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The Last Dungeon Crawler: An Epic Modern Fantasy Novel
“An exciting action-adventure fantasy that will please fans of the Dirk Pitt series and the Indiana Jones franchise. A story that not only engages readers but also provokes thought.” - Ibrahim Aslan for Reader’s Favorite
AN IMMORTAL WARRIOR. A HIDDEN WAR. A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS.
By day, Franklin Barbarossa is an eccentric NYU professor. But behind the books and lectures stands Fahlgrim Firebeard—battle-worn dwarf, last cleric of a forgotten god, and the final guardian in a war that has faded into myth and legend. And now, the darkness he once bled to stop is rising again.
When a relic of unspeakable power resurfaces in New York City, the barrier between myth and reality begins to crack. Shadows stir in the alleys. Old enemies gather strength. And an ancient evil, thought buried forever, is awakening.
To stop it, Fahlgrim must face the ghosts of his past, forge unlikely alliances, and fight battles no mortal could endure. The stakes are nothing less than the survival of a world that no longer believes in heroes.
Some evils never die, but some heroes never yield.
Perfect for fans of modern fantasy with ancient magic, relentless action, and battle-scarred heroes who refuse to surrender—The Last Dungeon Crawler is your next epic read.
AN IMMORTAL WARRIOR. A HIDDEN WAR. A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS.
By day, Franklin Barbarossa is an eccentric NYU professor. But behind the books and lectures stands Fahlgrim Firebeard—battle-worn dwarf, last cleric of a forgotten god, and the final guardian in a war that has faded into myth and legend. And now, the darkness he once bled to stop is rising again.
When a relic of unspeakable power resurfaces in New York City, the barrier between myth and reality begins to crack. Shadows stir in the alleys. Old enemies gather strength. And an ancient evil, thought buried forever, is awakening.
To stop it, Fahlgrim must face the ghosts of his past, forge unlikely alliances, and fight battles no mortal could endure. The stakes are nothing less than the survival of a world that no longer believes in heroes.
Some evils never die, but some heroes never yield.
Perfect for fans of modern fantasy with ancient magic, relentless action, and battle-scarred heroes who refuse to surrender—The Last Dungeon Crawler is your next epic read.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
87 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 27, 2025
The Last Dungeon Crawler is an exciting and enjoyable read! Mike Simpson has performed a feat which only occurs in the best of writing: Genuine magic. Genre bending is a difficult art to practice, but here Mike Simpson shows himself worthy of the task. He accomplished the following:
- Melded Fantasy and Adventure in a modern context
- Established a world and mythology without distracting from the plot
- Wrote characters who are real, who you do not doubt exist and speak to you on the page
- Set up a potential long running series with endless possibilities
The above are goals for most debut authors writing in these genres. However, it is rare I can say with certainty they have been achieved. The Last Dungeon Crawler exceeded all expectations I had and was enthralled at every page.
- Melded Fantasy and Adventure in a modern context
- Established a world and mythology without distracting from the plot
- Wrote characters who are real, who you do not doubt exist and speak to you on the page
- Set up a potential long running series with endless possibilities
The above are goals for most debut authors writing in these genres. However, it is rare I can say with certainty they have been achieved. The Last Dungeon Crawler exceeded all expectations I had and was enthralled at every page.
August 8, 2025
The Last Dungeon Crawler by Mike Simpson is a fast-paced and pulpy adventure that blends modern archaeology with high-stakes treasure hunting, political intrigue, and just a hint of the fantastical. The story follows Dr. Frank Barbarossa, a seasoned explorer with a mysterious past, as he embarks on a perilous underwater journey to uncover the Mantle of King Tobanya, an artifact steeped in myth and danger. What begins as a daring dive beneath an ancient pyramid quickly spirals into a race against time, filled with deadly traps, collapsing tunnels, and secrets that reach far beyond archaeology. Alongside his loyal but unsuspecting companions, Frank navigates both physical hazards and the moral minefields of ownership, truth, and exploitation in the world of antiquities. The narrative switches between Frank’s perspective and that of Sarya Barzani, an ambitious young journalist determined to expose him, adding a layer of cat-and-mouse tension to the tale.
What I enjoyed most about Simpson’s writing is its sense of momentum. The opening chapters throw you headfirst into the action, and the book rarely lets up from there. Scenes are tightly choreographed, with just enough detail to make the environments feel rich without bogging down the pace. The action sequences, particularly the tense underwater dive and the puzzle-solving in the ancient vault, are visual and clever, clearly inspired by the spirit of classic adventure serials. I also appreciated how Frank isn’t portrayed as a flawless hero; his quick thinking and skill are matched by a willingness to lie, manipulate, and withhold truths when it suits his goals. It makes him a more layered, if morally slippery, protagonist.
The dialogue often makes the characters’ thoughts and motivations crystal clear, ensuring readers never lose track of what’s at stake. And the novel’s blend of grounded techno-thriller elements with touches of fantasy and ancient magic gives it a unique flavor, appealing to fans of both realism and the supernatural. I personally enjoyed those supernatural glimmers and would have liked to see the book lean into them more boldly. The interplay between Frank’s secrets and Sarya’s investigation is a smart structural choice; it keeps the tension alive even in the quieter chapters and builds toward an inevitable clash between them.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I was fully invested in both the treasure hunt and the personal stakes. The Last Dungeon Crawler is the kind of book that rewards readers who enjoy brisk pacing, cinematic set pieces, and protagonists who thrive in the moral gray. If you’re into stories like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, or the Tomb Raider series, this novel will scratch that itch while adding its own modern twists.
What I enjoyed most about Simpson’s writing is its sense of momentum. The opening chapters throw you headfirst into the action, and the book rarely lets up from there. Scenes are tightly choreographed, with just enough detail to make the environments feel rich without bogging down the pace. The action sequences, particularly the tense underwater dive and the puzzle-solving in the ancient vault, are visual and clever, clearly inspired by the spirit of classic adventure serials. I also appreciated how Frank isn’t portrayed as a flawless hero; his quick thinking and skill are matched by a willingness to lie, manipulate, and withhold truths when it suits his goals. It makes him a more layered, if morally slippery, protagonist.
The dialogue often makes the characters’ thoughts and motivations crystal clear, ensuring readers never lose track of what’s at stake. And the novel’s blend of grounded techno-thriller elements with touches of fantasy and ancient magic gives it a unique flavor, appealing to fans of both realism and the supernatural. I personally enjoyed those supernatural glimmers and would have liked to see the book lean into them more boldly. The interplay between Frank’s secrets and Sarya’s investigation is a smart structural choice; it keeps the tension alive even in the quieter chapters and builds toward an inevitable clash between them.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I was fully invested in both the treasure hunt and the personal stakes. The Last Dungeon Crawler is the kind of book that rewards readers who enjoy brisk pacing, cinematic set pieces, and protagonists who thrive in the moral gray. If you’re into stories like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, or the Tomb Raider series, this novel will scratch that itch while adding its own modern twists.
July 21, 2025
I had never heard of this book until my husband mentioned it a couple of weeks ago. He had heard about it on a podcast. It's on Kindle Unlimited, so I figured I'd check it out.
It has dwarves, elves, goblins, gnomes, and various other fantastical characters. The plot is interesting and moves at a good pace with plenty of action. I found it hard to put down and finished it very quickly.
The reason it did not get 5 stars from me is because I'm a character-driven reader, and I didn't feel any special connection with any of the characters.
I have no idea if this will be a series, but the ending left that as a possibility. If that's the case, I would definitely read any future books.
It has dwarves, elves, goblins, gnomes, and various other fantastical characters. The plot is interesting and moves at a good pace with plenty of action. I found it hard to put down and finished it very quickly.
The reason it did not get 5 stars from me is because I'm a character-driven reader, and I didn't feel any special connection with any of the characters.
I have no idea if this will be a series, but the ending left that as a possibility. If that's the case, I would definitely read any future books.
October 18, 2025
Trope- Perfect Fantasy Fun
I picked up The Last Dungeon Crawler looking for a solid, fun fantasy adventure—and it absolutely delivered. The characters are the heart of this story, especially Fahlgrim Firebeard, who quickly became a favorite. At first, I worried his introduction was too brief, but the depth that followed—his dry humor, loyalty, and grit—made him a standout. He’s a classic trope done right, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. The book balances humor and action with just enough emotional weight to keep things interesting. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre—it’s celebrating it, and doing so with style. If you’re in the mood for a dungeon crawl that’s character-driven, witty, and just plain fun, this one’s worth the read.
I picked up The Last Dungeon Crawler looking for a solid, fun fantasy adventure—and it absolutely delivered. The characters are the heart of this story, especially Fahlgrim Firebeard, who quickly became a favorite. At first, I worried his introduction was too brief, but the depth that followed—his dry humor, loyalty, and grit—made him a standout. He’s a classic trope done right, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. The book balances humor and action with just enough emotional weight to keep things interesting. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre—it’s celebrating it, and doing so with style. If you’re in the mood for a dungeon crawl that’s character-driven, witty, and just plain fun, this one’s worth the read.
October 27, 2025
Great read start to finish. This book starts slow but draws you in with little hints to reveal characters and their stories. Just when you think you have the plot or assume the next event, Mike spins it in a way that keeps you going. By mid-book you're invested and want to continue reading despite life's callings, by chapter 18 you won't put it down. The story brings you in emotionally and the action flows continuously to a well rounded ending. Super excited for the next novel and continuingly to follow this adventure!
September 5, 2025
Fun. Adventure
I stumbled on this kindle book by accident. Once I saw who the author was I was intrigued. This was a great adventure and laid the ground Work for a compelling series. Lord of the rings characters in a modern future meets Indiana Jones. I am looming forward to the next book.
I stumbled on this kindle book by accident. Once I saw who the author was I was intrigued. This was a great adventure and laid the ground Work for a compelling series. Lord of the rings characters in a modern future meets Indiana Jones. I am looming forward to the next book.
October 16, 2025
Tolkien world continues in new adventures.
Excellent book with lots of references to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's universe. Even name dropping his name! I read this in one sitting and enjoyed every twist and turn. And the combat sequences were very well thought out. Modern warfare mixed with magic, armor and weapons!
Excellent book with lots of references to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's universe. Even name dropping his name! I read this in one sitting and enjoyed every twist and turn. And the combat sequences were very well thought out. Modern warfare mixed with magic, armor and weapons!
October 13, 2025
Good but not what I’d hoped
Took me a while to finish this via audio when I was doing chores. Was interesting but not quite what I like. There was some action and interesting characters though. I liked the gnomes.
Took me a while to finish this via audio when I was doing chores. Was interesting but not quite what I like. There was some action and interesting characters though. I liked the gnomes.
September 25, 2025
Hammer Time
Excellent start to what I hope is a multi book story. Great characters and the story flows smoothly. The setup with Pytor (sp?) caught me by surprise.
Excellent start to what I hope is a multi book story. Great characters and the story flows smoothly. The setup with Pytor (sp?) caught me by surprise.
October 25, 2025
This book ticks a lot of things that I like. Interesting and likable hero (and heroin), it is a story about someone discovering magic is real, the story is overall good.
However, one thing is really dragging down the book for me and that is the fact that the main protagonist is on a mission to rid the world of magic because it is deemed to dangerous for mundanes. What the f...?
Why the heck did the author chose to do that? Removing the main thing that makes up urban fantasy. This would probably have been a four star one me for me if not for that crap.
Now I am wondering if I will continue to read when the next book comes out.
However, one thing is really dragging down the book for me and that is the fact that the main protagonist is on a mission to rid the world of magic because it is deemed to dangerous for mundanes. What the f...?
Why the heck did the author chose to do that? Removing the main thing that makes up urban fantasy. This would probably have been a four star one me for me if not for that crap.
Now I am wondering if I will continue to read when the next book comes out.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews