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Station Cores #2

The Quizard Mountains

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The Station Core known as Milton has barely survived the first concentrated attack by hostile Proctans, leaving his “dungeon” destroyed and most of his defenders dead. Not the most auspicious start.

But now with the addition of Brint and his Inventor friend, Whisp, Milton now has the tools available to turn his dungeon into one that should easily defend against all comers – at least he hopes so.

However, when the Cordpower Corporation – the makers of the original Power Potion – contract the best-of-the-best to find out what happened to their agents, Milton’s dungeon is put to the test against two Proctans who are way out of his league.

Meanwhile, Brint learns more about his ability to control the Combat Units that Milton creates, eventually being put into a position to lead an expedition into the Quizard Mountains. He hopes to find enough resources inside the caves to fully outfit the dungeon, making it even deadlier than it already is.

Unfortunately, he finds something else…

Warning: Contains violence and some foul language, as well as OPTIONAL stat tables

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2018

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89 people want to read

About the author

Jonathan Brooks

82 books484 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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5 stars
428 (40%)
4 stars
393 (37%)
3 stars
191 (18%)
2 stars
31 (2%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Jonathan.
638 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2018
Fun

This is a fun continuation of the series. I felt like it ended too soon. And there were numerous missing words and I think a few continuity errors, but in all I enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,179 reviews82 followers
November 7, 2018
Book two

Mistakes: I did find one place where the wrong word was used.
Plot: I did like the expansion of the world with a second faction for our MC and friends to face off against.
Characters: the changes to the A.I.'s personality was nice. Since the MC isn't from the military a less gruff and vulgar helper was needed. I hope to see the addition of two more people to the MC's team in book three.
I feel like this could have been a big longer. 8/10
Profile Image for Brent Thomas.
39 reviews
February 19, 2019
More of the same.

This is a good story overall but just a carbon copy of a lot of other dungeon core books. Why is it that so many of these authors main character is a weak willed, procrastinating idiot? Why is it so hard to write about a strong willed character or even someone more common but with a decisive attitude. I just can't keep reading about these weak willed characters.
123 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2019
Meandering mess of a book

Nothing is accomplished and despite how awful the character who cussed every other word was in the previous book the author found a way to make her even more intolerable by making her every appearance a Russian roulette of horrible characterization.
Profile Image for Aaron Eichler.
778 reviews
July 28, 2022
another home run

This was a good continuation for Milton. I like how he was able to survive not just with his units, but also his friends.
148 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2023
Brint and Whisp are now working with Milton to strengthen the dungeon with new rooms and new traps/creatures.

Milton is still plodding along making strange (non-gamer) mistakes as he tries to level up (he's supposed to have been a top gamer before he was taken).

Two elite adventurers, Moxwell and Rosewyn are hired by the Potion Company to investigate what happened to their previous adventurer team and ensure that Brint/Whisp don't reprise their potion selling operation. Moxwell & Rosewyn eventually make it to the dungeon and slowly start making their way through all of the rooms.

Brint is sent out on expeditions and one leads him to the Quizzard Mountains where he starts to mine for precious metals. During this process he wanders down a random tunnel and witnesses a fearsome sight... massive bear-gorilla hybrids in uncountable numbers.

One of these bearillas wipes out Brint's raid party and chases him back to the dungeon.

Moxwell & Rosewyn join forces with Brint in defending the dungeon against the lone Bearilla.

There were several minor errors in this book: such as the omissionn of particle words throughout, however, I have seen much worse in LitRPG. Overall, the story was OK. The prose was nothing special. The stat tables became unnecessary at times towards the end.

Unfortunately, there was nothing great about this one (except Moxwell' & Rosewyn's relationship). Overall, I sorta enjoyed it. Not sure I'll continue with the series... Time will tell.

Enjoyed it - 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charles Daniel.
585 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2021
What Is A Station Core Stuck On A Pre-Industrial World To Do?

It's not quite a case of having no options; their just all bad options. When his scheme to trade his radiation contaminated coolant water (which they call "Power Potion") to the natives for metal ore and scrap falls apart, he still has his drones who can mine metals for his repairs and for building a ship with which to leave the Proctans' homeworld. It will just take centuries to do so. Boring, but manageable, except for the fact that his Proctan business partner has incurred the wrath of the powerful and murderously monopolistic Cordpower Corporation, who want to destroy or co-opt the competition to their "Power Potions."

So now Milton must contend with the assault of sentient beings on his Dungeon defenses. Resulting in the expenditure of more of the resources he needs for his repairs and eventual construction of a starship to get him off this primative world and back to the Collective who built his Core.
Profile Image for Colin Rowlands.
240 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2020
This is the second book in the series and you would lose a lot if you jumped into the series at this point. This book does a good job of building on the foundations of the first one, increasing the challenges for the dungeon core and expanding the main cast quite nicely.

Unlike the first book, you do not have any significant time skips as the series seemingly reached the main time period it would focus on by the end of book one. One slight negative for me is the way the stats are presented, while they are skippable in theory (doesn't work for hands-off listening), it does seem like the flow of the book would be better if the focus was on the significant changes.

The narrator does another good job with an increasing cast of characters and helps to enhance the book.

Overall, a strong follow-up that draws the listener further into this series.

[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
90 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2018
After the first book, I initially was reluctant to pick this one up. Luckily I did anyway, the book is a MASSIVE improvement over the first installment and many things which were criticized by me and others have either been toned down, reworked or are gone entirely.

No longer is there a string of constant poop jokes and similar humour which kept throwing me out of the story and making me groan in annoyance. The Ai companion both has improved as a character and is somewhat less prominent. Miltons decision making has improved quite a bit etc.

If you liked the first book, I'd definitely pick up book two. If you were undecided, I'd give book two a chance, you might be surprised!
Profile Image for Vincent Archer.
443 reviews22 followers
November 19, 2018
A good second entry for the series.

You get not one, but two dungeon dives, including one that is overpowered. While not at the top of the range for dungeon core stories, it's a solid story. The shifting of the tables and "screens" in end notes is... so-so. It lets you read the story, but at the end the book, it is far too isolated to enjoy. The cliffhanger threat is promising, but it risks being predictable... that's for the next book.
Profile Image for GaiusPrimus.
870 reviews97 followers
December 17, 2018
It scratched the itch

I believe the first book was not only more entertaining, it also was focused on the premise a lot more.

This time around, all the "dungeon-like" characteristics of a book were glossed over and secondary to the story.

Although there was enough of that in there to scratch the itch for a dungeon core novel, it's was not enough if that is what you were looking for.
Profile Image for Chris Evans.
903 reviews43 followers
September 27, 2019
Very much a bridge book setting up future stories. All the characters mesh well together, and the addition of the new married couple to the book is very nice as well. But for the most part his story is just getting pieces in place for what ever he's going to do with what's below the Quizard Mountains.
Profile Image for Joshua.
35 reviews10 followers
June 21, 2020
While I really liked the book I could not help but think the main character is... not very creative with his 'traps' Or even the use of his resources. Which is a shame because it would lend to better storytelling. However, this second book takes the foundation laid by the previous one and certainly improves on it as well as expand the previous gaps. Perhaps the main character will become much more dungeon lord like over time and learn to make truly deadly traps.
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,590 reviews12 followers
March 9, 2019
Great Short

Very interesting fast paced action pack entertaining story.
I feel cheated by Litrpg books. Charts should be a separate page count. Not as far as ku, but maybe a code for readers to understand a book length. If I down loaded a book for a plane ride, I would like to know what I was working with.
1,000 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2019
Another good follow up

I am enjoying this series. Seems our core is growing and his options are becoming less Limited. The Milton is slowly being discovered by those around him and must now Advance himself even faster. It seems for the locals Resurrection is a thing because of Milton. However he's going to need it. Looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Zerdath.
89 reviews
August 14, 2019
Gosh dangit this was so good

Excellent continuation of the previous story, I was a bit worried that the characters I was growing to love would be dropped during another time jump, but my fears were unfounded. We're sticking with them and it's marvelous! I can't wait to read the next book, you can be sure I'm buying it.
22 reviews
November 1, 2018
Loved every moment of this instalment to what is turning out to be a great series. The meld of good story and LITRPG that the author manages to do seemlessly mixing the dungeon core elements in with good character development and storyline that keeps me engaged and interested in whatever comes next. Good job and keep them coming.
Profile Image for Montgomery.
47 reviews
August 4, 2019
Good continuation

It continues to build up the Cordpower Corp as a great evil, While The Milton continues to expand his defenses and resources to eventually make his way off the rock he is stranded on. Another well done book.
Profile Image for Tony Mook.
15 reviews
September 17, 2019
Great Twist on dungeon theme!

Liked this book 2 of the series a lot. Audible version provided w/ KU a very nice touch. Author has given us readers a choice in how to enjoy the book!
Anxious to see how things develop w/ book 3!!
Profile Image for Stuart Richardson.
76 reviews
September 18, 2019
Great book, can’t wait for more

Really well written. Didn’t really notice any spelling errors. Looking forward to more of the same. Nice having the option to have this book on Audible as well.
2,537 reviews72 followers
January 23, 2020
Disappointing

I had hoped that since the setup was done, the book series could begin proper. I was wrong. The characters are horribly unbalanced, the combat is one sided and I have yet to see the tactical genius do anything of the sort.
Profile Image for Ethan Stein.
Author 5 books247 followers
January 22, 2021
Not a great story but an interesting continuation. There are a TON of stats which severely impacted the story’s momentum and lowered the enjoyability. I’d still like to know where the story goes so I’ll probably check out the next one eventually. For now, onto something else.
147 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2025
A Solid (and Much Improved) Dungeon-Core Sequel (4/5 Stars)
Hey dungeon-delvers and LitRPG fans! I’m back with my thoughts on The Quizard Mountains, the second book in Jonathan Brooks’s Station Cores series. After the fun but flawed first book, I went into this one with cautious optimism. I’m happy to report that this is a massive improvement that fixes many of the original's biggest issues while doubling down on the crunchy dungeon-building we love. If the first book's pacing almost made you DNF, this one rights the ship and delivers a much more engaging, character-driven adventure.

Key Themes
Brooks expands the world thoughtfully in this installment, moving beyond pure survival.

Found Family & Alliance: While isolation was the core theme of Book 1, Book 2 is all about building connections. Milton is no longer alone; he’s actively working with Brint and Whisp, forming a strategic team. The story compellingly explores how trust is built and what it means to have allies who complement your strengths.

Escalating Conflict & Consequences: The threat level rises logically. Milton’s actions from the first book have drawn the attention of powerful, organized forces like the Cordpower Corporation. The theme here is that no victory is without cost, and every defensive triumph invites a more dangerous challenger.

Exploration vs. Defense: A great new tension is introduced between the need to fortify the "dungeon" and the necessity to venture out for crucial resources. Brint’s expedition to the Quizard Mountains embodies this risk-reward dynamic perfectly, leading to the book’s most exciting new threats.

Character Analysis
The cast gets much-needed depth and development.

Milton (The Station Core): He feels smarter and more strategic here, making better use of his gamer background. His growth from a lonely core to a commander and partner is the series’ heart.

Brint & Whisp: These two Proctans move from side characters to essential protagonists. Brint’s ability to control Combat Units gets explored in depth, making him a vital field commander, while Whisp’s inventions directly shape Milton’s dungeon upgrades.

ALANNA (The AI): Thank goodness! The one-note, potty-mouthed AI from Book 1 is significantly toned down and better integrated into the team. The change is a direct and welcome response to feedback.

Newcomers Moxwell & Rosewyn: The elite Proctans hired by Cordpower aren't just faceless villains. They’re a capable, married couple with their own dynamic, making their dungeon dive feel personal and tense.

Writing Style & Pacing
This is where the book shines brightest compared to its predecessor.

The pacing whiplash is gone. No more century-long grinds. The story moves at a brisk clip, balancing tense dungeon-defense sequences with Brint’s external expedition. The prose remains straightforward and functional, ideal for describing trap mechanics and combat.

A huge plus is the handling of LitRPG elements. Brooks continues the smart choice of placing extensive stat blocks in an optional appendix (or a separate PDF for audiobook listeners), keeping the narrative clean. The dungeon "dives" are well-described and genuinely suspenseful.

What I Liked & Disliked
Liked:

Fixes the Flaws: The immature humor is scaled back, the AI is better, and the plot is consistently engaging from start to finish.

Expanded World-Building: Introducing the corporate threat of Cordpower and the mysterious Quizard Mountains makes the world feel larger and more dangerous.

Great Dungeon Action: The defensive sequences against overwhelming odds are tense, creative, and satisfying.

Disliked:

Bridge Book Vibes: Parts of this feel like necessary setup for the next conflict. While enjoyable, the climax introduces a terrifying new enemy that makes the ending feel like a prelude to Book 3.

Predictable Power Creep: Some plot beats follow genre conventions closely. The heroes are often one step from disaster, which can feel formulaic after a while.

Minor Editing Issues: A few missing words or typos remind you this is an indie publication, though nothing too egregious.

Conclusion & Recommendation
Final Verdict: A strong 4 out of 5 stars. This is a textbook example of a sequel learning from its predecessor's mistakes and delivering a more confident, character-focused, and exciting story.

You should read this book if: You enjoyed the concept of The Station Core but wanted better pacing. This book will redeem the series for you. It’s also a perfect pick for fans of dungeon-core mechanics who love a mix of base-building and external exploration.

Read something else if: You’re looking for a completely standalone story (this is not a jumping-on point) or have zero interest in LitRPG stat progression.

Content Note: As with the first book, expect some violence and occasional foul language.

The Quizard Mountains solidifies this as a series worth continuing. The improvements are tangible, the new threats are compelling, and it ends on a cliffhanger that has me immediately reaching for Book 3, The Guardian Guild. If you're on the fence after Book 1, give this one a shot—it might just convert you.
Profile Image for Bryce Wilson.
119 reviews
September 4, 2023
Losing interest with every page

Series stated good but bringing in a race of intelligent bipedal life that acted like human not an alien society is what was making me lost interest. The epilogue leaves me unsure if I even want to see the next book.
698 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2018
Strangely Good

This story is strange but entertaining to read yet the main characters involve interact negative but somehow corporate to make this story work Read it and Enjoy
Profile Image for Heath.
521 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2019
Good Read.

A LitRPG story. The story continues from the previous book. Exploration. Vicious creatures. Battles to save the dungeon. Enjoyed the story.
26 reviews
July 23, 2019
Great ready

Quirky and fun with hint destruction. The enjoyment receive from this book was a blend of on the edge of your seat action.
25 reviews
July 23, 2019
Well done.

A very good example of the genre. Well written, well thought through world, an plenty of room to grow. Worth the time.
755 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2020
Great book

This series keeps getting better and better. I cannot wait to read the next book. Well written and interested world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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