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Holiday Dungeon Core #1
Christmas Core
Elmer Robbins loved decorating for every holiday with his wife, Mary, by going all-out with décor at their cozy little house as well as filling his office with holiday cheer. But when his beloved Mary passed away unexpectedly the year before, it was difficult for Elmer to summon the same sort of enthusiasm in decorating for all of the holidays without her beside him.
However, due to an accident at work, Elmer’s soul is transported to a strange world, where it inhabits an even stranger object called a Dungeon Core. Soon after his arrival, the new Dungeon Core discovers something he didn’t think was possible: a way to reconnect with the soul of his wife, Mary.
In order to do that, though, Elmer will need to survive and increase the Level of his newly acquired form. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know much about fantasy worlds, magic, and monsters; what he does know a lot about, however, is Christmas.
However, due to an accident at work, Elmer’s soul is transported to a strange world, where it inhabits an even stranger object called a Dungeon Core. Soon after his arrival, the new Dungeon Core discovers something he didn’t think was possible: a way to reconnect with the soul of his wife, Mary.
In order to do that, though, Elmer will need to survive and increase the Level of his newly acquired form. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know much about fantasy worlds, magic, and monsters; what he does know a lot about, however, is Christmas.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2021
59 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Brooks
82 books484 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 10, 2022
Cute and fun Dungeon Core story with a Christmas themed dungeon!
I quickly liked the main character, and enjoyed the seasonal decor, as well as some of the adventurers going through.
Obviously not a deep or complex read, but if you like Christmas and LitRPG it's quite a fun entertainment!
I quickly liked the main character, and enjoyed the seasonal decor, as well as some of the adventurers going through.
Obviously not a deep or complex read, but if you like Christmas and LitRPG it's quite a fun entertainment!
March 5, 2025
Discovering LitRPG was probably the most exciting thing that happened to me in 2024, and it's truly the gift that keeps on giving. So, five months in, I've made it to Dungeon Core. Reddit seemed to think this novella series was a wholesome way to check out the genre, and it was right, as usual.
Elmer, the old man who dies and finds himself in a magical world as, well, a dungeon, doesn't entirely understand what adventurers are, or what "mana" means, but when he figures out he needs to cooperate in order to save his wife's soul, he does. He chooses to design a holiday themed dungeon against his helpers' guidance, which requires coming up with Christmassy traps and monsters, which all sound like a child's worst nightmare. He also loves decorating, so there's a lot of that.
Unfortunately, the actual writing was so badly in need of an editor that I had a hard time getting into the story. Repeated words, the exact opposite of "show, don't tell," and even sentences I had to read multiple times just to understand.
"Another thing about the fight with the Adventurers that he learned was that, apparently, his Inflatables were explosive."
No. Especially when it comes to a story that's essentially some sort of building game, like watching your grandfather play minecraft, you really need the visuals to be clear, and the fighting angles to make sense. And some of them definitely did not.
It's a 2.5 rounded up because I can't in good faith give this story 2 stars if I'm still considering picking this up again next time I need a nice break.
Elmer is lovely. He just needs a friendly editor.
Elmer, the old man who dies and finds himself in a magical world as, well, a dungeon, doesn't entirely understand what adventurers are, or what "mana" means, but when he figures out he needs to cooperate in order to save his wife's soul, he does. He chooses to design a holiday themed dungeon against his helpers' guidance, which requires coming up with Christmassy traps and monsters, which all sound like a child's worst nightmare. He also loves decorating, so there's a lot of that.
Unfortunately, the actual writing was so badly in need of an editor that I had a hard time getting into the story. Repeated words, the exact opposite of "show, don't tell," and even sentences I had to read multiple times just to understand.
"Another thing about the fight with the Adventurers that he learned was that, apparently, his Inflatables were explosive."
No. Especially when it comes to a story that's essentially some sort of building game, like watching your grandfather play minecraft, you really need the visuals to be clear, and the fighting angles to make sense. And some of them definitely did not.
It's a 2.5 rounded up because I can't in good faith give this story 2 stars if I'm still considering picking this up again next time I need a nice break.
Elmer is lovely. He just needs a friendly editor.
November 19, 2025
Christmas Core is the first in the Holiday Dungeon Core series by Jonathan Brooks. This is my second time reading a Dungeon Core style litRPG and it reminded me very much of the first. Elmer Robbins, an elderly man, dies in an accident at work and is reincarnated as a dungeon core, whatever that is. He realizes that, in his new life, Elmer somehow has a connection to his deceased wife and if he want's to reach her, he'll have to level up his dungeon.
I think it's interesting that in both the dungeon core-style series I have tried, both feature an elderly protagonist, neither of them had any idea about gaming or what a dungeon was and both tend ignore their game assistant's advice to do things they want that would be incredibly difficult for a non-gamer. Dungeon shenanigans ensue. I seem to like this trope.
Back to the story. I tend to struggle a bit with novellas as they are just long enough for a good introduction but typically leave me unsatisfied as they don't have enough time for me to feel attached to the characters. This is basically how I feel about Christmas Core. It's a good start to a series. Elmer and the world he's found himself in have seem interesting and we have enough of an understanding of how the world works for the little story. I love the idea of a holiday themed dungeon as that is what Elmer and his wife enjoyed celebrating in life and that it confuses the heck out of the locals who have no idea about Earth culture. I am not excited about how the core and adventurers relationship is supposed to play out. Hopefully the next book helps fill in more of the world and build upon Elmer's character.
I think it's interesting that in both the dungeon core-style series I have tried, both feature an elderly protagonist, neither of them had any idea about gaming or what a dungeon was and both tend ignore their game assistant's advice to do things they want that would be incredibly difficult for a non-gamer. Dungeon shenanigans ensue. I seem to like this trope.
Back to the story. I tend to struggle a bit with novellas as they are just long enough for a good introduction but typically leave me unsatisfied as they don't have enough time for me to feel attached to the characters. This is basically how I feel about Christmas Core. It's a good start to a series. Elmer and the world he's found himself in have seem interesting and we have enough of an understanding of how the world works for the little story. I love the idea of a holiday themed dungeon as that is what Elmer and his wife enjoyed celebrating in life and that it confuses the heck out of the locals who have no idea about Earth culture. I am not excited about how the core and adventurers relationship is supposed to play out. Hopefully the next book helps fill in more of the world and build upon Elmer's character.
December 25, 2021
Novellas one
Mistakes: Well written and well edited. So much more could go into this.
Plot: This is an unfinished story. You get just a taste. While it is a good taste, I for one was left wanting more. I could see all the holidays being done and making for an awesome series of books. This is like getting one good bite of a cookie then having it taken away. I want more!
Characters: To short to really care, but the design of the dungeon was good and I would love more.
6/10
Mistakes: Well written and well edited. So much more could go into this.
Plot: This is an unfinished story. You get just a taste. While it is a good taste, I for one was left wanting more. I could see all the holidays being done and making for an awesome series of books. This is like getting one good bite of a cookie then having it taken away. I want more!
Characters: To short to really care, but the design of the dungeon was good and I would love more.
6/10
April 28, 2025
Christmas Core is a fun and refreshing twist on the dungeon core genre. The idea of blending holiday themes into a dungeon-core setup is surprisingly creative and works better than you might expect. The main character—a lovable old man—is a real highlight. His warmth and clear motivation give the story a lot of heart, which makes it easy to root for him.
The writing is just okay—nothing groundbreaking—but it’s good enough to carry the story and let the characters shine. Overall, I'm really enjoying it so far. It’s a cozy, feel-good kind of dungeon-core with a lot of charm.
If you’re looking for a light, unique take on the genre with a wholesome lead, Christmas Core is definitely worth checking out.
The writing is just okay—nothing groundbreaking—but it’s good enough to carry the story and let the characters shine. Overall, I'm really enjoying it so far. It’s a cozy, feel-good kind of dungeon-core with a lot of charm.
If you’re looking for a light, unique take on the genre with a wholesome lead, Christmas Core is definitely worth checking out.
December 25, 2021
Beyond amazing
I liked how Elmer used his knowledge to make a Christmas dungeon, and I noticed that it was a holiday dungeon so I was hoping that there was more than just Christmas, I know Valentine's is next, but there is many other holidays more if outside the United States.
I liked how Elmer used his knowledge to make a Christmas dungeon, and I noticed that it was a holiday dungeon so I was hoping that there was more than just Christmas, I know Valentine's is next, but there is many other holidays more if outside the United States.
December 30, 2021
A short fun read. Interesting idea to use an older guy unfamiliar with any sort of gaming mechanics as the core, and give it a holiday twist. I hope he continues with this series.
February 5, 2022
Decent story
I liked the story overall, but was not a fan of the reasons for the dungeon to exist/the interaction between Core and Adventurer.
Other Dungeon Core books speak of purifying mama, a very nice symbiotic relationship. This one seems way too adversarial. And the ability of adventures to resurrect after 30 days makes little sense, unless the world birth rate is very small. The world would be vastly overpopulated rather quickly. It just doesn't seem well thought out.
I liked the story overall, but was not a fan of the reasons for the dungeon to exist/the interaction between Core and Adventurer.
Other Dungeon Core books speak of purifying mama, a very nice symbiotic relationship. This one seems way too adversarial. And the ability of adventures to resurrect after 30 days makes little sense, unless the world birth rate is very small. The world would be vastly overpopulated rather quickly. It just doesn't seem well thought out.
January 3, 2023
I am an old guy who has almost no experience with Lit-RPG and none previously with dungeon core. I read them because my son and grandson both like to talk to me about their gaming experiences. I don't know what to expect from other dungeon core stories since reviews for this novella range from "too cute" types to "too violent" comments.
I do know this was an enjoyable story that is obviously first in a series. It could be a huge series if the author expands beyond the obvious US holidays. I know I would read a Halloween/Dias del a Muertes (sp?) version and really want him to circle back around to Christmas with international concepts (Krampus/Nisse/Yule Cat) and cartoon-y Rudolph/Grinch/Frosty motifs.
I do know this was an enjoyable story that is obviously first in a series. It could be a huge series if the author expands beyond the obvious US holidays. I know I would read a Halloween/Dias del a Muertes (sp?) version and really want him to circle back around to Christmas with international concepts (Krampus/Nisse/Yule Cat) and cartoon-y Rudolph/Grinch/Frosty motifs.
September 29, 2022
Dungeon core novels are basically junk food, and yet I don't know why I've read this entire series of novellas. It's probably because the premise of a holiday-themed murder arena is so absurd that you can't help but keep reading. Even with all of that though it's still a standard dungeon core novel with all of the flaws that come with the genre.
October 14, 2022
Fun Read
I enjoyed reading this. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was definitely fun to read. Thanks, Mr. Brooks. :)
I enjoyed reading this. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was definitely fun to read. Thanks, Mr. Brooks. :)
April 16, 2022
~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of this book.~
As I enjoyed the other dungeon books by Jonathan Brooks (The Dungeon Fairy and Dungeon Crafting), I couldn’t resist the free audiobook. April isn’t really the ideal time to read a book based on Christmas, but I suppose it is Easter this Sunday and therefore I’ll claim the timing is right.
I had fun with this. It follows most of the standards you would expect for a dungeon core book, but the holiday themed dungeon makes it fun. I think the dungeon minions, traps and whatnot are imaginative takes comboing Dungeons+Christmas.
It falls in the category of a bubblegum read for me short (150ish pages), relies heavily on its premise (holiday dungeon), and doesn’t have a ton of world building. But a quick read that entertains me is what I look for after a day at work and this fulfills that need.
I nabbed the sequel already because the kindle book was free ATM. I’m interested to see where the story will take us next because we haven’t had enough time to really flesh things out. Plus....I had fun and want to read more.
Narration was solid and consistent. I enjoyed his takes on the characters. I didn’t notice any audio issues.
As I enjoyed the other dungeon books by Jonathan Brooks (The Dungeon Fairy and Dungeon Crafting), I couldn’t resist the free audiobook. April isn’t really the ideal time to read a book based on Christmas, but I suppose it is Easter this Sunday and therefore I’ll claim the timing is right.
I had fun with this. It follows most of the standards you would expect for a dungeon core book, but the holiday themed dungeon makes it fun. I think the dungeon minions, traps and whatnot are imaginative takes comboing Dungeons+Christmas.
It falls in the category of a bubblegum read for me short (150ish pages), relies heavily on its premise (holiday dungeon), and doesn’t have a ton of world building. But a quick read that entertains me is what I look for after a day at work and this fulfills that need.
I nabbed the sequel already because the kindle book was free ATM. I’m interested to see where the story will take us next because we haven’t had enough time to really flesh things out. Plus....I had fun and want to read more.
Narration was solid and consistent. I enjoyed his takes on the characters. I didn’t notice any audio issues.
January 4, 2022
A fun short take on dungeon core stories
I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun but different take on the dungeon core genre. It's a short book, but it was well done. Really I would have liked a longer version of the story.
The main negative about the book is that the characters are really not fleshed out that well. Other than the core itself, there's little to feel about the other characters. I am more willing to overlook that since the core's personality is somewhat developed and the book is so short.
Overall I recommend the story if you like dungeon core stories, and especially if you are looking for a Christmas themed take on the genre.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun but different take on the dungeon core genre. It's a short book, but it was well done. Really I would have liked a longer version of the story.
The main negative about the book is that the characters are really not fleshed out that well. Other than the core itself, there's little to feel about the other characters. I am more willing to overlook that since the core's personality is somewhat developed and the book is so short.
Overall I recommend the story if you like dungeon core stories, and especially if you are looking for a Christmas themed take on the genre.
January 17, 2022
Don We Now Our Helms And Armor; Fa, La, Lala, La, La, La, La!
Cute little elves stabbing us with candy canes;
Huge rocking horse squishing out our brains;
It's A Christmas Dungeon!
Is this fruit cake for eating?
Or serious head beating?
It's A Christmas Dungeon!
Cookie cutters for treasure!
Are found in full measure!
It's A Christmas Dungeon!
This novella may be of interest to anyone who wants to read an amusing twist on writings of either Christmas genre or the Dungeon Core sub genre. And please forgive my bad lyrics.
Cute little elves stabbing us with candy canes;
Huge rocking horse squishing out our brains;
It's A Christmas Dungeon!
Is this fruit cake for eating?
Or serious head beating?
It's A Christmas Dungeon!
Cookie cutters for treasure!
Are found in full measure!
It's A Christmas Dungeon!
This novella may be of interest to anyone who wants to read an amusing twist on writings of either Christmas genre or the Dungeon Core sub genre. And please forgive my bad lyrics.
October 9, 2022
short but fun
When a man who loves the holidays that he shared with his wife of over 40 years becomes a dungeon core and learns that because he and his wife were soul bound she had preceded him but was locked away until he gained enough power what can he do? Why, he can create his dungeon in the image of his favorite holiday! This is Christmas with a twist. A fun little romp in the world of dungeon core literature. It is violent with an underlying sweetness. I really enjoyed it.
When a man who loves the holidays that he shared with his wife of over 40 years becomes a dungeon core and learns that because he and his wife were soul bound she had preceded him but was locked away until he gained enough power what can he do? Why, he can create his dungeon in the image of his favorite holiday! This is Christmas with a twist. A fun little romp in the world of dungeon core literature. It is violent with an underlying sweetness. I really enjoyed it.
December 24, 2021
a fun little romp
Elmer dies at Christmas and becomes a dungeon core creating what he loves the most ; holidays. In an effort to reunite with his also cored wife, Elmer fights adventurers to be the best he can and grow in strength. In the end he’s not strong enough but he’s much much closer.
It’s a fun little romp. Not too deep for elaborate but just right for a cozy quick read. Enjoy.
Elmer dies at Christmas and becomes a dungeon core creating what he loves the most ; holidays. In an effort to reunite with his also cored wife, Elmer fights adventurers to be the best he can and grow in strength. In the end he’s not strong enough but he’s much much closer.
It’s a fun little romp. Not too deep for elaborate but just right for a cozy quick read. Enjoy.
December 20, 2021
Wonderful christmas themed dungeon core short
I loved this a lot. I like most, if not all, of brooks’s books and I purchased it when he advertised it was on sale. I prefer audiobooks but I figured I would give this a read… and didn’t put it down till the end. Very captivating short story and I hope the holiday segments continue this storyline.
I loved this a lot. I like most, if not all, of brooks’s books and I purchased it when he advertised it was on sale. I prefer audiobooks but I figured I would give this a read… and didn’t put it down till the end. Very captivating short story and I hope the holiday segments continue this storyline.
December 26, 2021
Merry Christmas Dungeon Style!
What a cute but scary concept! I’m so glad the protagonist is an old man who just loves the holidays and wants his wife back. It makes the gruesome holiday scenes less traumatizing. There’s just something about using the sweet, innocent holidays as killing machines that is plain creepy.
10/10 would recommend!
What a cute but scary concept! I’m so glad the protagonist is an old man who just loves the holidays and wants his wife back. It makes the gruesome holiday scenes less traumatizing. There’s just something about using the sweet, innocent holidays as killing machines that is plain creepy.
10/10 would recommend!
February 27, 2022
Very fun concept, quick read, and a very unique take on the growing Dungeon Core genre. Highly recommended!
What kept me from pushing to 5 stars was the need for editing. It was a fun enough read that it didn’t matter that much, but it felt like reading a second draft more than a completed manuscript at times.
Still, I’ve already picked up Valentine’s Core and I’m eagerly awaiting Easter Core!
What kept me from pushing to 5 stars was the need for editing. It was a fun enough read that it didn’t matter that much, but it felt like reading a second draft more than a completed manuscript at times.
Still, I’ve already picked up Valentine’s Core and I’m eagerly awaiting Easter Core!
December 28, 2021
A funny holiday themed twist for this genre
I like that it was different enough that it didn't feel like a cheap throw away gift. It has the elements of a dungeon rpg story but with a nice holiday twist that can be continued year round.
I like that it was different enough that it didn't feel like a cheap throw away gift. It has the elements of a dungeon rpg story but with a nice holiday twist that can be continued year round.
December 29, 2021
A Christmas Dungeon?
I really didn’t know what to think about a Christmas themed dungeon. I was really hesitant to read this book but I am so glad that I did. I really enjoyed the imagination to come up with this dungeon. I plan to read the next in the series.
I really didn’t know what to think about a Christmas themed dungeon. I was really hesitant to read this book but I am so glad that I did. I really enjoyed the imagination to come up with this dungeon. I plan to read the next in the series.
February 23, 2022
Brooks delivers another masterpiece. As with his other works, he turned a seeming ridiculous concept into a fully realized story. A Christmas-themed dungeon seems far fetched to the uninitiated, but he made the concept work. I am looking forward to the sequel!
April 7, 2022
Review for both Christmas Core and Valentine Core as they are pretty much the same continuing story:
The first 'dungeon core' books I've read that I would describe as 'charming'. Weird, I know. But yeah - looking forward to number 3.
The first 'dungeon core' books I've read that I would describe as 'charming'. Weird, I know. But yeah - looking forward to number 3.
May 14, 2022
I like the premise
It is a novel ideal to have a holiday themed dungeon. I think the main character Elmer is relatable in his character. A man desperate to find his love and his hesitance for death. Interested in reading more
It is a novel ideal to have a holiday themed dungeon. I think the main character Elmer is relatable in his character. A man desperate to find his love and his hesitance for death. Interested in reading more
July 26, 2022
Holliday happiness
This seems like a well balanced book. Not to too much talking or explaining, spread out between Dungeon mechanics, and a regular amount of adventure.
I love the holiday theme.
This seems like a well balanced book. Not to too much talking or explaining, spread out between Dungeon mechanics, and a regular amount of adventure.
I love the holiday theme.
November 1, 2022
Very simple.
This has a very simple set up with a world state that is also vastly simplified. This has nothing to stand out and is very average, the fourth star is just for the novelty.
This has a very simple set up with a world state that is also vastly simplified. This has nothing to stand out and is very average, the fourth star is just for the novelty.
November 6, 2022
Delightfully Unexpected
You have to Love Elmer!! This was an unexpected Dungeon Core adventure. That embraced Christmas In a most unusual way.I won't give any Spoilers but beware Old Saint Nick !!!!
You have to Love Elmer!! This was an unexpected Dungeon Core adventure. That embraced Christmas In a most unusual way.I won't give any Spoilers but beware Old Saint Nick !!!!
December 25, 2021
Fun read
I like the author and he didn't disappoint.
I've never read a holiday themed dungeon novel before.
I hope he continues through the holiday cycle
I like the author and he didn't disappoint.
I've never read a holiday themed dungeon novel before.
I hope he continues through the holiday cycle
December 25, 2021
It's a delightful, charming novella which as the name is about a dungeon core with light base-building that fully embraces the spirit of its theme and does a good job of running with it.
January 1, 2022
Wow
new favorite Christmas book move over night before Christmas ! This is a great dungeon core book, what he does with a Christmas is amazing and really came to life
new favorite Christmas book move over night before Christmas ! This is a great dungeon core book, what he does with a Christmas is amazing and really came to life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews