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The Apocalypse is a Side Quest: Book One
The Apocalypse Is a Side Quest · Book 1 · 2025
When a System apocalypse pulls humanity into a multidimensional dungeon, Nathan Lee receives an enormous pool of skill points and accidentally spends them on fishing. He enters a deadly tutorial with few combat skills, but keeps chasing side quests and dodging the main objective.
From the author’s blurb
“Sometimes the best way to save the world is to ignore it completely.”Read the full description at Liam Lawless's official author website
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What makes it funny?
The System scolds Nathan for spending rare points on fishing. He is still thinking about his sister’s wedding and a bargain toaster while the tutorial gets deadly.
The comedy at work
The story gives a world-ending quest the distractions of a player who would rather fish or follow an optional objective. An exasperated System voice pushes Nathan toward heroics, while the opening also makes room for a sincere talk with his sister.
Try this if…
LitRPG readers who enjoy unusual character builds and protagonists who wander off the main quest may like Nathan’s fishing-focused progression. Readers in LitRPG groups single out the side-quest fixation as funny even at high stakes.
Good to know
One reader found the story darker and more emotional than expected and paused reading. Expect graphic fantasy violence, moderate gore and profanity.
A few distinguishing details
- A System apocalypse gives Nathan power, and he spends it on fishing.
More funny portal fantasy LitRPG
Sources & further reading
- Shadow Alley Press Book Two page and complete-series listing
Publisher
- Royal Road stub and reader reviews for The Apocalypse is a Sidequest
Reader list
- Free Chapter 1 sample, Fishing: 1000, on Royal Road
Reading sample
- Google Books front-cover image for The Apocalypse is a Side Quest: Book One
Book information
- Google Books bibliographic record for The Apocalypse is a Side Quest: Book One
Book information
- Daily Dragon Q&A with Liam Lawless about LitRPG and The Apocalypse is a Side Quest
Review
- Muse reader leads, October 2026, part 4
Reader discussion
- Liam Lawless official author homepage for The Apocalypse is a Side Quest
Author commentary
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