Beta-Testing the Apocalypse

A LitRPG Adventure

By: JG Spaulding

Narrated by: Ryan H. Reid

A LitRPG Apocalypse Series about an IT worker who is given early access to a somewhat buggy System.

Battle through pocket dimensions full of monsters. Report bugs to the System. Survive.

Dex is just your average, everyday I.T. Professional. Eyes tired from working late, the strange glowing gem floating in the middle of his apartment didn’t exactly grab his attention. Until it opens into a portal and starts counting down to his death.

In a life-or-death situation, an autistic quality assurance engineer probably isn’t your first choice for a hero. But he has a certain set of skills that catches the attention of the Daemon System as it implements a secret beta-test on Earth.

The impact of the Essence Wavefront is imminent. With it, humanity will unlock access to fantastic power. To have any chance to survive against the countless invaders who will seek to take that Essence power from us, humans will need the structure of the System.

And who better to ensure the induction of 9-billion humans goes smoothly than Dex, the self-proclaimed God of Q.A.?

By reporting bugs while fighting for his life in pocket dimensions full of deathtraps and monsters, Dex will win rewards, earn Essence, and grow more powerful than he can imagine, all while slowly uncovering the truths of the upcoming horrific apocalypse.

Because work-life balance is important, right?

Experience this unique take on a LitRPG Apocalypse, featuring a weak-to-strong MC who gains early access to a somewhat buggy but non-sentient System.

©2025 Aethon Books (P)2025 Aethon Audio

Solid System Type Personal Preference Complaints only

A good balanced system type requiring a decent amount of forethought and path choice making self, equipment, information etc… Only thing that got to me a bit is kind of a personal preference the more a character squirrels resources the more I’m rooting for them to die. I’m a maximum effort every time fan; not an economical type treating resources like an investment banker at-least it’s not the whole time tho so still solid.

novel take on the genre

it was a somewhat refreshing take on the genre, but I feel like there was a potential for more.

Strong opener

Enjoyed the story progression and the main character. Liked the outlook of an autistic character.

Didn’t like some of the woke terminology

A 4 1/2 star fantasy read

Beta-Testing the Apocalypse: A LitRPG Adventure, my first read from author JG Spaulding. A unique, captivating, page-turning, well-written read, purportably the first book in a series. “I received an Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, and in this series as they're published. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Awesome character development with great story

Wonderful story, great characters. The story arch was a little off but it worked. Can’t wait to see more!