The System Apocalypse Books 1-3

The Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Fantasy Series

By: Tao Wong

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 27 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The end of the world with dragons and Levels

The world ends in a slew of blue notification boxes, bringing with it a game-like existence including monsters and Classes. Now, John has to make his way from Kluane National Park in the Yukon to Whitehorse through monster infested forests. But, that's not enough; because he'll need to help rebuild civilization itself around the System, aliens and monsters. And, as always, humanity will be its own greatest enemy.

This collection contains the first three books of the highly rated System Apocalypse series (Life in the North, Redeemer of the Dead and the Cost of Survival) and completes the first arc—Whitehorse and the Yukon and the first year of the apocalypse.

The System Apocalypse contains elements of games like level ups, experience, enchanted materials, a sarcastic spirit, mecha, a beguiling dark elf, monsters, minotaurs, a fiery red head and a semi-realistic view on violence and its effects. Does not include harems.

©2019 Tao Wong (P)2024 Starlit Publishing

Could've been better

Nick Podehl does an amazing job narrating this story.
I really enjoyed the concept of what Tao Wong was trying to create. Unfortunately, the character development was a bit lacking. The MC never seemed to learn any real lessons, just kept talking about his pent-up anger. I'm 3 books in and decided to see if the story gets better in the next book. On the plus side, Tao Wong does an incredible job giving descriptions of the battle scenes.

pretty typical

I feel there has been a lot of titles like this. This was as expected.

Just missing that extra bit to make it great

I like these books for a casual listen. I think the thing that feels like it falls short for me is that there isn't a lot of build up and payoff. Like there will be a huge fight and then the reward is exactly the same as the much lower level and less risky fights. It leaves the whole thing feeling meh... I think they are good filler if you are waiting for some other LitRPG's to come out. (Looking at you The Land... looking at you.)

overall good story. but better at great moments

the overall story is good. MC has relatable moments. core elements are diverse and plenty. characters enter act with one another fantastic

Not a bad story

I think Nick Podehl is the only reason I finished this. The story plot seems good but the MC is the worst part of this. All the other characters have more depth and evolve more than the MC.

I would pass this series by completely unless you are in need of something to hold you over till you find something better.

Just ok

Nick Podehl is awesome as usual.
Not a fan of main character Jon Lee. Sexually confused angry Chinese guy with a victim complex.
Ho hum…

So snarl is the only expression the author knows???

Good book but kinda repetitive and the main character whines… a lot not bad tho

A mixed bag

4 stars may be generous, but the performance by Nick Podehl really helped to raise up the story in general. I had originally read the first 2 books on the series on my kindle, but dropped the series due to the MC..

The story overall is great with many supporting characters that make the story, despite their relative small contributions. The fighting, story arch in general, and the world building is all pretty good.

The MC is what stops this from being a 5 star read though and may in some people's opinion push it as low as 2 or 3. He is am emotional wreck...which isn't unheard of in these books. But it's clear he was messed up well before the start of the book. His emotional maturity is probably about at the toddler level, his go to response to anything he doesn't like, doesn't understand, or can't deal with is to throw a tantrum, lash out, then run.

Now I am a huge fan of MCs overcoming themselves and learning and growing, but by the end of the 3rd book he has barely improved. He doesn't really make much effort to do so himself either. From his lack of understanding and intelligence, he default feels betrayed and further fuels his trust issues, not trusting those that he should. I was ready to drop the series again due to this by the last chapter in the book as he once again displays this flawed character in the very last chapter and is "gasp" running again.

The only reason I will probably read book 4 is because of his friends that despite how he is about to abandon them, they don't let him and decide to leave with him.

Now don't get me wrong, the flawed MC does make some great fight scenes as he rages out of control and almost pathetically hilarious as he can't understand the feelings of others towards him. And there is some growth on his character, mostly due to his friends and Spirit companion not giving up on him, like he gives up on himself and them. With 1 credit these 3 books was definitely worth the cost.

There is some hope as if it was the MC at the beginning of the book he wouldn't even have let them accompany him at the end, but because he does. I feel he is heading in the right direction and hopefully we are not disappointed in book 4.

definitely worth the listen

loved it can't wait to hear more. love the characters and the story line.

Awesome characters!

Great overall! Not sure if I would have bought individually but great story and narration!