# Madman Apocalypse

By Dosei · Madman Apocalypse, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/madman-apocalypse-2034553f/

Gambit is confined in an asylum when the world outside turns into the Great Game, an apocalypse staged for an unseen audience. He leaves his cell with a talking panda plushie and a character class the system cannot properly handle. The monsters are dangerous; the people running the game have also noticed its unexpected player.

## What makes it funny?

Blood running down the window tells Gambit that it must be Thursday. His plush panda, Pandamonium, urges him to escape, while Gambit needs reminding what he is called. The panda has the more practical grasp of the emergency.

### The comedy at work

Gambit narrates impossible horrors with casual acceptance, leaving his companion to supply the urgency. Meanwhile, the Great Game introduces the end of civilization with a microphone check and a trademark-pending welcome. Its presentation is as suspect as its rules.

### Try this if…

Readers who like game systems with exploits and an unpredictable first-person protagonist have plenty to work with. Royal Road readers particularly mention panda conversations and achievement messages; some also find the randomness excessive.

### Good to know

The author warns of graphic violence, profanity and sensitive content. Confinement, unreliable perception and mental instability are central to the setup, and the opening includes grotesque bodily transformation.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Horror · LitRPG · Science fiction
- On the shelf: Post-apocalyptic · Progression fantasy
- Kind of humor: Absurdism · Banter · Dark comedy
- Format: Novel
- Audiobook: Available
- Published: 2025

## A few distinguishing details

- A talking panda supplies the survival advice
- A glitched class in a game-show apocalypse

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Storytel audiobook](https://www.storytel.com/sg/books/madman-apocalypse-book-1-10128154)
- Author commentary: [Author description](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/82881/madman-apocalypse)
- Book information: [Bookshop edition listing](https://bookshop.org/p/books/madman-apocalypse-book-1-dosei/9e7f58a3682cccb6)
- Review: [Reader reviews](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/82881/madman-apocalypse?reviews=5)
- Reading sample: [Opening chapter](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/82881/madman-apocalypse/chapter/1550894/chapter-0)
- Author commentary: [Author release announcement](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/82881/madman-apocalypse/chapter/2246043/book-1-is-out-on-amazon)