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Path of Progression #1
Dungeon Heroes
Develop my team, dive the dungeons, and don’t ever stop.
I’ve always wanted to conquer the Big 5 dungeons ever since one of them took the life of my father nearly fifteen years ago. Nobody ever said the Path of Progression was easy, but my burning desire to dive can’t be quenched. I just never thought I’d be prohibited from getting a diving license just because I tried to help a bratty blonde girl get hers.
Soon, we’re joined by a lovely brunette bookworm, and we start diving the dungeon on our own terms. As it turns out, I have a few abilities that greatly increase our chances of actually finishing the Path, leading to a life of fame and luxury. Others soon notice the power I’m building though, and they’ll do anything to stop us.
I will conquer the Path of Progression with the help of my stunning companions.
That is unless the dungeon, or my secret enemy, kills me first.
I’ve always wanted to conquer the Big 5 dungeons ever since one of them took the life of my father nearly fifteen years ago. Nobody ever said the Path of Progression was easy, but my burning desire to dive can’t be quenched. I just never thought I’d be prohibited from getting a diving license just because I tried to help a bratty blonde girl get hers.
Soon, we’re joined by a lovely brunette bookworm, and we start diving the dungeon on our own terms. As it turns out, I have a few abilities that greatly increase our chances of actually finishing the Path, leading to a life of fame and luxury. Others soon notice the power I’m building though, and they’ll do anything to stop us.
I will conquer the Path of Progression with the help of my stunning companions.
That is unless the dungeon, or my secret enemy, kills me first.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2023
544 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Shane Hammond
32 books65 followersHey there! I'm Shane, and I love writing fantasy. I've been reading fantasy all my life, and I've always wanted the chance to tell the stories that I wanted to share. So here I am! With my stories, you can expect a fleshed-out and detailed world full of interesting characters that you can't help but root for. Thanks for checking me out, and I hope you enjoy my work!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 23, 2023
Disappointing
The best thing about progression fantasy is watching a character grow through a well defined, well explained and internally consistent system. Knowing that the stat sheets and all the numbers will be reflected in the prose. This book does not have that. It reads like a pretty childish fantasy story that just happens to have unrelated Excel sheets added in every chapter or so. The progression has nothing to do with the storytelling. There are better books in this exact genre available, read those instead.
The best thing about progression fantasy is watching a character grow through a well defined, well explained and internally consistent system. Knowing that the stat sheets and all the numbers will be reflected in the prose. This book does not have that. It reads like a pretty childish fantasy story that just happens to have unrelated Excel sheets added in every chapter or so. The progression has nothing to do with the storytelling. There are better books in this exact genre available, read those instead.
November 12, 2023
The plot grew on me but I found the worldbuilding to be lacking and the healing too potent.
The book is ok, but the plot intrigues me, especially towards the end as hidden advesaries are revealed that add dimension to the story.
The MC and his cohort are teens with the unrealistic belief that they are all that and a bag of chips when they are, in fact, babes in the woods. After failing their qualification test, they get a pass through nepotism. Ok, thats realistic, but the fixer doesn't even have to cover his tracks despite a clear and egregious breach of the standards. Next they mouth off to the #1 ranked team of their year and make an irresponsible wager after a disastrous first practice session as a team. Typical teenage stupidity, their mouths writing checks their behinds can't pay for.
With insufficient time to practice and hone their skills, as well as teaching themselves with no outside guidance nor supervision, they stumble onward. Despite their poor risk assessment, they luck up and manage to do their first dive. The really lucky ones are the survivors of the 2 teams that went in before them. The MC obtains twin swords as loot so without additional training, he thinks its a good idea to switch from single to dual wielding against a known expert level dual wielding dungeon boss. Sounds like a great opportunity to get dead if you ask me!
The girls on the team constantly laud the MC's leadership. While his fighting is somewhat above average for their realm and his attitude is decent, his leadership is definitely nothing to write home about.
On another note, the worldbuilding is nonexistent, the supporting characters are one dimensional and the physics of the realm are overly lenient. For example, he dungeon guild can import and manifest dungeon monsters outside of dungeons and they even drop loot bags although not in the dungeon. Even novice healers can heal all wounds, regrow limbs and even perform resurection of the recently deacesed, using the common spell "healing light". A spell that has no cooldown. Really?
Next, there are only 5 dungeons, rated from easy to difficult. If they can progress from #1 to #2 in just a few weeks, why does it take so long to succesfully complete all 5? How do they train for the progressively difficult dungeons? This progression is weak and poorly though out to me.
I did however enjoy the banter as the personalities of the 3 girls were displayed. Elise crude and blunt. Mira booksmart yet innocent. Seraphina a gorgeous elf with the baggage of overcoming being a princess in-exile falling for a commoner.
If it wasn't for the intimate scenes, I would say this story is rather unsophisticated and juvenile.The tryst in the spa and the midnight visits were hot.
Terrorists cause trouble, but the team continues to dungeon dive so they dont lose their turn. Once again, to me, this is poor risk assessment and management. Fortunately, it all turns out well for the MC and his budding harem despite all the dungeon monsters that a hidden adversary's assassin brings against them. It was poor planning that they didnt take the assassin's remains in their bag of holding for future identification and proof.
I suspect that Rico is the hidden adversary. He's just too smarmy so although he's only a minor character, he's the most likely culprit. Yet the team nee ds people in authority that they can work with to uncover their hidden advesary and their nefarious plans.
I will read on to discover the identity of the hidden advesary and the developing relationships of the harem's sister wives.
The book is ok, but the plot intrigues me, especially towards the end as hidden advesaries are revealed that add dimension to the story.
The MC and his cohort are teens with the unrealistic belief that they are all that and a bag of chips when they are, in fact, babes in the woods. After failing their qualification test, they get a pass through nepotism. Ok, thats realistic, but the fixer doesn't even have to cover his tracks despite a clear and egregious breach of the standards. Next they mouth off to the #1 ranked team of their year and make an irresponsible wager after a disastrous first practice session as a team. Typical teenage stupidity, their mouths writing checks their behinds can't pay for.
With insufficient time to practice and hone their skills, as well as teaching themselves with no outside guidance nor supervision, they stumble onward. Despite their poor risk assessment, they luck up and manage to do their first dive. The really lucky ones are the survivors of the 2 teams that went in before them. The MC obtains twin swords as loot so without additional training, he thinks its a good idea to switch from single to dual wielding against a known expert level dual wielding dungeon boss. Sounds like a great opportunity to get dead if you ask me!
The girls on the team constantly laud the MC's leadership. While his fighting is somewhat above average for their realm and his attitude is decent, his leadership is definitely nothing to write home about.
On another note, the worldbuilding is nonexistent, the supporting characters are one dimensional and the physics of the realm are overly lenient. For example, he dungeon guild can import and manifest dungeon monsters outside of dungeons and they even drop loot bags although not in the dungeon. Even novice healers can heal all wounds, regrow limbs and even perform resurection of the recently deacesed, using the common spell "healing light". A spell that has no cooldown. Really?
Next, there are only 5 dungeons, rated from easy to difficult. If they can progress from #1 to #2 in just a few weeks, why does it take so long to succesfully complete all 5? How do they train for the progressively difficult dungeons? This progression is weak and poorly though out to me.
I did however enjoy the banter as the personalities of the 3 girls were displayed. Elise crude and blunt. Mira booksmart yet innocent. Seraphina a gorgeous elf with the baggage of overcoming being a princess in-exile falling for a commoner.
If it wasn't for the intimate scenes, I would say this story is rather unsophisticated and juvenile.The tryst in the spa and the midnight visits were hot.
Terrorists cause trouble, but the team continues to dungeon dive so they dont lose their turn. Once again, to me, this is poor risk assessment and management. Fortunately, it all turns out well for the MC and his budding harem despite all the dungeon monsters that a hidden adversary's assassin brings against them. It was poor planning that they didnt take the assassin's remains in their bag of holding for future identification and proof.
I suspect that Rico is the hidden adversary. He's just too smarmy so although he's only a minor character, he's the most likely culprit. Yet the team nee ds people in authority that they can work with to uncover their hidden advesary and their nefarious plans.
I will read on to discover the identity of the hidden advesary and the developing relationships of the harem's sister wives.
August 15, 2024
Mira: "Hey everyone, let's look at our stat sheet like every 5 minutes throughout the story"
Everyone: "Great idea!"
That may be fine if you're reading this book, but it sucks my ass in audiobook format. I wanted to throw my ipod across the street.
Also, wtf, Jeremy disqualifies himself during the initial trials cause "i just couldn't stand to see you get killed", then Elise dies like 25 times throughout the rest of the story, but who cares right?
And what the hell is that reanimate spell that Mira has? Monsters have been vanishing in a puff of smoke when killed and leaving behind a bag of loot non-stop in the story, now suddenly their corpses stick around so they can be reanimated by this stupid spell? how does that work?
And that scene when the main characters face their worst fears and they basically all start getting yelled at by people from their past? Wtf? You can't get past that stuff, you got to start crying and blubbering and lose your shit? Your adventurers fully aware you were about to face your worst fears but that it wouldn't be real, and still you get totally taken in. Pathetic. That 'face your worst fear' trope always sucks though.
Also, that lame fight with Slayer, taken out by a stupid illusion, that part where he's stuck halfway through a portal when the 'unthinkable' happens. Yeah, unthinkable, right. There's not a person reading this story that can't see what's coming up next.
Can't wait for the next book.
Everyone: "Great idea!"
That may be fine if you're reading this book, but it sucks my ass in audiobook format. I wanted to throw my ipod across the street.
Also, wtf, Jeremy disqualifies himself during the initial trials cause "i just couldn't stand to see you get killed", then Elise dies like 25 times throughout the rest of the story, but who cares right?
And what the hell is that reanimate spell that Mira has? Monsters have been vanishing in a puff of smoke when killed and leaving behind a bag of loot non-stop in the story, now suddenly their corpses stick around so they can be reanimated by this stupid spell? how does that work?
And that scene when the main characters face their worst fears and they basically all start getting yelled at by people from their past? Wtf? You can't get past that stuff, you got to start crying and blubbering and lose your shit? Your adventurers fully aware you were about to face your worst fears but that it wouldn't be real, and still you get totally taken in. Pathetic. That 'face your worst fear' trope always sucks though.
Also, that lame fight with Slayer, taken out by a stupid illusion, that part where he's stuck halfway through a portal when the 'unthinkable' happens. Yeah, unthinkable, right. There's not a person reading this story that can't see what's coming up next.
Can't wait for the next book.
October 23, 2023
Pretty average for the genre. That genre being "Young guy with some sort of legacy builds a harem while doing something that involves getting stronger."
Books like this live or die by a few factors but one of the important ones for me is the group dynamics. The wifu tropes are a bit ham-fisted here, but effort is made to make their skills complementary. MC is decently balanced, but the story/writing is adequate, not outstanding. I'm on to book 2 now, and I'll have some things to say about that I can already tell.
Books like this live or die by a few factors but one of the important ones for me is the group dynamics. The wifu tropes are a bit ham-fisted here, but effort is made to make their skills complementary. MC is decently balanced, but the story/writing is adequate, not outstanding. I'm on to book 2 now, and I'll have some things to say about that I can already tell.
March 13, 2024
DNF %40. Very odd how many, Marcus Sloss seems to come up a lot for me lately in this type of book, write seemly childish/immature characters in their 'Adult' novels...This one doesn't even try to rationalize their behavior as 'they spent their youth training, and are stunted as a result'. It extends beyond the MC and their group, the bully is grade schooler, and the drama is petty. The author constantly refers to them as ‘kid’s, so maybe it’s intentional, still odd though. Just not for me, your mileage may vary, it’s technically a functional narrative.
It really plays into the tropes, so there are dungeon diving stories out there that are far better. The party for poly thing is common these days....
Want to give it a three for the world building, but really feel it's a two.
It really plays into the tropes, so there are dungeon diving stories out there that are far better. The party for poly thing is common these days....
Want to give it a three for the world building, but really feel it's a two.
June 30, 2024
Relaxing Fun Read, Minimal RPG Mechanics
A world with some sort of dungeon economy where "divers" go down into dungeons, and come out wealthy, or not at all.
Divers are celebrities, despite no one ever witnessing their heroics.
There is a game mechanic of badges that show stats, levels and spells, but nothing explicit other than numbers go up from practice, but faster in the dungeons.
There is an organization that oversees dungeon diving and dungeon divers, controlling access to the dungeon entrances and trying to impose some rules on divers. But no one really knows what happens during a dive.
There is magic but no magic system, each spell is unique, chosen based on whatever is encountered in shops that can be afforded, and cast as fast as divers can say the spell name without limit.
Even the most basic heal spell can bring someone back from the dead if their wounds are fresh.
Set in this environment Jeremy is an single-parent child, his father died while diving. He has "practiced diving" everyday for years, but how he practiced beyond waving a sword around as a kid is never explained. He is coming of age, and heads to the big city to take the tests to qualify as a diver, earn his "badge" which turns on access to his state sheet, and join a group to start diving in the easiest dungeon.
He is special so breaks a rule getting disqualified, but finds a work around and initially founds a team of three, with Mira the bookworm and Elise the hot-headed archer. They find, rescue, and recruit a childhood acquaintance of Jeremy's who was always unattainable because of her high social status, but she was humbled by diving with the wrong people. They defeat the first two of five dungeons, which together are a lifelong achievement, in a matter of days. They are attacked by a legendary dungeon assassin hired by an unknown enemy, defeat the assassin, and hope their problems are over.
Jeremy is loosely encouraged and guided by an uncle-figure, Rico, a famous diver who is the only one to have completed all five dungeons (although he must have had a team with him, they don't get any mention.)
As Jeremy and his team eat, fight, and live together, adult situations develop quickly and are integrated into the story. Achievements and survival are celebrated. The team's wealth grows quickly, although there is never any discussion of how they save or store the huge volumes of coins they are accumulating. The do spend a fair amount of it upgrading their abilities and adopting a somewhat more lavish lifestyle.
The team has to set off on an overland trip to get to there next dungeon. Rico encourages them to take a break, not risk further dungeons, but Jeremy is compelled to go on, and the rest of his team agrees.
A world with some sort of dungeon economy where "divers" go down into dungeons, and come out wealthy, or not at all.
Divers are celebrities, despite no one ever witnessing their heroics.
There is a game mechanic of badges that show stats, levels and spells, but nothing explicit other than numbers go up from practice, but faster in the dungeons.
There is an organization that oversees dungeon diving and dungeon divers, controlling access to the dungeon entrances and trying to impose some rules on divers. But no one really knows what happens during a dive.
There is magic but no magic system, each spell is unique, chosen based on whatever is encountered in shops that can be afforded, and cast as fast as divers can say the spell name without limit.
Even the most basic heal spell can bring someone back from the dead if their wounds are fresh.
Set in this environment Jeremy is an single-parent child, his father died while diving. He has "practiced diving" everyday for years, but how he practiced beyond waving a sword around as a kid is never explained. He is coming of age, and heads to the big city to take the tests to qualify as a diver, earn his "badge" which turns on access to his state sheet, and join a group to start diving in the easiest dungeon.
He is special so breaks a rule getting disqualified, but finds a work around and initially founds a team of three, with Mira the bookworm and Elise the hot-headed archer. They find, rescue, and recruit a childhood acquaintance of Jeremy's who was always unattainable because of her high social status, but she was humbled by diving with the wrong people. They defeat the first two of five dungeons, which together are a lifelong achievement, in a matter of days. They are attacked by a legendary dungeon assassin hired by an unknown enemy, defeat the assassin, and hope their problems are over.
Jeremy is loosely encouraged and guided by an uncle-figure, Rico, a famous diver who is the only one to have completed all five dungeons (although he must have had a team with him, they don't get any mention.)
As Jeremy and his team eat, fight, and live together, adult situations develop quickly and are integrated into the story. Achievements and survival are celebrated. The team's wealth grows quickly, although there is never any discussion of how they save or store the huge volumes of coins they are accumulating. The do spend a fair amount of it upgrading their abilities and adopting a somewhat more lavish lifestyle.
The team has to set off on an overland trip to get to there next dungeon. Rico encourages them to take a break, not risk further dungeons, but Jeremy is compelled to go on, and the rest of his team agrees.
October 15, 2024
The average rating here does not reflect reality in any way. DNF 50%.
The whole story is very childishly written, a lot of plot holes, character interaction/development is terrible.
The whole LITRPG side is tacked on but doesn't matter, it is like the writer never played DnD or any RPG but just threw stats in the book. Stat names and either misused or misunderstood.
For example the MC has all stats at double the average of his peers, despite that his performance is below the norm, this just makes him look even more incompetent. Another one: The MC has a skill where he can transfer his stat points to his friends, doing so for all stats seems to make no difference for him whatsoever?? Another one: The MC's class is warrior, despite that 9 out of 10 kills he makes come from ranged magic attacks, which can be used without cooldown or mana cost.
There are a lot of plot developments that just hurt my brain.
The MC and blond brat fail their qualification test horribly, they get an unbelievable pass though from one judge who wants them to bodyguard his incompetent daughter. They then get into the training program where they cannot beat a simple wave of enemies that all the other teams have no problem with. For no reason at all the MC starts antagonizing some other team they have never seen before and forces an irresponsible bet that would leave the losing team destitute and would fuck up their career.
Barely able to complete the tutorial and woefully unprepared they throw themselves into the first dungeon (they are allowed to cut the que because the MC is a nice guy). Somehow they scrape by against the ever increasing difficulty of the dungeon, but it feels like plot armor and very undeserved. The MC screams what ability to use to his companions like they are p*kemons and cannot think for themselves, everyone applauds his amazing leadership skills.
Later on they meet elf girl. Her whole team of childhood friends just got brutally murdered, luckily this doesn't really bother her and she immediately joins the band and starts flirting with the MC.
I tapped out after they finished the dungeon. I felt like I was just wasting my time and getting more and more annoyed.
The whole story is very childishly written, a lot of plot holes, character interaction/development is terrible.
The whole LITRPG side is tacked on but doesn't matter, it is like the writer never played DnD or any RPG but just threw stats in the book. Stat names and either misused or misunderstood.
For example the MC has all stats at double the average of his peers, despite that his performance is below the norm, this just makes him look even more incompetent. Another one: The MC has a skill where he can transfer his stat points to his friends, doing so for all stats seems to make no difference for him whatsoever?? Another one: The MC's class is warrior, despite that 9 out of 10 kills he makes come from ranged magic attacks, which can be used without cooldown or mana cost.
There are a lot of plot developments that just hurt my brain.
The MC and blond brat fail their qualification test horribly, they get an unbelievable pass though from one judge who wants them to bodyguard his incompetent daughter. They then get into the training program where they cannot beat a simple wave of enemies that all the other teams have no problem with. For no reason at all the MC starts antagonizing some other team they have never seen before and forces an irresponsible bet that would leave the losing team destitute and would fuck up their career.
Barely able to complete the tutorial and woefully unprepared they throw themselves into the first dungeon (they are allowed to cut the que because the MC is a nice guy). Somehow they scrape by against the ever increasing difficulty of the dungeon, but it feels like plot armor and very undeserved. The MC screams what ability to use to his companions like they are p*kemons and cannot think for themselves, everyone applauds his amazing leadership skills.
Later on they meet elf girl. Her whole team of childhood friends just got brutally murdered, luckily this doesn't really bother her and she immediately joins the band and starts flirting with the MC.
I tapped out after they finished the dungeon. I felt like I was just wasting my time and getting more and more annoyed.
November 29, 2024
I really liked the start of this book. You have two people who in the tryouts to get their dungeon diving license get disqualified. You have a father who daughter made the tryouts but placed last, so she will never get a diving group. The father offers these two a dungeon diving license if they will take his daughter as part of their group.
So there are five dungeons in the path of progression. The first being the easiest, to the fifth where only one dungeon diving team has completed it. It is very possible to die in the dungeon. I have only two complaints about this book. It seems that you can cast most spells an unlimited amount of time with no penalties. There are certain powerful abilities that have a cool down penalty. The author doesn't go overboard on the repetitive use of spells, otherwise any opponent could be defeated simply by using as many minimize spells necessary to make it small enough to easily defeat. The second issue is the member who later joins the group, doesn't seem to go through hardly any trauma watching her whole party die and nearly dying herself. Though I understand that this is a harem novel and that isn't what the author nor the reader wants. I recommend this book if your are into dungeon diving and harem books.
So there are five dungeons in the path of progression. The first being the easiest, to the fifth where only one dungeon diving team has completed it. It is very possible to die in the dungeon. I have only two complaints about this book. It seems that you can cast most spells an unlimited amount of time with no penalties. There are certain powerful abilities that have a cool down penalty. The author doesn't go overboard on the repetitive use of spells, otherwise any opponent could be defeated simply by using as many minimize spells necessary to make it small enough to easily defeat. The second issue is the member who later joins the group, doesn't seem to go through hardly any trauma watching her whole party die and nearly dying herself. Though I understand that this is a harem novel and that isn't what the author nor the reader wants. I recommend this book if your are into dungeon diving and harem books.
January 9, 2025
This isn’t my favorite title by this author, but I do love it so far! I love this author and he is one of my favorites within this genre. The book is well written. The love interests develop at various paces. I feel like that adds more realism to the story. The world building is slightly above average but not as good as some of his other books. I like the video game-esc stat progression system. I also enjoy that the x-rated scenes in this book are done tastefully and in a way that actually adds to the story rather than just being another naughty scene. This author is very good about using this type of scene in a way that truly benefits the story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Also, this is no fault to the author and does not factor into my rating, but; if you listen to the book on Audible, the female narrator has a somewhat robotic tone in the beginning. It gets better as the book continues and I’ve heard that it’s mostly gone in book 2 and beyond. Be prepared for that.
Also, this is no fault to the author and does not factor into my rating, but; if you listen to the book on Audible, the female narrator has a somewhat robotic tone in the beginning. It gets better as the book continues and I’ve heard that it’s mostly gone in book 2 and beyond. Be prepared for that.
September 6, 2025
Simple but entertaining
I enjoyed the story for the most part. The MC was likable as well as most of the support characters. The exception was Elise. She was irritating and unneeded. Other than that, it was very mush like a MMO type system with resurrection.
The story was okay, but I'm getting tired of some McGuffin causing the protagonist not to be powerful in these stories. I just want to see the opposition get slapped away with looks of disbelief on their faces.
Alas, for this story the protagonist and his group is made to struggle through the use of plot devices and stupidity pills even though they are always described as being much better than average skill wise. In the end, dues ex is needed to get them out of trouble or save the day. If the protagonist is supposed to.be strong, let him be strong. Find a different struggle such as personal interactions, introvert, lack of confidence, too arrogant, over steps abilities, politics, etc
I don't really care for the harem drama but these seem to be the only books with strong male characters.
I enjoyed the story for the most part. The MC was likable as well as most of the support characters. The exception was Elise. She was irritating and unneeded. Other than that, it was very mush like a MMO type system with resurrection.
The story was okay, but I'm getting tired of some McGuffin causing the protagonist not to be powerful in these stories. I just want to see the opposition get slapped away with looks of disbelief on their faces.
Alas, for this story the protagonist and his group is made to struggle through the use of plot devices and stupidity pills even though they are always described as being much better than average skill wise. In the end, dues ex is needed to get them out of trouble or save the day. If the protagonist is supposed to.be strong, let him be strong. Find a different struggle such as personal interactions, introvert, lack of confidence, too arrogant, over steps abilities, politics, etc
I don't really care for the harem drama but these seem to be the only books with strong male characters.
September 13, 2023
My major complaint with this book is the only stat that actually equates to any defined benefit gets you another spell. I could complain about how fast they leveled up, but in the end it just means that it will be a short series, or the writter/s wanted to get them leveled so they are not feeble.
Why I read this book was to see why there are so many people go, Oh its a harem book, so wont be reading it. In the end, could the story have been told without the details sure (and it was not a bad story), but the story was built around there consenting adult relationships.
The 3 stars, was because of my objection to the use of meaningless stats, not the harem content.
Why I read this book was to see why there are so many people go, Oh its a harem book, so wont be reading it. In the end, could the story have been told without the details sure (and it was not a bad story), but the story was built around there consenting adult relationships.
The 3 stars, was because of my objection to the use of meaningless stats, not the harem content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2023
Help me read more books
Not a fan of harem books in general, and LitRPG books in particular, mostly because in 99 percent of cases, you could leave out the harem aspects of the story, and it changes practically nothing of the story. This one is no exception, but for the most part, the harem aspects in this one don't really get in the way of the story, and some aspects, it actually relies on them. Can't say I'm a fan, but the story works, and actually ended with me wanting to read more in this series. There's a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this one, and I'm always a fan of seeing how questions get resolved.
Not a fan of harem books in general, and LitRPG books in particular, mostly because in 99 percent of cases, you could leave out the harem aspects of the story, and it changes practically nothing of the story. This one is no exception, but for the most part, the harem aspects in this one don't really get in the way of the story, and some aspects, it actually relies on them. Can't say I'm a fan, but the story works, and actually ended with me wanting to read more in this series. There's a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this one, and I'm always a fan of seeing how questions get resolved.
November 4, 2024
Simpathetic
I couldn't take any more, didn't finish.
MC is a fool. Poor to mediocre writing in general.
Lack of world building. (How and why are there dungeons in the real world that are treated like a game where ppl actually die...?)
The author forgets and changes details a lot.
The girls are constantly showered in praise even though they're pathetic noobs who panic and have low stats and nothing special about them.
Oh and the great MC is not allowed any compliments. The chubby one tried to give him a single compliment and the arrogant girl Elise says 'oh no don't do that or he'll become an egomaniac'.. of course. Of course. Of. Course.
I couldn't take any more, didn't finish.
MC is a fool. Poor to mediocre writing in general.
Lack of world building. (How and why are there dungeons in the real world that are treated like a game where ppl actually die...?)
The author forgets and changes details a lot.
The girls are constantly showered in praise even though they're pathetic noobs who panic and have low stats and nothing special about them.
Oh and the great MC is not allowed any compliments. The chubby one tried to give him a single compliment and the arrogant girl Elise says 'oh no don't do that or he'll become an egomaniac'.. of course. Of course. Of. Course.
January 31, 2025
DNF. 19%. This isn't litrpg. Or it shouldn't be. Your MC with double the normal stats and abilities is dying like a scrub to trash mobs.
I'm all for junk food books, but this was painful. The character interactions are awkward and the rpg elements are nonsense. The reaction to combat and death are oddly muted, like it has no impact. The book lacks realism, depth and thought in its world build. It's like the author played an MMO one time, but put no thought into how a real person might react to those scenarios before writing this.
Overall feels like a poor remake of Dungeon Diving 101 by Bruce Sentar.
I'm all for junk food books, but this was painful. The character interactions are awkward and the rpg elements are nonsense. The reaction to combat and death are oddly muted, like it has no impact. The book lacks realism, depth and thought in its world build. It's like the author played an MMO one time, but put no thought into how a real person might react to those scenarios before writing this.
Overall feels like a poor remake of Dungeon Diving 101 by Bruce Sentar.
December 13, 2024
I read a few reviews and I agree with most of what they said. Decent story decent action but full of inconsistencies. Like getting 6000 points but on his stat sheet he’s 1500/3000. Like jumping a couple levels and getting hardly anything. And why are there only 5 dungeons. Why has only 1 team made it through all 5 in the last 40 years. How are people made incredibly wealthy going through 4 and not repeating. The sex scenes are typical teenage boys fantasy. Because we all know that a man can make a woman orgasam multiple times while he manages to hold back. lol. Ya it’s a fantasy book
September 20, 2023
A nice book
I enjoyed reading this book,my only issue was trying to understand the system and how it worked. I understood the basics, and did not let it interfere with the story. The characters were interesting and the world was new and I like the direction it was going.I look forward to reading the next book. Thank you for putting out a fun book .I look forward to reading more.
I enjoyed reading this book,my only issue was trying to understand the system and how it worked. I understood the basics, and did not let it interfere with the story. The characters were interesting and the world was new and I like the direction it was going.I look forward to reading the next book. Thank you for putting out a fun book .I look forward to reading more.
November 29, 2023
A great read, one of the better Dungeon stories I have read
Starting from scratch and levelling up by defeating monsters is a fairly standard setting for many progression stories. This one is done well, I enjoyed the characters and the harem the MC builds over the space of this book. This has some sex scenes so be warned, but it is well done and not overly explicit. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and will jump straight into the next book.
Starting from scratch and levelling up by defeating monsters is a fairly standard setting for many progression stories. This one is done well, I enjoyed the characters and the harem the MC builds over the space of this book. This has some sex scenes so be warned, but it is well done and not overly explicit. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and will jump straight into the next book.
January 8, 2026
A fun ready read. The world building is a little confusing, like how the main character’s mom makes him breakfast with a toaster, but they have no cars, they have fancy restaurants with waiters like a Ruth’s Chris, but they travel with giant birds, so it’s a little hard to visualize what this world looks like. That being said, it’s fun, it’s humorous and the characters are really likeable. Plenty of spice for those who like that, it can be a bit eye rolling, but again, it’s for fun.
October 17, 2023
Great Story
One of the best dungeon stories I’ve ever read. The characters were likable (except the bad guys). The plot was good and action sequences pretty realistic. However, there were numerous grammatical errors and some references that were only something that a 2023 Earth teenager would understand.
One of the best dungeon stories I’ve ever read. The characters were likable (except the bad guys). The plot was good and action sequences pretty realistic. However, there were numerous grammatical errors and some references that were only something that a 2023 Earth teenager would understand.
October 27, 2023
Elise is my favorite character
I picked this up to read while waiting for the release of another series and found the book to be just what I wanted. I like the MC and the girls characters are good also. I’m a sucker for the dungeon plots and look forward to the 2nd book which I will start reading shortly.
I picked this up to read while waiting for the release of another series and found the book to be just what I wanted. I like the MC and the girls characters are good also. I’m a sucker for the dungeon plots and look forward to the 2nd book which I will start reading shortly.
November 18, 2023
Erotica with occasional action
I'd guess this was written by two teanage boys. It's not terrible, but it is completely meant for someone who has never had sex. There is some D&D style action but the focus is definitely on how many women Jason can screw.
Yes, I'm still reading the series. Damnit.
I'd guess this was written by two teanage boys. It's not terrible, but it is completely meant for someone who has never had sex. There is some D&D style action but the focus is definitely on how many women Jason can screw.
Yes, I'm still reading the series. Damnit.
November 30, 2023
This book series was in a word .. OK
Its wasn't GREAT ..But for what it was it is its .. ok.
The problems with the story are many..
It suffers from most of the common issues that harem books do.
And a extreme amount of... Rushing to the goal line.
That said.. Its not a BAD story..
(Note. I read all 3 books in the series. After finishing it i wrote this review.)
February 6, 2024
Very well balanced and deep story
So much is still a mystery and I am really excited to start Book 2. The characters are awesome and very cohesive as a group. Watching them all pull together and work as a team/family is exciting and heart warming. Extremely well done by the authors.
So much is still a mystery and I am really excited to start Book 2. The characters are awesome and very cohesive as a group. Watching them all pull together and work as a team/family is exciting and heart warming. Extremely well done by the authors.
April 12, 2024
Story and sex
I clicked on the book because of the cover art. The story is pretty good and easy reading. The characters are advancing a little too easy. I would like more development of the battles. Good for a time when you need to relax and not get tied up with a complex progression. I am definitely going to read more.
I clicked on the book because of the cover art. The story is pretty good and easy reading. The characters are advancing a little too easy. I would like more development of the battles. Good for a time when you need to relax and not get tied up with a complex progression. I am definitely going to read more.
April 13, 2024
Perfect book for a dungeon lover who likes it dirty
I enjoyed reading this adventure. Keeping us updated on the characters stats is helpful to realize the progress they are making in and out of the dungeons. The steamy parts of the novel are written with wonderful attention to detail. Can't wait to read the next one.
I enjoyed reading this adventure. Keeping us updated on the characters stats is helpful to realize the progress they are making in and out of the dungeons. The steamy parts of the novel are written with wonderful attention to detail. Can't wait to read the next one.
May 19, 2024
Great story
I enjoyed this story and it's imaginative take on dungeons. I also liked the different than normal execution of magic; the super healing offset by the crazy wounds and very real threat of death and the alternative take on the MP stat. Can not wait to continue the series.
I enjoyed this story and it's imaginative take on dungeons. I also liked the different than normal execution of magic; the super healing offset by the crazy wounds and very real threat of death and the alternative take on the MP stat. Can not wait to continue the series.
May 25, 2024
Jeremy sets out to honor his dad's legacy conquer and defeat the big 5 dungeons .
Jeremy sets off to get his license to dungeon exploration the 5 dungeons to conquer and defeat . With getting his license later after a mishap .Jeremy with his two teammates later a third they set out to conquer the 5 dungeons . recommend reading excellent book .
Jeremy sets off to get his license to dungeon exploration the 5 dungeons to conquer and defeat . With getting his license later after a mishap .Jeremy with his two teammates later a third they set out to conquer the 5 dungeons . recommend reading excellent book .
May 25, 2025
Dungeon Heroes is an uncomplicated, back-to-basics kind of book. Most importantly it's fun.
It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, soap box a message, or screw with the reader in any way; it's just a classic dungeon diving adventure with a hero and a harem of beautiful adventurers, where the bad guys lose and the good guys ride off into the sunset for their next adventure.
It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, soap box a message, or screw with the reader in any way; it's just a classic dungeon diving adventure with a hero and a harem of beautiful adventurers, where the bad guys lose and the good guys ride off into the sunset for their next adventure.
September 12, 2023
Good book
This was a pretty good story. Did need a little more editing though. Found a few wrong words in it. Liked the dungeons and the magic was pretty well done. Looking forward to the next book.
This was a pretty good story. Did need a little more editing though. Found a few wrong words in it. Liked the dungeons and the magic was pretty well done. Looking forward to the next book.
September 19, 2023
A great beginning!!!
A truly awesome beginning to this new series by a great author!!! As always some fantastic world building with amazing characters!!! I have never been disappointed by this authors storytelling and I doubt you will either!!!!
A truly awesome beginning to this new series by a great author!!! As always some fantastic world building with amazing characters!!! I have never been disappointed by this authors storytelling and I doubt you will either!!!!
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