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Dungeon Runner #1
Dungeon Runner 1: Exploit, Extract, Exit!
Eighteen-year-old Entin Soroy was supposed to be the cogging best fighter pilot of the Garentin space colony. But after an unthinkable terrorist attack forced the colony to digitize to survive, he finds himself thrust into a world repurposed from a rushed video Eternal Fantasy Online. This new reality might be beautiful. It might be full of endless wonder for its new immortal inhabitants. But the developers, in their haste, failed all those who lost their families and were too young to be given starting resources. Now, Entin is a market Runner, working for copper chyps delivering packages to earn what little he can for the orphanage. It’s grueling, thankless work. That is until a far more lucrative job finds its way to him, revealing a new path forward. But nothing is ever easy. There are risks involved with going into the Wilds, a place of monsters and dangerous mysteries. Is the loot worth it? What price will he have to pay to succeed where others have failed? Dungeon Runner is a GameLit trilogy with a dash of Cozy Fantasy, found family, and friends. It’s full of adventures, puzzles, and unusual paths to success. Watch Entin define the role of a Dungeon Runner and push the bounds of his reality in this new virtual fantasy world with endless possibilities.
- GenresFantasy
396 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2021
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92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 25, 2023
This novel takes place in a game world, where a society is rescued after a disaster. Members of the society are digitized and live out the rest of their lives inside the game instead of the real world. The main narrator, Entin, is a young man (likely in his late teens) who earns a living through runner jobs - basically, he's a Postmates driver in a fantasy universe. It pays little, the conditions are unfair, and at times the system docks him so many fees that he ends up owing money at the end of a gig.
Entin needs money not only to feed himself inside the game, but also to support kids at his orphanage. So, when he is offered the chance to take a riskier job that offers greater reward, he leaps for it.
The narration is also told from the perspective of a girl who tries to game the system in her favor. And we get extensive excerpts from the rulebook and chats between the game's developers as they created the rules.
Although the novel's premise could have potential, I struggled to hook into the story. I was sad about Entin's shallow motivation - orphanage kids and a crush that he gave up on in the blink of an eye. These motives could potentially hook the reader, but they weren't developed enough to succeed.
Consequently, the book read like the log of actions taken in a video game as it's being played for the sake of the mechanics. Considering that the characters had recently come out of a catastrophe, there was surprisingly little emotional connection to latch onto here. The theme of the story that was reiterated over and over was that the game was designed poorly.
I think this novel might be interesting to readers who read the litRPG genre as a way to relive game mechanics from point-based video games. As a human story, I thought this could have more depth.
Dungeon Runner 1 is a litRPG novel that I got to enjoy as an audiobook through Netgalley, for free in exchange for an honest review.
Entin needs money not only to feed himself inside the game, but also to support kids at his orphanage. So, when he is offered the chance to take a riskier job that offers greater reward, he leaps for it.
The narration is also told from the perspective of a girl who tries to game the system in her favor. And we get extensive excerpts from the rulebook and chats between the game's developers as they created the rules.
Although the novel's premise could have potential, I struggled to hook into the story. I was sad about Entin's shallow motivation - orphanage kids and a crush that he gave up on in the blink of an eye. These motives could potentially hook the reader, but they weren't developed enough to succeed.
Consequently, the book read like the log of actions taken in a video game as it's being played for the sake of the mechanics. Considering that the characters had recently come out of a catastrophe, there was surprisingly little emotional connection to latch onto here. The theme of the story that was reiterated over and over was that the game was designed poorly.
I think this novel might be interesting to readers who read the litRPG genre as a way to relive game mechanics from point-based video games. As a human story, I thought this could have more depth.
Dungeon Runner 1 is a litRPG novel that I got to enjoy as an audiobook through Netgalley, for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2021
Really enjoyed this. Such a cool set up. Reminds me of a mix of End Online with the speed build and Otherlife Dreams with the initial story set up.
This is a free chapter available from the author for enrolling in his newsletter. Get a copy! It’s worth it!
This is a free chapter available from the author for enrolling in his newsletter. Get a copy! It’s worth it!
October 20, 2023
Two stories Entertwined
I had the honor of receiving an advanced copy of this book. But I did not have time to read it right away.
I'm sorry I waited so long. It was an interesting story, a group of runners That Delivered packages around the city. Then they got tired of it because they were overworked and underappreciated. The second story is of a rich girl or used to be rich and trying to hide it that she is all this left of her family. She is not know her parents are except the entire book trying to find them.
I look forward to seeing. If she finds her family.
I had the honor of receiving an advanced copy of this book. But I did not have time to read it right away.
I'm sorry I waited so long. It was an interesting story, a group of runners That Delivered packages around the city. Then they got tired of it because they were overworked and underappreciated. The second story is of a rich girl or used to be rich and trying to hide it that she is all this left of her family. She is not know her parents are except the entire book trying to find them.
I look forward to seeing. If she finds her family.
April 3, 2021
This is a short introduction into the Dungeon Runner world and it definitely makes you want to dive in deeper. Luckily the next episode is already available and free as well! Can't wait to read it and find out what happens next to our runner. I love his class and it definitely makes sense in the story. Great read!
November 11, 2023
A terrorist attack has forced Garentin space colony to digitize in order to survive, the people’s minds inserted into the hastily repurposed game, Eternal Fantasy Online. Entin Soroy was two weeks away from turning 18 when they transferred over into a world where the developers forgot to provide starting resources for orphan children, so now he works as a market runner to earn what few Chyps he can to provide for the orphanage. When he receives an offer for a more lucrative job as a Dungeon Runner, Enton explores the Wilds and the dangers and payoffs it provides.
Dungeon Runner 1: Exploit, Extract, Exit contains three episodes of Dungeon Runner plus three side episodes about Eizel, a girl Entin likes.
I’ve heard a lot of hype about the LitRPG genre lately, so I decided to check this book out! Unfortunately, I think this genre is not for me. I missed the control that actually playing a game gives you. I really liked the side story about Eizel and would have been happy if the whole story had been about her. Cogging is used as a curse world (replacement), and I felt it was extremely overused. This book was not for me, but if the premise intrigues you, don’t let my review dissuade you from checking it out.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
Dungeon Runner 1: Exploit, Extract, Exit contains three episodes of Dungeon Runner plus three side episodes about Eizel, a girl Entin likes.
I’ve heard a lot of hype about the LitRPG genre lately, so I decided to check this book out! Unfortunately, I think this genre is not for me. I missed the control that actually playing a game gives you. I really liked the side story about Eizel and would have been happy if the whole story had been about her. Cogging is used as a curse world (replacement), and I felt it was extremely overused. This book was not for me, but if the premise intrigues you, don’t let my review dissuade you from checking it out.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
March 31, 2022
Pretty good for as short as it was
So, I occasionally like to read books of the LitRPG subgenre and some are duds, but I am a fan of the genre. I also like the idea of a serialized story being released for free, though I am admittedly pretty bummed that it seems only two of these are on Amazon. The story wasn't too bad. A character is sick of doing what he does, he tries something different that's dangerous, and he makes it out alive. Not the whole story, but I'd rather not go on forever. I'm typing this on my phone after all haha. The story is pretty short, but as said before, it's a serial like The Green Mile. I'll still read the second one because it's still there, and so far I am hoping you get back to posting more of these on Amazon. I like this. Good job
So, I occasionally like to read books of the LitRPG subgenre and some are duds, but I am a fan of the genre. I also like the idea of a serialized story being released for free, though I am admittedly pretty bummed that it seems only two of these are on Amazon. The story wasn't too bad. A character is sick of doing what he does, he tries something different that's dangerous, and he makes it out alive. Not the whole story, but I'd rather not go on forever. I'm typing this on my phone after all haha. The story is pretty short, but as said before, it's a serial like The Green Mile. I'll still read the second one because it's still there, and so far I am hoping you get back to posting more of these on Amazon. I like this. Good job
October 26, 2022
Really good, too short!
This is a short story, so be prepared for that. That said, I've read so much in the genre lately that's poorly written, I had low expectations for this "free" series. (it was free at the time, sorry if it's not anymore, but it's worth paying for! So much so that I'm buying this author's other books.) I really liked the premise, the hints of how this world came about without excruciating detail, the character motivations, and their actions! I also really appreciated that not everyone is out to be an asshole for no reason. That gets grating, real fast. Read the short story he has tagged at the end. It's worth it!
This is a short story, so be prepared for that. That said, I've read so much in the genre lately that's poorly written, I had low expectations for this "free" series. (it was free at the time, sorry if it's not anymore, but it's worth paying for! So much so that I'm buying this author's other books.) I really liked the premise, the hints of how this world came about without excruciating detail, the character motivations, and their actions! I also really appreciated that not everyone is out to be an asshole for no reason. That gets grating, real fast. Read the short story he has tagged at the end. It's worth it!
April 13, 2021
Promising
The story was a quick one. It had a lot of potential but I wanted more time. I guess that’s the trade off though. It’s like an all you can eat buffet when you go into a serial story. You can try a bit and see if you like it knowing there’s more to go back for later. The concept is interesting and there’s enough to make me want to come back.
It doesn’t hurt that it’s free either.
The story was a quick one. It had a lot of potential but I wanted more time. I guess that’s the trade off though. It’s like an all you can eat buffet when you go into a serial story. You can try a bit and see if you like it knowing there’s more to go back for later. The concept is interesting and there’s enough to make me want to come back.
It doesn’t hurt that it’s free either.
May 5, 2021
I loved it! I started it and could not put it down. Great premise, interesting characters, super pacing and FREE. Yes if I had to pay for it I would have been unhappy about the length but if say 3 of these were combined it would be worth regular price to me. What a great job of giving a full story experience in just 74 pages. What can I say I really enjoy the way this author puts words to a page.
February 1, 2022
A fantastic introduction to GameLit
I love reading shorter works. They are so focused on one concept, you get in, you get an experience, and you get out with a payoff. If that's what you're looking for, then you've found it. This book has action, adventure, and romance, all within a GameLit setting. If you're interested in discovering what the genre is all about, this book is a great way to get on the elevator. It goes up from here.
I love reading shorter works. They are so focused on one concept, you get in, you get an experience, and you get out with a payoff. If that's what you're looking for, then you've found it. This book has action, adventure, and romance, all within a GameLit setting. If you're interested in discovering what the genre is all about, this book is a great way to get on the elevator. It goes up from here.
April 19, 2021
Really fun serial! The book has an amazing hook into the story! It feels like the beginning of a full length book but does a good job and keeping it to a short story. Im half way through book 2 and loving it even more! I hope we get an audio book of these. I am a slower reader so it was a hour read if i recall correctly.
February 12, 2022
Too short, loses much!
It is an interesting idea that needs more fleshing out and less skipping forward just to get the interesting bits going. I feel as if there is so much informationmissing that at times the story is lost. The characters are there but so 2d and bland as the time has not been taken to expand them or the back story. Y
It is an interesting idea that needs more fleshing out and less skipping forward just to get the interesting bits going. I feel as if there is so much informationmissing that at times the story is lost. The characters are there but so 2d and bland as the time has not been taken to expand them or the back story. Y
October 16, 2023
love this book. except for the length. it left me craving more. even after the second i was searching for the third
after consuming so much media based on video games it was surprising to find something "original". sorry about the quotes. as original as it is i love how so much is directly inspired by other media. yet at no time did it feel stolen. it was all so well crafted into something new
after consuming so much media based on video games it was surprising to find something "original". sorry about the quotes. as original as it is i love how so much is directly inspired by other media. yet at no time did it feel stolen. it was all so well crafted into something new
January 9, 2022
Fun quick story
I enjoyed reading this story and like the characters. It is mostly straightforward with only hints as to why they all digitized. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and see great potential for Entin.
I enjoyed reading this story and like the characters. It is mostly straightforward with only hints as to why they all digitized. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and see great potential for Entin.
October 26, 2022
Wow
Loved this book! Absolutely a nonstop madcap adventure that leads you through a runners first dungeon run with his new team. First rule stay alive second rule grab all the loot. Well written a madcap rollercoaster ride not to be missed, recommend read Baz.
Loved this book! Absolutely a nonstop madcap adventure that leads you through a runners first dungeon run with his new team. First rule stay alive second rule grab all the loot. Well written a madcap rollercoaster ride not to be missed, recommend read Baz.
April 10, 2021
IT was ok ..not as fun as I thought it would be maybe the next one will be better
May 28, 2021
An exciting and interesting read.
February 19, 2022
Not a bad first book
The book is good and the story has promise. The only issue I have with the story is that it is so short. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The book is good and the story has promise. The only issue I have with the story is that it is so short. I look forward to the next book in the series.
June 30, 2022
Really good short story
It's actually a really good story. Too short but enjoyable and I like the characters. Very relaxed easy read that is far better than most junk.
It's actually a really good story. Too short but enjoyable and I like the characters. Very relaxed easy read that is far better than most junk.
October 27, 2023
A good 3.5. I'd read the next one.
April 17, 2024
I love Dustin's Arachnomancer series, but this one just didn't catch my interest like the other did. I may go back to it, but for now it's a DNF.
December 3, 2024
An excellent start to a new series. Entin and his guild are going to make waves in their new world. Learn how to exploit the system and get as much loot as you need.
October 25, 2022
ood GGaaammmmmiiiiiiiinnnnngggg story.
April 5, 2021
Although I liked this story, I'm always irritated by authors who release things in small chunks, instead of combining them into a novel sized book. Not the least because it means I have to go searching for more pieces of the story, which (sometimes) aren't available. I'm sure that isn't the case here, but while this story is indeed a stand-alone chunk of the story, I too often find that the author of such pieces tend to eventually slip into the trap of only producing partial stories, so readers have to read the next installment to get the whole story, and while I'm sure that's good for the author's pocket, it isn't good for my sanity, so I tend to avoid such arrangements by not reading such installment releases until they're gathered into a full-blown book.
For what it's worth though, this story is a relatively good one, though the author does tend to cut corners when talking about character placement, so one second, the mc is standing in the market, and the next paragraph, the mc is hip deep in a dungeon, with no clue how one got from point A to point B
For what it's worth though, this story is a relatively good one, though the author does tend to cut corners when talking about character placement, so one second, the mc is standing in the market, and the next paragraph, the mc is hip deep in a dungeon, with no clue how one got from point A to point B
April 5, 2021
Short story one
Mistakes: Only 54 pages long. I felt ripped off.
Plot: A very good idea. Needs to be combined with any other episodes into an actual book.
Characters: Not enough story to care about anyone.
3/10
Mistakes: Only 54 pages long. I felt ripped off.
Plot: A very good idea. Needs to be combined with any other episodes into an actual book.
Characters: Not enough story to care about anyone.
3/10
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews