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The Dungeoneers #2
Blackfog Island
Salt-crusted veterans whisper of an island of swirling black fog that manifests in the night. Ships that sail into it are never seen again. One of those ships carried a mysterious relic that can not be allowed to remain lost. The Dungeoneers take to the high seas to do what has never been done before--sail into the fog and return to tell the tale. Pirates, sea monsters, smugglers, merfolk and slithery tentacle things with pointy bits stand between the dwarves and the most dangerous challenge they've ever faced. (Each Dungeoneers book is a complete adventure and the series may be read in any order.)
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2016
143 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Russell
7 books185 followersJeffery Russell is a Pacific Northwest author. He lives in a tiny house with a tiny dog and a tiny container of googly eyeballs. He spends more time thinking about dwarves than most people do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 15, 2025
It was fun reading Blackfog Island and getting to see what adventures the Dungeoneers got themselves into this time. Really enjoyed the switch to a different theme/setting and eager to see where Book 3 takes place.
January 18, 2017
Interesting premise, but lacklustre storytelling.
I will start by saying: I really enjoyed the previous Dungeoneers book; the premise is interesting, the characters were enjoyably quirky, and the story was fairly well structured. This second installment, not so much. It's a loose collection of good ideas that never quite gel into a cohesive narrative. The author jumps suddenly into new characters' perspectives with little concern given to developing relationships with any one of them, resulting in the reader having no idea who the main character is. Other readers may not find this to be a problem, but the lack of an emotional connection with any one of the plethora of "main characters" made me really not care about what was happening to them, and it was a struggle getting to the end of this book. The author and the world he has introduced us to show a lot of promise, but this was not his best work.
I will start by saying: I really enjoyed the previous Dungeoneers book; the premise is interesting, the characters were enjoyably quirky, and the story was fairly well structured. This second installment, not so much. It's a loose collection of good ideas that never quite gel into a cohesive narrative. The author jumps suddenly into new characters' perspectives with little concern given to developing relationships with any one of them, resulting in the reader having no idea who the main character is. Other readers may not find this to be a problem, but the lack of an emotional connection with any one of the plethora of "main characters" made me really not care about what was happening to them, and it was a struggle getting to the end of this book. The author and the world he has introduced us to show a lot of promise, but this was not his best work.
February 5, 2017
Great edition to the series. Fun adventure Downside the narrator speed read the book. I know I know minute issue but irritating when you stop and try to think if the audiobook skipped as you try to catch up. The narrator has great voice command but as Bones from Star Trek says "damit JIM respect the comma and take a breath"
February 20, 2017
I didn't like it as much as the first one. I really liked Durham in the first book, and in this novel he just wanders around in the background, almost useless... meh. I think I would have liked it much more if he had got more involved in the action.
still, the plot is very interesting, with a Lovecraft twist that I appreciated really much.
still, the plot is very interesting, with a Lovecraft twist that I appreciated really much.
May 1, 2025
Skvelé! Trpaslíci a ich partia má nový job a tentoraz sa to týka tajomnej truhlice, mora a zvláštneho ostrova, ktorý sa objavuje a mizne v čiernej hmle! Viac dopíšem zajtra, lebo musím ešte dočítať dve knihy do konca aprílovej výzvy!
Z celej knihy som mala taký Cthulhuovský dojem, aj keď nepriateľ sa volal Gr’bl-Neb’gthrb, kobkanieri ho premenovali na Grgloboha. Môj obľúbenec Durham, čo v minulom dieli začal ako strážnik a skončil ako kráľ, tu dostal úlohu kresliča máp (a celkom mu to šlo). Viac priestoru dostala aj Rubína, ich kronikárka a pribudli aj nové tváre. A potom zase odbudli.
Z nemých tvárí to boli zase okrídlené tvory (Pixinko, minipidi svietiaci vílovec používaný do lampášov a papagáj pirátskeho kapitána, ktorý teda nemý nebol ani zbla, ale zato mimoriadne pomstychtivý a ako to už u vtákov býva, guano všade, keďže jeho obľúbenou činnosťou je zatínať pazúry do pleca toho, koho najviac neznáša, tak hlavne na kapitánovom chrbte.) Kvákajúce človekoryby neboli nemé ani náhodou. A bavili ma aj morskí ľudia, čo sa dali chytiť na sendvič a rum. Tajomstvo je v horčici, nemáte za čo.
Ale hlavné bolo dobrodružstvo na dne mora, piráti a tajomný kult (toto je niečo, čo sa vytvára veky a nikdy to nedopadne dobre) - vtipné komenty a stále bolo čo robiť, nenudila som sa ani na chvíľu. Určite odporúčam!
Knihu mám v rámci čitateľskej výzvy na mesiac apríl - R (priezvisko autora)
Z celej knihy som mala taký Cthulhuovský dojem, aj keď nepriateľ sa volal Gr’bl-Neb’gthrb, kobkanieri ho premenovali na Grgloboha. Môj obľúbenec Durham, čo v minulom dieli začal ako strážnik a skončil ako kráľ, tu dostal úlohu kresliča máp (a celkom mu to šlo). Viac priestoru dostala aj Rubína, ich kronikárka a pribudli aj nové tváre. A potom zase odbudli.
Z nemých tvárí to boli zase okrídlené tvory (Pixinko, minipidi svietiaci vílovec používaný do lampášov a papagáj pirátskeho kapitána, ktorý teda nemý nebol ani zbla, ale zato mimoriadne pomstychtivý a ako to už u vtákov býva, guano všade, keďže jeho obľúbenou činnosťou je zatínať pazúry do pleca toho, koho najviac neznáša, tak hlavne na kapitánovom chrbte.) Kvákajúce človekoryby neboli nemé ani náhodou. A bavili ma aj morskí ľudia, čo sa dali chytiť na sendvič a rum. Tajomstvo je v horčici, nemáte za čo.
Ale hlavné bolo dobrodružstvo na dne mora, piráti a tajomný kult (toto je niečo, čo sa vytvára veky a nikdy to nedopadne dobre) - vtipné komenty a stále bolo čo robiť, nenudila som sa ani na chvíľu. Určite odporúčam!
Knihu mám v rámci čitateľskej výzvy na mesiac apríl - R (priezvisko autora)
April 13, 2019
An highly enjoyable read.
September 25, 2025
Fun to read and interesting plot. But some parts were a bit slow.
January 26, 2025
Continuing my reading of this fun escapist fantasy series.
What to Expect
The novel starts as the dungeoneers return an artefact recovered in the first novel, and get sent on a new job (though it's not all that important, so reading in order isn't critical) . The job description this time is somewhat more cryptic, and we soon learn why "like a dwarf to water" isn't really a phrase. As usual, stakes and scope escalate, betrayals and double-dealing abound, and general shenanigans come to a resounding climax and a lot of clean-up afterwards.
What I liked
The writing is still funny and highly imaginative, and the dwarves professional approach to dealing with common fantasy-adventuring challenges is refreshing.
What to be aware of
This is escapist entertainment, nothing deep. The second novel is somewhat less puns, but still maintains the light-hearted and enjoyable style. Durham, one of the main character point-of-view in the first novel, is still present but to a much lesser degree in the second.
Felix's and Jack's Reviews
Jack thought the dwarves' approach to dealing with zombies was hilarious, and he wished he could get away with stuff like that. He's unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) tied down with laws and regulations about dealing with other-worldly creatures, the living dead, and the associated paperwork that invariably follows. Then again, he's happy to just solve crimes and protect the citizenry, rather than deal with world-ending events.
Summary
Recommended as a palate-cleanser between heavier reads, or when needing a comic break from life. I certainly will be looking to read the last two books of the series when I want some diversion.
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
The novel starts as the dungeoneers return an artefact recovered in the first novel, and get sent on a new job (though it's not all that important, so reading in order isn't critical) . The job description this time is somewhat more cryptic, and we soon learn why "like a dwarf to water" isn't really a phrase. As usual, stakes and scope escalate, betrayals and double-dealing abound, and general shenanigans come to a resounding climax and a lot of clean-up afterwards.
What I liked
The writing is still funny and highly imaginative, and the dwarves professional approach to dealing with common fantasy-adventuring challenges is refreshing.
What to be aware of
This is escapist entertainment, nothing deep. The second novel is somewhat less puns, but still maintains the light-hearted and enjoyable style. Durham, one of the main character point-of-view in the first novel, is still present but to a much lesser degree in the second.
Felix's and Jack's Reviews
Jack thought the dwarves' approach to dealing with zombies was hilarious, and he wished he could get away with stuff like that. He's unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) tied down with laws and regulations about dealing with other-worldly creatures, the living dead, and the associated paperwork that invariably follows. Then again, he's happy to just solve crimes and protect the citizenry, rather than deal with world-ending events.
Summary
Recommended as a palate-cleanser between heavier reads, or when needing a comic break from life. I certainly will be looking to read the last two books of the series when I want some diversion.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
December 28, 2025
Kniha Mlha, moře, mordýři nás opäť zavedie do sveta Kobkanýřů. Tentoraz sa s trpasličou partiou presúvame z temných kobiek a podzemia priamo na vlny tajomných morí. Ak ste si obľúbili prvý diel, pripravte sa – dobrodružstvo je ešte divokejšie, zábavnejšie a poriadne mokré. Čaká nás nová napínavá zákazka, ktorú hrdinovia prijmú od samotnej polobohyne, ktorá ich zavedie nielen na palubu lode, ale najmä medzi vraky na dne mora, kde číhajú nebezpečenstvá horšie než samotná smrť.
K osvedčenej partii trpaslíkov sa tentoraz pridáva aj elf, ktorý do deja vnáša nový pohľad, sviežu dynamiku a poriadnu dávku humoru. Práve jeho prítomnosť prináša chaotickejšie plánovanie ako kontrast ku precíznym a presným trpaslíkom. Opäť sa môžeme tešiť na epické súboje s nadprirodzenými silami, obludami s chápadlami, zradnou mágiou a situácie, ktoré balansujú na hrane šialenstva a geniality.
Príbeh nestratil nič zo svojej zábavnosti, napätia ani nečakaných zvratov – práve naopak. Humor je ešte vystupňovanejší v porovnaní s prvým dielom a autor citeľne zapracoval aj na gradácii napätia. Navyše sa dozvedáme viac o niektorých postavách, čo spätne pomáha lepšie pochopiť ich správanie a rozhodnutia v predchádzajúcej knihe. Pridanie elfa zároveň umožnilo autorovi viac sa vyhrať s interakciami medzi postavami a posunúť trpasličie plány na úplne novú úroveň nespútanosti a absurdnosti.
Veľkým plusom je aj fakt, že Mlha, moře, mordýři funguje aj samostatne. Ak ste prvý diel nečítali, pokojne môžete začať týmto – autor prirodzene vysvetľuje potrebné súvislosti a prípadné drobné medzery v informáciách nijako nenarušia čitateľský zážitok.
Ak máte radi fantasy plnú akcie, humoru, absurdných situácií a svojráznych postáv, tento diel si zamilujete. Jeffery Russell opäť dokázal, že vie napísať príbeh, ktorý je rovnako napínavý ako zábavný – a presne taký by mal byť dobrý fantasy únik z reality.
K osvedčenej partii trpaslíkov sa tentoraz pridáva aj elf, ktorý do deja vnáša nový pohľad, sviežu dynamiku a poriadnu dávku humoru. Práve jeho prítomnosť prináša chaotickejšie plánovanie ako kontrast ku precíznym a presným trpaslíkom. Opäť sa môžeme tešiť na epické súboje s nadprirodzenými silami, obludami s chápadlami, zradnou mágiou a situácie, ktoré balansujú na hrane šialenstva a geniality.
Príbeh nestratil nič zo svojej zábavnosti, napätia ani nečakaných zvratov – práve naopak. Humor je ešte vystupňovanejší v porovnaní s prvým dielom a autor citeľne zapracoval aj na gradácii napätia. Navyše sa dozvedáme viac o niektorých postavách, čo spätne pomáha lepšie pochopiť ich správanie a rozhodnutia v predchádzajúcej knihe. Pridanie elfa zároveň umožnilo autorovi viac sa vyhrať s interakciami medzi postavami a posunúť trpasličie plány na úplne novú úroveň nespútanosti a absurdnosti.
Veľkým plusom je aj fakt, že Mlha, moře, mordýři funguje aj samostatne. Ak ste prvý diel nečítali, pokojne môžete začať týmto – autor prirodzene vysvetľuje potrebné súvislosti a prípadné drobné medzery v informáciách nijako nenarušia čitateľský zážitok.
Ak máte radi fantasy plnú akcie, humoru, absurdných situácií a svojráznych postáv, tento diel si zamilujete. Jeffery Russell opäť dokázal, že vie napísať príbeh, ktorý je rovnako napínavý ako zábavný – a presne taký by mal byť dobrý fantasy únik z reality.
May 27, 2025
My selection for the Reddit Fantasy 2025 'Elves and/or Dwarves' square (hard mode).
The Dungeoneers take to the high seas, to try to find and retrieve a mysterious relic from a fog covered Blackfog Island, and live to return and tell the tale. Pirates, sea monsters, smugglers, merfolk and slithery tentacle things with pointy bits stand between the dwarves and the most dangerous challenge they've ever faced. Easy to read and funny. Almost a palette cleanser and a good way to finish this years Bingo card.
(Other 2025 Bingo squares that this would fit: Hidden Gem (HM); Small Press or Self Published; Recycle a Bingo Square: ('A Novel Published In 2016' square from 2016); Pirates).
The Dungeoneers take to the high seas, to try to find and retrieve a mysterious relic from a fog covered Blackfog Island, and live to return and tell the tale. Pirates, sea monsters, smugglers, merfolk and slithery tentacle things with pointy bits stand between the dwarves and the most dangerous challenge they've ever faced. Easy to read and funny. Almost a palette cleanser and a good way to finish this years Bingo card.
(Other 2025 Bingo squares that this would fit: Hidden Gem (HM); Small Press or Self Published; Recycle a Bingo Square: ('A Novel Published In 2016' square from 2016); Pirates).
June 12, 2024
Another harrowing adventure with Thud and The Dungeoneers!
I LOVE these books! The witty banter and the extensive world building are amazing! I can see why the world building is so fantastic now that I know the world is based on an RPG that Russell played. The characters, and there are lots, all have their own individual personalities and I find myself wanting to know more about each of them! Even Max!! 5/5 stars from me, if I could give it 10 I would!!
Thank you Jeffery Russell for sharing this world with us! I’m on to the third book!
I LOVE these books! The witty banter and the extensive world building are amazing! I can see why the world building is so fantastic now that I know the world is based on an RPG that Russell played. The characters, and there are lots, all have their own individual personalities and I find myself wanting to know more about each of them! Even Max!! 5/5 stars from me, if I could give it 10 I would!!
Thank you Jeffery Russell for sharing this world with us! I’m on to the third book!
January 8, 2025
Čítal som chýbajúce české vydanie - Mlha, moře, mordýři.
Druhý diel ságy pokračuje v rovnako humornom duchu, a čo tentokrát stráca na popise technických záležitostí trpaslíkov, to naberá na prepracovanosti postáv a výbornom inovatívnom prostredí. Ostrov čiernej hmly bol skvelý nápad, a už dlho som nemal možnosť stretnúť sa s niečím podobným v literatúre. Netvrdím, že je to originálne - ale skvelo využité. Ak sa vám páčil prvý diel, tak určite neurobíte chybu keď budete v ságe pokračovať, a ja dúfam že budú pokračovať aj české vydania so skvelými obálkami.
Druhý diel ságy pokračuje v rovnako humornom duchu, a čo tentokrát stráca na popise technických záležitostí trpaslíkov, to naberá na prepracovanosti postáv a výbornom inovatívnom prostredí. Ostrov čiernej hmly bol skvelý nápad, a už dlho som nemal možnosť stretnúť sa s niečím podobným v literatúre. Netvrdím, že je to originálne - ale skvelo využité. Ak sa vám páčil prvý diel, tak určite neurobíte chybu keď budete v ságe pokračovať, a ja dúfam že budú pokračovať aj české vydania so skvelými obálkami.
February 22, 2025
Trpasličí banda se tentokrát ocitá v rozbouřených a neznámých vodách Mlžného moře. A čeká je další dobrodružství, cesta do neznáma a tentokrát i do prostředí, které trpaslíkům není vůbec vlastní. Kobky, jeskyně a jiné kryptoidní komplexy totiž ve vodě moc nebejvají. Ale tahle trpasličí banda se jen tak něčeho nezalekne, přijme výzvu a postaví se jí čelem způsobem svým vlastním. Velký big up pro překladatele, tohle musela být opět lahůdka s různými druhy nářečí překládat(piráti, jiné živočišné druhy a samozřejmě velmi osobití a vtipní trpaslíci). Už se těším na další výpravu!
June 6, 2022
Another delightful and entertaining book about the Dungeoneers by author Jeffery Russell. This time they're commissioned to retrieve an unknown relic from an inaccessible island of blackness.
No problem! Aside from fighting off vicious pirates, they must deal with an elven thief stowaway and someone betraying them.
Who's on whose side? Events get more confusing all the time. I can't give you any more details without spoilers.
Just read the book
No problem! Aside from fighting off vicious pirates, they must deal with an elven thief stowaway and someone betraying them.
Who's on whose side? Events get more confusing all the time. I can't give you any more details without spoilers.
Just read the book
May 9, 2017
Another great adventure
The Dungeoneers are back, and this time they're being along an elf. Great read, really enjoyable romp. Liking Thud more and more as a character, though Durham was left out of this one for the most part. Felt a bit odd after having so much of the first book centered around him, but overall it didn't detract from the story that much.
The Dungeoneers are back, and this time they're being along an elf. Great read, really enjoyable romp. Liking Thud more and more as a character, though Durham was left out of this one for the most part. Felt a bit odd after having so much of the first book centered around him, but overall it didn't detract from the story that much.
August 30, 2018
Sea-going dwarves save the world!!
I enjoyed this book because of all the different inventions used to help the buccaneers stay alive; really amazing that none of them were killed. The Mermen kind of confused things but not as bad as the half frog people. I think the whole idea of the island was weird, but hey I finished the book and have already purchased the third..
I enjoyed this book because of all the different inventions used to help the buccaneers stay alive; really amazing that none of them were killed. The Mermen kind of confused things but not as bad as the half frog people. I think the whole idea of the island was weird, but hey I finished the book and have already purchased the third..
March 31, 2019
Love these books!!
The storylines are fast moving and interesting. Perfect amount of violence and adult humor without anything too graphic, gory, or gratuitous. Just humor that makes you think about it a bit. And no cheese romance. Just feel good books that can make you laugh out loud. Can't wait for the next one!
The storylines are fast moving and interesting. Perfect amount of violence and adult humor without anything too graphic, gory, or gratuitous. Just humor that makes you think about it a bit. And no cheese romance. Just feel good books that can make you laugh out loud. Can't wait for the next one!
April 20, 2019
Very funny
A bit less organized than in the first book the Dungeoneers are having a excellent adventure and saving the world while completely out of their element. Colorful well crafted characters and a gripping story with interesting plot twists to keep you on your toes and a boat load of humor.
A bit less organized than in the first book the Dungeoneers are having a excellent adventure and saving the world while completely out of their element. Colorful well crafted characters and a gripping story with interesting plot twists to keep you on your toes and a boat load of humor.
December 15, 2019
A fun number 2 in the series
Not ready litrpg. But sort of love child of one with old fashioned adventure fantasy with well done and well integrated humor. Good reading for travel as well as they count as page turners that make the travel miles melt behind you it’s a 9 out of 10 rating but amazon does not allow half stars
Not ready litrpg. But sort of love child of one with old fashioned adventure fantasy with well done and well integrated humor. Good reading for travel as well as they count as page turners that make the travel miles melt behind you it’s a 9 out of 10 rating but amazon does not allow half stars
June 14, 2022
Book two in the series. I wanted to give it a 3.5 but of course GoodReads forbids that.
Much like the first book, a fun dungeon crawl. The characters are solid, the story is very enjoyable and the occasional bit of humour will sneak up on you.
If you are a fantasy lover this one will not disappoint.
Much like the first book, a fun dungeon crawl. The characters are solid, the story is very enjoyable and the occasional bit of humour will sneak up on you.
If you are a fantasy lover this one will not disappoint.
April 26, 2025
Je to jiné proti prvnímu dílu a místy kvůli tomu i trošku rozvláčnější, ale furt to jsou super trpaslíci co mají řešení na spousty zvláštních problémů. Proč potřebovat bandu hrdinů co můžou umřít a nesplnit úkol, když tu máte bandu profesionálů, kteří vám požadovaný artefakt přinesou a ještě přitom vyřeší záchranu světa.
Je to čtivé a zábavné se spoustou super postav tak není nad čím váhat.
Je to čtivé a zábavné se spoustou super postav tak není nad čím váhat.
September 3, 2025
wide collection of quirky ideas, super large collection of characters that have no place to shine and no coherent narrative.
however, it would still be a solid "eh, fun" 3 stars if not for the audiobook narration. That was over the top, abysmal and at some points actively nauseating (Ruby's old colleague aaaaa).
however, it would still be a solid "eh, fun" 3 stars if not for the audiobook narration. That was over the top, abysmal and at some points actively nauseating (Ruby's old colleague aaaaa).
January 25, 2018
Imaginative
Really enjoyed this 2nd book in the Dungeoneers saga. A rollicking good time as they say. I am wondering what is going on back at Durhams kingdom while he's gone though.
Really enjoyed this 2nd book in the Dungeoneers saga. A rollicking good time as they say. I am wondering what is going on back at Durhams kingdom while he's gone though.
June 5, 2020
Jolly Good Fun
What’s better than a crew of dwarves, two humans and one gnome? A pirate adventure story! So batten down the hatches, grab a grog, and let a great author bend your ear.
What’s better than a crew of dwarves, two humans and one gnome? A pirate adventure story! So batten down the hatches, grab a grog, and let a great author bend your ear.
January 5, 2024
Not as strong as the first, but still a good ride.
Whilst not lacking in interesting ideas or good dialogue, the writing suffered in an architectural way, and was a big leap from the primarily Durham POV of the first book.
This Dungeoneers caper strayed exceptionally close to being an adventure.
Whilst not lacking in interesting ideas or good dialogue, the writing suffered in an architectural way, and was a big leap from the primarily Durham POV of the first book.
This Dungeoneers caper strayed exceptionally close to being an adventure.
December 19, 2025
Tahle série mě baví, na každé stránce vtip. Není to nic, kdy bych vybuchla smíchy, ale je to moc fajn. Konec mi přišel trochu přepálený, ale celkově to mělo stejnou úroveň jako předchozí díl. Těším se na další 🥰
November 22, 2016
awesome
Read it. Read first one before this one. Totally awesome. Read it. do it do it do it do it.
Read it. Read first one before this one. Totally awesome. Read it. do it do it do it do it.
January 14, 2017
Enjoyed it almost as much as the first one, will probably read the next one as well.
I did however read three other books 'in-between' before I finally finished it.
I did however read three other books 'in-between' before I finally finished it.
July 29, 2017
Hilarious as always
Great story, good humor. A real gem of a book. The first was better but this was well worth a read.
Great story, good humor. A real gem of a book. The first was better but this was well worth a read.
December 21, 2018
I can't get enough of these adventurers, um, I mean Dungeoneers. Adventures are dangerous, you know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews