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The System Apocalypse #4
Cities in Chains
An Apocalyptic LitRPG
It's been over a year since the System came to Earth, bringing blood and monsters in equal measure. Having left Whitehorse, John and his team travel down to British Columbia, running into new dangers from aliens and humans alike. Faced with new challenges and new enemies, John steps up once more to set things right and teach a few aliens why you never put humanity in chains.
Cities in Chains is Book 4 of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG novel set in a post-apocalyptic Earth that combines modern day life, science fiction and fantasy elements along with game mechanics.
It's been over a year since the System came to Earth, bringing blood and monsters in equal measure. Having left Whitehorse, John and his team travel down to British Columbia, running into new dangers from aliens and humans alike. Faced with new challenges and new enemies, John steps up once more to set things right and teach a few aliens why you never put humanity in chains.
Cities in Chains is Book 4 of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG novel set in a post-apocalyptic Earth that combines modern day life, science fiction and fantasy elements along with game mechanics.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2018
About the author
Tao Wong
120 books872 followersTao Wong is a Canadian author based in Toronto who is best known for his System Apocalypse post-apocalyptic LitRPG series and A Thousand Li, a Chinese xianxia fantasy series. His work has been released in audio, paperback, hardcover and ebook formats and translated into German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and other languages. He was shortlisted for the UK Kindle Storyteller award in 2021 for his work, A Thousand Li: the Second Sect.
When he’s not writing and working, he’s practicing martial arts, reading and dreaming up new worlds.
Tao became a full-time author in 2019 and is a member of SF Canada, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and ALLI.
When he’s not writing and working, he’s practicing martial arts, reading and dreaming up new worlds.
Tao became a full-time author in 2019 and is a member of SF Canada, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and ALLI.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 6, 2018
Plot: 12/15
Prose: 3/5
Character: 12/15
Setting: 20/25
Dialogue: 6/10
Enjoyment: 24/30
Overall: 77/100 (4 stars)
This is definitely a huge improvement on the past books in the series, increasing the story in scope, stakes, and quality of writing. I enjoyed this book a lot more than the previous entries due to the increasing growth of the MC and fun improvements to the world. This is a shit review, but I really like how the writing and story has improved over the course of the series
Prose: 3/5
Character: 12/15
Setting: 20/25
Dialogue: 6/10
Enjoyment: 24/30
Overall: 77/100 (4 stars)
This is definitely a huge improvement on the past books in the series, increasing the story in scope, stakes, and quality of writing. I enjoyed this book a lot more than the previous entries due to the increasing growth of the MC and fun improvements to the world. This is a shit review, but I really like how the writing and story has improved over the course of the series
October 12, 2019
Mini-Review: LitRPG
5 Stars for Narration by Nick Podehl
All of the books in this series need another wave or two of editing. I still love the series.
It made sense for John to walk away from Whitehorse. There's only so much he could do there. It didn't help that the guerrilla war between Roxley/Whitehorse and the Duchess ended with Roxley giving into the Duchess and keeping his role under her rule.
I really enjoyed the journey and slow building of a new haven. It's really cool how each book is shaped within the parameters of what John understands at that point in time. That doesn't mean others do not bend, warp, twist and stab obstacles in John's way. I can see how each book evolves and adds to the world as John evolves. Even if the biggest changes are wrapped up in his abilities and not within himself.
5 Stars for Narration by Nick Podehl
All of the books in this series need another wave or two of editing. I still love the series.
It made sense for John to walk away from Whitehorse. There's only so much he could do there. It didn't help that the guerrilla war between Roxley/Whitehorse and the Duchess ended with Roxley giving into the Duchess and keeping his role under her rule.
I really enjoyed the journey and slow building of a new haven. It's really cool how each book is shaped within the parameters of what John understands at that point in time. That doesn't mean others do not bend, warp, twist and stab obstacles in John's way. I can see how each book evolves and adds to the world as John evolves. Even if the biggest changes are wrapped up in his abilities and not within himself.
September 17, 2020
About as good as the previous books!
I figured this was where the story was leading and I’m excited for it. City building/conquering is great in apocalypse style books and I’m excited to see even more on the books to come.
The fights were interesting and finally getting that last power up has been long awaited. The last battle was a bit much for me, him seeming a bit more powerful than he rightfully should be but I can understand where it came from.
It’s nice the anger seems to be mostly gone, just needs to work on his communication more.
I figured this was where the story was leading and I’m excited for it. City building/conquering is great in apocalypse style books and I’m excited to see even more on the books to come.
The fights were interesting and finally getting that last power up has been long awaited. The last battle was a bit much for me, him seeming a bit more powerful than he rightfully should be but I can understand where it came from.
It’s nice the anger seems to be mostly gone, just needs to work on his communication more.
January 7, 2020
3.25☆
January 14, 2020
Great ending, I can see why John is commonly referred to as Redeemer now. It really does define his actions. Such a solid plot. Good action, good conflict.
January 20, 2024
4.5 stars. Favorite in this series so far. Team is established and pulling together.
February 6, 2020
While you would miss a lot of previous character development, you could in theory join the series with this book as it begins a new chapter for John and his friends, but I would not recommend it because the previous three books are a very good read or listen in their own right.
After basically being forced to move on at the end of the last book, this instalment sees the team travelling along quite easily, but the compulsion to get involved and to try and help people kicks in again, leading to an entirely new set of complications including having to run a town of their own. The levelling side of the plot is used fairly well this time round, adding nicely to the overall feeling of progression in the story as a whole.
Once again, the narrator does a good job that serves to enhance the enjoyment of the book.
Overall, this latest instalment changes the scope and focus of the main characters quite a bit, but works very well to progress the series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
After basically being forced to move on at the end of the last book, this instalment sees the team travelling along quite easily, but the compulsion to get involved and to try and help people kicks in again, leading to an entirely new set of complications including having to run a town of their own. The levelling side of the plot is used fairly well this time round, adding nicely to the overall feeling of progression in the story as a whole.
Once again, the narrator does a good job that serves to enhance the enjoyment of the book.
Overall, this latest instalment changes the scope and focus of the main characters quite a bit, but works very well to progress the series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
June 17, 2019
Good start to a new arc
Book 4 starts a new arc. John moves beyond Whitehorse with many of the characters from the first books. The world feels different. The mana has stabilized and so have the cities and environment. The world seems less dire. Though many isolated survivors exist.
With this, the tone and brooding lightens. John seems to embrace a bit of being a hero. Though the brutality of the world remains. You can see his limitations more. Interestingly, I feel some of the crazy plans don’t always work. Seem about right that he can’t always pull a rabbit out of his hat.
There is plenty of action, but the book starts to shift toward city development over personal dev. It is a nice change. It really opens up the world more.
I am actually looking forward to this arc.
Book 4 starts a new arc. John moves beyond Whitehorse with many of the characters from the first books. The world feels different. The mana has stabilized and so have the cities and environment. The world seems less dire. Though many isolated survivors exist.
With this, the tone and brooding lightens. John seems to embrace a bit of being a hero. Though the brutality of the world remains. You can see his limitations more. Interestingly, I feel some of the crazy plans don’t always work. Seem about right that he can’t always pull a rabbit out of his hat.
There is plenty of action, but the book starts to shift toward city development over personal dev. It is a nice change. It really opens up the world more.
I am actually looking forward to this arc.
June 1, 2018
Amazing Continuation of the Series!
After book 3 summed up a nice arc, we find ourselves learning more about John through his actions in this book.
Is he a rage monster looking to put his way ahead of others?
Is he a more nuanced character?
Is he both?
This book sets up the greater story of Johns adventures, and starts with incredible action very early on in the novel. It continues to a fantastic climax, and leaves you wanting more.
This is one of my favorite stories in the genre, and is unique in how it combines aspects of post apocalyptic story telling and normal LitRPG characteristics.
Please read this book if you have read the first three, and if you haven’t - I really suggest trying book 1 - Life in the North.
After book 3 summed up a nice arc, we find ourselves learning more about John through his actions in this book.
Is he a rage monster looking to put his way ahead of others?
Is he a more nuanced character?
Is he both?
This book sets up the greater story of Johns adventures, and starts with incredible action very early on in the novel. It continues to a fantastic climax, and leaves you wanting more.
This is one of my favorite stories in the genre, and is unique in how it combines aspects of post apocalyptic story telling and normal LitRPG characteristics.
Please read this book if you have read the first three, and if you haven’t - I really suggest trying book 1 - Life in the North.
March 20, 2020
Still lacks a little innovation
Overall this was a great step forward in the overall larger series story arc, and it was nice to see some old friends come back to help them out, but the relationships between the characters still feel a little shallow. Overall it’s an enjoyable story that’s fun to read, I’m just looking for a little bit more, and I don’t even really know what that means. Similar books offer exceptionally cool abilities or innovative ways of using ability. Abilities in this book feel somewhat casual or offhand in art being chained together to create super powerful combos or anything similar so it feels pretty simplistic. Also, the way the problem with the sect was resolved felt a little cheap. They won one battle and then the sect fled all of their cities.
Overall this was a great step forward in the overall larger series story arc, and it was nice to see some old friends come back to help them out, but the relationships between the characters still feel a little shallow. Overall it’s an enjoyable story that’s fun to read, I’m just looking for a little bit more, and I don’t even really know what that means. Similar books offer exceptionally cool abilities or innovative ways of using ability. Abilities in this book feel somewhat casual or offhand in art being chained together to create super powerful combos or anything similar so it feels pretty simplistic. Also, the way the problem with the sect was resolved felt a little cheap. They won one battle and then the sect fled all of their cities.
April 22, 2021
Great story, although I enjoyed John evolution in this book, I will admit it doesn't feel like him completely, he has been avoiding getting in a position like that in the past three books, is a surprise he would jump right into it now, even more defend it so strongly. Thankfully the author didn't found the need to change his personality for him to get there. The rest of the book is a great as well, we got to see new classes and their perks as well with new characters with potential, a gratified exposure of the world of the system and the plans MC has for them. (P.S this covers are driving me mad with the illustrations of the Dragons, would love to know what meaning it has to always appear in the covers.)
August 24, 2021
Okay this is a bit complicated.
First, I hate this series, I hate the characters, I hate the lack of commitment to any action. That being said, the book itself is a vast improvement to the first story arc (books one thru three). The setting is what intrigued me into reading this series, it is why I continue reading hoping for it to get better. The issue with this one is character actions and motivations being out of sync. The writing is going for angst, it is not achieving it. The creative dissonance is jarring and keeps you from being fully invested in the world. But there is improvement in filling out the characters. They are starting to feel "real" as opposed to caricatures. So I will keep reading, keep hoping.
First, I hate this series, I hate the characters, I hate the lack of commitment to any action. That being said, the book itself is a vast improvement to the first story arc (books one thru three). The setting is what intrigued me into reading this series, it is why I continue reading hoping for it to get better. The issue with this one is character actions and motivations being out of sync. The writing is going for angst, it is not achieving it. The creative dissonance is jarring and keeps you from being fully invested in the world. But there is improvement in filling out the characters. They are starting to feel "real" as opposed to caricatures. So I will keep reading, keep hoping.
September 3, 2022
I want to give this a 3 and a half. I like the action in this and how he continues to grow in power. The writer does funny stuff with coffee and also I like that he shows how some characters would become ruthless evil s## slave owners - which the crew punish. It brings some realism to it to show that in a world gone to total power a lot of people would be neutral or evil even. It has a has him grow well in strength and does not plod along and give too much philosophy of the system banter as the last few books. However I dislike the cringe sex references of the main character. And as before and in the future I the pet helper spirit is an unlikeable snarky brat.
August 11, 2018
As with previous books, there is not a strong plot
Just like the others, the plot is a sprawling mess that gives no satisfaction. Personally I believe the it should focus on the MC John Lee and it would have been great to have an actual encounter with the Erathian (sp?)Honor Guard. Unfortunately the plot is another huge disappointment that ends in complete dissatisfaction. I’m not looking forward to any more of the series and will probably ignore the rest of the series. Oh well.
Just like the others, the plot is a sprawling mess that gives no satisfaction. Personally I believe the it should focus on the MC John Lee and it would have been great to have an actual encounter with the Erathian (sp?)Honor Guard. Unfortunately the plot is another huge disappointment that ends in complete dissatisfaction. I’m not looking forward to any more of the series and will probably ignore the rest of the series. Oh well.
February 14, 2019
Its another great read
Loving this series seems to get better and better. The slight change to settlement was welcome fleshing out the Galactic world that bit more.
Also the fact characters can be killed off (not GOT levels) adds a realism to the world as well.
In general it’s well paced which does leave the ending feeling slightly rushed but I suppose there’s method there in the tools available to the MC.
Look forward to the next adventure and advantages of finding the series multiple books in 😁
Loving this series seems to get better and better. The slight change to settlement was welcome fleshing out the Galactic world that bit more.
Also the fact characters can be killed off (not GOT levels) adds a realism to the world as well.
In general it’s well paced which does leave the ending feeling slightly rushed but I suppose there’s method there in the tools available to the MC.
Look forward to the next adventure and advantages of finding the series multiple books in 😁
November 13, 2019
The System Apocalypse continues.
This new arc switches from merely survival and progression to one of settlement and control. Having lost faith in his former "home", the main character goes on a quixotic quest to bring back human order to other parts of the northern america, and end up getting control of a nascent settlement. That provides plenty of conflict and puts him back into the politics that ended up souring him at the end of the previous book, proving once again that you can't afford to ignore politics, except a in a rich and peaceful environment.
This new arc switches from merely survival and progression to one of settlement and control. Having lost faith in his former "home", the main character goes on a quixotic quest to bring back human order to other parts of the northern america, and end up getting control of a nascent settlement. That provides plenty of conflict and puts him back into the politics that ended up souring him at the end of the previous book, proving once again that you can't afford to ignore politics, except a in a rich and peaceful environment.
January 13, 2022
On the one hand i liked the change of scenery and plot on the other the story progressed too fast for my taste. I also did not like that within the next books the MC is somewhat like "the chosen one".
Furthermore, one of the biggest problems of the plot starts to influence the story more and more - the fact that all information (about location, plans, skills,equipment etc) is for sale. Another problem is that high tech (shields, defense towers) is despicted as ridiculously weak.
All in all the book is still okay. Unfortunately, the series gets ever weaker after....
Furthermore, one of the biggest problems of the plot starts to influence the story more and more - the fact that all information (about location, plans, skills,equipment etc) is for sale. Another problem is that high tech (shields, defense towers) is despicted as ridiculously weak.
All in all the book is still okay. Unfortunately, the series gets ever weaker after....
June 8, 2018
More System, more of the time
Great addition to the series! Even more background on the system and its effects on the world around them, and more development of the world in general.
Personally, I love that the MC isn’t just some soulless killer like you see in some other series. All the violence affects him, and that just adds another dimension to his character.
Can’t wait for the next!
Great addition to the series! Even more background on the system and its effects on the world around them, and more development of the world in general.
Personally, I love that the MC isn’t just some soulless killer like you see in some other series. All the violence affects him, and that just adds another dimension to his character.
Can’t wait for the next!
January 12, 2019
More improvement with our MC, advancement of plots and storyline even though chaotic at times and a broader knowledge of the System and the classes people can achieve. I am enjoying this series despite the excessively angry MC, the MC's helpful acts that never seem to be appreciated and a convoluted journey with the MC's long term plans versus his willingness to die in a fight often. Recommended for the LitRPG genre lover.
June 11, 2019
Very imaginative! I'm in awe!
I keep finding myself shaking my head and wondering, "Where and how does he come up with his complicated yet easily understandable ideas?" I love all of the alien and animal combinations and descriptions, the trees too! I was hoping that when he met the Dragon in a previous book that he'd return riding it like Falcor and Atrayu! There's still time...
I keep finding myself shaking my head and wondering, "Where and how does he come up with his complicated yet easily understandable ideas?" I love all of the alien and animal combinations and descriptions, the trees too! I was hoping that when he met the Dragon in a previous book that he'd return riding it like Falcor and Atrayu! There's still time...
April 2, 2023
What is, is.
Yea, this book was needed for the plot, this part was instrumental for the future, and yes the fights were full of action and coolness, but this could have been predicted from a mile away for game lit nuts. I hope it will take its turn soon and become something of its own. Otherwise it will be a filler series to read when you wait for a great book to come out.
3.5/5 yeah it's a good one.
Yea, this book was needed for the plot, this part was instrumental for the future, and yes the fights were full of action and coolness, but this could have been predicted from a mile away for game lit nuts. I hope it will take its turn soon and become something of its own. Otherwise it will be a filler series to read when you wait for a great book to come out.
3.5/5 yeah it's a good one.
June 22, 2018
This has become one of my favorite LITRPG series
This book ok wasn’t quite as strong I felt as the last three, but it feels like a real good building to a new arc. There were a few bits that felt forced, especially in the last act but the MC is having some good character development.
This book ok wasn’t quite as strong I felt as the last three, but it feels like a real good building to a new arc. There were a few bits that felt forced, especially in the last act but the MC is having some good character development.
August 20, 2018
Post-apocalyptic Shadowrun
Jon Lee continues to step up his game in this volume of the system apocalypse both in his own physical capabilities and in his community building. There's far less world building this time and more full tilt boogie combat. I look forward to his further adventures and development of the growing cast of characters and the larger System Universe.
Jon Lee continues to step up his game in this volume of the system apocalypse both in his own physical capabilities and in his community building. There's far less world building this time and more full tilt boogie combat. I look forward to his further adventures and development of the growing cast of characters and the larger System Universe.
August 24, 2019
Another great addition to a great series
Jon continues to kick ass and take names as he starts again to get his politics on. He’s much healed from the trauma of the adjustment period, but he’s still, well, Jon. Great read highly recommend. And I’m glad I don’t have to wait for the next book.
Jon continues to kick ass and take names as he starts again to get his politics on. He’s much healed from the trauma of the adjustment period, but he’s still, well, Jon. Great read highly recommend. And I’m glad I don’t have to wait for the next book.
April 5, 2021
Stopped reading half way through, there's no strong plot. It's just the good ol main character being forced into doing stuff. Like I was hoping for some epic battles or some big enemy to appear, perhaps more info about the system but the first half of the book just seems to be about bringing you up to speed again then nothing much happens ugh.
November 18, 2021
Entertaining
Pretty entertaining. I liked the change of scenery and introduction of new characters. I'll get the next one. Some of the changes are a bit abrupt. We have no way to communicate long distances. And then all of a sudden they're sending messages long distances no problem.
Pretty entertaining. I liked the change of scenery and introduction of new characters. I'll get the next one. Some of the changes are a bit abrupt. We have no way to communicate long distances. And then all of a sudden they're sending messages long distances no problem.
November 21, 2021
I loved this entire series. I've just read all the way from Book 1 - to Book 11. I'm eagerly waiting for the Final book to come out so I can read it! The entire story of John and Ali is amazing, I very much enjoyed earths evolution as well as the way all the main characters changed and adapted through the story. Thank you Tao Wong, I've enjoyed these first 11 books endlessly.
June 28, 2023
You know, it's not that bad but I'm just a bit tired of the characters.
I kinda want to just tell them all to suck it up and deal with the new world. lol
More of the same from the previous 3 books. Some consequences. Some new ground.
Basically enjoyable but, like i said, i probably should have taken a longer break between installments.
I kinda want to just tell them all to suck it up and deal with the new world. lol
More of the same from the previous 3 books. Some consequences. Some new ground.
Basically enjoyable but, like i said, i probably should have taken a longer break between installments.
January 6, 2024
John's fighting back
With the skills and anger John has, it's good to see he has a purpose and the chaos ensuring makes great action and an even better story as well.
This seems to be picking up a lot more as we go along too and Wong writes well in this world. With lots more books set in this universe Im sure this will keep me amused for ages.
With the skills and anger John has, it's good to see he has a purpose and the chaos ensuring makes great action and an even better story as well.
This seems to be picking up a lot more as we go along too and Wong writes well in this world. With lots more books set in this universe Im sure this will keep me amused for ages.
February 13, 2024
Good read, I liked it.
Not bad, not great, decent read. I like the main characters, the story was OK, and the action segments were good, but all the mental and moral discussions got a little tedious. I skimmed most of those pages, especially towards the end of the book. I would recommend this series.
Not bad, not great, decent read. I like the main characters, the story was OK, and the action segments were good, but all the mental and moral discussions got a little tedious. I skimmed most of those pages, especially towards the end of the book. I would recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews