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Core Control #1
Bunker Core
Wynne might have been human once. It's hard to say.
Now he's a bunker core, a nanomachine controller responsible for an entire complex.
Of course, the place is a bit wrecked. And the world outside is ruins. And he's pretty sure that whoever put him here is going to come looking for him at some point. And then there's the raiders...
Dungeon Core, Post-apocalyptic style. Come for the mutants, stay for the dystopian adventure!
Now he's a bunker core, a nanomachine controller responsible for an entire complex.
Of course, the place is a bit wrecked. And the world outside is ruins. And he's pretty sure that whoever put him here is going to come looking for him at some point. And then there's the raiders...
Dungeon Core, Post-apocalyptic style. Come for the mutants, stay for the dystopian adventure!
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 9, 2019
If I had to sum this book up, it would be too many good plot lines, too little conclusion.
The book has a great premise. I love the idea of it and couldn't wait to read it. Early on it was a little clunky with it's explanation and attempt at video game metaphors but I rolled with it gave it a shot. I was happy to see that once I accepted this, the plot began to grow naturally from it.
The main issue with this novel is the frequent interludes where they cut to a different character's point of view. Normally an author would use interludes to allow a large period of boring time to pass while showing something interesting that was happening in other parts of the world. This author uses this to pass about half of a day, and jumps to multiple different points of view throughout the story. This last part wouldn't normally be an issue but some of these new points of view have no effect on the main story. It's as if the author introduced five different points of view, intending for them to eventually come together... but just never got there. It leaves the book feeling unfinished and I hate that such a good premise ended on such a sour note.
The ending is also quite weak using a bit of deus ex machina emergency backup plan to save the day that I couldn't see any references to throughout the story. It was rushed, weak, and frustrating.
In the end I may give this series a second chance once the next book is released since I feel like several of the issues could be fixed by exploring these started plot lines but I doubt it will ever be a five star conclusion.
The book has a great premise. I love the idea of it and couldn't wait to read it. Early on it was a little clunky with it's explanation and attempt at video game metaphors but I rolled with it gave it a shot. I was happy to see that once I accepted this, the plot began to grow naturally from it.
The main issue with this novel is the frequent interludes where they cut to a different character's point of view. Normally an author would use interludes to allow a large period of boring time to pass while showing something interesting that was happening in other parts of the world. This author uses this to pass about half of a day, and jumps to multiple different points of view throughout the story. This last part wouldn't normally be an issue but some of these new points of view have no effect on the main story. It's as if the author introduced five different points of view, intending for them to eventually come together... but just never got there. It leaves the book feeling unfinished and I hate that such a good premise ended on such a sour note.
The ending is also quite weak using a bit of deus ex machina emergency backup plan to save the day that I couldn't see any references to throughout the story. It was rushed, weak, and frustrating.
In the end I may give this series a second chance once the next book is released since I feel like several of the issues could be fixed by exploring these started plot lines but I doubt it will ever be a five star conclusion.
September 24, 2018
A fun, if somewhat short, dungeon core adventure
This particular dungeon core style story meets Mr. Seiple's usual high quality standards.
This story feels more like an intro than a full story within itself, but that isn't a bad thing. It sets the stage for the protagonist to start kicking ass and taking names.
I definitely look forward to the next one!
This particular dungeon core style story meets Mr. Seiple's usual high quality standards.
This story feels more like an intro than a full story within itself, but that isn't a bad thing. It sets the stage for the protagonist to start kicking ass and taking names.
I definitely look forward to the next one!
September 26, 2018
Book one
Mistakes: I only found one that I'm sure wasn't done on purpose. The rest are just how one character talks.
Plot: very interesting with a lot still left unknown.
Characters: the MC is interesting. I look forward to seeing him grow.
8.5/10 Looking forward to book two.
Mistakes: I only found one that I'm sure wasn't done on purpose. The rest are just how one character talks.
Plot: very interesting with a lot still left unknown.
Characters: the MC is interesting. I look forward to seeing him grow.
8.5/10 Looking forward to book two.
October 5, 2018
As always
I have yet to read a book by Mr. Seiple that I didn't enjoy. This guy can write. I loved this book and the entire Threadbare series. If you're reading this sir, thank you. Thank you so very much.
I have yet to read a book by Mr. Seiple that I didn't enjoy. This guy can write. I loved this book and the entire Threadbare series. If you're reading this sir, thank you. Thank you so very much.
October 26, 2018
Well written and entertaining
This was a very well written beginning to a series. The characters were pretty well fleshed-out certainly not one-dimensional, and even the leading antagonists were sympathetic characters. The writing was mature and smooth, much more so than many of the books that come out in the litrpg sub-genre. I had a hard time putting it down to do real life and I can't wait for the next one.
While I'm sure the author still has room to grow and improve, I like where he is already.
This was a very well written beginning to a series. The characters were pretty well fleshed-out certainly not one-dimensional, and even the leading antagonists were sympathetic characters. The writing was mature and smooth, much more so than many of the books that come out in the litrpg sub-genre. I had a hard time putting it down to do real life and I can't wait for the next one.
While I'm sure the author still has room to grow and improve, I like where he is already.
September 26, 2018
Nice read
Pros :-
1. A very interesting protagonists.
2. Lots of cool side characters
3. Great action scenes.
4. The world is very different compared to other stories
Cons:-
1. Spelling errors
2. Grammar errors.
3. Side chapters that just wanted time in already short book
Pros :-
1. A very interesting protagonists.
2. Lots of cool side characters
3. Great action scenes.
4. The world is very different compared to other stories
Cons:-
1. Spelling errors
2. Grammar errors.
3. Side chapters that just wanted time in already short book
October 15, 2018
Ready for the next book
Interesting concept. I liked the main character and his creative ways. He was thrown into a situation and had to overcome challenges with limited understanding and ability. It was fun and that makes it worth it to me.
Interesting concept. I liked the main character and his creative ways. He was thrown into a situation and had to overcome challenges with limited understanding and ability. It was fun and that makes it worth it to me.
October 10, 2018
A mix of sci-fi post-apocalypse and dungeon-core base building.
The interesting parts are the cyberpunkesque "grid" in a post-apocalypse world, the origins of the "hero", and the various groups around. Given that, the constraint of gamelit concepts over the central hero and "dungeon core" stand out and make it more jarring than it should be. This is a book that should have had a much lighter gamelit flavor than it has. The series still has much promise and will hopefully go far.
The interesting parts are the cyberpunkesque "grid" in a post-apocalypse world, the origins of the "hero", and the various groups around. Given that, the constraint of gamelit concepts over the central hero and "dungeon core" stand out and make it more jarring than it should be. This is a book that should have had a much lighter gamelit flavor than it has. The series still has much promise and will hopefully go far.
October 3, 2018
Read this book!
A full 5 stars from me. And no complaining about bad world building!
Wynne wakes up, but where? All is NOT good in Wynne's life since he has woke up. It's pretty much one life-threatening tense moment every 10 pages. You really sympathize with him! EXCELENT WORLD BUILDING!
Other people doing evil, for their very GOOD reasons! I can understand why Tyr is doing what he is doing. I would be doing the same frankly.
Very good ending on book 1! I am hoping Book 2 is out already if not I'm looking forward to it!
I put Andrew Seiple on to my follow list! If all else download a free sample, and THEN download the entire book I think you will be highly entertained!
A full 5 stars from me. And no complaining about bad world building!
Wynne wakes up, but where? All is NOT good in Wynne's life since he has woke up. It's pretty much one life-threatening tense moment every 10 pages. You really sympathize with him! EXCELENT WORLD BUILDING!
Other people doing evil, for their very GOOD reasons! I can understand why Tyr is doing what he is doing. I would be doing the same frankly.
Very good ending on book 1! I am hoping Book 2 is out already if not I'm looking forward to it!
I put Andrew Seiple on to my follow list! If all else download a free sample, and THEN download the entire book I think you will be highly entertained!
October 1, 2018
Worth it
There are way more terrible examples of the dungeon core genre than good ones. I end up reading a lot of garbage. This book is a good reason to continue digging though. It was a well thought out world, with an engaging MC. The book hit the balance between the obsessive litRPG stat recitation and the "BAM! Everything is magic and easy!" approach some of the more Mary-Sue writers take. It also lacked the heavy handed explorations of human sexuality that detract from so many of the genre.
So, I really liked this book (and it is a book, very nice length) and think you should buy it. I hope for more from this author.
There are way more terrible examples of the dungeon core genre than good ones. I end up reading a lot of garbage. This book is a good reason to continue digging though. It was a well thought out world, with an engaging MC. The book hit the balance between the obsessive litRPG stat recitation and the "BAM! Everything is magic and easy!" approach some of the more Mary-Sue writers take. It also lacked the heavy handed explorations of human sexuality that detract from so many of the genre.
So, I really liked this book (and it is a book, very nice length) and think you should buy it. I hope for more from this author.
October 1, 2018
Interesting, with possiblity.
I found this story very interesting, the characters are somewhat unique, and there is much potential for further story telling to be found. Hopefully the author continues this story. Read this!
I found this story very interesting, the characters are somewhat unique, and there is much potential for further story telling to be found. Hopefully the author continues this story. Read this!
November 12, 2018
I'm not generally a fan of the "dungeon core" genre, but this was written by Andrew Seiple, who has earned the benefit of the assay from me. Nor does this book disappoint. With nods to Zelazny's Nine Princes in Amber and even the schlock-classic Zardoz, Seiple turns out a masterful tale well worth reading.
February 22, 2022
Best Bunker Core book I've read (out of 3)
I really Love Andrew Seiple. For Imagination, world building, memorable characters, and engaging story This guy is hard to top.
Also for a sub-genre that felt played out almost immediately, This book feels fresh and original. I made the mistake of reading a little before bed and was up half the night.
I really Love Andrew Seiple. For Imagination, world building, memorable characters, and engaging story This guy is hard to top.
Also for a sub-genre that felt played out almost immediately, This book feels fresh and original. I made the mistake of reading a little before bed and was up half the night.
March 13, 2020
To be honest, I had forgot about this book until the release of Seiple's second book in the series was released. And I'm kicking myself for putting off reading this one for so long.
This is a great execution of dungeon core mixed with a futuristic setting. For the uninitiated, dungeon core books feature a POV of a 'dungeon' or a building that defends itself from attack. Now, reading a story from the perspective of a building is an interesting concept (if not weird) but it's something that can be a huge challenge to make engaging. Buildings don't have heads to nod, lungs to sigh, or eyes to blink so it's hard to relate to such a character. In this book, the dungeon POV (or rather the bunker) is the electric copy of a human brain, so we can have a virtual equivalent to a character to relate to. This not only helps the reader understand the bunker core, Wynne, but also is integral to the futuristic setting of the book.
The choice of a scifi setting is fairly unusual for the dungeon core genre, but it adds a lot of interest to the reading. Fantasy settings are the typical backdrop for dungeon core books and the common conceit for these stories is magic of one kind or another. Here, technology takes the place of magic and sets up the mechanisms through which Wynne interacts with his work. This choice, along with the post-apocalyptic setting, lends the story a tone different than its peers, which I found very interesting.
The various character side-stories add a lot to the setting and plot, while presenting interesting vignettes into the bleak far-future. Overall, the book reads fast and fun while still having enough interesting ideas to engage the reader to think about the setting. The characters are compelling and really elevate the story despite its short word count. Highly recommended.
This is a great execution of dungeon core mixed with a futuristic setting. For the uninitiated, dungeon core books feature a POV of a 'dungeon' or a building that defends itself from attack. Now, reading a story from the perspective of a building is an interesting concept (if not weird) but it's something that can be a huge challenge to make engaging. Buildings don't have heads to nod, lungs to sigh, or eyes to blink so it's hard to relate to such a character. In this book, the dungeon POV (or rather the bunker) is the electric copy of a human brain, so we can have a virtual equivalent to a character to relate to. This not only helps the reader understand the bunker core, Wynne, but also is integral to the futuristic setting of the book.
The choice of a scifi setting is fairly unusual for the dungeon core genre, but it adds a lot of interest to the reading. Fantasy settings are the typical backdrop for dungeon core books and the common conceit for these stories is magic of one kind or another. Here, technology takes the place of magic and sets up the mechanisms through which Wynne interacts with his work. This choice, along with the post-apocalyptic setting, lends the story a tone different than its peers, which I found very interesting.
The various character side-stories add a lot to the setting and plot, while presenting interesting vignettes into the bleak far-future. Overall, the book reads fast and fun while still having enough interesting ideas to engage the reader to think about the setting. The characters are compelling and really elevate the story despite its short word count. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2021
I picked up this book because it looked similar to the Divine Dungeon series, and it didn't disappoint. I might have gotten more enjoyment out of it if it were in print, but having to listen to a full page of text read out to me as an audiobook was a big downer.
The world building is excellent, and the characters are very colorful and interesting. He builds up the conflict quite well, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. Unfortunately, the author fell into the trap of going into too much detail describing the interface, and about half of the book felt like I was watching someone play through a game on Youtube. It really made me want to play the game, which is bad when you would rather have your audience want to continue reading the book.
Fortunately I persisted, and it payed off with an ending that left me wanting more.
The world building is excellent, and the characters are very colorful and interesting. He builds up the conflict quite well, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. Unfortunately, the author fell into the trap of going into too much detail describing the interface, and about half of the book felt like I was watching someone play through a game on Youtube. It really made me want to play the game, which is bad when you would rather have your audience want to continue reading the book.
Fortunately I persisted, and it payed off with an ending that left me wanting more.
February 17, 2020
While certain aspects of Bunker Core reminded me of The Station Core, this book isn't really much of a 'core' book. There is some 'dungeon' creation type stuff happening, and a very simple leveling up mechanics, but I wouldn't consider this a LitRPG. It's also got a pretty depressing setting that borrows a lot from Fallout, a game I like, but here causes a feeling of hopelessness I'm not terribly fond of.
All and all it's a well written book, but I just couldn't get into it. If your a fan of nihilism or bleak post apocalyptic futures you'd probably enjoy this.
All and all it's a well written book, but I just couldn't get into it. If your a fan of nihilism or bleak post apocalyptic futures you'd probably enjoy this.
October 23, 2025
3.25 The post-apocalyptic world the author paints is interesting, but I find myself turned off a bit, because the main character is really hard to empathise with. As a computer emulation of a human without memories that is probably on point, but it still takes away a lot of my enjoyment. It is also quite a male novel - not in a bad way, but the male characters seem to come around more fully rounded than the female ones. I found I enjoyed the asides of the survivors more than the actual narrative, even though I was looking forward to a transmigration novel with tech / computer game sort of theme. The amount of combat (well, more like trap) descriptions was also too much for me. Still going to read the next novel, the world-building and secondary characters hooked me in.
November 5, 2023
Such a bad gameLit story for such an interesting and rather good SciFi setting. The world building is special, too bad the author is not skilled with integrating gameLit with his style.
This book is saved by the interlude chapters. I don't yet understand if these chapters and the story within are really that interesting, or if this is just the contrast effect against the dull and bland main story.
I wanted to drop the book wherever the "core" stats and progression tree was involved, such a boring and unimaginative approach. And yet, I was blazing my way through, intrigued with curiosity about the world and its interesting characters and history.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series.
This book is saved by the interlude chapters. I don't yet understand if these chapters and the story within are really that interesting, or if this is just the contrast effect against the dull and bland main story.
I wanted to drop the book wherever the "core" stats and progression tree was involved, such a boring and unimaginative approach. And yet, I was blazing my way through, intrigued with curiosity about the world and its interesting characters and history.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series.
March 22, 2022
This is my second Andrew Seiple novel. The premise of both sounded interesting, but I struggled to fully enjoy either. Something about his writing isn't meshing for me.
This novel changes up the usual LitRPG formula, having the protagonist level up his dungeon building stats, rather than the usual D&D player stats. Unfortunately, the terms for these stats really didn't feel natural to me, as I have considerably different associations with "bandwidth," "circuits," and "subroutines." I never felt like I had a handle on the mechanics.
I doubt I'll continue the series.
This novel changes up the usual LitRPG formula, having the protagonist level up his dungeon building stats, rather than the usual D&D player stats. Unfortunately, the terms for these stats really didn't feel natural to me, as I have considerably different associations with "bandwidth," "circuits," and "subroutines." I never felt like I had a handle on the mechanics.
I doubt I'll continue the series.
November 1, 2018
Great book
This is a great book to read in a rather interesting world. It also does one of the best things a great fiction should do, make you inspired to ask what would you do in there stead what are all the possibilities and what amazing things will happen next. The only things I morn is the books to short and that there needs to be a touch more depth in areas. That being said i sincerely hope for a sequel because it would be a shame for it to end where it had.
This is a great book to read in a rather interesting world. It also does one of the best things a great fiction should do, make you inspired to ask what would you do in there stead what are all the possibilities and what amazing things will happen next. The only things I morn is the books to short and that there needs to be a touch more depth in areas. That being said i sincerely hope for a sequel because it would be a shame for it to end where it had.
September 22, 2026
This felt like half of a story. Not in the sense of lacking a conclusion, there is a second book that ties things up well enough. But rather it introduces concept and characters that never get fully explored. There are sections going into exacting detail on trap building, while important events barely get a full page. Time skips ahead without much going on. The writing itself is enjoyable and I did like the characters, I just wish things were more fleshed out.
March 5, 2019
Normally when I see gamelit or litRPG I just hit the back button but I'm a fan of author Andrew Seiple's DIRE series so I figured I'd at least give this one a try. If you ignore the eye-rolling "just like a videogame" stuff this is a pretty fun story with some interesting enough world building and characters that I'm now looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 12, 2019
Easily my least favorite series by Andrew Seiple, and that is mainly because he is attempting to tell a dungeon core story, but he's not doing it better than anyone else. He certainly isn't telling the same dungeon core story that other authors have already told, but it's still the among least interesting of them that I've read. This is, of course, only my opinion.
February 10, 2020
It's basically a dungeon core book, which is usually classified as LitRPG. The twist is that it's a science fiction scenario, not a fantasy scenario. The LitRPG elements are there, but not very strong. Nonetheless it's a pretty cool story.
From a literary standpoint it's well written, well paced, etc. There are a very few, minor editing mistakes, but not enough to be distracting.
From a literary standpoint it's well written, well paced, etc. There are a very few, minor editing mistakes, but not enough to be distracting.
February 18, 2020
Pretty awesome story
Love the worlds he builds. His story arcs are solid and his MCs are tough minded and/or determined rather than over-powered.
He could use another edit pass, but it's mostly things you can figure out. And commas. It seems like even editors don't know how to use commas properly.
Off to read book two!
Love the worlds he builds. His story arcs are solid and his MCs are tough minded and/or determined rather than over-powered.
He could use another edit pass, but it's mostly things you can figure out. And commas. It seems like even editors don't know how to use commas properly.
Off to read book two!
February 26, 2020
I diddn't really like it that much sadly. The growth of the dungeon isn't really clear since it's not linear but talent tree based which tells the reader exactly nothing. Each second or third chapter was another random and possibly unknown interlude character who just dragged on and on. I hope the next one get's better.
March 12, 2020
Good post apocalyptic core story
An interesting take on a post apocalyptic situation for a core with a background mystery we see some pieces of every so often.
I like the protagonist, he's not over powered or whiny and is taking a practical approach to his unexpected situation. I'm looking forward to reading more about him and the world the story is set in.
An interesting take on a post apocalyptic situation for a core with a background mystery we see some pieces of every so often.
I like the protagonist, he's not over powered or whiny and is taking a practical approach to his unexpected situation. I'm looking forward to reading more about him and the world the story is set in.
September 22, 2018
Awesome dungeon building story
Dungeon building in a post apocalyptic world. Really great story though it needs a tad more work on spelling and sentence structure. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Dungeon building in a post apocalyptic world. Really great story though it needs a tad more work on spelling and sentence structure. Can’t wait for the sequel!
October 12, 2018
Simply too good
I liked the story. I liked the characters. I kind of wish more had happened but I don't mind a slow cook if the contents of the pot smell tasty and Mr.Sieple's cooking is smelling mighty fine. 5/5
I liked the story. I liked the characters. I kind of wish more had happened but I don't mind a slow cook if the contents of the pot smell tasty and Mr.Sieple's cooking is smelling mighty fine. 5/5
October 19, 2018
Dungeon Core Done Right
I was pleasantly surprised about the quality of this novel. The editing is pretty good, the story is fun, the world is complex and highly interesting. I will definitely pick up a sequel.
I was pleasantly surprised about the quality of this novel. The editing is pretty good, the story is fun, the world is complex and highly interesting. I will definitely pick up a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews