What do you think?
The Dungeon Book
Enter a world of dungeons and dragons, magic and manticores, goblins and gargoyles in this captivating standalone fantasy from the author of The Gutter Prayer
'Full of wit and adventure, twists and turns, wonderful monsters and astonishing revelations. An absolute joy' M. R. Carey, bestselling author of Once Was Willem
Bait doesn't remember a time before the dungeon. Before the dragon stole her from her cot. She doesn't know what her name was before she was handed over to the monstrous denizens of the dungeon beneath the sorcerer's tower. Luckily for Bait, they decided not to eat her. And so, she grew up in the dark - the goblins her adopted family, a vengeful minotaur her protector, a sentient skull her tutor and a faithful blob of corridor slime her main source of nutrition.
But the labyrinthine dungeon, with its haunted halls, buried temples and forgotten magics, draws treasure hunters like moths to flame. And as the outside world starts to intrude, Bait will learn what it means to be monstrous, and she will have to decide where she truly belongs.
'For a story set in the deepest, darkest dungeon, The Dungeon Book absolutely bursts with warmth, heart, and energy. One of the best things you're going to read this year'
Jackson Ford, author of The Bone Raiders
'The Dungeon Book manages the difficult task of being epic and heartfelt both at once, and does it with style. I fell in love with Bait and her menagerie of friends immediately' Django Wexler, author of How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying
'Full of wit and adventure, twists and turns, wonderful monsters and astonishing revelations. An absolute joy' M. R. Carey, bestselling author of Once Was Willem
Bait doesn't remember a time before the dungeon. Before the dragon stole her from her cot. She doesn't know what her name was before she was handed over to the monstrous denizens of the dungeon beneath the sorcerer's tower. Luckily for Bait, they decided not to eat her. And so, she grew up in the dark - the goblins her adopted family, a vengeful minotaur her protector, a sentient skull her tutor and a faithful blob of corridor slime her main source of nutrition.
But the labyrinthine dungeon, with its haunted halls, buried temples and forgotten magics, draws treasure hunters like moths to flame. And as the outside world starts to intrude, Bait will learn what it means to be monstrous, and she will have to decide where she truly belongs.
'For a story set in the deepest, darkest dungeon, The Dungeon Book absolutely bursts with warmth, heart, and energy. One of the best things you're going to read this year'
Jackson Ford, author of The Bone Raiders
'The Dungeon Book manages the difficult task of being epic and heartfelt both at once, and does it with style. I fell in love with Bait and her menagerie of friends immediately' Django Wexler, author of How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
August 27, 2026
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!
gareth hanrahan's the dungeon book is the perfect standalone epic fantasy in a genre that typically has five or more books. but don’t let the standalone aspect fool you, this novel is still jammed packed in the best ways: full of crazy quirky characters that are both human and non-human; typical epic fantasy lore; and tons of non-stop action and adventure.
not to mention, it's literally so funny in the best way: satire. i think this would be perfect for fans of DCC (i haven't read it yet please i know i'm behind i'm sorry) and other litrpg novels. like, the little human girl's name is literally bait. because the goblins used her as bait LOL.
i am absolutely obsessed with the audiobook — i think this is one of those books that are absolutely a hoot with the right narrator, and fortunately the narrator did a fantastic job!
update 9/26 — my fairyloot edition is SICK! completely worth the wait and perfectly captures the story, one of their best epic editions yet
gareth hanrahan's the dungeon book is the perfect standalone epic fantasy in a genre that typically has five or more books. but don’t let the standalone aspect fool you, this novel is still jammed packed in the best ways: full of crazy quirky characters that are both human and non-human; typical epic fantasy lore; and tons of non-stop action and adventure.
not to mention, it's literally so funny in the best way: satire. i think this would be perfect for fans of DCC (i haven't read it yet please i know i'm behind i'm sorry) and other litrpg novels. like, the little human girl's name is literally bait. because the goblins used her as bait LOL.
i am absolutely obsessed with the audiobook — i think this is one of those books that are absolutely a hoot with the right narrator, and fortunately the narrator did a fantastic job!
update 9/26 — my fairyloot edition is SICK! completely worth the wait and perfectly captures the story, one of their best epic editions yet
August 23, 2026
The Dungeon Book by Gareth Hanrahan is such a wonderfully weird and charming fantasy adventure, and I had a great time getting lost in its dungeon.
The story is narrated by a talking skull, which I absolutely loved. What a fun choice! Being addressed directly gave the book a fairytale quality that felt slightly removed from the action, making the whole story feel like an old tale being passed down rather than something unfolding right in front of you. As the story progressed, I also found myself wondering why the skull was telling this particular story and, more importantly, who exactly he was telling it to. I was very happy to see that this question was answered in the finale, and in a surprisingly satisfying way.
And what a setting! The dungeon is vast, disorientating, grimy, and occasionally downright horrifying, yet somehow also feels strangely cozy and homey. I loved the contrast.
Bait is also a fantastic protagonist. She takes the familiar fairytale princess trope and turns it completely on its head. Strong-willed and fiercely independent, she refuses to let either the dungeon or the outside world decide who she is. Watching her figure out where she belongs and what kind of person she wants to become was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The talking skull gets his own intriguing backstory too, which turns him from an entertaining narrator into a character I cared about. Alongside him, the book has a wonderful cast of memorable and eccentric side characters who make Bait’s strange little world feel surprisingly alive.
There are definitely some Tolkien influences here, from the dragons and evil wizards to the unlikely hero at the center of the story. Bait even has a little bit of Bilbo’s wonderfully unconventional heroism about her. I was amused to discover afterwards that Hanrahan has actually worked on The One Ring and The Lord of the Rings tabletop RPGs, which suddenly made a lot of sense!
The book occasionally meandered during the skull’s tales, and those sections did slow the pacing for me. However, they ultimately came together beautifully in the finale, and I was genuinely impressed by how emotionally invested I had become by the end.
A charming, unusual dungeon fantasy with a wonderfully odd heroine, an unforgettable setting, and plenty of heart. I had a great time with this one!
The story is narrated by a talking skull, which I absolutely loved. What a fun choice! Being addressed directly gave the book a fairytale quality that felt slightly removed from the action, making the whole story feel like an old tale being passed down rather than something unfolding right in front of you. As the story progressed, I also found myself wondering why the skull was telling this particular story and, more importantly, who exactly he was telling it to. I was very happy to see that this question was answered in the finale, and in a surprisingly satisfying way.
And what a setting! The dungeon is vast, disorientating, grimy, and occasionally downright horrifying, yet somehow also feels strangely cozy and homey. I loved the contrast.
Bait is also a fantastic protagonist. She takes the familiar fairytale princess trope and turns it completely on its head. Strong-willed and fiercely independent, she refuses to let either the dungeon or the outside world decide who she is. Watching her figure out where she belongs and what kind of person she wants to become was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The talking skull gets his own intriguing backstory too, which turns him from an entertaining narrator into a character I cared about. Alongside him, the book has a wonderful cast of memorable and eccentric side characters who make Bait’s strange little world feel surprisingly alive.
There are definitely some Tolkien influences here, from the dragons and evil wizards to the unlikely hero at the center of the story. Bait even has a little bit of Bilbo’s wonderfully unconventional heroism about her. I was amused to discover afterwards that Hanrahan has actually worked on The One Ring and The Lord of the Rings tabletop RPGs, which suddenly made a lot of sense!
The book occasionally meandered during the skull’s tales, and those sections did slow the pacing for me. However, they ultimately came together beautifully in the finale, and I was genuinely impressed by how emotionally invested I had become by the end.
A charming, unusual dungeon fantasy with a wonderfully odd heroine, an unforgettable setting, and plenty of heart. I had a great time with this one!
September 3, 2026
3.5 stars ⭐️
A surprisingly sweet little dungeon adventure! Bait, a human princess abandoned in a dungeon, grows up completely immersed in goblin life, and surrounded by some very questionable caretakers. The whole thing is told through the perspective of a talking skull, which adds a lot of goofy charm.
I had a great time with the first half, but I felt the story lost a bit of steam in the second half. This was still a fun, wholesome (though with some bloody action scenes) read.
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A surprisingly sweet little dungeon adventure! Bait, a human princess abandoned in a dungeon, grows up completely immersed in goblin life, and surrounded by some very questionable caretakers. The whole thing is told through the perspective of a talking skull, which adds a lot of goofy charm.
I had a great time with the first half, but I felt the story lost a bit of steam in the second half. This was still a fun, wholesome (though with some bloody action scenes) read.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...-
November 13, 2025
Delve into dark and dangerous depths of the Dungeon to meet the strangest of found family. The Dungeon Book is effortlessly charming and packed full of adventure. It's the kind of novel full of whimsical wonder that makes people fall in love with fantasy.
Don't go in expecting gritty epic fantasy and brutal battle, this is more like a gentle stroll exploring the nooks and crannies of the treacherous depths and meeting the weird denizens. It's not a kid's book by any means, but it is the sort of book you wanted to read as a kid, with a story and characters that shows a real love for fantasy, and evokes a nostalgia for classic fantasy with all its terrible dragons and dark be-trapped dungeons.
Don't go in expecting gritty epic fantasy and brutal battle, this is more like a gentle stroll exploring the nooks and crannies of the treacherous depths and meeting the weird denizens. It's not a kid's book by any means, but it is the sort of book you wanted to read as a kid, with a story and characters that shows a real love for fantasy, and evokes a nostalgia for classic fantasy with all its terrible dragons and dark be-trapped dungeons.
September 1, 2026
This was just what I needed!
The Gutter Prayer is one of my favourite books, so I was delighted to dive into something new by Gareth Hanrahan.
It came along at the perfect time - I needed something a bit more light-hearted, and a standalone, and this also had the right amount of humour to really work for me.
It had the old school fairytale charm with a classic setting and expected dungeon monsters, but was filled with underdog characters, found family, defiance in the best way, and a cast of fantastic characters.
Our protagonist, Bait, is stolen away as an infant by a dragon for a sorcerer (and proclaimed master of the dungeon). The gargoyle who works for the master is told to bring the child to the dragon once the sorcerer is done with her, so she can be eaten. The gargoyle instead squirrels her away where she ends up in the dungeon raised by goblins.
We have a dragon angered by a stolen meal. We have a sorcerer who has taken over the dungeon. We have all the monsters, trickery, traps, and horrors of the dungeon (yet somehow it’s all charming and cosy in certain ways), not to mention the political turmoil of the above world. We have loyalty and curses, debts to be paid and favours owed, and a whole world above that is explored, too.
It does everything it wants to do and does it so well, and I utterly devoured this.
The dragon was terrifying. The sacrifice and loyalty was heart-warming. The grime was visceral. It was just a fantastic read from start to finish.
The audiobook was excellently narrated and brought so much joy and life into these characters and what they go through. Highly recommend!!
The Gutter Prayer is one of my favourite books, so I was delighted to dive into something new by Gareth Hanrahan.
It came along at the perfect time - I needed something a bit more light-hearted, and a standalone, and this also had the right amount of humour to really work for me.
It had the old school fairytale charm with a classic setting and expected dungeon monsters, but was filled with underdog characters, found family, defiance in the best way, and a cast of fantastic characters.
Our protagonist, Bait, is stolen away as an infant by a dragon for a sorcerer (and proclaimed master of the dungeon). The gargoyle who works for the master is told to bring the child to the dragon once the sorcerer is done with her, so she can be eaten. The gargoyle instead squirrels her away where she ends up in the dungeon raised by goblins.
We have a dragon angered by a stolen meal. We have a sorcerer who has taken over the dungeon. We have all the monsters, trickery, traps, and horrors of the dungeon (yet somehow it’s all charming and cosy in certain ways), not to mention the political turmoil of the above world. We have loyalty and curses, debts to be paid and favours owed, and a whole world above that is explored, too.
It does everything it wants to do and does it so well, and I utterly devoured this.
The dragon was terrifying. The sacrifice and loyalty was heart-warming. The grime was visceral. It was just a fantastic read from start to finish.
The audiobook was excellently narrated and brought so much joy and life into these characters and what they go through. Highly recommend!!
May 10, 2026
Here there be goblins. And many other denizens of the deep. Gareth Hanrahan certainly has a way with dungeony words. If you are looking for a book that feels like a D&D campaign but doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is for you.
To be sure there is goop and gore and slime and death. And have I mentioned the talking skull? Yet the overall tone is light and adventurous. You will be treated to all manner of descriptions of a dungeon, its dirt and grime and its many creatures. Minotaur, manticore, trolls, wraiths, sorcerers, and even a store-brand beholder.
It’s a coming of age tale of a small girl who gets unceremoniously dropped off in the dungeon by a dragon. Raised by a group of goblins. If you are looking for a dark and gritty sword and sorcery fantasy, this isn’t the book you seek. But if you have been feeling a serious lack of trickster goblins, The Dungeon Book has you covered.
My only complaint is it felt long at 500 pages. It was worth the ending. You’d do well to read it in sections.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy. All opinions are my own.
To be sure there is goop and gore and slime and death. And have I mentioned the talking skull? Yet the overall tone is light and adventurous. You will be treated to all manner of descriptions of a dungeon, its dirt and grime and its many creatures. Minotaur, manticore, trolls, wraiths, sorcerers, and even a store-brand beholder.
It’s a coming of age tale of a small girl who gets unceremoniously dropped off in the dungeon by a dragon. Raised by a group of goblins. If you are looking for a dark and gritty sword and sorcery fantasy, this isn’t the book you seek. But if you have been feeling a serious lack of trickster goblins, The Dungeon Book has you covered.
My only complaint is it felt long at 500 pages. It was worth the ending. You’d do well to read it in sections.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2026
Review originally on JamReads
Gareth Hanrahan is one of those names that comes to my head when I think of "dark fantasy but make it different", but certainly The Dungeon Book wouldn't be the direction I would have expected from his writing. And honestly? I loved it, not only because we have a story full of heart that transports the basic idea of the Jungle Book to a dungeon, but also feels as an homage to D&D and its creatures, further fleshing them outside of the monstrous stereotypes, while managing to keep a smile in your face as we have a particular narrative voice.
Bait was raised in the Dungeon; she was stolen as a child by a dragon and handed to the sorcerer appointed as the master of the Dungeon. By chance, she wasn't eaten by the denizens of the Dungeon and they even accepted her, allowing her to grow in the Trapsmith Arcade with the goblins; a different life that what a human could expect, but her life. But the Dungeon, with its secrets and the promise of power, attracts treasure hunters like honey to flies; as they come, the outside world starts to intrude into the Dungeon, and Bait will have to choose which one she truly belongs.
Bait is such a charming character, pulled directly from a classical fairytale archetype, a trope that is immediately twisted as she's raised by the goblins. She's strong-willed and fierce, trying to create her own path despite how many are trying to pull her in a direction (even if some, like Sir Peledon, only wish the best for her). At the core of her existence, there's a question about her own nature and, more importantly, to which world she belongs, which will be explored as conflicts come directly to the very Dungeon's door.
Similarly to how Bait is drawn from a twisted trope, Hanrahan doesn't stop at the main character, exploring more of the classical monstrous creatures, fleshing them out and avoiding that binary good/bad lense that so many times is applied to them; at the end, we could argue that the only characters that acts as monsters (outside of Nithscalpa) are all humans, greedy and ambitious.
The narrative voice also deserves a mention, as all is told through the eyes (technically this is not true) of Cornelius, a talking skull and a former Dungeon master; he's sarcastic and a bit nihilistic by moments (who could blame him after welp, how he ended there), but that narrative style keeps you immersed all the time as a reader, while making natural how certain explanations are delivered.
The novel manages to infuse a certain coziness/heart into what essentially was a dark fantasy story, and the pacing was on point, engulfing the reader from the start.
The Dungeon Book (as told by Cornelius the Skull) is an excellent novel, one that manages to find the perfect balance between heart and darkness, delivering a plot that homages those creatures that are at the core of fantasy; if you are looking for a standalone dark fantasy that packs so much in so little, this should be your election.
Gareth Hanrahan is one of those names that comes to my head when I think of "dark fantasy but make it different", but certainly The Dungeon Book wouldn't be the direction I would have expected from his writing. And honestly? I loved it, not only because we have a story full of heart that transports the basic idea of the Jungle Book to a dungeon, but also feels as an homage to D&D and its creatures, further fleshing them outside of the monstrous stereotypes, while managing to keep a smile in your face as we have a particular narrative voice.
Bait was raised in the Dungeon; she was stolen as a child by a dragon and handed to the sorcerer appointed as the master of the Dungeon. By chance, she wasn't eaten by the denizens of the Dungeon and they even accepted her, allowing her to grow in the Trapsmith Arcade with the goblins; a different life that what a human could expect, but her life. But the Dungeon, with its secrets and the promise of power, attracts treasure hunters like honey to flies; as they come, the outside world starts to intrude into the Dungeon, and Bait will have to choose which one she truly belongs.
Bait is such a charming character, pulled directly from a classical fairytale archetype, a trope that is immediately twisted as she's raised by the goblins. She's strong-willed and fierce, trying to create her own path despite how many are trying to pull her in a direction (even if some, like Sir Peledon, only wish the best for her). At the core of her existence, there's a question about her own nature and, more importantly, to which world she belongs, which will be explored as conflicts come directly to the very Dungeon's door.
Similarly to how Bait is drawn from a twisted trope, Hanrahan doesn't stop at the main character, exploring more of the classical monstrous creatures, fleshing them out and avoiding that binary good/bad lense that so many times is applied to them; at the end, we could argue that the only characters that acts as monsters (outside of Nithscalpa) are all humans, greedy and ambitious.
The narrative voice also deserves a mention, as all is told through the eyes (technically this is not true) of Cornelius, a talking skull and a former Dungeon master; he's sarcastic and a bit nihilistic by moments (who could blame him after welp, how he ended there), but that narrative style keeps you immersed all the time as a reader, while making natural how certain explanations are delivered.
The novel manages to infuse a certain coziness/heart into what essentially was a dark fantasy story, and the pacing was on point, engulfing the reader from the start.
The Dungeon Book (as told by Cornelius the Skull) is an excellent novel, one that manages to find the perfect balance between heart and darkness, delivering a plot that homages those creatures that are at the core of fantasy; if you are looking for a standalone dark fantasy that packs so much in so little, this should be your election.
August 28, 2026
As soon as I saw that the narrator of this entire book is a talking wizard skull i was already so sold
but THEN i find out it’s set in a dungeon full of dragons, manticores, goblins, kobolds, wraiths (to name only a few of the diverse cast of side characters who absolutely steal the show whenever they appear), and one human girl (we’re fairly sure)? Oh I went in with high expectations and this book knocked them out of the park completely
The prose is fun and witty when it needs to be, and shifts naturally to a more serious and tearful writing when the moment calls for it. Cornelius as both a narrator and a character is incredible! It felt very reminiscent of Discworld, it wouldn’t surprise me if one of Hanrahan’s inspiration were Terry Pratchett’s work.
And Bait, oh sweet Bait. I’ve only ever felt such a maternal instinct for a character with Fitzchivalry Farseer, and that should tell you a lot about how much I loved Bait. Watching her face the dungeon or the surface, navigating her present while her past keeps knocking at the door, the themes of identity, belonging, family, sacrifice.
AND THE GOD DAMN MINOTAUR anyway this book was very good please go read it so i can talk to someone about this thank you
but THEN i find out it’s set in a dungeon full of dragons, manticores, goblins, kobolds, wraiths (to name only a few of the diverse cast of side characters who absolutely steal the show whenever they appear), and one human girl (we’re fairly sure)? Oh I went in with high expectations and this book knocked them out of the park completely
The prose is fun and witty when it needs to be, and shifts naturally to a more serious and tearful writing when the moment calls for it. Cornelius as both a narrator and a character is incredible! It felt very reminiscent of Discworld, it wouldn’t surprise me if one of Hanrahan’s inspiration were Terry Pratchett’s work.
And Bait, oh sweet Bait. I’ve only ever felt such a maternal instinct for a character with Fitzchivalry Farseer, and that should tell you a lot about how much I loved Bait. Watching her face the dungeon or the surface, navigating her present while her past keeps knocking at the door, the themes of identity, belonging, family, sacrifice.
AND THE GOD DAMN MINOTAUR anyway this book was very good please go read it so i can talk to someone about this thank you
August 24, 2026
An instant classic. Should immediately be promoted to the top of the list of books whose titles are derivative of the titular Jungle.
Wonderful prose, great characters, deep references to the Dungeons that came before, and a satisfying ending.
My only question is when do we get the osr adventure module?
Wonderful prose, great characters, deep references to the Dungeons that came before, and a satisfying ending.
My only question is when do we get the osr adventure module?
August 25, 2026
This was a very fun book, I loved the characters and the world of the dungeon. I'd love to read something set in this world again.
September 22, 2026
Fun and funny and heartwarming and visceral and poignant. I’d expect no less, but at the same time, this was hardly what I expected.
The prose is excellent, the worldbuilding is top-notch, and the plot is surprisingly complex, but what shines here most is the character work. I loved just about everything in this book. What a fun, wild ride.
Cornelius isn’t so bad a skull, in the end.
The prose is excellent, the worldbuilding is top-notch, and the plot is surprisingly complex, but what shines here most is the character work. I loved just about everything in this book. What a fun, wild ride.
Cornelius isn’t so bad a skull, in the end.
September 7, 2026
Absolutely loved this, and have been recommending it to friends, co-workers and customers.
This is the book that Dungeon Crawler Carl could/ should have been, a wonderful observation of 'Dungeon as Ecosystem' that's likewise very reflective of the Delicious in Dungeon Manga/Anime (also highly recommended, if you haven't done the thing). It's the tale of 'Bait', a small girl raised by goblins, and a whizz at tricks and traps and cunning wheezes, an exploration of both her humanity, what she remembers of it, and her love for her dungeon denizen family.
It's tale where the monsters (many of them familiar) are the good guys, the adventurers are definitely the bad guys, and the narrative (told by a skull) has a timeless, whimsical charm that plonks the whole book in the 'couldn't put it down' pile (if that's not a mixed metaphor).
Recommended for anyone who's ever been a gamer, and/or who's plumbed the depths of Undermountain or some other Mad Mage's Maze Mayhem. You know this story, you've just never seen it from quite this angle before.
This is the book that Dungeon Crawler Carl could/ should have been, a wonderful observation of 'Dungeon as Ecosystem' that's likewise very reflective of the Delicious in Dungeon Manga/Anime (also highly recommended, if you haven't done the thing). It's the tale of 'Bait', a small girl raised by goblins, and a whizz at tricks and traps and cunning wheezes, an exploration of both her humanity, what she remembers of it, and her love for her dungeon denizen family.
It's tale where the monsters (many of them familiar) are the good guys, the adventurers are definitely the bad guys, and the narrative (told by a skull) has a timeless, whimsical charm that plonks the whole book in the 'couldn't put it down' pile (if that's not a mixed metaphor).
Recommended for anyone who's ever been a gamer, and/or who's plumbed the depths of Undermountain or some other Mad Mage's Maze Mayhem. You know this story, you've just never seen it from quite this angle before.
June 9, 2026
I’ve had to sit with this review for a minute before I started. One minute I’m really into this book and the next it takes a sharp left turn I wasn’t expecting. The dungeon itself is more than just a setting—it feels like a living, evolving character with its own rules and history.
Hanrahan introduces compelling fantasy concepts that reward readers who enjoy uncovering lore and piecing together mysteries. There is a sense of danger and discovery that keeps the story moving but somewhat disjointed. Some sections spend significant time developing the setting and mythology, which may slow momentum for readers looking for a more action-driven story.
I’d give this a 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!
Hanrahan introduces compelling fantasy concepts that reward readers who enjoy uncovering lore and piecing together mysteries. There is a sense of danger and discovery that keeps the story moving but somewhat disjointed. Some sections spend significant time developing the setting and mythology, which may slow momentum for readers looking for a more action-driven story.
I’d give this a 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!
August 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Dungeon Book: (As Told by Cornelius the Skull) by Gareth Hanrahan is an epic fantasy packed with monsters, magic, found family and enough witty humour to keep things entertaining even when people are being eaten, murdered or generally having a terrible day.
The story is narrated by a sentient skull named Cornelius and follows Bait, a young girl whose life takes a rather unexpected turn after she is stolen by a dragon as a toddler. She should have ended up as dinner in the dungeon, but instead she is adopted by its monstrous inhabitants and raised as one of their own. When Bait turns nine, she is encouraged to leave her dungeon home and venture out in search of her true father. Naturally, things do not go according to plan, eventually leading her back home to the dungeon. But her happy reunion with her monster family is short-lived when the dragon who originally stole her wakes up and decides it would quite like to finish what it started.
Bait, however, has absolutely no intention of becoming dragon food. Armed with a goblin-trained brain, an impressive amount of stubbornness and a complete disregard for being told what to do, she sets about plotting the dragon's demise before she meets her own. But the dragon isn’t the only threat facing Bait and her fellow dungeon dwellers. Human civilisation—and the dungeon’s Master, Orphir—have sinister plans of their own, putting everything Bait has come to love at risk.
So, let me sum up the first half of the book for you: Bait doesn’t do what she’s told and ends up causing trouble. 😂 Despite being stubborn, impulsive and occasionally spectacularly naive, I absolutely adored Bait and loved watching her character develop throughout the novel. Her resourcefulness, bravery and fierce loyalty to the dungeon and its monstrous inhabitants made her such an enjoyable protagonist.
I will admit that the beginning was a little slow for me, and the story wasn't quite what I expected. As the pace picked up, though, so did my enjoyment, and I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the story, the characters and the increasingly chaotic situations they found themselves in.
The one thing I felt was missing was the adventure element I was hoping for. I went into this anticipating an epic journey across new lands, meeting all manner of different species and discovering new places, but Bait doesn’t actually venture very far. That expectation was entirely my own, though, rather than anything the book promised, so I can hardly hold it against the author!
And then there’s Cornelius, our vain, pedantic, judgemental and thoroughly unreliable narrator. His dry wit, sarcasm and gallows humour added so much personality to the story and had me chuckling even during some of the darker moments.
And can we talk about Gloop?! Is it bad that the slime is my favourite character? Because I absolutely adored Gloop. I want a slime puppy. I don't know what I'd do with one, but I want one. 🥹
Overall, I really enjoyed The Dungeon Book. I loved the way it flips the traditional fantasy dungeon trope on its head, making the monsters the protagonists and turning the usual dungeon-crawling adventure into something of a reverse dungeon crawl.
It's funny, imaginative, surprisingly wholesome at times and filled with a wonderfully bizarre collection of characters that I couldn't help becoming attached to. At its heart, it's a surprisingly heartfelt story about found family, loyalty and defending the place you call home, just with considerably more monsters, murder and slime puppies than your average family drama.
So, if you enjoy D&D-style fantasy, monsters (dragons, goblins, manticores, wraiths, minotaurs, etc.), magic and a healthy dose of chaos, then absolutely give this a read.
My Advice: Come for the dungeon, stay for the slime puppy and the wonderfully unconventional family. 🐌💀
The Dungeon Book: (As Told by Cornelius the Skull) by Gareth Hanrahan is an epic fantasy packed with monsters, magic, found family and enough witty humour to keep things entertaining even when people are being eaten, murdered or generally having a terrible day.
The story is narrated by a sentient skull named Cornelius and follows Bait, a young girl whose life takes a rather unexpected turn after she is stolen by a dragon as a toddler. She should have ended up as dinner in the dungeon, but instead she is adopted by its monstrous inhabitants and raised as one of their own. When Bait turns nine, she is encouraged to leave her dungeon home and venture out in search of her true father. Naturally, things do not go according to plan, eventually leading her back home to the dungeon. But her happy reunion with her monster family is short-lived when the dragon who originally stole her wakes up and decides it would quite like to finish what it started.
Bait, however, has absolutely no intention of becoming dragon food. Armed with a goblin-trained brain, an impressive amount of stubbornness and a complete disregard for being told what to do, she sets about plotting the dragon's demise before she meets her own. But the dragon isn’t the only threat facing Bait and her fellow dungeon dwellers. Human civilisation—and the dungeon’s Master, Orphir—have sinister plans of their own, putting everything Bait has come to love at risk.
So, let me sum up the first half of the book for you: Bait doesn’t do what she’s told and ends up causing trouble. 😂 Despite being stubborn, impulsive and occasionally spectacularly naive, I absolutely adored Bait and loved watching her character develop throughout the novel. Her resourcefulness, bravery and fierce loyalty to the dungeon and its monstrous inhabitants made her such an enjoyable protagonist.
I will admit that the beginning was a little slow for me, and the story wasn't quite what I expected. As the pace picked up, though, so did my enjoyment, and I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the story, the characters and the increasingly chaotic situations they found themselves in.
The one thing I felt was missing was the adventure element I was hoping for. I went into this anticipating an epic journey across new lands, meeting all manner of different species and discovering new places, but Bait doesn’t actually venture very far. That expectation was entirely my own, though, rather than anything the book promised, so I can hardly hold it against the author!
And then there’s Cornelius, our vain, pedantic, judgemental and thoroughly unreliable narrator. His dry wit, sarcasm and gallows humour added so much personality to the story and had me chuckling even during some of the darker moments.
And can we talk about Gloop?! Is it bad that the slime is my favourite character? Because I absolutely adored Gloop. I want a slime puppy. I don't know what I'd do with one, but I want one. 🥹
Overall, I really enjoyed The Dungeon Book. I loved the way it flips the traditional fantasy dungeon trope on its head, making the monsters the protagonists and turning the usual dungeon-crawling adventure into something of a reverse dungeon crawl.
It's funny, imaginative, surprisingly wholesome at times and filled with a wonderfully bizarre collection of characters that I couldn't help becoming attached to. At its heart, it's a surprisingly heartfelt story about found family, loyalty and defending the place you call home, just with considerably more monsters, murder and slime puppies than your average family drama.
So, if you enjoy D&D-style fantasy, monsters (dragons, goblins, manticores, wraiths, minotaurs, etc.), magic and a healthy dose of chaos, then absolutely give this a read.
My Advice: Come for the dungeon, stay for the slime puppy and the wonderfully unconventional family. 🐌💀
September 13, 2026
This was pretty fun! Initially I was worried that the sense of humor would be grating (the cover clearly lets you know it's a funny book, but who knows if it'll be Rick & Morty or DCC type humor, ya know?)
The skull narrating the story technically in second person was a fun and interesting choice. Apparently this is a style of retrospective narration I don't actually mind-- where the narrator is NOT the protagonist whose story is being told (also probably helps that he's an incorporeal and timeless being).
The dungeon itself is a little wacky, but still grounded (pardon the pun) and I think that the threats and silliness are well balanced with the appropriate amount of weight. Bait herself is a really interesting character with an unconventional upbringing and therefore an unconventional outlook on life, but not in a way that feels abrasive or overly beating you about the head. The other denizens of the dungeon are charmingly peculiar and add a lot of color to the novel.
Though it felt like a strong contender for a 5 star and a physical purchase in the beginning, I do think it dragged on a little too long and could've done with cutting at least 1-3 storylines to streamline it. But I was engaged the whole time and really enjoyed myself so I definitely recommend it to classic Fantasy lovers.
Audiobook Notes:
A perfect narration from an English male narrator. I thought his voice and his tone matched the book really well and he did an excellent job with both the text and the various voices in the dialogue.
The skull narrating the story technically in second person was a fun and interesting choice. Apparently this is a style of retrospective narration I don't actually mind-- where the narrator is NOT the protagonist whose story is being told (also probably helps that he's an incorporeal and timeless being).
The dungeon itself is a little wacky, but still grounded (pardon the pun) and I think that the threats and silliness are well balanced with the appropriate amount of weight. Bait herself is a really interesting character with an unconventional upbringing and therefore an unconventional outlook on life, but not in a way that feels abrasive or overly beating you about the head. The other denizens of the dungeon are charmingly peculiar and add a lot of color to the novel.
Though it felt like a strong contender for a 5 star and a physical purchase in the beginning, I do think it dragged on a little too long and could've done with cutting at least 1-3 storylines to streamline it. But I was engaged the whole time and really enjoyed myself so I definitely recommend it to classic Fantasy lovers.
Audiobook Notes:
A perfect narration from an English male narrator. I thought his voice and his tone matched the book really well and he did an excellent job with both the text and the various voices in the dialogue.
August 23, 2026
I've seen the Disney movie based on the The Jungle Book, but I've never read the collection of stories by Kipling (in fact, I didn't realize it was a collection of stories until I listened to this book).
The Dungeon Book (As told by Cornelius the skull) was an amazing D&D inspired re-telling of the story where a young girl is raised by goblins and protected by a minotaur. Cornelius the talking skull is her tutor and the one telling the tale. I freaking loved it.
The story was fun and literally laugh out funny at times. I also loved the narration by Lawrence Neale: he absolutely nailed the narration. I love the variety of accents & voices he did.
Highly recommend for DnD fans and fans of The Jungle Book. 4.5 stars rounding up to 5.
The Dungeon Book (As told by Cornelius the skull) was an amazing D&D inspired re-telling of the story where a young girl is raised by goblins and protected by a minotaur. Cornelius the talking skull is her tutor and the one telling the tale. I freaking loved it.
The story was fun and literally laugh out funny at times. I also loved the narration by Lawrence Neale: he absolutely nailed the narration. I love the variety of accents & voices he did.
Highly recommend for DnD fans and fans of The Jungle Book. 4.5 stars rounding up to 5.
September 20, 2026
This was a cute tale about a girl and finding home. Whatever that meant. If it was in the comfort of monsters and long dwindling hallways of traps and scary creatures. So be it. All bait wanted was to be left alone but her story is much bigger on the surface world. I really did enjoy this book. The writing and story telling wasn’t really my cup of tea but that’s ok. It did take me a while to finish because I was considering DNFing but I made it though. Not sure if I would recommend it but it served its purpose. I did peek at some lower rated reviews and am confused as to why people keep bringing up DnD as if this was advertised as a DND spinoff??? It has quite literally nothing to do with the game. There is no mention of it or any similarities at all. But nonetheless it was a cute story that I read between other books. A good pallet cleanser.
September 1, 2026
I picked this book up randomly because I cannot be trusted unsupervised in book stores. What an absolute find! Funny, touching and as realistic as a fantasy gets. Can confidently say I’ll be reading more of this author.
August 25, 2026
If you have a character named Bait...you need to have a pretty cool story. Gareth Hanrahan exceeded my expectations on this one. I think this story had the potential of being just silly but it has such heart that it works on a lot of levels.
A dark dungeon is home for Bait, stolen and raised by monsters, she only knows the dark. But life is fragile and nothing stays stagnant, change is coming for both Bait and the dungeon she calls home.
That sets her on a journey that I was super happy to read along with. I think you need to go into this novel with an open mind and accept it for what it is - a great fantasy romp with more emotion than expected.
The characters are the real gems, Bait herself is great but so are the goblins, a minotaur and of course our story teller, Cornelius, a talking skull. The denizens of the dungeon are some of favs ever. So fun!
Cozy and quirky, yet dark and ugly. This just satisfied a need I didn't know I had.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for the opportunity to read this title. My thoughts are my own.
A dark dungeon is home for Bait, stolen and raised by monsters, she only knows the dark. But life is fragile and nothing stays stagnant, change is coming for both Bait and the dungeon she calls home.
That sets her on a journey that I was super happy to read along with. I think you need to go into this novel with an open mind and accept it for what it is - a great fantasy romp with more emotion than expected.
The characters are the real gems, Bait herself is great but so are the goblins, a minotaur and of course our story teller, Cornelius, a talking skull. The denizens of the dungeon are some of favs ever. So fun!
Cozy and quirky, yet dark and ugly. This just satisfied a need I didn't know I had.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for the opportunity to read this title. My thoughts are my own.
August 26, 2026
Cute and whimsical, finished within a day.
Similar vibes to the anime "Delicious in Dungeon", minus the food component with a focus on the monsters' way of life within the dungeon.
Similar vibes to the anime "Delicious in Dungeon", minus the food component with a focus on the monsters' way of life within the dungeon.
August 23, 2026
I loved it!!!!
July 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the dungeon book we follow the adventures of Bait, a human girl, with all the different creatures that live in the dungeon. The story however is told by Cornelius a deceased magician.
When I started off this book I was so excited to get to know all the different creatures that inhabits the dungeon. And for the first couple chapters that’s the case. I wish we had more than that and stayed in that direction. The plot was so fun in the beginning , but I don’t know if I just didn’t like the narration or if the pacing felt off after the beginning. It was a cute read nonetheless, I just had very high expectations for it.
In the dungeon book we follow the adventures of Bait, a human girl, with all the different creatures that live in the dungeon. The story however is told by Cornelius a deceased magician.
When I started off this book I was so excited to get to know all the different creatures that inhabits the dungeon. And for the first couple chapters that’s the case. I wish we had more than that and stayed in that direction. The plot was so fun in the beginning , but I don’t know if I just didn’t like the narration or if the pacing felt off after the beginning. It was a cute read nonetheless, I just had very high expectations for it.
July 16, 2026
Six stars. One of my top reads for the year.
So fun, different, quirky, and… dare I say cozy… if you can imagine a dungeon of monsters as cozy. Bait is now one of my favorite MCs. The story leans full tilt left field. I loved all of it.
Thanks to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Gareth for the ARC and introduction to this wonderful weird world that I never want to step foot in but will miss greatly.
Long live Bait!
So fun, different, quirky, and… dare I say cozy… if you can imagine a dungeon of monsters as cozy. Bait is now one of my favorite MCs. The story leans full tilt left field. I loved all of it.
Thanks to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Gareth for the ARC and introduction to this wonderful weird world that I never want to step foot in but will miss greatly.
Long live Bait!
July 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
I wanted to read The Dungeon Book because I wanted a book that would feel like Dungeons and Dragons, an adventure delving into a dangerous and mysterious unknown. And in the beginning, I thought that’s what I was going to get. I loved the first chapters, with the descriptions of the dungeon and its various denizens. I found Cornelius quirky and funny as a narrator. I was really enjoying it, which is why I was so confused when the story took an early turn which completely changed what I thought I was getting in this story. I was disappointed, but kept going. That was unfortunately a repeated experience for the entire rest of the book - I’d like where it was going, then be thrown by a switch up, reluctantly continue, repeat.
While Cornelius started out charming and funny, I quickly grew bored and even annoyed with his ramblings. Prose started to feel repetitive and sluggish.
Overall, there were parts I enjoyed but this was a disappointment for me.
I wanted to read The Dungeon Book because I wanted a book that would feel like Dungeons and Dragons, an adventure delving into a dangerous and mysterious unknown. And in the beginning, I thought that’s what I was going to get. I loved the first chapters, with the descriptions of the dungeon and its various denizens. I found Cornelius quirky and funny as a narrator. I was really enjoying it, which is why I was so confused when the story took an early turn which completely changed what I thought I was getting in this story. I was disappointed, but kept going. That was unfortunately a repeated experience for the entire rest of the book - I’d like where it was going, then be thrown by a switch up, reluctantly continue, repeat.
While Cornelius started out charming and funny, I quickly grew bored and even annoyed with his ramblings. Prose started to feel repetitive and sluggish.
Overall, there were parts I enjoyed but this was a disappointment for me.
July 17, 2026
Received a digital copy through GoodReads giveaway.
A fun story that tips the standard tale around to look more from the “monsters” point of view.
A fun story that tips the standard tale around to look more from the “monsters” point of view.
June 26, 2026
Thank you Orbit and NetGalley for the gifted eARC!
This story was just so wonderfully charming and moving, and I didn’t think I’d be saying that about a story with goblins, manticores, and oozing slime! I adored Bait’s journey from a human girl taken in by goblins in the dungeon to someone who truly carves a space for herself in the world above and below. I loved every denizen of the dungeon, even the grumpy ones, and thought the idea of these monsters forming a community was so brilliantly executed. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy that is maybe a little grittier than some of the others out there, I highly recommend checking this one out!
This story was just so wonderfully charming and moving, and I didn’t think I’d be saying that about a story with goblins, manticores, and oozing slime! I adored Bait’s journey from a human girl taken in by goblins in the dungeon to someone who truly carves a space for herself in the world above and below. I loved every denizen of the dungeon, even the grumpy ones, and thought the idea of these monsters forming a community was so brilliantly executed. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy that is maybe a little grittier than some of the others out there, I highly recommend checking this one out!
August 14, 2026
I am actually so impressed by this novel. Hanrahan managed to merge so many different elements and somehow made each single one work perfectly.
"The Dungeon Book" is an adventure novel, a coming of age story, a love letter to classic fantasy tropes, and successful retelling of "The Jungle Book", all narrated through the voice of a formidably coward unrealiable narrator.
I think what I appreciated the most about this novel is that it brings in a lot of elements that nowadays are extremely popular in fantasy, but it does so with such care that they don't feel recycled or superficial, but fresh and exciting.
Yes, there is a humourus tone at the foundation of the writing style, but it's never overdone, and, most importantly, it doesn't overshine the development of our characters or their most tragic and emotional moments. Same goes for the lore, and the magic system. Nothing felt overexplained, everything had a purpose for the narrative, and it didn't hinge the reader's interest towards the characters and the cointained core of the story.
This is such a gem of a book, I am truly so happy I enjoyed it so much!
"The Dungeon Book" is an adventure novel, a coming of age story, a love letter to classic fantasy tropes, and successful retelling of "The Jungle Book", all narrated through the voice of a formidably coward unrealiable narrator.
I think what I appreciated the most about this novel is that it brings in a lot of elements that nowadays are extremely popular in fantasy, but it does so with such care that they don't feel recycled or superficial, but fresh and exciting.
Yes, there is a humourus tone at the foundation of the writing style, but it's never overdone, and, most importantly, it doesn't overshine the development of our characters or their most tragic and emotional moments. Same goes for the lore, and the magic system. Nothing felt overexplained, everything had a purpose for the narrative, and it didn't hinge the reader's interest towards the characters and the cointained core of the story.
This is such a gem of a book, I am truly so happy I enjoyed it so much!
August 11, 2026
9 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
The author says in his afterword that this isn’t a book he ever expected to write, and was even more surprised when his agent and publisher picked it . And honestly, I can see why. It’s basically a retelling of the Jungle Book, but with a bit more fantasy and a lot more humor. But retellings are all the rage nowadays, and after reading the book, I’m not shocked that it got chosen. It just works so well—much, much better than I would’ve expected.
Let’s start with the characters, as they’re often what gives the story its… well, character. While Bait is the focus, Cornelius the Skull is technically our POV, and what an MC he makes. As a formerly living sorcerer (but now a very deceased one), he’s a bit morbid, but mostly very wordy, and likely quite insane. He spins a good yarn, this one, the Tale of Bait, often interrupted by random tangents and occasional info-dumps—most of which will themselves be interrupted by someone kicking him down a morass, or tripping over him. And as but a skull… well, there’s not a lot he can do about it. Bait’s the focus, however, and she performs well as the lead. If a coming-of-age could ever just be stubborned through, Bait would do it. In addition to these two, there exists a nice, colorful cast of heroes, villains, and wildly chaotic side-characters which crop up throughout.
But it’s not just humorous, this. There’s also an interesting moral greyness to the world that I appreciated, something that lasts even through the conclusion to an ending I’m still thinking about nearly a week after finishing. And while it’s neither the most impactful nor the most humorous fantasy I’ve ever read, the Dungeon Book is likely the best blend of the two—at least among books I’ve read this year. Great adventure, interesting lore, entertaining humor, deep plot… there’s not a whole lot to critique.
I guess if I had to nitpick… the plot isn’t super complicated. It works quite well though, for what it is. Plus, as a retelling, it’s not exactly original. But then, I never liked the Jungle Book much, and thoroughly enjoyed the Dungeon Book.
TL;DR
All in all… well, there’s humor, there’s adventure. There’s a dragon, there’s thrill and peril and a bit of mystery. There’s even some moral greyness that I absolutely did not expect. The cast is quite good and our MC is entertaining. The author even managed it in a way that had me looking forward to the info-dumps instead of dreading them. It’s an all around interesting, entertaining read, especially for a retelling. I have a few nitpicks, but they’re minor. Recommended—Gareth Hanrahan is quickly becoming one of my must read authors.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
The author says in his afterword that this isn’t a book he ever expected to write, and was even more surprised when his agent and publisher picked it . And honestly, I can see why. It’s basically a retelling of the Jungle Book, but with a bit more fantasy and a lot more humor. But retellings are all the rage nowadays, and after reading the book, I’m not shocked that it got chosen. It just works so well—much, much better than I would’ve expected.
Let’s start with the characters, as they’re often what gives the story its… well, character. While Bait is the focus, Cornelius the Skull is technically our POV, and what an MC he makes. As a formerly living sorcerer (but now a very deceased one), he’s a bit morbid, but mostly very wordy, and likely quite insane. He spins a good yarn, this one, the Tale of Bait, often interrupted by random tangents and occasional info-dumps—most of which will themselves be interrupted by someone kicking him down a morass, or tripping over him. And as but a skull… well, there’s not a lot he can do about it. Bait’s the focus, however, and she performs well as the lead. If a coming-of-age could ever just be stubborned through, Bait would do it. In addition to these two, there exists a nice, colorful cast of heroes, villains, and wildly chaotic side-characters which crop up throughout.
But it’s not just humorous, this. There’s also an interesting moral greyness to the world that I appreciated, something that lasts even through the conclusion to an ending I’m still thinking about nearly a week after finishing. And while it’s neither the most impactful nor the most humorous fantasy I’ve ever read, the Dungeon Book is likely the best blend of the two—at least among books I’ve read this year. Great adventure, interesting lore, entertaining humor, deep plot… there’s not a whole lot to critique.
I guess if I had to nitpick… the plot isn’t super complicated. It works quite well though, for what it is. Plus, as a retelling, it’s not exactly original. But then, I never liked the Jungle Book much, and thoroughly enjoyed the Dungeon Book.
TL;DR
All in all… well, there’s humor, there’s adventure. There’s a dragon, there’s thrill and peril and a bit of mystery. There’s even some moral greyness that I absolutely did not expect. The cast is quite good and our MC is entertaining. The author even managed it in a way that had me looking forward to the info-dumps instead of dreading them. It’s an all around interesting, entertaining read, especially for a retelling. I have a few nitpicks, but they’re minor. Recommended—Gareth Hanrahan is quickly becoming one of my must read authors.
August 12, 2026
Thanks to Orbit for the preview. All opinions are my own.
The premise for The Dungeon Book sounded so good. And it begins by delivering on that premise and following Bait and being in the dungeon. And then we take a left turn. And we keep taking turns throughout the novel. Every time I’d become engaged, the narrative would shift or we’d have a side bar, and I’d disengage again. Ad infinitum. If I’d read with my eyes, I’d likely have DNF’d. But the narration from Lawrence Neale is phenomenal and the only thing that kept me going.
Sadly by the end, I was just trying to finish the book and no longer cared much about the plot, such as it was.
Lots of promise, but a disappointment for me.
The premise for The Dungeon Book sounded so good. And it begins by delivering on that premise and following Bait and being in the dungeon. And then we take a left turn. And we keep taking turns throughout the novel. Every time I’d become engaged, the narrative would shift or we’d have a side bar, and I’d disengage again. Ad infinitum. If I’d read with my eyes, I’d likely have DNF’d. But the narration from Lawrence Neale is phenomenal and the only thing that kept me going.
Sadly by the end, I was just trying to finish the book and no longer cared much about the plot, such as it was.
Lots of promise, but a disappointment for me.
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