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Glendaria Awakens #1
Dungeon Player
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
Even after pre-ordering the pod that would allow them to play "Glendaria Awakens", Krista and Devin still had to wait months before they were able to experience the newest in VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) technology. The wait was definitely worth it as they entered into a game world that was virtually indistinguishable from real life -- apart from the obvious game elements of course.
After starting in a typical starting town, they learned everything they needed to survive in this new world. Journeying through the wilderness outside of town, the duo progressed at a good pace until they arrived at the starting dungeon. Their lives were drastically changed by this place with the unassuming name of, "Goblin Cave".
Even after pre-ordering the pod that would allow them to play "Glendaria Awakens", Krista and Devin still had to wait months before they were able to experience the newest in VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) technology. The wait was definitely worth it as they entered into a game world that was virtually indistinguishable from real life -- apart from the obvious game elements of course.
After starting in a typical starting town, they learned everything they needed to survive in this new world. Journeying through the wilderness outside of town, the duo progressed at a good pace until they arrived at the starting dungeon. Their lives were drastically changed by this place with the unassuming name of, "Goblin Cave".
- GenresFantasy
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2017
251 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Brooks
82 books484 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 18, 2017
It was an interesting read and the 2 stars shouldn't be a reflection of me wanting to continue or not with the story (I would read the next one).
There were 3 large issues with this story for me.
1. Everything is being spelled out, sometimes multiple times. Being available on KU, I can see that this is padding for padding's sake.
2. The story is really just the first third of a book. Once you strip everything that was done because of #1, you are left with not a lot of meat on the bones.
3. Because of #2, there's very little character development. Things happen just because and the two characters just accept it. If there was less of #1 and more of #2 then #3 would just naturally happen more.
To the author, please read this not as a criticism, but more of a encouragement to work on some things. I'll be picking up the next one when I see it.
There were 3 large issues with this story for me.
1. Everything is being spelled out, sometimes multiple times. Being available on KU, I can see that this is padding for padding's sake.
2. The story is really just the first third of a book. Once you strip everything that was done because of #1, you are left with not a lot of meat on the bones.
3. Because of #2, there's very little character development. Things happen just because and the two characters just accept it. If there was less of #1 and more of #2 then #3 would just naturally happen more.
To the author, please read this not as a criticism, but more of a encouragement to work on some things. I'll be picking up the next one when I see it.
September 30, 2022
enjoyed it
It is interesting to see the change in writing style. I have read most of his later works, I enjoyed this one just as much. It was interesting that they were killed by a power surge and then got stuck in the game together. I know they will be happy as long as they have each other.
It is interesting to see the change in writing style. I have read most of his later works, I enjoyed this one just as much. It was interesting that they were killed by a power surge and then got stuck in the game together. I know they will be happy as long as they have each other.
February 8, 2018
I like the core concept behind this book, and it certainly seems original. Without giving too much away instead of being immersed in a game world as a player, our protagonist is immersed as a dungeon (hence the title). The dungeon can level, expand and even capture territory.
This is the first time I've seen the concept and is was original enough that I finished the book.
Unfortunately this book has a lot of minor annoyances that stack together to make it unpalatable.
First, none of the tables for stats are legible on a smaller Kindle, which means I can't get into the gamification. The tables don't shrink enough to fit the screen, even at smallest text size.
Second there are a considerable number of grammatical mistakes, and the book would benefit greatly from an editor.
Third, the pacing seemed off to me. For example, on page 1, we introduce some tech, then basically never hear about him again. I'd rather get more personality from our main with an abbreviated backstory instead. As another example, when our mains enter the game we spend a bunch of time/pages on boring newbie tropes before we get to the dungeon player bit. Why bother if you're not even really introducing us to an original world?
Finally, I just didn't buy how fast the characters adjusted to their new circumstances. This could easily have been explained by the fact that they were living in a computer or something, but as it was, the characters just felt like cardboard.
This is the first time I've seen the concept and is was original enough that I finished the book.
Unfortunately this book has a lot of minor annoyances that stack together to make it unpalatable.
First, none of the tables for stats are legible on a smaller Kindle, which means I can't get into the gamification. The tables don't shrink enough to fit the screen, even at smallest text size.
Second there are a considerable number of grammatical mistakes, and the book would benefit greatly from an editor.
Third, the pacing seemed off to me. For example, on page 1, we introduce some tech, then basically never hear about him again. I'd rather get more personality from our main with an abbreviated backstory instead. As another example, when our mains enter the game we spend a bunch of time/pages on boring newbie tropes before we get to the dungeon player bit. Why bother if you're not even really introducing us to an original world?
Finally, I just didn't buy how fast the characters adjusted to their new circumstances. This could easily have been explained by the fact that they were living in a computer or something, but as it was, the characters just felt like cardboard.
October 11, 2019
Great Intro to LitRPG Stories for teens and older
I initially rated this book 3 stars, as I compared the writing, world building, character development, etc., against the many, many other LitRPG books and authors I've read over the years. After some consideration, I added a star, as the author obviously put in a great deal of effort, and, with so many LitRPG stories that are completely inappropriate for teens, the few I've read that are kid-friendly deserve to be mentioned positively. This author is obviously new to writing, and makes any number of mistakes an established author might not. However, Mr. Brooks brings new ideas and an enjoyable way of telling his stories. I've made an effort to purchase all his books, and am currently working my way through them. I haven't written much about his other books until now, but would recommend them for teen readers and older, with the caveat that several include some language which some parents might find objectionable. I don't recall this book having any of those concerns, however. I wish to add my thanks to the author and best wishes, as he develops his books! On the whole, this is a good start to another enjoyable trilogy!
I initially rated this book 3 stars, as I compared the writing, world building, character development, etc., against the many, many other LitRPG books and authors I've read over the years. After some consideration, I added a star, as the author obviously put in a great deal of effort, and, with so many LitRPG stories that are completely inappropriate for teens, the few I've read that are kid-friendly deserve to be mentioned positively. This author is obviously new to writing, and makes any number of mistakes an established author might not. However, Mr. Brooks brings new ideas and an enjoyable way of telling his stories. I've made an effort to purchase all his books, and am currently working my way through them. I haven't written much about his other books until now, but would recommend them for teen readers and older, with the caveat that several include some language which some parents might find objectionable. I don't recall this book having any of those concerns, however. I wish to add my thanks to the author and best wishes, as he develops his books! On the whole, this is a good start to another enjoyable trilogy!
December 4, 2017
Good start, more of a short story than a novel
I am going to be brutally honest. I was disapointed. I really like the genre and I have a soft spot for dungeon builders but this story was lacking some important story elements. Like a climax. The conflict is practically nonexistant and there is no resolution by the end of it. The main characters are lackadaisical, unfazed by dying and essentially having their consciousness installed on a game server. They seem to have no interest in the game company's cover up of their deaths or improving their situation beyond leveling up. There is so much untouched potential here between the ghost-in-the-shell soul mind vs soul setting, the startlingly self-aware AI, the possible metamorphosis of the MCs...but its wasted. The MC dont care that they died, don't question, develop or grow. As a result of the cookie cutter MCs the story doesnt really progress or have any sense of tension/urgency. The story feels too short, unfinished like an overly long prologue. Of all the dungeon builders on Amazon, this one is the least interesting. Read dungeon born or slime dungeon first.
I am going to be brutally honest. I was disapointed. I really like the genre and I have a soft spot for dungeon builders but this story was lacking some important story elements. Like a climax. The conflict is practically nonexistant and there is no resolution by the end of it. The main characters are lackadaisical, unfazed by dying and essentially having their consciousness installed on a game server. They seem to have no interest in the game company's cover up of their deaths or improving their situation beyond leveling up. There is so much untouched potential here between the ghost-in-the-shell soul mind vs soul setting, the startlingly self-aware AI, the possible metamorphosis of the MCs...but its wasted. The MC dont care that they died, don't question, develop or grow. As a result of the cookie cutter MCs the story doesnt really progress or have any sense of tension/urgency. The story feels too short, unfinished like an overly long prologue. Of all the dungeon builders on Amazon, this one is the least interesting. Read dungeon born or slime dungeon first.
February 18, 2018
Glendara Awakens contains little character and plot development per chapter, the problem exasperated by its being such a short story.
Similarly, Its central theme as a dungeon core story is hardly represented, and world building has not progressed past the studs.
The characters are disturbingly detatched to their predicaments, showing little emotion and blowing off life changing events. I would have loved to see this adressed, whether through reference to the limitations of the host, perhaps supressed by the ai, or even some vague mentions of shock at the minimum. Unfortunently, no effort for explaination was undertaken and the characters simply become strange and unrealistic from the start.
Despite all of this, the book is still readable, and though i could not recomend, its not totally off the table for an unpicky reader.
Similarly, Its central theme as a dungeon core story is hardly represented, and world building has not progressed past the studs.
The characters are disturbingly detatched to their predicaments, showing little emotion and blowing off life changing events. I would have loved to see this adressed, whether through reference to the limitations of the host, perhaps supressed by the ai, or even some vague mentions of shock at the minimum. Unfortunently, no effort for explaination was undertaken and the characters simply become strange and unrealistic from the start.
Despite all of this, the book is still readable, and though i could not recomend, its not totally off the table for an unpicky reader.
March 10, 2021
Being the dungeon is a fun concept, but what if it was all you had left of life?
Lots of potential gaming fun ahead, dungeon keeper with higher stakes? Oh you have no idea yet!
Best friends for most of their lives, during their first fivr session of Glendaria, tragedy strikes. In an odd twist of the AI’s programming, they are slid in as a developer style dungeon players. They have to learn and advance in a whole new style of play.
All while trying to find a way back to their bodies and the real world while trapped in a dungeon and seen as enemies of the players. It’s going to be a challenge but our gaming duo jump right into it like champions of bad situations.
Devin adds to the spice by sneaking around and doing a little ganking, although is it really ganking if he is a dungeon mob now?
Lots of potential gaming fun ahead, dungeon keeper with higher stakes? Oh you have no idea yet!
Best friends for most of their lives, during their first fivr session of Glendaria, tragedy strikes. In an odd twist of the AI’s programming, they are slid in as a developer style dungeon players. They have to learn and advance in a whole new style of play.
All while trying to find a way back to their bodies and the real world while trapped in a dungeon and seen as enemies of the players. It’s going to be a challenge but our gaming duo jump right into it like champions of bad situations.
Devin adds to the spice by sneaking around and doing a little ganking, although is it really ganking if he is a dungeon mob now?
August 26, 2019
Most of the litrpg books I have read have not been in the dungeon core style, that is where the main character is the dungeon or some entity bound to it in some fashion, but this one worked well for me as the main characters settled in well to their new circumstances despite the manner in which they became trapped in the game.
The narrator gave a very good performance, with pleasant and distinctive tones that helped to enhance my enjoyment of the story.
This book is quite a short one, but during its running time the author manages to progress the story well and makes the main characters interesting enough for me to want to see the subsequent books in the series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
The narrator gave a very good performance, with pleasant and distinctive tones that helped to enhance my enjoyment of the story.
This book is quite a short one, but during its running time the author manages to progress the story well and makes the main characters interesting enough for me to want to see the subsequent books in the series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
March 17, 2020
Better than I thought it would be. Most dungeon core games tend to follow the same predictable format of someone becoming a dungeon core with no knowledge of anything and then progressing with the assistance of a (usually annoying) imp/fairy/whatever.
This book has both a dungeon core (without a dungeon core) and an NPC monster as main characters. I can't say more without spoiling it but it is actually very enjoyable.
I did tend to zone out a bit on some of the stats for the various items / spells/ upgrades.
I received this book as free download and chose to write a review.
This book has both a dungeon core (without a dungeon core) and an NPC monster as main characters. I can't say more without spoiling it but it is actually very enjoyable.
I did tend to zone out a bit on some of the stats for the various items / spells/ upgrades.
I received this book as free download and chose to write a review.
March 5, 2024
Both of them enter the VRMMORPG Glendaria Awakens. Their journey starts in a typical town, but the unexpected awaits in the Goblin Cave. A power surge killed them but they ended up being uploaded in the game.
the girl becomes the dungeon master and the boy a boss, managing their own dungeon. Secrets, challenges, and alliances shape their adventure.
As they confront adversaries and unravel mysteries, the fate of Glendaria hangs in the balance. Sacrifice and redemption define the thrilling finale.
the girl becomes the dungeon master and the boy a boss, managing their own dungeon. Secrets, challenges, and alliances shape their adventure.
As they confront adversaries and unravel mysteries, the fate of Glendaria hangs in the balance. Sacrifice and redemption define the thrilling finale.
September 27, 2019
If you have an Kindle Unlimited account and about an hour to kill, this is a cute book to fill in some time. I gave it 3 stars because it is pretty short and the RPG elements are a technical and tedious read (mostly, I just skipped them). However, the story is cute and worth reading, especially being free with Kindle Unlimited.
So, if you haven't tried the LitRPG genre and you have Kindle Unlimited, give it a try.
So, if you haven't tried the LitRPG genre and you have Kindle Unlimited, give it a try.
December 28, 2017
A quick fun read.
Short and a little unrealistic in that a lot of the plot devices are very dues ex machina that wouldn't actually exist in a game world. Also, the lack of emotional response from the protagonists after the dungeon is wired. But the story was enjoyable, just a little shallow.
Short and a little unrealistic in that a lot of the plot devices are very dues ex machina that wouldn't actually exist in a game world. Also, the lack of emotional response from the protagonists after the dungeon is wired. But the story was enjoyable, just a little shallow.
December 8, 2017
Good but short
The book has a great premise, good characters and is well written. My only issue arises with the length. It ends just as I was getting seriously invested into the story. Another couple hundred pages would have been preferable.
The book has a great premise, good characters and is well written. My only issue arises with the length. It ends just as I was getting seriously invested into the story. Another couple hundred pages would have been preferable.
January 7, 2018
Good Read.
A LitRPG story. I liked the story and the details that were shown, but the charts were too detailed and a lot of the info was not needed (for the reader). The info could have been summarized (shorter format) or discussed out loud.
A LitRPG story. I liked the story and the details that were shown, but the charts were too detailed and a lot of the info was not needed (for the reader). The info could have been summarized (shorter format) or discussed out loud.
January 21, 2018
This book was so short. 15% into the book and you only know a name for the two main characters and hair color. I like seeing stats and character building but it seemed like the author was trying to fill pages to make it more than a 30 page book.
June 4, 2019
Enjoyable
Not bad a little heavy on the gamelit tables and descriptions. Still the story flows and I didn't experience a bad lull. So it earns a 4 stars rating for keeping me entertained and turning pages.
Not bad a little heavy on the gamelit tables and descriptions. Still the story flows and I didn't experience a bad lull. So it earns a 4 stars rating for keeping me entertained and turning pages.
July 15, 2019
Mediocre and unbelievable
Characters do not act like real people at all. Just accept anything that happens and keep playing the game. It only gets three stars because of an enjoyable concept. Storyline needs to improve quite a bit.
Characters do not act like real people at all. Just accept anything that happens and keep playing the game. It only gets three stars because of an enjoyable concept. Storyline needs to improve quite a bit.
October 7, 2019
I think for a first book this is way better than what I expected. I also very much enjoy the author's style. I probably won't continue with this series but I am sure I will read other works by this author.
May 7, 2021
The premise is well established. Getting stuck in a game is not the most novel concept I have encountered but it is still fun. The mechanics of the dungeon are fun and the budding awkward love story is cute.
November 26, 2017
Okay
This story is okay but short the main characters are entertaining and a good fighting team it'll be interesting to read how they solve their dead problem...
This story is okay but short the main characters are entertaining and a good fighting team it'll be interesting to read how they solve their dead problem...
November 29, 2017
Great read
Love the dungeon and the DUMN is interesting and fun. There was no grammatical errors that distracted me. So good I loved it.
Love the dungeon and the DUMN is interesting and fun. There was no grammatical errors that distracted me. So good I loved it.
December 1, 2017
An interesting sub-sub-genre debut.
This book is a good introduction to dungeon core style novels. It is short and fast paced while still surprising in several areas.
This book is a good introduction to dungeon core style novels. It is short and fast paced while still surprising in several areas.
December 13, 2017
It is a bit short. I really enjoyed it. It has a really great beginning of a story arch. I really hope that there is a second longer book soon.
January 10, 2018
Quick and fun.
I really enjoyed the story but think it could have lasted longer. Good hook at the end for the series.
I really enjoyed the story but think it could have lasted longer. Good hook at the end for the series.
January 30, 2018
I don't usually like dungeon core books but I really liked this one.
February 1, 2018
Novella
141 pages, not worth 2.99$.
Read this on kindle unlimited only.
I can't recommend this not will l get book two.
141 pages, not worth 2.99$.
Read this on kindle unlimited only.
I can't recommend this not will l get book two.
February 9, 2018
Enjoyable story
May 28, 2018
Fun
It’s a good fun read. I think you would enjoy it. Go on give it a try. Dive on in.
It’s a good fun read. I think you would enjoy it. Go on give it a try. Dive on in.
October 13, 2019
Great little book
Really enjoyed this played many MMORPG's so this really appealed to me and didn't disappoint, can't wait to start reading the next book
Really enjoyed this played many MMORPG's so this really appealed to me and didn't disappoint, can't wait to start reading the next book
May 18, 2021
It is interesting to read Brooks' earlier works. I liked seeing some of his earlier ideas to compare them to his later more polished books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews