Oil and Ash

By: Kevin Walker

Narrated by: Stone Smith

In 2080, Joel’s job as a heavy-duty mechanic on an oil rig off Kitimat British Columbia’s coast is brutal but necessary. Ocean levels have swallowed much of the land, making fuel more vital than ever. He pushes through every shift for one reason—his family waiting back home. Then, one stormy night, an explosion rips through the rig, and Joel’s only focus is survival. But as he claws through smoke and darkness, a chilling message flashes: System Merge in one hour.

Suddenly, the rules of reality twist. Digital interfaces hover, levelling up skills and revealing cards that pulse with strange power. Mutated creatures and ruthless raiders roam a world Joel no longer recognizes. To get home, he must master this new system, grow stronger, and unlock dark truths hidden within the game-like mechanics. But survival is just the beginning—because Joel isn’t the only one adapting to a world changed forever.

©2024 Kevin Walker (P)2025 Kevin Walker

Good first book

Strong storytelling and explanatory for card systems. Found the “romance flashbacks “ a little out of place for the overall story

A little more than what i thought

Pretty good first attempt by the author, I hope his following works are better and maybe work on their pacing. the narrator was on point, I hope he sticks around for the second book.

Not what I expected

Shows promise, could do without the sex scene. (Just not for me) I think the story shows promise just needs some polishing, but. feels a little rushed.

What a great deck-building litRPG! Apocalyptic with a hint of steam-punk

While doing a little sleuthing on Royal Road website looking for more deck-building litRPG's 'cause I think they're tops!!! And wow! I could barely believe my eyes, so many were available. Just stupefied!!! The generosity of these authors is astounding. Surprisingly I found that this book was also available on Amazon and I snatched up the audiobook because Stone Smith sounded great...
This is Joel's story when the system landed bringing the Apocalypse with it! And it brought Cards and Monsters too. This is the kinda story I love where the only challenge is to stay alive using the power gained from leveling and the cards in their heart deck. First and foremost the book is an Apocalypse adventure, but the heart and strength comes from the cards! Joel is a tried and true Canadian with one goal, to get back to his family, his husband and new born baby girl! But, unfortunately there's many miles and monsters in his way! He also has a kind heart wanting to help Survivors, well survive along the way. Making sure that they'll be OK before he continues... so yeah he makes alliances teaming up when the need arises. I would'a liked Joel do more melee fighting and less introspection but c'est la vie. And yeah I'm diving into the second book on RR! Because more deck-building words... Yay!

Here's some quotes:

"...my bunk mate is always reading about. He wouldn’t stop talking about some guy who loves sandwiches...”

"So… you're saying humans dream about getting run over by trucks to escape their world?"

“It was called ‘Star Burrow.’ Starring Captain Cottontail and his team of elite… rabbit explorers."