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209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2019
Dungeon Deposed 2 is the second installment in William D. Arand’s Dungeon Deposed series, continuing the saga of the reluctant dungeon lord, Ryker. This sequel follows Ryker's ongoing journey to establish and expand his dungeon while struggling against the challenges of a powerful world filled with both enemies and allies.
The book builds on its predecessor, expanding the lore, characters, and dungeon mechanics that readers loved from the first novel. However, it also faces a few pitfalls in pacing, character development, and thematic consistency that can affect the overall reading experience.
Strengths
One of the book's standout elements is the expansion of the dungeon world. Arand crafts a detailed and creative system that allows readers to immerse themselves in how Ryker grows his dungeon, acquires new monsters, and defends his territory from invaders. This aspect feels fresh and innovative in comparison to other books in the *dungeon core* sub-genre.
The novel shines when it comes to action sequences, which are well-paced and tense. Ryker's strategic thinking as a dungeon lord is highlighted as he maneuvers through battles, alliances, and dungeon management decisions. This adds depth to the story, making it more than just a power fantasy. Arand does an excellent job of making Ryker’s progression feel earned.
Arand continues to incorporate his trademark humor in the dialogue, especially in Ryker’s interactions with his dungeon minions and companions. The banter lightens the darker moments, balancing the tone.
Weaknesses
The second half of the book suffers from significant pacing problems. The initial setup is engaging, but the middle portions drag as the plot gets bogged down in dungeon management minutiae. While some readers may enjoy the detailed look into how Ryker manages his dungeon, others may find it repetitive and slow.
While Ryker is a compelling protagonist with a complex mix of morality and pragmatism, the supporting characters fall short in comparison. Several key figures feel underdeveloped or one-dimensional. They serve more as plot devices than fully realized individuals, which is particularly disappointing considering the potential for strong interpersonal dynamics between them and Ryker.
One of the more divisive aspects of *Dungeon Deposed 2* is its heavy reliance on harem tropes. While this may appeal to some readers, others may find it detracts from the main story. The female characters often feel more like romantic interests for Ryker rather than fully fleshed-out individuals with their own motivations. This creates an imbalance in the narrative, as relationships sometimes overshadow plot progression.
Spoiler Section
Conclusion
Dungeon Deposed 2 is an ambitious sequel that builds upon the foundation laid in the first book. It successfully deepens the world and explores more of the dungeon core mechanics that fans enjoy. However, its flaws in pacing, character development, and reliance on certain tropes may limit its appeal to a broader audience. For fans of the first book and the *LitRPG/dungeon core* genre, it’s a solid continuation, but for new readers, the pacing issues and repetitive elements may be off-putting.
Overall Rating: 2/5