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Haley and Nana #1
Haley's Cozy System Armageddon
A Girl, a Grandma, and a Lot of Cookies
When the apocalypse hit, Haley was ready to embark on her life-long dream of becoming a wizard! But the system has other plans for her...
Enjoy a feel-good slice-of-life short... come away smiling!
This story is good for all ages and comes with a recipe so that when you get to the end of it, you can make the cookies and re-read it while eating the cookies the characters are eating. Because that's the kind of story it is.
When the apocalypse hit, Haley was ready to embark on her life-long dream of becoming a wizard! But the system has other plans for her...
Enjoy a feel-good slice-of-life short... come away smiling!
This story is good for all ages and comes with a recipe so that when you get to the end of it, you can make the cookies and re-read it while eating the cookies the characters are eating. Because that's the kind of story it is.
- GenresFantasyCozyShort Stories
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2022
13 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
M.C.A. Hogarth
145 books388 followersDaughter of two Cuban political exiles, M.C.A. Hogarth was born a foreigner in the American melting pot and has had a fascination for the gaps in cultures and the bridges that span them ever since. She has been many things—-web database architect, product manager, technical writer and massage therapist—-but is currently a full-time parent, artist, writer and anthropologist to aliens, both human and otherwise.
Her fiction has variously been recommended for a Nebula, a finalist for the Spectrum, placed on the secondary Tiptree reading list and chosen for two best-of anthologies; her art has appeared in RPGs, magazines and on book covers.
Her fiction has variously been recommended for a Nebula, a finalist for the Spectrum, placed on the secondary Tiptree reading list and chosen for two best-of anthologies; her art has appeared in RPGs, magazines and on book covers.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 14, 2023
This is LitRPG with a heart (and modern setting). Armageddon happens as aliens discover Earth; and challenge us to rise to the next level by reworking reality so that we're now a LitRPG host of some kind. Haley wants nothing more than to become a wizard but has no idea how to go about it. In the midst of fumbling around, she gains some skills, makes some friends, and ends up creating quests for other people to gain XP.
This short story is just endearing. And the found-family/community aspects of it are kind of outstanding. Plus, Haley's Nana is a hoot. If you're not at all interested in LitRPG (most of my followers, no doubt), I think this is the most likely to reward a general audience who are in it for a good story, good characters, a little insight, and lots of humor.
I'm giving this five stars. It deserves every one of them.
A note about Chaste: A stranded delivery guy plays prominently and there's a hint that he may be a romantic interest for Haley. I'd love if that came about and look forward to devouring the rest of the series to find out. So far, though, there's not even any kissing. So it is very chaste.
This short story is just endearing. And the found-family/community aspects of it are kind of outstanding. Plus, Haley's Nana is a hoot. If you're not at all interested in LitRPG (most of my followers, no doubt), I think this is the most likely to reward a general audience who are in it for a good story, good characters, a little insight, and lots of humor.
I'm giving this five stars. It deserves every one of them.
A note about Chaste: A stranded delivery guy plays prominently and there's a hint that he may be a romantic interest for Haley. I'd love if that came about and look forward to devouring the rest of the series to find out. So far, though, there's not even any kissing. So it is very chaste.
November 27, 2022
Haley and her grandmother are making cookies before the kinda apocalypse. (Her grandmother re-read Revelation to be sure it's not the real one.) It's aliens! They arrived and they are testing humanity by -- putting it into a LitRPG!
They have to work out the rules. Haley wants to be a wizard and stocked up on ink in hopes she could work it out, and finds it going awry. They also have to figure out how to live -- power goes out, for instance.
They have to work out the rules. Haley wants to be a wizard and stocked up on ink in hopes she could work it out, and finds it going awry. They also have to figure out how to live -- power goes out, for instance.
May 7, 2024
Yes, it turns out there is a book equivalent of a freshly baked batch of cookies. Sure, this is not fancy book club material but it's really cute and has a lot of heart.
HT for the recommendation to the always interesting Jacob Proffitt. This does not mean I am going down the LitRPG rabbit hole after him! 🧐
HT for the recommendation to the always interesting Jacob Proffitt. This does not mean I am going down the LitRPG rabbit hole after him! 🧐
November 8, 2022
This lovely little story made for a relaxing evening. While it is LitRPG, and it is cozy, Hogarth blends the two in a way that enhances both. Haley, when faced with the world's testing by mysterious aliens in the form of an RPG game, decides to do everything she can to become a wizard. But life has other plans, and her ultimate destiny is different as well as being much more satisfying.
I really like how this story progresses, so we see not only Haley and her Nana, but also their neighbors spread out through the back woods. They all have interesting experiences, and I was interested in finding out what their classes and skills would become. And what about cute Oliver the delivery boy? And what titles will That Thomascat accrue next?
It's four stars because it feels a little slight even for a short story, but there are more to come in the series, and I anticipate, now that the setup is complete, for those to be increasingly engaging.
I really like how this story progresses, so we see not only Haley and her Nana, but also their neighbors spread out through the back woods. They all have interesting experiences, and I was interested in finding out what their classes and skills would become. And what about cute Oliver the delivery boy? And what titles will That Thomascat accrue next?
It's four stars because it feels a little slight even for a short story, but there are more to come in the series, and I anticipate, now that the setup is complete, for those to be increasingly engaging.
January 14, 2025
Excellent and already on to the next 🥰
January 31, 2023
I got this quite a while ago and read it at last over yesterday and today. So fun--and it comes with a recipe at the back, yum!
Lit RPGs must be a thing right now--Jacob Proffitt has been reading a bunch (hi Jacob). Anyway, this is my first, and I liked it a lot. Haley has an idea of what class she'd like to be assigned as well as opinions on how experience points are given out, and probably needless to say, the game has other ideas.
At this stage in the series (Book 1) the stakes are relaxingly low and the fun is in the types of problems Haley and the people and creatures around her solve and how they solve them. Haley's smart and resourceful, and so is Oliver, the driver of a FamousRainforest delivery van (<--actual name in the story: cute).
An example of fun: Haley's cat comes with built-in skills: "Stalk, See Mysteries, Tranquilize"--so true!
Looking forward to reading the others. I think I bought this when only two were out, and I *believe* that now the series is complete.
Lit RPGs must be a thing right now--Jacob Proffitt has been reading a bunch (hi Jacob). Anyway, this is my first, and I liked it a lot. Haley has an idea of what class she'd like to be assigned as well as opinions on how experience points are given out, and probably needless to say, the game has other ideas.
At this stage in the series (Book 1) the stakes are relaxingly low and the fun is in the types of problems Haley and the people and creatures around her solve and how they solve them. Haley's smart and resourceful, and so is Oliver, the driver of a FamousRainforest delivery van (<--actual name in the story: cute).
An example of fun: Haley's cat comes with built-in skills: "Stalk, See Mysteries, Tranquilize"--so true!
Looking forward to reading the others. I think I bought this when only two were out, and I *believe* that now the series is complete.
August 24, 2023
Decent Light Tale
Despite wanting to be a wizard, the system reset actively works against her becoming one - no fireballs or electrical zaps for her.
Her calligraphy hobby comes in handy, though, as well as a Latin textbook, and some ingredient-infused inks. By signing her name after writing a spell word, she can create scrolls - turns out the game is actively working against her becoming a scribe or enchanter, as well.
At least the oven works now, and the fridge, and the aircon, and the water heater.
What Haley actually gets a lot of XP for is giving quests and becoming some sort of community beacon. She and her grandmother will provide a cosy, safe atmosphere for those in the town, as well as providing quests amd rewards so other people can level more hands-on duties.
Turns out Haley wouldn't mind the life of a questgiver after all even though she's been trying to gain some sort of access to a magical class all book.
And that's the nitpicky reason I won't be continuing this series. Taking choice away from your character is an author no-no. And making the character seem like they've wanted it all along is more of a no-no.
Your fictional character forms in your mind, has thoughts, ambitions, talents, feelings - they change and evolve after their experiences. Esp with LitRPG. An author forcing a plot or having the character agree to or refuse options just to put them on a set path is very obvious - exponentially so in a genre that doles out XP points or pelts you with quests. Let the characters forge their own path a little, let them deviate off-course. They need their own agency or you might as well just write regular fantasy.
Despite wanting to be a wizard, the system reset actively works against her becoming one - no fireballs or electrical zaps for her.
Her calligraphy hobby comes in handy, though, as well as a Latin textbook, and some ingredient-infused inks. By signing her name after writing a spell word, she can create scrolls - turns out the game is actively working against her becoming a scribe or enchanter, as well.
At least the oven works now, and the fridge, and the aircon, and the water heater.
What Haley actually gets a lot of XP for is giving quests and becoming some sort of community beacon. She and her grandmother will provide a cosy, safe atmosphere for those in the town, as well as providing quests amd rewards so other people can level more hands-on duties.
Turns out Haley wouldn't mind the life of a questgiver after all even though she's been trying to gain some sort of access to a magical class all book.
And that's the nitpicky reason I won't be continuing this series. Taking choice away from your character is an author no-no. And making the character seem like they've wanted it all along is more of a no-no.
Your fictional character forms in your mind, has thoughts, ambitions, talents, feelings - they change and evolve after their experiences. Esp with LitRPG. An author forcing a plot or having the character agree to or refuse options just to put them on a set path is very obvious - exponentially so in a genre that doles out XP points or pelts you with quests. Let the characters forge their own path a little, let them deviate off-course. They need their own agency or you might as well just write regular fantasy.
December 29, 2023
Aliens give Earth advance notice that a "system apocolypse" is going to activate, giving people time to prepare. Bad news for anyone who thinks "strength in numbers" is a good idea, because population centers seem to attract stronger monsters.
That's not an issue for Haley. She's living with her grandma in a small rural town (southern United States, maybe Louisiana.) It has starting town energy - weak critter monsters and food items as quest rewards. Haley experiments with magic and helps her grandma figure out how things work now.
It's all very cozy, as the title suggests. There are a lot of Christian references and imagery. Grandma is very religious and Haley seems less so. Having read a bit of the second book, there's more God stuff to come so maybe skip the series if that's going to annoy you.
12/29/2023: Star rating reduced due to AI audiobook.
That's not an issue for Haley. She's living with her grandma in a small rural town (southern United States, maybe Louisiana.) It has starting town energy - weak critter monsters and food items as quest rewards. Haley experiments with magic and helps her grandma figure out how things work now.
It's all very cozy, as the title suggests. There are a lot of Christian references and imagery. Grandma is very religious and Haley seems less so. Having read a bit of the second book, there's more God stuff to come so maybe skip the series if that's going to annoy you.
12/29/2023: Star rating reduced due to AI audiobook.
August 23, 2022
This is a delightful story that somehow makes gaming conventions clear to an almost-newbie like myself. It may also be the only cozy, un-hair-raising story in existence that centers around an apocalypse. I loved the POV character's mutually nurturing relationship with her grandmother, and the way the story gives appropriate values to certain non-obvious skills.
December 28, 2022
What even is a "cozy apocalypse"? This short story/novelette (the first in a series) features aliens "resetting" Earth and telling everyone that starting tomorrow, they will be playing in a real-world game complete with skills, classes, and leveling up. Technology will cease, but magic will be real, and pro-social behavior will be rewarded.
I find it hard to get into LitRPGs, as amusing as the concept is. They should be right up my alley. But the idea of someone literally viewing their "character sheet" in front of them and gaining skills and XPs as they walk around doing things in the real world feels too much like breaking the fourth wall during a D&D game, or really bad RPG tie-in fiction.
But Haley's Cozy System Armageddon takes the concept and plays it straight and delivers what it promises: a light-hearted, feel-good TEOTWAWKI. Haley Landry is a college student who lives out in the woods with her grandma when the aliens announce the coming armageddon. There is very little description of the aliens or their intentions; they are just a magical plot device to make the LitRPG happen. Haley, a hobby calligrapher, spent her time by ordering all the fancy inks and parchments and quills she could. Her plan: to become a wizard, obviously.
Once armageddon happens and the game begins, however, Haley is disappointed to discover that while she is able to make various minor magical enchantments from her scrolls, her XP gain is minimal and the system frustratingly refuses to give her a class. Meanwhile, she and her grandma start helping the neighbors, sharing baked goods, and rebuilding the community. Haley discovers this gets her many more XPs.
While there is mention of things going very badly in the cities, with monsters running amok and people dying, the worst that Haley and her grandmother have to face so far is some very fierce mutant rabbits and squirrels, and Haley's kill-stealing cat gets most of the XPs for those. The premise is clearly promising that no horrible grimdark fates are going to happen to anyone here, and the low-key religiosity of the characters reinforces the wholesome vibe.
Did I enjoy this story? It was fluffy and silly but fun. It did not quite make me a fan of LitRPGs, nor convince me I want to read the rest of the series. But I might try the recipe in the back of the book eventually.
I find it hard to get into LitRPGs, as amusing as the concept is. They should be right up my alley. But the idea of someone literally viewing their "character sheet" in front of them and gaining skills and XPs as they walk around doing things in the real world feels too much like breaking the fourth wall during a D&D game, or really bad RPG tie-in fiction.
But Haley's Cozy System Armageddon takes the concept and plays it straight and delivers what it promises: a light-hearted, feel-good TEOTWAWKI. Haley Landry is a college student who lives out in the woods with her grandma when the aliens announce the coming armageddon. There is very little description of the aliens or their intentions; they are just a magical plot device to make the LitRPG happen. Haley, a hobby calligrapher, spent her time by ordering all the fancy inks and parchments and quills she could. Her plan: to become a wizard, obviously.
Once armageddon happens and the game begins, however, Haley is disappointed to discover that while she is able to make various minor magical enchantments from her scrolls, her XP gain is minimal and the system frustratingly refuses to give her a class. Meanwhile, she and her grandma start helping the neighbors, sharing baked goods, and rebuilding the community. Haley discovers this gets her many more XPs.
While there is mention of things going very badly in the cities, with monsters running amok and people dying, the worst that Haley and her grandmother have to face so far is some very fierce mutant rabbits and squirrels, and Haley's kill-stealing cat gets most of the XPs for those. The premise is clearly promising that no horrible grimdark fates are going to happen to anyone here, and the low-key religiosity of the characters reinforces the wholesome vibe.
Did I enjoy this story? It was fluffy and silly but fun. It did not quite make me a fan of LitRPGs, nor convince me I want to read the rest of the series. But I might try the recipe in the back of the book eventually.
November 14, 2025
Quick synopsis
: A Christian young woman and her Christian grandmother bake and make friends through the end of the world.
Brief opinion : I liked everything about this short book other than the strong Christianity running through it.
Plot : As is normal for LitRPG books, the world ends and becomes a big video game. The aliens who run this system tell the population of Earth that when it comes to getting a new class, their intentions are what matters. Also you get rewarded for being nice.
Haley wants to become a wizard and tries everything she can to become one, but turns out instead she is able to make magical ink, and thus magical scrolls.
She and her "kitchen witch" grandmother set up a hub for a new community in their area. Because God wills it.
Writing/editing : Both were fine, other than the religious stuff.
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : In an already short story (72 pages), why would the last few pages need to be bible verses?
I liked the world building, I like that people would get rewarded for being nice to others, but the Christianity through the story was a major turn-off for me.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Okay. Without the religious stuff I might have given it five stars. I won't be continuing this series.
Brief opinion : I liked everything about this short book other than the strong Christianity running through it.
Plot : As is normal for LitRPG books, the world ends and becomes a big video game. The aliens who run this system tell the population of Earth that when it comes to getting a new class, their intentions are what matters. Also you get rewarded for being nice.
Haley wants to become a wizard and tries everything she can to become one, but turns out instead she is able to make magical ink, and thus magical scrolls.
She and her "kitchen witch" grandmother set up a hub for a new community in their area. Because God wills it.
Writing/editing : Both were fine, other than the religious stuff.
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : In an already short story (72 pages), why would the last few pages need to be bible verses?
I liked the world building, I like that people would get rewarded for being nice to others, but the Christianity through the story was a major turn-off for me.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Okay. Without the religious stuff I might have given it five stars. I won't be continuing this series.
September 1, 2022
This is my first book by this author, and I found it completely by accident.
This is a short book at only 82 pages, but I loved it all the same. Haley is living with grandmother who loves to bake and cook. Aliens appeared and sent a message that Armageddon is coming and to be prepared.
Except... nothing happens. Haley wants to be a wizard, but she doesn't know how to make that happen so she starts writing Latin words on paper. She's only taken first year Latin before she quit, so she doesn't know many words and the internet is gone forever.
I won't spoil what happens next, but this is by far the happiest book I've read in a long time. Maybe ever. This might sound odd, but it reminded me of Parks and Recreation which I think was the happiest comedy series to ever be created. Nobody's mean to each other, and everything is happy and positive.
Sure, it isn't realistic, but that's why we read books to escape from reality and go somewhere else.
5/5* Highly recommended.
This is a short book at only 82 pages, but I loved it all the same. Haley is living with grandmother who loves to bake and cook. Aliens appeared and sent a message that Armageddon is coming and to be prepared.
Except... nothing happens. Haley wants to be a wizard, but she doesn't know how to make that happen so she starts writing Latin words on paper. She's only taken first year Latin before she quit, so she doesn't know many words and the internet is gone forever.
I won't spoil what happens next, but this is by far the happiest book I've read in a long time. Maybe ever. This might sound odd, but it reminded me of Parks and Recreation which I think was the happiest comedy series to ever be created. Nobody's mean to each other, and everything is happy and positive.
Sure, it isn't realistic, but that's why we read books to escape from reality and go somewhere else.
5/5* Highly recommended.
June 23, 2024
3.5⭐️
I discovered this author last year and fell in love with his Dreamhealers series. And when I realized they had written a series of cozy LitRPG fantasy novellas I HAD to read at least the first in the lot. I have recently stumbled upon LitRPG books and have also started my journey of reading cozy so I thought why not combine the 2 and narrow my choices more 🙄. This book was the result of that. It has a cottagecore vibe with Haley and her granny living out in the boonies and going through as cozy of an apocalypse as can be. There is no electricity and there are monsters, but there is magic and the whole story is about finding and cultivating a community while finding oneself. I just though that the story was cute and it had an added bonus of including That Thomascat who is the best slayer of lizards and Bunnykiller around.
I discovered this author last year and fell in love with his Dreamhealers series. And when I realized they had written a series of cozy LitRPG fantasy novellas I HAD to read at least the first in the lot. I have recently stumbled upon LitRPG books and have also started my journey of reading cozy so I thought why not combine the 2 and narrow my choices more 🙄. This book was the result of that. It has a cottagecore vibe with Haley and her granny living out in the boonies and going through as cozy of an apocalypse as can be. There is no electricity and there are monsters, but there is magic and the whole story is about finding and cultivating a community while finding oneself. I just though that the story was cute and it had an added bonus of including That Thomascat who is the best slayer of lizards and Bunnykiller around.
February 8, 2023
As advertised, it's a cozy light LitRPG. It's what I was hoping Cinnamon Bun would be closer to. Note, it's more of a novella, but there are multiple books.
Family friendly and the goal of the "Armageddon" set by the aliens seems to be more getting people to get along and making humanity better so they can join a galactic community. So the focus is on slice of life and quests that help people.
There are references to other places (like cities) that don't seem to be as peaceful, so I assume in later books that will be explored a bit more.
Family friendly and the goal of the "Armageddon" set by the aliens seems to be more getting people to get along and making humanity better so they can join a galactic community. So the focus is on slice of life and quests that help people.
There are references to other places (like cities) that don't seem to be as peaceful, so I assume in later books that will be explored a bit more.
October 24, 2023
A very short story about a girl and her grandmother and the apocalipse caused by aliens seeking to reset earth. They are bizarrely relaxed about it, finding their place in an RPG world in a very original and relaxed way.
As an epilogue, all kinds of biblical texts pass by, there is also reading in the Bible but this is not really bothersome in the story.
As an epilogue, all kinds of biblical texts pass by, there is also reading in the Bible but this is not really bothersome in the story.
January 7, 2023
A nice cozy feel good story with crafting elements which are very different to your usual Lit Rpg story.
A little heavy on the biblical references for my tastes, but I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
A little heavy on the biblical references for my tastes, but I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
February 16, 2023
I had never read a LitRPG book before! Hogarth introduces the genre easily enough with characters you want to root for! I enjoyed the System that she created and will be taking a peek at the next books in the serries.
A warning, there is some animal death but it's very game-ified and not graphic.
A warning, there is some animal death but it's very game-ified and not graphic.
August 27, 2022
This was a lot of fun! I kind of hope for more stories set in this world.
October 6, 2022
Excellent
Unique, fun and brimming with so much potential. I really liked this light, feel-good offering. Recommend it. Would love to read more about Haley.
Unique, fun and brimming with so much potential. I really liked this light, feel-good offering. Recommend it. Would love to read more about Haley.
October 14, 2022
Charming
A delightful take on the genre with interesting world building and relationships. Nice slice of life and systems. More please.
A delightful take on the genre with interesting world building and relationships. Nice slice of life and systems. More please.
December 17, 2022
As ridiculous as the premise is, this story was very cozy and fun. Reading it after Skyward, I found this short story much more enjoyable and conceptually interesting, surprisingly enough.
January 25, 2023
definitely cozy
This was definitely a cozy litrpg. Lovely to see a Christian one, and not heavy handed with it. A fun quick read.
This was definitely a cozy litrpg. Lovely to see a Christian one, and not heavy handed with it. A fun quick read.
January 8, 2025
Likeable characters and an interesting story. I quite liked how this went! I only wish it were a novella instead of just a short story.
February 17, 2026
What a delightful little read! If an apocalypse must happen, then only a cosy one. Warm, comforting, and surprisingly gentle for an end-of-the-world story.
August 15, 2025
Relaxing and lighthearted story despite taking place in an apocalypse! A feel good story. This series is very, very Christian which I was not expecting. The books are short but entertaining.
April 11, 2023
I didn't know I needed a cozy Armageddon story but Hogarth provided excellent world building and compelling challenges all while rapping me up in the warm blanket of Haley's story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews