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Natural Laws Apocalypse #4
System Escape
Marc and his party have finished their zeppelin and taken it out to try to discover other Safe Zones. Their intent is to set up trade routes between all the different Safe Zones in order to give them a better chance to survive.
The second Safe Zone they discover with the zeppelin is nearly as large as Any Port. It even has its own ring of outlier Safe Zones, or a partial ring at least. It appears that several of the smaller Safe Zones have been taken and converted into dungeons. With the safety of the larger Safe Zone apparently at stake, they bring the zeppelin down to help the larger Safe Zone however they can.
On return to Any Port, Marc accelerates his own expansion, his father having finally seen the wisdom of all the additional Safe Zones Marc wants in order to Capture more land.
With setting up more of their own outlier Safe Zones, meeting new and interesting creatures, some of whom would like to kill and eat the party, making contact with new Safe Zones, and working with the satellite they recovered, Marc keeps himself busy in the aftermath of the System's arrival.
This story is approximately 155,000 words long and DRM free.
The second Safe Zone they discover with the zeppelin is nearly as large as Any Port. It even has its own ring of outlier Safe Zones, or a partial ring at least. It appears that several of the smaller Safe Zones have been taken and converted into dungeons. With the safety of the larger Safe Zone apparently at stake, they bring the zeppelin down to help the larger Safe Zone however they can.
On return to Any Port, Marc accelerates his own expansion, his father having finally seen the wisdom of all the additional Safe Zones Marc wants in order to Capture more land.
With setting up more of their own outlier Safe Zones, meeting new and interesting creatures, some of whom would like to kill and eat the party, making contact with new Safe Zones, and working with the satellite they recovered, Marc keeps himself busy in the aftermath of the System's arrival.
This story is approximately 155,000 words long and DRM free.
621 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2022
455 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Tom Larcombe
27 books251 followersTom Larcombe was introduced to fantasy books at a young age. Those that were aimed more at children hooked him in, but not well enough for him to remember their names at this point in his life. Their draw led him to books aimed more for the adult reader and so he found himself, at around age eight, starting in on the Steven R Donaldson 'Thomas Covenant' series and the Hobbit, followed shortly thereafter by The Lord of the Rings books.
His reading tastes have never looked back, although they have broadened to include science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book.
He lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a variable number of chickens.
His reading tastes have never looked back, although they have broadened to include science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book.
He lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a variable number of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 22, 2022
Unlikely allies can be found anywhere
As Marc and his team work to save more humans, expand the space they can protect from monster spawns using a land grab method, we see more safe zones that did not do as well as theirs. Most didn’t.
The satellite may finally give up its secrets but it won’t be what Marc or Reggie expect. Might be even better but Jeff is gonna be pissed when he finds out the results.
The Elves are settling in well and the spider silk is being produced at a good clip. Which means it is time for some adventuring and some humanitarian missions to other safe zones on their zeppelin!
As Marc and his team work to save more humans, expand the space they can protect from monster spawns using a land grab method, we see more safe zones that did not do as well as theirs. Most didn’t.
The satellite may finally give up its secrets but it won’t be what Marc or Reggie expect. Might be even better but Jeff is gonna be pissed when he finds out the results.
The Elves are settling in well and the spider silk is being produced at a good clip. Which means it is time for some adventuring and some humanitarian missions to other safe zones on their zeppelin!
February 22, 2024
4.5 stars. Another fast moving entry in this series.
May 2, 2022
straightforward
There aren’t a lot of hidden plots or underhanded tricks. But there is so much involved in establishing a base it’s nice to keep things somewhat simple.
Oddly, I think Rob is more of a problem than Jeff.
Now to be patient for another ~6 months or so.
There aren’t a lot of hidden plots or underhanded tricks. But there is so much involved in establishing a base it’s nice to keep things somewhat simple.
Oddly, I think Rob is more of a problem than Jeff.
Now to be patient for another ~6 months or so.
June 21, 2022
A good book.
The story was entertaining and the author has started to make progress on making one of the more annoying secondary characters less annoying. The world building is interesting and I enjoyed the little slice of life fun moments in the book.
The story was entertaining and the author has started to make progress on making one of the more annoying secondary characters less annoying. The world building is interesting and I enjoyed the little slice of life fun moments in the book.
June 3, 2022
book four
Mistakes: I found a couple and have listed them on GoodReads.
Plot: Mostly administration and growing his holdings. Does have some good action.
Characters: Jeff needs to die in a horrible and painfully slow way. Ron also needs to be replaced with a more willing tank. Ron is more interested in his relationship and his train.
7/10
Mistakes: I found a couple and have listed them on GoodReads.
Plot: Mostly administration and growing his holdings. Does have some good action.
Characters: Jeff needs to die in a horrible and painfully slow way. Ron also needs to be replaced with a more willing tank. Ron is more interested in his relationship and his train.
7/10
April 25, 2025
The first one or two of these books were junior high fun fighting in the Kobold lair or fighting with trolls. Then the second got more log down with minutia and the third is even worse. Yes it’s got some exciting parts that are kind of fun, but there’s too much drama and too much joking that just is not that funny. It’s like one of those children’s novels. Were Tom and Bill talk with Sally and they eat dinner. It’s not really that interesting. I wouldn’t say it’s worth it unless you’re really into the characters and the characters are actually kind of negative. I really don’t appreciate the drama, but I guess if you like some drama And a lot of people like romances I don’t this will be OK for you, but it’s really just a lot of packing of pulp drama with a little bit of fun in between I guess if you can skim, it’ll be OK. I can’t imagine doing it if you do that books read to you because it would just be too irritating. I mean, I don’t really know why they’re talking about drinking cappuccinos and having a breakfast I guess authors do actually describe foods a lot so maybe that’s interesting for some people? I guess I really shouldn’t trash the author because the first book and kind of the second book were OK and then I just got dumber and dumber so I wouldn’t really recommend the series unless you read the first book in this like oh this characters are so cool. I love them and how they interact but if you’re just like, oh I wanted to read about Some kind of Lord of the rings fighting but in a kind of dystopian earth then maybe read the first book and then just quit.
May 6, 2022
3.5 stars
This book was, very much, a bridge between what happened earlier, and what is about to happen. There wasn’t much action, but Any Port is steadily deepening its foundations so they can weather storms that may come as the year continues on.
I know that Marc keeps talking about how it’s good that he delegated to his parents, but he continues to keep his own role so nebulous that it’s got to cause confusion and delay in getting things done. Also, Jeff seems to turning more caricature than character the further into the series we progress. He has this vague backstory of a controlling, and likely abusive father, but that history only seems to come into play each time he makes a poor decision (which happens EVERY time he makes a decision), and he’s basically coming off as a under-intelligent jock-bro rather than the semi-genius engineer/gamer that we were originally introduced to. He was lazy, not stupid.
What is the System aiming for here? Why were those particular lines of code included? And what are the long-term consequences of removing them from a fully integrated network? I mean, what if they just introduced SkyNet? I’m very curious to see where this will go, and if Marc’s observers will cause trouble. Also, will Reggie now be able to find out what is happening planet-wide?
This book was, very much, a bridge between what happened earlier, and what is about to happen. There wasn’t much action, but Any Port is steadily deepening its foundations so they can weather storms that may come as the year continues on.
I know that Marc keeps talking about how it’s good that he delegated to his parents, but he continues to keep his own role so nebulous that it’s got to cause confusion and delay in getting things done. Also, Jeff seems to turning more caricature than character the further into the series we progress. He has this vague backstory of a controlling, and likely abusive father, but that history only seems to come into play each time he makes a poor decision (which happens EVERY time he makes a decision), and he’s basically coming off as a under-intelligent jock-bro rather than the semi-genius engineer/gamer that we were originally introduced to. He was lazy, not stupid.
What is the System aiming for here? Why were those particular lines of code included? And what are the long-term consequences of removing them from a fully integrated network? I mean, what if they just introduced SkyNet? I’m very curious to see where this will go, and if Marc’s observers will cause trouble. Also, will Reggie now be able to find out what is happening planet-wide?
October 29, 2023
Two books in one!
This really should have been written as two seperate books.
The first half is a very interesting account of Marcus and his nameless group making contact with another safe zone and dealing with two nearby dungeons. This was easily the best part of the series so far.
The second half has the team return to Any Port and begin work on, once again, upgrading it. There were some very cool aspects of this which made it interesting.
The problem is the writing is still two dimensional. It is all centered on Marcus and, frankly, Marcus is as boring as mud. Very few of the other characters have any real personality or depth to them. Jeff could be a spectacularly great Pirate King type character. Instead he mooks about, jelous of Marc the Dingus. Rob started out a strong character but is fading back into insignificance. Felicia is just there for Marc to talk to and Ella is even less.
Will I read book five? Probably. I can tell that the series is building towards something. I hope that it isn't anti-climactic. I'm really hoping for some profound character development in Jeff, that would be nice.
If only Marcus wasn't such a dingus.
Oh well.
Read everyday and read for fun! Cheers!
This really should have been written as two seperate books.
The first half is a very interesting account of Marcus and his nameless group making contact with another safe zone and dealing with two nearby dungeons. This was easily the best part of the series so far.
The second half has the team return to Any Port and begin work on, once again, upgrading it. There were some very cool aspects of this which made it interesting.
The problem is the writing is still two dimensional. It is all centered on Marcus and, frankly, Marcus is as boring as mud. Very few of the other characters have any real personality or depth to them. Jeff could be a spectacularly great Pirate King type character. Instead he mooks about, jelous of Marc the Dingus. Rob started out a strong character but is fading back into insignificance. Felicia is just there for Marc to talk to and Ella is even less.
Will I read book five? Probably. I can tell that the series is building towards something. I hope that it isn't anti-climactic. I'm really hoping for some profound character development in Jeff, that would be nice.
If only Marcus wasn't such a dingus.
Oh well.
Read everyday and read for fun! Cheers!
June 6, 2022
I really like when we get glimpses into how the system works, and in this installment, we get to see that perhaps the system yearns for more. Interesting, and who knows what it will lead to in future books in the series, but I for one liked this part of the story, even though overall, there really wasn't a whole lot happening, just our main characters continuing their efforts to consolidate as much territory as they can, and trying to work with other safe zones to make things easier for all involved. Of course, all isn't as simple as that, what with zones being left unattended, zones being hostile to others, and the ever present monsters making things difficult for everyone. Nice to see some technology starting to emergetoo, can't wait until the tech level gets high enough for space travel, that will be a real fun read.
September 26, 2022
Another good book in this series!
The pace of advancement for the characters and their safe zone continues at a good pace. They are slowly and steadily advancing their safe zone's technology level too and will hopefully reach the space age before the year is up and other races start coin by to claim parts of Earth.
I hope they figure out a way for Jeff to offset the detrimental impact of his Notoriety. Especially as he is a bit melancholy as a result; for the most part he's ended up quiet, sniping, or angry; though, he does still provide a lot of help. It's a good reminder that the old saying that any publicity is good, is not always true.
It will be interesting to see what Marc can do with his new skills and spells, which he received right at the end of the book
The pace of advancement for the characters and their safe zone continues at a good pace. They are slowly and steadily advancing their safe zone's technology level too and will hopefully reach the space age before the year is up and other races start coin by to claim parts of Earth.
I hope they figure out a way for Jeff to offset the detrimental impact of his Notoriety. Especially as he is a bit melancholy as a result; for the most part he's ended up quiet, sniping, or angry; though, he does still provide a lot of help. It's a good reminder that the old saying that any publicity is good, is not always true.
It will be interesting to see what Marc can do with his new skills and spells, which he received right at the end of the book
May 19, 2022
I got a bit bored with the things happening between meeting Octavious and afterwards, until Octavious the II. I loved meeting little Katie and happy to see her befriending Amy. I'm seriously starting to get over Jeff and his poor attitude. He's the only one fighting against everyong else who's fighting together as a team. I can't wait to see Marc and Felicia be able to modernise everything for everyone... but my main love, Beggar is the best thing about the fourth book.
Talking Beggar is the best Beggar, ever!!
Talking Beggar is the best Beggar, ever!!
June 13, 2022
An Apocalyptic New World, Living Again
Marc is constantly trying to make all of his Safe Zones safer by building better conditions, making more tech things, finding more survivors, and visiting other Safe Zones of survivors. While he and his team are still building themselves up to get stronger.
Rob works on and with the rail systems and Jeff with the balloon and zeppelin system. Using both they are able to rescue more survivors.
Another fun read and l can't wait for more.
Read in 5 days
Marc is constantly trying to make all of his Safe Zones safer by building better conditions, making more tech things, finding more survivors, and visiting other Safe Zones of survivors. While he and his team are still building themselves up to get stronger.
Rob works on and with the rail systems and Jeff with the balloon and zeppelin system. Using both they are able to rescue more survivors.
Another fun read and l can't wait for more.
Read in 5 days
July 18, 2022
Logistically impressive
I love hard fantasy, the harder the better. And talking about tech chains, spell forms, the physical shape of spells, well let's just say it charges my mana battery. One thing I'd love to see is more scenes involving mana manipulation. Elemental variants of every spell, or even spells like flame thrower and cone of cold having their elements removed to just be a pure arcane blast. Anyway. These books are great. This series is great. I can't wait for number 5
I love hard fantasy, the harder the better. And talking about tech chains, spell forms, the physical shape of spells, well let's just say it charges my mana battery. One thing I'd love to see is more scenes involving mana manipulation. Elemental variants of every spell, or even spells like flame thrower and cone of cold having their elements removed to just be a pure arcane blast. Anyway. These books are great. This series is great. I can't wait for number 5
June 2, 2022
Boring. Struggled to get to the end.
I just finished reading from book 1 to book 4 and I think I am done with this series.
There is a bit of an interesting premise but the lack of connection and depth to the characters makes this book feel more like a history text where everything goes right for the main cast.
I had high hopes from reading some reviews that things would get better but I was cheated. Wouldn't recommend this book / series.
I just finished reading from book 1 to book 4 and I think I am done with this series.
There is a bit of an interesting premise but the lack of connection and depth to the characters makes this book feel more like a history text where everything goes right for the main cast.
I had high hopes from reading some reviews that things would get better but I was cheated. Wouldn't recommend this book / series.
May 5, 2022
advancing nicely
This story is very much a slice of life post system apocalypse. While there is action there is no overall big fight this book and instead focuses on the development of characters and their homes. A base building sort of book. We do find out a little more about the system as well
This story is very much a slice of life post system apocalypse. While there is action there is no overall big fight this book and instead focuses on the development of characters and their homes. A base building sort of book. We do find out a little more about the system as well
May 5, 2022
Great series
Really growing to love the series. Author not the quickest on release, but seems do pearty good. Signed up for his newsletter because not been getting notices in a timely fashion. Big plus he has a brief summary of past book in series. With so many litrpg now you need a reminder, because they blend together.
Really growing to love the series. Author not the quickest on release, but seems do pearty good. Signed up for his newsletter because not been getting notices in a timely fashion. Big plus he has a brief summary of past book in series. With so many litrpg now you need a reminder, because they blend together.
May 7, 2022
Best one yet!
I loved this one! Begger is the best character in the series. Also the addition of Octavius (a.k.a. cutie pie) was genius. Never saw it coming. The world dynamics are getting really interesting. Can't wait to see where you take the addition of the crows in the story. Keep it up!
I loved this one! Begger is the best character in the series. Also the addition of Octavius (a.k.a. cutie pie) was genius. Never saw it coming. The world dynamics are getting really interesting. Can't wait to see where you take the addition of the crows in the story. Keep it up!
May 9, 2022
Ton of fun
This book is very enjoyable, with plot points and a magic system that are very different from common LitRPG tropes. There is some adult humour, but not to the point of vulgarity. The characters are shown to be flawed, but not monstrous, and there is clear development for some of them. Would recommend.
This book is very enjoyable, with plot points and a magic system that are very different from common LitRPG tropes. There is some adult humour, but not to the point of vulgarity. The characters are shown to be flawed, but not monstrous, and there is clear development for some of them. Would recommend.
May 9, 2022
More litrpg
I somehow get sucked into this series, despite the cliff hanger ish endings, that seem to just stop the story as if the author simply ran out of pages. But on the other hand, the next book will likely pick up where this one leaves off and we will get more adventures.
I somehow get sucked into this series, despite the cliff hanger ish endings, that seem to just stop the story as if the author simply ran out of pages. But on the other hand, the next book will likely pick up where this one leaves off and we will get more adventures.
May 9, 2022
Getting better, very enjoyable storytelling. 🤓
Recommended for anyone over 10 years old. Only a small hint at sex and very minor profanity.
Nice long story and well told, clean text - proofread. Not your usual sloppy kindle book!
Tom Larcomb - one of my TOP 5 favorite authors.
Recommended for anyone over 10 years old. Only a small hint at sex and very minor profanity.
Nice long story and well told, clean text - proofread. Not your usual sloppy kindle book!
Tom Larcomb - one of my TOP 5 favorite authors.
May 22, 2022
Fun slow expansion
Not a lot of fighting in this book and most early. Much of this book is empire building of sorts and learning the system. I personally enjoy this kind of romp to the "buildup to impossible fight" story. Everyone is still learning the system and it is fun to join in on the discoveries. I am looking forward to the next book.
Not a lot of fighting in this book and most early. Much of this book is empire building of sorts and learning the system. I personally enjoy this kind of romp to the "buildup to impossible fight" story. Everyone is still learning the system and it is fun to join in on the discoveries. I am looking forward to the next book.
May 23, 2022
interesting world building
It’s sad that the college age MC is still an emotional midget. I’m ready to see more growth there.
Battle scenes at this point should only display the groups improved skills. Still overly punch by punch.
Overall though the journey is engaging and the world building fun.
It’s sad that the college age MC is still an emotional midget. I’m ready to see more growth there.
Battle scenes at this point should only display the groups improved skills. Still overly punch by punch.
Overall though the journey is engaging and the world building fun.
June 24, 2024
This could be a 5 star series but the constant antics of the character Jeff and all the psycho babble garbage almost made this a dnf. I will stick with the series but it is such a mixed bag that I will need to step away a good bit between books. Still the system and safe zone aspects keep it just interesting to put up with the garbage.
May 4, 2022
Love This Series
Truly enjoyable series with engaging characters and happenings. I adore Beggar. It's fun to watch the progression between tech levels. Thanks for wonderful imaginings.
Truly enjoyable series with engaging characters and happenings. I adore Beggar. It's fun to watch the progression between tech levels. Thanks for wonderful imaginings.
May 4, 2022
A nice change of pace for a book 4, no plot to destroy the community from the inside. Actually going out and adventuring and making peaceful connections with other human settlements after the world changed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
Had fun
Great slice of life story. Not much goes wrong everything gets moved forward a bit. Wish there was a little more drama, kind of over Jeff, he needs to stop being an ass and be funny instead.
Great slice of life story. Not much goes wrong everything gets moved forward a bit. Wish there was a little more drama, kind of over Jeff, he needs to stop being an ass and be funny instead.
May 6, 2022
Great!
I love it when a series continues to keep my attention. The author hasn't forgotten to create new adventures while actually continuing and in some cases finishing tasks from previous books.
I love it when a series continues to keep my attention. The author hasn't forgotten to create new adventures while actually continuing and in some cases finishing tasks from previous books.
May 6, 2022
Will be adding to my favorites list.
This series is one of those where I especially enjoy the time I spend reading. It's not just a wonderful, well written story, but a space/place I truly enjoy visiting. Kudos. Thank you, sir.
This series is one of those where I especially enjoy the time I spend reading. It's not just a wonderful, well written story, but a space/place I truly enjoy visiting. Kudos. Thank you, sir.
May 7, 2022
escaping the cage
Who would have thought college students could do so much, well within a year? Our heroes continue to build their own infrastructure in order to protect humanity. Higher tech awaits!
Who would have thought college students could do so much, well within a year? Our heroes continue to build their own infrastructure in order to protect humanity. Higher tech awaits!
May 7, 2022
what a good read
Another great read in the series. Can’t wait for book 5 to come out. I almost wish I had waited till later to find this series because I hate waiting for the next book. Definitely recommend reading though.
Another great read in the series. Can’t wait for book 5 to come out. I almost wish I had waited till later to find this series because I hate waiting for the next book. Definitely recommend reading though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews