Welcome to the campaign for The System Apocalypse Short Story Anthology III!
Over the years, I've written a number of shorts set in the System Apocalypse Universe and worked with some amazing co-authors to build it out. Many of the stories have been sold individually, whole other works like Harry's shorts were adapted into videos for promo purposes.
For the first time, we're gathering the shorts I've written together along with some new works from myself and my co-authors, expanding on the universe that do many fans have loved.
There's are still so many stories to tell, and one day, I'll get back to writing novels, but for now, I'll dip in and out with shorts, filling in the blanks of the universe and as inspiration strikes.
Hope to see you behind the backer wall!
John and Ali from The System Apocalypse
A relentless bounty hunter. A reporter chasing the story of a lifetime. A warrior paying the price for every battle fought.
These stories and more are featured in the third short story anthology for the System Apocalypse, continuing the saga of survival in a world transformed by the arrival of the System. Humanity has adapted to a new reality filled with Classes, magic and monsters, but the struggle for life, love and purpose never ends. This anthology brings together gripping tales from returning authors and two exclusive new short stories by Tao Wong.
The System Apocalypse world was first introduced in Life in the North and is a LitRPG science fiction and fantasy post-apocalyptic series that blends monsters, science fiction technology, character sheets, supernatural races and ancient myths into one heady LitRPG brew.
Stories and writers featured in this anthology include:
Tao Wong- In “Extracted Reports on the Fall of the System”, collected dispatches from Harry Prince, reporter and sometime companion to the infamous Redeemer of the Dead. Now on special exhibit at the Museum of the Thirteenth Dungeon until the sixth turning of the seventh moon.
Craig Hamilton - Another contract. Another battle. For bounty hunter Hal Mason it's just another ordinary day on apocalyptic Earth when an unexpected twist changes the stakes in “The Redeemer Returns.”
David R. Packer- In “Wee Timorous Mousie,” a life of combat has a cost. What does it take to get a warrior to keep paying that price?
Jason J. Willis- Gerri was betrayed by their dream girl and drugged into a nightmare trip. That should have been the worst part of their day. But there’s no rock bottom once the System comes in “Truth for Truth.”
When the mysterious System transforms the world, unleashing incredible powers and dangerous creatures, unlikely hero John Lee must rise to survive and thrive in a shattered civilization.
Book 1s in the System Apocalypse Universe
The System Apocalypse Universe began in 2017 with Life in the North, following John Lee's journey to survive the apocalypse and unravel the mysteries of the System. The main series concluded in March 2022 with System Finale, but the story didn’t stop there.
In mid-2021, the first spin-off, System Apocalypse: Relentless, co-written with Craig Hamilton, was released. This series introduces a bounty hunter in Pittsburgh, blending the apocalypse with western elements. Later that year, System Apocalypse: Australia, co-written with K.T. Hanna, brought readers to the dangerous and deadly continent of Australia, where a biologist must survive the highest death rates in the System. The Australia trilogy wrapped up in 2023.
In 2023, the third spin-off, System Apocalypse: Kismet, co-written with David R. Packer, introduced two misfits working for a secret organization committed to humanity’s survival. The Kismet trilogy concluded in 2024. Most recently, the first book in the System Apocalypse: Liberty spin-off, co-written with Jason J. Willis, hit shelves, telling the story of a teacher who is abducted by aliens just as the System initiates.
The System Apocalypse Universe continues to expand, offering fresh perspectives and new adventures across a variety of settings and genres.
A Thousand Li: The First Step Deluxe Collector's Edition: The signed and illustrated hardcover collector's edition of the first book in the bestselling fantasy series, A Thousand Li. The System Apocalypse Deluxe Edition: Books 1-3: Signed & illustrated hardcover omnibus deluxe edition of the first three books in the bestselling LitRPG series, The System Apocalypse.
Fool's Play Kickstarter Edition: This first book in the System Apocalypse: Kismet trilogy features exclusive dust jacket art by artist Talon Dunning and is digitally signed by both authors.
The System Apocalypse Chibi Sticker Sheet
Chibi Sticker Set: These two 8.5" by 5.5" sticker sheets include 14 adorable chibis of John, his friends, and the protagonists from some of the spin-off series, as well as The System Apocalypse logo.
The System Apocalypse Paperback Set
The System Apocalypse Paperback Set: This paperback set features all 12 books in The System Apocalypse series.
The System Apocalypse Hardcover Set
The System Apocalypse Hardcover Set: This hardcover set features all 12 books in The System Apocalypse series.
Books of your Choice
Books of Your Choice: Get a paperback or hardcover copy of a book of your choice. Excludes omnibuses and Kickstarter editions.
The Complete Tao Wong Collection
The Complete Tao Wong Collection: This collection includes all 50+ of Tao Wong's published books in paperback format.
Shipping costs will be calculated during fulfillment and depend on your pledge tier, any add-ons selected, their combined weight, and your location.
To help you plan, we have provided estimated shipping prices for various rewards:
Shipping Chart
We price shipping at cost, which means that while shipping fees may seem high, we do not make a profit from them. All shipping charges cover postal carrier fees, packaging materials, and the labor involved in picking, packing, labeling, and mailing your rewards.
For most international backers, delivery typically arrives within a few weeks after fulfillment. However, due to varying postal services and conditions worldwide, some deliveries may take several months. If you are concerned about delivery times, please contact us. We can explore faster shipping options, but please note these will be significantly more expensive.
If a package is returned to us due to failed delivery and you choose not to pay for a second delivery attempt, we can refund the cost of your reward, but shipping fees are non-refundable because they cover the initial shipping attempt.
Kira, her kids and Mama Wombat from System Apocalypse: Australia
The System Apocalypse Short Story Anthology III is complete and ready for print. It will take approximately 2 weeks for payments to process, followed by another 2 weeks for the backer survey. Once we’ve collected all email addresses and shipping details, eBooks will be sent out right away.
Hardcovers and paperbacks will be printed in the USA through Ingram. Printing will take about 10 to 15 business days. Once the book arrives at our warehouse, please allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for shipping within North America. International shipments may take up to a month to arrive, depending on the destination.
The earliest estimated delivery date is November 2025. We’ll continue to keep you updated if that timeline shifts significantly.
Fool and Jackal from System Apocalypse: Kismet
Tao Wong is a Canadian author based in Toronto who is best known for his System Apocalypse post-apocalyptic LitRPG series and A Thousand Li xianxia fantasy series. He was shortlisted for the UK Kindle Storyteller award in 2021 for his work, A Thousand Li: The Second Sect. In 2026, Tao will be re-releasing the first three A Thousand Li books with Ace Books in major bookstores and retailers. When he’s not writing and working, he’s practicing martial arts, reading and dreaming up new worlds.
Craig Hamilton is the author of the System Apocalypse: Relentless and Rift Warden Academy series. He spends most of his day as a technical sales engineer, translating specifications and talking about IT infrastructure. While writing has been taking up most of his free time lately, Craig also appreciates playing tabletop RPGs or board games with friends. When his inner introvert demands a break from polite company, Craig can be found sprawled on a couch with a good book.
David R. Packer is the author of The Anubis War and the System Apocalypse: Kismet series. He's been a full-time teacher of historical European swordplay, a high-tech wizard, and a security professional. For a few years he was a for-pay bad guy working in police training, which once had him on the run from the entire police force, across the whole city. Aside from that, he lives a cozy life with 2 cats and a real-life she-hulk for a wife. He has many books and likes coffee far too much.
Jason J. Willis is the author of the new System Apocalypse: Liberty series. A US based author in Thief River Falls, MN, his first published work, WWMRD, appeared in The System Apocalypse Short Story Anthology II. When he’s not writing or working, he can be found playing video games, TTRPGs, watching shows or movies, or consuming vast quantities of audiobooks and podcasts.
Back this campaign & others in the Duskmelt category to get a special, exclusive System Apocalypse Universe coloring page!
We're excited to cross-collaborate with others in the Duskmelt group! Please be sure to check out the other projects before the campaign ends to receive a special, exclusive coloring book! The coloring page will feature artwork from the other campaigns in the Duskmelt group, and will be sent to backers after the campaign ends.
This project is participating in the BackerKit event Printopia 2025 📚 A celebration of books, comics, and graphic novels featuring an all-star lineup of creators crowdfunding together from September 9–30, 2025.
🧭 Explore the 4 Printopia Groups — Every project belongs to one of four unique groups helping you discover stories you’ll love and creators to follow:
Dawnrise | Uplifting, imaginative tales for all ages.
Suncrest | Bold, hopeful adventures for middle grade readers.
Duskmelt| Emotionally rich stories for teens & adults.
Nightfall | Complex, mature narratives for older teens & adults.
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