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There's a Dungeon in My Basement #1
There's a Dungeon in My Basement 1: A Slice of Life Fantasy
Ordinary life becomes extraordinary when you've got a dungeon in your basement.After the death of a grandfather he never knew, Caleb Holdstock inherits a mysterious mansion. The place needs a lot of work if its to be liveable, but the truly strange thing about it is what's in the basement.A doorway drawn in chalk. It seems harmless at first, until a midnight encounter with a silver-haired elf proves that this doorway is, in fact, the entrance to another world.With knowledge of a magical world beyond Earth, Caleb's life will never be the same again. And the best thing about it? He can travel back and forth freely.He might actually get to enjoy it if he can juggle his multiple love interests, fend off a horde of catgirls, and master his own newfound magic.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2023
391 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 22, 2023
MC is an idiot
Getting tired of stories with main characters that have no sense of self preservation at all. Your girlfriend is in debt and likely perused, you’re in the possession of a valuable magic item, but you don’t know how to defend yourself at all. Let’s ignore all of that and go to the renfair. Who would guess that did not end well
Getting tired of stories with main characters that have no sense of self preservation at all. Your girlfriend is in debt and likely perused, you’re in the possession of a valuable magic item, but you don’t know how to defend yourself at all. Let’s ignore all of that and go to the renfair. Who would guess that did not end well
March 9, 2024
No no no
Nothing worse than a stupid clueless MC. Sexy time was fine but the whole world was pathetic. No Explanation of magic or how it works only that it occasionally did. No description of how the MC's ability works only that he supposedly had them. And worse the author has doing this stupid no kill thing. Grab the enemy hold them until they get away and attack you again then grab them again. ad nauseam. The fight scenes were cringy At best, Really horrible. Definitely won't be getting the second book. Quite disappointed normally I like the author.
Nothing worse than a stupid clueless MC. Sexy time was fine but the whole world was pathetic. No Explanation of magic or how it works only that it occasionally did. No description of how the MC's ability works only that he supposedly had them. And worse the author has doing this stupid no kill thing. Grab the enemy hold them until they get away and attack you again then grab them again. ad nauseam. The fight scenes were cringy At best, Really horrible. Definitely won't be getting the second book. Quite disappointed normally I like the author.
May 1, 2024
Inconsistent, but overall fun.
Pros: Smutty scenes are well done. The world building is really fun with the Wyrdworld and Item Worlds. Most of the dialogue is fun, especially between Caleb/Eira and Caleb/Yui.
Cons: Inconsistent characterization. Caleb is sometimes very shrewd and intelligent, and other times very, very stupid. Most of the time he makes rational decisions and uses his head, but every once in a while he makes a totally boneheaded move for no apparent reason. It's even usually remarked on later that he made a really dumb decision, but then it's weird that he makes it in the first place? He's obviously intelligent enough to realize the mistake after the fact, but then he makes the same mistake again even though he really should know better at this point? Just so, so many stupid mistakes. It's not that it's super unexpected, he's a young college student with zero experience with fighting or the whole magic world thing, but somehow that doesn't make it less frustrating.
I dunno, it just got frustrating reading him making the same mistake over again with nearly the same results... Maybe be a bit more original/creative plot-wise? The last ~10% of the book is seriously bad with the characterization (Caleb, Yui, Eira, the villain, etc.). They all make so many weird decisions and are almost comical with how bad they are as characters. It felt like I was reading a completely different story that was banged out in an hour by an unpaid intern. Besides I also despise the inexplicable/illogical feelings trope, and this book is chock-full of it.
Edit: Yeah, reread the book again, and I'd like to add Yui and Eira to the list of characters who make very dumb decisions for no apparent reason.
Pros: Smutty scenes are well done. The world building is really fun with the Wyrdworld and Item Worlds. Most of the dialogue is fun, especially between Caleb/Eira and Caleb/Yui.
Cons: Inconsistent characterization. Caleb is sometimes very shrewd and intelligent, and other times very, very stupid. Most of the time he makes rational decisions and uses his head, but every once in a while he makes a totally boneheaded move for no apparent reason. It's even usually remarked on later that he made a really dumb decision, but then it's weird that he makes it in the first place? He's obviously intelligent enough to realize the mistake after the fact, but then he makes the same mistake again even though he really should know better at this point? Just so, so many stupid mistakes. It's not that it's super unexpected, he's a young college student with zero experience with fighting or the whole magic world thing, but somehow that doesn't make it less frustrating.
I dunno, it just got frustrating reading him making the same mistake over again with nearly the same results... Maybe be a bit more original/creative plot-wise? The last ~10% of the book is seriously bad with the characterization (Caleb, Yui, Eira, the villain, etc.). They all make so many weird decisions and are almost comical with how bad they are as characters. It felt like I was reading a completely different story that was banged out in an hour by an unpaid intern. Besides I also despise the inexplicable/illogical feelings trope, and this book is chock-full of it.
Edit: Yeah, reread the book again, and I'd like to add Yui and Eira to the list of characters who make very dumb decisions for no apparent reason.
December 4, 2023
There's a Dungeon in my Basement is a mildly amusing LitRPG tale typical of the inherited a house that turns out to have portals in it. The harem aspects I could do without, but in this first book at least, they do play a roll, but they don't ruin the story by making it all about the relations. I don't know if this aspect will get better or worse in future books, so I won't speculate there, but for now, I'm optimistic that things won't devolve into a harem fest.
This is one of the few LitRPG stories that has a person in a wheelchair in it though, so give the author points for that, even if it's predictable that the aflicted individual doesn't need the chair once they've entered the dungeon, (though that's not exactly stated), it was more of a plot element, to spring that on the reader, at the optimum time to prevent tragedy. This seems more like a author figured it'd be the thing to do, rather than a planned event though, since the individual showed no evidence of this until the exact time it was needed, which is just ludacris. Other than that, the story was pretty good, and without the harem elements, I coudl highly recommend it without reserve. If harem things aren't your cup of tea, you might want to steer clear of this one going forward, depending on how it's handled in future books.
This is one of the few LitRPG stories that has a person in a wheelchair in it though, so give the author points for that, even if it's predictable that the aflicted individual doesn't need the chair once they've entered the dungeon, (though that's not exactly stated), it was more of a plot element, to spring that on the reader, at the optimum time to prevent tragedy. This seems more like a author figured it'd be the thing to do, rather than a planned event though, since the individual showed no evidence of this until the exact time it was needed, which is just ludacris. Other than that, the story was pretty good, and without the harem elements, I coudl highly recommend it without reserve. If harem things aren't your cup of tea, you might want to steer clear of this one going forward, depending on how it's handled in future books.
February 7, 2024
An interesting take on the genre
It’s not really a dungeon so the title is a bit wrong. It seems to be a portal to another world/dimension. The story mainly revolves around Caleb, his recently deceased grandfather, his disabled female best friend, and a rogue elf. A few times it feels like the author has forgotten the motives of the main character between having a place to live and test his home improvements for disabled people to fixing up the inherited house for sale. Other than that, it was an interesting story, slice of life adventure style where cute cat girls are the main concern as they attempt to entrap you so you fall for their cuteness and pet them for the rest of your life.
It’s not really a dungeon so the title is a bit wrong. It seems to be a portal to another world/dimension. The story mainly revolves around Caleb, his recently deceased grandfather, his disabled female best friend, and a rogue elf. A few times it feels like the author has forgotten the motives of the main character between having a place to live and test his home improvements for disabled people to fixing up the inherited house for sale. Other than that, it was an interesting story, slice of life adventure style where cute cat girls are the main concern as they attempt to entrap you so you fall for their cuteness and pet them for the rest of your life.
June 1, 2024
Could have been something special, ruined by cringe
This had a lot going for it. Like, an incredible amount of emotional investment in a childhood friend love interest and an interesting take on the “dungeon in my…” genre… But the cringey decisions made in the story writing ruined it. The writer banged our heads against the fourth wall over and over again too which wasn’t great. And the lewd scenes often culminated in the end with a ho hum thought from the MC which wasn’t internal or external dialogue, it was just the writer putting it at the end of the paragraph…
Like, the childhood friend love interest story kept me interested. They had their special moment and it was genuinely beautiful for like two pages and then everything went back to being cringe.
This had a lot going for it. Like, an incredible amount of emotional investment in a childhood friend love interest and an interesting take on the “dungeon in my…” genre… But the cringey decisions made in the story writing ruined it. The writer banged our heads against the fourth wall over and over again too which wasn’t great. And the lewd scenes often culminated in the end with a ho hum thought from the MC which wasn’t internal or external dialogue, it was just the writer putting it at the end of the paragraph…
Like, the childhood friend love interest story kept me interested. They had their special moment and it was genuinely beautiful for like two pages and then everything went back to being cringe.
October 7, 2024
Only two stars as the sex was decent. Literally everything else was stupid. Oh hey some bounty hunter has been trying to kidnap your lover and steal from you and then kill you but the only thing you do is try and "threaten" them to behave. Plus the whole yue yeeting herself into the basement for no good reason, like how could she possibly have helped? There are many instances of wanna be big drama being simply solved by the MC not being a pansy and killing to protect his family and property but instead he asks them to please stop. pleading with a literal killer is just dumb. Then he just lets her fight his paralyzed girlfriend and she magically can walk after getting mocked for being crippled like c'mon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
Not What I Thought it would be
I thought this would be like the other books with titles like this one. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the book. The story was very interesting, characters were really interesting and the main thing, the story flowed excellently. It was smooth and interesting. If I had to make a negative comment it would be, it needed to be longer.
Well done! 5*
I thought this would be like the other books with titles like this one. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the book. The story was very interesting, characters were really interesting and the main thing, the story flowed excellently. It was smooth and interesting. If I had to make a negative comment it would be, it needed to be longer.
Well done! 5*
March 23, 2024
DNF at 62%
The author should make up his mind what the protagonist intends to do with the house as he keeps contradicting himself. The protagonist is not very bright and feels more like a hanger-on.
So far the only good in the book was a extensive sex scene that had a overly positive feedback for the protagonist. I stopped when he was told to form a harem by including another girl..
The author should make up his mind what the protagonist intends to do with the house as he keeps contradicting himself. The protagonist is not very bright and feels more like a hanger-on.
So far the only good in the book was a extensive sex scene that had a overly positive feedback for the protagonist. I stopped when he was told to form a harem by including another girl..
November 14, 2023
Fantasy fun with twists and turns
Reverse portal fantasy books are always a good read and I thoroughly enjoy them.
Dungeon in my Basement has a rather unique world, magics and challenges that keep things interesting for the reader.
I'm looking forward to more!
Reverse portal fantasy books are always a good read and I thoroughly enjoy them.
Dungeon in my Basement has a rather unique world, magics and challenges that keep things interesting for the reader.
I'm looking forward to more!
November 18, 2023
There's a Dungeon in My Basement
This is just plain and simple one of the best books of 2023. The storyline is great along with the characters of Caleb, Fire and Yuri. Just keep this series going and keep giving us the good stuff to read.
This is just plain and simple one of the best books of 2023. The storyline is great along with the characters of Caleb, Fire and Yuri. Just keep this series going and keep giving us the good stuff to read.
November 19, 2023
Great Start to a New Series
A great start on the “it’s not really a dungeon” book. It’s more akin to the Backyard Dungeon or Dungeon in my Closet type of story. The characters and plot point towards the start of a great series. Well written and fun to read.
A great start on the “it’s not really a dungeon” book. It’s more akin to the Backyard Dungeon or Dungeon in my Closet type of story. The characters and plot point towards the start of a great series. Well written and fun to read.
November 28, 2023
More adventures to follow.
Dante does it again. The story arc, characters, and dynamic of the MC and the other supporting characters is a real gem. This will again be a series we have all become used to with this author. Keep em coming DK.
Dante does it again. The story arc, characters, and dynamic of the MC and the other supporting characters is a real gem. This will again be a series we have all become used to with this author. Keep em coming DK.
November 30, 2023
While this isn't groundbreaking material, Dante King handles it well. There's much more overlap between the "dungeon" and the real world, including elves moving back and forth on their own. An enjoyable story and well done for the first book.
December 1, 2023
A really good beginning to a new series!!!
I've never read anything by this author that wasn't A true joy!!! This one started out a little different than their normal stories but quickly grew on me and made the rest of the story so much better!!!
I've never read anything by this author that wasn't A true joy!!! This one started out a little different than their normal stories but quickly grew on me and made the rest of the story so much better!!!
December 15, 2023
Not bad
This was rather fun. Its funny but I would have liked to see more construction on the house.
I thought the head pats were headed the wrong direction. Instead of succumbing to over cuteness from the head pats I think it would have scanned better if they'd had an orgasm
This was rather fun. Its funny but I would have liked to see more construction on the house.
I thought the head pats were headed the wrong direction. Instead of succumbing to over cuteness from the head pats I think it would have scanned better if they'd had an orgasm
December 16, 2023
A great time.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
January 26, 2024
Yes!
I love this whole genre of the idea of the modern world and a fantasy world connected by doorways. They might just be my favourite from now on, and Dante kicks a*s as usual! An absolutely must read.
I love this whole genre of the idea of the modern world and a fantasy world connected by doorways. They might just be my favourite from now on, and Dante kicks a*s as usual! An absolutely must read.
February 3, 2024
A única personagem PCD tem sua deficiência curada por magia. O personagem principal é um zero à esquerda sem personalidade e os vilões são cômicos.
O sistema de magia parecia legal, mas foi desperdiçado numa história dessa.
O sistema de magia parecia legal, mas foi desperdiçado numa história dessa.
February 8, 2024
Good story
This one is somewhat different than his other books. But I don't want them to be the same old story. It's a good storyline definitely worth reading. Now to get the next one.
This one is somewhat different than his other books. But I don't want them to be the same old story. It's a good storyline definitely worth reading. Now to get the next one.
February 24, 2024
Fun in the basement!
Another Dante King thrilling fantasy! Fast paced, full of action, with lots of twists keeps this book constantly interesting. Can't wait to read the next books. Keep up the great work!
Another Dante King thrilling fantasy! Fast paced, full of action, with lots of twists keeps this book constantly interesting. Can't wait to read the next books. Keep up the great work!
February 1, 2025
Didn't really grab me. It was really slow to start, and the MC was not someone I particularly liked. At 30%, I was hoping the MC just gave up and went back to his mundane life. Yes, he got a little better, be he was still overly sanctimonious.
November 15, 2023
Awesome book
Great beginning to a hopefully amazing series. Two realities and two women to start this multiverse harem book. Well written and stayed interesting.
Great beginning to a hopefully amazing series. Two realities and two women to start this multiverse harem book. Well written and stayed interesting.
November 20, 2023
No!
Our hero is a bit of a pansy! This is always difficult on a storyline. Far too many holes in the nebulous logic offered to be enjoyable.
Our hero is a bit of a pansy! This is always difficult on a storyline. Far too many holes in the nebulous logic offered to be enjoyable.
November 21, 2023
Amazing book 1
This is an interesting book and concept for a slice of life fantasy. I'm interested in where the story goes and I hope we get a book 2 soon.
This is an interesting book and concept for a slice of life fantasy. I'm interested in where the story goes and I hope we get a book 2 soon.
November 27, 2023
WOW!
This book was really awesome. To find out something about yourself that was unknown before is very exciting. Caleb has a lot more to find out!
This book was really awesome. To find out something about yourself that was unknown before is very exciting. Caleb has a lot more to find out!
November 29, 2023
I think this may be Dante kings best work
Were there typos yes, did they take me out of the story no. But was this a perfect story yess
Were there typos yes, did they take me out of the story no. But was this a perfect story yess
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December 3, 2023Awesomeness
For a starter to a series, this kicked some serious a**! Fun and exciting. Didn't stop reading till it was finished!
For a starter to a series, this kicked some serious a**! Fun and exciting. Didn't stop reading till it was finished!
December 10, 2023
A great start.
Another great start on a series form Dante King. Great characters and the inclusion of a differently able heroine is absolutely fantastic.
Another great start on a series form Dante King. Great characters and the inclusion of a differently able heroine is absolutely fantastic.
January 21, 2024
exciting
A fun series with plenty of drama, surprises, magic, violence, and romance. A good introductory tome to start series. Eager to read next book.
A fun series with plenty of drama, surprises, magic, violence, and romance. A good introductory tome to start series. Eager to read next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews