Dungeon Lord: Abominable Creatures

The Wraith's Haunt #3

by Hugo Huesca

The Light strives to purify the kingdom of Starevos from evil... and only Dungeon Lord Edward Wright stands in their way.

The Heroes of the Militant Church, led by Inquisitor Gallio, scour the forest in search of the Haunt, while Ed desperately attempts to uncover the secret behind the Heroes' origin.

Can Ed and his friends defeat the Inquisition and secure their own place in the world, or are they destined to become the monsters of their own tale?

All over Ivalis, the portents announce blood and fire as the ancient traditions return and abominable creatures long thought forgotten stir in their tombs. Both the Dark and the Light loom hungrily over the Haunt, and only one thing
is certain...

If pushed, Dungeon Lord Edward Wright will fight against them all.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Role Playing Games, Vampires, Magic

612 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2018

About the author

Hugo Huesca is a science fiction and fantasy writer. He has been reading avidly for the better part of two decades and writing fiction since he was ten. He is a swimmer, a tequila drinker and a fanatic of ridiculous science fiction book covers from fifty years ago.

Some quotes on Hugo Huesca from those who know him:

"Are you rich yet?" A family member, one day after Hugo self-published his first short story ever. (The answer is no.)

"He's the devil." A College professor.

"What do you mean there were TWO dragons?" His D&D group before a TPK.

"What are you doing in my house? No, I'm not giving you a quote for your biography, please leave before I call the police." Some random person.

Reviews

[DJay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another great addition to a wonderful series. The books just keep hitting you left and right with out of the loop things as well as making sure that it ends on a hell of a cliffhanger. If you have enjoyed the previous 2 books, you will defiantly enjoy this one even more. I enjoy seeing the back and forth between all of the characters as well as their overall growth. Everything is starting to pick up and the various "futures" that we thought we were going to see are interesting. There's a LOT of foreshadowing in this book for things I'm looking forward to seeing come to fruition.

[Dayton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great Tale With Pacing Problems

There’s a wonderful world to be explored in the Dungeon Lord universe. It is impeccably imagined and described. Similarly, the main characters are realistic and multifaceted.

But there’s a few major issues that seriously hampered my enjoyment of this particular novel: pacing and the Earth sections.

Pacing: this book focuses on building the universe. It goes into incredible detail for over half of its length. That had me struggling. It was past the 70% mark that I began to get interested in the going’s on. To make matters worse, the thrilling ending is consistently speed-bumped by switches in perspective. A few of the switches are to new, throwaway characters that die after a few pages. It was highly frustrating.

The chapters taking place on Earth have similar pacing issues, but are also marred by one-dimensional characters and a supremely unlikeable antagonist. Ryan is based in real life. I know there are terrible egotists in our world. But I don’t enjoy reading about them.

My suggestions to the author (take with a grain of salt, since I am clearly not one myself)
- tell the story from fewer perspectives. Perhaps use Ed, Gallio, and one or two more characters.
- Switch perspectives less frequently.
- Since Ryan is a core component in the story, flesh him out more. Make him grow and become less painful to learn about.
- I enjoy your world, but less exposition would be appreciated. Let us learn about it naturally through Ed.

[Rechan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Great, just great. I could spot the author dropping seeds for the next book, and was happy to see that happening.

The audiobook was adding a bit too many sound effects, but the voice acting was stellar as always.

[Troy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly developed more as a writer in this iteration, and masterful use if Easter eggs. I think that as LitRPG becomes more fleshed out, this will be listed as an interesting bridge between Dungeon Core and the general LitRPG genre.
I look forward to seeing the story develop more.

[Ryan K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book in the entry takes things up a notch or two. Although, it feels like a few things were skipped from between book 2 and 3 since Ed's dungeon seems to be much further along than it used to be. The plot really makes a lot of progression setting things up nicely for the next book. I really like the dichotomy of the Light and the Dark and how it colors everyone interactions. The change in scenery also helps break up some of the monotony.

I had some issues which are kind of spoilers.

One of the main issues I found with the book is how uncharacteristic some of the people seemed to act. Ed all of a sudden turns into a conqueror with the mindset that the city he is conquering is one that he understands and loves. Where the heck did this motivation even come from? He has never shown any sort of affection or inclination towards the city. He has only ever interacted with the smugglers and thieves involved in his alcohol empire so far as I can tell. I can understand feeling some sort of responsibility due to his involvement with the city being destroyed, but not the attachment that he seems to exhibit.

Another one is when Lisa and Mark sort of switch sides. Lisa has had a lot of entries in this book showing her seemingly lack of spine, due to her money situation, when it comes to Ryan and the way he treats her. Then all of a sudden she does one of the worst things she could've on a whim by siding with Ed in the game. Also the whole being tempted in accepting the Dark's offer seemed so pointless since it went literally nowhere and seemed to affect literally nothing. I can understand making the decision to betray Ryan and then accepting the offer, but not this.

What about Mark? He barely even pops up in the story yet also makes this exact decision with Lisa, despite never showing any kind of inclination of willing to go against Ryan if it meant his job. There wasn't any communication between Mark and Lisa about doing this, it just happened. This may make for a great scene, but it really doesn't feel like there was any indication that this should've even had a chance to happen. These two events felt shoe-horned in with little build up to them just so they could be in there.


Overall, aside from the issues I had above, I like where the story is going and the many plot lines that have been introduced. The scale of things continues to get larger and it really does look like it will eventually hit an "end of the world" scenario which I always find interesting.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 The Color of The Cape Stars

Dungeon Lord: Abominable Creatures is the third book in the LitRPG series Wraith’s Haunt by Hugo Huesca.

Ooh! So much extra intrigue is these pages, compared to those of the previous two books. It’s rather hard to decipher my own rating in this regard. A delicate balance of the overwhelming grammatical errors weighted against the influential and escalating plot. My brain is extensively discombobulated after finishing this book. I enjoyed the work so thoroughly, it was a near perfect 5🌟’s, but there were two most upsetting deductions I could not neglect to consider. The aforementioned grammar, and the troublingly short and disappointing first portal trip.

The Militant Church - Inquisitors - Heiliges - Heroes all are hunting through Hoia for the new Dungeon Lord titled the Wraith. Confusingly, other Dungeon Lords keep journeying to their area in an attempt to team up or strike up their own new legends and recognition during this witch hunt. This honestly being the most ridiculous decision I’ve ever heard, another strike against these mysterious Lords we’ve yet to meet. (Shocking.)

Alvedhra has somehow transitioned into the Light’s most staunch new zealot. Lacking the truth of Iaon’s betrayal and the real heroes of Burrova. (Also, she said some pretty catty shit to Kes that made me wanna hit her.) Gallio is led by ‘duty’, yet I have more faith in him and Ed’s eventual alliance than anything else of importance as of yet. Hm, as well I’m intrigued by one of the Inquisitors, Hatter, who’s actions and reactions are recognizably different from the rote and expected we’ve seen from the rest of Alita’s followers.

Jarlen is an entertaining and troublesome new addition. The trip to the Netherworld, specifically Xovia’s Citadel, was at once underwhelming and confusing. Along, with Ed’s ingenious jamming tower and battle against Ryan at the end of the book being deliciously enrapturing. I have so many questions, mainly of Korgihran’s schemes and mysterious deck of cards. The Summoned Hero. The black cards. Objectivity.

Already envisioning the possibilities St. Claire, Tillman, and the Endeavor will hold for us next!

[Pablo García · Rating 2 out of 5]

One can skip the first 500 pages of this third volume of Dungeon Lord (Wraith's Haunt #3) and not miss anything. Is it because the plot is weak or missing? Maybe. The author is trying to bring the 2 worlds together, main character's, Edward Wright, world and this new alternate reality world Ivalis (game world called Ivalis Online). Edward is trying to catch a gamer from his old world to see if he can figure out the teleportation and magic involved in it all.
In this 3rd volume it's the first time that Ed and his retinue visit the "netherworld".
The Militant Church of this world, seeking to end evil and the dark side has an on-going inquisition. One of the main characters, Gallius, an inquisitor and ex sheriff of Starevos is used to spearhead the attack to destroy the Dungeon belonging to The Wraith Lord (Dungeon Lord) Edward Wright. This is the only action event of this volume 3. To write over 600 pages and not be able to include action (fights, quests, achievements, etc) makes this volume so flat it sinks like quick sand.
The Inquisition was looking for excuses to destroy Constantina (Undercity) where Ed and his subordinates sell all the beer they produce.
This Dungeon Lord series is like Overlord Light Novel series, the only difference is that Momonga (Overlord) started with his humanity lost and this Edward loses his humanity with every chapter written. I don't think there will be more action in this series, the main character tries to save everyone and not hurt anyone and being the main bad guy, he is a living contradiction that allows the death of his subordinates, but fears touching all of his enemies. The positive is that it only has 4 books and I've already finished 3. I don't like contradictions, non-commital people that just make his subordinates and friends suffer and die.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

The author takes the often-light fare of a GameLit-driven new world, and gives it a truly excellent and enjoyable depth of flavor and substance. The world, magic system, countries, races, cities, and resulting politics are good enough to stand on their own. You could easily write stories threading through them that ignored our cast, and even ignored the GameLit genre. However, since the world was built with that genre in mind, everything in the story takes on a great shine when the genre is used.

All of the characters are growing in creative and amazing ways. Their relationships and capabilities are changing too. As much fun as this fantasy action series is, it’s made even better by these characters. They are multifaceted and feel real. They have good days and bad days, weaknesses an strengths. All of which makes watching them even more interesting.

Lastly but certainly not least, you have the strong horror aspect regarding the powers that be, both light and dark. This adds a solid edginess to the whole thing, as Ed walks a very narrow path indeed, surrounded by creatures and powers that can destroy, corrupt, or consume him with a very real finality.

Enjoyable, technically well-written, with an excellent storyline: it all makes for a very good read, and a very strong recommendation. Definitely a series worth following.

[Omri Dallal · Rating 4 out of 5]

​It's a dungeon lord? A city lord? Why are the dungeons such a small part?

This book did pick up some of the slack of the second book, the world building and hero system building is really interesting. So is the fight between the light and the dark.

What's not interesting? The moral code our MC tries to uphold (when it's connivance). On the one hand he commands an army of monsters, yes not just his minions, to fight and kill as many light agents as they can, but on the other hand, every damn fight he gets emotional about the outcome.

It was nice to finally read about the netherworld, but I don’t get why one of his rulers will blindly give the MC gold credit when he clearly says he won't work with her…

And why doesn't he learn the new spell they bought? They talk about it for 3 books now…

All in all I enjoyed it and I am interested to read more. So it did its job pretty well.

4/5 still recommended

[Dennis Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dungeon Lord: Abominable Creatures by Hugo Huesca is a fair bit better than the prior entry. Huesca is doing a good job on the characterization front and on the narrative building front. The tonal balance is a bit better, as the humor is a little more subdued to avoid clashing with the serious moments. The story is progressing in a very nice way too. There's some strands connected to Earth, and you get the feeling that a lot of those plotlines are wrapped up here - all but two, which will be clear when you read it. I think the justification for the city razing plotline was a little forced, even if the inquisitor did a bit of bending over backwards to justify it. But the payoff at the end was pretty awesome. The last teaser at the end about who might be Edward's main foe (for now) was also quite the hook. My interest in this series was starting to wane, but now I'm eager to pick up the next book.

[Xeddicus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took awhile for the Hero problem to turn up, but it did. Thanks to his real-life friends turning sides he didn't die (that was pretty poorly set up, the cleric could have used/mentioned the super heal at the start instead of 3 minutes before, but meh). Hero's jammed out with towers, Ryan's character and the city captured.

Ed really needs to start asking the Inquisition's allies just what the hell evil acts he's done. He took a city the Inquisition was going to level and...uh....defended himself. You could hold him releasing the vampire against him, but she's been under control so far (apparently). All the other things that used to attack people do not under his rule.

I hope he plans on attacking after getting the factory. Need some kind of overwhelming threat of annihilation to be purely defensive.

And then Lisa rejects the dark's offer, so Haron snags Ryan the asshole.

[Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dungeon lord with morals is kinda lame

Yeah, idk what to say about this book. 3 books in and we finally get some plot advancement and conquest. Unfortunately our main character is Edward. He is a dungeon Lord (more like a demon lord), a being whose power and authority is granted by a dark god, but he refuses to accept his title. He is like a Boy Scout throughout most of the tale, refusing to kill when being attacked, and being merciful to enemies who are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way. Thankfully this one knocks him off his high horse a bit, and we finally get a better look at what someone with a backbone can do when forced into a corner. Overall, it's a okay read. Huesca has talent as a writer, but his description of the modern world and programmer lingo is a bit cringe and dated. Give this series a go if you got time.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate giving it three; should be four

An excellent addition to the series, but...

I found numerous spelling errors throughout the book, but mostly towards the end. These can be cleaned up but as of my reading there were enough to break my immersion regularly enough to be noticable.

There was a wicked dry spell for a solid 10% if the story that actually caused me to stop reading for over a week. I eventually slogged my way through and finished, but that dry spell was harsh.

Aside from those issues, it was a good story. Many developments, time of story and lore, and a bunch of excitement.

I'll happily read the next installment and just hope there are fewer errors and the pacing is a tad better.

[Cr Rider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series!

I initially passed on this series as I thought that a dungeon lord series would not be interesting. After finishing this third book, I stand corrected. A man with a cruddy spoiled boss who manipulates his office staff into gaming with him takes one action too many. Edward Wright assaults his boss and after being taken into police custody is transported by Kharon, the Boatman, to the very game that he pkayed onlune. Once there, it is a fight for survival as Edward tries to acquie allies, build up his dungeon and stay out the gods' games...Different from most dungeon stories with minor editing issues. Look forward to the nect instalment.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really this is a review of the first three books.

The key to a good LitRPG book is to observe the basic conventions but still find something interesting to say, build an interesting world/magic system, and, most important, to have good characters. This series -- and this book in particular -- meet all three of those requirements. The protagonist is engaging and the supporting cast are also interesting. A few that were somewhat formulaic in the first book have become three dimensional over time.

If you like this genre, this is a worthy entry.

[Vincent Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good wrap-up of the main plot of the series.

The series advances a lot, up to spoiling how the Inquisition does the Heroes in Ivalis. And the Lord Wraith expands and manages to get some closure on various bits. There's a lot remaining open, and the next stage of the story is prepared, but that's an ok point to end a main trilogy. I recommend to all fans of litrpg (and dungeon stories. I mean, you get dungeon imps to do the dance to claim dungeon territory, like every dungeon game ever since DK).

[Yu Ge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sequel to the first

Really amazing read. I'm so glad to have picked up the first book in the series and gotten to the end of this one. The characters are vibrant and unique, and it's really amazing to see how they have developed and grown to where they are now. There's a natural progression in the plot, and you can't help but root for Ed as they go through them. Definitely eager to read the next book in this series!

[Mr Tdj · Rating 5 out of 5]

i like the story in general although the twist at the end of this one was i felt uncessary, also he doesnt seem to be leveling up very well, most leaders should be spamming out quests for thier minions to power level them super fast whilst also leaching 10% back off everything... such a noob mistake considering he's meant to be a pro... he could be powering through the levels super fast and growing his team stronger faster than anyone though possible

[Fate's Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed, engrossing, and fun. Edward Wright continues to expand his influence while doing his best to stay on a moral path despite the temptations that increasing power create. This book has hit the point that is the bane of many a LitRPG as his influence goes from a small dungeon to a much larger area and his power goes from merely inhuman to world-influencing. As much as I enjoyed reading it, I worry that the next book will the the one where the scope exceeds the author's capacity.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Battles! Intense morality! Cool monsters!

This book has it all. It has a main character who has to juggle difficult situations the entire story, where he must decide how to act in the now, in the best way to affect the future.

In many ways it mirrors the duality of human nature, self interest versus selflessness, and how power can corrupt.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still love it

I’m still in love with the tale and the world. Everything is developing nicely. The only real drawbacks were the numerous misconjugations and word confusion that passed editing and required the reader to puzzle it out. My favorite was the man smuggling a chandelier in his jacket (should be candelabra). :-) I look forward to the next book!

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book three

Mistakes: So many you can't keep track. For all that is unholy, edit your freaking books before publishing!
Plot: doesn't really matter, with so many mistakes a great story was turned into a slow slugfest.
Characters: some tell but others remain to carry on, and I like most of them.

[Daniyal Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book so far.

Pros :-

1. Amazing battle scenes

2. Nice addition to the world.

3. Awesome powers.

4. Political side of the story is entertaining.

5. Scary heroes and fantastic chickens.

6. Spiders were not nightmares good to know.

Cons:-
1. Slight grammar issues near the end of the novel.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a well written series

The development of Ed, his friends, and the Haunt continue at a respectable pace. No large breaks in character personality. No large breaks the underlying rules set up. If you liked the previous two books, this book is a must. I am easily happy enough with the book to read the next one.

[Anthony Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This was awesome. There is plenty of twists in the story that you never see coming. Any time I thought it was clear what was going to happen, or that it was the "same old thing", I was wrong. This has only become even better as the series continues. Very eager to read the next book. Hopefully it will be published sooner than I expect. Great job!!!

[Cory Cravens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A purely good time.

Well, I've finished another book and man what a ride. This takes eight up from the last one. Nonstop action and intrigue. The characters are written in such a way that you can't help but root for them. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Please, read this series. You'll be glad you did.

[RodTheWay · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story
professional writing and narrating
loved the world building and the action

didn't like how he was powerless against his vamp minion's machinations...just order her to stop.
didn't like how he bent the knee to a reagent of hell...while standing strong vs Murmur and the boatman...what's different ? are you a wimp...or recklessly brave...effin decide.

[Roberto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wtheck with the inconsistencies in the MC mentality kill, don't kill, kill "bullsh17 too much melodrama.." and what with the core group? apart from them any other minion how has some development gets killed.. I'll keep reading the next books because the first book and second where interesting this one not so much, still decent!

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Overall enjoyable. My main gripe with this series is the incredibly dumb character foil, Ryan. He's a bully, and not even a fun one. I hate him and not in the good way; he's just so terribly designed and his motivations are 2D.

What I did like: world-building, the cruel gods, the casual abduction of the drunken halfling.

[Petros Aristidou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing follow up

I enjoyed this a bit better than vol2. Ed continues fighting for the Haunt and makes friends and enemies along the way. The author is introducing new elements like the Netherworld politics, Inquisition became more active, etc. Looking forward for the next one.