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Dungeon Explorers #1
Dungeon Explorers
One perfectly ordinary day turned into chaos, but it wasn’t all bad. Sure, I had to fight for my life, but I also rescued the darling damsel Sophia and met the legendary adventurer Stormbreaker. That fateful encounter unlocked a rare and mysterious new [Runesmith]. To top it off, I earned a spot in the Dungeon Divers Guild.
580 pages, ebook
Published December 23, 2024
263 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 18, 2025
I had to really mull over what kind of rating to give this, if any, and I settled on 2.99/5. Like, it was surprisingly fun but good lord did it need more time in the oven. The biscuit was still doughy in the middle.
One of my biggest problems is an inconsistent style. The font for the system messages changes in the back third of the book. What's up with that? There's also absolutely no sense of time and it makes Sophia seem *CRAZY*. Maybe I'm old but I'm not up for the whole "I met you 8 hours ago and now I love you" thing. John is portrayed as pretty level-headed but then absolutely loses his cool over some lame taunting by the noble boy? One of the quests they go on says at the beginning the whole party is gonna get a cool thing and then by the end the author decides only John gets a cool thing because Gary Stu. I'm not against a power-fantasy main character and I get just as hot over competence porn as the next person, but this is too much into the realm of "this dude is good at everything because reasons". He's not even the chosen one! And what the heck do all these fantasy authors have against shields huh? I totally get that two weapon fighting is cool, but it is horribly impractical and if John is the only frontline fighter then he needs a shield.
Anyway this turned into a rant. It was fine. Probably read the next book when it comes out next month if it isn't too long and hopefully it's better.
One of my biggest problems is an inconsistent style. The font for the system messages changes in the back third of the book. What's up with that? There's also absolutely no sense of time and it makes Sophia seem *CRAZY*. Maybe I'm old but I'm not up for the whole "I met you 8 hours ago and now I love you" thing. John is portrayed as pretty level-headed but then absolutely loses his cool over some lame taunting by the noble boy? One of the quests they go on says at the beginning the whole party is gonna get a cool thing and then by the end the author decides only John gets a cool thing because Gary Stu. I'm not against a power-fantasy main character and I get just as hot over competence porn as the next person, but this is too much into the realm of "this dude is good at everything because reasons". He's not even the chosen one! And what the heck do all these fantasy authors have against shields huh? I totally get that two weapon fighting is cool, but it is horribly impractical and if John is the only frontline fighter then he needs a shield.
Anyway this turned into a rant. It was fine. Probably read the next book when it comes out next month if it isn't too long and hopefully it's better.
May 2, 2025
DNF, couldn’t go passed 54%
I was interested in the story, but I just couldn’t finish this, it was horrendous. The story just kept feeling disjoined and rushed. In the span of a few hours the MCs entire life has changed and he is just kinda meh about it all. He simultaneously can stand up to people yet fold like a house of cards for the women around him.
Sophia is genuinely annoying and insane. She changes moods faster than a bipolar ferret with adhd! Or is it Sofia? Both names used….
The guild was just idiotic. Instructors on power trips and no parents, especially “nobles”, are going to send their kids into that type of bs where they can kill you simply because they feel like it.
Interesting idea, HORRIBLE execution.
I was interested in the story, but I just couldn’t finish this, it was horrendous. The story just kept feeling disjoined and rushed. In the span of a few hours the MCs entire life has changed and he is just kinda meh about it all. He simultaneously can stand up to people yet fold like a house of cards for the women around him.
Sophia is genuinely annoying and insane. She changes moods faster than a bipolar ferret with adhd! Or is it Sofia? Both names used….
The guild was just idiotic. Instructors on power trips and no parents, especially “nobles”, are going to send their kids into that type of bs where they can kill you simply because they feel like it.
Interesting idea, HORRIBLE execution.
January 7, 2025
MC is stupid
I loathe books where the MC is an idiot. This book could ha e been good i got to about 60% and dropped it.
I loathe books where the MC is an idiot. This book could ha e been good i got to about 60% and dropped it.
December 24, 2024
It was fine but just fine.
This wasn't a bad book, just not that good of one. All the romance felt very rushed and forced. The story is very cookie cutter. Again, it's not bad, and I'll probably continue the series because it does have the potential to get really good. It's just not there yet for me.
This wasn't a bad book, just not that good of one. All the romance felt very rushed and forced. The story is very cookie cutter. Again, it's not bad, and I'll probably continue the series because it does have the potential to get really good. It's just not there yet for me.
April 23, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable, unique and they compliment each other very well. The rogue seems to woefully under utilized though. The author seems to borrow a lot of ideas from different book series that I have read, but being a Runesmith is a new twist. This book relies a lot on Fate being a behind the scenes player in arranging things. I get it, it helps move the story along faster.
The book starts out with John being a blacksmith. He's spent the last 10 years of his life being an apprentice to a blacksmith and is one of the best and will take over once his trainer retires. A lady, Sophia who happens to be a weak Ice Mage comes into his shop to remove a taint from a family heirloom, a war ax. Nobody else has been able to remove it. Because he is such a good blacksmith he discovers that the ax is possessed by a Nether spider creature. The Nether is a malevolent force that has been corrupting the Dungeon. The Dungeon has brought prosperity to race of man since it was discovered. In fighting the Nether creature John is blessed to become the first Runesmith in present existence. Stormbreaker, the nations newest Dungeon diving protege, happens to be part of the parade outside the blacksmith shop realizes his potential and recruits him to join the Dungeon Guild. John insists that Sophia join as well. Along the way a female rogue name Mel, is caught doing a terrible job trying to warn them of an upcoming ambush by Bandits that she used to run with. John insists in having her join his party and get admitted to the guild as well.
There is much here and the author does a good job, not great, of tying it together and moving the story along. The dungeon Guild headquarters feels like if you were to put Hogwarts (Harry Potter) inside the Tardis (Doctor Who), which is entirely possible. I don't like the fact that John, after spending a decade being a blacksmith, seems to never want to raise a hammer in a forge again. I imagine that he could create some very decent armor and shields.
The book starts out with John being a blacksmith. He's spent the last 10 years of his life being an apprentice to a blacksmith and is one of the best and will take over once his trainer retires. A lady, Sophia who happens to be a weak Ice Mage comes into his shop to remove a taint from a family heirloom, a war ax. Nobody else has been able to remove it. Because he is such a good blacksmith he discovers that the ax is possessed by a Nether spider creature. The Nether is a malevolent force that has been corrupting the Dungeon. The Dungeon has brought prosperity to race of man since it was discovered. In fighting the Nether creature John is blessed to become the first Runesmith in present existence. Stormbreaker, the nations newest Dungeon diving protege, happens to be part of the parade outside the blacksmith shop realizes his potential and recruits him to join the Dungeon Guild. John insists that Sophia join as well. Along the way a female rogue name Mel, is caught doing a terrible job trying to warn them of an upcoming ambush by Bandits that she used to run with. John insists in having her join his party and get admitted to the guild as well.
There is much here and the author does a good job, not great, of tying it together and moving the story along. The dungeon Guild headquarters feels like if you were to put Hogwarts (Harry Potter) inside the Tardis (Doctor Who), which is entirely possible. I don't like the fact that John, after spending a decade being a blacksmith, seems to never want to raise a hammer in a forge again. I imagine that he could create some very decent armor and shields.
January 13, 2026
This book could have been awesome but the author either has never had a relationship with a women or is still in high school. This whole, I've known you for a day and am now yours and you are mine or else attitude by Sophia is annoying, highly immature, and makes for a difficult read.
This reminds me of Teenage fantasy where the author is writing the story as something he wishes would happen to him where he's overpowered, the only one who can save the day and of course gets everything he wants.
It's a shame because the premise is good as is the main character John. This story would be way better if the author did a rewrite and made it so John's love interests developed normally over time, not in the I just met you and instantly love you, grade school mentality. Plus, if the story must have a possessive, manipulative crazy witch as one of them, at least have the protagonist have the backbone to put her in her place. This is fantasy, I don't know anyone who would fantasize about such a horrible woman.
Highly disappointing, because as I said, the story had a lot of potential.
Oh, and the author definitely should decide whether the character's name is Sophia or Sofia, because both are used.
This reminds me of Teenage fantasy where the author is writing the story as something he wishes would happen to him where he's overpowered, the only one who can save the day and of course gets everything he wants.
It's a shame because the premise is good as is the main character John. This story would be way better if the author did a rewrite and made it so John's love interests developed normally over time, not in the I just met you and instantly love you, grade school mentality. Plus, if the story must have a possessive, manipulative crazy witch as one of them, at least have the protagonist have the backbone to put her in her place. This is fantasy, I don't know anyone who would fantasize about such a horrible woman.
Highly disappointing, because as I said, the story had a lot of potential.
Oh, and the author definitely should decide whether the character's name is Sophia or Sofia, because both are used.
November 6, 2025
Mostly overall good, but good heavens I'm tired of overly-confident MCs. Some humility would be most welcome. That said, this reads like a first-time author trying to find his haremlit wings. I would definitely not give this five stars, but I'll say sure to a four-star. A few grammatical errors, but in this self-publishing day and age, it's frankly becoming the norm. I swear, some authors don't even give their works a second read-through, let alone run it past a qualified proof-reader. Rant mode off (sorry).
SPOILERS:
First LI is first named Sophia, then authors call her Sofia. She's introduced as a shy, good-girl noble, yet two days in gives the MC a bj. As other reviewers have noted, the insta-love and excessive sex scenes detracted from the book; the author is obviously trying too hard to please the vocal majority in the genre that screams for SMUT! SMUT! SMUT!
SPOILERS:
First LI is first named Sophia, then authors call her Sofia. She's introduced as a shy, good-girl noble, yet two days in gives the MC a bj. As other reviewers have noted, the insta-love and excessive sex scenes detracted from the book; the author is obviously trying too hard to please the vocal majority in the genre that screams for SMUT! SMUT! SMUT!
January 15, 2025
Definitely could done without the harem aspects of the story, since they contributed almost nothing to the story, but otherwise, the story was pretty good. Some unique aspects to the story made it enjoyable. There were multiple continuity errors though that really should have been caught during proofreading, but again, ignoring those, the story reads pretty well. I'll probably read the next one, despite the useless harem aspects of the story.
January 23, 2025
Unique, exciting and intriguing
I love a good dungeon diving novel, and it's always interesting to see how things will evolve and develop with each book and world.
And this one doesn't disappoint. Full of adventure, battles, magic and a corruption linking to a millennia old war infecting the dungeon and making it dangerous... What's not to like.
And the characters are fun, complex and make a good fit for the party.
Looking forward to book 2!
I love a good dungeon diving novel, and it's always interesting to see how things will evolve and develop with each book and world.
And this one doesn't disappoint. Full of adventure, battles, magic and a corruption linking to a millennia old war infecting the dungeon and making it dangerous... What's not to like.
And the characters are fun, complex and make a good fit for the party.
Looking forward to book 2!
December 28, 2024
Really Great First Book
The plot is very interesting and the characters are varied and not stereotypical. The progression flows nicely and keeps the story moving in a very good speed. Over all a great story and definitely need the next book as soon possible! But I am patient and can wait until it's here.
The plot is very interesting and the characters are varied and not stereotypical. The progression flows nicely and keeps the story moving in a very good speed. Over all a great story and definitely need the next book as soon possible! But I am patient and can wait until it's here.
January 1, 2025
Decent first
Not to bad. The world is not well flushed out and a bit superficial. The system is simple and not detailed. I found the story engaging with most of the characters unique. What I didn't like is a slightly hot headed MC. Though his heart is in the right place his ego is a bit off-putting. However, I will read the next book to see where this goes.
Not to bad. The world is not well flushed out and a bit superficial. The system is simple and not detailed. I found the story engaging with most of the characters unique. What I didn't like is a slightly hot headed MC. Though his heart is in the right place his ego is a bit off-putting. However, I will read the next book to see where this goes.
February 13, 2025
Decent story and concept. Decent characters both good and bad. Would have given it a higher rating if not for the teenage boy sex fantasies. At least there was only a few and they didn’t take up too much time. The sad thing is that the next book will probably be full of them. Oh well if it is that will end this series for me
September 27, 2025
Schlock
Marcus’s Sloss should change his pseudonym to ‘Marcus Schlock’. The man must be an AI, because he churns out the same low tier, meh, garbage with every book.
This one is no different.
Dude meets a girl? He bangs her.
He’s apparently candy to all women, despite having the personality of a moldy sponge.
Yawn fest, and DNF.
Marcus’s Sloss should change his pseudonym to ‘Marcus Schlock’. The man must be an AI, because he churns out the same low tier, meh, garbage with every book.
This one is no different.
Dude meets a girl? He bangs her.
He’s apparently candy to all women, despite having the personality of a moldy sponge.
Yawn fest, and DNF.
December 30, 2024
good
Good start to a new series. I like the way it’s going and it’s not the same as the other dungeon series I have read. Kind of like stranger things but dungeon style. Good work. Looking forward to the next book.
Good start to a new series. I like the way it’s going and it’s not the same as the other dungeon series I have read. Kind of like stranger things but dungeon style. Good work. Looking forward to the next book.
January 4, 2025
Dungeon Explorers 1
Good read. Good verses Evil. So far we have the outline about where the plot might go. Like the mix of characters of
the team. Look forward to the next in the series.
Good read. Good verses Evil. So far we have the outline about where the plot might go. Like the mix of characters of
the team. Look forward to the next in the series.
January 9, 2025
fun story
Constant excitement and adventure with a likeable main character. Story is continually evolving and holds your attention. Much better than I imagined and ready for the next installment.
Constant excitement and adventure with a likeable main character. Story is continually evolving and holds your attention. Much better than I imagined and ready for the next installment.
January 16, 2025
An excellent beginning!!
I expected a well written and edited fantasy adventure and was not disappointed in the least!!! Wonderful characters that are already developing into an interesting and enjoyable base of the series!!! World building is really good as expected!!!
I expected a well written and edited fantasy adventure and was not disappointed in the least!!! Wonderful characters that are already developing into an interesting and enjoyable base of the series!!! World building is really good as expected!!!
February 16, 2025
Terrific read - tremendous writing
I greatly enjoyed my time with the characters and I look forward to reading Book 2. The authors do a wonderful job of setting up the plot and allowing the characters to develop at a reasonable pace.
I greatly enjoyed my time with the characters and I look forward to reading Book 2. The authors do a wonderful job of setting up the plot and allowing the characters to develop at a reasonable pace.
December 24, 2024
The start of a new and exciting story of friendship, corruption and dungeons.
December 26, 2024
Great start
Good start to the new series wish we were already to book 5 but looking forward to what the author does with it
Good start to the new series wish we were already to book 5 but looking forward to what the author does with it
January 19, 2025
Fun read
Highly interesting characters combined with a good storyline make this a fun read. The epilogue is actually pretty good. And overall only a few typos. Nice job
Highly interesting characters combined with a good storyline make this a fun read. The epilogue is actually pretty good. And overall only a few typos. Nice job
January 19, 2025
What Next?
Well the plot thickens. John and his group are in for some unknown excitement. A very interesting situation is about to unfold!
Well the plot thickens. John and his group are in for some unknown excitement. A very interesting situation is about to unfold!
January 28, 2025
A fun adventure
I enjoyed the interesting characters. They felt rather believable. The world and lore also provides some mystery and I look forward to finding out more.
I enjoyed the interesting characters. They felt rather believable. The world and lore also provides some mystery and I look forward to finding out more.
February 8, 2025
I can’t take another of these I’m afraid. One chapter standard adventure stuff, then the next everyone’s bursting out of their clothes and waving their willies around. It reads like a porn parody. Alice in Underpants.
May 3, 2025
Very good story
It was a fun story that kept me reading and entertained. I look forward to the next one and all the adventures in the dungeon! I hope he beats them all!
It was a fun story that kept me reading and entertained. I look forward to the next one and all the adventures in the dungeon! I hope he beats them all!
June 11, 2025
Shitty story and shitty writing.
August 8, 2025
DNF
Chapter 6
Sexual
Chapter 6
Sexual
May 13, 2025
A better-balanced harem book than the lurid cover (on the version I read, at least) would suggest. First girl was pretty sudden, but more emphasis went on other story elements from there. Sex scenes were mercifully brief and not at the stage where I'd skip entire chapters to get past them. All-in-all it's good enough to take an option on book 2.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews