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System Orphans : Claire #1
Apocalypse Assassin
Don't be distracted. Trust the Quest. Kill your target.
Ten years ago, the world changed. The System brought dungeons and monsters to earth. Billions were lost.
While most try to rebuild, Claire chooses to take revenge on the people who took advantage of orphans in the chaos - one hundred names, one hundred targets.
In this often brutal story about a world in chaos, Claire will kill every target on her list. No matter what it takes.
Apocalypse Assassin takes the reader through an alternate world where people delve into dungeons to grow stronger, Skills bring magic to life, and the world rebuilds.
All while Claire kills anyone whose name appears on her list.
About the series: System Orphans is set in a post-apocalypse fantasy & LitRPG world, where each story will follow a different orphan in their altered environment. Claire's story, which will be written over at least three books, is the first in this elegant yet brutal fantasy. With magic, dungeons, and twists you didn't see coming, you're likely to love, or love to hate, this killer teenager.
Claire's story is inspired by movies like 'Red Sparrow' and 'John Wick', while drawing inspiration from LitRPGs such as 'System Apocalypse' by Tao Wong and 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' by Matt Dinniman.
The series is recommended for young adults and older, since it includes excessive language, brutal fights, and a great deal of death. The series will have no sexual or sexualized content.
Ten years ago, the world changed. The System brought dungeons and monsters to earth. Billions were lost.
While most try to rebuild, Claire chooses to take revenge on the people who took advantage of orphans in the chaos - one hundred names, one hundred targets.
In this often brutal story about a world in chaos, Claire will kill every target on her list. No matter what it takes.
Apocalypse Assassin takes the reader through an alternate world where people delve into dungeons to grow stronger, Skills bring magic to life, and the world rebuilds.
All while Claire kills anyone whose name appears on her list.
About the series: System Orphans is set in a post-apocalypse fantasy & LitRPG world, where each story will follow a different orphan in their altered environment. Claire's story, which will be written over at least three books, is the first in this elegant yet brutal fantasy. With magic, dungeons, and twists you didn't see coming, you're likely to love, or love to hate, this killer teenager.
Claire's story is inspired by movies like 'Red Sparrow' and 'John Wick', while drawing inspiration from LitRPGs such as 'System Apocalypse' by Tao Wong and 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' by Matt Dinniman.
The series is recommended for young adults and older, since it includes excessive language, brutal fights, and a great deal of death. The series will have no sexual or sexualized content.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
187 people are currently reading
2805 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 16, 2024
I wasn't taken by this story. It had all the right ingredients but left my mental palate unmoved... perhaps because the protagonist was so self-absorbed.
Claire had a terrible past and deserved justice. Cue the revenge music. The trouble was that she took revenge on people that the reader didn't know. These villains were only on-screen long enough for a fight and then the tale moved on. With no emotional setup, there's no hope of a payoff.
The magic system and world-building were nothing new to progression/system stories. The setting was a little incongruous... I think the fact that so much of this genre is set in medieval cultures, the author accidentally stained their post-modern setting with a historical vibe. There were no pop-culture references, nobody scoured libraries for low-tech engineering solutions, and no scientists researched what made modern tech fail.
Overall, it seems a little half-hearted and stale.
Claire had a terrible past and deserved justice. Cue the revenge music. The trouble was that she took revenge on people that the reader didn't know. These villains were only on-screen long enough for a fight and then the tale moved on. With no emotional setup, there's no hope of a payoff.
The magic system and world-building were nothing new to progression/system stories. The setting was a little incongruous... I think the fact that so much of this genre is set in medieval cultures, the author accidentally stained their post-modern setting with a historical vibe. There were no pop-culture references, nobody scoured libraries for low-tech engineering solutions, and no scientists researched what made modern tech fail.
Overall, it seems a little half-hearted and stale.
January 23, 2024
Apocalypse Assassin: System Orphans – Claire is the first book in a new literary role playing game/fantasy story by author J. J. Thorn. The book is well-written and I think that many young adults will enjoy this story tremendously.
Apocalypse Assassin is the story of Claire, a 16-year-old girl who became an orphan during the apocalypse. Having survived for years in this new world, Claire now has one goal and that is to assassinate the 100 people on her list, people that have taken advantage of her and the other orphans like her. A few years ago, the “system” destroyed Claire’s world by bringing monsters to the Earth. So many people were lost and the Earth was changed completely and needs to be remade. Claire, on the other hand, does not care about remaking Earth she only cares about ridding the world of those who hurt the orphans that were left behind. That is her only objective and she is determined that she will not fail. While her obsession for revenge often gets her into trouble, there is no way that she will stop. Along the way she does gain partners in her quest but, even as they obtain new skills, so do their enemies.
This is a story that takes readers into a completely different world where these characters are able to gain skills that make them stronger and these skills bring more magic to aid them in their quests. It is a tale that will definitely hold the attention of the reader but it is far from a happy one and there is much in the story that readers need to be aware of as they delve into the story such as torture that these orphans go through and the overall darkness of the plot.
I was of two minds when I read the book. First and foremost, it is an extremely well-written story that is full of so many twists and turns that you can never be sure of what will happen next. In addition Claire is a strong, well-developed, and captivating character. While it is hard to see what Claire and the others have gone through, she is a likeable albeit very damaged character and one that the reader will come to care about. The dialogue in the story is well done and it is an interesting plot that will keep you involved from first page to last.
On the other hand, there is much about this story that I found hard to read. I think that the backstory could have been explained in a better way rather than just through the headers in each chapter. I am sure that not everyone will agree with my opinion, but I just felt that more explanation was needed. Trigger warnings apply, involving the killing and torturing of many children.
That said, I would recommend Apocalypse Assassin to others. Overall, the author has given us a very well-written story with many great characters and villains that are so evil and cruel it is a pleasure to watch as Claire destroys them one at a time. The role play factor is amazing making readers feel like a character in a video game. I think the book will be a huge success with many readers and it will be interesting to see what happens with the characters as they grow and learn and progress in their goals.
Apocalypse Assassin is the story of Claire, a 16-year-old girl who became an orphan during the apocalypse. Having survived for years in this new world, Claire now has one goal and that is to assassinate the 100 people on her list, people that have taken advantage of her and the other orphans like her. A few years ago, the “system” destroyed Claire’s world by bringing monsters to the Earth. So many people were lost and the Earth was changed completely and needs to be remade. Claire, on the other hand, does not care about remaking Earth she only cares about ridding the world of those who hurt the orphans that were left behind. That is her only objective and she is determined that she will not fail. While her obsession for revenge often gets her into trouble, there is no way that she will stop. Along the way she does gain partners in her quest but, even as they obtain new skills, so do their enemies.
This is a story that takes readers into a completely different world where these characters are able to gain skills that make them stronger and these skills bring more magic to aid them in their quests. It is a tale that will definitely hold the attention of the reader but it is far from a happy one and there is much in the story that readers need to be aware of as they delve into the story such as torture that these orphans go through and the overall darkness of the plot.
I was of two minds when I read the book. First and foremost, it is an extremely well-written story that is full of so many twists and turns that you can never be sure of what will happen next. In addition Claire is a strong, well-developed, and captivating character. While it is hard to see what Claire and the others have gone through, she is a likeable albeit very damaged character and one that the reader will come to care about. The dialogue in the story is well done and it is an interesting plot that will keep you involved from first page to last.
On the other hand, there is much about this story that I found hard to read. I think that the backstory could have been explained in a better way rather than just through the headers in each chapter. I am sure that not everyone will agree with my opinion, but I just felt that more explanation was needed. Trigger warnings apply, involving the killing and torturing of many children.
That said, I would recommend Apocalypse Assassin to others. Overall, the author has given us a very well-written story with many great characters and villains that are so evil and cruel it is a pleasure to watch as Claire destroys them one at a time. The role play factor is amazing making readers feel like a character in a video game. I think the book will be a huge success with many readers and it will be interesting to see what happens with the characters as they grow and learn and progress in their goals.
June 30, 2023
Claire was orphaned during the apocalypse. Years later, she has one mission: to assassinate the 100 people on her list, the people who took advantage of orphans like her.
Claire is sixteen, but don't expect anything cute in this novel. It's pretty grim. I did like that she had friends, and her social group expanded to include some interesting characters. They kept things from being grimdark.
I also liked that the skills gained from the system could be so... random? Well not random, but equal to what people actually do. For example, a person can get administrative skills, which are useless in a dungeon, but perfect for running a city. Overall, I found the whole system unique, and interesting.
As for Claire, her obsession with retribution gets her into trouble, but she can't stop. No matter the consequences, she has to see it through. But she's gaining allies, so I'm excited to see what she's going to do next.
I just want to say here, there is no sexual content at all. What happened to the orphans was horrible, but it didn't involve child trafficking, or anything else like that. There is child harm, but no SA.
Claire is sixteen, but don't expect anything cute in this novel. It's pretty grim. I did like that she had friends, and her social group expanded to include some interesting characters. They kept things from being grimdark.
I also liked that the skills gained from the system could be so... random? Well not random, but equal to what people actually do. For example, a person can get administrative skills, which are useless in a dungeon, but perfect for running a city. Overall, I found the whole system unique, and interesting.
As for Claire, her obsession with retribution gets her into trouble, but she can't stop. No matter the consequences, she has to see it through. But she's gaining allies, so I'm excited to see what she's going to do next.
I just want to say here, there is no sexual content at all. What happened to the orphans was horrible, but it didn't involve child trafficking, or anything else like that. There is child harm, but no SA.
June 18, 2023
I was quickly captivated with Claire's story, which was in part due to Andrea Parsneau's skillful narration in this dark apocalyptic litRPG. Where revenge is the name of the game and Clare will stop at nothing to finish her quest! But people are snooping into her dealings. Hummm... While Claire levels up, her targets are getting stronger too...
I love JJ Thorn world building technique as he gives us easily digestible bite sized chunks, instead of resorting to an info dump that is so often clunky and will pull the reader outta the narrative every time. And here again Andrea Parsneau keeps the reader on track 👣 LOL.
The only downside I could find is that the second book hasn't been released yet.
I love JJ Thorn world building technique as he gives us easily digestible bite sized chunks, instead of resorting to an info dump that is so often clunky and will pull the reader outta the narrative every time. And here again Andrea Parsneau keeps the reader on track 👣 LOL.
The only downside I could find is that the second book hasn't been released yet.
March 17, 2023
KU Review
Oftentimes when getting into these stories I have to remind myself how young the MCs are. I find myself appalled at the absolute ignorance they display in action and decision making until I am reminded how young they are and how poor I was at making the right decisions at that age. Any story that can keep your attention and evoke emotion that way is worth reading.
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.
Oftentimes when getting into these stories I have to remind myself how young the MCs are. I find myself appalled at the absolute ignorance they display in action and decision making until I am reminded how young they are and how poor I was at making the right decisions at that age. Any story that can keep your attention and evoke emotion that way is worth reading.
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.
November 19, 2024
3.5/5 STARS! What an interesting & unique book. First off, I loved the idea of this. Second, the layout is super cool. Third, the main character is such a boss girl. She's strong & tough, a real fighter & survivor. I also loved her relationship with Chen, which is really the heart of this imo. The world building is good & I'm excited to find out more about the system & dungeons. Also, this is pretty gory for young adult & I definitely enjoyed that. It's brutal (in a good way). This would also make a great video game! Now I'm ready for book 2!
February 19, 2024
Worth it
I don't often read this genre, but the main character's motivation really drew me in. This book includes plenty of the RPG mechanic, which is well integrated into the setting and doesn't feel artificial or excessive. It's an entertaining and well written and well paced fantasy. It's well described but not over described. The main character is strong but not too strong. I expect I'll buy the sequel.
I don't often read this genre, but the main character's motivation really drew me in. This book includes plenty of the RPG mechanic, which is well integrated into the setting and doesn't feel artificial or excessive. It's an entertaining and well written and well paced fantasy. It's well described but not over described. The main character is strong but not too strong. I expect I'll buy the sequel.
September 17, 2025
I really liked the fact that it was an Apocalypse LitRPG book that didn’t start at the beginning of the apocalypse.
Being placed 10 years after the event allows humanity to have rebuilt society and have some normality.
I wish there was more world building to see all this. It felt very narrowly focused.
As far as the story, it was rinse and repeat. Dungeon, assassination, dungeon, assassination.
Being placed 10 years after the event allows humanity to have rebuilt society and have some normality.
I wish there was more world building to see all this. It felt very narrowly focused.
As far as the story, it was rinse and repeat. Dungeon, assassination, dungeon, assassination.
April 3, 2023
Book one
Mistakes: I listed what I found on Goodreads and sent them to the publisher.
Plot: No spoilers for this one. I'll just say that I agree with the MC. I found her reasoning sound even if she was predictable. But the young don't plan well.
Character: Rather enjoyable.
8/10 Looking forward to book two.
Mistakes: I listed what I found on Goodreads and sent them to the publisher.
Plot: No spoilers for this one. I'll just say that I agree with the MC. I found her reasoning sound even if she was predictable. But the young don't plan well.
Character: Rather enjoyable.
8/10 Looking forward to book two.
May 11, 2023
a lot of fun
I really enjoyed this book. The MC is a bad ass and the villains are brutal and evil so it’s delightful to see her tear them apart. Not a nice world, but not overly bleak or nihilistic. Simple magic system, but consistent and not so extreme that anyone is too OP. Backstory is also nice and easy, hell bent on revenge is always a good way to go.
I really enjoyed this book. The MC is a bad ass and the villains are brutal and evil so it’s delightful to see her tear them apart. Not a nice world, but not overly bleak or nihilistic. Simple magic system, but consistent and not so extreme that anyone is too OP. Backstory is also nice and easy, hell bent on revenge is always a good way to go.
August 1, 2023
This was an enjoyable book but there were a few things that I thought kept it from being a really good book.
1. Too much internal dialog- just gets boring after a while and I skimmed a lot of it.
2. Back story is the form of chapter headers - just tell us what happened already. So unnecessary
3. Lack of world building
4. Lack of reasoning behind why this is a game world.
1. Too much internal dialog- just gets boring after a while and I skimmed a lot of it.
2. Back story is the form of chapter headers - just tell us what happened already. So unnecessary
3. Lack of world building
4. Lack of reasoning behind why this is a game world.
November 24, 2023
Amazing first book in a new series
This book has a great concept and an awesome protagonist. The writing is superb, much better than the usual 4.99 Kindle books. Well worth a read it you like badass assassins, great plotlines, or any of the dungeon diving stat based stories that are so popular these days.
Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!
This book has a great concept and an awesome protagonist. The writing is superb, much better than the usual 4.99 Kindle books. Well worth a read it you like badass assassins, great plotlines, or any of the dungeon diving stat based stories that are so popular these days.
Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!
April 29, 2025
Was not expecting that!
Firstly, I just want to say I absolutely loved the 'gaming' style of this book it was so awesome!
I just could not stop turning the pages, the story kept me engaged and so eager to find out what was coming next. My heart did break a bit for Claire though and what she went through.
I would certainly look at more books in this series!
Firstly, I just want to say I absolutely loved the 'gaming' style of this book it was so awesome!
I just could not stop turning the pages, the story kept me engaged and so eager to find out what was coming next. My heart did break a bit for Claire though and what she went through.
I would certainly look at more books in this series!
March 8, 2023
Very good one sitting read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action. More story than status pages.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action. More story than status pages.
April 17, 2023
Loved this book! The characters are great and the villians are unpredictable. Claire was exposed to some very bad things after her mom died and took a vow the "System" took note of. I will be looking to read the next in the series very soon.
July 31, 2023
Knocked it out of the park!
J.J. Thorn has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this book. The world feels fleshed out, the systems are logical, the MC is likeable and flawed. All in all, a great book. I hope to see more in this series.
J.J. Thorn has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this book. The world feels fleshed out, the systems are logical, the MC is likeable and flawed. All in all, a great book. I hope to see more in this series.
September 17, 2023
I was unsure about this one for the first few chapters but really started to like it. It probably won't make my top 10 but I'll still be buying every one released. I am also not sure I would like it nearly as much if the narrator didn't do a f n fantastic job.
February 17, 2024
I liked this book.
Typically I like ones where the human gets sucked over to some other world.. a couple so far have been good where earth gets systemized and this is one of them good job author
Typically I like ones where the human gets sucked over to some other world.. a couple so far have been good where earth gets systemized and this is one of them good job author
March 7, 2024
I really liked it
Honestly, I've read a lot of litrpg apocalypse books and this one was surprisingly different. A main character I rapidly grew to love with motivations and a back story that makes sense, especially considering who she's become.
A great read.
Honestly, I've read a lot of litrpg apocalypse books and this one was surprisingly different. A main character I rapidly grew to love with motivations and a back story that makes sense, especially considering who she's become.
A great read.
August 27, 2024
interesting!
The beginning of the book wasn’t the easiest to read. Grammar issues persist through the whole book but once you start getting into the story, they are easy to overlook.
The beginning of the book wasn’t the easiest to read. Grammar issues persist through the whole book but once you start getting into the story, they are easy to overlook.
March 10, 2023
Enjoyable LITpocalypse
Good set up. Interesting simplified system. High stakes but nice Gradual focus. One of the better writers in the genre. Looking forward to the next book
Good set up. Interesting simplified system. High stakes but nice Gradual focus. One of the better writers in the genre. Looking forward to the next book
March 23, 2023
Interesting talk on a post apocalyptic world. Is the MC good, evil, or something else?
April 29, 2023
Great
A great news series full of new ideas. A good story and interesting characters. Looking forward to the next book.
A great news series full of new ideas. A good story and interesting characters. Looking forward to the next book.
May 16, 2023
Loved it.
I really didn't want to put this book down. If you love D&D or RPG games, this is your kind of book.
I really didn't want to put this book down. If you love D&D or RPG games, this is your kind of book.
September 20, 2023
Intriguing to the end
Book was such a easy, fun read. Get ready to sit down for a few hours and kick some butt!
Book was such a easy, fun read. Get ready to sit down for a few hours and kick some butt!
February 12, 2024
Interesting book
An interesting book- about children taken and experimented on - some killed - one survives and plots her revenge on the perpetrators.
An interesting book- about children taken and experimented on - some killed - one survives and plots her revenge on the perpetrators.
March 2, 2024
Depressing and annoying.
September 19, 2024
Brutal but good.
I hope Claire gets every single target on her list.
I hope Claire gets every single target on her list.
January 5, 2025
potential
Was okay but MC comes across as brat sometimes. Doesnt listen, stubborn and act like spoilt teen. Wished one of the adults were the MC rather
Was okay but MC comes across as brat sometimes. Doesnt listen, stubborn and act like spoilt teen. Wished one of the adults were the MC rather
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews