What do you think?
Rate this book
Crystal Core #3
Crystal Core 3
Ryan and his team have reached the capital. Fighting incursions was bad enough, but the many layers of political in-fighting just make him sick.
Fortunately, his power is growing, and he's learning to forge his own path. To find the way forward though, he's going to have to learn the truth about his past.
Join Ryan, Elu, Kumo, and Lian as they stand up to the heavens and the politics of men alike.
Fortunately, his power is growing, and he's learning to forge his own path. To find the way forward though, he's going to have to learn the truth about his past.
Join Ryan, Elu, Kumo, and Lian as they stand up to the heavens and the politics of men alike.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2024
218 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
David Burke
38 books129 followersDavid Burke is a mild manner something who tries to enjoy each day a bit more than the last. It dawned upon him at some point that life was racing him by and he wasn’t nearly as young as he used to be.
So now he spends his nights and lunch hours and any other free time he can putting down on paper all the stories that have collected up over a life time.
So now he spends his nights and lunch hours and any other free time he can putting down on paper all the stories that have collected up over a life time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 6, 2024
A Fantastic 3rd Installment with a Desperate Need of Editing
The plot has finally started really taking off in regards to the main arc of the narrative and the relationships between Ryan and the wives made some much needed progress. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entirety of the novel, but holy cats was the lack of proof reading obvious. To the point that it was distracting. At times, words were wholly missing or sometimes had numbers inserted into them, l1k3 s3riously? Even the most basic spell check program should have caught that. Other times, names were used interchangeably (House Bara/Mara) and some sentences were so garbled that you have to invent your own interpretation as to what they meant.
I have read a number of David Burke's novels and also enjoy the works of Aaron Oster (IYKYK) but this is the most dialed-in editing I have seen from him. The story and pacing would have been an easy 5 stars, but the editing is a solid 2.5 if I'm being generous.
In the end, it's a solid addition to the Crystal Core series but it is in desperate need of another editing pass.
The plot has finally started really taking off in regards to the main arc of the narrative and the relationships between Ryan and the wives made some much needed progress. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entirety of the novel, but holy cats was the lack of proof reading obvious. To the point that it was distracting. At times, words were wholly missing or sometimes had numbers inserted into them, l1k3 s3riously? Even the most basic spell check program should have caught that. Other times, names were used interchangeably (House Bara/Mara) and some sentences were so garbled that you have to invent your own interpretation as to what they meant.
I have read a number of David Burke's novels and also enjoy the works of Aaron Oster (IYKYK) but this is the most dialed-in editing I have seen from him. The story and pacing would have been an easy 5 stars, but the editing is a solid 2.5 if I'm being generous.
In the end, it's a solid addition to the Crystal Core series but it is in desperate need of another editing pass.
June 7, 2024
More Errors than Usual
This may be a 4 star if it weren’t for the rush on publishing. I get DB wanting to meet his publishing deadline, I was looking forward to this book too, but I would’ve rather been disappointed having to wait long than be disappointed that it needs AT LEAST one more pass from an editor. A lot of missing, rearranged, or misspelled words and even a few areas of story that are a bit convoluted. You can make out the gist of what was meant, but definitely some head scratching.
If not for that, I’d say this was otherwise an entertaining read and one of DB’s better series.
This may be a 4 star if it weren’t for the rush on publishing. I get DB wanting to meet his publishing deadline, I was looking forward to this book too, but I would’ve rather been disappointed having to wait long than be disappointed that it needs AT LEAST one more pass from an editor. A lot of missing, rearranged, or misspelled words and even a few areas of story that are a bit convoluted. You can make out the gist of what was meant, but definitely some head scratching.
If not for that, I’d say this was otherwise an entertaining read and one of DB’s better series.
June 28, 2024
Great stories, poor editing
The stories for these are great. Good flow, good character development.
My one complaint comes with editing. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of simple errors like wrong tenses, typos, or bad punctuation. Please spend the time to get some alpha readers to read for these types of errors before the books are released. Heck, send them to me and I'll help find them all!
The stories for these are great. Good flow, good character development.
My one complaint comes with editing. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of simple errors like wrong tenses, typos, or bad punctuation. Please spend the time to get some alpha readers to read for these types of errors before the books are released. Heck, send them to me and I'll help find them all!
June 6, 2024
Needs a proofreader, but otherwise excellent
This is a great series, full of well-written characters with diverse motivations, and intricate world-building.
Where it falls down is the proofreading / copy-editing. There are missing words, bisected sentences, incorrect punctuation, even some words with obvious typos like "se4nsed"!
If those issues can be corrected, I'd immediately give it 5 stars.
This is a great series, full of well-written characters with diverse motivations, and intricate world-building.
Where it falls down is the proofreading / copy-editing. There are missing words, bisected sentences, incorrect punctuation, even some words with obvious typos like "se4nsed"!
If those issues can be corrected, I'd immediately give it 5 stars.
August 22, 2024
Rating: 3.5
As much I as enjoyed this book, I was also ready for it to end. There were several issues with it.
First, plot armour. Ironically this was mentioned as a joke in the book at one point. In that case it wasn't really plot armour, but it was present elsewhere. This was primarily in the MC winning battles that were clearly beyond him, beating opponents where had better stats, stronger cultivation, more/better techniques, and more practice and experience. Yet somehow he pulls out a win anyway, on one occasion using a technique at the very last moment that he should have been able to use much sooner.
The second issue was that spelling & grammar were worse than usual. Even a simple spell check would have made a big difference. Sentences that didn't make sense also occurred regularly, though they were never bad enough that a second read through didn't get the point across. Having to stop and reread a sentence is immersion breaking though.
Other issues, included battles often dragged on too long, and the MC having such a diverse array of powers and characteristics (many of which he doesn't use) that it's impossible to keep straight. I fully intend to read the next book, but I fear the series is going downhill. That's quite unfortunate given that it seems like it's being set up to be a long one.
As much I as enjoyed this book, I was also ready for it to end. There were several issues with it.
First, plot armour. Ironically this was mentioned as a joke in the book at one point. In that case it wasn't really plot armour, but it was present elsewhere. This was primarily in the MC winning battles that were clearly beyond him, beating opponents where had better stats, stronger cultivation, more/better techniques, and more practice and experience. Yet somehow he pulls out a win anyway, on one occasion using a technique at the very last moment that he should have been able to use much sooner.
The second issue was that spelling & grammar were worse than usual. Even a simple spell check would have made a big difference. Sentences that didn't make sense also occurred regularly, though they were never bad enough that a second read through didn't get the point across. Having to stop and reread a sentence is immersion breaking though.
Other issues, included battles often dragged on too long, and the MC having such a diverse array of powers and characteristics (many of which he doesn't use) that it's impossible to keep straight. I fully intend to read the next book, but I fear the series is going downhill. That's quite unfortunate given that it seems like it's being set up to be a long one.
August 19, 2024
So much and so little happened
First off, again with all of the grammar issues. Someone really needs to read the author's books before publishing and attack it with a high liter like a coked up teacher during finals!
There is a lot more politics than ever before. Some training, A couple battles, and a lot of harem related activities that I have no way to relate to.
The author is changing Ryan into something other at a rate that I have no way to measure. It seems to be happening at a rate vastly more profound than maybe it should as this part of the story is muddying the rest of the storyline and Ryan's current development.
Have fun!
First off, again with all of the grammar issues. Someone really needs to read the author's books before publishing and attack it with a high liter like a coked up teacher during finals!
There is a lot more politics than ever before. Some training, A couple battles, and a lot of harem related activities that I have no way to relate to.
The author is changing Ryan into something other at a rate that I have no way to measure. It seems to be happening at a rate vastly more profound than maybe it should as this part of the story is muddying the rest of the storyline and Ryan's current development.
Have fun!
February 6, 2025
I got a laugh when the
That really tickled my funny bone, as I see something like that actually happening.
I finished the book, and this was a meh for me, like book one. I didn't enjoy it as much as book two. I don't know why.
This seems focused on harem shenanigans (dating, reassuring each girl, etc ,etc). Meh.
I will pick up the sequel, but I don't know how to express how this made me feel.
2.5/5 Stars
That really tickled my funny bone, as I see something like that actually happening.
I finished the book, and this was a meh for me, like book one. I didn't enjoy it as much as book two. I don't know why.
This seems focused on harem shenanigans (dating, reassuring each girl, etc ,etc). Meh.
I will pick up the sequel, but I don't know how to express how this made me feel.
2.5/5 Stars
June 8, 2024
A solid next chapter, in need of an editor.
Not too much to say. Some new things, forward progression of the a Hero. Overall was very good, just in desperate need of beta readers, an editor, or both. In some places it took a bit to figure out what the author meant. As his other series I've read weren't this bad, I hope he cleans this up.
Not too much to say. Some new things, forward progression of the a Hero. Overall was very good, just in desperate need of beta readers, an editor, or both. In some places it took a bit to figure out what the author meant. As his other series I've read weren't this bad, I hope he cleans this up.
June 6, 2024
Needs editing
The story and characters are good given that the protagonist is overpowered. This third volume has worse editing than the previous two with many mistakes in spelling or missing words.
The story and characters are good given that the protagonist is overpowered. This third volume has worse editing than the previous two with many mistakes in spelling or missing words.
March 10, 2025
Not hype/not dropped. I honestly don't know what to make of it
This book introduces a LOT of new elements to the plot without actually explaining much.
In my experience with fantasy books, and all the sub genres within, whenever that happens things are about to get very convoluted and stop making sense... low and behold they immediately did, although not to a truly horrific degree so I am cautiously optimistic, but kinda also expecting the worst from here.
We're book 3 so I've already accepted that its Harem, and everything that entails, on top of the whole cultivation "women no speak" setting. But even so, the characterisation of the women is just really flat, cliché and weird. Everytime Ryan says they're giving him whiplash I Entirely agree! Because their actions made no sense at that point in time.
Having said ALL that, I am actually interested in seeing how and where this all goes, so I'll be continuing the series.
I'd just really love if someone could do several rounds of proof reading for this author. The spelling mistakes, sentence drops, and internal detail inconsistencies were mind numbingly annoying to read through, because it wasn't just occasional but persistent throughout.
Lady Amayakasa head of house Bara... or Mara?
Lindor the cultivator, also sometimes known as Lumin?
Pasat of clan Jaqua, but we'll later call it clan Jaqui? Among many other things.
This book introduces a LOT of new elements to the plot without actually explaining much.
In my experience with fantasy books, and all the sub genres within, whenever that happens things are about to get very convoluted and stop making sense... low and behold they immediately did, although not to a truly horrific degree so I am cautiously optimistic, but kinda also expecting the worst from here.
We're book 3 so I've already accepted that its Harem, and everything that entails, on top of the whole cultivation "women no speak" setting. But even so, the characterisation of the women is just really flat, cliché and weird. Everytime Ryan says they're giving him whiplash I Entirely agree! Because their actions made no sense at that point in time.
Having said ALL that, I am actually interested in seeing how and where this all goes, so I'll be continuing the series.
I'd just really love if someone could do several rounds of proof reading for this author. The spelling mistakes, sentence drops, and internal detail inconsistencies were mind numbingly annoying to read through, because it wasn't just occasional but persistent throughout.
Lady Amayakasa head of house Bara... or Mara?
Lindor the cultivator, also sometimes known as Lumin?
Pasat of clan Jaqua, but we'll later call it clan Jaqui? Among many other things.
June 17, 2024
An excellent installment in this saga.
The MC continues to be a force of improvement for cultivator culture, who are individualistic warriors in battle and arrogant a-holes otherwise. The MC completes bonds with his wives and they also pull some other strong women into his sphere of influence for the future. Together they float the concept of teamwork in battle providing synergy rather than individual glory seeking. Of course the incursions by the orcs are only the tip of the iceberg in a larger conflict between celestials and demons. The orcs are mere agents of the vastly more powerful demons, but the celestisls have their champions too.
There were some interesting plot arcs that didnt get developed yet, such as the cabbage merchant's scam. I look forward to seeing that play out as well as seeing Jinwae get his just deserts. He is a despicable creature who has already been outed to his peers, though they have turned a blind eye to his behaviours.
I must point out that though the story flowed well, showing good editing, there were numerous typos that should have been caught by proofreaders and/or editors.
The MC continues to be a force of improvement for cultivator culture, who are individualistic warriors in battle and arrogant a-holes otherwise. The MC completes bonds with his wives and they also pull some other strong women into his sphere of influence for the future. Together they float the concept of teamwork in battle providing synergy rather than individual glory seeking. Of course the incursions by the orcs are only the tip of the iceberg in a larger conflict between celestials and demons. The orcs are mere agents of the vastly more powerful demons, but the celestisls have their champions too.
There were some interesting plot arcs that didnt get developed yet, such as the cabbage merchant's scam. I look forward to seeing that play out as well as seeing Jinwae get his just deserts. He is a despicable creature who has already been outed to his peers, though they have turned a blind eye to his behaviours.
I must point out that though the story flowed well, showing good editing, there were numerous typos that should have been caught by proofreaders and/or editors.
June 12, 2024
4.5 stars. I appreciate a harem book that ftb. Too many put in a whole lot of graphic sex, and that's not what I'm reading for. I like the MC to get some action, don't get me wrong, but I don't need the details when there's an actual story going on.
This one is progressing well, and Ryan is on the cusp of releasing his Earth hangups and getting more wives. In this case, the more "yins' he gets, the stronger he and everyone connected to him will be. Time to get transactional! Anyway, it's going well, so I look forward to book 4.
This one is progressing well, and Ryan is on the cusp of releasing his Earth hangups and getting more wives. In this case, the more "yins' he gets, the stronger he and everyone connected to him will be. Time to get transactional! Anyway, it's going well, so I look forward to book 4.
August 28, 2024
Not a bad story
I know that a good story will always start with character development. World building continues throughout the story. But the first book was a bit boring to me. The second book was much better. I see that Ryan's rapid growth is necessary only because the author chose to rush the invasion and he needed to be strong enough to fight against it. Book three seem more of A filler for character and story development. I can't wait for book four to see more of Ryan's heritage development. I want to see him fight the horde master and Saiga.
I know that a good story will always start with character development. World building continues throughout the story. But the first book was a bit boring to me. The second book was much better. I see that Ryan's rapid growth is necessary only because the author chose to rush the invasion and he needed to be strong enough to fight against it. Book three seem more of A filler for character and story development. I can't wait for book four to see more of Ryan's heritage development. I want to see him fight the horde master and Saiga.
June 8, 2024
Rushed to finish?
Alternate universe, LitRPG, hero quest, harem adult situations
At over 500 plus pages, a lot happens here in book 3 of this series. Nearly gave a ding as it seriously needs a sharper editor. A spellcheck beforehand would have helped some, which should have been a routine part of manuscript prep. Thankfully, mistakes can be fixed and updates submitted.
I like the story and the characters for the most part. Will buy book 4.
Alternate universe, LitRPG, hero quest, harem adult situations
At over 500 plus pages, a lot happens here in book 3 of this series. Nearly gave a ding as it seriously needs a sharper editor. A spellcheck beforehand would have helped some, which should have been a routine part of manuscript prep. Thankfully, mistakes can be fixed and updates submitted.
I like the story and the characters for the most part. Will buy book 4.
June 11, 2024
another good book
Great progression in the store and hope the next is just as good. It will be interesting Ryan adding more anchors hopefully. So far I have enjoyed the series. For a harem it's very soft but nothing has been lacking because of the character development and world building good fight seems and such. My one complaint is all the typos. I am horrible at grammar and prober writing but damn there was a lot for a published book.
Great progression in the store and hope the next is just as good. It will be interesting Ryan adding more anchors hopefully. So far I have enjoyed the series. For a harem it's very soft but nothing has been lacking because of the character development and world building good fight seems and such. My one complaint is all the typos. I am horrible at grammar and prober writing but damn there was a lot for a published book.
October 29, 2024
Just.. not good barely rating an Ok.
There are far to many issues sprinkled throughout this book/story.
On the whole I think it bakes down to a combination of the author not putting in enough effort, while pushing his stories out to fast. Quality being forced to make use of available standing room on the public transport if allowed on at all.
I guess Readers will just have to accept that this is all that can be expected from this author and act accordingly.
There are far to many issues sprinkled throughout this book/story.
On the whole I think it bakes down to a combination of the author not putting in enough effort, while pushing his stories out to fast. Quality being forced to make use of available standing room on the public transport if allowed on at all.
I guess Readers will just have to accept that this is all that can be expected from this author and act accordingly.
June 15, 2024
Fantastic addition to the story!
I enjoyed the character progression, the world building, and of course, the stats.
Ryan comes into his own a bit more here. Elu, Kumo, and Lian all have meaningful growth as characters and in ways I wasn’t expecting sometimes. The world building is interesting with new information, but there’s still more to learn.
I enjoyed the character progression, the world building, and of course, the stats.
Ryan comes into his own a bit more here. Elu, Kumo, and Lian all have meaningful growth as characters and in ways I wasn’t expecting sometimes. The world building is interesting with new information, but there’s still more to learn.
June 4, 2024
David Burke doesn’t miss
If you’ve read the first 2 books you’ll love this one. More of the same and the MC really comes into his own for this story. Can’t wait to see what David comes up with next!
If you’ve read the first 2 books you’ll love this one. More of the same and the MC really comes into his own for this story. Can’t wait to see what David comes up with next!
June 5, 2024
I like the storyline. My struggle is with the editing. Either reprimand the editor who proofed this book or find a new one. The misplaced punctuations, missed words, and duplications were enough to distract me from enjoying an otherwise great book.
June 7, 2024
Epic!
I am totally loving this series! The action is great. The characters are extremely well written. The adult scenes are steamy. Can't wait for next one! I'm gonna need alot of good reading material for surgery recovery!
I am totally loving this series! The action is great. The characters are extremely well written. The adult scenes are steamy. Can't wait for next one! I'm gonna need alot of good reading material for surgery recovery!
June 8, 2024
Love it
A series that just gets better, more revelations and more questions still world building and fighting plus all the things we love in a cultivation book, no naughty harem yet, but we have time for more slice of life and a good base of characters.
A series that just gets better, more revelations and more questions still world building and fighting plus all the things we love in a cultivation book, no naughty harem yet, but we have time for more slice of life and a good base of characters.
June 9, 2024
Fun Story!
The series presents a fun and engaging story, and this latest book nicely adds to it. A bit more editing would be good though, as there were several jarring mis-spellings. Entertaining.
The series presents a fun and engaging story, and this latest book nicely adds to it. A bit more editing would be good though, as there were several jarring mis-spellings. Entertaining.
June 9, 2024
Fantastic read
Really loved the dynamics of this one. Ryan's interactions with Lian, and then furthering his other relationships, were wonderful. I'm also intrigued over the plot regarding bloodlines and other planes.
Really loved the dynamics of this one. Ryan's interactions with Lian, and then furthering his other relationships, were wonderful. I'm also intrigued over the plot regarding bloodlines and other planes.
June 11, 2024
Great continuation
This was a great third book. It shows how far Ryan is willing to go for his wives. However, there were a couple of parts that confused me with the Bara house being called Mara house and some words being misused.
This was a great third book. It shows how far Ryan is willing to go for his wives. However, there were a couple of parts that confused me with the Bara house being called Mara house and some words being misused.
June 18, 2024
Great plot progression
Wonderful story. Well written. Editing could definitely use some work. Especially toward the last 3rd. A little distracting, but still easy to flow. A good time. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next
Wonderful story. Well written. Editing could definitely use some work. Especially toward the last 3rd. A little distracting, but still easy to flow. A good time. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next
June 21, 2024
An absolutely joy to read!!!
I've loved this series from the beginning!!! The author has created an amazing world full of intriguing characters that draw you into the story completely!!! I can't wait to see what comes next for our young Hero and his growing family!!!!
I've loved this series from the beginning!!! The author has created an amazing world full of intriguing characters that draw you into the story completely!!! I can't wait to see what comes next for our young Hero and his growing family!!!!
December 29, 2024
a good read
I’m enjoying this series immensely. My only issue is the increasing errors in each consecutive book. Show some pride in your creation; no one wants spell check your finished product.
I’m enjoying this series immensely. My only issue is the increasing errors in each consecutive book. Show some pride in your creation; no one wants spell check your finished product.
June 3, 2024
A good read
I enjoyed the character building and the tackling of tough emotional issues. Looking forward to Book 4. Another good Lit-Rpg/fantasy styel book!
I enjoyed the character building and the tackling of tough emotional issues. Looking forward to Book 4. Another good Lit-Rpg/fantasy styel book!
June 5, 2024
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the crazy assassin. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the crazy assassin. I anxiously await the sequel.
June 5, 2024
nice
Huge progress on Ryan and his wives power. Lots of new abilities. Some minor typos, like his ninja wife’s phase spider ability in the final stats. Great read.
Huge progress on Ryan and his wives power. Lots of new abilities. Some minor typos, like his ninja wife’s phase spider ability in the final stats. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews