Protector of the Grove: An Apocalypse LitRPG

Path of Dragons, Book 1

By: Nicholas Searcy

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

When Earth is transformed into a realm of myths and monsters, one man finds both purpose and power in the fight for survival, in this fantasy adventure.

Elijah Hart is dying. Wracked by cancer and weakened by chemotherapy, all he wants is to spend what little time he has left with his sister and her family in Washington. But fate has other plans. When the mysterious World Tree extends its branches to Earth, Elijah's Seattle-bound flight crashes into the Pacific Ocean and a game-like system takes hold—reshaping humanity's future as well as his own destiny.

Waking up on an island in the Pacific Northwest, Elijah finds himself suddenly gifted with magical powers and an innate connection to the natural world. As a Druid, he has the ability to wield Ethera and harness the power of nature . . . if he survives long enough to master it. The influx of magic has rendered most technology useless, throwing humankind back into a preindustrial age. But the world hasn't just changed; it has expanded, in both scope and danger.

Now Elijah must level up quickly, learn how to control his powers, and adapt to his new abilities to take on the forms of powerful beasts. Because Earth is under siege: Reptilian Voxx emerge from dimensional rifts, wreaking chaos and destruction. Desperate humans battle for resources, seeking to harness Ethera for their own survival. Even worse, dragons and other ancient beings with the strength to destroy the planet on a whim are beginning to stir.

With each trial he faces, Elijah becomes healthier, stronger, and more powerful. But will it be enough to save himself—let alone the world?

The first volume of the hit LitRPG apocalypse series—with more than 15 million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.

©2025 Nicholas Searcy (P)2025 Podium Audio

My review

I loved the book but the chapters about the sister were unnecessary and I would frequently skip them

don't like the double narrative

I didn't really like the back and forth between the MC and his sister. Wish it would just be the MC's pov.

Fantastic adventure

This story has me hooked from the very beginning with the story plot and everything else in between I will eagerly be downloading the next one when it’s available

Great book

Finally a good book that doesn’t turn into political grandstanding or a some kind of weird harem situation

excellent start

I started this on Royal Road and got the audiobook right when it came out. Definitely solid, and I really look forward to the next installment.
Progression is good, and I actually really enjoy the abilities and magic that develop. The system is really well done. Not too crunchy.
Characters are real, though there aren't all that many important people.