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Apocalypse Redux #2
Apocalypse Redux, Book Two
One man can’t save the world, but he can raise the army.
Humanity might have died out once, but Isaac got a second chance at life, returning to the time when the [System] initialized. Grasping this chance with both hands, he worked tirelessly to bring his future knowledge to the masses, but even so, some disasters are inevitable.
After large swaths of LA were destroyed by a Lightning Elemental, the world is reeling from the consequences, while Isaac’s own actions have radically changed how the apocalypse will play out this time. Can he save the world from itself, or will he have to watch it end for a second time?
Humanity might have died out once, but Isaac got a second chance at life, returning to the time when the [System] initialized. Grasping this chance with both hands, he worked tirelessly to bring his future knowledge to the masses, but even so, some disasters are inevitable.
After large swaths of LA were destroyed by a Lightning Elemental, the world is reeling from the consequences, while Isaac’s own actions have radically changed how the apocalypse will play out this time. Can he save the world from itself, or will he have to watch it end for a second time?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2023
585 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 23, 2024
This is a system apocalypse story with character and story arcs that build over time. Read in order.
This proceeds from the first in predictable ways. Isaac continues to be super research dude, guiding the discoveries as they come. The differences with his prior timeline are starting to add up, so he's having to do a lot of adjusting in the moment, which I thought was pretty good.
This one has a serial killer show up and I almost always find those kinds of things boring (including the seemingly-obligatory villain PoV). Isaac once again proves central to thwarting the killer, including a super-amazing fight that would have killed a bunch of folks if it weren't for him being really, really good with the fighting.
This continues to be a strong power fantasy with enough elements that drag me out of the story to keep it from going higher than three stars. Still, I'm not going to stop at this point and it still has my interest in the next.
A note about Chaste: Isaac is almost supernaturally uninterested in romance. There are opportunities, but he is apparently completely clueless about them. I'm not sure if this is the writer being subtle, or just not being willing to do sex or relationships. It feels a little unnatural, but it is very chaste.
This proceeds from the first in predictable ways. Isaac continues to be super research dude, guiding the discoveries as they come. The differences with his prior timeline are starting to add up, so he's having to do a lot of adjusting in the moment, which I thought was pretty good.
This one has a serial killer show up and I almost always find those kinds of things boring (including the seemingly-obligatory villain PoV). Isaac once again proves central to thwarting the killer, including a super-amazing fight that would have killed a bunch of folks if it weren't for him being really, really good with the fighting.
This continues to be a strong power fantasy with enough elements that drag me out of the story to keep it from going higher than three stars. Still, I'm not going to stop at this point and it still has my interest in the next.
A note about Chaste: Isaac is almost supernaturally uninterested in romance. There are opportunities, but he is apparently completely clueless about them. I'm not sure if this is the writer being subtle, or just not being willing to do sex or relationships. It feels a little unnatural, but it is very chaste.
February 8, 2023
This was more interesting than enjoyable. I'll admit that I felt a bit impatient since the plot moved at a snail's pace in this book.
There was a nice subplot involving a System-enhanced serial killer that I enjoyed, but it was maybe 20% of the book's page count and smack dab in the middle. I was feeling fairly bored before this subplot pulled me back in, but then the last part of the book was fairly idle as well.
It didn't help that the writing had a somewhat clinical feel to it, which might be appropriate since it follows a team of system researchers, but also puts enough distance between the reader and the events to prevent much tension. This was the case in the first book as well, but maybe it's more noticeable to me now that the New Story novelty has worn off.
There were a couple of unfortunate misused words that stood out like a sore thumb, such as using "viscous" when I'm pretty sure the author meant to use vicious. There were maybe four of five such issues in the story that I noticed. Really, the prose was clean and read well, so it might have made those mistakes more noticeable.
I still find the entire premise of this series fascinating and hope that the plot speeds up a bit in the next book.
There was a nice subplot involving a System-enhanced serial killer that I enjoyed, but it was maybe 20% of the book's page count and smack dab in the middle. I was feeling fairly bored before this subplot pulled me back in, but then the last part of the book was fairly idle as well.
It didn't help that the writing had a somewhat clinical feel to it, which might be appropriate since it follows a team of system researchers, but also puts enough distance between the reader and the events to prevent much tension. This was the case in the first book as well, but maybe it's more noticeable to me now that the New Story novelty has worn off.
There were a couple of unfortunate misused words that stood out like a sore thumb, such as using "viscous" when I'm pretty sure the author meant to use vicious. There were maybe four of five such issues in the story that I noticed. Really, the prose was clean and read well, so it might have made those mistakes more noticeable.
I still find the entire premise of this series fascinating and hope that the plot speeds up a bit in the next book.
March 26, 2023
An interesting and creative way to write a redo fantasy LitRPG.
January 3, 2023
Great novel
It’s a nice change of pace, I’ve read a lot of novels based on the whole end of the world, trying to save it genre. And the MC is solo leveling or trying to level a small group of hero’s. It’s nice to see a more thought out approach to help humanity as a whole. Really love the authors work, hope he releases the next book soon.
It’s a nice change of pace, I’ve read a lot of novels based on the whole end of the world, trying to save it genre. And the MC is solo leveling or trying to level a small group of hero’s. It’s nice to see a more thought out approach to help humanity as a whole. Really love the authors work, hope he releases the next book soon.
December 29, 2022
Isaac Thoma, the man chosen and given a 2nd chance in life to go back in time in order to save the world from an apocalypse which was forthcoming. With the knowledge he had of the future he did his best to help humanity divert the disaster looming on their horizon. However he had to tread carefully not wanting people to discover he had time travelled to their own time, and humans being who they are inevitably let greed for power guide their actions. He was part of a group of scientists who were also summoners taking great risks to push their stats and upgrade to become more powerful and carry out their research to protect their world, however there were others out there also attempting to summon dangerous tier monsters to sell their cores etc, and these acting irresponsibly and getting others killed, drew the ire of one who quickly became a serial killer. Jacob having previous knowledge, knew who he was looking for, and set out to aid the police force to bring her down and stop the brutal killings. This part of the book is full of action which is very thrilling but a lot of the book goes into too much detail regarding Jacob's upgrades and his power scaling which I found to be a bit too into minutiae, and which I thought distracted from the action in the book, saying that though I still look forward to reading book 3 as I love the storyline.
January 9, 2023
Rating 4.0 stars
Much like the first book. Nothing major happened. Just more of the same: Progression with his power, trying to help people understand the system without letting on how much he knows. Overall, there isn't much else to write about. If you liked the first book, this is more of the same. Another way for me to describe my feelings on this series is that I was interested in reading this book but I wasn't excited about it. When the next one comes out I will pick it up but it won't be my first choice. Maybe my second or third which is still pretty decent.
Much like the first book. Nothing major happened. Just more of the same: Progression with his power, trying to help people understand the system without letting on how much he knows. Overall, there isn't much else to write about. If you liked the first book, this is more of the same. Another way for me to describe my feelings on this series is that I was interested in reading this book but I wasn't excited about it. When the next one comes out I will pick it up but it won't be my first choice. Maybe my second or third which is still pretty decent.
January 23, 2023
One hundred pages of story and three hundred pages of skills.
I like crunchy litrpg, but this forgets that it has to be a BOOK first and foremost. There is very little going on. This is bloated with skill choices and summoning lists. The amount of storyline that actually happens and the speed at which it is told is just ridiculous. The real shame is that this has a five star idea, the author has just completely flubbed his focus.
I like crunchy litrpg, but this forgets that it has to be a BOOK first and foremost. There is very little going on. This is bloated with skill choices and summoning lists. The amount of storyline that actually happens and the speed at which it is told is just ridiculous. The real shame is that this has a five star idea, the author has just completely flubbed his focus.
July 22, 2024
Still pretty interesting and creative, but does get bogged down in stats descriptions.
The MC and his research team continues to level skills, attributes and even auras. He faces interesting monsters, including illusionists. He also helps the police to apprehend a human serial killer with insane agility and perception, who targets irresponsible summoners. Now he's about to expand onto aquatic based summons.
Yet being human and a hyperfocused individual, he forgets to call his momma letting her know he's ok until she sees him on tv. She shows up at his job and has a cow. A reminder that we should all call our mommas.
The MC and his research team continues to level skills, attributes and even auras. He faces interesting monsters, including illusionists. He also helps the police to apprehend a human serial killer with insane agility and perception, who targets irresponsible summoners. Now he's about to expand onto aquatic based summons.
Yet being human and a hyperfocused individual, he forgets to call his momma letting her know he's ok until she sees him on tv. She shows up at his job and has a cow. A reminder that we should all call our mommas.
January 5, 2023
glorified wiki
I enjoyed the first book, but this one was disappointing. This book was quite monotonous. The MC spends half of it summoning monsters and documenting them. The other half is a poorly written detective story. The MC, for the most part, faces no real risk and there’s no real plot progression.
I enjoyed the first book, but this one was disappointing. This book was quite monotonous. The MC spends half of it summoning monsters and documenting them. The other half is a poorly written detective story. The MC, for the most part, faces no real risk and there’s no real plot progression.
April 4, 2024
methodical development
Nothing truly shocking. Not to say it’s mediocre or predictable, simply…well founded. Events are correctly foreshadowed or ‘fit’ within the world building. Even the one entirely unanticipated event is fully with the larger parameters.
So…yeah. It’s good. Two books in two days, and I’m going right out to buy #3.
Nothing truly shocking. Not to say it’s mediocre or predictable, simply…well founded. Events are correctly foreshadowed or ‘fit’ within the world building. Even the one entirely unanticipated event is fully with the larger parameters.
So…yeah. It’s good. Two books in two days, and I’m going right out to buy #3.
May 12, 2023
Help me read more books
Another pretty good installment in the series. Not a whole lot different from the first book, but there were some world events that mixed things up a bit, which didn't really add much to the story unfortunately, they could have been pretty amusing or perhaps foreshadowing, but unfortunately, the author did not take advantage of such things. It looked like he would, but after the discussion with the god, there was kind of nothing to show for it, I was kind of disappointed to be honest.
Not enough to stop reading the series though, I hope things pick up again in the next book, I'll read it for sure, I liked this one, despite it's promise that didn't emerge.
And, just for reference, I didn't finish the cat food outside holder to keep the rain off, I had to cut multiple pieces of wood by hand, my circular saw battery died *grumble*. I'll put the top on it tomorrow, then it will be done. It's not supposed to rain tonight.
Another pretty good installment in the series. Not a whole lot different from the first book, but there were some world events that mixed things up a bit, which didn't really add much to the story unfortunately, they could have been pretty amusing or perhaps foreshadowing, but unfortunately, the author did not take advantage of such things. It looked like he would, but after the discussion with the god, there was kind of nothing to show for it, I was kind of disappointed to be honest.
Not enough to stop reading the series though, I hope things pick up again in the next book, I'll read it for sure, I liked this one, despite it's promise that didn't emerge.
And, just for reference, I didn't finish the cat food outside holder to keep the rain off, I had to cut multiple pieces of wood by hand, my circular saw battery died *grumble*. I'll put the top on it tomorrow, then it will be done. It's not supposed to rain tonight.
January 23, 2025
Ok. Let’s talk about it
These are my thoughts on books 1&2
1. Soooooooooo verbose. Gosh.
2. I liked Isaac’s pragmatism a whole lot.
3. For book 1, it was a solid intro into the series that I liked a lot. The writing was solid and the MC didn’t go off on a hairbrained scheme and tell his allies he’s from the future. It was a believable depiction of how one might go back in time to stop Armageddon
4. I loved that whole empower humanity w the knowledge to fight trope
5. Book 2, that fight w the serial killer? EPIC! Pun very much intended 😂
I started book 3 but I’m getting bored ish with the pages and pages of uninteresting monologue. I might pause the series for now just cause one can only take that much verbosity in small to medium doses.
These are my thoughts on books 1&2
1. Soooooooooo verbose. Gosh.
2. I liked Isaac’s pragmatism a whole lot.
3. For book 1, it was a solid intro into the series that I liked a lot. The writing was solid and the MC didn’t go off on a hairbrained scheme and tell his allies he’s from the future. It was a believable depiction of how one might go back in time to stop Armageddon
4. I loved that whole empower humanity w the knowledge to fight trope
5. Book 2, that fight w the serial killer? EPIC! Pun very much intended 😂
I started book 3 but I’m getting bored ish with the pages and pages of uninteresting monologue. I might pause the series for now just cause one can only take that much verbosity in small to medium doses.
September 30, 2024
Great book
I really like the progression from the first book to the second one. There was a delicate pause to catch your breath but still stay in the story. I'm not a huge fan of the encyclopedia of descriptions for the MC's character build every chapter it seems because to me it detracts from the story. Maybe if it happens when the MC is changing his character or his build then I wouldn't mind. The fighting was shown wonderfully especially when between characters of different levels. I'm looking forward to more even though I skim the character building sections because its repetitive.
I really like the progression from the first book to the second one. There was a delicate pause to catch your breath but still stay in the story. I'm not a huge fan of the encyclopedia of descriptions for the MC's character build every chapter it seems because to me it detracts from the story. Maybe if it happens when the MC is changing his character or his build then I wouldn't mind. The fighting was shown wonderfully especially when between characters of different levels. I'm looking forward to more even though I skim the character building sections because its repetitive.
January 4, 2023
Great Read!
We pick up a little after where book 1 left off, with the aftermath of a level 5 monster almost destroying a whole city Issac and his teams intervention has convinced the powers that be to amp up their research. Since he’s gone back in time things overall have been better for humanity and the System was designed to ultimately destroy humanity. Cue a global system level event. The rules and changed overnight. So between the System wide event, and a serial killer on his radar, we get more world building, some surprises and a jolly good time.
We pick up a little after where book 1 left off, with the aftermath of a level 5 monster almost destroying a whole city Issac and his teams intervention has convinced the powers that be to amp up their research. Since he’s gone back in time things overall have been better for humanity and the System was designed to ultimately destroy humanity. Cue a global system level event. The rules and changed overnight. So between the System wide event, and a serial killer on his radar, we get more world building, some surprises and a jolly good time.
April 25, 2023
Yes, I will go write a review for the first in the series. I'm going backwards.
Sort of like the Main Character...
Not really.
This is an excellent book. Well-written. Good pace (not great - I admit to skim reading a bit of it). Engaging MC, although he doesn't do much for fleshing out other characters. There are hints where he could delve into an possibly good sideline, but he doesn't. Too bad. I'm waiting for that shoe to drop in some cases.
If you're a fan of LitRPG, this is a must-read.
One star off for language, per my usual personal rules.
Sort of like the Main Character...
Not really.
This is an excellent book. Well-written. Good pace (not great - I admit to skim reading a bit of it). Engaging MC, although he doesn't do much for fleshing out other characters. There are hints where he could delve into an possibly good sideline, but he doesn't. Too bad. I'm waiting for that shoe to drop in some cases.
If you're a fan of LitRPG, this is a must-read.
One star off for language, per my usual personal rules.
August 27, 2023
My Rating System:
5- Perfect for my taste, I could not physically stop reading/listening and wanted more afterward.
4- Almost perfect, could not stop reading/listening, probably wanted more afterward.
3- I enjoyed the book and could see others loving it, I need to think if I want more.
2- I can see why others might like the book, but I could not, I do not want more.
1- What is this? What went wrong? Why did they do this? This doesn't make any sense! (No idea who it is for, but definitely not for me).
[Audiobook Version]
5- Perfect for my taste, I could not physically stop reading/listening and wanted more afterward.
4- Almost perfect, could not stop reading/listening, probably wanted more afterward.
3- I enjoyed the book and could see others loving it, I need to think if I want more.
2- I can see why others might like the book, but I could not, I do not want more.
1- What is this? What went wrong? Why did they do this? This doesn't make any sense! (No idea who it is for, but definitely not for me).
[Audiobook Version]
March 29, 2023
This was enjoyable as book one. It kept the same pace and energies as the first book.
Many books deviate from the first story, or mess up the protagonist's traits in some way.
It's rare to get books that follow through with the same steam.
I will be picking up book three, and might be willing to try another book the author wrote, as he shows I can put some minor trust in him for consistent quality so far.
3/5 Stars
Many books deviate from the first story, or mess up the protagonist's traits in some way.
It's rare to get books that follow through with the same steam.
I will be picking up book three, and might be willing to try another book the author wrote, as he shows I can put some minor trust in him for consistent quality so far.
3/5 Stars
January 18, 2023
Pretty Boring
Like reading a text book most of the time. Really went heavily into explaining and exploring the technical aspects of everything to do with leveling, classes, grinding, and abilities. Intermixed occasionally was an exciting battle or other minor events, but mostly stuff I was not interested in.
Like reading a text book most of the time. Really went heavily into explaining and exploring the technical aspects of everything to do with leveling, classes, grinding, and abilities. Intermixed occasionally was an exciting battle or other minor events, but mostly stuff I was not interested in.
February 6, 2023
In some ways stereotypically German; workmanlike but not exciting. That is of course no more accurate for everything German than any other broadly-generalized national characteristic is, but it fits here.
Some forward movement, but surprisingly little so it gets a 4 simply because it's well written. I'll probably read the next one, but it's not on my shortlist.
Some forward movement, but surprisingly little so it gets a 4 simply because it's well written. I'll probably read the next one, but it's not on my shortlist.
July 24, 2023
A solid book, but a bit dry at times and way too much summoning listings and the like. The pace, well is a bit slow, there is a lot of "science" and not much fighting. I enjoyed reading anyway. Will buy book three, but unsure if I will buy four if the plot doesn't become a bit more exciting than a dry Uni presentation
August 21, 2023
Continues on along well, I like where this is going. Our protagonist is not too over powered, more likely we would describe him as competent and just extremely driven. I like looking at a world that is forced to change to deal with a system instead of it being all but destroyed with the people left adapting.
September 7, 2023
Wow more boring
Wow it reads like well a bit above tech manual, yep its dry as can be. I don't get lots of stuff in this book like fortification as a stat, stamina I get also I don't get his avoidance of focusing on mage style stuff but that is just the main character not to mention his odd quirks.
Wow it reads like well a bit above tech manual, yep its dry as can be. I don't get lots of stuff in this book like fortification as a stat, stamina I get also I don't get his avoidance of focusing on mage style stuff but that is just the main character not to mention his odd quirks.
December 3, 2024
This is book 2 in a fantasy LitRPG series with a system apocalypse set on Earth. Isaac is still trying to help humanity learn more about the System while also doing some of his own progression and helping with his friends' progression. This book also focuses on a special system event as well as the hunt for a serial killer.
January 5, 2023
A great read
I like the balance that this book has. There is a good amount of world building in the form of research as well as a nice amount of combat to keep the story entertaining. This keeps the story flowing at all times. I loved it.
I like the balance that this book has. There is a good amount of world building in the form of research as well as a nice amount of combat to keep the story entertaining. This keeps the story flowing at all times. I loved it.
January 9, 2023
Wonderful
Book two picks up where book one left off and I don't mean just with the narrative. This series continues to be a breath of fresh air and my only issue with it, is now having to wait for book 3.
Book two picks up where book one left off and I don't mean just with the narrative. This series continues to be a breath of fresh air and my only issue with it, is now having to wait for book 3.
February 1, 2023
Power leveling with a touch of murder
Overall, this was more of the same from the first book, and a good way. The character reached a new tier, with new mechanics to explore. If you enjoyed the first one, you’ll like this one too.
Overall, this was more of the same from the first book, and a good way. The character reached a new tier, with new mechanics to explore. If you enjoyed the first one, you’ll like this one too.
February 26, 2023
Really cool story
Book 2 was mostly in the same vein as book 1. A lot of monster killing, but with an added touch of crazy people to contend with. I am very much enjoying the story. Will Issac come clean with anyone about the timelines? It's fun.
Book 2 was mostly in the same vein as book 1. A lot of monster killing, but with an added touch of crazy people to contend with. I am very much enjoying the story. Will Issac come clean with anyone about the timelines? It's fun.
April 3, 2023
Really well done time travel story. I’m glad we already started seeing divergence from the original timeline.
Over-arching story continues to be super interesting and the “urban fantasy” gist is really captivating.
Over-arching story continues to be super interesting and the “urban fantasy” gist is really captivating.
April 22, 2023
A nice change of pace from the usual over-the-top MC's I meet in most of these books.
A nicely written book that shows it can be done and characters can also be humans and not just comic book heroes.
A nicely written book that shows it can be done and characters can also be humans and not just comic book heroes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews