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Lonely Apocalypse #1
Left Out by the System
Sometimes you wake up and just know your day is gonna suck.
Now imagine waking from a three-year coma in an abandoned hospital, on an Earth that has recently fused with a different dimension. Yeah, it’s one of those days.
Last I remember I was valiantly saving my high school crush from the path of an oncoming truck. Now I’m a skin and bones weakling wearing nothing but my hospital gown. Has anyone seen my pants? Oh yeah, the world is also full of monsters, and I’m the only human left.
It turns out a godlike System evacuated humanity but decided to leave the vegetable in the bed. I can hardly blame it. From the moment my parents named me Lex Lurker, I was destined to be ignored. Everyone else has received a chance to prepare for what's to come in the Tutorial. Me, though? I've only gotten a snarky talking cat for a companion.
I could crawl into a corner and wait to get eaten by a freaking kobold, but after years of being asleep I have a new appreciation for feeling alive. And for all the chaos, there are game-like rules and magical powers that could help me avoid becoming a meal and perhaps even thrive in this hellscape.
But first I’ll have to find the tenacity to survive, the courage to fight, and the strength to face some dark truths about myself. Whispered voices call me the Hope of Humanity, but it turns out I might be the villain of this story.
Series info:Lonely Apocalypse: Left Out by the System is the first volume in the thrilling LitRPG series. Fans of the RPG genre will find a sophisticated progression system with Levels, Ranks, and Quests built upon compelling logic. As our hero seeks magical powers via Concepts—special abilities based on each individual’s personal traits—he grows not only in power but as a person, too. Follow Lex as he uncovers shocking truths about himself and his home planet alike. Why did the enigmatic System call it Mirror Earth, anyway? The answers lie in this latest addition to the Post-Apocalypse genre!
Now imagine waking from a three-year coma in an abandoned hospital, on an Earth that has recently fused with a different dimension. Yeah, it’s one of those days.
Last I remember I was valiantly saving my high school crush from the path of an oncoming truck. Now I’m a skin and bones weakling wearing nothing but my hospital gown. Has anyone seen my pants? Oh yeah, the world is also full of monsters, and I’m the only human left.
It turns out a godlike System evacuated humanity but decided to leave the vegetable in the bed. I can hardly blame it. From the moment my parents named me Lex Lurker, I was destined to be ignored. Everyone else has received a chance to prepare for what's to come in the Tutorial. Me, though? I've only gotten a snarky talking cat for a companion.
I could crawl into a corner and wait to get eaten by a freaking kobold, but after years of being asleep I have a new appreciation for feeling alive. And for all the chaos, there are game-like rules and magical powers that could help me avoid becoming a meal and perhaps even thrive in this hellscape.
But first I’ll have to find the tenacity to survive, the courage to fight, and the strength to face some dark truths about myself. Whispered voices call me the Hope of Humanity, but it turns out I might be the villain of this story.
Series info:Lonely Apocalypse: Left Out by the System is the first volume in the thrilling LitRPG series. Fans of the RPG genre will find a sophisticated progression system with Levels, Ranks, and Quests built upon compelling logic. As our hero seeks magical powers via Concepts—special abilities based on each individual’s personal traits—he grows not only in power but as a person, too. Follow Lex as he uncovers shocking truths about himself and his home planet alike. Why did the enigmatic System call it Mirror Earth, anyway? The answers lie in this latest addition to the Post-Apocalypse genre!
9 pages, Audio CD
First published November 19, 2021
632 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 15, 2021
Lex Lurker, for goodness’ sake.
January 26, 2022
Bloated, clunky
An imitation light-novel, with all the problems of light-novels and awkward translation. Rambling, repetitive, and unreliable narration blend with nonsensical justifications to create a bland and disappointing setting.
Boredom and a painful infection led me to read this and I still resent it for being a poor distraction.
An imitation light-novel, with all the problems of light-novels and awkward translation. Rambling, repetitive, and unreliable narration blend with nonsensical justifications to create a bland and disappointing setting.
Boredom and a painful infection led me to read this and I still resent it for being a poor distraction.
March 28, 2022
Incel Fiction
The main character of this book is the most cringe worthy incel i've ever read. The writing is done as if we should feel sorry for and relate to this garbage person in any way and that is the funniest part of the whole book.
The main character of this book is the most cringe worthy incel i've ever read. The writing is done as if we should feel sorry for and relate to this garbage person in any way and that is the funniest part of the whole book.
June 10, 2022
DNF at 40%
It felt pretty much the same as any other litRPG. Nothing unique about it.
It felt pretty much the same as any other litRPG. Nothing unique about it.
June 15, 2022
A new entry into the apocalypse novels with a unique idea
What a poor bastard, was my first thought. All of humanity is teleported away but him, last human on Earth until the others complete a tutorial and learn about their new reality and what powers it. Sadly our ironically named MC, Lex Lurker, has always been invisible to most unless he made himself known first. Now he wakes from a 3 year coma to a changed earth with everyone else gone, then he sees dragons and beast riding monsters from his window and realizes that things are bad. When the hospital he woke up in becomes a kobold dungeon, Lex has to get himself moving and survive. Thankfully he has a guide to help him adjust and complete the tutorial quests on earth, unlike everyone else. He’s not safe and survival is definitely not guaranteed.
Oh he also met a goddess who ‘blessed’ him with knowledge, quests and an opportunity to become a moderator, whatever that is. Sadly if he fails them he will become a servant of the system that runs his new reality, somethings just need to be avoided and losing his freedom after 3 years in a coma is not a good plan.
So he works to embrace his new reality and grow stronger.
What a poor bastard, was my first thought. All of humanity is teleported away but him, last human on Earth until the others complete a tutorial and learn about their new reality and what powers it. Sadly our ironically named MC, Lex Lurker, has always been invisible to most unless he made himself known first. Now he wakes from a 3 year coma to a changed earth with everyone else gone, then he sees dragons and beast riding monsters from his window and realizes that things are bad. When the hospital he woke up in becomes a kobold dungeon, Lex has to get himself moving and survive. Thankfully he has a guide to help him adjust and complete the tutorial quests on earth, unlike everyone else. He’s not safe and survival is definitely not guaranteed.
Oh he also met a goddess who ‘blessed’ him with knowledge, quests and an opportunity to become a moderator, whatever that is. Sadly if he fails them he will become a servant of the system that runs his new reality, somethings just need to be avoided and losing his freedom after 3 years in a coma is not a good plan.
So he works to embrace his new reality and grow stronger.
February 6, 2022
Title misleading
This series has potential. This start was a slog though! only finished because it was such an easy read. I don't want to spoil so I will describe this book as best I can with a metaphor...
Imagine watching your friend start a new game with a heavy learning curve and a very in depth tutorial. Now compose a story about it from multiple character perspectives. In theory it sounds fascinating, but really it is a lot of reading skills and listening to a kid be spoon fed game hacks while the guide of this story suggests otherwise.
It was very contdictory behavior, but I suppose that is to be expected from the guides race.
Never the less, the story was just lackluster for what I expect in a proclaimed post Apocalypse book. The whole book takes place in a fully functional 20th century hospital. So if you are hoping for looting, scavenging or base building you will be found wanting.
I expect much more from book 2, but I am not on the edge of my seat for it.
This series has potential. This start was a slog though! only finished because it was such an easy read. I don't want to spoil so I will describe this book as best I can with a metaphor...
Imagine watching your friend start a new game with a heavy learning curve and a very in depth tutorial. Now compose a story about it from multiple character perspectives. In theory it sounds fascinating, but really it is a lot of reading skills and listening to a kid be spoon fed game hacks while the guide of this story suggests otherwise.
It was very contdictory behavior, but I suppose that is to be expected from the guides race.
Never the less, the story was just lackluster for what I expect in a proclaimed post Apocalypse book. The whole book takes place in a fully functional 20th century hospital. So if you are hoping for looting, scavenging or base building you will be found wanting.
I expect much more from book 2, but I am not on the edge of my seat for it.
March 21, 2022
Over halfway through the book.. And well its not great.
The dialog is well janky .. I'm not sure if this novel was translated if so.. it was badly done. But it honestly feels more like a novice author just due to the way the dialog was constructed.. naming choice, and the use of typical tropes of this genre.
It's also has a bunch of filler and switching to 3rd person for each of the kobolds that up on the chopping block is just a bad idea since they don't matter. Reading is a time investment.. meaning everything that the author puts into the story.. should be impactful to the story. if you have whole paragraphs of text that end up being meaningless.. then it should be cut in the editing phase.
And the LitRPG mechanics are a bit luck luster.
The dialog is well janky .. I'm not sure if this novel was translated if so.. it was badly done. But it honestly feels more like a novice author just due to the way the dialog was constructed.. naming choice, and the use of typical tropes of this genre.
It's also has a bunch of filler and switching to 3rd person for each of the kobolds that up on the chopping block is just a bad idea since they don't matter. Reading is a time investment.. meaning everything that the author puts into the story.. should be impactful to the story. if you have whole paragraphs of text that end up being meaningless.. then it should be cut in the editing phase.
And the LitRPG mechanics are a bit luck luster.
January 16, 2022
Very enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book a lot as the author has a very unusual way of working the magic in this series. The world building was solid and the character development was good as well. The MC is set up in a way to make you root for him and look forward to seeing how he develops. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will read the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book a lot as the author has a very unusual way of working the magic in this series. The world building was solid and the character development was good as well. The MC is set up in a way to make you root for him and look forward to seeing how he develops. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will read the next book in the series.
February 5, 2022
Poor
Not very well written. Boring with shallow characters and too much emphasis on mechanics. While it still tells a story..It's weak.
Not very well written. Boring with shallow characters and too much emphasis on mechanics. While it still tells a story..It's weak.
February 16, 2022
I don't know what is going on
I have questions and found no answers in this book. The gaming structure is difficult to understand. Something is off about the MC. I skimmed fight scenes because I couldn't picture them. The only reason I will try to continue this series is because I want answers!
I have questions and found no answers in this book. The gaming structure is difficult to understand. Something is off about the MC. I skimmed fight scenes because I couldn't picture them. The only reason I will try to continue this series is because I want answers!
December 9, 2021
Not horrible but confusing
So this book was a bit confusing the system Concepts which I'm having trouble conceptualizing. I guess confusion is my primary concept. Not only is the system that over takes the world confusing it is not well expounded Upon. We know the MCs options but no idea what other options are available to others. No sense of the system can be gleaned easily. Of course the other problem is not much happens. Most of the time the MC is figuring out what to do and by the end has 10 weak kills. Not much progression. Not sure I'll read another book in this series but will see.
So this book was a bit confusing the system Concepts which I'm having trouble conceptualizing. I guess confusion is my primary concept. Not only is the system that over takes the world confusing it is not well expounded Upon. We know the MCs options but no idea what other options are available to others. No sense of the system can be gleaned easily. Of course the other problem is not much happens. Most of the time the MC is figuring out what to do and by the end has 10 weak kills. Not much progression. Not sure I'll read another book in this series but will see.
December 3, 2021
Maybe an editing issue.
Not sure if it’s a translation or editing issue but the story seemed off in several instances. I can see what the writer wanted to achieve but I feel like the story fell very short. I’m also wondering if it’s a translation issue because of the way the author seemed to view America. The story showed decent promise but the writing just killed it for me.
Not sure if it’s a translation or editing issue but the story seemed off in several instances. I can see what the writer wanted to achieve but I feel like the story fell very short. I’m also wondering if it’s a translation issue because of the way the author seemed to view America. The story showed decent promise but the writing just killed it for me.
December 27, 2021
Tiresome, DNF. Loads of pointless bickering and an MC so indecisive that I hoped he'd die. Definitely an Eastern European/Russian flavour to the writing, so if you like that style (specifically, MCs talking too much) you may get more out of this than I did.
September 17, 2025
Left Out By The System (Lonely Apocalypse #1) by Constantin Step
An ambitious post-apocalyptic LitRPG that stumbles under the weight of its own execution despite an intriguing premise.
Plot Summary: Lex Lurker awakens from a three-year coma to discover he's the sole human remaining on Earth after a godlike System has evacuated humanity to undergo "Tutorial" preparation for a merged dimensional reality. Left behind as a "vegetable," Lex finds himself in an abandoned hospital that has become a kobold dungeon, armed only with his hospital gown and an inexplicable knowledge of firearms. Accompanied by Ciesta, a sarcastic talking cat who serves as his guide, Lex must navigate the System's game-like mechanics, complete quests, and develop "Concepts"—abilities based on personal traits—while fighting low-level monsters and uncovering mysterious prophecies about being the "Hope of Humanity" or potentially its villain.
System Mechanics:
The book introduces a cultivation-influenced progression system where characters develop through "Concepts" rather than traditional classes, with statistical growth tied to personal attributes and philosophical understanding. The mechanics blend traditional RPG elements with more abstract character development.
Character Development:
Lex embodies the socially awkward, overlooked protagonist trope, though his rapid adaptation from coma patient to competent survivor strains credibility. His relationship with the mysterious cat companion provides the primary source of exposition and world-building.
Pacing and Structure:
The narrative suffers from significant pacing issues, with much of the action confined to hospital corridors and lengthy exposition sequences. Multiple POV shifts to soon-to-die kobolds add little value while disrupting narrative flow.
Contemporary Comparison: Within the crowded post-apocalyptic LitRPG landscape, Left Out By The System positions itself alongside established series like System Apocalypse by Tao Wong and Defiance of the Fall by TheFirstDefier. However, where those series excel in world-building scope and character agency, Step's work suffers from a more constrained setting and protagonist convenience.
Compared to Dungeon Crawler Carl, which masterfully balances humor with apocalyptic stakes, or The Primal Hunter, which provides satisfying progression mechanics, this entry feels underdeveloped in execution despite its creative premise. The "last human" concept offers unique potential that series like Randidly Ghosthound explore more thoroughly through broader world engagement.
Strengths: Unique "abandoned by System" premise, interesting Concept-based progression system, and genuine attempts at philosophical depth within the LitRPG framework.
Weaknesses: Confined setting, convenient plot resolutions, translation/editing issues, and pacing problems that undermine tension and character development.
Production Context: The work suffers from apparent translation issues or non-native English writing, with frequent grammatical awkwardness and dialogue that feels stilted. The author's note acknowledging the book was split from a larger work explains some pacing issues but doesn't excuse the structural problems.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩ out of 5 glowing stars
March 8, 2022
Decent, but needs work
Good, enjoyable story, but needs a proof reader. Grammar errors are very low, but there's often extra words where author seems to have had two ideas for how to write a sentence, which makes it awkward. Likewise, he seems to forget quest kill counts, and swaps between metric and imperial measurements midway through.
Good, enjoyable story, but needs a proof reader. Grammar errors are very low, but there's often extra words where author seems to have had two ideas for how to write a sentence, which makes it awkward. Likewise, he seems to forget quest kill counts, and swaps between metric and imperial measurements midway through.
November 22, 2021
It shows some promise but!
The concept behind this book shows some real promise following in the footsteps of many apocalyptic LitRPG stories. I was originally only going to give this book two stars but it started to show some promise at the end plus I’ve read final authors notes and realize that this was only half of the beginning story. The issue I found with this book is that the pace is way too slow and by the end of the book he barely made any progress. The beginning of each chapter was a long diatribe on what other characters were doing. Many of these other characters swiftly died after that so it proved to be mostly pointless and just drag down the story. It got to the point where I just skimmed most of the beginning of each chapter. The author pointed out in his notes that the first book was very big so he cut it in two, well with all the added bloat to each chapter I can see why it was so big. In summary it’s good enough to be given a few stars and I won’t blast this book series until I see the next book. But if the next book is as bad with pacing and development as this one (not to mention bloated chapters) then I doubt if I would give it even one star.
The concept behind this book shows some real promise following in the footsteps of many apocalyptic LitRPG stories. I was originally only going to give this book two stars but it started to show some promise at the end plus I’ve read final authors notes and realize that this was only half of the beginning story. The issue I found with this book is that the pace is way too slow and by the end of the book he barely made any progress. The beginning of each chapter was a long diatribe on what other characters were doing. Many of these other characters swiftly died after that so it proved to be mostly pointless and just drag down the story. It got to the point where I just skimmed most of the beginning of each chapter. The author pointed out in his notes that the first book was very big so he cut it in two, well with all the added bloat to each chapter I can see why it was so big. In summary it’s good enough to be given a few stars and I won’t blast this book series until I see the next book. But if the next book is as bad with pacing and development as this one (not to mention bloated chapters) then I doubt if I would give it even one star.
July 28, 2022
Ditched early but warning signs of a bad book
This has all the markings of pretty garbage book though I’ll be honest I didn’t get very far but wanted to warn someone else who might make the mistake of wasting time on this just to bail. There’s no life to the writing, no self awareness or wit to the dialog. It reads like a male Mary Sue - the cliche descriptions of this kids days being invisible and his obsession with the popular pretty girl that turns into a one note power fantasy. This feels like a book written by the straightest, whitest straight white guy around. It’s really just not it - reads like bottom of the barrel fan fiction. Bemused this has so many positive reviews - different strokes for different folks I guess.
This has all the markings of pretty garbage book though I’ll be honest I didn’t get very far but wanted to warn someone else who might make the mistake of wasting time on this just to bail. There’s no life to the writing, no self awareness or wit to the dialog. It reads like a male Mary Sue - the cliche descriptions of this kids days being invisible and his obsession with the popular pretty girl that turns into a one note power fantasy. This feels like a book written by the straightest, whitest straight white guy around. It’s really just not it - reads like bottom of the barrel fan fiction. Bemused this has so many positive reviews - different strokes for different folks I guess.
March 22, 2025
Story of a boring sociopath.
Some of these authors need proper editors and translators. They should also pick up an english comprehension or creative writing class; if they want to publish their works. "Left out by the system" is perfect example of an innovative idea only to fail because of poor execution. The author creates a character who I would catargized "not normal"; which is fine. However, the character is overly complicated and dull. The side characters also suffers the same problem; only highlighting the author's literary inexperience. Simply put, this story sucks BAD. I get the feeling, "Left Out By The System" was written for pre-teens who are disturbed.
If the author is reading this; you messed up when you had a monster eat a kitten. You went full retard.
Some of these authors need proper editors and translators. They should also pick up an english comprehension or creative writing class; if they want to publish their works. "Left out by the system" is perfect example of an innovative idea only to fail because of poor execution. The author creates a character who I would catargized "not normal"; which is fine. However, the character is overly complicated and dull. The side characters also suffers the same problem; only highlighting the author's literary inexperience. Simply put, this story sucks BAD. I get the feeling, "Left Out By The System" was written for pre-teens who are disturbed.
If the author is reading this; you messed up when you had a monster eat a kitten. You went full retard.
January 16, 2025
Oh man... On maybe the second page, there's a countdown from 10: 9. 10. etc... 7. 8. etc... 5. 6. etc... 3. 4. etc... 1.
Is the author OK? This is just... bad. Really bad.
I just picked up KU, and every LitRPG novel I've attempted on here is nearly as bad as all the works from Scamnovel (Webnovel).
The heck is going on? Why does something SO OBVIOUSLY BAD have such good reviews?
Are all the others that read the same genres as me just ... DUMB?
Is the author OK? This is just... bad. Really bad.
I just picked up KU, and every LitRPG novel I've attempted on here is nearly as bad as all the works from Scamnovel (Webnovel).
The heck is going on? Why does something SO OBVIOUSLY BAD have such good reviews?
Are all the others that read the same genres as me just ... DUMB?
April 10, 2022
This was fine.
The only that is great about this book is the system, I really enjoyed how it kind of incorporated a cultivation aspect into it and it’s uses of sub stats.
However, there is a lot of things I feel need looking into. For one, the book takes place over maybe a single day when there is 3 months left until anybody comes back - I was expecting this would end with those three months up but the pace is much slower than anticipated and it could be 2-3 more books before he meets another person.
Another thing was the state of progression, I don’t mind having a glimpse at higher leveled beings and abilities, but when the MC is giving something he can’t use until he’s much much stronger and he gets 1/100th of the way to it by the end of book it worries me about how the fast progression is going to be going forward and whether it will be sped up monstrously or not.
Last thing that bother me was the additional POVs, the enemy ones added basically nothing to the story and took up way too much space in this already short book. Unless they have a part to play in further books (which I doubt) they aren’t really accomplishing anything of note.
Overall this was a fun quick read but it was too short for what it was trying to do and not nearly enough happened.
The only that is great about this book is the system, I really enjoyed how it kind of incorporated a cultivation aspect into it and it’s uses of sub stats.
However, there is a lot of things I feel need looking into. For one, the book takes place over maybe a single day when there is 3 months left until anybody comes back - I was expecting this would end with those three months up but the pace is much slower than anticipated and it could be 2-3 more books before he meets another person.
Another thing was the state of progression, I don’t mind having a glimpse at higher leveled beings and abilities, but when the MC is giving something he can’t use until he’s much much stronger and he gets 1/100th of the way to it by the end of book it worries me about how the fast progression is going to be going forward and whether it will be sped up monstrously or not.
Last thing that bother me was the additional POVs, the enemy ones added basically nothing to the story and took up way too much space in this already short book. Unless they have a part to play in further books (which I doubt) they aren’t really accomplishing anything of note.
Overall this was a fun quick read but it was too short for what it was trying to do and not nearly enough happened.
December 10, 2021
Silver spoon
MC’s weaknesses become strengths too quickly. And he is strangely skilled for a teenager.
His rich (!) mother had him trained in firearms (1911? Of course! And what’s that over there in a security office at a hospital? Of course!), he did yoga for hours daily (as any teenager would), and he doesn’t spend much time thinking about his father (oooh! I wonder if this will be important…). Why yes, he does know a little about dark matter from high school physics! Naturally there is a vet clinic in the same building as a private rich people hospital!!
[sigh]
The system is interesting and the narrative flows well, though the grammar is…off…in strange ways at times (“nor I’m” instead of the more natural ‘nor am I’). And some of the authorial decisions are poorly considered.
I can’t really recommend this one. It’s not *bad*, but it is somewhat immature in conceptual development. At the same time, it was a pretty easy read and *didn’t* overload itself with tropes.
MC’s weaknesses become strengths too quickly. And he is strangely skilled for a teenager.
His rich (!) mother had him trained in firearms (1911? Of course! And what’s that over there in a security office at a hospital? Of course!), he did yoga for hours daily (as any teenager would), and he doesn’t spend much time thinking about his father (oooh! I wonder if this will be important…). Why yes, he does know a little about dark matter from high school physics! Naturally there is a vet clinic in the same building as a private rich people hospital!!
[sigh]
The system is interesting and the narrative flows well, though the grammar is…off…in strange ways at times (“nor I’m” instead of the more natural ‘nor am I’). And some of the authorial decisions are poorly considered.
I can’t really recommend this one. It’s not *bad*, but it is somewhat immature in conceptual development. At the same time, it was a pretty easy read and *didn’t* overload itself with tropes.
January 6, 2022
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: heavy
Harem elements: none
Summary: this was an interesting game system to explore. Always love new concepts.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: heavy
Harem elements: none
Summary: this was an interesting game system to explore. Always love new concepts.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
September 23, 2022
It's not a bad book...
It's hard to give a bad rating to something you spend a good deal of time on, especially something you really want to enjoy. This isn't a bad review, but it's not a great review either. I prefer to listen and read to my books at the same time, but that just doesn't always happen. Reading the book brings out a bunch of things that the narrator fixes, but some things are best read otherwise it just doesn't sink in. The narrator certainly fixes a lot of issues with this book that would be quite annoying to just read, but it does increase the cost of the book quite a bit.
I'm going to read the second book, but I disagree with the author splitting it in two. He should've left it together to make it be worth what he's asking us to spend on it. Sorry man.
It's hard to give a bad rating to something you spend a good deal of time on, especially something you really want to enjoy. This isn't a bad review, but it's not a great review either. I prefer to listen and read to my books at the same time, but that just doesn't always happen. Reading the book brings out a bunch of things that the narrator fixes, but some things are best read otherwise it just doesn't sink in. The narrator certainly fixes a lot of issues with this book that would be quite annoying to just read, but it does increase the cost of the book quite a bit.
I'm going to read the second book, but I disagree with the author splitting it in two. He should've left it together to make it be worth what he's asking us to spend on it. Sorry man.
October 6, 2022
Essentially, an awkward, academically gifted loner kid gets in an accident 'protecting' the girl he has a crush on, and when he awakens from a coma months later, he finds himself inside an MMORPG, basically. It's not the most original idea, but at the same time, I enjoyed the popcorn-style lighthearted format of the book, following Lex Lurker (cringe) as he learns about the new alternate world he lives in, levels up and gains abilities, and fights some low level baddies. There's not much arc or resolution to this novel, as it functionally is just Lex going through the tutorial period of his new video game lifestyle, with the vast majority of the content left unsaid.
All of that said, it was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the nice break from more 'serious' books for a bit. The writing is decent, and the narration on the audiobook is well above average.
All of that said, it was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the nice break from more 'serious' books for a bit. The writing is decent, and the narration on the audiobook is well above average.
September 1, 2024
Not a lot really happens.
The main character is this is a cool, confident leader who almost always grows up to be a powerful tyrant having been groomed for that from birth as we are told. In actions he is an incredibly nervous, stammering, bumbling weakling.
Then he gets whisked into another world that is a mirror of his earth with dragons etc. but he never leaves his hospital where he can fight kobolds.
His love interest's story is honestly the more interesting one but she gets no time in the book. There's lots of prophecy, chosen one, special MC, sarcastic cat etc. But I've just seen it done better elsewhere.
The story could really, really do with proper pacing and things happening. It's just so slow and lumbering in places that it's easy to get distracted by anything else. Needs an editor to attack it a bit. The narration was fine.
The main character is this is a cool, confident leader who almost always grows up to be a powerful tyrant having been groomed for that from birth as we are told. In actions he is an incredibly nervous, stammering, bumbling weakling.
Then he gets whisked into another world that is a mirror of his earth with dragons etc. but he never leaves his hospital where he can fight kobolds.
His love interest's story is honestly the more interesting one but she gets no time in the book. There's lots of prophecy, chosen one, special MC, sarcastic cat etc. But I've just seen it done better elsewhere.
The story could really, really do with proper pacing and things happening. It's just so slow and lumbering in places that it's easy to get distracted by anything else. Needs an editor to attack it a bit. The narration was fine.
July 8, 2022
This book seems to be one big meme. There are so many meme concepts that are built into the book as a foundation.
What I read so far isn't of interest to me.
I think this is where I part with the series. Too many POVs and too many memes. The protagonist is some anime tier character that stutters when he speaks to girls. I thought this would be some guy using his wits to defeat his enemies and gain power.
2.5/5 Stars
What I read so far isn't of interest to me.
I think this is where I part with the series. Too many POVs and too many memes. The protagonist is some anime tier character that stutters when he speaks to girls. I thought this would be some guy using his wits to defeat his enemies and gain power.
2.5/5 Stars
April 4, 2025
I have to say... if the book hadn't been this short, I wouldn't have finished.
This could have done with a lot more editing, the main character is one of the least independent people I've ever read about, and the story (so far, very short story after all) was lackluster.
The system style was new, but not really all that engaging for me. I din't get curious enough about where it could go, either. It seemed like an add-on idea more than part of the whole. And the "banter" wasn't either funny or interesting.
And all that after I really, really enjoyed the premise. The idea sounded absolutely intriguing.
It just didn't deliver for me.
I won't be continuing this series. Still really like the premise, but not enough to go on with this writing, I'm afraid.
This could have done with a lot more editing, the main character is one of the least independent people I've ever read about, and the story (so far, very short story after all) was lackluster.
The system style was new, but not really all that engaging for me. I din't get curious enough about where it could go, either. It seemed like an add-on idea more than part of the whole. And the "banter" wasn't either funny or interesting.
And all that after I really, really enjoyed the premise. The idea sounded absolutely intriguing.
It just didn't deliver for me.
I won't be continuing this series. Still really like the premise, but not enough to go on with this writing, I'm afraid.
January 28, 2022
While this book does have issues, namely violating the principle of Keep it Simply Stupid (KISS), with its need to tell the reader what percentage stats have in a certain skill. For instance his luck is based on 10% charisma and 90% fate.
Another problem with the book is, in one paragraph the system is telling him you can no longer do this, but then lets him do it anyway in the next paragraph with no explanation on why he can do this.
The author could really have used someone to rip a part the book to correct several continuity errors, but I am looking forward to the second part of the book.
Another problem with the book is, in one paragraph the system is telling him you can no longer do this, but then lets him do it anyway in the next paragraph with no explanation on why he can do this.
The author could really have used someone to rip a part the book to correct several continuity errors, but I am looking forward to the second part of the book.
May 1, 2022
quaint story in dire need of an editor
I like the premise of the story. The writing can be improved with a good editor as the author tends to phrase things oddly at an inverse, which reads clumsily. Cut scenes to other characters lead to no where and really don't need to be present, and feels like they wrote them to meet a word count. Likewise a lot of the verbose writing is unneeded, making you skim entire paragraphs that are redundant.
In all honesty, if this weren't a Kindle Unlimited book, I would not recommend reading. This is a good filler book while your next favorite series releases.
I like the premise of the story. The writing can be improved with a good editor as the author tends to phrase things oddly at an inverse, which reads clumsily. Cut scenes to other characters lead to no where and really don't need to be present, and feels like they wrote them to meet a word count. Likewise a lot of the verbose writing is unneeded, making you skim entire paragraphs that are redundant.
In all honesty, if this weren't a Kindle Unlimited book, I would not recommend reading. This is a good filler book while your next favorite series releases.
October 30, 2023
read the author’s note
I enjoyed this story a lot, and after reaching the end and seeing the author’s note, a lot of the things I had critique for now make sense to wait until seeing the next part.
I will say it’s very clear that English is note the first language here, so there are a lot of grammar errors which do read as translation hiccups, rather than outright bad grammar. I did think the perspective shifts a bit too rapidly, especially as the protagonist is in first person but the other perspectives aren’t, which was very jarring at the beginning.
Other than that, I’m enjoying it so far!
I enjoyed this story a lot, and after reaching the end and seeing the author’s note, a lot of the things I had critique for now make sense to wait until seeing the next part.
I will say it’s very clear that English is note the first language here, so there are a lot of grammar errors which do read as translation hiccups, rather than outright bad grammar. I did think the perspective shifts a bit too rapidly, especially as the protagonist is in first person but the other perspectives aren’t, which was very jarring at the beginning.
Other than that, I’m enjoying it so far!
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