What do you think?
Rate this book
Natural Laws Apocalypse #6
System Shift
Marc and his party are seeking the sarcophagus that they were sent on a quest to find, only to discover that it is now protected by far more than just the Guardian they'd been told would await them.
When they return to Any Port, Marc discovers that Bastet's obsession with Beggar has reached new heights, forcing Beggar and Marc into taking action to foil Bastet's plan to kidnap the raccoon.
Felicia has realized that they're approaching the holidays and she decides to set up a minor celebration for the kids of the Safe Zone. Her ideas spur Marc into doing the same for the later holidays. As a result of his actions the Menagerie also gains a new exhibit, a turkey nearly the size of Marc that shows signs of rudimentary intelligence.
To the relief of Marc and his group, they're finally able to transport Zeus and the other gods out of Any Port. When they arrive at their destination Zeus gives them a series of quests. Marc is going to be power leveled, even if it kills him.
The group discovers that many of the ancient Greek legendary creatures are once again alive, and it will be their job to remove them.
When they return to Any Port, Marc discovers that Bastet's obsession with Beggar has reached new heights, forcing Beggar and Marc into taking action to foil Bastet's plan to kidnap the raccoon.
Felicia has realized that they're approaching the holidays and she decides to set up a minor celebration for the kids of the Safe Zone. Her ideas spur Marc into doing the same for the later holidays. As a result of his actions the Menagerie also gains a new exhibit, a turkey nearly the size of Marc that shows signs of rudimentary intelligence.
To the relief of Marc and his group, they're finally able to transport Zeus and the other gods out of Any Port. When they arrive at their destination Zeus gives them a series of quests. Marc is going to be power leveled, even if it kills him.
The group discovers that many of the ancient Greek legendary creatures are once again alive, and it will be their job to remove them.
589 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2023
461 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Tom Larcombe
31 books244 followersTom Larcombe was introduced to fantasy books at a young age. Those that were aimed more at children hooked him in, but not well enough for him to remember their names at this point in his life. Their draw led him to books aimed more for the adult reader and so he found himself, at around age eight, starting in on the Steven R Donaldson 'Thomas Covenant' series and the Hobbit, followed shortly thereafter by The Lord of the Rings books.
His reading tastes have never looked back, although they have broadened to include science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book.
He lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a variable number of chickens.
His reading tastes have never looked back, although they have broadened to include science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book.
He lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a variable number of chickens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 10, 2023
Rating 3.5 stars
I feel this series has run it's course with me. It has always been okay, never too exciting but interesting enough. Now it is just more of the same. There really isn't any character development. It is fighting over and over again. The addition of the gods hasn't really done anything for me. Parts of the book were interesting and then other parts were really boring. I skipped a lot toward the end. It really didn't hold my interest anymore.
I feel this series has run it's course with me. It has always been okay, never too exciting but interesting enough. Now it is just more of the same. There really isn't any character development. It is fighting over and over again. The addition of the gods hasn't really done anything for me. Parts of the book were interesting and then other parts were really boring. I skipped a lot toward the end. It really didn't hold my interest anymore.
February 24, 2024
4.25 stars. Beggar isn't my favorite character, and he was given a good deal of focus in this book.
February 10, 2023
Not a bad entry in the series. I think it got a little sidetracked with the greek gods thread, but I'm guessing they'll play a pivotal role later on down the line, so can't be too mad about it. Even with that, there was still some decent base building, more new skills, and of course, our favorite animal growing (both literally and figuratively), and of course, the new fuzzy is just too cool. Hope beggar can make her what she's trying to become. Very cool entry, looking forward to more.
January 20, 2023
I enjoyed it
Not amazing. A bit workman-like. But the series is quite serviceable and has some interesting ideas.
I look forward to buying book 7.
Not amazing. A bit workman-like. But the series is quite serviceable and has some interesting ideas.
I look forward to buying book 7.
March 13, 2023
Getting less happy with this series. Author spending more and more time explaining the MC's moral reasoning but it's just coming off as "moral superiority". Don't really care for the trope portrayal of a meek man and dominant woman. I have no idea how many times the author tells us the MC and his girlfriend are having sex, but it's not really adding anything to the story at all. Yes we get it, they are having sex. Yes, the guy never initiates, only the woman because it's socially unacceptable right now for a guy to pursue a woman, and guys like it when women initiate sex (despite the studies out there that show that women like to be pursued, like guys to initiate sexual activity, and have the best sex when they are in monogamous relationships).
Author made comments about a male character liking another male character, then made a point to show how uncomfortable this made the male character--even comparing it to the negative sterio-type of men ogling women. Grats on both virtue signaling, and on likely pissing off the LGBTQ community with the guys reaction to being hit on by another guy (first time I've seen that lol). Gotta give the author props though on portraying the "hit upon" characters reaction realistically instead of going the usual path of "being flattered and bending over backwards to show support to the gay character and making it SUPER clear that while they are not gay, they COMPLETELY support that," cliche.
Up until now the author has done a fair job at not using a lot of buzz words and RL political or social crap, or at least balancing his comments out with more than one view point. I would much rather authors who right fantasy books stay away from controversial topics entirely. As I have said dozens of times--I read fantasy books to get away from RL for a few hours and relax, not to be bombarded even more with the authors personal views on current politics, social issues, sexuality, etc. I'm hear to read about dragons, magic, and adventure--not about the authors personal views on society, politics, sexuality, religion, or anything else.
Author made comments about a male character liking another male character, then made a point to show how uncomfortable this made the male character--even comparing it to the negative sterio-type of men ogling women. Grats on both virtue signaling, and on likely pissing off the LGBTQ community with the guys reaction to being hit on by another guy (first time I've seen that lol). Gotta give the author props though on portraying the "hit upon" characters reaction realistically instead of going the usual path of "being flattered and bending over backwards to show support to the gay character and making it SUPER clear that while they are not gay, they COMPLETELY support that," cliche.
Up until now the author has done a fair job at not using a lot of buzz words and RL political or social crap, or at least balancing his comments out with more than one view point. I would much rather authors who right fantasy books stay away from controversial topics entirely. As I have said dozens of times--I read fantasy books to get away from RL for a few hours and relax, not to be bombarded even more with the authors personal views on current politics, social issues, sexuality, etc. I'm hear to read about dragons, magic, and adventure--not about the authors personal views on society, politics, sexuality, religion, or anything else.
March 29, 2023
Let me sum up this book. Nothing happened.
There was some talking. Some fighting. Some overly long descriptions of skills and practice/use of skills.
None of it matters.
It feels like the author just sat down and started typing a stream of consciousness about whatever random thing the characters might have happen in a given day/week/month.
Unfortunately for me the writing isn't strong enough to keep my interest for this level of minutiae on slice of life and I don't feel the "rules" on skills or whatever matter for combat, so it makes that meaningless and boring as well.
I ended up skimming/skipping through large chunks of the second half of the book. I may try the next book in the series, but it definitely seems like this has gone to the realm of pad out the word count instead of writing a compelling story.
There was some talking. Some fighting. Some overly long descriptions of skills and practice/use of skills.
None of it matters.
It feels like the author just sat down and started typing a stream of consciousness about whatever random thing the characters might have happen in a given day/week/month.
Unfortunately for me the writing isn't strong enough to keep my interest for this level of minutiae on slice of life and I don't feel the "rules" on skills or whatever matter for combat, so it makes that meaningless and boring as well.
I ended up skimming/skipping through large chunks of the second half of the book. I may try the next book in the series, but it definitely seems like this has gone to the realm of pad out the word count instead of writing a compelling story.
November 13, 2023
Being Fair
This was the best of the Natural Laws books so far. There was a lot of action, which is the strength of this series. The dungeons were clever and well thought out. I enjoy the game mechanic of Marc being able to manipulate the spells he already knows in order to get different affects.
Unfortunately we can't stay in the dungeon forever, and sooner or later we have to return to Any Port. Entire chapters of Marc wandering around, drinking his latte and not remembering any ones name.
The business with questing for Zeus is fun. Dealing with Bastet and her crush on Beggar is not. Neither is the constant petty childishness they dump on each other in their party.
I like the world building done here. There are some cool ideas, and lots of great directions it could go. But Marcus is pretty much oblivious to everything. He has this superior access to the system, but hasn't even spoken to it since the Greeks showed up.
Eight books in the series, two to go. I have no idea how Tom is going to wrap this up.
All in all I wish that this series was more consistent. When they are in a dungeon, it is great. When they're in town, it is not.
Read every day and read for fun! Cheers!
This was the best of the Natural Laws books so far. There was a lot of action, which is the strength of this series. The dungeons were clever and well thought out. I enjoy the game mechanic of Marc being able to manipulate the spells he already knows in order to get different affects.
Unfortunately we can't stay in the dungeon forever, and sooner or later we have to return to Any Port. Entire chapters of Marc wandering around, drinking his latte and not remembering any ones name.
The business with questing for Zeus is fun. Dealing with Bastet and her crush on Beggar is not. Neither is the constant petty childishness they dump on each other in their party.
I like the world building done here. There are some cool ideas, and lots of great directions it could go. But Marcus is pretty much oblivious to everything. He has this superior access to the system, but hasn't even spoken to it since the Greeks showed up.
Eight books in the series, two to go. I have no idea how Tom is going to wrap this up.
All in all I wish that this series was more consistent. When they are in a dungeon, it is great. When they're in town, it is not.
Read every day and read for fun! Cheers!
January 22, 2023
A lot of grinding, but still engaging
I liked that Marc and team are willing to help the Greeks and Egyptians, but aren’t naïve enough to trust them, or their motivations. What would happen if our MC’s experience something that force levels them up to equal the Greeks and Egyptians? Would they be so friendly? Or would they form some sort of peace by each group staying on their own continent?
I’m interested to see Marc develop his understanding of magic further. Since math is such a passion for him, this new branch should be his catnip, and yet, he didn’t crack open one of his math texts once, in this book.
I liked that Marc and team are willing to help the Greeks and Egyptians, but aren’t naïve enough to trust them, or their motivations. What would happen if our MC’s experience something that force levels them up to equal the Greeks and Egyptians? Would they be so friendly? Or would they form some sort of peace by each group staying on their own continent?
I’m interested to see Marc develop his understanding of magic further. Since math is such a passion for him, this new branch should be his catnip, and yet, he didn’t crack open one of his math texts once, in this book.
February 8, 2023
The story continues with a more global twist. While parts of this book are interesting, there are sections that I didn't like that much. Besides Jeff still being an ass and not likable to me at all, the addition of gods doesn't do anything for me. I find them annoying and I don't think that, at this point in the story, add all that much to the tale. Yes our party gets more quests, now in Greece, and the gods are trying stuff...but that's about it. Feels like a big windup to something, or else it's more of a filler during which our party finds new ways to get experience. I hope this god-arc will end soon and more interesting adventures arive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
Worst Book of Series
Really boring compared to the rest of the series. Before I go on, a plead to the author; "Please either kill Jeff off or better yet, find a Safe Zone for him far away from Any Port"! There's a lot of pages that can be skimmed in this novel, just unnecessary filler about holidays, constant repeating lines from other books of the series, and Jeff being an ass. I will definitely read the next one of the series, but introducing the gods wasn't the greatest of ideas, plus a lot of hanging story lines. Not much developing with the story lines they introduced.
Really boring compared to the rest of the series. Before I go on, a plead to the author; "Please either kill Jeff off or better yet, find a Safe Zone for him far away from Any Port"! There's a lot of pages that can be skimmed in this novel, just unnecessary filler about holidays, constant repeating lines from other books of the series, and Jeff being an ass. I will definitely read the next one of the series, but introducing the gods wasn't the greatest of ideas, plus a lot of hanging story lines. Not much developing with the story lines they introduced.
February 4, 2023
Bah humbug
I skimmed maybe like 2/3s of the book. The best part of the book is beggar, he is awesome and its nice to see the bond. 0thee than that I noticed something that should not have been said especially from Mark "“Normally it's my own choice to play the game or not with no negative repercussions"" really ?
The main characters have the man child thing going on.
It's book 6 and they still act like newbs.
I skimmed maybe like 2/3s of the book. The best part of the book is beggar, he is awesome and its nice to see the bond. 0thee than that I noticed something that should not have been said especially from Mark "“Normally it's my own choice to play the game or not with no negative repercussions"" really ?
The main characters have the man child thing going on.
It's book 6 and they still act like newbs.
February 9, 2023
One of the best so far!
While the story feels a little like a twisted "Percy Jackson" novel it is only due to the subject matter. Love how the author is trying to recreate a "normal" holiday season, and how Zeus twists holiday into Holy Day.
Tension between the current and prior inhabitants of earth have been building in this book and I feel christmas will be more of a nightmare for Begger in the next book.
While the story feels a little like a twisted "Percy Jackson" novel it is only due to the subject matter. Love how the author is trying to recreate a "normal" holiday season, and how Zeus twists holiday into Holy Day.
Tension between the current and prior inhabitants of earth have been building in this book and I feel christmas will be more of a nightmare for Begger in the next book.
February 10, 2023
Really Enjoyed This One
It’s been a fun ride as usual with this series. Love the progression of the characters and the antics especially in dealing with a particular high leveled nuisance. Maybe it’s just because I’m always so engrossed is the story but it kinda felt like an odd place to end it. Thoroughly enjoyed everything though, I’m sure there was a purpose for it. Always appreciate the work put into these stories. Can’t wait for the next one.
It’s been a fun ride as usual with this series. Love the progression of the characters and the antics especially in dealing with a particular high leveled nuisance. Maybe it’s just because I’m always so engrossed is the story but it kinda felt like an odd place to end it. Thoroughly enjoyed everything though, I’m sure there was a purpose for it. Always appreciate the work put into these stories. Can’t wait for the next one.
February 23, 2023
good, but more like a holiday episode
Enjoyed the book but it’s a bit like the campy holiday episode in a tv show without a lot of plot advancement. The focus is on keeping people in Any Port happy through Halloween, a zoo/ menagerie, hot tubs, Thanksgiving, etc. A bit about some higher level issues but at least half is focused on those entertainment aspects.
I know some people love those types of episodes, but I personally get a bit bored and skip them.
Enjoyed the book but it’s a bit like the campy holiday episode in a tv show without a lot of plot advancement. The focus is on keeping people in Any Port happy through Halloween, a zoo/ menagerie, hot tubs, Thanksgiving, etc. A bit about some higher level issues but at least half is focused on those entertainment aspects.
I know some people love those types of episodes, but I personally get a bit bored and skip them.
February 26, 2023
fluff
This book is mostly fluff all the action scenes last a few cages but a conversation between me and another last for CHAPTERS you run on with so many things in the book and for some reason you have to reiterate all the facts about a skill, characters, or literally anything over and over everytime it’s brought up just write the damn book without trying to make 3/4 of the book the characters eating and talking I mean seriously
This book is mostly fluff all the action scenes last a few cages but a conversation between me and another last for CHAPTERS you run on with so many things in the book and for some reason you have to reiterate all the facts about a skill, characters, or literally anything over and over everytime it’s brought up just write the damn book without trying to make 3/4 of the book the characters eating and talking I mean seriously
April 28, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series
I got into the LitRPG genre about a year and a half ago kind of on accident. Fast forward 8 months and this series shows up as a kindle recommendation. I’d never read a system book so I gave it a shot. To my delight, it’s awesome! Now I intentionally look forward to the next book in the series and for the last two releases, stopped whatever I was reading to start these. Do yourself a favor and pick up this whole series.
I got into the LitRPG genre about a year and a half ago kind of on accident. Fast forward 8 months and this series shows up as a kindle recommendation. I’d never read a system book so I gave it a shot. To my delight, it’s awesome! Now I intentionally look forward to the next book in the series and for the last two releases, stopped whatever I was reading to start these. Do yourself a favor and pick up this whole series.
January 22, 2023
good book
Okay , so this wasn’t the best in the series kind felt like the writer was bored , there is action a bit of humour and a couple of new progressions but nothing to the excitement in the first four
The series on the whole is great first 4 books , last 2 not so much
Keep writing looking forward to how you progress this story
Okay , so this wasn’t the best in the series kind felt like the writer was bored , there is action a bit of humour and a couple of new progressions but nothing to the excitement in the first four
The series on the whole is great first 4 books , last 2 not so much
Keep writing looking forward to how you progress this story
February 27, 2023
Kill him
Can we just kill Jeff? Not a joke I'm ready to stop reading the series this character is somewhat unlikeable he is just flat out unpleasant. The author was moving in a direction to make him at least bearable and then backtracked. Just kill him and put him out and f my misery
Can we just kill Jeff? Not a joke I'm ready to stop reading the series this character is somewhat unlikeable he is just flat out unpleasant. The author was moving in a direction to make him at least bearable and then backtracked. Just kill him and put him out and f my misery
March 29, 2023
KU Review
Less focus on base building and more on furthering the plot line of the gods. I really enjoy the interplay between characters and it’s easy to find correlation with personalities you encounter everyday.
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.
Less focus on base building and more on furthering the plot line of the gods. I really enjoy the interplay between characters and it’s easy to find correlation with personalities you encounter everyday.
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.
January 23, 2023
Great story
The story is great but the mc just seems to be going along with things. You see a few times where he puts his foot down but...
Still I look forward to the next book. A bit of a slow burn series though
The story is great but the mc just seems to be going along with things. You see a few times where he puts his foot down but...
Still I look forward to the next book. A bit of a slow burn series though
January 28, 2023
This continues to be a well thought out litrpg.
This continues to be a well thought out litrpg. I enjoy the byplay and discussions and will continue reading more as they are written. Waiting to hear it as well.
This continues to be a well thought out litrpg. I enjoy the byplay and discussions and will continue reading more as they are written. Waiting to hear it as well.
February 3, 2023
Good story as I have like this series from the get go great characters and story line getting a bit fed up with the gods etc but beggar is good fun
Keep up the good work Tom don’t let it become the same ole crap others are putting out 👍👍
Keep up the good work Tom don’t let it become the same ole crap others are putting out 👍👍
February 18, 2023
Enjoyed it but feels lik a half step
Still enjoyable story, but what makes it fun and different from the other stuff out there wasn't present.
Let's wait for the second half of this novel.
Still enjoyable story, but what makes it fun and different from the other stuff out there wasn't present.
Let's wait for the second half of this novel.
February 23, 2023
Fantastic Series
Absolutely loving this series. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. The world building is great, characters have depth and individuality, and the pace of the books are progressing nicely.
Absolutely loving this series. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. The world building is great, characters have depth and individuality, and the pace of the books are progressing nicely.
March 11, 2023
It was good
It was a good next book to the series, I didn't care for the next episode setup at the end but it's understandable. Happy to read another, these have been worth the time to read.
It was a good next book to the series, I didn't care for the next episode setup at the end but it's understandable. Happy to read another, these have been worth the time to read.
March 19, 2023
A good balance
An excellent balance of all the core litrpg attributes. Town building, adventuring, powering up and fantasy escapism. Love the routine in place here. Can't wait for the next book.
An excellent balance of all the core litrpg attributes. Town building, adventuring, powering up and fantasy escapism. Love the routine in place here. Can't wait for the next book.
March 24, 2023
Sad and disappointed
This series has been moving along well. But this book gave the appearance of being rushed or written by a completely different person. This book might have been written for preteens or kids. A departure from the rest of the series.
This series has been moving along well. But this book gave the appearance of being rushed or written by a completely different person. This book might have been written for preteens or kids. A departure from the rest of the series.
April 19, 2023
Story continues.
Good story line, just can't see where it's going. Key characters running around for others. Not focusing on their people, safe zones . Does not fit into the main characters previous actions.
Good story line, just can't see where it's going. Key characters running around for others. Not focusing on their people, safe zones . Does not fit into the main characters previous actions.
April 25, 2023
Enjoyed catching up on Marc and friends.
Love Beggar and Matilda. It had been a while since I read book five so it was great catching up. Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to book seven! Recommend this series.
Love Beggar and Matilda. It had been a while since I read book five so it was great catching up. Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to book seven! Recommend this series.
April 25, 2023
Great read
Intriguing story line, excellent characterizations, good dialogue, well thought out plot twists, and well described action scenes. I am !looking forward to the continuation of this series. Highly recommended.
Intriguing story line, excellent characterizations, good dialogue, well thought out plot twists, and well described action scenes. I am !looking forward to the continuation of this series. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews