate readers seeking a more conclusive resolution.
Apocalypse Tamer is a thrilling ride, filled with suspense and intrigue. Maxime J. Durand has crafted a unique post-apocalyptic world that will appeal to fans of the genre. The exploration of human morality and the consequences of our actions in the face of adversity adds depth to the story, making it more than just another dystopian tale.
In conclusion, Apocalypse Tamer is a well-crafted post-apocalyptic adventure that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Despite a few minor pacing and plot issues, the book delivers a compelling and imaginative narrative. If you're a fan of dystopian fiction with a supernatural twist, this Kindle edition is worth your time and attention.
December 4, 2022
Ohhhh man, this was a fun apocalyptic litRPG. Our MC, Basil is a hermit and only wants to be left alone, to live in peace with his cat Plato. But the system had other plans and arrived at night. He only realized that things had changed when his cat woke him up by talking to him! Ohhhh and his cat is awesome, btw! There's nothing I like better than beast pets! And when Basil chooses the beast Tamer class. I couldn't have been happier... At first he doesn't see the need for all the killing. He's a, live and let live, kinda guy. But he'll fight only when deemed necessary, in order to protect his home. Even then, only after attempting to descalate the situation first. Which Leads him to collect an assortment of interesting monster pets, even a plant!
So grab Apocalypse Tamer to see how Basil copes with the new apocalyptic world he's trapped in. But grab the audiobook so you can enjoy the vocal talent of Jack Voraces.
Here's a couple of quotes that I found amusing:
"He believed he would become his parties front liner, but in truth he had been getaway driver all along."
"Less talking more snoring."
So grab Apocalypse Tamer to see how Basil copes with the new apocalyptic world he's trapped in. But grab the audiobook so you can enjoy the vocal talent of Jack Voraces.
Here's a couple of quotes that I found amusing:
"He believed he would become his parties front liner, but in truth he had been getaway driver all along."
"Less talking more snoring."
December 31, 2022
A ton of fun
I loved this authors previous series vainquer and this is very much in that same vein. It’s even set in the same universe (or multiverse). It’s light and fun with a good sense of humour and vibrant characters. I will say your enjoyment of this book does very much depend on your sense of humour because that’s a large part of this books appeal so it naturally won’t be for everyone but I’d recommend giving it a go. If like me you enjoyed the vainquer series you’ll love this because it’s very similar with that same humour and if you like this you’ll be in for a treat with that series. Some also may not like that it’s a little of slice of life in the beginning but I quite like that and it gets more of a plot arc as it goes on. Overall this book is just pure enjoyment and I had a great time reading. Looking forward to the next.
I loved this authors previous series vainquer and this is very much in that same vein. It’s even set in the same universe (or multiverse). It’s light and fun with a good sense of humour and vibrant characters. I will say your enjoyment of this book does very much depend on your sense of humour because that’s a large part of this books appeal so it naturally won’t be for everyone but I’d recommend giving it a go. If like me you enjoyed the vainquer series you’ll love this because it’s very similar with that same humour and if you like this you’ll be in for a treat with that series. Some also may not like that it’s a little of slice of life in the beginning but I quite like that and it gets more of a plot arc as it goes on. Overall this book is just pure enjoyment and I had a great time reading. Looking forward to the next.
March 24, 2024
Love a main character with anger issues that are justified. I absolutely loved how this book played out with how some chapters were just them hanging out but others focused on getting rid of their enemies. I don’t think I have anything that a I hate about this book. To me the characters are well written and not flat and their personalities aren’t just copy paste of the main characters like some books are. Also love how in the beginning of the book Basil just wants to go back to a normal life instead of being like “oh wow dangerous creatures have entered my world! I should go and TRY to put myself in danger and defeat all odds!” But no the reason Basil fights is for vengeance and because they were provoking him first.
May 16, 2024
Hilarious, enjoyable, and quick paced
Very satirical and over the top, poking fun at genre tropes and a certain established IP.
I can handle the mildly lewd jokes and found them in good taste.
There was a little extra on the Christianity but it didn't turn me off enough to remove a star as those parts were, like the test is the story, heavy with satire.
Lastly, the story takes place in France with a great many references. I think that caused me to overlook some of the grammar mistakes because they're not egregious and seem like something a non-native English speaker would soup up on.
Definitely going to check out the next book.
Very satirical and over the top, poking fun at genre tropes and a certain established IP.
I can handle the mildly lewd jokes and found them in good taste.
There was a little extra on the Christianity but it didn't turn me off enough to remove a star as those parts were, like the test is the story, heavy with satire.
Lastly, the story takes place in France with a great many references. I think that caused me to overlook some of the grammar mistakes because they're not egregious and seem like something a non-native English speaker would soup up on.
Definitely going to check out the next book.
December 17, 2022
Action, Action, Action
I never know what to put in reviews, but that I really enjoyed reading the book. It’s one of those hard to put down books as the action never seems to stop. You really can’t say that there are many monologues in this book. I love the developmental level of the non human characters, I’ve never met a writer that has made bug and plant life so lovable. Note, there are F bombs and other swearing if that bothers you.
I never know what to put in reviews, but that I really enjoyed reading the book. It’s one of those hard to put down books as the action never seems to stop. You really can’t say that there are many monologues in this book. I love the developmental level of the non human characters, I’ve never met a writer that has made bug and plant life so lovable. Note, there are F bombs and other swearing if that bothers you.
December 3, 2022
Facing the apocalypse with a nutjob who considers himself funny!!
Mc has very short fuse and his mad antics are entertaining as hell. But as we all know in apocalyptic litrpg you definately need a few mad and driven people to not just survive but thrive. Will definately start with the rest in Royal road!
Mc has very short fuse and his mad antics are entertaining as hell. But as we all know in apocalyptic litrpg you definately need a few mad and driven people to not just survive but thrive. Will definately start with the rest in Royal road!
December 4, 2022
Авторът на една от най-забавните книги, на които съм попадал, както и да още някои други също интересни, продължава с усилията си да бъде онлайн-автор на лековати, смешни истории, но този път му се получава прекалено детински, за да е интересно.
July 21, 2023
I love basil and all the friends he makes along the way! Very interesting book with what is say is a pretty non-standard system apocalypse protagonist. Will definitely be listening to future books in the series and will definitely read more by the author! Audiobook narration was also fantastic! I'm a big fan of Jack voraces and hope to hear him more often.
January 8, 2024
In this book, a very weird apocalyptic event hits the entire planet Earth, as it's invaded by all manner of creatures and monsters, magic is now commonplace, many animals gain the ability to talk, among other strange things. Treated like an RPG video game, people and monsters level up in hopes of reaching an ultimate goal, but our main focus is on a young man living far from civilization who decides to become a monster tamer. So how does the book fare?
Overall, I'd say it's a good book. There's not that much world building, since the main focus is on the main cast and the area they live in (with a couple of short side stories displaying things happening in other places), but what's there is actually quite creative, and though it's a bit confusing to make it RPG style, as I was never much good in that video game genre, it's still fun, giving the characters many options to grow, especially when the monsters can change their appearances and powers quite significantly as they level up. There's quite a variety of characters too, from humans to monsters and even animals given the power to talk and magical abilities to participate in battles. The main group of characters we follow is overall a pretty varied party, especially once they start growing into a larger group, both by the main character recruiting monsters monsters to meeting other people and sometimes befriending them too. Some of my favorites were Vasi and KuiKui, but my absolute favorite was Bugsy, definitely a stand-out and one of the most likable characters, I really liked how he developed throughout the book.
However, there are some downsides to the story. At times the book meanders a bit and gets slow and a bit boring. The dialogue and narration can be repetitive at times too. As for action scenes, some are good, but others can be a bit confusing to figure what all is going on. There's also a lot of stuff played for comedy, but at least in my opinion, a lot of the comedy in the book falls flat and it's just not funny. But unfortunately, the biggest negative for me in this book is the main character, Basil. I just could never warm up to this guy. His intentions and end goal are understandable for the most part, but the way he goes about things is all over the place, his dialogue is often weird and cringy, just feels very out of place, especially when compared to everybody else. He's honestly an impulsive idiot a lot of the time, has some extremely weird ideas and trains of thoughts, is often arrogant and abrasive even when he doesn't need to be. Honestly, almost everything about this guy felt like he should be a permanent inmate at Arkham Asylum, because dude just comes across as outright unhinged (the way he instantly gets into the idea of killing and eating other sentient species is unnerving to say the least), even before he comes to terms with this apocalypse RPG style thing, which he does incredibly quickly as it is. I get that characters shouldn't be 100% likable, that flaws can add a lot to them, but Basil is more flaws than not, and while not every character has to be likable, it really hurts a book when the main character is not only unlikable, but also uninteresting, because Basil feels so boring, especially next to the rest of the main cast and their allies, all of whom have more vivid and interesting personalities than Basil.
In the end, this is not a bad book by any means. It's creative, imaginative, with an intriguing concept and a slew of fun characters. But some of its flaws, especially the main character, knock the book down to a 3 star rating for me. It's a bummer, because the potential is superb, just a shame it couldn't quite reach higher. Hopefully the next book improves on the flaws and keeps the already good stuff going.
Overall, I'd say it's a good book. There's not that much world building, since the main focus is on the main cast and the area they live in (with a couple of short side stories displaying things happening in other places), but what's there is actually quite creative, and though it's a bit confusing to make it RPG style, as I was never much good in that video game genre, it's still fun, giving the characters many options to grow, especially when the monsters can change their appearances and powers quite significantly as they level up. There's quite a variety of characters too, from humans to monsters and even animals given the power to talk and magical abilities to participate in battles. The main group of characters we follow is overall a pretty varied party, especially once they start growing into a larger group, both by the main character recruiting monsters monsters to meeting other people and sometimes befriending them too. Some of my favorites were Vasi and KuiKui, but my absolute favorite was Bugsy, definitely a stand-out and one of the most likable characters, I really liked how he developed throughout the book.
However, there are some downsides to the story. At times the book meanders a bit and gets slow and a bit boring. The dialogue and narration can be repetitive at times too. As for action scenes, some are good, but others can be a bit confusing to figure what all is going on. There's also a lot of stuff played for comedy, but at least in my opinion, a lot of the comedy in the book falls flat and it's just not funny. But unfortunately, the biggest negative for me in this book is the main character, Basil. I just could never warm up to this guy. His intentions and end goal are understandable for the most part, but the way he goes about things is all over the place, his dialogue is often weird and cringy, just feels very out of place, especially when compared to everybody else. He's honestly an impulsive idiot a lot of the time, has some extremely weird ideas and trains of thoughts, is often arrogant and abrasive even when he doesn't need to be. Honestly, almost everything about this guy felt like he should be a permanent inmate at Arkham Asylum, because dude just comes across as outright unhinged (the way he instantly gets into the idea of killing and eating other sentient species is unnerving to say the least), even before he comes to terms with this apocalypse RPG style thing, which he does incredibly quickly as it is. I get that characters shouldn't be 100% likable, that flaws can add a lot to them, but Basil is more flaws than not, and while not every character has to be likable, it really hurts a book when the main character is not only unlikable, but also uninteresting, because Basil feels so boring, especially next to the rest of the main cast and their allies, all of whom have more vivid and interesting personalities than Basil.
In the end, this is not a bad book by any means. It's creative, imaginative, with an intriguing concept and a slew of fun characters. But some of its flaws, especially the main character, knock the book down to a 3 star rating for me. It's a bummer, because the potential is superb, just a shame it couldn't quite reach higher. Hopefully the next book improves on the flaws and keeps the already good stuff going.
July 7, 2023
I had a blast with this one. The humor didn't always land, but I did laugh out loud quite a bit. There were a couple of poignant moments, and sad ones, so this book consistently got emotions out of me.
Basil is Bulgarian, but living in a cozy house in the marshlands of France. He's a homebody, and only interested in taking care of his garden, raising his chickens and rabbits, and enjoying the company of his cat.
Then one morning he is awakened by a giant centipede trying to invade his greenhouse, then green, pig-like men trying to kill his chickens. So starts the end of Basil's peaceful existence.
Most stories in this genre start off with the main character wanting to level up and get stronger right away. Basil isn't interested. He just wants to live his life. Unfortunately, the apocalypse won't leave him along, and Basil finds himself doing everything but enjoying the view from his house.
I liked the basic idea of Basil choosing a class that seems to be most adaptable to his lifestyle: Tamer. He ended up with quite a number of beast allies, all of which I liked. Of course, I adored Plato the cat. I also enjoyed the humanoid friends Basil made.
The writing is uneven, and needed a bit of polish. I know a lot of people aren't going to like the humor. Basil has an opinion about everything, and he takes pokes at topics many would find offensive, particularly religion. Avoid this book if you're touchy about religious jokes.
I know this isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but it made me laugh. Will be continuing the series.
Basil is Bulgarian, but living in a cozy house in the marshlands of France. He's a homebody, and only interested in taking care of his garden, raising his chickens and rabbits, and enjoying the company of his cat.
Then one morning he is awakened by a giant centipede trying to invade his greenhouse, then green, pig-like men trying to kill his chickens. So starts the end of Basil's peaceful existence.
Most stories in this genre start off with the main character wanting to level up and get stronger right away. Basil isn't interested. He just wants to live his life. Unfortunately, the apocalypse won't leave him along, and Basil finds himself doing everything but enjoying the view from his house.
I liked the basic idea of Basil choosing a class that seems to be most adaptable to his lifestyle: Tamer. He ended up with quite a number of beast allies, all of which I liked. Of course, I adored Plato the cat. I also enjoyed the humanoid friends Basil made.
The writing is uneven, and needed a bit of polish. I know a lot of people aren't going to like the humor. Basil has an opinion about everything, and he takes pokes at topics many would find offensive, particularly religion. Avoid this book if you're touchy about religious jokes.
I know this isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but it made me laugh. Will be continuing the series.
February 6, 2023
At first I though this was going to be one of those "lol cats are so quirky" kind of books, but luckily that stopped quick (cause I would have dropped it).
I'm a quarter way in and don't feel like I will continue the series. It doesn't vibe with me. The things happening so far are not as interesting. It being so deeply gamey / statsy doesn't help.
I know the author is trying for humor, but it is very hit or miss with the emphasis on miss.
I finished it, this book really isn't for me. It seems the author tried to amalgamate and consolidate a bunch of the most popular books(at least their tropes in the genre into a cohesive whole that stands on its' own feet, and didn't succeed.
I don't know if it's the humor or the protagonist's skills, but the end result didn't mesh with me.
It felt like it was for a younger audience. Also, I think the author was backed into a corner when
2.5/5 Stars
I'm a quarter way in and don't feel like I will continue the series. It doesn't vibe with me. The things happening so far are not as interesting. It being so deeply gamey / statsy doesn't help.
I know the author is trying for humor, but it is very hit or miss with the emphasis on miss.
I finished it, this book really isn't for me. It seems the author tried to amalgamate and consolidate a bunch of the most popular books(at least their tropes in the genre into a cohesive whole that stands on its' own feet, and didn't succeed.
I don't know if it's the humor or the protagonist's skills, but the end result didn't mesh with me.
It felt like it was for a younger audience. Also, I think the author was backed into a corner when
2.5/5 Stars
December 4, 2022
Fun, witty, different, european, all-over-the-place wacky litRPG, set in modern time country-side France, starring a pragmatic moral passionate introvert who cares more for his comfy solitude than the apocalypse running amok.
Expect to find aliens, robots, dinosaurs, elves, ogres, witches and wizards along with talking pets, tamed monsters, and conscious intelligent plants.
As expected, there are tons of pop culture references and puns.
The book is really well structured. It has three inner-arches that read like books, each separated by interludes chapters. The ending of this book is wrapped nicely and opens up multiple threads without leaving any cliffhangers.
The system governing the world change is gradually explained, throughout. There's just the right level of details shared about the leveling system, the races, the abilities, the classes, the worlds, and the politics.
Overall, this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Will definitely continue this series.
Expect to find aliens, robots, dinosaurs, elves, ogres, witches and wizards along with talking pets, tamed monsters, and conscious intelligent plants.
As expected, there are tons of pop culture references and puns.
The book is really well structured. It has three inner-arches that read like books, each separated by interludes chapters. The ending of this book is wrapped nicely and opens up multiple threads without leaving any cliffhangers.
The system governing the world change is gradually explained, throughout. There's just the right level of details shared about the leveling system, the races, the abilities, the classes, the worlds, and the politics.
Overall, this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Will definitely continue this series.
December 15, 2023
The ending of this book is what kept me from Dropping.
The rating is more a 2.5, but rounded up because it felt like the end of book 1 is "true" starting point of the series. The overall plot of the story is very interesting, and there was a lot of solid world-building being established. But, the MC's constant avoidance of dealing with growing issues and taking advantage of obvious benefits became so frustrating that the climax of the book was a wonderful shot of schadenfreude (Can't feel bad for an MC when their troubles are well deserved and by their own making).
With that said, the series has a lot fun characters, the dialogue is witty and enjoyable, and the ending leaves one to hope that MC may finally take this whole Apocalypse thing seriously.
...One can also hope the MC doesn't try to gain over a dozen different classes, since he looks well on his way. That may be asking for too much, though.
The rating is more a 2.5, but rounded up because it felt like the end of book 1 is "true" starting point of the series. The overall plot of the story is very interesting, and there was a lot of solid world-building being established. But, the MC's constant avoidance of dealing with growing issues and taking advantage of obvious benefits became so frustrating that the climax of the book was a wonderful shot of schadenfreude (Can't feel bad for an MC when their troubles are well deserved and by their own making).
With that said, the series has a lot fun characters, the dialogue is witty and enjoyable, and the ending leaves one to hope that MC may finally take this whole Apocalypse thing seriously.
...One can also hope the MC doesn't try to gain over a dozen different classes, since he looks well on his way. That may be asking for too much, though.
September 4, 2023
Apocalypse Tamer:1
Basil Jean-Francois Bohen is a Bulgarian expat happily enjoying the life of a hermit on the edges of the Barthes swamps in France when he wakes up one morning suddenly able to have a conversation with his cat. Despite his reluctance to get involved, he finds himself getting into battles in order to defend his once peaceful corner of the forest, as the Trimurti System summoned by tech company, Dismaker Labs, has issued a challenge that the first being to reach level 100 will become the Overgod of Earth. With monsters spawned from dungeons, mutated creatures, and invaders from rifts to other universes entering the battleground to compete for the prize, Basil finds himself reluctantly dragged in from the sidelines. Solidly written, interesting worldbuilding, strong characterization, and quirky humor.
Basil Jean-Francois Bohen is a Bulgarian expat happily enjoying the life of a hermit on the edges of the Barthes swamps in France when he wakes up one morning suddenly able to have a conversation with his cat. Despite his reluctance to get involved, he finds himself getting into battles in order to defend his once peaceful corner of the forest, as the Trimurti System summoned by tech company, Dismaker Labs, has issued a challenge that the first being to reach level 100 will become the Overgod of Earth. With monsters spawned from dungeons, mutated creatures, and invaders from rifts to other universes entering the battleground to compete for the prize, Basil finds himself reluctantly dragged in from the sidelines. Solidly written, interesting worldbuilding, strong characterization, and quirky humor.
December 22, 2022
While it's a decent story, often times I got the impression each chapter was written as a self-contained story. This did kind of feel like a collection of stories rather than a whole book written from start to finish with an overall story in mind. There were certainly funny parts, and that made it worth reading, but there were several times while I was reading this that I said to myself clearly, this isn't my cup of tea. I do like where the story appears to be going, and if they can pull it off, it would make for an epic story indeed, but I don't know if I'll continue reading this series or not. Probably, but it'll have to be a while first. This one just didn't interest me like many of the other LitRPG stories I've read.
June 11, 2025
Solid, if unoriginal LitRPG. It's comfort food and I always tend to know (and want) exactly what I get: a feeling of control and progressive power as a whole world goes to crap.
In this case, the hook is leveling as a monster trainer and the friends (monsters) you make along the way. Cool. And the fights are neat, too.
My only real complaint? The French bits. The clichés abound. It's not too serious, and it's also a bit funny, but it is what it is.
That being said, the writing's fun and that's all I really wanted, anyway.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
In this case, the hook is leveling as a monster trainer and the friends (monsters) you make along the way. Cool. And the fights are neat, too.
My only real complaint? The French bits. The clichés abound. It's not too serious, and it's also a bit funny, but it is what it is.
That being said, the writing's fun and that's all I really wanted, anyway.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
December 4, 2022
A solid read, with some interesting mechanics
Just as the title says, this book was a solid read. There were very few grammatical errors, and the plot was decent. The standout features for me were the perks system and the ability to freely multi class. The downsides were the main characters drama at times and the general lack of innovation in story arc. It’s the same basic setup as every other system apocalypse type book, with little to shake that up. It’s still a good read, just not quite top tier at this point. If it had come out a few years ago I’d have probably rated it a 5 then.
Just as the title says, this book was a solid read. There were very few grammatical errors, and the plot was decent. The standout features for me were the perks system and the ability to freely multi class. The downsides were the main characters drama at times and the general lack of innovation in story arc. It’s the same basic setup as every other system apocalypse type book, with little to shake that up. It’s still a good read, just not quite top tier at this point. If it had come out a few years ago I’d have probably rated it a 5 then.
February 22, 2023
Interesting premise and I heard good things, but this book and this author just aren't for me.
The characters are all over the place. Either idiots, annoying, pacifists, religious, berserker, logical or crazy. And that's the same person depending on the scene (and whatever humor the author is trying for at a given point).
The author really seems to struggle with writing characters. Somehow the main character here (as well as in Perfect Run and Vainqueur) sacrifice any consistent logic or actions in the favor of playing to attempted humor. They're annoying or straight unlikeable as people.
The characters are all over the place. Either idiots, annoying, pacifists, religious, berserker, logical or crazy. And that's the same person depending on the scene (and whatever humor the author is trying for at a given point).
The author really seems to struggle with writing characters. Somehow the main character here (as well as in Perfect Run and Vainqueur) sacrifice any consistent logic or actions in the favor of playing to attempted humor. They're annoying or straight unlikeable as people.
February 10, 2023
So this book was amusing and witty. The MC just wants to live in his cottage in the wilderness and be left alone by the world and the apocalypse. This causes him to make decisions that no gamer in their right mind would make, but are understandable and quite hilarious when you keep this in mind.
I loved the word building. The author really excelled in setting up a picture and set of events that made sense and was intriguing. It also gave the series direction and purpose.
I wouldn’t go into this expecting anything out of this world. Still though it is worth a read.
I loved the word building. The author really excelled in setting up a picture and set of events that made sense and was intriguing. It also gave the series direction and purpose.
I wouldn’t go into this expecting anything out of this world. Still though it is worth a read.
October 17, 2023
I'm not sure if the author succeeded in everything they aimed to do but the MC absolutely stands out in the genre. My confusion lies with a detachment I have toward the MC in the same way they seem detached from the outer world. There wasn't a clear plot put forth, no single arc but felt more like a slice-of-life day to day experience. The audiobook was great.
April 11, 2025
The references to other books felt unnatural, and Basil’s Everyman persona is kind of gross? Multiple ‘I’m a feminist because I hit women’ jokes, an ‘I self-identify as’ joke, they eat sapient creatures and hunt sapient creatures in order to eat them, multiple fantasy-racism jokes followed up with ‘wait is that racist haha’s, some weird nationalist rhetoric, and overall just not a fun character to read for me. Victor was such a great Everyman character that I was shocked I found Basil so intolerable, but I guess differentiation is important? 0.5 stars and I’m dropping the series.
December 13, 2022
Just barely 4
The first 3/4 was maybe a 3. Forgettable MC who continually refuses to assign levels even though he is a gamer. He invests in the Fisherman class, and the Gardener class when the world is collapsing, I understand the Gardener, he has plant followers, but Fisherman? The only interesting character at the beginning is cat.
Much improved in the last quarter. The ending was strong enough to convince me to get the next one. Tom out
The first 3/4 was maybe a 3. Forgettable MC who continually refuses to assign levels even though he is a gamer. He invests in the Fisherman class, and the Gardener class when the world is collapsing, I understand the Gardener, he has plant followers, but Fisherman? The only interesting character at the beginning is cat.
Much improved in the last quarter. The ending was strong enough to convince me to get the next one. Tom out
December 24, 2022
3.5 stars
I read and listened to this using whispersync. I was especially annoyed that the audiobook censored all of the swear words with “less offensive” words.
Also, I wasn’t a fan of the majority of the voices used by the narrator.
While this book does seem to be intended to be humorous, the narrators voices made it downright silly at times.
That being said, I enjoyed the story enough that I will read the next when it is released.
I read and listened to this using whispersync. I was especially annoyed that the audiobook censored all of the swear words with “less offensive” words.
Also, I wasn’t a fan of the majority of the voices used by the narrator.
While this book does seem to be intended to be humorous, the narrators voices made it downright silly at times.
That being said, I enjoyed the story enough that I will read the next when it is released.
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