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Battleborne #4
Dungeon Master
King Maximilian Storm faces a new set of challenges as a Sovereign. Every action he takes, every decision he makes, impacts the lives of his people instead of just himself or his party.
With the Heart of his kingdom restored, Max hopes to focus on building up Stormhaven, feeding and protecting his people for a while. But escalating hostilities by Queen Anastasia, the red-eyed orcs from the north, as well as the orc War Chief, An’zalor, force him to continue fighting.
At the same time, he’s trying to recover the lost rune magic of the dwarves, while also learning about and activating his newly acquired dungeon core. All while a ruthless and relentless guild of dark elf assassins are trying to claim his head.
With the Heart of his kingdom restored, Max hopes to focus on building up Stormhaven, feeding and protecting his people for a while. But escalating hostilities by Queen Anastasia, the red-eyed orcs from the north, as well as the orc War Chief, An’zalor, force him to continue fighting.
At the same time, he’s trying to recover the lost rune magic of the dwarves, while also learning about and activating his newly acquired dungeon core. All while a ruthless and relentless guild of dark elf assassins are trying to claim his head.
- GenresFantasy
536 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2023
294 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books628 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 15, 2023
and they all lived happily ever after…
This book is basically a checklist of plot lines that were wrapped up in short order.
Max had a bunch of stuff to do, so this book just went through the to do list and did it all and not much more.
Dangerous Red eyed Orcs and their Leader the One - wrapped up in about 3 chapters
Secure the mighty dragon skull in An’zalor’s city and respectfully return it to his family - I think that was about 3 chapters too, including here is a magic item that can store 1 dragon head and teleport you to the dragon family.
Need more citizens, well heck they just flood in by he thousands.
Got a dungeon core, well boop there you go all sorted.
Need a super-dooper fancy forge, well Max’s mate the dragon can just boop pull it all out of his hat and badda bing badda boom done.
Got an assassin problem, well turns out the Dragon can just sense them and then threaten them away.
War with a Bsttleborne Queen - shoot one surly noble son, then max a few threats and zingo that’s that all tied up nice.
The book is well written, but is just a series of victory laps.
Each of the plots above barely needed Max, they could have been spun into side quests for the other battleborne corporals, or other characters.
Anyway, Max wins, then he wins, then he wins again, and then there’s a surprise cranky dwarf in the last chapter, and I bet if I read book 5 he’ll turn out to be pretending to be cranky, swig some whisky then laugh and hand Max another medal and some more cheese.
Really liked the series and Dave Willmarth’s work, but I think Max has Maxed out and I’ll go in search of more intriguing or suspenseful works.
It’s a 3 not because it is badly written, or lacks plot, it has heaps and they all turn out great and everybody on the bus clapped and smiled.
This book is basically a checklist of plot lines that were wrapped up in short order.
Max had a bunch of stuff to do, so this book just went through the to do list and did it all and not much more.
Dangerous Red eyed Orcs and their Leader the One - wrapped up in about 3 chapters
Secure the mighty dragon skull in An’zalor’s city and respectfully return it to his family - I think that was about 3 chapters too, including here is a magic item that can store 1 dragon head and teleport you to the dragon family.
Need more citizens, well heck they just flood in by he thousands.
Got a dungeon core, well boop there you go all sorted.
Need a super-dooper fancy forge, well Max’s mate the dragon can just boop pull it all out of his hat and badda bing badda boom done.
Got an assassin problem, well turns out the Dragon can just sense them and then threaten them away.
War with a Bsttleborne Queen - shoot one surly noble son, then max a few threats and zingo that’s that all tied up nice.
The book is well written, but is just a series of victory laps.
Each of the plots above barely needed Max, they could have been spun into side quests for the other battleborne corporals, or other characters.
Anyway, Max wins, then he wins, then he wins again, and then there’s a surprise cranky dwarf in the last chapter, and I bet if I read book 5 he’ll turn out to be pretending to be cranky, swig some whisky then laugh and hand Max another medal and some more cheese.
Really liked the series and Dave Willmarth’s work, but I think Max has Maxed out and I’ll go in search of more intriguing or suspenseful works.
It’s a 3 not because it is badly written, or lacks plot, it has heaps and they all turn out great and everybody on the bus clapped and smiled.
May 9, 2023
This series has hit a lot of buttons for me. I also started gaming in the 70's with many hours of AD&D as a Dwarf Cleric and later as Dungeon Master. Following on with many computer-based RPGs and MMORPGs through the years. Each use of the leveling dynamics in the book brought a smile to my face and a memory of the many, many hours of playing these types of games and leveling of my characters.
I also recognize the military comradery that I shared with shipmates and aircrews. Each snide remark between the squad members and joke to lighten the mood brought me back to the long deployments in not so friendly territories where these men and women became my brothers and sisters (mostly brothers when I was in). There were maybe too many things going on at one time in this one, but I didn't spend any more time ripping through the pages than I did with the previous 3. Now I must wait impatiently for the next one to come out. Thanks Mr Willmarth for bringing all of those memories back to me.
I also recognize the military comradery that I shared with shipmates and aircrews. Each snide remark between the squad members and joke to lighten the mood brought me back to the long deployments in not so friendly territories where these men and women became my brothers and sisters (mostly brothers when I was in). There were maybe too many things going on at one time in this one, but I didn't spend any more time ripping through the pages than I did with the previous 3. Now I must wait impatiently for the next one to come out. Thanks Mr Willmarth for bringing all of those memories back to me.
May 12, 2023
if you’re looking for a real progression RPG, this book is not it.
What this book is, is a very fun read, light RPG elements with some progression. Very little stat screens, and not too many boss fights. The MC is very likable, and so are the side characters in this book, very heartwarming and enjoyable slice of life. There are some very interesting story, developments, and threads that need to be developed and I hope will be done in the next book. The only thing I did not like in this book was the children running through the dungeon I thought that was totally superfluous, but that’s my opinion because I don’t like children in these books. you may enjoy that aspect of the book but I believe the story does deserve a five because the book was very enjoyable and readable. Evenly awaiting the next book, hope it doesn’t take too long.
What this book is, is a very fun read, light RPG elements with some progression. Very little stat screens, and not too many boss fights. The MC is very likable, and so are the side characters in this book, very heartwarming and enjoyable slice of life. There are some very interesting story, developments, and threads that need to be developed and I hope will be done in the next book. The only thing I did not like in this book was the children running through the dungeon I thought that was totally superfluous, but that’s my opinion because I don’t like children in these books. you may enjoy that aspect of the book but I believe the story does deserve a five because the book was very enjoyable and readable. Evenly awaiting the next book, hope it doesn’t take too long.
August 4, 2023
I got this book the day it came out. Then I started reading. A few pages in I put it down and read something else.
The book does start out slow, but it doesn't take long before the story picks up. Like a number of the author's stories the book does at times feel like those painting by number's books. The antagonists are a bit cookie cutter and never open to negotiation. An'zalor the orc (I think that's his name) has been around since the beginning and still hangs around in this book. Why Max hasn't put him out of his misery yet I have no idea.
Having said that, I enjoyed the book and the series. This is pure sword and board fantasy with a bit of magic thrown in. The editing is okay, and the stats are there but placed in small, hard to read boxes. I'll read the next book in the series, and I'll probably complain about something, but I'll still read it. 5/5*
The book does start out slow, but it doesn't take long before the story picks up. Like a number of the author's stories the book does at times feel like those painting by number's books. The antagonists are a bit cookie cutter and never open to negotiation. An'zalor the orc (I think that's his name) has been around since the beginning and still hangs around in this book. Why Max hasn't put him out of his misery yet I have no idea.
Having said that, I enjoyed the book and the series. This is pure sword and board fantasy with a bit of magic thrown in. The editing is okay, and the stats are there but placed in small, hard to read boxes. I'll read the next book in the series, and I'll probably complain about something, but I'll still read it. 5/5*
February 19, 2025
Annoyingly ends in a cliffhanger
Well, the battle that was started in book one I hoped would be finished in this book... NOPE! Just as it was about to get really good, the book ends.
There was a lot more politics involved in this book compared to the others, which is why it got a four star rating instead of a five star rating. Makes sense that as the main character is a king, there would be politics involved, we just got really lucky so far.
Finally started to get interesting with the rune master arch toward the end, but that ended annoyingly in a cliff hanger also.
The new book better come out soon!
Have fun!!
Well, the battle that was started in book one I hoped would be finished in this book... NOPE! Just as it was about to get really good, the book ends.
There was a lot more politics involved in this book compared to the others, which is why it got a four star rating instead of a five star rating. Makes sense that as the main character is a king, there would be politics involved, we just got really lucky so far.
Finally started to get interesting with the rune master arch toward the end, but that ended annoyingly in a cliff hanger also.
The new book better come out soon!
Have fun!!
April 30, 2023
Best of The Series
This was a good book, action, character development, and just a good story line. Not many skim worthy pages. I do have a couple of things that made me really shake my head. The first is the CONSTANT use of "she stuck her tongue out at him or her", and second the lesser but still often juvenile use of the old joke where you say you aren't going to do something important, then say to the person or gathering of people that you were just kidding. Is this author 8 years old or ?.
This was a good book, action, character development, and just a good story line. Not many skim worthy pages. I do have a couple of things that made me really shake my head. The first is the CONSTANT use of "she stuck her tongue out at him or her", and second the lesser but still often juvenile use of the old joke where you say you aren't going to do something important, then say to the person or gathering of people that you were just kidding. Is this author 8 years old or ?.
January 10, 2024
This book seems to include all the feel-good moments that the author could think of. There is limited challenge to any of the tasks; even the most challenging are solved with little effort.
Willmarth does a good job of writing those moments, so the book is entertaining, and there are opportunities for character revelation and development. Similarly, there is interesting world development. But the plot lacks impact.
The book is almost certainly necessary if you want to continue the series, but on its own, it's a bit disappointing.
Frankly, this reads like a book-length denouement.
Willmarth does a good job of writing those moments, so the book is entertaining, and there are opportunities for character revelation and development. Similarly, there is interesting world development. But the plot lacks impact.
The book is almost certainly necessary if you want to continue the series, but on its own, it's a bit disappointing.
Frankly, this reads like a book-length denouement.
October 25, 2024
Battleborne 4
Building and managing a kingdom is never easy. Especially for a Battleborne like King Max, where that can bring its own blessings and challenges. There are monstrous tribes of mutated orcs, a hostile Battleborne Queen, and then there is the dungeon core that he was rewarded with.
This has always been a fun series to go through. The characters definitely keep the series light and the challenges are always interesting. My only complaint is that there were too many aspects that were touched upon where I wanted a deeper dive into that part. I always appreciate a duel narrator series. Daniel Wisniewski and Jessica Threet do a fantastic job narrating the story.
Content warning: none
Building and managing a kingdom is never easy. Especially for a Battleborne like King Max, where that can bring its own blessings and challenges. There are monstrous tribes of mutated orcs, a hostile Battleborne Queen, and then there is the dungeon core that he was rewarded with.
This has always been a fun series to go through. The characters definitely keep the series light and the challenges are always interesting. My only complaint is that there were too many aspects that were touched upon where I wanted a deeper dive into that part. I always appreciate a duel narrator series. Daniel Wisniewski and Jessica Threet do a fantastic job narrating the story.
Content warning: none
April 6, 2023
Really Enjoyable
Yet again, Max and subjects face off against the many threats that any new fledgling kingdom has to deal with. As with any Wilmarth story, it's not the size of the threats but how he comes up with the solutions to these. With engaging characters and a well-built universe this does very well to keep your interest, and the battles are well described and fun to read.
Yet again, Max and subjects face off against the many threats that any new fledgling kingdom has to deal with. As with any Wilmarth story, it's not the size of the threats but how he comes up with the solutions to these. With engaging characters and a well-built universe this does very well to keep your interest, and the battles are well described and fun to read.
April 17, 2023
Great growth and adventure
Once again, Max manages to do the highly improbable and continues to advance in so many ways. New characters are introduced, existing characters are given more depth, and the various plotlines advance. Max continues to grow in knowledge and power and his kingdom expands.
This book has everything you want to see in the genre and has a ln insidious way of grabbing your attention for an unhealthy length of time. Well done!
Once again, Max manages to do the highly improbable and continues to advance in so many ways. New characters are introduced, existing characters are given more depth, and the various plotlines advance. Max continues to grow in knowledge and power and his kingdom expands.
This book has everything you want to see in the genre and has a ln insidious way of grabbing your attention for an unhealthy length of time. Well done!
May 31, 2023
Help me read more books
This was a very good addition to the series. Funny too, made me laugh outloud more than once. If you've enjoyed other books in this series, then you don't want to miss this one. Love the way this one ended, I've no doubt the next book will start with a bang, and probably continue in that vein until it's done, much like this one did. Great fun so far in this series, would love to read more.
This was a very good addition to the series. Funny too, made me laugh outloud more than once. If you've enjoyed other books in this series, then you don't want to miss this one. Love the way this one ended, I've no doubt the next book will start with a bang, and probably continue in that vein until it's done, much like this one did. Great fun so far in this series, would love to read more.
June 9, 2023
Entertaining fast food.
Given the low quality of the contenders in the genre the book is not too bad in comparison if somewhat naive.
The author´s obsession with american fast food and it´s promotion within the books is rather hilarious. I liked how fast the author finished some rather lame story lines but was no fan of his extensive promotion of irrelevant side characters and their feats.
Given the low quality of the contenders in the genre the book is not too bad in comparison if somewhat naive.
The author´s obsession with american fast food and it´s promotion within the books is rather hilarious. I liked how fast the author finished some rather lame story lines but was no fan of his extensive promotion of irrelevant side characters and their feats.
July 28, 2023
another amazing edition to the series!
Another seat gripping story, the character development, humour, storyline is fantastic. I can’t put these books down! Looking forward to the next one. Anyone unsure about picking this book up, no regrets you’ll thoroughly enjoy and if your curious about D&D it’s a good introduction and explains process of levelling up character, skills, traits, races etc.
Another seat gripping story, the character development, humour, storyline is fantastic. I can’t put these books down! Looking forward to the next one. Anyone unsure about picking this book up, no regrets you’ll thoroughly enjoy and if your curious about D&D it’s a good introduction and explains process of levelling up character, skills, traits, races etc.
September 14, 2024
Cliffhanger ending
Alternate universe, LitRPG, base building, fantasy races, adventure
Max completes some of his quests, and continues to expand his kingdom and gather more allies. I'm hoping a sequel is in process, as this book was written two years ago, in 2022. Wondering if others from his squad made it, and more. Average editing. Enjoyed, but be aware at this time, it's a cliffhanger ending.
Alternate universe, LitRPG, base building, fantasy races, adventure
Max completes some of his quests, and continues to expand his kingdom and gather more allies. I'm hoping a sequel is in process, as this book was written two years ago, in 2022. Wondering if others from his squad made it, and more. Average editing. Enjoyed, but be aware at this time, it's a cliffhanger ending.
April 13, 2023
Actually Fantastic
This story of a military squad being sent to another world was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed read that I really enjoyed reading. Despite what other reviews said, this book was not left with a cliffhanger It was just a looming war and a unlocked magical mystery.
This story of a military squad being sent to another world was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed read that I really enjoyed reading. Despite what other reviews said, this book was not left with a cliffhanger It was just a looming war and a unlocked magical mystery.
April 17, 2023
KU Review
Fun entry to the series. There are so many storylines and plots going at any one time it’s hard to keep track of everything. Max is a busy king for sure.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Fun entry to the series. There are so many storylines and plots going at any one time it’s hard to keep track of everything. Max is a busy king for sure.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
April 27, 2023
💜💙💛💚
Honestly I am in love/obsessed with this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!! Just as Max takes care of a threat/quest/item on his to-do list something else pops up and I love it. Stormhaven, Max, and their allies are growing stronger. Hope to read more of Max and his adventures soon.
Honestly I am in love/obsessed with this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!! Just as Max takes care of a threat/quest/item on his to-do list something else pops up and I love it. Stormhaven, Max, and their allies are growing stronger. Hope to read more of Max and his adventures soon.
May 6, 2023
Good book. Good series.
Darn you for writing a book that I didn't want to put down! I too read my reviews.... Wish I didn't half the time. I'm only grumpy that the isn't another one yet. I'm glad I read this series before starting to write in this genre. It's definitely one of the best series I've read in the genre. Thank you for the inspiration.
Darn you for writing a book that I didn't want to put down! I too read my reviews.... Wish I didn't half the time. I'm only grumpy that the isn't another one yet. I'm glad I read this series before starting to write in this genre. It's definitely one of the best series I've read in the genre. Thank you for the inspiration.
September 1, 2023
Entertaining! A great escape!
Unique situations and unexpected responses. Dave Willmarth takes the typical sword and sorcery tale and adds twists. Plenty of the action scenes as expected in the genre combined with often thought provoking, hilarious (for everyone but the villian) resolution to some of the biggest trials.
Unique situations and unexpected responses. Dave Willmarth takes the typical sword and sorcery tale and adds twists. Plenty of the action scenes as expected in the genre combined with often thought provoking, hilarious (for everyone but the villian) resolution to some of the biggest trials.
April 5, 2023
Dig this series
Very very good.... Far above average... Solid writing, characters and love teeglin.... The dworc.. Recommend to anyone who likes kingdom building and litrpg
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
Very very good.... Far above average... Solid writing, characters and love teeglin.... The dworc.. Recommend to anyone who likes kingdom building and litrpg
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
April 5, 2023
Another enjoyable Dave Willmarth book!
This was a fun, enjoyable book. I barely put it down. I’m a big fan of the worlds Dave creates and his writing style. I’m very much looking forward to the next one.
This was a fun, enjoyable book. I barely put it down. I’m a big fan of the worlds Dave creates and his writing style. I’m very much looking forward to the next one.
April 6, 2023
These are great books to read
I love the storyline detail
The characters are relatable
Many different things going on it is always moving forward
Take the time to read this series if you like the genre or not it’s fun
I love the storyline detail
The characters are relatable
Many different things going on it is always moving forward
Take the time to read this series if you like the genre or not it’s fun
April 9, 2023
Another enjoyable read that continues a very satisfying tale.
Another enjoyable read that continues a very satisfying tale. What can I say Dave alway gives me a story that just itches that spot just right. Still want to see an actual Ogre doing a moonwalk.
Another enjoyable read that continues a very satisfying tale. What can I say Dave alway gives me a story that just itches that spot just right. Still want to see an actual Ogre doing a moonwalk.
April 13, 2023
Love this series!
Thanks again Dave for taking me along for another ride into your world. I really enjoy reading about King Max and his War Dogs. Great fun as they encounter one thing after another, looking forward to reading book five.
Thanks again Dave for taking me along for another ride into your world. I really enjoy reading about King Max and his War Dogs. Great fun as they encounter one thing after another, looking forward to reading book five.
April 16, 2023
Tired author
The author may be getting tired or exhausted. I hope he regains his Muse, as I have enjoyed the books so far.
But Please if you (the author) intend to abandon the story, just modify this book instead of giving it a "woke" final chapter.
The author may be getting tired or exhausted. I hope he regains his Muse, as I have enjoyed the books so far.
But Please if you (the author) intend to abandon the story, just modify this book instead of giving it a "woke" final chapter.
April 20, 2023
Willmarth does it again!
Beautifully crafted story, wonderful characters and a detailed action. I couldn’t be happier with this newest addition to the Battleborn series. Can’t wait for the next story!!
Beautifully crafted story, wonderful characters and a detailed action. I couldn’t be happier with this newest addition to the Battleborn series. Can’t wait for the next story!!
April 21, 2023
the story continues
The story continues , and it’s getting better and better
Reading the advancement of Max as a leader, the development and addition of new challenges, addition of a dungeon .. the progression .. again 5 stars for Dave
The story continues , and it’s getting better and better
Reading the advancement of Max as a leader, the development and addition of new challenges, addition of a dungeon .. the progression .. again 5 stars for Dave
Read
April 24, 2023Great book
one of the best series of its type great characters world building at its best action scenes well written good pace to the story loved it from start to finish hope there lots more to come!
one of the best series of its type great characters world building at its best action scenes well written good pace to the story loved it from start to finish hope there lots more to come!
April 27, 2023
Great story
A good/great overall story. I think having the Uber powered dragon fix the assassin was a bit much, but it didn't really take away from the story, and I really liked real world politics coming into play. It makes more sense for me.
A good/great overall story. I think having the Uber powered dragon fix the assassin was a bit much, but it didn't really take away from the story, and I really liked real world politics coming into play. It makes more sense for me.
April 28, 2023
Go's from strength to strength.
Read in one sitting. Found myself eager for the next chapter, next page. Looking forward to the next book and the trouble the main character seems to stumble into.
Read in one sitting. Found myself eager for the next chapter, next page. Looking forward to the next book and the trouble the main character seems to stumble into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews