Apocalypse Reaver 1: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG Adventure

Apocalypse Reaver, Book 1

By: TobascoAsako

Narrated by: Kieran Regan, Kristin James

Power changes you—especially when it's the only way to survive.

Dragged from Earth by capricious gods, a nameless man awakens in a world ruled by divine games and deadly monsters. With no answers and no way back, he chooses a new identity: Gilgamesh, a name of power, legend, and blood.

Armed with a mysterious system and nothing to lose, Gilgamesh is learning how far he's willing to go. Every fight makes him stronger. Every kill brings him closer to something darker.

Heroes die. Survivors adapt.

Don't miss the start of Apocalypse Reaver, a dark LitRPG progression fantasy featuring a flawed main character, deep worldbuilding, and a magic system where every choice has a price. Perfect for fans of anti-heroes who don't ask for permission.

©2024 tobascoasako (P)2025 Podium Audio

Growingly unlikable MC

The MC goes from remorseless survivalist who cares about his survival above all to a pointless POS murderer who will look for any excuse to kill anyone for exp. I usually don’t mind less virtuous, selfish, or even villainous MCs who do what they “have” to do or at least work for their benefit cause they push the story faster and don’t create extra problems for themselves. But this guy starts moving in a pretty slimy way. He goes from understandably angry MC to petty, vindictive little man who thinks anyone who he perceives as in his way should die while being whiny little baby about everything that happens to him. This POS brushed off killing a literal baby.

Let’s just say if he had to hop a fence while running away from someone, he’d stop and murder everyone in the house down to the kids and dog for experience points. Then make the excuse that they deserved if for being part of the same society as whoever was chasing him.

And for an avid gamer, he distributed his stats like an idiot. His choices seemed like more of a theme than calculated choices, especially later on. This isn’t a big deal I guess and could be chalked up to character choice, but it seemed like he was making choices to fit a predetermined story as opposed to making his life easier.

Wow! Amazing writing!!!

I can't figure out why this doesn’t have a better rating?… but I can understand why.

First off, I really like this! i’ve already purchased book two. I believe the story is going to get really good just based on the little Snippits of History/Lore… maybe this bit are actually about the MC causing her cataclysm…? Hard to say. The MC seems to be because a Villain which i Love.

Veterans of LitRPG will feel the broad stroke of this storyline have been done before… i think that's my biggest complaint, which goes hand in hand with my second critique. I think the Publisher did this Author a disservice by splitting book 1 & 2 up… and you can tell from the start of book 2 this books that this book & book 2 or parts of it were meant to be in the same book.
Book 1 as good & very well written as it is, feel like the start of many LitRPG’s… MC isekia’d, Goes to Prison/Enslaved, learns powers, makes friends, frees self, Joins a guild, goes on missions… Book2 was make up for the sameness of book one. Its a great story do support the Author, the story is great.
The writing is wonderful, insightful and feel like classic Fantasy but with a new twist. Im here for MORE!
Publishers, stop trying to make more money off your Authors.

glad I tried it!!

I was hesitant on trying when it's sitting on 2 stars. but I think I understand why they gave that, this story is more mature and grounded on realism when it comes to decision making. if you want a lawful good mc who wants to save everyone this isn't for you. mc is very pragmatic and he does what is necessary even if it is evil or morally gray and he's honest about that, he does what ever he wants and it is quite refreshing. he doesn't let anyone mess with him and if someone did, they will be on his list. he is more of chaotic neutral. breathe off fresh air.

A wonderful tale spun masterfully.

The worldbuilding and character development is interesting, and the story is engaging. Even with the odd Dune style chapter snipets, they're curious little bits of lore to tease elements of the greater story, even if they are spoken a little too quickly. Literally the only thing l would change is the female narrator. Ms. James is as dour as the narration for The Crafter's Dungeon series, and absolutely pales in comparison to the breadth and expression of Regan's performance. Even the female characters are better served by his skill than she seems capable at her skill level, which is irksome as a male/female narration team is absolutely ideal for a such a wide and diverse character list in an audiobook.

Solid start

I may have to re-run this one to make sure it’s a fair review. I think I missed some key information. I will be back for the next one regardless