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Ancient Dreams #1
Ancient Ruins
Sistina awakened after millennia of dormancy, her memories in tatters and born anew. Residing in the ruins of an ancient city, she finds herself drawn into a war between two elven nations and the slaver kingdom of Kelvanis when she rescues a princess from slavery. With her domain containing hints of forgotten knowledge, Sistina becomes a dungeon, stronghold, and source of hope all at once. And perhaps, just perhaps, she could finally find love in her new life.This is a dark fantasy lesbian romance, with a focus on the dark fantasy.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2017
394 people are currently reading
1170 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Medrano
47 books308 followersI was born in October, 1985. Not much of my history would likely be of interest, but I grew up primarily in Utah, a land of ultra-conservative people, and yet oddly open to Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 22, 2020
What a strange book. I have a theory, it may not be correct, but it gives a pretty accurate description of the book either way.
My theory is Benjamin Medrano spent a good amount of time writing an erotic novel. It may or may not have been graphic originally (if it was, it was removed in the end), and at some point in the process he read Dungeon Born and liked it. He liked it so much that he decided to insert large chunks of it into his story. The first good chunk of the book is so similar to Dungeon Born I can't believe it was created independently of it, and I mean, EXTREMELY similar, right down to both dungeons being centered around an underground magical tree.
Unfortunately, where in Dungeon Born Dakota Krout does a great job explaining the rules, the magic system, and the growth, Benjamin Medrano mostly skips it and instead switches over to his erotic story about slavery, lesbians, rape, mind control, and mind/body alteration. The world building is extremely lack luster here, to the point where it feels like this is the second or third book in a series. In fact, in a lot of ways it's like he's writing a sequel or side story to Dungeon Born. Except, while it helps fill in a lot of the holes in the lore, the obvious 1 to 1 story beats are annoying. I think I'm going to give the rest of the series a skip.
My theory is Benjamin Medrano spent a good amount of time writing an erotic novel. It may or may not have been graphic originally (if it was, it was removed in the end), and at some point in the process he read Dungeon Born and liked it. He liked it so much that he decided to insert large chunks of it into his story. The first good chunk of the book is so similar to Dungeon Born I can't believe it was created independently of it, and I mean, EXTREMELY similar, right down to both dungeons being centered around an underground magical tree.
Unfortunately, where in Dungeon Born Dakota Krout does a great job explaining the rules, the magic system, and the growth, Benjamin Medrano mostly skips it and instead switches over to his erotic story about slavery, lesbians, rape, mind control, and mind/body alteration. The world building is extremely lack luster here, to the point where it feels like this is the second or third book in a series. In fact, in a lot of ways it's like he's writing a sequel or side story to Dungeon Born. Except, while it helps fill in a lot of the holes in the lore, the obvious 1 to 1 story beats are annoying. I think I'm going to give the rest of the series a skip.
May 20, 2020
This was a mix of traditional old school fantasy and LitRPG fantasy. It had LitRPG style Dungeons mixed into an old school fantasy world of humans, dwarves, orcs, and elves. The story actually blended and balanced both aspects of the tale really well.
Sistina awakens after many years of dormancy (and imprisonment) with her memories in tatters. To bind herself to the world of the flesh she binds herself to a tree and soon becomes convinced she is a Dungeon so sets about building her domain. Elven princess, Phynis, stumbles into Sistina's caverns while trying to flee slavers of the human Kelvanis kingdom. That brings Sistina's existence to the attention of two of the powerful kingdom's in the region. Which brings both unwanted attention and adventurers to her domain.
The story was enjoyable without being anything memorable or special. The world was an interesting one and while Medrano did draw on a lot of LitRPG basics he did not get bogged down by mentioning power levels all the time so that kept things flowing like a regular fantasy novel. The worldbuilding was fine. Most of the happenings take place in Sistina's domain but we learn a bit about the princess's home kingdom and of Kelvanis. We also learn that another Elven kingdom is close to Sistina's domain and that the human state of Kelvanis is hostile to both elven kingdoms and regularly raids them for slaves.
The story was easy going in terms of pace and tone but actually a little dark at times in terms of content. The Kelvanis were pretty horrid and had no problem indulging in slavery and rape. That stuff played a part in the story but I do think it helped that most of the horrible stuff happened "off screen" and nothing was gone into too graphic as it saved the story from getting too dark.
This was an ensemble cast sort of story. I liked Sistina and the Princess and would say they were the main characters but we also got POV's from a few villains and slaves of Kelvanis and from a few of the Princess guards and companions as well as a few adventurers who showed up to delve for treasures in Sistina's caverns. Most POV's were interesting enough.
I'd also say this might not be the friendliest book for female readers as Benjamin Medrano definitely has a kinky thing for lesbians and slave girls. It is tame stuff but it still exists in the story.
All in all I thought this was a decent dark-ish fantasy story. The story was never exciting but it was always fairly engaging and I was interested to see how things developed.
Rating: 3.5 stars. This was good enough that I'll definitely read the next book in the series.
Audio Note: I was unsure about Gabriella Cavallero to begin with but once I got used to her I felt she did fine.
Sistina awakens after many years of dormancy (and imprisonment) with her memories in tatters. To bind herself to the world of the flesh she binds herself to a tree and soon becomes convinced she is a Dungeon so sets about building her domain. Elven princess, Phynis, stumbles into Sistina's caverns while trying to flee slavers of the human Kelvanis kingdom. That brings Sistina's existence to the attention of two of the powerful kingdom's in the region. Which brings both unwanted attention and adventurers to her domain.
The story was enjoyable without being anything memorable or special. The world was an interesting one and while Medrano did draw on a lot of LitRPG basics he did not get bogged down by mentioning power levels all the time so that kept things flowing like a regular fantasy novel. The worldbuilding was fine. Most of the happenings take place in Sistina's domain but we learn a bit about the princess's home kingdom and of Kelvanis. We also learn that another Elven kingdom is close to Sistina's domain and that the human state of Kelvanis is hostile to both elven kingdoms and regularly raids them for slaves.
The story was easy going in terms of pace and tone but actually a little dark at times in terms of content. The Kelvanis were pretty horrid and had no problem indulging in slavery and rape. That stuff played a part in the story but I do think it helped that most of the horrible stuff happened "off screen" and nothing was gone into too graphic as it saved the story from getting too dark.
This was an ensemble cast sort of story. I liked Sistina and the Princess and would say they were the main characters but we also got POV's from a few villains and slaves of Kelvanis and from a few of the Princess guards and companions as well as a few adventurers who showed up to delve for treasures in Sistina's caverns. Most POV's were interesting enough.
I'd also say this might not be the friendliest book for female readers as Benjamin Medrano definitely has a kinky thing for lesbians and slave girls. It is tame stuff but it still exists in the story.
All in all I thought this was a decent dark-ish fantasy story. The story was never exciting but it was always fairly engaging and I was interested to see how things developed.
Rating: 3.5 stars. This was good enough that I'll definitely read the next book in the series.
Audio Note: I was unsure about Gabriella Cavallero to begin with but once I got used to her I felt she did fine.
November 10, 2022
I can't get past this world. The slave branding (that magically enforces obedience) is a detestable evil and how anybody lets that blight on the world exist, let alone thrive, is a canker on my soul. It doesn't help that entire chapters are in bad-guy PoV so we get lots of up-close slave exposure, including enslaving a kind goddess. Shudder.
April 4, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. I love the idea of a story about a genius loci (Sistina) who looks after the people she has claimed as her own.
One of the review I read commented on the slavery aspect as a potential problem. I should have paid more attention to that. I don't mind reading about slavery, but when you use magic to mess with people's minds badly enough that they don't KNOW you messed with them. Or when {spoiler alert} the bad guy decides to try to magically enslave a goddess...? I just stopped reading. I wanted to know what happened with Sistina but not badly enough to put up with all the magical slaver's crap. Maybe that means it was effectively done, because I was afraid that things were going to turn out very badly (because the bad guy was effectively very bad--as well as powerful and smart).
Just wanted to offer a warning in case this bothers you. We don't just follow Sistina but end up following the princess, some of her guards, and a handful of bad guys as well. Maybe, someday, I'll come back to this and re-read/finish it and love it. Maybe not. There's a lot of good stuff out there to read that doesn't have messed up magic mind stuff. If that doesn't bother you--give it a go! Fascinating story.
One of the review I read commented on the slavery aspect as a potential problem. I should have paid more attention to that. I don't mind reading about slavery, but when you use magic to mess with people's minds badly enough that they don't KNOW you messed with them. Or when {spoiler alert} the bad guy decides to try to magically enslave a goddess...? I just stopped reading. I wanted to know what happened with Sistina but not badly enough to put up with all the magical slaver's crap. Maybe that means it was effectively done, because I was afraid that things were going to turn out very badly (because the bad guy was effectively very bad--as well as powerful and smart).
Just wanted to offer a warning in case this bothers you. We don't just follow Sistina but end up following the princess, some of her guards, and a handful of bad guys as well. Maybe, someday, I'll come back to this and re-read/finish it and love it. Maybe not. There's a lot of good stuff out there to read that doesn't have messed up magic mind stuff. If that doesn't bother you--give it a go! Fascinating story.
February 2, 2017
Within the first few pages, the reader is gripped by the plight of a woman betrayed for an unknown reason, and subjected to a fate worse than death. What follows is a sweeping, complex narrative that involves gods, royalty, a war for survival, and a blossoming romance between a brave young woman in a terrible circumstance, and a being of incredible power, learning to be human once more.
The entire story is gripping, exciting, and enticing. The battle scenes have a frantic energy, yet are still easily understood, even as powerful magic swirls around the battlefield. The characters are well-developed, and even the most despicable villains have redeeming qualities, and it's easy to see why people follow them. The various storylines are interwoven in a convincing and realistic narrative that provides a complete story, despite being the first part of a trilogy.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next novel, and any more work from the author!
The entire story is gripping, exciting, and enticing. The battle scenes have a frantic energy, yet are still easily understood, even as powerful magic swirls around the battlefield. The characters are well-developed, and even the most despicable villains have redeeming qualities, and it's easy to see why people follow them. The various storylines are interwoven in a convincing and realistic narrative that provides a complete story, despite being the first part of a trilogy.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next novel, and any more work from the author!
April 7, 2018
What a fascinating start, I absolutely loved Avendrial/Sistina’s back-story. I really enjoyed the book until about a quarter of the way through when I started to wonder about this race of people that wished to make everybody slaves, including the Gods.
I found I really didn’t enjoy reading about the Kelvanis, but the author seemed to revel in the exploits of their enforcers such as Jared and Serel. I suspect this is my problem, but I felt slightly disturbed that the author seemed to regard the slavers as the heroes.
Unfortunately after such a good start my enthusiasm for the book slowly, but surely disappeared. The origins of the Kelvanis and their slave magic weren’t explained, the whole adventurer/dungeon bit was just weird and tedious, I just kept thinking Why?? To be honest most of the middle of the book was just a bit boring.
Towards the end of the book the whole story started to fall apart, I began to think the author must have got ‘writer’s block’ and in desperation just wrote down the first thing he could think of, no matter how implausible.
I am deeply disappointed in this book, as after a few chapters I thought it was going to be one of my favourite books of 2017. It wasn’t awful, but it could have been so much better, this probably why I have only given it 2 stars. However I still want to read the next book, so there must be something I liked about the story.
I found I really didn’t enjoy reading about the Kelvanis, but the author seemed to revel in the exploits of their enforcers such as Jared and Serel. I suspect this is my problem, but I felt slightly disturbed that the author seemed to regard the slavers as the heroes.
Unfortunately after such a good start my enthusiasm for the book slowly, but surely disappeared. The origins of the Kelvanis and their slave magic weren’t explained, the whole adventurer/dungeon bit was just weird and tedious, I just kept thinking Why?? To be honest most of the middle of the book was just a bit boring.
Towards the end of the book the whole story started to fall apart, I began to think the author must have got ‘writer’s block’ and in desperation just wrote down the first thing he could think of, no matter how implausible.
I am deeply disappointed in this book, as after a few chapters I thought it was going to be one of my favourite books of 2017. It wasn’t awful, but it could have been so much better, this probably why I have only given it 2 stars. However I still want to read the next book, so there must be something I liked about the story.
September 2, 2017
There were many things that I enjoyed about this book. It is quite the epic fantasy novel with many threads and alternate plot lines all focused around two warring factions - one is the elf nations under attack by the second, a human nation ruled by a truly powerful, evil dude. Between these two powers, there exists a neutral party, Sistina, who is a genius loci - that is, the spirit that controls a subterranean domain populated by magically enhanced plants and animals - a dungeon.
The story lines move along at a slow measured pace. We see into the lives of individuals on both sides of the front lines. I like that among these various bit characters none are truly evil nor totally innocent. They are just individuals (for the most part) trying to make their way as best possible in this fantasy world.
My main issue with the novel is what I feel is an absence of emotion. On one hand this lack instills a bit of peril into the tale because it seems that the author may choose to kill off any of the characters
about whom the reader has developed an affinity on a narrative whim. On the other hand, the highs and lows of the tale feel a bit attenuated. I sort of felt... "Wait, what? That was the climax? Oh, ok. Almost missed it." The narrative also felt like it slipped into a detailed synopsis of someone's Dungeons and Dragons adventure at times which I did not care so much for.
Also, there seems to be a fetishy nature to the sexual situations that are described in the book. As an adult reader with interests in erotic content, I was hoping that the author would bring on the kink. Unfortunately, I felt that the novel was almost embarrassed by this aspect and tried hard to only examine it with the most sterile of instruments. So, the lesbian affairs, I felt, could be summarized like this: "The two girls kissed. And they enjoyed the kiss."
I enjoyed the book and I feel that I will likely move on to other books in this series. However, I have a fear that the series will not end with the bang that one would expect in pop-fic, but rather just, kind of, peter out...
The story lines move along at a slow measured pace. We see into the lives of individuals on both sides of the front lines. I like that among these various bit characters none are truly evil nor totally innocent. They are just individuals (for the most part) trying to make their way as best possible in this fantasy world.
My main issue with the novel is what I feel is an absence of emotion. On one hand this lack instills a bit of peril into the tale because it seems that the author may choose to kill off any of the characters
about whom the reader has developed an affinity on a narrative whim. On the other hand, the highs and lows of the tale feel a bit attenuated. I sort of felt... "Wait, what? That was the climax? Oh, ok. Almost missed it." The narrative also felt like it slipped into a detailed synopsis of someone's Dungeons and Dragons adventure at times which I did not care so much for.
Also, there seems to be a fetishy nature to the sexual situations that are described in the book. As an adult reader with interests in erotic content, I was hoping that the author would bring on the kink. Unfortunately, I felt that the novel was almost embarrassed by this aspect and tried hard to only examine it with the most sterile of instruments. So, the lesbian affairs, I felt, could be summarized like this: "The two girls kissed. And they enjoyed the kiss."
I enjoyed the book and I feel that I will likely move on to other books in this series. However, I have a fear that the series will not end with the bang that one would expect in pop-fic, but rather just, kind of, peter out...
February 4, 2017
Great read
I loved this. Sure there are some spelling and grammatical errors but this reads like a dream. The world building was A++ and the character development was there (Although with some characters more than others). If you like video games with high fantasy themes or high fantasy in general you'll most probably like this book. My only caveat was the shear amount of things going on at once, which isn't really a problem, I think it really sets it up for the sequels. The first book is satisfying and still makes you want to read the others without the dreaded awful cliffhangers some authors use. I'll be honest I really enjoyed Sistina's storyline most and I hope the author does make books just focusing on the main squad later like she said in her about section because I would hella read that especially if there were more "adventurers" involved.
I loved this. Sure there are some spelling and grammatical errors but this reads like a dream. The world building was A++ and the character development was there (Although with some characters more than others). If you like video games with high fantasy themes or high fantasy in general you'll most probably like this book. My only caveat was the shear amount of things going on at once, which isn't really a problem, I think it really sets it up for the sequels. The first book is satisfying and still makes you want to read the others without the dreaded awful cliffhangers some authors use. I'll be honest I really enjoyed Sistina's storyline most and I hope the author does make books just focusing on the main squad later like she said in her about section because I would hella read that especially if there were more "adventurers" involved.
March 29, 2018
A good book, but not for everyone... DNF at 38% (3 stars)
This is one of the few novels that I started, and then concisely decided not to finish. As I said above, this novel is not for everyone, and that apparently includes me. Overall this was a well written novel, with interesting characters, set in an interesting and unique world. The 'Bad-guys' are truly evil, even heroes in the story aren't pure sunshine and rainbows.
In short this novel follows multiple people throughout the story, who ultimately directly or indirectly interact with each other, while striving for their own goals, within the setting of two fantasy kingdoms on the verge of war. The main point of contention between them, would be the matter of slavery and slave-raids on the predominantly elvish kingdom by the predominantly human kingdom. This however is also the direct point resulting in my DNF status.
The sensual and intricate way slaves are captured, marked and changed by their captors is disturbing and uncomfortable. A fact only reinforced by the fact that most slaves within te story are beautiful elven woman and the enslavement proces felt disquietly sexual. Especially so considering large parts of this story a read from te point of view of the villains of this story.
Ultimately this I came to the conclusion that despite the intricate story, and well written story this was not a novel I would be continuing to read.
This is one of the few novels that I started, and then concisely decided not to finish. As I said above, this novel is not for everyone, and that apparently includes me. Overall this was a well written novel, with interesting characters, set in an interesting and unique world. The 'Bad-guys' are truly evil, even heroes in the story aren't pure sunshine and rainbows.
In short this novel follows multiple people throughout the story, who ultimately directly or indirectly interact with each other, while striving for their own goals, within the setting of two fantasy kingdoms on the verge of war. The main point of contention between them, would be the matter of slavery and slave-raids on the predominantly elvish kingdom by the predominantly human kingdom. This however is also the direct point resulting in my DNF status.
The sensual and intricate way slaves are captured, marked and changed by their captors is disturbing and uncomfortable. A fact only reinforced by the fact that most slaves within te story are beautiful elven woman and the enslavement proces felt disquietly sexual. Especially so considering large parts of this story a read from te point of view of the villains of this story.
Ultimately this I came to the conclusion that despite the intricate story, and well written story this was not a novel I would be continuing to read.
July 7, 2019
There are so many characters I got tripped up a bit, but the story flowed regardless. I feel so bad for Sistina but at the same time I think she's one powerful badass. I can't wait to see what happens with Phynis.
March 30, 2020
3 stars
Wow! What a great book. The world that this author has created is stunning. The characters are very well developed and the plot is super interesting. All of that being said, The reason why it is Three stars and not five is because it got really confusing at times.
The author decided to follow multiple “pathways” throughout the book. We followed The MC, the queen, a king, the adventurers, and more. Every chapter there would be a different pathway and it would be from a different persons point of view (someone relating to that pathway). This would make it very confusing because there were so many people introduced too soon and you never knew who or what you were following.
Overall a solid book and I look forward to getting to know the characters a little bit more in the next one.
Wow! What a great book. The world that this author has created is stunning. The characters are very well developed and the plot is super interesting. All of that being said, The reason why it is Three stars and not five is because it got really confusing at times.
The author decided to follow multiple “pathways” throughout the book. We followed The MC, the queen, a king, the adventurers, and more. Every chapter there would be a different pathway and it would be from a different persons point of view (someone relating to that pathway). This would make it very confusing because there were so many people introduced too soon and you never knew who or what you were following.
Overall a solid book and I look forward to getting to know the characters a little bit more in the next one.
October 26, 2018
To slow.. 2.5 stars
The beginning of the story is strong enough to keep your interest alive. But the continuation of the story became boring after a few chapters in a way that it was difficult for me to follow. The only reason I kept reading the book was that I wanted to learn what Sistina would do next.
And i don't like slavery and rape as a main plotline..
The narrator, Gabriella Cavallero, was good.
The beginning of the story is strong enough to keep your interest alive. But the continuation of the story became boring after a few chapters in a way that it was difficult for me to follow. The only reason I kept reading the book was that I wanted to learn what Sistina would do next.
And i don't like slavery and rape as a main plotline..
The narrator, Gabriella Cavallero, was good.
July 23, 2017
I wanted to like this one more. I quite enjoyed the interactions between Sistina and Phynis. And just the ways Sistina went about things. Which, really, is one of the the main issues I had with the story. A large portion of the beginning of the book is all about Sistina. Then the cast expands. Rapidly.
There's the big bad and the Enforcers and the good guy elves and the adventurers and the bandits and the townsfolk and so on. All of whom are named characters. Some characters are introduced and immediately killed. A large chunk of the book drags on, introducing these side characters and side plots. Few of which are resolved by the end. I found it very difficult to get attached to most of the side characters. Granted, it is book 1 of 3.
The other big issue was the language shift about two thirds of the way through. . It suddenly included very video-gamey language and completely took me out of the story.
Things like difficulty of a room. A dungeon delve. A creature was referred to as the boss of the floor. "This is intended as treasure." Asking to be healed. That type of thing. Very jarring.
It could've worked for me had it been present throughout the story, but it wasn't.
All in all, it was an interesting premise, but could've been better.
Edit: Removed an inaccuracy.
There's the big bad and the Enforcers and the good guy elves and the adventurers and the bandits and the townsfolk and so on. All of whom are named characters. Some characters are introduced and immediately killed. A large chunk of the book drags on, introducing these side characters and side plots. Few of which are resolved by the end. I found it very difficult to get attached to most of the side characters. Granted, it is book 1 of 3.
The other big issue was the language shift about two thirds of the way through. . It suddenly included very video-gamey language and completely took me out of the story.
Things like difficulty of a room. A dungeon delve. A creature was referred to as the boss of the floor. "This is intended as treasure." Asking to be healed. That type of thing. Very jarring.
It could've worked for me had it been present throughout the story, but it wasn't.
All in all, it was an interesting premise, but could've been better.
Edit: Removed an inaccuracy.
August 6, 2017
The Author Read Dungeon Born and liked it
Which is fine, Dakota Krout put a lot of work into his work setting the rules of his world, portraying the environment (both physically and politically) and developing the characters to be memorable.
It's a shame this author didn't do the same. The first half of his book was lifted whole sale from Dungeon Born and the rest was a soft core erotica with a fantasy theme centered around enslaved elven girls that will obey your every command... Magic and powers are used to mc guffin situations without elaboration and so lack consistency. The "not dungeon" character is beyond over-powered, the rest of the cast.... well, I can't tell one from the other. They were never given a personality and mostly it was "gasp she is a so and so" "gasp she has this and that"... which one was that again?
Which is fine, Dakota Krout put a lot of work into his work setting the rules of his world, portraying the environment (both physically and politically) and developing the characters to be memorable.
It's a shame this author didn't do the same. The first half of his book was lifted whole sale from Dungeon Born and the rest was a soft core erotica with a fantasy theme centered around enslaved elven girls that will obey your every command... Magic and powers are used to mc guffin situations without elaboration and so lack consistency. The "not dungeon" character is beyond over-powered, the rest of the cast.... well, I can't tell one from the other. They were never given a personality and mostly it was "gasp she is a so and so" "gasp she has this and that"... which one was that again?
March 6, 2017
Wow
This was a really incredible book. I enjoyed how it mimicked gaming and fantasy books at the same time. I can't wait to see where the series goes I think it will be phenomenal.
This was a really incredible book. I enjoyed how it mimicked gaming and fantasy books at the same time. I can't wait to see where the series goes I think it will be phenomenal.
November 8, 2021
Not good!
As a lesbian Who reads at least a book of Ruth week and love science fiction, I sometimes have to compromise because there’s just not enough literature out there. Always hesitate to read books with lesbian characters in continent from men. The first series that I read by this author was I believe the latest series., The chaos series. I really enjoyed the series. Love the characters, especially the lead character and I’m waiting for the third book.
This book is another matter. As a woman it’s very difficult to read a book that has enslavement of women and raping. There may be certain women that enjoy that and even like the thought of being dominated in such a way but I would say the majority of us do not want to read about it. This book is also lengthy in terms of explanations. It’s very wordy and a good deal of that content becomes just laborious to read. So I did not get through this book I just got sick of hearing about the enslaved women being raped, given t
to orcs for two days, etc. if I could get through all of that I’m sure the ending is such that all of these women are going to be freed and get their revenge but as a woman, and a male author, or a male that hasn’t been raped, would not understand this, once you’ve been raped the damage is done. Revenge is not going to make it go away. So I’m really turned off right now by this author and other than The Chaos series, I don’t believe I’m going to try any other series by Mr. Medrano.
As a lesbian Who reads at least a book of Ruth week and love science fiction, I sometimes have to compromise because there’s just not enough literature out there. Always hesitate to read books with lesbian characters in continent from men. The first series that I read by this author was I believe the latest series., The chaos series. I really enjoyed the series. Love the characters, especially the lead character and I’m waiting for the third book.
This book is another matter. As a woman it’s very difficult to read a book that has enslavement of women and raping. There may be certain women that enjoy that and even like the thought of being dominated in such a way but I would say the majority of us do not want to read about it. This book is also lengthy in terms of explanations. It’s very wordy and a good deal of that content becomes just laborious to read. So I did not get through this book I just got sick of hearing about the enslaved women being raped, given t
to orcs for two days, etc. if I could get through all of that I’m sure the ending is such that all of these women are going to be freed and get their revenge but as a woman, and a male author, or a male that hasn’t been raped, would not understand this, once you’ve been raped the damage is done. Revenge is not going to make it go away. So I’m really turned off right now by this author and other than The Chaos series, I don’t believe I’m going to try any other series by Mr. Medrano.
June 11, 2018
This book focused too much on rape.
...Both of body and mind. Countless women are completely dominated, stripped of every inch of free will and degraded. "Oh, let's cut away from the main character and look at what some random villain is doing. Look, how lucky we are! He's just raped a virgin priestess, made her betray her goddess and stripped her identity away so she doesn't even know her own name." Scenes like this are all over the place and does nothing to add to the story. Rather, it felt like I was expected to feel aroused instead of my natural disgust and that the point of the scenes were to be somehow erotic.
I got two thirds of the way through the book, but that was a struggle. I'm almost ashamed that I lasted that long, but I love reading about living dungeons and there aren't enough books like that. Unfortunately, this wasn't really one either.
...Both of body and mind. Countless women are completely dominated, stripped of every inch of free will and degraded. "Oh, let's cut away from the main character and look at what some random villain is doing. Look, how lucky we are! He's just raped a virgin priestess, made her betray her goddess and stripped her identity away so she doesn't even know her own name." Scenes like this are all over the place and does nothing to add to the story. Rather, it felt like I was expected to feel aroused instead of my natural disgust and that the point of the scenes were to be somehow erotic.
I got two thirds of the way through the book, but that was a struggle. I'm almost ashamed that I lasted that long, but I love reading about living dungeons and there aren't enough books like that. Unfortunately, this wasn't really one either.
February 26, 2017
I had never read any of the Dungeon Genre although I fondly remember the old Wizardry 4 where you play as the dungeon master rebuilding a plundered dungeon.
What a fascinating take on the symbiotic relationship of Adventurer and Dungeon.
There were so many things happening at once I was rarely sure what was to happen next. The book was a fun read but could have been twice as long to do full justice to everything.
Even so, I heartily recommend this book on a dozen different topics, World building is fabulous, characters mostly seem vibrant and living, the Bad guy is bad in a non-cartoon fashion. Foreshadowing was well handled and leads the reader to expect the further books.
Read under Kindle Unlimited, I have since bought my own copy.
What a fascinating take on the symbiotic relationship of Adventurer and Dungeon.
There were so many things happening at once I was rarely sure what was to happen next. The book was a fun read but could have been twice as long to do full justice to everything.
Even so, I heartily recommend this book on a dozen different topics, World building is fabulous, characters mostly seem vibrant and living, the Bad guy is bad in a non-cartoon fashion. Foreshadowing was well handled and leads the reader to expect the further books.
Read under Kindle Unlimited, I have since bought my own copy.
February 12, 2018
I put a lot into this review- too much really. So here is the “executive summary” so you don’t have to bother with what comes after. This book is not worth the time it takes to read it for two reasons: First, it is incomplete. It is as if someone writing about WW2 stopped after Pearl Harbor. The author does say at the end of the book that he is writing a trilogy but it is the author’s job to write a complete book even when that book is a part of a trilogy. Here no storylines are resolved and really nothing is accomplished in this book but a long winded set up for what comes next.
Second, the author makes incredibly stupid story choices, like having his characters spend an extra day behind enemy lines with the second highest ranked individual in their nation because they randomly encounter Lily. Granted, if they believed Lily’s story the extra time would make sense, but since they declare they don’t believe her it doesn’t. I spend a lot of time on such stupidity below, because there is a lot of it and it is all unnecessary. For example, Lily had a couple of things on her that supported her story, one of them quite convincing, and so the author could have reasonable chosen to have his characters believe her which would have made them hanging out in enemy territory reasonable.
In spite of my 1 star rating I can understand higher ratings. Experience has taught me that the vast majority of readers are incredibly forgiving of stupid story choices and incomplete books that resolve nothing and, if such things are forgiven, the author does a good job writing.
What follows is the long version of the above summary:
A THOUGHT ABOUT OTHER REVIEWS: I was surprised at how highly rated this book was on amazon.com so I looked at some of the two-star ratings to see if they cared about the same stuff as me. Almost without except the low reviews had nothing to do with the story issues that so annoy me. This book has magically enforced slavery which one person uses to conduct “sex magic” but the sex happens off screen so not a very lewd book. And yet this is what the reviewers complained about. It is amazing to me that people apparently know their history so poorly. It wasn’t until the 1800s that any attempt to stop armies from raping was even made and, of course, the US only got rid of slavery 150 years ago. Of course, rape and slavery are disgusting and should be eliminated from human existence but to act like books set in a fantasy world that equate to medieval Europe is outrageous for having slavery and rape is just dumb. I don’t actually know that much about historic slavery except that the Romans had slaves and the Dutch and English made a lot of money in the slave trade during the age of sail. I’ve read stories about slaves in the French colonies at the same time and it was so common for white slave owner to have children with the women they owned that laws were passed to cover the legal status of such children. That is, in part, the reality of what it means to be human and it is pure delusion to pretend otherwise. People, of course, have the right to not dwell on such unpleasantries but to read a book that draws upon that aspect of human existence for its story and then berate it for doing so is nonsensical at best. Which is why I berate it for stupid story lines below.
The review:
The author does several stupid things (in order in which they occur to me, not how they occur in the book): First, the “dungeon” (Sistina) intentionally lets people go, apparently because Sistina is incapable of understanding the danger the rest of the world poses for her. So, of course, word of her existence leaks out even though she is in a remote location. Plus, it is an unnecessary story choice, Sistina isn’t omnipotent so the author could have just had someone get away.
Second, Sistina is the only known way to subvert the magical slave brands used by the bad guys. BTW, Sistina is in the bad guys’ territory. But wait, it gets worse: A bunch of slaves are rescued and the entire group end up in Sistina’s cave. In spite of overwhelming evidence Sistina can be trusted the fleeing slaves chose to retain their slave brands. Since they are still in the bad guys territory this means the fleeing slaves could encounter someone right outside of Sistina’s cave who could order them back into slavery. What is really sad is that the author appears to write this stupid scenario because he wants to set up a certain scene for the princes/heir of the adjoining elven kingdom who is one of the escaping slaves. A scene that requires the princess to retain her slave brand even when common sense would dictate otherwise and a scene that could have easily been set up intelligently if the rescuers would have sent the princess back with a light guard and extra horses while the main body lead off enemy troops- something they would have likely done in the first place if they were at all intelligent since getting the princess back was pretty much everyone’s sole reason for even being there.
BTW, it is pretty stupid how the princess got caught in the first place- she goes on a tour of what is essentially the front lines during war. Maybe that would happen if the princess had training as a soldier, warrior, war leader or even magic user but the author makes it clear on several occasions that all the princess is trained for is administration and politics. BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE since this exceptionally stupid story line also gives away the bad guys’ highest-ranking spy- something the spy goes along with because he’s too stupid to see the consequences of his own actions or, for that matter, to bother to gather information before acting- also a sure sign of stupidity.
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The elf queen considers using Sistina to free the princess from her slave brand and then assassinating Sistina to make certain Sistina couldn’t control the princess. Screw all the other slaves, apparently, since they aren’t even mentioned during this conversation. Nor does the elf queen consider that Sistina is the only access to the ancient elven lore she is guarding. Plus, elves are getting their butts kicked by the bad guys and Sistina is their best chance at turning that around. Plus, Sistina is working with a temple which has a powerful water elemental guarding it who is found of Sistina and so very likely might just kill all the elves in vengeance. BUT ALL OF THIS STUFF THE AUTHOR HAS BOTHERED TO COMMUNICATE TO THE READER IS APPARENTLY MEANINGLESS since the only reason the elf queen doesn’t okay assassinating a sentient who has done nothing but help them is because the queen can’t be certain the assassination would succeed which is complete bull since the elf queen could send an army to do it. After all, Sistina let 60 elves in past her defenses without a qualm. The elves could send in 60 mages and just have them drop the mountain on her. SO, EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY LINE IS FAULTY- HOW THE “GOOD GUYS” TREAT ALLIES, HOW THEY PLAN ASSASSINATIONS, HOW THEY ONLY CONSIDER ONE ASPECT OF A MULTIFACETED SITUATION AND IGNORE 95% OF THE INFORMATION IN THEIR POSSESSION. ABSOLUTELY STUPID! BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE.
You see the “good guys” know that Sistina’s influence is limited to something like 15 miles max, so assassinating her is completely unnecessary since once the princess is more than 15 miles away from Sistina she could no longer be controlled by her slave brand even if Sistina turned on the elves. BUT, OF COURSE THE ELF QUEEN DOESN’T CONSIDER THAT INFORMATION WHEN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO KILL AN ALLIE, NOT EVEN TO SAY “WELL THE SITUATION MAY CHANGE SO THAT SISTINA CAN CONTROL THE PRINCESS FROM MORE THAN 15 MILES AWAY SO LET’S JUST BE JERKS AND DISMISS THIS HIGHLY RELEVANT FACT BASED ON NOTHING MORE THAN OUR FEAR THAT SOMETHING CONTRARY TO EVERYTHING WE KNOW MAY COME TO PASS”.
NOTE: The rescue party know about the 15 mile limit which makes their decision to not get their slave brands fixed all the more ridiculous.
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: Sistina can move earth just by thinking about it but she never thinks to:
1) close her entrance (would have been handy on multiple occasions, most notably when Sistina was sheltering the party that rescued the princess and is doubling annoying that Sistina doesn’t do this with her front entrance since she does it with her rear entrance);
2) camouflage her entrance; or
3) drop rocks on intruders (she actually does do this but only after she’s been discovered so why was she so stupid up until that point) or suck a foot into the ground so intruders can’t just run away.
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The princess’ rescue party only finds Sistina because they catch Lily, a slave Sistina previously saved, hunting. The rescue party is in hostile land being pursued with the second highest person in their country and they state unequivocally that they do not believe Lily’s story of Sistina. Yet they sit around for the rest of that day and night basically doing nothing but guarding and interrogating Lily and discussing how much they don’t believe her. Of course Sistina then comes for Lily so now the rescue party believes. HOW IS THAT IN ANY WAY INTELLIGENT??? Since they didn’t believe Lily they either should have incapacitated her and kept running for safety. No, the only reasonable story choice was for the rescue party to believe Lily, after all, they had no reason to believe Lily was lying and Lily’s magically altered slave brand, something that was supposed impossible, backed up Lily’s story (not to mention her unique magically produced clothes).
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The supreme “magic item” on the planet is in an essentially unguarded temple in lands controlled by the bad guys. Virtually the only protection for this temple is that its location is unknown to the bad guys. THAT WOULD BE THE BAD GUYS WHO CAN MAKE ANYONE TELL THEM ANYTHING BY PUTTING A SLAVE BRAND ON THEM. So, when the temple’s “new hire” goes missing on the way to the temple do temple personnel do anything to protect themselves or the SMI (“supreme magic item”)? No. Result: the bad guys waltz in and take the SMI and, in so doing, the bad guys discover a magic link between the hidden temple and the temple in the neighboring elf kingdom that isn’t hidden. SO WHY WAS THE NEW HIRE EVEN COMING TO THE SECRET LOCATION?????? SHE COULD HAVE GONE TO THE ELF KINGDOM AND BEEN SECRETLY AND MAGICALLY TRANSPORTED TO THE HIDDEN TEMPLE!!!
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The bad guys immediately haul off the SMI. So why didn’t the people who were suppose to be keeping the SMI safe move it across the world? Apparently this thought just plain didn’t occur to the author because all he would have had to do was write one sentence to explain it away: “Gee, I’d like to move the SMI to a safe place, to bad our oaths as priestesses forbid it”.
And then finally, perhaps worst of all, is the non-ending to this book. A skirmish is fought, resolving nothing, and the book ends. It like ending a book about WW 2 after Pearl Harbor. The author apparently realized this short fall since he added a note afterwards saying this is the first book in a trilogy. So we get to buy three incomplete stories instead of one complete one? Yeah.
Second, the author makes incredibly stupid story choices, like having his characters spend an extra day behind enemy lines with the second highest ranked individual in their nation because they randomly encounter Lily. Granted, if they believed Lily’s story the extra time would make sense, but since they declare they don’t believe her it doesn’t. I spend a lot of time on such stupidity below, because there is a lot of it and it is all unnecessary. For example, Lily had a couple of things on her that supported her story, one of them quite convincing, and so the author could have reasonable chosen to have his characters believe her which would have made them hanging out in enemy territory reasonable.
In spite of my 1 star rating I can understand higher ratings. Experience has taught me that the vast majority of readers are incredibly forgiving of stupid story choices and incomplete books that resolve nothing and, if such things are forgiven, the author does a good job writing.
What follows is the long version of the above summary:
A THOUGHT ABOUT OTHER REVIEWS: I was surprised at how highly rated this book was on amazon.com so I looked at some of the two-star ratings to see if they cared about the same stuff as me. Almost without except the low reviews had nothing to do with the story issues that so annoy me. This book has magically enforced slavery which one person uses to conduct “sex magic” but the sex happens off screen so not a very lewd book. And yet this is what the reviewers complained about. It is amazing to me that people apparently know their history so poorly. It wasn’t until the 1800s that any attempt to stop armies from raping was even made and, of course, the US only got rid of slavery 150 years ago. Of course, rape and slavery are disgusting and should be eliminated from human existence but to act like books set in a fantasy world that equate to medieval Europe is outrageous for having slavery and rape is just dumb. I don’t actually know that much about historic slavery except that the Romans had slaves and the Dutch and English made a lot of money in the slave trade during the age of sail. I’ve read stories about slaves in the French colonies at the same time and it was so common for white slave owner to have children with the women they owned that laws were passed to cover the legal status of such children. That is, in part, the reality of what it means to be human and it is pure delusion to pretend otherwise. People, of course, have the right to not dwell on such unpleasantries but to read a book that draws upon that aspect of human existence for its story and then berate it for doing so is nonsensical at best. Which is why I berate it for stupid story lines below.
The review:
The author does several stupid things (in order in which they occur to me, not how they occur in the book): First, the “dungeon” (Sistina) intentionally lets people go, apparently because Sistina is incapable of understanding the danger the rest of the world poses for her. So, of course, word of her existence leaks out even though she is in a remote location. Plus, it is an unnecessary story choice, Sistina isn’t omnipotent so the author could have just had someone get away.
Second, Sistina is the only known way to subvert the magical slave brands used by the bad guys. BTW, Sistina is in the bad guys’ territory. But wait, it gets worse: A bunch of slaves are rescued and the entire group end up in Sistina’s cave. In spite of overwhelming evidence Sistina can be trusted the fleeing slaves chose to retain their slave brands. Since they are still in the bad guys territory this means the fleeing slaves could encounter someone right outside of Sistina’s cave who could order them back into slavery. What is really sad is that the author appears to write this stupid scenario because he wants to set up a certain scene for the princes/heir of the adjoining elven kingdom who is one of the escaping slaves. A scene that requires the princess to retain her slave brand even when common sense would dictate otherwise and a scene that could have easily been set up intelligently if the rescuers would have sent the princess back with a light guard and extra horses while the main body lead off enemy troops- something they would have likely done in the first place if they were at all intelligent since getting the princess back was pretty much everyone’s sole reason for even being there.
BTW, it is pretty stupid how the princess got caught in the first place- she goes on a tour of what is essentially the front lines during war. Maybe that would happen if the princess had training as a soldier, warrior, war leader or even magic user but the author makes it clear on several occasions that all the princess is trained for is administration and politics. BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE since this exceptionally stupid story line also gives away the bad guys’ highest-ranking spy- something the spy goes along with because he’s too stupid to see the consequences of his own actions or, for that matter, to bother to gather information before acting- also a sure sign of stupidity.
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The elf queen considers using Sistina to free the princess from her slave brand and then assassinating Sistina to make certain Sistina couldn’t control the princess. Screw all the other slaves, apparently, since they aren’t even mentioned during this conversation. Nor does the elf queen consider that Sistina is the only access to the ancient elven lore she is guarding. Plus, elves are getting their butts kicked by the bad guys and Sistina is their best chance at turning that around. Plus, Sistina is working with a temple which has a powerful water elemental guarding it who is found of Sistina and so very likely might just kill all the elves in vengeance. BUT ALL OF THIS STUFF THE AUTHOR HAS BOTHERED TO COMMUNICATE TO THE READER IS APPARENTLY MEANINGLESS since the only reason the elf queen doesn’t okay assassinating a sentient who has done nothing but help them is because the queen can’t be certain the assassination would succeed which is complete bull since the elf queen could send an army to do it. After all, Sistina let 60 elves in past her defenses without a qualm. The elves could send in 60 mages and just have them drop the mountain on her. SO, EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY LINE IS FAULTY- HOW THE “GOOD GUYS” TREAT ALLIES, HOW THEY PLAN ASSASSINATIONS, HOW THEY ONLY CONSIDER ONE ASPECT OF A MULTIFACETED SITUATION AND IGNORE 95% OF THE INFORMATION IN THEIR POSSESSION. ABSOLUTELY STUPID! BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE.
You see the “good guys” know that Sistina’s influence is limited to something like 15 miles max, so assassinating her is completely unnecessary since once the princess is more than 15 miles away from Sistina she could no longer be controlled by her slave brand even if Sistina turned on the elves. BUT, OF COURSE THE ELF QUEEN DOESN’T CONSIDER THAT INFORMATION WHEN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO KILL AN ALLIE, NOT EVEN TO SAY “WELL THE SITUATION MAY CHANGE SO THAT SISTINA CAN CONTROL THE PRINCESS FROM MORE THAN 15 MILES AWAY SO LET’S JUST BE JERKS AND DISMISS THIS HIGHLY RELEVANT FACT BASED ON NOTHING MORE THAN OUR FEAR THAT SOMETHING CONTRARY TO EVERYTHING WE KNOW MAY COME TO PASS”.
NOTE: The rescue party know about the 15 mile limit which makes their decision to not get their slave brands fixed all the more ridiculous.
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: Sistina can move earth just by thinking about it but she never thinks to:
1) close her entrance (would have been handy on multiple occasions, most notably when Sistina was sheltering the party that rescued the princess and is doubling annoying that Sistina doesn’t do this with her front entrance since she does it with her rear entrance);
2) camouflage her entrance; or
3) drop rocks on intruders (she actually does do this but only after she’s been discovered so why was she so stupid up until that point) or suck a foot into the ground so intruders can’t just run away.
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The princess’ rescue party only finds Sistina because they catch Lily, a slave Sistina previously saved, hunting. The rescue party is in hostile land being pursued with the second highest person in their country and they state unequivocally that they do not believe Lily’s story of Sistina. Yet they sit around for the rest of that day and night basically doing nothing but guarding and interrogating Lily and discussing how much they don’t believe her. Of course Sistina then comes for Lily so now the rescue party believes. HOW IS THAT IN ANY WAY INTELLIGENT??? Since they didn’t believe Lily they either should have incapacitated her and kept running for safety. No, the only reasonable story choice was for the rescue party to believe Lily, after all, they had no reason to believe Lily was lying and Lily’s magically altered slave brand, something that was supposed impossible, backed up Lily’s story (not to mention her unique magically produced clothes).
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The supreme “magic item” on the planet is in an essentially unguarded temple in lands controlled by the bad guys. Virtually the only protection for this temple is that its location is unknown to the bad guys. THAT WOULD BE THE BAD GUYS WHO CAN MAKE ANYONE TELL THEM ANYTHING BY PUTTING A SLAVE BRAND ON THEM. So, when the temple’s “new hire” goes missing on the way to the temple do temple personnel do anything to protect themselves or the SMI (“supreme magic item”)? No. Result: the bad guys waltz in and take the SMI and, in so doing, the bad guys discover a magic link between the hidden temple and the temple in the neighboring elf kingdom that isn’t hidden. SO WHY WAS THE NEW HIRE EVEN COMING TO THE SECRET LOCATION?????? SHE COULD HAVE GONE TO THE ELF KINGDOM AND BEEN SECRETLY AND MAGICALLY TRANSPORTED TO THE HIDDEN TEMPLE!!!
BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE: The bad guys immediately haul off the SMI. So why didn’t the people who were suppose to be keeping the SMI safe move it across the world? Apparently this thought just plain didn’t occur to the author because all he would have had to do was write one sentence to explain it away: “Gee, I’d like to move the SMI to a safe place, to bad our oaths as priestesses forbid it”.
And then finally, perhaps worst of all, is the non-ending to this book. A skirmish is fought, resolving nothing, and the book ends. It like ending a book about WW 2 after Pearl Harbor. The author apparently realized this short fall since he added a note afterwards saying this is the first book in a trilogy. So we get to buy three incomplete stories instead of one complete one? Yeah.
June 2, 2017
This book is as the author claims it to be: it is dark.
Slaves, mind control and raping is a common theme in this book. It's not suitable for everyone.
Also, the Summary is also bs because Sistina did not awaken from millennia of dormancy. Avendrial awakened from millennia of dormancy. The Summary should be more like,
"Avendrial awakened after millennia of dormancy, her memories in tatters. With her tattered memories, she bore new ones as Sistina."
I was tricked during the whole prologue and first few chapters.
Overall, the book is nice and I liked it. I didn't particularly liked the "dark" parts of it. I also found it unnecessary but I'll just drop that for now. It's one of the two "dungeon" books I know of and read. The other is Dungeon Born or the Divine Dungeon Series. Dungeon Born had a very light comedic mood. Ancient Ruins have a darker one. But the grande premise is very similar. Dungeon Born is a "weak to strong" book while Ancient Ruins is a "strong to stronger" type of book.
You can skip this part as it's more of a rant than anything. But these are things I don't get. In other words, it's stuff the author poorly constructed or didn't perfectly planned out. Here is an example that doesn't really spoil anything.
Dungeon Born explicitly stated that the core cannot be hidden or blocked off because that's where everything originates and the Dungeon there cannot make sudden changes, or at least not able to yet. In Ancient Ruins, we don't have that. No where in the book did it mention that the core/tree cannot be hidden away. In fact, Sistina has two outlets. And she proved that she is fully capable of opening and closing simple walls instantly. Yet, she never use that ability when it mattered most, only use it because the plot requires her to.
In short, I liked some parts of it. I disliked parts of it (dark parts). And I got annoyed by a lot of it. This author introduces a lot but did not flush out all the details to make it sound coherent.
Slaves, mind control and raping is a common theme in this book. It's not suitable for everyone.
Also, the Summary is also bs because Sistina did not awaken from millennia of dormancy. Avendrial awakened from millennia of dormancy. The Summary should be more like,
"Avendrial awakened after millennia of dormancy, her memories in tatters. With her tattered memories, she bore new ones as Sistina."
I was tricked during the whole prologue and first few chapters.
Overall, the book is nice and I liked it. I didn't particularly liked the "dark" parts of it. I also found it unnecessary but I'll just drop that for now. It's one of the two "dungeon" books I know of and read. The other is Dungeon Born or the Divine Dungeon Series. Dungeon Born had a very light comedic mood. Ancient Ruins have a darker one. But the grande premise is very similar. Dungeon Born is a "weak to strong" book while Ancient Ruins is a "strong to stronger" type of book.
You can skip this part as it's more of a rant than anything. But these are things I don't get. In other words, it's stuff the author poorly constructed or didn't perfectly planned out. Here is an example that doesn't really spoil anything.
Dungeon Born explicitly stated that the core cannot be hidden or blocked off because that's where everything originates and the Dungeon there cannot make sudden changes, or at least not able to yet. In Ancient Ruins, we don't have that. No where in the book did it mention that the core/tree cannot be hidden away. In fact, Sistina has two outlets. And she proved that she is fully capable of opening and closing simple walls instantly. Yet, she never use that ability when it mattered most, only use it because the plot requires her to.
In short, I liked some parts of it. I disliked parts of it (dark parts). And I got annoyed by a lot of it. This author introduces a lot but did not flush out all the details to make it sound coherent.
March 30, 2023
Awesome
I enjoyed reading this story. It was awesome. What a talented and gifted writer. I'd definitely recommend this author and will definitely follow for more.
I enjoyed reading this story. It was awesome. What a talented and gifted writer. I'd definitely recommend this author and will definitely follow for more.
July 24, 2019
“A single foolish order from Lady Tanna and a dawn elf slave of low value, not even a highly valuable one, had managed to escape.”
The only reason I trudged past the “prologue” at all was because I was curious about how a tree might transition into a character. It was tedious even then, with how thoughtless and repetitive the writing was, telling you this, telling you that, then just when you think you’re moving into a new scene, the POV shifts and you relive what had occurred but moments ago, only from another character’s perspective. ZzZ.
There was this passage, I reckon, that was highlighted (by other readers, was it?):
“She needed to be able to defend her cavern if more humans or orcs came for her Lily. A Lily was a plant, after all, and plants were hers.”
Look, we’re told in the beginning that the tree had lost her ability for language from spending too much time alone. That’s amongst what the writer had intended to build up with the long-winded start to his work, but he couldn’t stay consistent with himself here and just had to attempt a pun of sort. This diminished the character’s credibility and showed the writer lacked insight.
But the worst offense was catering to what I suspect to be a rape fetish/fantasy of sorts. I’m not sticking around to find out how that unfolds. Women are captured, branded with a magical hot iron right above their genitals, and so long as that magic is in effect, they must follow every order they’re given by their masters. So there was this priestess who apparently was crying and screaming while this guy raped her, and he ordered her to stop making a fuss. The magic kicked in and voilà! Then said guy does magic shenanigans and attempts to erase her sense of self. Guess what, she grows fond of her rapist! From what I gather, a contingent of other priestesses were due for the same slave treatment. And then there were the captured elves thrown to the orcs, and probably the Lily girl too, implicitly.
Rape, rape, rape. Yea, bye.
But also terrible writing!
The only reason I trudged past the “prologue” at all was because I was curious about how a tree might transition into a character. It was tedious even then, with how thoughtless and repetitive the writing was, telling you this, telling you that, then just when you think you’re moving into a new scene, the POV shifts and you relive what had occurred but moments ago, only from another character’s perspective. ZzZ.
There was this passage, I reckon, that was highlighted (by other readers, was it?):
“She needed to be able to defend her cavern if more humans or orcs came for her Lily. A Lily was a plant, after all, and plants were hers.”
Look, we’re told in the beginning that the tree had lost her ability for language from spending too much time alone. That’s amongst what the writer had intended to build up with the long-winded start to his work, but he couldn’t stay consistent with himself here and just had to attempt a pun of sort. This diminished the character’s credibility and showed the writer lacked insight.
But the worst offense was catering to what I suspect to be a rape fetish/fantasy of sorts. I’m not sticking around to find out how that unfolds. Women are captured, branded with a magical hot iron right above their genitals, and so long as that magic is in effect, they must follow every order they’re given by their masters. So there was this priestess who apparently was crying and screaming while this guy raped her, and he ordered her to stop making a fuss. The magic kicked in and voilà! Then said guy does magic shenanigans and attempts to erase her sense of self. Guess what, she grows fond of her rapist! From what I gather, a contingent of other priestesses were due for the same slave treatment. And then there were the captured elves thrown to the orcs, and probably the Lily girl too, implicitly.
Rape, rape, rape. Yea, bye.
But also terrible writing!
Read
December 20, 2024it was a pretty interesting concept and it would have been an enjoyable.
EXCEPT FOR THE CONSTANT GRATUITOUS RAPE
i am completely lost for words upon finishing this book, i just cannot begin to describe to disgust and genuine horror at the actions the author contrives to take place. there is not a single relationship in the entire novel which is not founded on rape. it is tempting to assume that circumstances within the world of the novel can justify the grotesque actions of the characters, but that would be ignoring the fact that every single action was dictated by this author. they decided shape every single aspect of this world to allow such constant and integral violation to take place.
and somehow that is not the worst part of it. its that the literal rapists in this novel are not shamed, they are not judged poorly by the other characters, they are not portrayed as the monsters that their actions indicate they are. they are somehow celebrated.
for example; a woman, walks straight up to the person who stripped her of identity, literally shaped her body to his desires, raped her and forced her to suffer every second of it, twisted her mind and denied her even the agency to be disgusted, And tells him she could have liked him.
how is that the most fantastical element of this book. more than magic, more than elves, i find that the hardest thing to believe.
this total and utter lack of empathy the author displays for the plight of these characters leaves me seriously concerned for the mental health of the author and the safety those around them.
EXCEPT FOR THE CONSTANT GRATUITOUS RAPE
i am completely lost for words upon finishing this book, i just cannot begin to describe to disgust and genuine horror at the actions the author contrives to take place. there is not a single relationship in the entire novel which is not founded on rape. it is tempting to assume that circumstances within the world of the novel can justify the grotesque actions of the characters, but that would be ignoring the fact that every single action was dictated by this author. they decided shape every single aspect of this world to allow such constant and integral violation to take place.
and somehow that is not the worst part of it. its that the literal rapists in this novel are not shamed, they are not judged poorly by the other characters, they are not portrayed as the monsters that their actions indicate they are. they are somehow celebrated.
for example; a woman, walks straight up to the person who stripped her of identity, literally shaped her body to his desires, raped her and forced her to suffer every second of it, twisted her mind and denied her even the agency to be disgusted, And tells him she could have liked him.
how is that the most fantastical element of this book. more than magic, more than elves, i find that the hardest thing to believe.
this total and utter lack of empathy the author displays for the plight of these characters leaves me seriously concerned for the mental health of the author and the safety those around them.
March 6, 2018
Unique and interesting
I've never read a story quite like this before; it grabbed me from the start. Sistina is an interesting and unique character; she's unsettling in the best way. The novel does a wonderful job at showing the reader the world. It's well-defined without delving into huge info dumps.
The villains in particular impressed me. They are no doubt evil, but they are still compassionate, forgiving and kind to their allies. Unlike most cartoonishly evil villains, you can see why they would have loyal followers.
I wasn't too keen on the adventurer group subplot, but I was entranced by the other characters, the elves and the Kelvani, as well as the plot in general. I felt that Phynis was a bit too much of a spoiled princess (she had it very rough, but she's mean and not understanding of someone who went through worse), but that's just a minor annoyance. I enjoyed the book a lot, consuming pretty much all my leisure time the moment I started it... Time to read book 2; let's hope it's as excellent!
I've never read a story quite like this before; it grabbed me from the start. Sistina is an interesting and unique character; she's unsettling in the best way. The novel does a wonderful job at showing the reader the world. It's well-defined without delving into huge info dumps.
The villains in particular impressed me. They are no doubt evil, but they are still compassionate, forgiving and kind to their allies. Unlike most cartoonishly evil villains, you can see why they would have loyal followers.
I wasn't too keen on the adventurer group subplot, but I was entranced by the other characters, the elves and the Kelvani, as well as the plot in general. I felt that Phynis was a bit too much of a spoiled princess (she had it very rough, but she's mean and not understanding of someone who went through worse), but that's just a minor annoyance. I enjoyed the book a lot, consuming pretty much all my leisure time the moment I started it... Time to read book 2; let's hope it's as excellent!
September 3, 2018
Book Type: Audible Book
Length: 12h 53m
Have you ever wondered what would happen to an intelligent dungeon living in part of ancient elven ruins, while slavers and elves fought on and around her property, then this is your book.
Otherwise it is a remarkably bland version of the new trope of intelligent dungeons (see my review for Morningwood: Everybody Loves Large Chests). It is better than Morningwood, but strangely enough while there is a ton of writing about women being enslaved, and forced into sexual bondage (and a whole ton of rapes) there isn't anything consenting except between two of the women characters.
That is where it lost me. It is a tired trope to rely on the horror of slaver villains and what they will do (or rapist generals) to make them a bad guy. Meanwhile there really isn't any positive sexual encounters except one really boring relationship.
I don't think I will pick up the sequels unless they hit the $3.95 or $5.95 sale, it might be ok for that. There has to be better books out there like this, if you find one let me know.
Length: 12h 53m
Have you ever wondered what would happen to an intelligent dungeon living in part of ancient elven ruins, while slavers and elves fought on and around her property, then this is your book.
Otherwise it is a remarkably bland version of the new trope of intelligent dungeons (see my review for Morningwood: Everybody Loves Large Chests). It is better than Morningwood, but strangely enough while there is a ton of writing about women being enslaved, and forced into sexual bondage (and a whole ton of rapes) there isn't anything consenting except between two of the women characters.
That is where it lost me. It is a tired trope to rely on the horror of slaver villains and what they will do (or rapist generals) to make them a bad guy. Meanwhile there really isn't any positive sexual encounters except one really boring relationship.
I don't think I will pick up the sequels unless they hit the $3.95 or $5.95 sale, it might be ok for that. There has to be better books out there like this, if you find one let me know.
March 2, 2020
I try not to give any book a 1-star...however, I feel a reader should be warned that they are going to read the equivalent of a rape fantasy.
This story had way too many plotholes (that you could drive an 18-wheeler through sideways) that I tried to ignore but finally gave up around Chapter 19. In general, I dislike reading about slavery in any shape, but this just took rape to a whole 'nother level.
I had purchased the audio version, and I love the voice actor, but the slow, plodding pace of the story keep me only vaguely interested.
My WTF? moment came when they enslaved the goddess. I tossed the towel in at this point and exchanged the book for something more palatable.
It's not a bad book, it just wasn't to my taste.
This story had way too many plotholes (that you could drive an 18-wheeler through sideways) that I tried to ignore but finally gave up around Chapter 19. In general, I dislike reading about slavery in any shape, but this just took rape to a whole 'nother level.
I had purchased the audio version, and I love the voice actor, but the slow, plodding pace of the story keep me only vaguely interested.
My WTF? moment came when they enslaved the goddess. I tossed the towel in at this point and exchanged the book for something more palatable.
It's not a bad book, it just wasn't to my taste.
March 20, 2018
It could be a 3.5 star rating as well but I did find the story all over the place at times but very interesting at other times. I am on the fence if I will continue with the next book in this series.
February 1, 2020
There are so many things wrong with this book. I don't even know where to begin.
This was extremely disappointing. I thought about giving it two stars instead just because I like the premise and it has a lot of promise, but needs just... So much. (Especially after typing all of this there is no way.)
I could go on and on about this. I had to stop myself from taking screenshots of just... all the ridiculous things that I scoffed at. I'm just grateful that this was at least a quick, easy read. I also just wanted to be done with it.
Obviously, there was going to be slavery in here, but it is a very misleading summary. Beyond grateful I did not spend money on this. Really sad, especially seeing its high rating.
This was extremely disappointing. I thought about giving it two stars instead just because I like the premise and it has a lot of promise, but needs just... So much. (Especially after typing all of this there is no way.)
I could go on and on about this. I had to stop myself from taking screenshots of just... all the ridiculous things that I scoffed at. I'm just grateful that this was at least a quick, easy read. I also just wanted to be done with it.
Obviously, there was going to be slavery in here, but it is a very misleading summary. Beyond grateful I did not spend money on this. Really sad, especially seeing its high rating.
May 17, 2017
The introduction to the main character, Sistina, is amazing. I very much enjoyed it and found it fascinating. I was really enjoying this book up until the point where the main character was described as being a dungeon.... Not being aware of the LITRPG genera until a little after this point (where I looked up why there were suddenly adventurers as well as the dungeon), I found it to be unexpected and jarring. However, after a few more chapters I got used to the language and the idea for the novels background and went back to enjoying the story.
This book is surprisingly tasteful in how it presents slavery, rape, domination, mind control, greed and sex. (As these more adult themes were developed in the story, I found myself put off somewhat due to a suspicion of it becoming male fantasy fulfillment. I am male, but don't particularly enjoy "fan-service" because it tends to break away from the story and the character of the characters.) The more explicit scenes are all left unspoken for the reader to fill in with their imagination. The implications that something going to happen to a character are set up well. Leaving the reader with a sickening or pleasant feeling (depending on the circumstances). Most of the character reactions are believable, but a lot of the psyches of the women who are abused seem a little too resilient.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written (if you ignore some grammar mistakes--the author did note on the amazon page that it was edited, but not professionally) and the storytelling is great. I'll be reading the next book in the series. I'm only giving four stars because of the overwhelming saturation of female character descriptions (the author also mentioned this being an obsession of his) bordering "fan-service" and that I personally would have preferred the author not use the term dungeon. Continuing with describing Sistina's domain, and possibly segued into her creating a dungeon (or series of mazes) within her domain, would have been better in my opinion.
This book is surprisingly tasteful in how it presents slavery, rape, domination, mind control, greed and sex. (As these more adult themes were developed in the story, I found myself put off somewhat due to a suspicion of it becoming male fantasy fulfillment. I am male, but don't particularly enjoy "fan-service" because it tends to break away from the story and the character of the characters.) The more explicit scenes are all left unspoken for the reader to fill in with their imagination. The implications that something going to happen to a character are set up well. Leaving the reader with a sickening or pleasant feeling (depending on the circumstances). Most of the character reactions are believable, but a lot of the psyches of the women who are abused seem a little too resilient.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written (if you ignore some grammar mistakes--the author did note on the amazon page that it was edited, but not professionally) and the storytelling is great. I'll be reading the next book in the series. I'm only giving four stars because of the overwhelming saturation of female character descriptions (the author also mentioned this being an obsession of his) bordering "fan-service" and that I personally would have preferred the author not use the term dungeon. Continuing with describing Sistina's domain, and possibly segued into her creating a dungeon (or series of mazes) within her domain, would have been better in my opinion.
August 13, 2019
First off, this is not a dungeon core title! There are no tables and lists of numbers and skill choices for your inner stat nerd to peruse; this is a fantasy story where one of the main characters is a dungeon persona. The setting also includes several elements that some may find disturbing, such as slavery, forced body alteration, forced mind alteration and implied rape.
So with that block of warnings and advisories out there, what do I think of this series? It was an interesting read and I definitely enjoyed the way that the author portrayed the Adventurers Guild concept in this setting, painting them more like an actual guild instead of a collective of idiots who can't recognise the sapience of a dungeon even when beaten over the head with it (literally in some examples that I have read).
The conflict between the various nations that paints the background does come across slightly as the goose-stepping humans against the libertarian elves and can be a touch hard to accept until you consider two points. Firstly, the elves tend not to consider themselves mature until they are in their fifties, whereas fifty for a human would be seen as 'geting old' in such a setting. Secondly, humans in the real world already have a lousy reputation when it comes to the enslavement of their own species throughout history and, given the capability, you can all but guarantee that at least some of the slave owners of the past would have engaged in mind and body alteration of the people they viewed as 'property' and not 'people'.
In summary, I found the main trilogy to be an enjoyable read and will be consuming the prequel (Marin's Codex) at some point in the next could of days.
So with that block of warnings and advisories out there, what do I think of this series? It was an interesting read and I definitely enjoyed the way that the author portrayed the Adventurers Guild concept in this setting, painting them more like an actual guild instead of a collective of idiots who can't recognise the sapience of a dungeon even when beaten over the head with it (literally in some examples that I have read).
The conflict between the various nations that paints the background does come across slightly as the goose-stepping humans against the libertarian elves and can be a touch hard to accept until you consider two points. Firstly, the elves tend not to consider themselves mature until they are in their fifties, whereas fifty for a human would be seen as 'geting old' in such a setting. Secondly, humans in the real world already have a lousy reputation when it comes to the enslavement of their own species throughout history and, given the capability, you can all but guarantee that at least some of the slave owners of the past would have engaged in mind and body alteration of the people they viewed as 'property' and not 'people'.
In summary, I found the main trilogy to be an enjoyable read and will be consuming the prequel (Marin's Codex) at some point in the next could of days.
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