Deadworld Isekai

Deadworld Isekai #1

by R.C. Joshua

In this isekai from the author of How to Survive at the End of the World, a man is sent to save a dead planet . . . a couple thousand years too late.

Matt’s in the prime of his life. So when his doctor tells him he only has months to live, he figures it’s just really bad luck. But it’s about to get a whole lot worse.

When Matt’s Earthly form finally expires, a truck-avatar system gives him the opportunity to become a hero on the paradise world of Gaia, a supposedly verdant, rich land teeming with plants and potential. What he finds instead is a place completely bereft of life. A literal dead planet. Thanks a lot, truck.

Now, Matt’s going to have to figure out not only how to survive in a completely barren realm but also how to not go completely mad with a full load of stats, skills, and levels that might mean absolutely nothing. Unless there’s actually something out there after all . . .

The first volume of the hit LitRPG fantasy series—with almost two million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!


“Takes the idea of isekai and cranks it up to 100 without getting bogged down.” —Dr. Waterproof

“Expands on [the isekai] genre in all of the best ways.” —Hotelta1

“I loved this story so much that I often found myself reading when I should have been doing something else.” —Argroww

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Audiobook, Survival, Artificial Intelligence

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one

I read this while it was being written over on Royalroad. I thought that it was new and a fresh take on the entire isekal category of books.
Being sent to a dead planet and trying to bring it back to life while a lazy and malicious system tries to stop it from happening! Oh yes, I dove right in.
I read the entire story on Royalroad.
Try it yourself and see if you enjoy it as well.

8/10

[Julie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

A very different view on being isekai to another world. Matt is a great character for landing there. The evil subsystem is a pain but Matt works through it. I like the characters that he interacts with and the adventures they have. I look forward to the next book!

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadworld Isekai (Deadworld Isekai, #1) by R.C. Joshua

R.C. Joshua's "Deadworld Isekai" is a captivating entry in the ever-expanding isekai genre, blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) to create a unique and engaging narrative. As the first installment in the Deadworld Isekai series, this novel sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting journey through a world where death is just the beginning.

Plot and Premise

While specific plot details are limited in the available research, "Deadworld Isekai" follows the typical isekai structure of a protagonist being transported to or reborn in another world. In this case, the twist lies in the nature of the world itself—a dead world. The story is described as a sci-fi LitRPG adventure that follows a dead man who ends up in charge of a dead world.

This unique premise sets "Deadworld Isekai" apart from many of its genre contemporaries. Instead of a lush fantasy realm or a world of pure adventure, R.C. Joshua challenges his protagonist—and by extension, the readers—to navigate and potentially revive a world that has already met its end. This setup promises to explore themes of rebirth, responsibility, and the nature of existence itself.

Writing Style and Narrative Approach

R.C. Joshua's writing style in "Deadworld Isekai" is characterized by its fast-paced action and intriguing plot. The author's background in crafting engaging and imaginative works within the LitRPG and isekai genres shines through in this novel. Joshua's ability to blend elements of role-playing games with fantasy and science fiction narratives creates an immersive reading experience that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The incorporation of LitRPG elements likely adds a layer of strategy and progression to the story, allowing readers to experience the protagonist's growth and adaptation to the dead world in a tangible, game-like manner. This approach not only serves the plot but also provides a satisfying sense of progression that is a hallmark of the genre.

Character Development

While specific character details are not provided in the available research, R.C. Joshua's works are known for featuring relatable protagonists who must use their wits and skills to survive and thrive in unfamiliar worlds. In "Deadworld Isekai," we can expect a protagonist who undergoes significant growth as they grapple with their new reality and the responsibilities thrust upon them.

The concept of a "dead man in charge of a dead world" suggests a protagonist who must confront existential questions while also dealing with the practical challenges of their new environment. This dual struggle promises to create a complex and multi-dimensional character arc that readers can invest in emotionally.

World-Building

The world-building in "Deadworld Isekai" is likely to be one of its strongest aspects. R.C. Joshua has demonstrated his ability to craft imaginative and immersive settings in his other works, and the concept of a "dead world" provides a unique canvas for creative exploration. Readers can expect a richly detailed environment that challenges conventional notions of life, death, and existence.

The integration of LitRPG elements into this world adds another layer of complexity and interest. How these game-like mechanics interact with the concept of a dead world is sure to be a fascinating aspect of the novel's world-building.

Themes and Subtext

Based on the premise and R.C. Joshua's previous works, "Deadworld Isekai" likely explores several profound themes:

Rebirth and Second Chances: The concept of a dead man in a dead world inherently touches on themes of rebirth and the opportunity for redemption or a fresh start.
Responsibility and Leadership: The protagonist being "in charge" of this world suggests themes of unexpected leadership and the weight of responsibility.
Existence and Purpose: In a world that's already dead, questions of existence, purpose, and the nature of life itself are likely to be central to the narrative.
Adaptation and Survival: Common to many isekai stories, the theme of adapting to and surviving in a new, hostile environment is sure to be prominent.


Genre Context

"Deadworld Isekai" fits firmly within the isekai genre, which typically involves characters being transported to, reborn, or trapped in parallel universes or fantasy worlds. However, R.C. Joshua's approach seems to subvert some common isekai tropes by placing the protagonist in a "dead" world rather than a thriving fantasy realm.

The novel also incorporates elements of the LitRPG subgenre, which blends traditional storytelling with the mechanics of role-playing games. This combination of isekai and LitRPG is increasingly popular, offering readers both the escapism of a new world and the satisfaction of character progression through game-like systems.

Comparison to Author's Other Works

"Deadworld Isekai" is part of R.C. Joshua's growing bibliography of LitRPG and isekai works. It shares thematic and stylistic elements with his other series, such as the "How to Survive at the End of the World" and "Demon World Boba Shop" series. However, "Deadworld Isekai" appears to take a darker, more sci-fi oriented approach compared to the apocalyptic or cozy settings of his other works.

Reception and Impact

While specific reception details for "Deadworld Isekai" are not available in the current research, R.C. Joshua's works have generally been well-received by readers who appreciate his unique blend of adventure, humor, and creativity in storytelling. The release of subsequent books in the series (with the second book released on November 12, 2024, and the third set for March 11, 2025) suggests a positive reception and ongoing reader interest.

Conclusion

"Deadworld Isekai" by R.C. Joshua presents a fresh and intriguing take on the isekai genre. By combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG within the unique setting of a "dead world," Joshua has created a novel that promises to challenge and entertain readers in equal measure. The book's exploration of themes such as rebirth, responsibility, and the nature of existence, all wrapped in a fast-paced, action-driven narrative, makes it a standout entry in the genre.

For fans of isekai, LitRPG, or anyone looking for a unique spin on traditional fantasy narratives, "Deadworld Isekai" offers a compelling read. R.C. Joshua's proven track record in crafting engaging, imaginative stories suggests that this first installment in the Deadworld Isekai series is likely to be a satisfying and thought-provoking adventure that leaves readers eager for more.

In "Deadworld Isekai," R.C. Joshua proves once again his ability to push the boundaries of the isekai genre, offering readers a dark, intriguing, and ultimately hopeful exploration of life, death, and the worlds that lie beyond.

[Surly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm 4 hours into an 11 1/2 hour audiobook, and perhaps it would've been a better idea to read it instead.

Matt has just recently met his guide, who behaves like a petulant child, and his 'the System' is snarky. And of course Matt is a super nice guy, doesn't want to this-or-that in case it is wrong. It doesn't fly for me. It lacks anything for me to invest in.
With all the technology available to the narrator, he chooses to voice a little girl by using falsetto. It becomes grating so quickly.
I'll give it more time and hopefully it'll blossom into a great story...?

*** EDIT ***

So I gave it another hour and realised I'd made it almost half way and I was bored.
This feeling was compounded when I tried listening to something else and my interest was instantly piqued.

I encourage you to try this story for yourself and make your own decision...but I'm bored with it and it gets a DNF and goes on my Prolly-Wont-Again shelf

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depending on how this goes, I might pick up more books by the author.

This book was iffy. I did start to enjoy it after the ball really started to roll, but the last chapters have me questioning. The protag had no problem using enslavement commands to force the guide to help him survive, but he was feeling bad that he might have to kill that guy to survive?
I wondered if he would have stopped hitting the guy's helmet if it looked like he was going to give up?

I don't like books where people come at you to kill you, and you are heartbroken that you might have to kill them. Lay down and let them kill you if you have a problem with surviving. If someone tries to kill you out of the blue, you disarm them, they will just find another way to kill you when your guard is down. In a society you can call for the police, in the wilderness, or in a DEADWORLD where you are the only inhabitant, you have to fend for yourself.

After seeing this, I really don't know if I can read the author's other books. Maybe this is just the mentality of the protag, but it could transfer into the author's others works.

I don't know if I will read the sequel or the author's other books.

While I like surviving and thriving with only what small supplies you were given, this was kind of a meh.

We will see.

3/5 Stars

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is really boring. I read it for a while trying to give it an honest chance. Nothing really happened for quite a bit so it was difficult to get to know the MC. He was a little whiny but not much else. Finally he meets his "guardian" and that's when I ended up quitting. You get to know the MC and find out he's kinda repulsive. Not in a bad way, just in a too good doormat of a beta way. I won't find out but I hope he doesn't make it.

[Christopher Eshelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading 2nd

Came to this from his 2nd trilogy. This book takes a bit to get started / into but it’s worth it, eager to keep reading to see how Matt, Lucy and others “grow.”

[Perry Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy Read

Easy Read, started reading this after I read "How to survive-..." So far, great stories this guy writes, thanks for the entertainment.

[James Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

This book was a lot of fun. It's a bit slow to get going, but it more than makes up for it.

Highly recommended

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for the next book...

I can't wait for the next book...but I suck at writing reviews.
In a nut shell: great MC, well-built world, gripping story. And I really appreciate the author notes

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novel

Well worth the read. New take I hope to see more of this series and I hope it is as novel

[Melanin Monreaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't finish

I've read some contrived plot points but this one definitely has elements of that. The main character is put on a planet that has no life on it and nothing grows which is a terrible way to live. Then he gets points and levels from being the only one alive on a dead planet that then gets taken away from him immediately (this is all in the first chapter so it's not a spoiler). So he's back to one and he can only essentially just visit dungeons to try to get stronger and he's supposed to get a guardian who was ignoring him for the first part of his journey. It then made it hard to like that guardian and then for him to give up a huge opportunity to essentially go to a place where there's more life and he has more options to not leave the guardian was really contrived. So now he's on a planet that doesn't have any life and because he's got authority over the planet as the only person who was living there.. He can try to make life on it and that just doesn't even sound fun. I know that's the title of the book, but it's just not written in a way that is compelling and it's not interesting enough to keep my attention. Dnf 50%

[Travis Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point in my LitRpg fandom, I'm actively looking for different ways to tell these stories and boy does this book fill that need! Very much looking forward to more. 👍🏽👍🏽

[Gareth Otton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will sound like a broken record to people who have read many of my reviews, but unfortunately, this book suffers from the same problem as nearly all LitRPG novels; the solo tutorial section.

To quickly summarise my issue with this problem, solo tutorial sections (where a protagonist is alone for an extended period so they can learn about the system/magic/a new world) don't work unless you either:

a) Have already taken the time to set up a compelling protagonist that will hook us into their story (If high stakes are riding on their success, then all the better).

b) Specialise in writing character studies and can engage the reader with nothing more than developing a single character in a solo situation for an extended period of time.

The main plot kicks in before the first of these things can happen, and Matt is a bit too bland of a character for the second of those requirements to be true. This means that the story relies entirely on the story's hook alone. I've yet to come across a LitRPG novel where the hook is compelling enough to make this part of the story fascinating to me, and this book is no exception.

In fact, this book is in a worse situation because the hook of this story is that the protagonist has been sent to a planet with no other form of life, implying that the main character will be alone for a very long time.

By the time the main character finally meets someone else, I was already struggling with this book, and unfortunately, it didn't pick up all that much from there on out. There's just not enough here to get me invested in it. I don't care about the protagonist; his guardian hologram friend hasn't done anything to make me invested in her story, and I don't really care about a world with no life on it.

And all of that's a shame because I actually enjoyed this author's writing style. I think this is a rare case where it wasn't so much the author that was the problem, but the story they were trying to tell. This book does more than enough that I am about to go pick up another book by this author in a different series to see how that one turns out, it just didn't do enough to get me invested in this book and this series.

I feel like there is an interesting story to be made out of this concept, but for this reader, it doesn't work in this format.

[Joshua (ithildins) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for a DNF at 30-ish% since this is a me issue. As much as I love GROW: Song of the Evertree, I couldn't make it past the first dungeon in this book. Restoring a dead world to life through farming would have been right up my alley, but the System is unhelpful and, from what other reviewers state, actually the villain.

There's a dungeon instance that morphs rats into some hybrid of rat and clowns. When he's about to fight the last of them, the author seems it necessary to spend paragraphs on how the alpha-mom rat is just trying to protect the child-rats.

To understand why I find this inane, the MC has won "achievements" for being the only living being on the world - which means the dungeon or system has procedurally generated these monsters from nothing.

Then, the POV switches back to Matt until he reaches for the last of his traps, only to go back to the rat for the final moments of her revenge-filled life.

Fine. But what really pissed me off is that the next chapter back-tracked into how Matt had set up his traps for the last of the Clownrats, like the readers are too stupid to figure out what happened.

After spending paragraphs of him setting up traps through the whole dungeon, how he set up the final traps for the last pack isn't some mystery the author needs to hold his readers' hands and lead them through step-by-step.

Dear LitRPG authors, the reader WANTS to root for your main character. We want them to create items, defeat enemies, get loot, earn stat points/levels, etc. When the system is evil, how are we supposed to trust the rewards? Stop shifting POVs to "hide" what the MC is doing, only to backtrack and tell us anyway.

What a way to go, honestly. Cancer destroyed your body and took your life, but you seem to like farming, so here - a barren wasteland where there's no water or food. Choose from 5000 classes, but get stuck with the Survivor one because nothing else exists except for you and what the author wants to give you so you're kept on the edge of death the whole book. And all of those rewards for being the Sole Survivor - yep, gone! Instead, you just get some vague control over the land, but no help on how to actually control the land. Open a door? Here's a dungeon and you can't choose not to go in. Oops, it's high-level - you should have had a party. Ugh, I'm out before I psych myself into giving this 1 star.

[Ozsaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt is in the prime of life when he is diagnosed with cancer. He spends the last months of his life coping by gardening, and because of this earns a new life of on the verdant garden world of Gaia. But a huge mistake was made, and Matt ends up Gaia centuries after it became a lifeless ball of dirt.

Matt goes through all kinds of hell. His grit and determination keep him from giving up. Again and again he faces challenges to his survival, but finds ways to overcome them.

I was completely pulled into the story, and couldn't stop turning the pages. I even stopped reading another book so I could finish this one - I usually have two or three books going at the same time. The writing was so smooth, and there was always something going on to keep my interest. There were places that could have dragged, but didn't. I also liked Matt. He was such a stand-up guy.

I can see why others might not like this book as much - Matt goes through a lot. A lot of unfairness was dumped on him, but he never gave up, or whined about his life, or became bitter.

My TBR is stacked, so it's going to be a while before I get to the next book, but I'll get there.

[Tatiana Alejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dungeons and world building

I picked up this book thinking that will focus on the main character rebuilding a destroyed planet from nothing. However, I was surprised with the addition of the dungeons, and how it focused on the main character fighting monsters, and using those rewards to rebuild the planet. Since I wasn’t really interested in the fighting, I just skipped through the first 50 to 60% of the book. However, after that, the story focused more about rebuilding the planet and I enjoyed that a lot. So, I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy world building and dungeon fighting. Although I don’t enjoy dungeon fighting, I will be reading the next books. I’m curious to see the achievements the main character will obtain in the future and how the story will progress.

[kwhgen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel mystery novel

This felt more like a mystery story than a adventure novel. Sure there was action, but none was central to the story. My biggest dislike was that the MC has zero agency, and everything that happens is plot armor to aid in the mystery. The character stats have little to no meaning as the dues ex allows the MC to defeat foes that are multiple levels beyond him. There will be a lot of people who like this book, just not for me.

In the long run, I can only see the multiple books that will be written will only be slight variations to the action with little to no movement on the mystery.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool concept for this LitRPG. Very few people are involved. A whole, huge, dead word, an isekai player, a hologram for a snarky guide... versus THE SYSTEM.

It was quite amusing. Dumb choices, doubling down of dumb choices, massive mistakes on both sides of this little contest of wills, and hilarious outcomes.

Not bad. Not bad at all. And to think that gardening could be so fun/deadly?


Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.

Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

Arctunn.com

[Meg Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Dead World setting

Unique Isekai! So refreshing to read a story that deviates from the standard formula. Quite perfect for supporting my disdain toward the “interpersonal relationships” aspect so commonly slogged through in LitRPG overall… this story is my favorite genre without the typical boring relationship drama stuff- perfect indeed!
It’s all action, working toward personal goals, unraveling mysteries, getting stronger, and facing down powerful enemies- one man, standing alone against all odds. Love it, starting book 2 immediately.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author set himself a difficult challenge. How do you make an Isekai story interesting when the reincarnator is sent to a barren planet?

The beginning worked well enough but as soon as the protagonist overcame the basic issues, things started to drag. The animosity of the antagonist seemed forced. We are not told why the tension should matter nor why it can't be resolved peacefully. Frustrating.

Things picked up again toward the end, but not enough for me to continue this series.

[robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

a new and unique story with decent writing

To start with the author does a ton of new and cool things with the story without stumbling into cliches and the traps of the genre.

They manage to not have power grow out of control and keep the concepts and ideas new and interesting through the story.

It would be easy to see being in a dead world as boring but they make it exciting and enjoyable.

[Charles Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Kind of Isekai Story

An interesting plot line based on the Lone Survivor or LMOE Trope, except the Main Character is on another world. He runs the gamut of survival challenges which come from being on a dead world.

There are a fair number of syntax, grammar, and agreement errors in the writing — I really should get paid for all the proofreading suggestions I post to Goodreads — which I expect the author to correct in the next revision of the text.

[Yossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this after reading Dungeon Crawler Carl, so it's probably not a really fair review. The book is over all enjoyable and the Isekai concept is executed well. But overall I didn't feel like I read anything really new. The hostile system? Read that. The harsh terrain? read that. The overly smart hero? read that.
There are glimpses of originality here and there, but in small tidbits.
Having said all that, I enjoyed the book enough to give the second volume a chance.

[Junior · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemingly pointless and not fun

None of the MCs actions, the world setting, or the side character seem to have any point at all. None of it makes any sense and the story where the MC is essentially fighting alone on a dead world largely against a "system" which is ludicrously antagonistic just seems boring and not fun.

Note: do not continue

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took a while to get going, and for a lot of that while I was wondering if it was worth my time to continue.

Not because it was bad, but because the story seemed self-limiting. It is so, deliberately, but with much more potential which only bcame apparent near the end of the (fairly short) book. I'll read book 2 and see if the momentum continues and carries this toward a 5.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok...

The main characters is more lucky than smart and otherwise not all that interesting. Progression fantasy doesn't need a lot of characters to make it interesting, but honestly I found the MC to be particularly boring. Since there are almost no other characters that really led to me feeling the book was boring.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun

Shuffled off to a garden world Matt finds the world destroyed and him the only person there. Plus the System decides the best way to hide its mistake is to remove Matt. It fails and fails and Matt grows.

An interesting twist on the genre. Great pace. Great story. Please enjoy.

[Jonathan David Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great premise, annoying hero.

I found this book absolutely fascinating and am surprised how detailed a story the author could make with so few characters. If I can give one complaint, is that the hero Matt and Lucy are pretty unlikable, in that Lucy is downright cruel to Matt and Matt seems to bend over backwards to justify it and make his life harder.

[H Rez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, editing was pretty good, the setting was new, I enjoyed the world building.
The writing was 'stilted' I guess rather than flowing, and always tropey (in a couple of places rather intentionally).
Overall I don't believe I'll try the next one.