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Shadowcroft Academy For Dungeons #2
Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons: Year Two
Build a dungeon. Slay heroes. Survive finals.
After narrowly surviving his first year at Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons, Logan Murray - army vet turned fungaloid - thought the hardest and weirdest days of his life were finally behind him.
Logan has never been that lucky.
Students are being killed, more so than usual, and no one is quite sure why. Logan and the Terrible Twelfth suspect it has something to do with Arborea’s secretive past. Worse, solving the mystery is only one of Logan’s many problems. His cultivation has stalled, Prince Chadrigoth is trying to murder him, and he’s got a lineup of new and challenging classes, like "Best Friends Your Minions and You" and "Offensive Dungeon When the Best Defense Is Preemptive Murder".
Logan didn’t survive his first year by giving up when the going got tough, and he has no intention of rolling over this time around. All he needs to do is level up his core, advance to his next monstrous evolution, unravel a mystery as old as the school itself, and put the smackdown on a demonic bully with murder on his mind. You know, just another ordinary year at good ol’ Shadowcroft.
From James A. Hunter - best-selling author of Rogue Dungeon, Bibliomancer (Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the LitRPG epic Viridian Gate Online - and Dragon Award finalist Aaron Michael Ritchey comes a brand-new Dungeon Core series, like nothing you've ever seen before. Funny, funky, and full of Gamelit goodness, this is one series you won't want to put down!
After narrowly surviving his first year at Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons, Logan Murray - army vet turned fungaloid - thought the hardest and weirdest days of his life were finally behind him.
Logan has never been that lucky.
Students are being killed, more so than usual, and no one is quite sure why. Logan and the Terrible Twelfth suspect it has something to do with Arborea’s secretive past. Worse, solving the mystery is only one of Logan’s many problems. His cultivation has stalled, Prince Chadrigoth is trying to murder him, and he’s got a lineup of new and challenging classes, like "Best Friends Your Minions and You" and "Offensive Dungeon When the Best Defense Is Preemptive Murder".
Logan didn’t survive his first year by giving up when the going got tough, and he has no intention of rolling over this time around. All he needs to do is level up his core, advance to his next monstrous evolution, unravel a mystery as old as the school itself, and put the smackdown on a demonic bully with murder on his mind. You know, just another ordinary year at good ol’ Shadowcroft.
From James A. Hunter - best-selling author of Rogue Dungeon, Bibliomancer (Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the LitRPG epic Viridian Gate Online - and Dragon Award finalist Aaron Michael Ritchey comes a brand-new Dungeon Core series, like nothing you've ever seen before. Funny, funky, and full of Gamelit goodness, this is one series you won't want to put down!
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
Published November 30, 2021
176 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
79 books1,106 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 4, 2021
I was hoping that without the set up portion this idea could flourish.
I was wrong. This book actively ignores its own setting. The tricks are obvious, the character choices are ridiculous. The entirety of the Academy concept is broken. By the end of this book I was just glad to be done.
I was wrong. This book actively ignores its own setting. The tricks are obvious, the character choices are ridiculous. The entirety of the Academy concept is broken. By the end of this book I was just glad to be done.
May 4, 2022
On the second volume, author has lost focus on this novel series. Makes it more about new characters, dueling with the different student Dungeon Cores (when they should be training to defeat adventurers almost exclusively and making their Dungeon knowledge and experience stronger). When would monsters get to fight against other monsters? Almost never and yet Author makes up Dungeon Arena so that Dungeon Cores fight and fight and fight each other as if by just fighting with other monsters they would gain experience to fight real adventurers. If there are Dungeon Rogues and Monsters that kill other Monster Cores, then what is the point to create the main plot of the Tree of Souls and all of the goodness that this Tree does by recycling the souls and giving new Apotha (mana, magical energy) to the multiverse? And more ridiculous, Logan, the main character, "wants to save Earth" by sending more Apotha to his former planet. Why? so that they can kill even more Earthlings and torture them in this idiotic Dungeon Core academy? It's already irrational that most of the Dungeon Cores committed suicide to be able to attend Shadowcroft. Who would be idiotic enough to want to be a meat shield and punching bag to bullies, murderers and psychopaths?? (teachers from the academy, student rogues, greedy adventurers) If dying is sooooooo good for the Tree of Souls, why would the students want to revive, or live, and not just drink a lot of Kool-Aid, sing satanic music and do a cult massive suicide??
Rockheart did everything possible to kill Logan's 12th group, several times, and during the final exam and now, his clan is third so now he's angry that he's being overtaken by the other clans? If he (Rockheart) the main reason his student clan is getting low ranking points (from killing off his students)???
This second volume is twice as big as the first volume and yet, criminal teachers and rogue students do whatever the heck they want, Author seems not to have stories well thought out. Even though Author uses Harry Potter stories for "inspiration/copy" places the "bad" students with the "main character students" in the same classes and the same clan. So what is the point to destroy in a blaze of glory the clan by not making it "uniform" and "united". They gain nothing by creating conflict killing off the students and making the other clans, the other academies stronger.
Usually cooking and eating are themes that fictional fantasy novels write about, but these Dungeon Cores really don't have physical bodies anymore (all died "to become Dungeon Cores"), and yet, main character, Logan, eats rotten food, because since he has hologram (physical representation or image) of a mushroom, author supposes that Logan is now into rotten and decomposing food and biological matter (adventurers, bodies, etc.) If they can use Apothos for "energy", then why do they drink and eat or sleep if they are no longer living biological beings but just Dungeon Cores?
Rockheart did everything possible to kill Logan's 12th group, several times, and during the final exam and now, his clan is third so now he's angry that he's being overtaken by the other clans? If he (Rockheart) the main reason his student clan is getting low ranking points (from killing off his students)???
This second volume is twice as big as the first volume and yet, criminal teachers and rogue students do whatever the heck they want, Author seems not to have stories well thought out. Even though Author uses Harry Potter stories for "inspiration/copy" places the "bad" students with the "main character students" in the same classes and the same clan. So what is the point to destroy in a blaze of glory the clan by not making it "uniform" and "united". They gain nothing by creating conflict killing off the students and making the other clans, the other academies stronger.
Usually cooking and eating are themes that fictional fantasy novels write about, but these Dungeon Cores really don't have physical bodies anymore (all died "to become Dungeon Cores"), and yet, main character, Logan, eats rotten food, because since he has hologram (physical representation or image) of a mushroom, author supposes that Logan is now into rotten and decomposing food and biological matter (adventurers, bodies, etc.) If they can use Apothos for "energy", then why do they drink and eat or sleep if they are no longer living biological beings but just Dungeon Cores?
September 14, 2021
So Logan Murray, our fungaloid and his terrible twelfth group, namely Inga, Marko and Treacle are back at Shadowcroft Academy for their 2nd year and their problems were just starting. During this year students are being killed, Prince Chadrigoth was still intent on killing Logan, who seemed to have encountered a problem which held him back from furthering his cultivation and progressing and they all had many challenging new classes lined up for them. But on the bright side they had their own rooms in the academy this year and Logan was happy with his. Not one to ever give up, Logan was all set to unravel a mystery and continue to work hard to evolve in order to be able to stop the demonic bully with murder on his mind. Their job as dungeon cores was to defend the tree of souls from dungeoneers as well as rogue dungeons themselves, thus in fact protecting all of life in the Ashvattha multiverse. In this book many a secret is uncovered mainly through Logan’s bonding with the others, friendships are built where least expected, and Logan is always there to support his friends. I love that he is so loyal and always put others’ interests before his own. I also really enjoyed the use of quotes from Earth especially the ‘for salt ‘ one. This book is a massive tome which is full of adventure all the way so for readers, who like myself, enjoy a long read this is the book for you. I am really looking forward to joining our group of misfits for their 3rd year which is bound to be as full of mishaps, danger and bravery as the past two were!
March 6, 2022
Another cool and fun book!
Mushrooms are apparently overpowered. The fact that he can bond with more than one core is OP enough, but you can say to yourself "well it's OP for school classes, in his normal dungeon 6 hours' time limit is way too short". But then we learn he has the potential to summon past partners to his location at will. Well then, overpowered indeed.
But who cares really? This story is fun and interesting to read. The main character is a loveable guy who tries to do the right thing but most of the time bungles it up. His band is misfits has just the right combination of humor and self-doughs that makes them a good read.
And for those who keep saying it's a harry potter reap off, come one… not all magical school books are even related to HP. This is because students here are full grownups and death is a real part of the school classes. So I really don’t get the compression.
Things go a bit OP for me right at the end, and the fact our loveable mushroom guy keeps leveling to really high levels when the others are still left behind is a bit unbelievable. Also his new best buddy in the end goes from hating and going to kill him to wanna be groupie way too fast.
Other than that it’s a real fun book and I can't wait how things go on the next year
This book gets 4/5 and is very much recommended as a fun light read.
Mushrooms are apparently overpowered. The fact that he can bond with more than one core is OP enough, but you can say to yourself "well it's OP for school classes, in his normal dungeon 6 hours' time limit is way too short". But then we learn he has the potential to summon past partners to his location at will. Well then, overpowered indeed.
But who cares really? This story is fun and interesting to read. The main character is a loveable guy who tries to do the right thing but most of the time bungles it up. His band is misfits has just the right combination of humor and self-doughs that makes them a good read.
And for those who keep saying it's a harry potter reap off, come one… not all magical school books are even related to HP. This is because students here are full grownups and death is a real part of the school classes. So I really don’t get the compression.
Things go a bit OP for me right at the end, and the fact our loveable mushroom guy keeps leveling to really high levels when the others are still left behind is a bit unbelievable. Also his new best buddy in the end goes from hating and going to kill him to wanna be groupie way too fast.
Other than that it’s a real fun book and I can't wait how things go on the next year
This book gets 4/5 and is very much recommended as a fun light read.
Read
September 20, 2021Pass the Year, Save the World.
Having survived all attempts to kill him, Logan and his friends now have to face their second year of Dungeon Core School. After a couple of murders and loads of school classes and cultivation, our heroes are left trying to save the world, pass the year and not get themselves killed in the process.
This is a long novel and it shows by the slow moving first half. A couple of murders and loads of classes sums the first half up. The tough, never give up Marine type attitude which so endeared me to our MC isn't shown either and the plot is so well disguised under colourful characters and ridiculous courses that it is easy to miss the seriousness of the situation. Once the novel picks up speed it does so very quickly until, towards the end, I couldn't put it down and was left breathless from the surprise plot and story speed.
Not as good as the first one but above average.
Having survived all attempts to kill him, Logan and his friends now have to face their second year of Dungeon Core School. After a couple of murders and loads of school classes and cultivation, our heroes are left trying to save the world, pass the year and not get themselves killed in the process.
This is a long novel and it shows by the slow moving first half. A couple of murders and loads of classes sums the first half up. The tough, never give up Marine type attitude which so endeared me to our MC isn't shown either and the plot is so well disguised under colourful characters and ridiculous courses that it is easy to miss the seriousness of the situation. Once the novel picks up speed it does so very quickly until, towards the end, I couldn't put it down and was left breathless from the surprise plot and story speed.
Not as good as the first one but above average.
October 2, 2021
Unplanned read
So, first off, I hate this series! It gives me such mixed emotions. When I first read it through KU I decided I wouldn't read the second book, because the grammar and spelling mishaps were absolutely inundated the book to the point of almost hilarity. It was a decent isekai story, but that was about it. And then I finished the book and as with most Shadow Alley books its ending just made me change my mind, so I did, obviously pick this book up and it was much the same, grammar-wise. It didn't make me hate it with all of its references and mistakes and cliches. Those were minor enough to brush off. The story, though, was terrific, as per usual for one James Hunter. Some well placed plot twists were good and even the dumb new friends were a good laugh and eye roll.
So, first off, I hate this series! It gives me such mixed emotions. When I first read it through KU I decided I wouldn't read the second book, because the grammar and spelling mishaps were absolutely inundated the book to the point of almost hilarity. It was a decent isekai story, but that was about it. And then I finished the book and as with most Shadow Alley books its ending just made me change my mind, so I did, obviously pick this book up and it was much the same, grammar-wise. It didn't make me hate it with all of its references and mistakes and cliches. Those were minor enough to brush off. The story, though, was terrific, as per usual for one James Hunter. Some well placed plot twists were good and even the dumb new friends were a good laugh and eye roll.
October 4, 2021
As the second year for Logan and the Terrible Twelfth gets underway a professor and two students die and Logan just has to try to solve the mystery. With a few new professors, some new students and magically delicious cherry turnovers, the Twelfth must pass their classes, survive the First Cohort’s attacks, solve the mysterious deaths and manage to set a perfect table so Inga can ace her elective with the vulture professor she adores.
Through hard work the cores are advancing and learning and preparing for their futures, but can they survive? All four of them? And what about Steve?
I like this series that looks at dungeons as living entities protecting the Tree that keeps the multiverse functioning instead of just being places where adventurers try to advance and collect loot. Not that loot is a bad thing, but in this case it’s usually a lure to a trap. I’m ready for year three!
Through hard work the cores are advancing and learning and preparing for their futures, but can they survive? All four of them? And what about Steve?
I like this series that looks at dungeons as living entities protecting the Tree that keeps the multiverse functioning instead of just being places where adventurers try to advance and collect loot. Not that loot is a bad thing, but in this case it’s usually a lure to a trap. I’m ready for year three!
September 27, 2021
Creative Series!
This book adds excellent fun to an already awesome series. Great details on all the good things, all the bizarre things (like threeks, and which ones to use when), and exploring the depths of characters new and old. I truly enjoy just how unique and well-defined the characters and their worlds are, and the clever approaches used to highlight them. I also enjoy all the action combined with the daily grind (hah!) that speaks so well of a collection of characters comfortable with each other.
This book adds excellent fun to an already awesome series. Great details on all the good things, all the bizarre things (like threeks, and which ones to use when), and exploring the depths of characters new and old. I truly enjoy just how unique and well-defined the characters and their worlds are, and the clever approaches used to highlight them. I also enjoy all the action combined with the daily grind (hah!) that speaks so well of a collection of characters comfortable with each other.
January 10, 2022
year 2 is a doozy.
Maybe only 3.5 stars. At a school for dungeon cores, bad things happen. And ancient evils roam the halls. And the main characters survive to make it to another year.
The cohesion of the story wasn’t as good as the first book. The main “mystery” plot lines were confused and there were logic jumps that I just didn’t follow. The slight twist for the bad guy at the end was good.
Maybe only 3.5 stars. At a school for dungeon cores, bad things happen. And ancient evils roam the halls. And the main characters survive to make it to another year.
The cohesion of the story wasn’t as good as the first book. The main “mystery” plot lines were confused and there were logic jumps that I just didn’t follow. The slight twist for the bad guy at the end was good.
September 20, 2021
Mystory, History and Mushrooms
The 2nd books continues the progression in leaps and bounds, with a mystery driving them forward. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This is one of the underrated books in the genre that punches above it's weight, mixing humour and cute and horror in a cavalier fashion that works.
The 2nd books continues the progression in leaps and bounds, with a mystery driving them forward. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This is one of the underrated books in the genre that punches above it's weight, mixing humour and cute and horror in a cavalier fashion that works.
October 4, 2021
Move over Harry Potter.
This is like reading harry Potter but way better!!! More action, more thrills, creepier characters. The author has a way of describing his chatacters, he's good. But its a Marine thing, OOH RAH!! I would absolutely recommend this series. Its alot of fun to read and exciting, keeps you rivited.
This is like reading harry Potter but way better!!! More action, more thrills, creepier characters. The author has a way of describing his chatacters, he's good. But its a Marine thing, OOH RAH!! I would absolutely recommend this series. Its alot of fun to read and exciting, keeps you rivited.
December 12, 2022
Glad I get this for under $4. I’ll continue to buy the new books for that price but would pass if any more. I just can’t believe it’s the same James Hunter that wrote Viridian Gate prettt big let down. The narration on audible still has weird awkward pauses but is better than book 1 was.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
April 7, 2024
Kind of a let down. The plot meanders, trying to be a wannabe dungeon-Harry Potter, but with weird off putting 80/90s pop culture references, and a lack of dramatic tension that just made it boring. The character development and plot twists of the first book were severely lacking, and it just all felt meh. It was an entertaining premise for a series, but ultimately fell flat.
September 24, 2021
Great 2nd volume!
If you liked the first book you'll love this one! With increased character growth, plot twists, and much more you'll be delighted by this book. It's clear that there is much more to come in this universe
If you liked the first book you'll love this one! With increased character growth, plot twists, and much more you'll be delighted by this book. It's clear that there is much more to come in this universe
October 1, 2021
Another great chapter in the story
Loved the first book and the second doesn’t disappoint. Set up for the future books makes you wish they were out now! Start Shadowcroft immediately you will be glad you did :)
Loved the first book and the second doesn’t disappoint. Set up for the future books makes you wish they were out now! Start Shadowcroft immediately you will be glad you did :)
October 9, 2021
I liked the first book. I think this is even better
Second year. More classes, more books, more adventure, more everything. Except romance. Still stuck at zero, but i didnt expect anything else.
Second year. More classes, more books, more adventure, more everything. Except romance. Still stuck at zero, but i didnt expect anything else.
October 29, 2021
After reading the first one and enjoying the uniqueness of it I went for Year Two! Mr. Hunter had done a good job sucking me in with the first one and will say I wasn't disappointed. While things settled a little there's also some good story telling here. Mr. Hunter does a very good job setting up a story with an interesting twist. Marvin was interesting and the imagination to come up with the different types of dungeons is very admirable. If there's weaknesses with the this one it's that it's seriusly wandered into the Harry Potter realm and while Mr. Hunter does things a little different than they were done in Harry Potter the bringing out the evil dungeoneer and attempting to attack Shadowcroft really was reminicent of Harry. While it's very readable, it makes you wonder if Mr. Hunter is telling his own fantasy or re-writing for his environment. Merge this with evidence that additional proof reading is required adn the book settles into a weak 4 star book.
February 25, 2025
It's good
It's a good read. I enjoyed the second in the series and look forward to reading more. I am glad that the author has stayed true to the characters and overall theme of the first book!!
It's a good read. I enjoyed the second in the series and look forward to reading more. I am glad that the author has stayed true to the characters and overall theme of the first book!!
September 19, 2021
Funny, easy to read and enjoyable
A mix of dungeon and cultivation themes. Not too long, not too short and the story leaves you coming back for more. What more can you ask for?
A mix of dungeon and cultivation themes. Not too long, not too short and the story leaves you coming back for more. What more can you ask for?
September 19, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with dungeons and magic.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with dungeons and magic.
September 21, 2021
Little bit of mystery
The mystery made you wonder about the red herrings more than most books, which was a surprise. Interested in book 3 definitely
The mystery made you wonder about the red herrings more than most books, which was a surprise. Interested in book 3 definitely
September 24, 2021
Great book
I really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to the next one. The authors did a great job on their continued character and world building.
I really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to the next one. The authors did a great job on their continued character and world building.
September 25, 2021
Another great ride through another year at Shadowcroft
Another great ride through another year at Shadowcroft. Lots of problems and mayhem. Can’t wait for the next part. Toodles.
Another great ride through another year at Shadowcroft. Lots of problems and mayhem. Can’t wait for the next part. Toodles.
September 26, 2021
More Fun
Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons: Year Two takes us back to the fun filled academy trying to create new dungeon cores and save the tree of life. Great series!
Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons: Year Two takes us back to the fun filled academy trying to create new dungeon cores and save the tree of life. Great series!
November 4, 2021
Okay
I mostly enjoyed reading this series. I got a little lost when it turned into a Nancy Drew mystery IDK anymore
I mostly enjoyed reading this series. I got a little lost when it turned into a Nancy Drew mystery IDK anymore
February 13, 2022
Academy and Dungeon.
Academy and Dungeon.
Academy and Dungeon.
Nuff said.
Academy and Dungeon.
Academy and Dungeon.
Nuff said.
November 26, 2021
Good sequel. It is a unique take on dungeon core. It is a lot more Harry Potter-y than dungeon dive-y. Meaning it is more about school and character interaction than protecting the dungeon.
November 6, 2023
I know I have listened to this book before. But I don't remember it. So this was like a first listen and it was amazing.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews