What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wraith's Haunt #5
Dungeon Lord: Nightmare Kingdom: The Wraith's Haunt: A LitRPG Series, Book 5
Edward Wright is the Dungeon Lord, a Dark champion chosen by the Dark god, Murmur, to lead armies of minions against the forces of the Light in the eternal battle for the soul of the world of Ivalis.
After barely surviving the Endeavor of the Factory of Nightmares, Dungeon Lord Edward Wright was banished back to Earth.
Stranded in a world without magic, the Dungeon Lord must now find a way to return to the magical realm of Ivalis. If his enemies realize he’s disappeared, they’ll undoubtedly fall upon his dungeon like vultures.
Worse yet, he’s not alone on Earth. The Silver Knights, the order of the ancient warriors that defeated Lord Sephar long ago, are back and ready to vanquish another Dungeon Lord. Behind them hides an individual who may connect Ed to the mighty Heroes, the unbeatable machines of the Light.
Meanwhile, Ed’s friends and allies face the wrath of the Inquisition, as well as the raids of evil Dungeon Lords looking to claim Lord Wraith’s secrets for themselves. It is only a matter of time before one of their foes to get lucky and draw blood.
War brews in the horizon of Starevos, and the threat of the reborn Lord Sephar lurks in the shadows. Only Ed stands in the middle of the terrible clash of the Dark and the Light.
This time, if Ed wants to protect those dear to him, he’ll have to unleash war and take a crown for himself.
If he dares to pay the price.
After barely surviving the Endeavor of the Factory of Nightmares, Dungeon Lord Edward Wright was banished back to Earth.
Stranded in a world without magic, the Dungeon Lord must now find a way to return to the magical realm of Ivalis. If his enemies realize he’s disappeared, they’ll undoubtedly fall upon his dungeon like vultures.
Worse yet, he’s not alone on Earth. The Silver Knights, the order of the ancient warriors that defeated Lord Sephar long ago, are back and ready to vanquish another Dungeon Lord. Behind them hides an individual who may connect Ed to the mighty Heroes, the unbeatable machines of the Light.
Meanwhile, Ed’s friends and allies face the wrath of the Inquisition, as well as the raids of evil Dungeon Lords looking to claim Lord Wraith’s secrets for themselves. It is only a matter of time before one of their foes to get lucky and draw blood.
War brews in the horizon of Starevos, and the threat of the reborn Lord Sephar lurks in the shadows. Only Ed stands in the middle of the terrible clash of the Dark and the Light.
This time, if Ed wants to protect those dear to him, he’ll have to unleash war and take a crown for himself.
If he dares to pay the price.
Audible Audio
Published August 29, 2024
147 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Hugo Huesca
17 books414 followersHugo Huesca is a science fiction and fantasy writer. He has been reading avidly for the better part of two decades and writing fiction since he was ten. He is a swimmer, a tequila drinker and a fanatic of ridiculous science fiction book covers from fifty years ago.
Some quotes on Hugo Huesca from those who know him:
"Are you rich yet?" A family member, one day after Hugo self-published his first short story ever. (The answer is no.)
"He's the devil." A College professor.
"What do you mean there were TWO dragons?" His D&D group before a TPK.
"What are you doing in my house? No, I'm not giving you a quote for your biography, please leave before I call the police." Some random person.
Some quotes on Hugo Huesca from those who know him:
"Are you rich yet?" A family member, one day after Hugo self-published his first short story ever. (The answer is no.)
"He's the devil." A College professor.
"What do you mean there were TWO dragons?" His D&D group before a TPK.
"What are you doing in my house? No, I'm not giving you a quote for your biography, please leave before I call the police." Some random person.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 29, 2025
I would wait twice as long for the next book if it is even half as good as this book.
I have just finished the book and am speechless at how much I enjoyed it. This series took over as my all time favorite series from the first book.
This book and this series as a whole is a must read for any and all who like adventure, daring, friendship, and an all around crazy good time!!!
Thank you for taking the time to write not only this book but the entire series, thank you!!!!!!!
I have just finished the book and am speechless at how much I enjoyed it. This series took over as my all time favorite series from the first book.
This book and this series as a whole is a must read for any and all who like adventure, daring, friendship, and an all around crazy good time!!!
Thank you for taking the time to write not only this book but the entire series, thank you!!!!!!!
December 29, 2024
Hugo's Return is Met with Great Disappointment
It is very exciting that Hugo has returned and dropped a new book. However, his reliance on using Earth technology is very unenjoyable. The author's use of Earth tech has been a constant throughout the series, but his ramp-up in this book was overdone. It takes away from any sense of excitement, likability, or even any payout of victory or loss. Outside the overused and over-reliant on Earth tech, the series is written well and has a good grasp of LitRPG mechanics.
It is very exciting that Hugo has returned and dropped a new book. However, his reliance on using Earth technology is very unenjoyable. The author's use of Earth tech has been a constant throughout the series, but his ramp-up in this book was overdone. It takes away from any sense of excitement, likability, or even any payout of victory or loss. Outside the overused and over-reliant on Earth tech, the series is written well and has a good grasp of LitRPG mechanics.
September 18, 2024
Worth the wait
It was a long wait for this book. I hope the next is much quicker. The book is a wild ride and unexpected at every turn.
It was a long wait for this book. I hope the next is much quicker. The book is a wild ride and unexpected at every turn.
September 4, 2024
I love this series as a whole, it’s become my comfort read for escape, I find myself constantly re-reading or re-listening when ever I need a break from my other books/audio books. This book was DENSE! Yet I enjoyed every minute of it and will do so again on my next run to at it. Follows right off where it left off and from there it’s a ride with all the characters we have come to know and love throughout the series.
December 16, 2024
A Brilliant Return of the Legendary Variety
This review contains SPOILERS, so please be careful if you haven’t read the series or this book yet!
There was a period of time I thought I wouldn’t get to read another Dungeon Lord book, prowling Reddit and other online sources for information about Mr. Huesca and why there seemed to be no news regarding Book 5.
The author in question addressed the time away already, so I won’t say anything more other than this: I don’t know what happened during his break, but whatever it was, I’m extremely happy. With this book ‘The Wraith’s Haunt’ (or the Dungeon Lord series) has catapulted itself from great to OH MY GOD WHAT?!
The first half of the book was a phenomenal re-entry point, giving the reader a chance to reacclimatize to a world we’ve been away from for a time. I loved the sequences back on Earth and Ed’s growth as he learns about his past, only to quickly and heroically make the tragic decision to forget things no person should have to forget in order to return to Ivalis and save his found family.
Cue the build up (probably like, twenty percent of the novel) to the grand EXPLOSION that was the book’s second half. I can’t even give all of that the time and proper discussion it requires without at least some time to process - I’m writing this literally directly after finishing the final page - but suffice it to say that half of this book was one, loooooong, incredible battle/siege with repercussions that have changed the world of Ivalis and altered the destinies of all that live within it, forever.
Finally, I can’t end this review without touching on the incredible, thematic spine this book was built around. It was about how darkness can be found where things seem brightest, and yet how the reverse is just as true - light can be found in the depths of perceived darkness. It’s about humanity and what drives people despite circumstance or the cards life has dealt them. It shows the dangers of zealotry, unmeasured technological development, schisms of belief… I could go on and on. (Screw the Silver Knights, by the way.)
Suffice it to say, this book is incredible and Nightmare Kingdom has JUMPED the series to one of my favorites, ever. It’s certainly my all-time favorite LitRPG.
Thank you, Hugo Huesca, and welcome back. I cannot WAIT for Book 6!
This review contains SPOILERS, so please be careful if you haven’t read the series or this book yet!
There was a period of time I thought I wouldn’t get to read another Dungeon Lord book, prowling Reddit and other online sources for information about Mr. Huesca and why there seemed to be no news regarding Book 5.
The author in question addressed the time away already, so I won’t say anything more other than this: I don’t know what happened during his break, but whatever it was, I’m extremely happy. With this book ‘The Wraith’s Haunt’ (or the Dungeon Lord series) has catapulted itself from great to OH MY GOD WHAT?!
The first half of the book was a phenomenal re-entry point, giving the reader a chance to reacclimatize to a world we’ve been away from for a time. I loved the sequences back on Earth and Ed’s growth as he learns about his past, only to quickly and heroically make the tragic decision to forget things no person should have to forget in order to return to Ivalis and save his found family.
Cue the build up (probably like, twenty percent of the novel) to the grand EXPLOSION that was the book’s second half. I can’t even give all of that the time and proper discussion it requires without at least some time to process - I’m writing this literally directly after finishing the final page - but suffice it to say that half of this book was one, loooooong, incredible battle/siege with repercussions that have changed the world of Ivalis and altered the destinies of all that live within it, forever.
Finally, I can’t end this review without touching on the incredible, thematic spine this book was built around. It was about how darkness can be found where things seem brightest, and yet how the reverse is just as true - light can be found in the depths of perceived darkness. It’s about humanity and what drives people despite circumstance or the cards life has dealt them. It shows the dangers of zealotry, unmeasured technological development, schisms of belief… I could go on and on. (Screw the Silver Knights, by the way.)
Suffice it to say, this book is incredible and Nightmare Kingdom has JUMPED the series to one of my favorites, ever. It’s certainly my all-time favorite LitRPG.
Thank you, Hugo Huesca, and welcome back. I cannot WAIT for Book 6!
May 3, 2025
It took me longer than I’d like to admit to finish this one—not because it was lacking in quality, but because I simply didn’t want it to end. The story offered multiple threads to develop and characters to flesh out, and for the most part, it succeeded admirably. A few elements could have used more attention, but I recognize that those weren’t the focus of this particular installment, so their absence is understandable.
What we do get is a well-contained, thoughtfully constructed adventure, with a strong internal logic and some genuinely surprising turns. Just when you think a plotline is heading in a predictable direction, the story delivers a twist. That said, a few developments felt predictable—not because they were foreshadowed in a satisfying way, but because they leaned on what I’d call “handwave reveals.” By this, I mean that something is introduced early on, only to reappear later in a dramatically transformed state, with the crucial middle stage left entirely unseen. It’s a narrative shortcut I don’t particularly enjoy, and it happens a few times throughout the book.
Despite that, this remains a well-executed tale. My only other criticism is the limited use of the LitRPG stat blocks; we only get one or two, and they’re far more abbreviated than in previous entries in the series. It's a small issue, but noticeable.
All in all, these are minor weaknesses in an otherwise engaging read. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
What we do get is a well-contained, thoughtfully constructed adventure, with a strong internal logic and some genuinely surprising turns. Just when you think a plotline is heading in a predictable direction, the story delivers a twist. That said, a few developments felt predictable—not because they were foreshadowed in a satisfying way, but because they leaned on what I’d call “handwave reveals.” By this, I mean that something is introduced early on, only to reappear later in a dramatically transformed state, with the crucial middle stage left entirely unseen. It’s a narrative shortcut I don’t particularly enjoy, and it happens a few times throughout the book.
Despite that, this remains a well-executed tale. My only other criticism is the limited use of the LitRPG stat blocks; we only get one or two, and they’re far more abbreviated than in previous entries in the series. It's a small issue, but noticeable.
All in all, these are minor weaknesses in an otherwise engaging read. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
December 15, 2024
Drag yourself across broken glass to get to that ending
The ending is fine. Good even. But this book pisses me off.
I hate it when authors tease me with supporting character pov chapters over and over that drag a scene out for dozens if not hundreds of pages. The worst example of this is A Storm of Swords and its colorful nuptials that pissed me off so much I almost threw my Kindle at the wall. This book teases me. It pisses me off.
But there’s something pisses me off even more about this book. I got hooked on this series because of Ed Wright. Amidst all the boring side character pov chapters, the book turns Ed into a side character too. I found myself skipping whole chapters just to get back to who’s supposed to be the protagonist. Once the same thing happening to me in “A Wheel of Time” and “A Song of Ice and Fire”, I knew those series had run their course. They’d become boring fantasy newscasts masquerading as stories. It’s infuriating to get emotionally invested only to realize my time is being wasted.
It’s a shame the author took 5 years or something to publish this. I fortunately only discovered these books recently, but the wait probably wasn’t worth it.
The ending is fine. Good even. But this book pisses me off.
I hate it when authors tease me with supporting character pov chapters over and over that drag a scene out for dozens if not hundreds of pages. The worst example of this is A Storm of Swords and its colorful nuptials that pissed me off so much I almost threw my Kindle at the wall. This book teases me. It pisses me off.
But there’s something pisses me off even more about this book. I got hooked on this series because of Ed Wright. Amidst all the boring side character pov chapters, the book turns Ed into a side character too. I found myself skipping whole chapters just to get back to who’s supposed to be the protagonist. Once the same thing happening to me in “A Wheel of Time” and “A Song of Ice and Fire”, I knew those series had run their course. They’d become boring fantasy newscasts masquerading as stories. It’s infuriating to get emotionally invested only to realize my time is being wasted.
It’s a shame the author took 5 years or something to publish this. I fortunately only discovered these books recently, but the wait probably wasn’t worth it.
September 23, 2024
Well over half of this book was one painfully long battle scene. While I understand that different people like different things, it's simply not possible to be 15hrs into a battle scene and feel anything but exhausted. Not only do I not care for battle scenes, but the shear length of it undercuts all the cleverness and interesting details sprinkled through it. Authors should assume the reader will at some point lose their place (or audiobooks will be turned off and put back on and you'll have to find your place) and battle scenes all look the same - meaning I'm pretty sure I missed the one of the multiple climaxes. Also nine clever climaxes in the same battle aren't clever anymore, give me some variety slow things down or do something fun. I ended up skimming the last hour or two of of the book because I was just tired of it and wanted to do anything else.
Very disappointing.
Very disappointing.
September 14, 2024
This was a wonderful book; I loved it and read it as fast as possible.
I think this is one of the best LitRPG/progression fantasy series. The prose is great; the different PoVs provide a fascinating perspective of the ongoing events.
I'm ambivalent about the introduction of the "industrial revolution". On the one hand, it makes sense - it is a logical continuation of Ed's efforts; on the other hand, it breaks a lot of concepts of the world. However, any innovation could do it.
Now the stakes are higher and the scale is much bigger, I hope the author can maintain the awesome quality of the books.
I think this is one of the best LitRPG/progression fantasy series. The prose is great; the different PoVs provide a fascinating perspective of the ongoing events.
I'm ambivalent about the introduction of the "industrial revolution". On the one hand, it makes sense - it is a logical continuation of Ed's efforts; on the other hand, it breaks a lot of concepts of the world. However, any innovation could do it.
Now the stakes are higher and the scale is much bigger, I hope the author can maintain the awesome quality of the books.
February 1, 2025
I'm dropping the series halfway through this one.
The characters do not evolve. No matter how many times otherwise reasonable characters get their face rubbed into the fact that "the light" is just as bad and corrupt as "the dark", if not worse, they keep parroting the same "dark bad" bs. It's been established they're not NPC's, our MC cannot be the single sentient being with a working brain. We're 5 books in now, fcking move on.
The pacing is also a mess with endless different pov chapters that serve absolutely no purpose at all. I found myself skipping chapters on end just to actually get back to the main storyline.
The characters do not evolve. No matter how many times otherwise reasonable characters get their face rubbed into the fact that "the light" is just as bad and corrupt as "the dark", if not worse, they keep parroting the same "dark bad" bs. It's been established they're not NPC's, our MC cannot be the single sentient being with a working brain. We're 5 books in now, fcking move on.
The pacing is also a mess with endless different pov chapters that serve absolutely no purpose at all. I found myself skipping chapters on end just to actually get back to the main storyline.
October 29, 2024
A long battle.
The continuation of Ed Wright’s new life in a new world. This time his battles grow from the village and smaller towns to the capital city with the deep hope that he could fight through to peace. The battle consumes most of the book, swinging from success for the main character to failures and back to something like success. A number of the main sidekicks don’t survive. And there’s a slight undercurrent of an even larger problem for future stories.
I was a little disappointed by minor editing errors - misspelled words and little typos.
The continuation of Ed Wright’s new life in a new world. This time his battles grow from the village and smaller towns to the capital city with the deep hope that he could fight through to peace. The battle consumes most of the book, swinging from success for the main character to failures and back to something like success. A number of the main sidekicks don’t survive. And there’s a slight undercurrent of an even larger problem for future stories.
I was a little disappointed by minor editing errors - misspelled words and little typos.
October 22, 2024
I enjoyed it a lot.
It was a beautifully written, bloody and bombastic denouement.
Can't wait for the next one. I lost about 9 hours of sleep reading it.
No regrets, Hugo knocks it out of the dungeon as he does. You wont regret it! DO it. Read it, ... dammit. Its good. c'mon *nudge, nudge*.
It was a beautifully written, bloody and bombastic denouement.
Can't wait for the next one. I lost about 9 hours of sleep reading it.
No regrets, Hugo knocks it out of the dungeon as he does. You wont regret it! DO it. Read it, ... dammit. Its good. c'mon *nudge, nudge*.
November 17, 2024
I never leave reviews but this book deserves all the accolades. I listened to the audiobook. The voice acting was awesome, the sound production top notch. The attention to detail Hugo had bringing back details from every other book to this one was incredible. Sad, happy, dark, I can’t wait for more!!!
January 30, 2025
This series keeps going. It was a long book, but for the most part I enjoyed it. The "tech" in magical world bit is something I've seen before, but mostly dealt with in interesting ways. I'm not sure I agree with how the (vague for spoilers) good kingdom still has connections at the end with certain sources (I'd have thought them severed), but that's me quibbling over nothing.
September 4, 2024
Spectacular!! Wish I could read it again for the 1st time!
Such a great addition to the series! Had me absolutely hooked throughout the whole book. Well worth the wait since the last book and can’t wait for the next one!
Such a great addition to the series! Had me absolutely hooked throughout the whole book. Well worth the wait since the last book and can’t wait for the next one!
November 9, 2024
Been a long wait.
Definitely picked up right where it left off, a wild ride that likely is going to have some real insane long term repercussions. Hopefully the next one comes out in a reasonable amount of time.
Definitely picked up right where it left off, a wild ride that likely is going to have some real insane long term repercussions. Hopefully the next one comes out in a reasonable amount of time.
February 2, 2025
Love series, although this was a bit too wartime
This addition to a wonderful series still had some great moments and clever twists that make it great. However, it may have leaned too heavily into a wartime tragedy that dampened the mood.
Will still look forward to the next.
This addition to a wonderful series still had some great moments and clever twists that make it great. However, it may have leaned too heavily into a wartime tragedy that dampened the mood.
Will still look forward to the next.
October 11, 2025
It just keeps getting better
This series is a rare gem. It has consistently gotten better and better. It's uncommon for fully half of a book to be a continuous action scene and work well, but here we are.
This series is a rare gem. It has consistently gotten better and better. It's uncommon for fully half of a book to be a continuous action scene and work well, but here we are.
September 2, 2024
Loved gonna hate the wait
It's gonna really really suck wait for book six. After all the story ain't over till the fat lady sings
It's gonna really really suck wait for book six. After all the story ain't over till the fat lady sings
September 17, 2024
finally!!!
Dear lord! (Pun intended) 5 years is a long time to wait, but damn it if this didn’t end up being worth it. The next one better come sooner though!
Dear lord! (Pun intended) 5 years is a long time to wait, but damn it if this didn’t end up being worth it. The next one better come sooner though!
September 22, 2024
Amazing
Great storytelling and great narrative through and through.Can't wait for the next one. I Real love the story keep writing.
Great storytelling and great narrative through and through.Can't wait for the next one. I Real love the story keep writing.
September 27, 2024
This was a war book.
September 29, 2024
Amazing Book
The series is awesome, but i'd like to say you took this book up to another level. You handled pacing and sense of urgency wonderfully.
The series is awesome, but i'd like to say you took this book up to another level. You handled pacing and sense of urgency wonderfully.
October 8, 2024
The author cares about the readers that he gave us a recap in Book 5. As to spite authors that don't do that, I have reread all the books of this series for a second rating.
September 5, 2025
literally too good
December 23, 2025
love this series
Such a fun book. Ed ends super OP so I wonder if he gets nerfed or not. 10/10 recommend to all
Such a fun book. Ed ends super OP so I wonder if he gets nerfed or not. 10/10 recommend to all
September 2, 2024
Welcome back boss
After many years eagerly waiting for this sequel I can say it is everything we hoped for and more. It starts a tad slow, and I had forgotten some of the names from years ago, but once it gets going it just keeps going faster and faster until you get a glorious fiery explosion. Don't read spoilers, just enjoy it.
After many years eagerly waiting for this sequel I can say it is everything we hoped for and more. It starts a tad slow, and I had forgotten some of the names from years ago, but once it gets going it just keeps going faster and faster until you get a glorious fiery explosion. Don't read spoilers, just enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews