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When aliens arrive offering humanity a System to survive an invasion, Mathew Dunphy suspects the entire apocalypse is an extraterrestrial reality show. Dismissed as paranoid, he relies on crafting, science, and fast progression to build his own faction and expose the deception.

You'll like it if you enjoy

  • A smart, eccentric mad-scientist MC
  • Base-building and inventive crafting
  • Uncovering an alien reality-show conspiracy
  • Light system mechanics and fast progression

Good to know

  • Noticeable typos and grammar issues in book 3
  • Uneven emotional beats in early chapters

How it ends: Readers appreciate that the trilogy concludes tidily, delivering a surprising twist and resolving most major story threads.

Tags

  • OP MC
  • Smart MC
  • No Romance
  • Humor Heavy
  • Mixed Tone
  • Fast Paced
  • Base Building
  • Crafting
  • LitRPG Elements
  • Post Apocalyptic
  • Survival
  • System Integration

Reading order

  1. Cover for They Called Me Mad: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (MAD Book 1)

    Book 1: They Called Me Mad

    352 pages8h audio2021

    When the Khjurhnalva, dubbed "space elves," address the world, they warn of alien hordes that eradicated their males and are now heading for Earth's resources. They offer humanity "the System" in exchange for cooperation, vital for both species' survival. Mathew Alexander Dunphy, however, knows it's all a lie. He saw the truth in their beautiful, deceitful mouths, but no one believes his claims of a planet-wide survival reality show. They call him mad.

    Join Mathew in this fun, apocalyptic LitRPG series, armed with mad scientist powers and a healthy dose of skepticism. This unique System grants superpowers with crafting-based notifications instead of traditional stats. Prepare for plenty of laughs, killer aliens, and one man's fight to uncover the truth in a world that refuses to listen.

  2. Cover for They Called Me Madder: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (MAD Book 2)

    Book 2: They Called Me Madder

    424 pages2021

    On Survival Planet, MAD has endured terrible losses, including two dear friends. Now, pursued by enemies into a new sector teeming with biometal behemoths and leathery, shock-proof dinosaurs, the future looks bleak. But MAD refuses to yield. He will protect innocents, avenge his fallen friends, and never bow to this new world or the malevolent space elves responsible for its horrors and mind control.

    Despite his wacky inventions failing to keep his group together before, MAD is determined to tame this dangerous new sector and construct an undying fortress – a safe haven for humanity. He might be called MAD for defying a superior alien threat, but with a unique LitRPG system granting super powers and crafting-based notifications, he vows humanity will survive and the oppressors will fall.

  3. Cover for They Called Me Maddest: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (MAD Book 3)

    Book 3: They Called Me Maddest

    306 pages2021

    The world faces a grave threat: a mind-controlling structure has convinced humanity its alien masters are "sexy space elves" awaiting reproduction. Our protagonist has diligently prepared for this final showdown, taming his sector, empowering allies, and building a secure, self-sufficient base. Now, only one mission remains: to destroy the central mind-control pylon.

    Simply destroying the pylon won't be enough. His enemy is formidable — smarter, more experienced, near-infinite funds, and willing to break the System's rules. This is a battle against overwhelming odds, but our hero has never known when to give up. This epic finale of the MAD Series features a unique world where progression stems from user-defined superpowers and crafting-based blue boxes, not traditional stats.

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