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The Divine Dungeon #2
Dungeon Madness
Expansion. Uneasy alliances. Looming Madness.
Both Cal and Dale have become stronger, each in spite of the other.
The dungeon--Cal--knows exactly how much their power has increased and is working daily to become exponentially more powerful. His schemes are becoming more complex and his dungeon--his body--more deadly.
Dale works to subvert the plans of the dungeon, but his opponent is onto him. Hearing a voice in his head distracts him in critical moments requiring him to fight his mind even as he battles deadly creatures. Unbeknownst to both, their fight is not with each other--it's for the continuation of their lives.
Madness threatens the land, and it is coming for them.
Both Cal and Dale have become stronger, each in spite of the other.
The dungeon--Cal--knows exactly how much their power has increased and is working daily to become exponentially more powerful. His schemes are becoming more complex and his dungeon--his body--more deadly.
Dale works to subvert the plans of the dungeon, but his opponent is onto him. Hearing a voice in his head distracts him in critical moments requiring him to fight his mind even as he battles deadly creatures. Unbeknownst to both, their fight is not with each other--it's for the continuation of their lives.
Madness threatens the land, and it is coming for them.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published February 15, 2017
1734 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Krout
76 books2,878 followersAuthor of the best-selling Divine Dungeon, Completionist Chronicles, and Full Murderhobo series, Dakota Krout was chosen as Audible's top 5 fantasy pick of 2017, has been a top 5 bestseller on Amazon, and a top 6 bestseller on Audible.
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
June 10, 2021
Enjoyable book but I wasn't as drawn in as with the first. It may be that I'm reaching a saturation point with some of "lit-rpg" books and need to take a break.
So, fun book, sentient dungeon, which explains how dungeons respawn their monsters and how monsters live behind closed doors for years just to be there to eat your character when he or she walks in...
Enjoy.
So, fun book, sentient dungeon, which explains how dungeons respawn their monsters and how monsters live behind closed doors for years just to be there to eat your character when he or she walks in...
Enjoy.
December 26, 2020
This is pretty much a straight-line exponential growth algorithm of the first book in the series. :)
The enjoyment lay in the dual-leveling-up between Dale (the player character) and Cal (the dungeon). Both being fun-ass characters in their own right building a city and a labyrinth is pretty much a Game Master's wet dream. And it's light and funny, too, especially with the statues and mob creation. :)
Let me be clear: this isn't for everyone, but it IS completely binge-worthy and I'm chortling up a storm as I fly through these with immense enjoyment.
If you've ever storytold RPG games or just PLAYED RPG games, I'm certain you'll get a HUGE amount of enjoyment out of these. Having made my own dungeons, this is pure cookies and cream. :)
The enjoyment lay in the dual-leveling-up between Dale (the player character) and Cal (the dungeon). Both being fun-ass characters in their own right building a city and a labyrinth is pretty much a Game Master's wet dream. And it's light and funny, too, especially with the statues and mob creation. :)
Let me be clear: this isn't for everyone, but it IS completely binge-worthy and I'm chortling up a storm as I fly through these with immense enjoyment.
If you've ever storytold RPG games or just PLAYED RPG games, I'm certain you'll get a HUGE amount of enjoyment out of these. Having made my own dungeons, this is pure cookies and cream. :)
March 13, 2023
I gave book 1 one star because it wasn't a story, just a 1/3 of a story. If anything book 2 is worse. [SPOILERS] Book 2 ends with the main character dungeon going crazy and who reads fantasy books for a large dose of mental health issues? Apparently the author realized this after completing book 2 because he immediately reverses this at the beginning of book 3- in pretty much the stupidest possible way: High power magic users specialize in things like healing, plants, etc. Well it turns out that this world has one really high powered magic user who specializes in mental health. He shows up, tells the dungeon to "stop stealing my whispers" (does no magic or really anything useful because the magic user is crazy too) and leaves. Just like that the MC is sane again FOR NO REASON.
Additionally this book fails to tell a complete story. Sure, it ends with a big battle but the combatants don't include the big bad guy the author keeps telling us about. This ending is equivalent to ending a WW II book after Dunkirk.
I can't see why people are willing to overlook such basic failings in this book but I will say that the portion of a story told in this book is well paced and written. Still, why would people want to spend money to read a 1/3 of a story? (Fortunately I'm getting these books through my library.)
The author really likes to explain how the dungeon does magic but if he would have skipped some of that and written one good book he would have accomplished something. As it is all the author accomplishes is bilking his readers for 3 book sales instead of 1.
Bottom line: an incomplete book with a poorly thought out story.
Additionally this book fails to tell a complete story. Sure, it ends with a big battle but the combatants don't include the big bad guy the author keeps telling us about. This ending is equivalent to ending a WW II book after Dunkirk.
I can't see why people are willing to overlook such basic failings in this book but I will say that the portion of a story told in this book is well paced and written. Still, why would people want to spend money to read a 1/3 of a story? (Fortunately I'm getting these books through my library.)
The author really likes to explain how the dungeon does magic but if he would have skipped some of that and written one good book he would have accomplished something. As it is all the author accomplishes is bilking his readers for 3 book sales instead of 1.
Bottom line: an incomplete book with a poorly thought out story.
April 19, 2017
I couldn't put it down.
I absolutely loved this book, truly I purchased the first one on a whim and I couldn't be happier. Then I got this one and it was even better than the last.
I absolutely loved this book, truly I purchased the first one on a whim and I couldn't be happier. Then I got this one and it was even better than the last.
July 17, 2025
I need a game like this right now!
July 31, 2017
I liked this one more than the last one because we get to see more of what's going on in the world and there's a bit more depth to the book.
The adventurer main character is struggling how to hold on to his authority in the dungeon raiding camp, dealing with elves, royalties from around the world, and other shit that just makes his life more difficult. Do you let this faction or that faction have control of security, what do you do about the over abundance of royal twits coming and thinking they should be top dog. How do you deal with rationing out the spoils of the dungeon, how do you make roads and trash removal function properly. That sort of thing.
There's of course more dungeon raiding, more monsters, new insights into how the magic works.
There was actual character development in this book rather than just characters being vessels for the plot (which is fine given the story type), but I always enjoy it when characters learn and grow and have development.
The first book was a solid 4, this one I felt was more like a 4.25 - 4.5. This is a prime example of how much I wish Goodreads would allow half star ratings to be more accurate, I can't show in ratings that this book is better than the first.
If you liked the first book I think you'd like the second book even more, this series is very unique so if you're on r/fantasy and looking for a non human POV for one of the Bingo Squares, and you also enjoy dungeon raiding and WoW type video games I think you should check this series out.
The adventurer main character is struggling how to hold on to his authority in the dungeon raiding camp, dealing with elves, royalties from around the world, and other shit that just makes his life more difficult. Do you let this faction or that faction have control of security, what do you do about the over abundance of royal twits coming and thinking they should be top dog. How do you deal with rationing out the spoils of the dungeon, how do you make roads and trash removal function properly. That sort of thing.
There's of course more dungeon raiding, more monsters, new insights into how the magic works.
There was actual character development in this book rather than just characters being vessels for the plot (which is fine given the story type), but I always enjoy it when characters learn and grow and have development.
The first book was a solid 4, this one I felt was more like a 4.25 - 4.5. This is a prime example of how much I wish Goodreads would allow half star ratings to be more accurate, I can't show in ratings that this book is better than the first.
If you liked the first book I think you'd like the second book even more, this series is very unique so if you're on r/fantasy and looking for a non human POV for one of the Bingo Squares, and you also enjoy dungeon raiding and WoW type video games I think you should check this series out.
January 12, 2019
3.5
Still silly. Still enjoyable. Still too many puns.
Book 2 continues the adventure, expanding the world and characters. I didn't enjoy it as much as Book 1 for a couple reasons. First, the in-depth mechanics of the RPG leveling system began dragging it down at parts as we got VERY in-depth. I enjoy the creativity, but it also drags. Second, it doesn't feel as polished (which Book 1 already had some polishing problems). Jokes get repeated or scenes from the same book get re-capped as if we hadn't just read them. A solid edit could have cleaned that up. Also, and this is just a minor pet-peeve, the book winks at the audience just a little too much. Talking about that scribe names Dakota (the author's name) then mentioning Dakota again (as if we hadn't heard it the first time), or saying Dungeon Born would be a great name for a book (haha get it? That's the name of Book 1), just annoy me. Probably not everyone, but that's my gripe. The book also exceeded my pun-threshold.
Complaints aside, this is a very enjoyable novel. I was bummed when it ended. I'll be picking up Book 3 once my monthly ration of Audible credits arrive.
Still silly. Still enjoyable. Still too many puns.
Book 2 continues the adventure, expanding the world and characters. I didn't enjoy it as much as Book 1 for a couple reasons. First, the in-depth mechanics of the RPG leveling system began dragging it down at parts as we got VERY in-depth. I enjoy the creativity, but it also drags. Second, it doesn't feel as polished (which Book 1 already had some polishing problems). Jokes get repeated or scenes from the same book get re-capped as if we hadn't just read them. A solid edit could have cleaned that up. Also, and this is just a minor pet-peeve, the book winks at the audience just a little too much. Talking about that scribe names Dakota (the author's name) then mentioning Dakota again (as if we hadn't heard it the first time), or saying Dungeon Born would be a great name for a book (haha get it? That's the name of Book 1), just annoy me. Probably not everyone, but that's my gripe. The book also exceeded my pun-threshold.
Complaints aside, this is a very enjoyable novel. I was bummed when it ended. I'll be picking up Book 3 once my monthly ration of Audible credits arrive.
January 22, 2018
Very cool concept, very amateurish writing.
The characters are cardboard cutouts, nobody growing (except to “level up” from time to time). The mechanics of the book world are built upon in numerous info-dumps thinly disguised as poor dialog.
And the dialog. Egads the dialog....
But I can’t deny that the setting, and the idea of seeing the world through the lens of a sentient dungeon as it grows in power and influence isn’t compelling... I felt a little more forgiving of the writing in the first book than the second. Jury’s our whether or not I’ll pick up the third - but if the author is t showing any growth by then, I’m definitely out after three...
The characters are cardboard cutouts, nobody growing (except to “level up” from time to time). The mechanics of the book world are built upon in numerous info-dumps thinly disguised as poor dialog.
And the dialog. Egads the dialog....
But I can’t deny that the setting, and the idea of seeing the world through the lens of a sentient dungeon as it grows in power and influence isn’t compelling... I felt a little more forgiving of the writing in the first book than the second. Jury’s our whether or not I’ll pick up the third - but if the author is t showing any growth by then, I’m definitely out after three...
April 11, 2017
Binge-read this sucker the day after listening to the first book on audible. After reading this book, I think I prefer reading the series to listening.
Overall a pretty legit book. It wasn't completely predictable which was great. Cal was amusing, Dani was sassy and got a tad scarier, Dale got lipo, and Craig got vanished (but no really he went from a secondary character trainer to disappearing, where'd he go?).
I'm really curious about that Dakota guy though. He seemed pretty powerful and intelligent. ;) Hopefully he didn't die.
Can't wait for book 3!
Overall a pretty legit book. It wasn't completely predictable which was great. Cal was amusing, Dani was sassy and got a tad scarier, Dale got lipo, and Craig got vanished (but no really he went from a secondary character trainer to disappearing, where'd he go?).
I'm really curious about that Dakota guy though. He seemed pretty powerful and intelligent. ;) Hopefully he didn't die.
Can't wait for book 3!
March 4, 2019
Better than the First!!
Disclaimer: In the interest of full disclosure: I personally know the author, and I received access to a temporary pre-release copy in exchange for editing services. A review was never discussed, but I enjoyed the book and feel it is deserving of a review. Please note, I did pay for permanent access to the final copy of the book. Also, my personal relationship with the author has had no impact on the following review, unless said impact was grading aspects a bit more harshly.
Quick Look: Dungeon Madness is the second book in the Divine Dungeon series and is a fantastic follow up to the first book. The concept is the same in that the main character is a dungeon, but the scenarios play out quite a bit differently than in the first book. Again, this book is a LitRPG novel with hints of the Wuxia genre, meaning that what the reader gets is a book that could be ripped straight out of a video game with some awesome fight descriptions.
Recommended For: Readers of the first book. Seriously, this book is difficult to read as a stand alone novel because it isn’t one. It takes place immediately after the events of the first book and ends in a way which just begs for a third. That being said, the first book and this one are relatively inexpensive and quite long, so if you’re interested, I’d recommend picking both of them up. That being said, I’d recommend this series to anyone who really likes video games, anyone who likes dungeon-crawler fantasy, and anyone who likes seeing something new. There are a few dungeon-style novels out there, but very few and the concept is still fresh.
--SPOILERS AHEAD--
Pros: This book improved upon almost every aspect of the previous book. The mechanics of the writing took a major upswing: writing quality is much better, the editing is better, and the consistency is better. This isn’t to say the previous book was seriously hurting in these regards, but there is a significant difference. I attribute these to the author and his team being a bit more experienced. After the mechanical issues, the pros start being even better. The magic system gets even more fleshed out while still staying simple enough where I didn’t get confused. The balance of the limitations on things like runes, enchantments, and inscriptions while being accessible to all with the limitless nature of mana while being accessible to a very select few was a brilliant touch. The creatures created in the dungeon show even more creativity on the part of the author, with the floating jellyfish being my favorite. The humor is taken up a notch, and I loved it. Also, while the ending is definitely a cliffhanger, the ending felt less rushed and more minor loose ends were tied up than in the last book. We certainly have a major loose end to deal with in the next book, but I feel like this was a much better ending arc than the first book.
The author also improved on a handful of the ‘mixed bag’ issues from the last book. Due to the increasing size of the dungeon and the amount of time the story takes place outside of said dungeon, the book doesn’t physically stagnate from being told in the same place. There is enough variance throughout the different floors and the surface (and the balance of time spent in each is improved) that there is never the feeling like the reader is trapped. On the topic of exposition or world building, as I call it, we see that the author has refined his ability to show us the world. He lowered the overall amount of exposition and built the world through characters’ actions. Even with less exposition, the world kept growing and expanding in my imagination while reading the book, which isn’t surprising as the author’s biggest strength is world building.
Mixed Bag: The author uses a bit more meta-humor in this book. He refers to himself once or twice in a humorous fashion. He also refers to a few of his fellow LitRPG authors’ books. Now, I loved this, and many people seem to love this style of humor. That being said, a few people may take some issue with it. It does disrupt the flow and immersion a little bit, as meta humor is intended to do, but I found that it wasn’t enough to get me to even pause, let alone completely stop reading for any length of time. The author also still does rely a bit on exposition through dialogue, but has definitely improved on reducing the amount of such dialogue, especially between Cal and Dani, and replaced it with character building dialogue. Also, we still see rapid character development, especially as we watch Cal begin to become more ‘dungeon’ and less ‘former human’, but again, it fits with the vast amount of power the characters gain due to the uniqueness of Cal. I don’t see a major problem with any of these mixed-bag aspects, but I decided to put them here because they are the most likely aspects to irk people, at least in my opinion.
Cons: I have the same con with this book as I did with the last one. The last page sucked. Not because of anything that was on the page, but just because there wasn’t another page after it.
Overall:
Concept - 10/10
Writing mechanics - 15/15
Consistency - 5/5
Grammar - 5/5
Dialogue - 5/5
LitRPG mechanics - 8/10
World building - 15/15
Monsters - 5/5
Environment - 5/5
Other - 5/5
Characters - 9/10
Narrative - 19/20
Twist - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Humor - 4/5
Other - 5/5
Total - 76/80 = 19/20 = 4.75/5
Disclaimer: In the interest of full disclosure: I personally know the author, and I received access to a temporary pre-release copy in exchange for editing services. A review was never discussed, but I enjoyed the book and feel it is deserving of a review. Please note, I did pay for permanent access to the final copy of the book. Also, my personal relationship with the author has had no impact on the following review, unless said impact was grading aspects a bit more harshly.
Quick Look: Dungeon Madness is the second book in the Divine Dungeon series and is a fantastic follow up to the first book. The concept is the same in that the main character is a dungeon, but the scenarios play out quite a bit differently than in the first book. Again, this book is a LitRPG novel with hints of the Wuxia genre, meaning that what the reader gets is a book that could be ripped straight out of a video game with some awesome fight descriptions.
Recommended For: Readers of the first book. Seriously, this book is difficult to read as a stand alone novel because it isn’t one. It takes place immediately after the events of the first book and ends in a way which just begs for a third. That being said, the first book and this one are relatively inexpensive and quite long, so if you’re interested, I’d recommend picking both of them up. That being said, I’d recommend this series to anyone who really likes video games, anyone who likes dungeon-crawler fantasy, and anyone who likes seeing something new. There are a few dungeon-style novels out there, but very few and the concept is still fresh.
--SPOILERS AHEAD--
Pros: This book improved upon almost every aspect of the previous book. The mechanics of the writing took a major upswing: writing quality is much better, the editing is better, and the consistency is better. This isn’t to say the previous book was seriously hurting in these regards, but there is a significant difference. I attribute these to the author and his team being a bit more experienced. After the mechanical issues, the pros start being even better. The magic system gets even more fleshed out while still staying simple enough where I didn’t get confused. The balance of the limitations on things like runes, enchantments, and inscriptions while being accessible to all with the limitless nature of mana while being accessible to a very select few was a brilliant touch. The creatures created in the dungeon show even more creativity on the part of the author, with the floating jellyfish being my favorite. The humor is taken up a notch, and I loved it. Also, while the ending is definitely a cliffhanger, the ending felt less rushed and more minor loose ends were tied up than in the last book. We certainly have a major loose end to deal with in the next book, but I feel like this was a much better ending arc than the first book.
The author also improved on a handful of the ‘mixed bag’ issues from the last book. Due to the increasing size of the dungeon and the amount of time the story takes place outside of said dungeon, the book doesn’t physically stagnate from being told in the same place. There is enough variance throughout the different floors and the surface (and the balance of time spent in each is improved) that there is never the feeling like the reader is trapped. On the topic of exposition or world building, as I call it, we see that the author has refined his ability to show us the world. He lowered the overall amount of exposition and built the world through characters’ actions. Even with less exposition, the world kept growing and expanding in my imagination while reading the book, which isn’t surprising as the author’s biggest strength is world building.
Mixed Bag: The author uses a bit more meta-humor in this book. He refers to himself once or twice in a humorous fashion. He also refers to a few of his fellow LitRPG authors’ books. Now, I loved this, and many people seem to love this style of humor. That being said, a few people may take some issue with it. It does disrupt the flow and immersion a little bit, as meta humor is intended to do, but I found that it wasn’t enough to get me to even pause, let alone completely stop reading for any length of time. The author also still does rely a bit on exposition through dialogue, but has definitely improved on reducing the amount of such dialogue, especially between Cal and Dani, and replaced it with character building dialogue. Also, we still see rapid character development, especially as we watch Cal begin to become more ‘dungeon’ and less ‘former human’, but again, it fits with the vast amount of power the characters gain due to the uniqueness of Cal. I don’t see a major problem with any of these mixed-bag aspects, but I decided to put them here because they are the most likely aspects to irk people, at least in my opinion.
Cons: I have the same con with this book as I did with the last one. The last page sucked. Not because of anything that was on the page, but just because there wasn’t another page after it.
Overall:
Concept - 10/10
Writing mechanics - 15/15
Consistency - 5/5
Grammar - 5/5
Dialogue - 5/5
LitRPG mechanics - 8/10
World building - 15/15
Monsters - 5/5
Environment - 5/5
Other - 5/5
Characters - 9/10
Narrative - 19/20
Twist - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Humor - 4/5
Other - 5/5
Total - 76/80 = 19/20 = 4.75/5
November 13, 2020
Rating: 4.2/5
Review: Continuing on in this series the self-aware dungeon (Cal) is expanding and Dale is in the act of becoming complex. A real fun series that I am burning through.
Review: Continuing on in this series the self-aware dungeon (Cal) is expanding and Dale is in the act of becoming complex. A real fun series that I am burning through.
June 10, 2024
The second installment of the Divine Dungeon is pretty damn good. This one is a little less RPG. Toning down the video game aspects of the story in favor of more character development without sacrificing any real sense of continuity. That is a real achievement. Changing things enough to keep it new and fresh wile still feeling even more true to itself than if it had been stylistically identical.
The Characters are growing and coming into their own. The story is unfolding in interesting and unexpected ways. Dakota Krout is hitting all the right notes and maintaining the perfect balance. He is also showing growth as an author without showing off in distracting literary flourishes that detract from a book. A great second showing from an Amazing young new talent.
Fans of the first book like me will not be disappointed.
The Characters are growing and coming into their own. The story is unfolding in interesting and unexpected ways. Dakota Krout is hitting all the right notes and maintaining the perfect balance. He is also showing growth as an author without showing off in distracting literary flourishes that detract from a book. A great second showing from an Amazing young new talent.
Fans of the first book like me will not be disappointed.
February 22, 2017
What a great concept!
The concept of a story from the perspective of a sentient dungeon was enthralling for me. Better, the cast of characters were fantastic as is the overarching story line. The author did a commendable job of writing an entertaining and novel story. The only home I found through the entire story was that no one had any suspicion of the dungeon's sentience despite numerous clear indicators. That bothered me a bit through both books but not enough to prevent me from enjoying them thoroughly.
The concept of a story from the perspective of a sentient dungeon was enthralling for me. Better, the cast of characters were fantastic as is the overarching story line. The author did a commendable job of writing an entertaining and novel story. The only home I found through the entire story was that no one had any suspicion of the dungeon's sentience despite numerous clear indicators. That bothered me a bit through both books but not enough to prevent me from enjoying them thoroughly.
February 16, 2017
MORE!
You must write more, and longer! No breaks for you until I...I mean we, yes we get book three. No sleep, no food, no sex, just write. You will be richly rewarded for your efforts, but only if you don't keep us waiting to long.
Only review I have ever written in this fashion, and if that doesn't tell you what I think of the book then you need a brain.
You must write more, and longer! No breaks for you until I...I mean we, yes we get book three. No sleep, no food, no sex, just write. You will be richly rewarded for your efforts, but only if you don't keep us waiting to long.
Only review I have ever written in this fashion, and if that doesn't tell you what I think of the book then you need a brain.
February 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Novelty wore off
A decent book with flashes of magnificence. However, this volume did not resonate with me. The mechanics of leveling up was gripping. The character work and development felt flat. I found the pacing a bit clunky as well.
In conclusion, this is another one of the books that I would’ve appreciated more in my earlier and more novice days of fantasy reading.
Novelty wore off
A decent book with flashes of magnificence. However, this volume did not resonate with me. The mechanics of leveling up was gripping. The character work and development felt flat. I found the pacing a bit clunky as well.
In conclusion, this is another one of the books that I would’ve appreciated more in my earlier and more novice days of fantasy reading.
October 24, 2017
FINALLY!
So it's been months since I finished Dungeon Born and since then I've been binging on LitRPGs. Now that I'm much more versed on the genre, I appreciate the way this series is constructed even more. Everything just feels very cohesive, organic, and fluid. I'm never left skeptical of why an event happened or questioned a characters actions. Nothing feels forced or formulaic, or there because other books do it, or to check some arbitrary box. Krout even managed pop culture references in a non obnoxious way, making me grin instead of sigh in annoyance (Hint to Aleron Kong: it's because it was subtle and rare.).
So the Dungeon Born series is 2 for 2 so far, and I can't wait for the next one :D. I highly recommend.
5/5 Stars... I miiiight have stayed up till 2am to finish it, it was one of those types of books.
So it's been months since I finished Dungeon Born and since then I've been binging on LitRPGs. Now that I'm much more versed on the genre, I appreciate the way this series is constructed even more. Everything just feels very cohesive, organic, and fluid. I'm never left skeptical of why an event happened or questioned a characters actions. Nothing feels forced or formulaic, or there because other books do it, or to check some arbitrary box. Krout even managed pop culture references in a non obnoxious way, making me grin instead of sigh in annoyance (Hint to Aleron Kong: it's because it was subtle and rare.).
So the Dungeon Born series is 2 for 2 so far, and I can't wait for the next one :D. I highly recommend.
5/5 Stars... I miiiight have stayed up till 2am to finish it, it was one of those types of books.
December 24, 2017
I highly recommend this novel and the Audible version voiced by Vikas Adam. Adam's voice acting is superb and captures the characters and settings brilliantly. A must read for fantasy or video game fans.
March 19, 2017
This sequel to the first book of the Divine Dungeon, Dungeon Madness starts where the first ends and goes immediately to the next storyline.
Although I still rate it highly, I'll put it relatively below Dungeonborn. There's a couple points from the first book addressed here, but it also adds some new problems.
My main beef and why I'd rate it as 4-4.5 rather than full 5 stars is the Minya character which is relatively unnecessary. I appreciate that she's introduced as a Dungeonborn contrast to Dale, but she creates what I felt unnecessary complexities, and she's also a spoilery source of in-universe knowledge for the Council. It weakens the story when you have a character that basically can tell everyone the Dungeon mechanics rather than having Dale figure them. It's a very difficult balancing act, and one that I do not feel was entirely ok.
The book also ends as a cliffhanger rather than wrapping up the story and setting up the stage for another story. Some people like that, but, unless I'm picking an omnibus edition or a clear self-contained trilogy, I tend to dislike books that leave you hanging. A reason why I disliked the 5th book of the Expanse, for instance: instead of wrapping the story and leaving open the setting for the next stage, it left the main plot dangling for a year.
Still very good, and now, I have to wait for the next one.
Although I still rate it highly, I'll put it relatively below Dungeonborn. There's a couple points from the first book addressed here, but it also adds some new problems.
My main beef and why I'd rate it as 4-4.5 rather than full 5 stars is the Minya character which is relatively unnecessary. I appreciate that she's introduced as a Dungeonborn contrast to Dale, but she creates what I felt unnecessary complexities, and she's also a spoilery source of in-universe knowledge for the Council. It weakens the story when you have a character that basically can tell everyone the Dungeon mechanics rather than having Dale figure them. It's a very difficult balancing act, and one that I do not feel was entirely ok.
The book also ends as a cliffhanger rather than wrapping up the story and setting up the stage for another story. Some people like that, but, unless I'm picking an omnibus edition or a clear self-contained trilogy, I tend to dislike books that leave you hanging. A reason why I disliked the 5th book of the Expanse, for instance: instead of wrapping the story and leaving open the setting for the next stage, it left the main plot dangling for a year.
Still very good, and now, I have to wait for the next one.
February 16, 2017
The ending ruined this for me.
I'm with the person who commented on this book elsewhere. I'm getting pretty burned out on authors that think it's a good idea to leave you feeling like your puppy just died; especially when whatever could have easily been placed at the beginning of the next book where the angst is, hopefully, dealt with. Might not be so bad if the series is completed and you can read the follow-up. But not so great when you've got to wait for the next book.
I can see where the storyline will go. But that ending took the book from a 5 to a 1. I generally just don't leave a review if I can't do a 4 or 5 (rarely a 3). It's their book, so the author gets to do whatever they want with it. But I get to say I don't appreciate being sucker punched.
Deserves a spoiler: A really nasty guy that Dale should have been banished steals Dani the wisp and sells her to the necromancer. Dale the clueless, whining, useless landowner and Cal the self-obsessed partner just let it happen.
I'm with the person who commented on this book elsewhere. I'm getting pretty burned out on authors that think it's a good idea to leave you feeling like your puppy just died; especially when whatever could have easily been placed at the beginning of the next book where the angst is, hopefully, dealt with. Might not be so bad if the series is completed and you can read the follow-up. But not so great when you've got to wait for the next book.
I can see where the storyline will go. But that ending took the book from a 5 to a 1. I generally just don't leave a review if I can't do a 4 or 5 (rarely a 3). It's their book, so the author gets to do whatever they want with it. But I get to say I don't appreciate being sucker punched.
Deserves a spoiler: A really nasty guy that Dale should have been banished steals Dani the wisp and sells her to the necromancer. Dale the clueless, whining, useless landowner and Cal the self-obsessed partner just let it happen.
June 27, 2017
I picked up the audio book for part one (Dungeon born) on a whim one day.
Two days later I placed the order for this one! it took a full month to get here but guess what! I FOUND A UNICORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes it's rare that the sequel is even better then the first and not just that but it had a stellar audio performance to top. well it did and more! I am going to continue READING this series as I had a very hard time putting this book down.
Intelligent, fun, creative and full of character this one I would whole heartedly recommend! 11/10
Two days later I placed the order for this one! it took a full month to get here but guess what! I FOUND A UNICORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes it's rare that the sequel is even better then the first and not just that but it had a stellar audio performance to top. well it did and more! I am going to continue READING this series as I had a very hard time putting this book down.
Intelligent, fun, creative and full of character this one I would whole heartedly recommend! 11/10
November 11, 2017
I have to say that this series has become the gold standard for Dungeon books for me.
There were some twists from the first book that I thought would degrade the main focus of the story, but Mr. Krout has done an admirable job of reigning it back in, bringing those loose threads back to the Dungeon.
Levelling mechanics and internal consistencies are top notch and the book has either had professional editing done, or Mr. Krout has some very good beta readers.
Eagerly awaiting for the next 7 books in the series.
Also, the covers are awesome!
There were some twists from the first book that I thought would degrade the main focus of the story, but Mr. Krout has done an admirable job of reigning it back in, bringing those loose threads back to the Dungeon.
Levelling mechanics and internal consistencies are top notch and the book has either had professional editing done, or Mr. Krout has some very good beta readers.
Eagerly awaiting for the next 7 books in the series.
Also, the covers are awesome!
February 16, 2017
My life is complete
Man ever since I read book one months ago I have been waiting for this to come out and now I can't wait for book 3. The author flawlessly weaves an amazing story but he doesn't forget to explain the system or why the MC's are so op. The sense of humor is also amazing had me cackling for hours. I'm like an addicted crazy person for these books give me moar!
Man ever since I read book one months ago I have been waiting for this to come out and now I can't wait for book 3. The author flawlessly weaves an amazing story but he doesn't forget to explain the system or why the MC's are so op. The sense of humor is also amazing had me cackling for hours. I'm like an addicted crazy person for these books give me moar!
February 23, 2017
Super tasty!
The book was a great follow up from the first one. And then something like a big Christmas present. An Epic battle. Explosions. People running for their lives. Wet splorpy chunks. Super battle moves. I really liked the big battle. Cal the dungeon's second book was a great read!
The book was a great follow up from the first one. And then something like a big Christmas present. An Epic battle. Explosions. People running for their lives. Wet splorpy chunks. Super battle moves. I really liked the big battle. Cal the dungeon's second book was a great read!
March 12, 2017
Want the next one NOW!
Great fun. Good cliffhanger ending. Has the same feel of The Galactic Mage series (which lost its way to my mind), but I hope DK has a long term vision for Cal, Dani, Dale at el. Sorry, but I hate the cover art, sometimes you do judge a book by its cover and I almost didn't buy into the series.
Great fun. Good cliffhanger ending. Has the same feel of The Galactic Mage series (which lost its way to my mind), but I hope DK has a long term vision for Cal, Dani, Dale at el. Sorry, but I hate the cover art, sometimes you do judge a book by its cover and I almost didn't buy into the series.
March 8, 2018
An exceptional story that gets you going right where the last book left off. The attention paid to the development of both Dale and Cal make the book standout in my mind, too often stories simply "make it so" instead of showing the process they take to get there. I look forward to the next book and I will certainly reccomend the series to others.
June 11, 2018
One of, if not my most anticipated book release of the year, and it is possibly even better than the first book! The ins and outs of a society built around a sentient dungeon are further explored, while the fantastic cast of characters get into all sorts of new trouble. The audiobook narrator does a wonderful job of bringing it all to life.
February 15, 2017
One of the best litRPG books out there!
The author has payed attention to the tiniest of details, created a villain that is easy to dislike and made the plot very interesting. It deserves every 5 star it gets, as it easily surpasses lots of other books.
The author has payed attention to the tiniest of details, created a villain that is easy to dislike and made the plot very interesting. It deserves every 5 star it gets, as it easily surpasses lots of other books.
February 16, 2017
Dirty pool, brah
Good characters, good pacing. Intriguing development of both the dungeon and the plot. All in all a ten out of five book, beyond A++ level. But that cliff though-! And with two year wait till the next release!? That's almost as bad as the nightlord series. Dude...
Good characters, good pacing. Intriguing development of both the dungeon and the plot. All in all a ten out of five book, beyond A++ level. But that cliff though-! And with two year wait till the next release!? That's almost as bad as the nightlord series. Dude...
February 17, 2017
Dungeon awesomeness!
This was a very well thought out and entertaining book. I enjoyed the split viewpoints of Cal and Dale, their motivations and goals. Anyone who loves complicated morality and loose definitions of what makes a character good/evil will enjoy this book.
This was a very well thought out and entertaining book. I enjoyed the split viewpoints of Cal and Dale, their motivations and goals. Anyone who loves complicated morality and loose definitions of what makes a character good/evil will enjoy this book.
February 18, 2017
Very good
I loved this book, it is as addictive as the first one, I cannot wait for the next book. I personally enjoy Cal and his personality, and am looking forward to seeing where he goes with his dungeon madness
I loved this book, it is as addictive as the first one, I cannot wait for the next book. I personally enjoy Cal and his personality, and am looking forward to seeing where he goes with his dungeon madness
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