Wasteland Warlords 1: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure

Wasteland Warlords #1

by James A. Hunter, Eden Hudson

“You keep what you kill. That’s one law everybody out here respects.”Twenty years ago, the Merge brought armies of monsters flooding into the West Coast. Dungeons popped up in shopping malls, airports, and Starbucks. Walls were built to contain the spread, but the promise of priceless loot dropped by the creatures inspired a new type of gold rush. Magical weapons, powerful gear, potions to cure every ill… If you survive long enough to kill the mob, whatever they drop belongs to you. Clay Jaeger has nothing left outside the walls. Civilization took everything he worked for, chewed it up, and spat it out. Now Clay, his wife Alex, and his beer-loving, chainsaw-toting brother Joe are going west to try their hand at monster killing. The loot from the low-level mobs is enticing, but it isn’t the real reason they risked the Infested Zone. They need to kill a Dungeon Lord. Only one in ten thousand hunters pull it off. The rest become fertilizer for the wasteland. But the few who beat the odds gain riches, glory, and most importantly, the Dungeon Lord’s magical powers. They have nothing left to lose, and everything to gain. If they survive. Want more epic adventures inside the Rogue Dungeon universe? Check out the Wasteland Warlords Series, narrated by Travis Baldree, and unlock a whole new world of awesome monsters, killer dungeons, and unforgettable characters. See what life is like after The Merge!

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Novella

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2023

About the author

James Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.

James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.

Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasteland Warlords 1
By James Hunter and Eden Hudson
I normally don't read LitRPG but I really like both of these authors and the story sounded intriguing. I found the LitRPG fit great in here and didn't slow the story down.
I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Lots of action and a scattering of humor. Will watch for #2!

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasteland Warlords 1 is the first book in a post-apocalyptic literary, role-playing game (LitRPG for those who know more than me). (Although this is not my first in the genre, I must admit that I did not know exactly what the term meant exactly, until I looked it up to decide how to approach this review.) In other words, the narrative is occasionally paused to include statistics that might have increased during a gaming scenario.

Essentially Dungeons and Dragons in the future, the characters are funny. The plot is interesting. The ramifications as to the reason why people might choose to attempt to put themselves in such a decidedly apocalyptic position is understandable and believable. Sometimes you got to do what you got to do.

Regular folks enter the wasteland to find treasures that might help them out of a bad financial situation. Along the way they find people who might potentially help or harm and figuring out the possibilities is part of the story which is fast-paced, action-oriented, and brief. It doesn't require much investment in time which is both a strength and a weakness.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the premise, but overall felt very short and straight to the point. I hope the conflict gets more intense as the series goes on!

[Jeremy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new take on post-apocalyptic world, mixed with gun slingers and saloons like the wild west, and topped off with a story that is relatable when it comes to driving forces that pit the characters against odds they wouldn't normally rise against. James Hunter does great with character development and makes the reader connect with the scenario that leads our protagonists to venture out into an environment full of deadly beasts and creations. His work with LitRPG in a fantasy setting lead me to look into this title and I do not regret it in the least! Highly recommend for any reader that wants a quick escape for an afternoon, as the novella format also allows for some flexibility when between more expansive titles.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you tired of the work to live lifestyle? Has the grind taken over your life and you are sinking with no hope of changing it? Would you be willing to grab your partner and brother into a group to kill a dungeon boss to give you another option? Well, Clay grabbed Alex, his wife, and his brother Joe (who is a bit too attached to his chainsaw) to see what the West has to offer.

The West, meaning California, went through the Merge 20 years ago and did not fend so well. The atmosphere was overtaken by monsters. So, the “government” decided that civilians could go kill the monsters and keep their kill’s loot. I loved the aspect that the environment was retail/commercial city setting that was all taken over by monsters and became dungeons. I mean the Marriott is a major dungeon. I was eating that up. This was a fun time. Since it is done in shorter installments, it is an easy read that flows and reads really quick.

The characters all have HUGE personalities. Each is fun, not overly deep, but there is a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor with this cast. Again, it is just plain FUN. I have to say my favorite character was the old timer because I identify. He spoke about being in the game since the beginning and how much it has changed and the players are not the same. For me, being an old timer gamer, this was just hysterical but really poignant to the current MMORPG setting.

I look forward to the next installment and see if I become a bit more invested in the characters and their situations. If you enjoy LitRPG, I would recommend Wasteland Warriors for a quick jump into the game.

[Marcin W · Rating 2 out of 5]

considering B1-6 (free with audible plus):
If you can chuckle at: "Come at me Kimo-Sabe" you will find this more funny than i did. Some light redneck humor; some jarhead loyalty feels; bit of a DCC wanabe; otherwise, just another popcorn LitRPG (bunch of fetch quests) with low stakes, as it seems too easy given the MCs carefree (banter/attitude other than few wistful lines) & quick growth.

Was 'torn' between a 2*/3* rating... I appreciate the (grammar police & moderator banter), but the plots are short/'lack depth'... so rating 2* for the ones that don't include Bacon Bits(3*-shades of DCC Donut who they ruined in B4+after)... but i should continue once new ones drop.

Short summary of 1-6 as i will probably continue once sequels drop:

DCC like magic merge on earth, but only in eastern US apparently. This led gov to block this area, and people to go there as a gold rush like (expedited in B6 resolution). A married couple & hubby's brother go there to find a cure for wife's cancer. They find it in B1, then stay to give the other 2 super powers. They find a 'invader' ally + some pets. They gain power B2+3. Then just get stronger + take on the corrupt gubmint. Little resolution/stakes as no one semi-important+ dies and the gubmint/wider system does not change much throughout.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by James A Hunter, and it is a LitRPG book, full of crazy adventures in the wastelands which are full of monsters who have arrived after the merge. Clay, his wife Alex and his brother Joe have lost everything they'd ever had in life, as they tried their utmost to save Alex's life when she was losing this to cancer. As they had nothing left to lose Joe suggested they travel to the wastelands, and try their luck in taking down a dungeon lord and claiming his magical powers. However they were new to these things, and had really no clue, but they liked the fact that one got to keep what they killed. So they hooked up with some other adventurers who taught them the ropes, and started to accumulate a bit of wealth. However it was the old timer Clay had befriended who gave them the best tips even if they nearly got them killed. Griff even joined them on their venture into the dungeon of Katotes, a fierce three headed giant, who they intended to kill. I love the banter, the craziness of Joe and his new new mech buddy, as well as Griff and I look forward to episode 2 for more adventures with our crazy trio.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough story to stand on its own. Character development suffers a bit from its length, but I’m writing this after I’ve already started book2 and it seems like the authors are adding a bit more as they go. It’s actually refreshing to not have a 1000+ book in the litrpg genre.

There’s a certain amount of Mary/Gary Sue ness happening. The MCs are instantly really good off camera and (just about) everyone likes them and wants to help them despite the dumb shit Joe says. I know I certainly wouldn’t go into monster infested country with a guy swinging around an out-of-gas chainsaw. But, hey, pop some popcorn and enjoy. The on screen fights are well-written and setting is fun.

Speaking of the setting… It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize that this is set in the same world as “The Rogue Dungeon” series. Even longer to recognize Griff. The minor references to the other series are fun, even if my memory is apparently made of Swiss cheese.

[Caylon M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Tons of people are reviewing it for what they want - a typical litrpg, where steadily through the read the MC becomes a walking god. Most litrpgs are extremely poorly written though which I can't fault writers for, it helps them get their feet wet - though most are full of sexism to the extreme.

This one though is well written, the characters are alive, and it's funny. I think that's a key to enjoying this book, realizing it's a comedy and it does it well.

One thing I enjoyed about this one that few of the genre get right, the "system" felt part of the world and not just stapled to the story.

Definitely continuing the series. It's a short and sweet read that's good eye bleach after reading some of the darker stories.

[Andy Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasteland Warlords 1

20 years ago, the worst changed drastically. The Merge suddenly brought monsters, magic, and dungeons to the west coast. Clay and his wife, have nothing outside of the infested zone. Only magic can help, not just any magic either. They will need to kill a dungeon boss. At least Clay’s brother Joe decided to come help them.

This is a really fun series! It’s honestly exactly what I can see the government doing with a source of magic at its disposal. The characters are a blast to read! The book was rather short at 3 and a half hours, but all six of the books are included with the Audible subscription. It was well worth the time. Needless to say, Travis Baldree does an amazing job with the narration.

Content warning: language

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to this after reading the authors other series, "Discount Dan". This certainly feels rougher than Discount Dan but I did enjoy it. A man, his sick wife, and his brother set out to a quarantined zone in California. Turns out some other dimension merged with parts of the west coast and now there are magic artifacts and monsters. The family decides to go there to earn some loot, but also to find a way to help heal the wife. This is also 100% a litrpg so there are stats, loot, and all the other things you'd expect. There are some fun moments, and you end of with quirky stuff like a mecha-racoon with a chainsaw hand.

Ultimately I enjoyed the book, even though it was a little rough and short. I'll continue on with the next book of the series for sure.

[Kyle Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to the series. I've read other work by James, and read Discount Dan before this. having read this, I can see where James was testing out ideas that would later become part of the system used in Discount Dan. I haven't read book 2 in this series yet, but I'm going to, the story has me hooked already.

The story opens with 3 people entering what's known as the IZ (integration zone) seeking to become one of those enhanced by the system (incants), due to one of them being severely sick with cancer and the system effectively eliminating illness in those affected. The story plays well, there's comedy, James's strange obsession with jorts, and a Dale gribble like conspiracy theorist as comic relief.

I'm looking forward to book 2.

[Alesay · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. DNF at 49%. Despite being a short book, I decided to stop here.

I wasn't a fan of how the story began. It's as if the author decided to start with chapter eight instead of one. While we do find out more information as the story progresses, and the summary gives some background information, I would have appreciated a more thorough introduction of the characters and their situation. There's a lot of action upfront, and I didn't particularly care about the characters or their goals.

This isn't a bad book per se; I was just put off by the beginning. I think I would have enjoyed the premise/format more in a different media style.

[Bill Philibin · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5 Stars)

I thought that I've read "LitRPG" before, but after reading this, maybe I haven't. This was different than anything else I've read before, complete with callbacks to character sheets and player stats. I'm not sure that I love it, but I also don't hate it... With that being said, I'm not sure I like it enough to keep reading it.

On a good note, Travis Baldree is the narrator, and it is very short. I will give the next book in the series a try, and will decide if I am going to read the rest of the six after that.

Disclaimer: I am a gamer so I am not unfamiliar with stories and stats and everything like this, I just don't know if this genre is for me.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had absolutely no business being as good as it was.

A great concept (a fantasy universe crossed over with ours and as such half of the US is a fantasy post apocalypse, think Goblins riding Motorcycles with flamethrowers) and some really great characters. I thought this might be slight and perhaps ride the line of trying too hard, but there were some real emotional stakes that helped you stay invested.

AND yes, there is a super cute cyborg raccoon with a mini chainsaw arm, I would die for him.

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful stand alone short story in this series. With Clay, his wife Alex, and Joe his brother all going to the badlands. Killing monsters in the hopes of getting stronger. Along the way they find an ally in Griff and pick up a mechacoon.
Currently it's available free to Amazon-plus customers. So grab the audiobook, what do you have to lose? Absodamnlutely nothing!
Plus you get Travis Baldree and his narration is great.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, but not the best in the genre by any stretch. Main weakness seems to be characters. The MC is arguably the weakest of the group and is constantly being saved by the other two (wife and brother respectively. The brother is too much of a brash stereotype despite some efforts to give him more depth. The rest of it really didn't stand out; I'm not inclined at this time to spend any more time with these characters.

[Adam Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and zany tie in to the Rogue Dungeon series!

If you read the Rogue Dungeon series then you’ll already have plenty of background for this one! Clay, Joe, and Alex have to gain powers and levels to save a life and the fun doesn’t stop! You’ve got mechacoons, power up potions, and a Wild West feel that is a ton of fun! Definitely a nice quick read!

[Michael Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This was great fun and actually well thought out. James Hunter is not new to Litrpg but is good solid standard well written stories. With this series he really seems to have hit his stride. The only real complaint some I would see a lot of folks having would be that it is short.

[matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh New Take on Apocalyptic World

Really enjoyed this new series from James and Eden. I started it on his Patreon page but enjoyed it so much I wanted to wait to read it all at once. It did not disappoint.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great litRPG!

Wasteland Warlords 1 is an entertaining litRPG with a good storyline, great main characters and a nice touch of humor! I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to book 2.

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Danny Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that we get to see more of the Rogue Dungeon world. I don’t think you need to have read those books to enjoy these but it does provide a greater base of understanding. The short story was just that; short and sweet. I really enjoyed the book.

[Matthew Winburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's short and to the point. The book feels good short to be properly character driven and reads more like a series of plot points. I did feel like the plot was fairly original and the reason for the adventure was different. Overall, I'd recommend it just because it's a short and pleasant read.

[Mary Tagye · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun, especially for the RPG lover! I couldn't put it down. Quick read. The characters are engaging, have great chemistry, and are easy to root for. The quests are fun. I love the jokes and nods to other books/shows/movies. I am actually on book 6 and l hope book 7 is coming out soon!

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

the party is mostly a vessel for describing the state of the environment and the new denizens. the characters are ok. maybe things pick up from here now that some world and character building is done.

[Ozsaur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool idea, but not long enough to go into anything in depth. The plot gets resolved, but I wasn't really hooked. The humor also got old, especially the redneck brother.

Might try the next book if I want something quick and easy.

[Alex Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little adventure.
Not as deep and multifaceted as, say, Dungeon Crawler Carl, but much more dynamic and hilarious - I'll give it that.
The characters are great, but I would've loved to see them developed a bit more. Maybe in the sequels?

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun start to a series. these all seem to be pretty short. im enjoying the characters and system so far. this one was kind of bare bones with the introduction of the levels and classes and systems and whatnot but it really set up some cool stuff for the next volume

[Veronik Durocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

Good story, little on the short side but entertaining nonetheless. I have a question, though: why do Joey wear a pair of Kodiak boots and has no spikes on his shoulder protection on the cover…? ; )

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the next one