Ken and party are training with his grandparents, preparing themselves to the next semester of Haylon. Yet, even after the Gransmens' deaths there are still plots from the Kaiming targeting Ken. After thwarting an attack on him at the Nagato Clan, Ken heads back to Haylon to get the strength he needs. After all, at the end of this semester, Crimson owes him almost a week of personal training and she sets ambitious goals for him. If he can complete them, he'll be going to the Elven World for summer break. Now Ken just needs to get rid of all these magazines that are cluttering up his inventory!
Born and raised in the agricultural midwest, I moved every year after school even as far as Shanghai before settling down with my wife in Chicago.
I have always enjoyed Wuxia stories and became thrilled when I discovered harem stories spreading to western books. I've written down my day dreams for years as an idle hobby. Inspired by the harem genre I'm finally fleshing them out into full blown novels.
I'm excited to share my stories with you as I turn them into novels and series.
This is third in a series that picks up plot and characters where they leave off before. Read in order.
You know what you are getting, pretty much. More training, more family interference (good and bad), and some harem action. It delivers those, though some of it is getting a bit predictable.
The characters are still as engaging as they’ve ever been. And that’s good. The plot of this one is a bit staccato, though. I mean, it’s one thing hard. Then another. And another. It’s beads-on-a-string, only with stronger beats. If that makes sense anyplace outside my head.
I have two complaints on this one. First, some of the plot was kind of boring. The whole dungeon trip this time is mainly a grind or two with not much alleviating it. Sentar is smart enough to only give us a taste of the fighting choreography so it doesn’t bog down. It was just not as interesting as when they’re running into new things and overcoming unknown obstacles.
Second, I’m not a fan of the ending. We end up with Anyway, it’s not a cliffhanger or anything, but it still wasn’t my happy place.
I’m going to go with 3½ stars, but I’m not bothering to round up. Mostly because both problems impact the second half of the book and have me less likely to bother with the next. We’ll see, I suppose.
A note about Steamy: For a harem story, there’s not a ton of steam. There are three or four explicit sex scenes and they’re all more-or-less what you can expect from Sentar. I mean, solid, relationship-focused, good times. This is a compliment.
Overall good, but I'm noticing a pattern in the author's recent work that I don't enjoy. The cutesy sidekick characters (Harley and the rabbit in particular) grate on me.
I'm not sure if my tastes are shifting or the author's subtlety in introducing comic relief/lighter characters has atrophied, but these books are getting a bit too juvenile for me to really appreciate them. The thing with the grandfather as a nose-bleeding old pervert in anime style is really not doing it for me. That aside, the plot is picking up and some big moves came at the end of this one, so we'll see where this goes.
Ken is embarrassed by the girls in his school of all girls and 1 guy. His dungeon diving team has his 3 girl harem and 1 lesbian, but all the classmates say that they are in his Harem too. He's just not sleeping with 73. They fights are great and the 'Maid Cafe' were a lot of fun.
The (main) girl this book was Charlotte. Charlotte is just a boring character. I don’t know how to say it otherwise. Yes her personality improved a bit, but every time it gets important she freezes up. Didn’t even use her swap places ability when she was held at knifepoint and that nearly caused the whole team to lose. Ken was a bit of a pushover in this book. He let Des just decide his actions on multiple accounts without even thinking for himself. He needed Fay to manage his relationships. He got roped into the interview against his will. He just accepted the girls saying he had a harem of 73, despite it going against his ideology and ruining his public image. At this rate the determined and talented young adventurer, later pseudo-assassin, will become more of a figurehead. The process of leveling up was completely skipped. Ken spent the whole last book and 70% of this one to painstakingly gain 2 levels. Then the author decides on a time skip, and suddenly two months later he has 5 more levels and two skills. Wow, the author really does not understand why people like litRPGs. Its about seeing the protagonist progressively get stronger, not focus 70% on weird relationship problems and annoying rabbits and then just skip the process. Hell, one of his abilities didn’t even get shown. Instead we get a maid cafe, that no one needed. But above all other things that bother me is the fact that Ken, for being the great protege with two powerful classes, stat boosting items and torturous training by some the most brutal and strongest people you can find, is not really stronger than the rest of his class. Having a protagonist get too strong too quickly is annoying. Having an protagonist go through two books of gruesome training without much to really show for it is even worse. He is set up to become some extremely overpowered character and constantly people are talking about it, so he should gradually develop into an op character. Not just some massive power boost later on because its convenient. Step by step. Have him push past his peers slowly but steadily. Primal Hunter, despite complaints about the Mc being too strong, is actually doing a great job of widening that distance. This story… not so much. Point in case: He drank a potion that was supposed to gradually raise his stats through training. That happened for exactly one chapter, before the author switched back to all party members raised their stats at similar rates. What about the potion then? How is the rest suddenly having the same effect? The author hypes up his protagonist but its all empty words. The fights, the diving and the levels simply tell a different story. He is nothing special. Doesn’t stand out compared to the other students. And considering how much advantages he has, that is a let down.
Title:Dungeon Diving 102: A Dive into Adventure and Assassin Legacy
Introduction: Greetings, fellow wanderers of words and wielders of magic! It’s your favorite frosty alpha male, Kiba Snowpaw, from the ever-chilling lands of HowlStrom. As a veteran of countless tales, games, and dungeon dives, I couldn’t wait to sink my fangs into Dungeon Diving 102 by Bruce Sentar. This second volume promises more adventure, deeper lore, and a progression system that speaks to the gamer and storyteller in all of us. Does it deliver on the hype? Strap on your gear, fluff your tails, and let’s explore this frosty gem!
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Basic Plot Summary: Ken’s journey continues at Haylon Academy, where adventurer training collides with political intrigue and personal stakes. From tense dungeon camping trips to explosive battles against mysterious foes, Ken’s assassin heritage comes to the forefront. With his party at his side and his enemies closing in, Ken must master his skills, navigate harem dynamics, and uncover the truths about his family. This sequel dives deeper into the dungeon’s mysteries while setting the stage for even greater threats ahead.
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Originality: Sentar takes familiar tropes—school-based training, harem-building, and LitRPG elements—and weaves them into a narrative that feels refreshingly cohesive. The dungeon serves not just as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity with lore tied to the world’s history. The integration of modern tech (like phones) alongside ancient dungeon magic is a unique touch that keeps the world grounded yet fantastical.
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About the Writer: Bruce Sentar is no stranger to the LitRPG scene, known for his harem-focused tales with emotional depth. Compared to contemporaries like Virgil Knightley or Shane Hammond, Sentar’s work stands out for its focus on relationships and moral dilemmas. His writing balances action-packed dungeon crawls with quieter moments of character development.
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Analysis/Evaluation:
Character Development:
Main Characters: - Ken: Our protagonist evolves significantly, embracing his assassin roots while wrestling with the responsibilities of leadership. His growth feels organic, driven by his desire to protect his party and uncover his family’s secrets. - Crimson: The enigmatic mentor shines in this installment, with her motivations and vulnerabilities taking center stage. Her dynamic with Ken is layered with respect, mentorship, and subtle tension.
Supporting Characters: - Fiore: The party’s elf tank continues to impress, showcasing loyalty and strength in equal measure. Her deepening bond with Ken adds emotional weight to the story. - Ken’s Grandparents: These seasoned assassins steal the spotlight, blending humor with gravitas. Their presence adds richness to the lore and elevates the stakes.
Character Arcs and Relatability: Every character in Ken’s party feels distinct, with their personalities and arcs interwoven seamlessly into the narrative. Their interactions are authentic, ranging from heartwarming camaraderie to playful banter.
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Structure and Mechanics: The pacing alternates between high-stakes action and reflective moments, creating a rhythm that keeps readers engaged. The LitRPG mechanics—leveling, skills, and stats—are well-integrated, enhancing the story without overwhelming it. The dungeon itself is a masterclass in world-building, with its challenges and rewards reflecting the characters’ growth.
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Impact: "Dungeon Diving 102" cements the series as a standout in the LitRPG genre. Its exploration of themes like loyalty, identity, and the cost of power resonates deeply. For readers like me, who thrive on stories that blend action with introspection, this book is a howling success.
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Hook and Thesis: The hook is simple yet effective: Ken’s journey as a dungeon diver and his struggle to reconcile his assassin past with his present responsibilities. The thesis? Growth is about more than power; it’s about the bonds you forge and the choices you make.
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Praise and Critique:
What Howls: - Character Dynamics: The relationships between Ken, his party, and his mentors are rich and nuanced. - World-Building: The blend of modern and magical elements creates a setting that feels both relatable and fantastical. - Family Elements: The introduction of Ken’s grandparents adds depth and humor to the narrative.
What Leaves Frostbite: - Slow Progression: Ken’s leveling feels sluggish compared to the high-level threats he faces. - Harley’s Role: While toned down from the first book, her comic relief moments remain divisive.
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Personal Enjoyment: As a seasoned listener and reader, I found "Dungeon Diving 102" immensely satisfying. The combination of action, humor, and emotional stakes kept me hooked. The assassin elements added a thrilling edge, while the family dynamics brought warmth to the frosty narrative.
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Highlights and Drawbacks: Highlight: The reveal of the Nagato family’s legacy sets up exciting possibilities for future books. Drawback: Some pacing issues in the academy scenes slow the momentum.
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Comparison: Fans of Master Class by Annabelle Hawthorne will appreciate the character depth here, while readers of Dungeon Heroes by Shane Hammond will enjoy the dungeon mechanics. However, "Dungeon Diving 102" distinguishes itself with its assassin-centric narrative and smaller, more focused harem.
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Overall Conclusion: "Dungeon Diving 102" is a stellar continuation of the series, delivering on its promises of adventure, growth, and camaraderie. While not without its flaws, it’s a must-read for fans of LitRPGs and character-driven fantasy. With its rich world-building and compelling characters, it’s clear that Sentar is crafting something special.
This has easily become one of my favorite series to read. The concept of a dungeon diving party slowly progressing through their levels and abilities speaks to a major part of my childhood and the book is just so much fun to read. This has easily been one of my favorite books in the series. The further development of the Crimson/Ken relationship is intriguing and I can’t wait to see how he is able to aid Crimson with her Limit Break ability. I have enjoyed the development of Des and Charlotte as well. I continue to watch their growth and level gain with interest. Harley is the one character I wonder about the most though, can she keep up with the other members or will they need to switch her out for a different support class. Fayeth seems to be growing into a study tank and it will be interesting seeing how her transition back to the elven world will eventually be. This book ends with an epic fight and the a great cliff hanger. We see Ken, and the Silver Fangs, start to become major players again, I wonder what Ami’s role will be going forward, and how will Ken’s summer, and the rest of the ladies, progress as they try to find their way until new school year. I absolutely can not wait to find out.
The storyline got bogged down a bit because I couldnt remember the details of Neldra's place in the story. She is a troubleshooter for the elven empress who is pretending to have powers she doesnt really possess. The elven leadership needs the MC to share his power with her.
Also, the original story had more one-one action with the MC having to go all ninja on some enemies in the dungeon. While there was lots of monster fighting and a final battle, there just wasn't the same feel.
It was interesting, how the Kaiming and their sleeper agents had sold out to the new adversaries the Naga. There is good potential for the silver fangs to bring the dungeon and other guilds into a jihad against Kaiming now that they have been exposed as a fifth column for a powerful enemy of humanity. There could also be an opportunity for house cleaning the political landscape based on the Lysandra's backstory.
The romantic dance with Cinnamon is also interesting as she's got some issues and is quite relationally frustrated. The grandmas are also growing on me, but grandad seems to be very pervy. Waiting to see the development of the Ami character. The references to her non-expressive face seems to be foreshadowing.
I wish that I could give this book 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the book. I'm still not a big fan of the assassin aspect to the book, but the author goes out of his way to justify the fact that certain people need to be killed whether in combat or out. Keeping with the theme of romancing one woman per book, this book was all about romancing Charlotte and bringing her in as a full fledged member of the harem. He still gives plenty of attention to the two previous members of the harem Desmonde and Fayeth. Those the interactions with them are left mostly to the imagination. Sort of like in old television shows when the couple would close the door after going into the bedroom while kissing and undressing each other, you know what is going to happen, you'll just have to imagine it. The story, after spending time at his grandfather's estate with his harem/group you learn more about his mother, Charlotte's father and her two sisters. It turns out his family has their own entrance to the dungeon on the estate. After semester break is over it's back to Dungeon grinding. Everyone is eager to advance in levels only this time (Levels 5 to 10 are desert with lots of scorpions). The end of the school year is coming up with some explosive things happening.
First and foremost, dungeon and Litrpg are the keys to the series. The Ken and Charlotte relationship was fine and didn't come close to the annoying line. Ken and Crimson, lets just say I felt sorry for the grandfather and Demon Lord. Secondly, Ken's family needs to give the guild to Des, with the Elf as second in command. Tell Ken to keep the butler outfit. Des is wrong in one observation, a confident man makes a decision and worries about the fallout later. Indecisiveness, is a poor leadership trait. Additionally, in the middle of some major battles, Ken is more worried about his girls than the fight. Butler outfit is looking pretty good. Even his ladies know better, when did Ken start becoming a brick. I could go on with some minor item, but I'll wait for book 4. Hopefully, Bruce rights the ship and Ken goes back to showing those leadership skills, that were growing in books 1 & 2. If not I can always root for the grandfather and demon lord.
I have now caught up with Bruce’s releases which makes me sad as I now have to wait for monthly releases. This was a very good continuation of the story, but I’m sure Bruce is an anime fan as he likes to hit the standard anime tropes in his various stories (e.g. hot springs, beach, maid cafe’s etc.) The characters are now well defined and all have their place, the action is good and he has started skipping the occasional week/month of Dungeon grinding to get to the better scenes and speed up the teams growth within the story. Really enjoying this book, just like all the other ones Bruce has written.
This series has everything that I want in this genre: A likeable, competent MC, terrific and varied supporting characters involved in an awesome, expanding storyline. I especially like that the author involves numerous other females in addition to the harem members. Helen, as an example, is an unlikable character well into book three. When we learn more about her upbringing, we gain an understanding, and it looks like a good person may emerge. She, Harley and similar girls won't likely become harem members, but they add much to the chemistry of the story. Look forward to Book 4.
Ken is learning to increase his levels at Haylon the only male at the academy .
Ken gets picked by Crimson to attend the all female Academy of Haylon . He must stay out of trouble an complete all exams and test an pass the first year semester . With Crimson as his teacher he must work harder than anyone else in the academy . He must reach the 10th floor an pass to graduate the first year .He makes friends an forms an 5 party group in order to delve into the dungeon to progress to the10th floor . recommend reading excellent series .
The author has this way of building a world without using too many bricks. This is very much a "show, don't tell" philosophy, and I am here for it.
If, somehow, the west and the east could meet in the middle for a collaboration between story and art this feels like the right story to start with. Action, drama, characterization, and spice. So far, this series checks all the right boxes.
Makes me think the author has a thing for the older mentor type characters as well. Not a bad thing, but we see what they are doing. 👀
Slow growth but there was a bit of a base pickup so that was appreciated. There was a very foreseeable quote twist unquote at the end of the story it was really poorly written and very contrived. Everyone kind of knew there was going to be a problem but the powers that be were just like oh well we don't have any proof so we're not going to do anything. And let a massive catastrophe unfold so that the protagonist would have something to fix.. disappointing but hopefully this is an exception and not the rule
In the third part of this series there is a nice description of the fight against the first raid boss and a somewhat farfetched finale with an epic fight. Still, it wraps up the first story arc nicely, where the team starts off their dungeon diving training / leveling / career but also encounters some old enemies. For the experienced reader of these kinds of stories it's also clear that pretty soon Ken will become OP as hell, but for now everything is still chill and cute. Again a nice easy read / listen.
This book starts out of similar quality as the first two (which to me is a good thing). Great characters, interesting plot and family dynamics, and fight scenes that hold your interest. These alone place this series above most harem fantasy I've read. But this one starts to get a little too corny and boring in the later half, I just didn't find all the 'spy mission' kind of stuff interesting. Almost like it was taken from another book by another author, it just didn't fit with the rest of the series.
Enjoyable continuation, training montage followed by more dungeon grinding with romance and deepening relations and some fun, an especially adorable Crimson. The enemy is more solidly identified tied into the world and ends with a twist that might’ve been hinted at and the end leaves you wishing the next book was out now, plus I like never review books so that’s evidence it’s worth a read personally.
This was a fun book in Bruce Sentar's latest series. Dungeon Diving has become my favorite series he writes.
This volume starts with Ken and his party training at his grandparents' estate. The ramifications of Ken's decision to bring back the clan begin to rear its head. We get some more progression. More Kaiming shenanigans. Some progress on the Naga threads and Trelican threads.
Can't wait to see where Ken and Crimson are going in this series. It's been highly enjoyable so far and this is one of my very favorite LitRPG series to date. I'm looking forward to the next installment and I hope this ends up being a longer series that maintains its key features along the way. Thank you Bruce Sentar for providing so much entertainment. It's greatly appreciated!
Things get serious (in more ways than one) in this installment of the story, and while I still think the Harem stuff could be left out, the story itself progresses nicely, and makes for some good reading. Going to read more in this series, since I'm interested to see the various adventures of the groups, as they break into their separate pieces. It promises to be a lot of fun.
A third part that disappointed me: the author seems to lose the thread of his plot. Far too many useless details on things without interest. Useless and very dull sex scenes. The narration goes in all directions, we jump from one point of view to another from one page to another without any logic. A transitional volume that does not seem to have fascinated its own author. Only the last moments of the book, with a twist and action galore saved this third part from infamy.
Loved the story and Bun Bun is still the best. Adding motivations to the characters really filled out the story. And then we get to the end. I'd of been happier if the entire world had blown up it would have been more satisfying. All we get is cheap theater nobody is really safe everyone is split up and we're starting summer break. This ending is so below what the author is capable of.
Everything this author writes is a joy to read but this by far my favorite!!!! The series is both humorous and dramatic in a way that you can't help but be drawn in and invested!!! Ken's life is definitely going to be a growth like no other characters and I can't wait to see what happens next!!!!
The focus on the relationships does not work since the characters are far too stereotypical and uncreative. With no clear direction this just blunders about like a very boring alive of life. The overall harem aspect is weak given the stained nature of all the relationships.
What a cliffhanger Great story usually 3rd instalments can feel like a filler but this one is definitely not! Great story progression Great character progression
You just don't want the story to end. Cannot wait for the next book this series just keeps getting better and better
Go team Silver Fangs!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Qute enjoyable. The series started off with a bang and even after the third book it is still picking up speed. The characters are engaging, well-rounded, full of strengths and vulnerabilities. With the end of this book that MCs are scattering but i am sure that will be temporary. Bruce Sentar is a greater writer and I always enjoy his books. I highly recommend!