What do you think?
Rate this book
Artorian's Archives #2
Alumni
An academy that scrapes the sky. Blight that fills the earth. Two codgers duking it out.Artorian has decided to live, all in order to save his lost village children. His recent battle against a simple raider Captain has proven that if he tries to charge ahead... he'll die.With the help of his captors, who quickly turn into close friends, Artorian takes the first steps onto the path of a true cultivator. Finesse, skill, fine-tuned cultivation techniques, and more is within his grasp. Artorian is more than willing to learn; after all, that's his specialty!This knowledge has strings attached. After meeting the ancient enemy of his trainers, Artorian returns to the place he first studied his true passion of the Skyspear. It's under new management, and the alumni have very different ideas about how the students should be trained.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2019
891 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 9, 2023
07/16/21 Notes: Audiobook
Rating Raised for Audiobook to 3 Stars
Audiobook was much better than the ebook, but the plot was not as engaging or well planned as the first book.
01/10/20 Notes: eBook
I only made it to 4% of the Kindle version. I thought really hard about forcing myself to speed read the book & finish it but I decided against it. The series has potential but it needs a lot of editing. If I had a print out of the book, the pages would be covered in red ink for adjustments/corrections.
I'm actually sad that I will not be continuing with the series because I had enjoyed listening to book one.
Rating Raised for Audiobook to 3 Stars
Audiobook was much better than the ebook, but the plot was not as engaging or well planned as the first book.
01/10/20 Notes: eBook
I only made it to 4% of the Kindle version. I thought really hard about forcing myself to speed read the book & finish it but I decided against it. The series has potential but it needs a lot of editing. If I had a print out of the book, the pages would be covered in red ink for adjustments/corrections.
I'm actually sad that I will not be continuing with the series because I had enjoyed listening to book one.
March 23, 2020
I had two main problems with this sequel.
1. Fully a third of it was set in a forest as Artorian trained. Not much happens there apart from his forming a strong friendship. That section was too long.
2. Artorian has no sense of urgency, despite three of his kids being in the hands of raiders. He happily devotes years in a forest, then years in a college and finally one of his kids has to come to him. That doesn't fit with his character from book one. Sure he trained in the first book, but he had no choice since he was powerless and dying.
There's still a lot to like but it was often disappointing for me.
1. Fully a third of it was set in a forest as Artorian trained. Not much happens there apart from his forming a strong friendship. That section was too long.
2. Artorian has no sense of urgency, despite three of his kids being in the hands of raiders. He happily devotes years in a forest, then years in a college and finally one of his kids has to come to him. That doesn't fit with his character from book one. Sure he trained in the first book, but he had no choice since he was powerless and dying.
There's still a lot to like but it was often disappointing for me.
March 15, 2021
I really enjoyed the Divine Dungeon series and I reasonably enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was overwhelmingly disappointing.
Who ever story boarded or blocked out this book seems to have thrown out all the connecting bits to allow it to make any sense.
The antagonists of this book have speaking parts with underlings and others but there is no real sense of who they are (or if they are even people as opposed to possibility that they are creatures/beasts) and what their purpose/goal is even the scene that is exactly "she wanted a mountain" doesn't really give us a clue of who that person is and how they are going to get their mountain.
The fight scenes are disappointing as they too seemed to be glossed over. We are told that folks are fighting but there isn't enough detail to explain why attacks are hurting some parties (when you use light as a weapon, it's weird if isn't just heat or laser beams).
I feel like the authors have a ton of information they know about the characters and locations that make the story make sense but that information is never conveyed to us the reader/listener (if you do the audiobook thing like I do) so for them in their proof reading it was probably exceptional. I also wonder if their alpha readers were given more information about the world and people and important places that help the book make more sense but that those notes were never fleshed into the story... there is also the possibility when the alpha readers sent back with WTH is going on here they got an answer but the story wasn't adjusted to make it more clear.
I'll give book 3 a shot as I already own it but I don't have very high hopes after this one.
Update Post Book 3:
Book three was structured much better. There were fewer number of times when things happened with no lead in or post explanation (character being someplace else all of a sudden). There is still the issue with the lack of urgency in that stuff take 5 years here and 10 years there, how long are their years compared to ours? I do feel like the authors take a few direct jabs at the reader some dialog that they are saying the reader is being looked down upon because they don't get it.
Who ever story boarded or blocked out this book seems to have thrown out all the connecting bits to allow it to make any sense.
The antagonists of this book have speaking parts with underlings and others but there is no real sense of who they are (or if they are even people as opposed to possibility that they are creatures/beasts) and what their purpose/goal is even the scene that is exactly "she wanted a mountain" doesn't really give us a clue of who that person is and how they are going to get their mountain.
The fight scenes are disappointing as they too seemed to be glossed over. We are told that folks are fighting but there isn't enough detail to explain why attacks are hurting some parties (when you use light as a weapon, it's weird if isn't just heat or laser beams).
I feel like the authors have a ton of information they know about the characters and locations that make the story make sense but that information is never conveyed to us the reader/listener (if you do the audiobook thing like I do) so for them in their proof reading it was probably exceptional. I also wonder if their alpha readers were given more information about the world and people and important places that help the book make more sense but that those notes were never fleshed into the story... there is also the possibility when the alpha readers sent back with WTH is going on here they got an answer but the story wasn't adjusted to make it more clear.
I'll give book 3 a shot as I already own it but I don't have very high hopes after this one.
Update Post Book 3:
Book three was structured much better. There were fewer number of times when things happened with no lead in or post explanation (character being someplace else all of a sudden). There is still the issue with the lack of urgency in that stuff take 5 years here and 10 years there, how long are their years compared to ours? I do feel like the authors take a few direct jabs at the reader some dialog that they are saying the reader is being looked down upon because they don't get it.
January 3, 2020
Artorian is an absolute pleasure
Artorian is a character who is constantly providing joy to those around him as well as those reading about him. Even better he seems to generate likeable characters in his surroundings, resulting in what I can only describe as a book that you can't help but enjoy. Dennis and Dakota have worked magic with this second volume and I can only say that I'm far too impatient for the next in the series to be released. Great work, highly recommend a few full readings
Artorian is a character who is constantly providing joy to those around him as well as those reading about him. Even better he seems to generate likeable characters in his surroundings, resulting in what I can only describe as a book that you can't help but enjoy. Dennis and Dakota have worked magic with this second volume and I can only say that I'm far too impatient for the next in the series to be released. Great work, highly recommend a few full readings
January 6, 2020
Great follow up!
I really enjoyed this series. I like that Artorian is sly, old, and intelligent. I like how much time we spend in his mind and his thoughts easily reflect his capacity for his self professed academia. The only down side is that the book ends on a pretty serious edge, and I am terrible at waiting patiently. Looking forward to the next. (last?)
I really enjoyed this series. I like that Artorian is sly, old, and intelligent. I like how much time we spend in his mind and his thoughts easily reflect his capacity for his self professed academia. The only down side is that the book ends on a pretty serious edge, and I am terrible at waiting patiently. Looking forward to the next. (last?)
May 12, 2021
DNF yet, I'm currently at ~50% of the audiobook. Travis Baldree is always nice to listen to.
I hate time skips. I hate frequent time skips even more. I hate frequent, clumsy time skips, that come out of nowhere, the most.
Also, while reading the first book, I kind of understood old dude not going to war immediately. But now, two years later, with three of his grandchildren still in danger, it's just weird, seeing him just mess around and not starting to truly work for 1.5 years. Even after the so called "turning point", when his lack of strength cost someones life, he still delays his advancement all the time (). It just didn't feel like he was really trying. Why should we care about his grandchildren, since he clearly doesn't seem to?
The third (or twenty-seventh, if you count each time skip separately) irritation I had with this volume is a bit harder to put into words. The book felt like a Virlyce novel (that's not a good thing imo). The story just meandered around, with no real feeling of cause and effect, like the whole plot was just cobbled together from random thoughts the author had, without said thoughts having any connection to the world, to previously established rules/motivations or to each other. It felt messy.
I'm unsure if I'll continue further.
I hate time skips. I hate frequent time skips even more. I hate frequent, clumsy time skips, that come out of nowhere, the most.
Also, while reading the first book, I kind of understood old dude not going to war immediately. But now, two years later, with three of his grandchildren still in danger, it's just weird, seeing him just mess around and not starting to truly work for 1.5 years. Even after the so called "turning point", when his lack of strength cost someones life, he still delays his advancement all the time (). It just didn't feel like he was really trying. Why should we care about his grandchildren, since he clearly doesn't seem to?
The third (or twenty-seventh, if you count each time skip separately) irritation I had with this volume is a bit harder to put into words. The book felt like a Virlyce novel (that's not a good thing imo). The story just meandered around, with no real feeling of cause and effect, like the whole plot was just cobbled together from random thoughts the author had, without said thoughts having any connection to the world, to previously established rules/motivations or to each other. It felt messy.
I'm unsure if I'll continue further.
November 8, 2020
Audiobook. I think I’m being gracious with my rating. I found that while listening I literally fell asleep many times. This tends to make remembering things like the plot harder...sorry just fell asleep again...it read like an encyclopedia rather than a story...maybe an encyclopedia that also loosely told a story.
January 21, 2020
Out on a limb
I liked the first book . It progressed well and was enjoyable. This book however stalled for me about half way through. Way too much time spent on off subject characters. Just not the same quality .
I liked the first book . It progressed well and was enjoyable. This book however stalled for me about half way through. Way too much time spent on off subject characters. Just not the same quality .
January 4, 2020
Fun easy read
This book was very well written . The main character is crafty, mischievous. Their are plenty of funny moments in this book, and a few heartwarming ones as well.
This book was very well written . The main character is crafty, mischievous. Their are plenty of funny moments in this book, and a few heartwarming ones as well.
July 31, 2020
Both better and worse
Better than the first, in that the novel progresses smoothly from the start. There is a continuous motive force to the narrative.
Worse, in that there are several moments where modern concepts or Earth ideas crop up without basis (Gregorian Chants?). Also, a few too many moments of ‘cuteness’ - puns or purposefully inserted animals/beings that are there not to support the story but as writer jokes.
Needs a little more discipline to make it a true 4 star. Still very readable.
I will continue the series. The MC is very amusing.
Better than the first, in that the novel progresses smoothly from the start. There is a continuous motive force to the narrative.
Worse, in that there are several moments where modern concepts or Earth ideas crop up without basis (Gregorian Chants?). Also, a few too many moments of ‘cuteness’ - puns or purposefully inserted animals/beings that are there not to support the story but as writer jokes.
Needs a little more discipline to make it a true 4 star. Still very readable.
I will continue the series. The MC is very amusing.
July 28, 2020
Fun and a bit Inconsistent
Alumni is an extremely fun read. It has deep characters, unique ideas surrounding magic and the way it interacts with the world, and some stellar action moments. I entirely recommend it.
But like the first book, there are some issues.
Firstly, too many italics. First book had the same issue, so I think it’s just the author’s style. I find them distracting, but often ignorable.
Two: the quick passage of time can be extremely jarring. In a few instances, a new paragraph means jumping years in the future. It’s shocking and leaves you scratching your head.
My biggest complaint, though, are some of the fourth-wall breaking references. As an example, there is one minor character named after a real world historical library, and the reveal is saved for the last line of a chapter. For me, that took all the punch from the moment. It feels somewhat like how Marvel movies are always trying to shoehorn references in every movie. I didn’t care for it.
I think the authors are trying to set our current real world as the end result of the Divine Dungeon universe, but it’s distracting more than anything. I wish they would just leave their world separate.
So... great book with the same issues as the first. I imagine the next entry will hold the pattern, and I am perfectly fine with that. They are still very much worth my time. And yours.
Alumni is an extremely fun read. It has deep characters, unique ideas surrounding magic and the way it interacts with the world, and some stellar action moments. I entirely recommend it.
But like the first book, there are some issues.
Firstly, too many italics. First book had the same issue, so I think it’s just the author’s style. I find them distracting, but often ignorable.
Two: the quick passage of time can be extremely jarring. In a few instances, a new paragraph means jumping years in the future. It’s shocking and leaves you scratching your head.
My biggest complaint, though, are some of the fourth-wall breaking references. As an example, there is one minor character named after a real world historical library, and the reveal is saved for the last line of a chapter. For me, that took all the punch from the moment. It feels somewhat like how Marvel movies are always trying to shoehorn references in every movie. I didn’t care for it.
I think the authors are trying to set our current real world as the end result of the Divine Dungeon universe, but it’s distracting more than anything. I wish they would just leave their world separate.
So... great book with the same issues as the first. I imagine the next entry will hold the pattern, and I am perfectly fine with that. They are still very much worth my time. And yours.
July 3, 2021
Alumni is the second book in Artorian’s Archives by Dennis Vanderkerken and Dakota Krout.
I was honestly hoping to never leave the company of the ‘Wood Elves’ and Ember the Fire Soul. All of the hijinks that they, the dwarves, and Artorian managed to capture my attention with were vividly fascinating. But most intriguing for the wooden and distinctly inhuman inhabitants of the ‘haunted’ forest was their collective naming system and mind sharing techniques. Ember is hopefully going to become a pivotal character throughout Artorian’s journey to Ascension and reaching all of his lost children.
Later, what transpires on the mountain of Skyspear Academy with his utter destruction of the ‘teachers’ ruling over the student body was such a delicious deliverance of justice. Yet, another instance where Artorian steals my interest and captures my heart with his kookiness and influential character.
I’m kind of scared to see where the depths of the mountain, while running from the reach of The Hand’s attack will take his growing body of allies and the citizens they intend to protect. Further, how much longer his final two children will have to wait to be found? Or almost importantly of all, how Astrea’s infernal alignment differs from the elements he possesses, and what we will come to learn about this mysterious and dark force of nature.
I was honestly hoping to never leave the company of the ‘Wood Elves’ and Ember the Fire Soul. All of the hijinks that they, the dwarves, and Artorian managed to capture my attention with were vividly fascinating. But most intriguing for the wooden and distinctly inhuman inhabitants of the ‘haunted’ forest was their collective naming system and mind sharing techniques. Ember is hopefully going to become a pivotal character throughout Artorian’s journey to Ascension and reaching all of his lost children.
Later, what transpires on the mountain of Skyspear Academy with his utter destruction of the ‘teachers’ ruling over the student body was such a delicious deliverance of justice. Yet, another instance where Artorian steals my interest and captures my heart with his kookiness and influential character.
I’m kind of scared to see where the depths of the mountain, while running from the reach of The Hand’s attack will take his growing body of allies and the citizens they intend to protect. Further, how much longer his final two children will have to wait to be found? Or almost importantly of all, how Astrea’s infernal alignment differs from the elements he possesses, and what we will come to learn about this mysterious and dark force of nature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
I've been falling behind on reviewing the books I've read.
While I enjoyed most of this book, Vanderkerken is running into the issue where his lost kid premise is a bit distracting. He has LARGE segments of time pass off screen and it I keep thinking about how old the children must be after all that. I though the stretch of time in the first book was excessive and he just keeps piling it on here.
Also, these books feel like two or more books squished together. The narrative will be entirely focused on one event, he'll do the typical build up to dealing with that event, have a climax and then... start into a new narrative and do it all again. It's not usually done very cleanly either, there is a clear break point for the end of a book.
This books has about 3 stories in it. The Elves in the forest, the return to the school, and the invasion.
Given the way people die in this franchise, it's a wonder life isn't extinct.
While I enjoyed most of this book, Vanderkerken is running into the issue where his lost kid premise is a bit distracting. He has LARGE segments of time pass off screen and it I keep thinking about how old the children must be after all that. I though the stretch of time in the first book was excessive and he just keeps piling it on here.
Also, these books feel like two or more books squished together. The narrative will be entirely focused on one event, he'll do the typical build up to dealing with that event, have a climax and then... start into a new narrative and do it all again. It's not usually done very cleanly either, there is a clear break point for the end of a book.
This books has about 3 stories in it. The Elves in the forest, the return to the school, and the invasion.
Given the way people die in this franchise, it's a wonder life isn't extinct.
July 13, 2022
While there are some enjoyable moments, several strong flaws really hamper the quality of this book.
As a sequel to Axiom, this book really fails in terms of pacing, tone, and tying up loose ends. It does however have some really fun world building that I really enjoyed and its the reason why I read these books so on net I enjoyed this book, but wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to others. I loved the first 40% of the book where Artorian vibes with the wood elves. I thought the setting and the characters were great (Ember is phenomenal) and my only complaint is that 5 years pass really fast and easy for someone on a rescue mission. However, the pivot to the skyspire introduces some very unexpected bloodshed, feels like a weird tangent and features several time skips which start to cheapen the overall plot. Additionally, it featured my least favorite trope of the Divine Dungeon series, where the ending is prefaced by sudden mass death of civilians.
As a sequel to Axiom, this book really fails in terms of pacing, tone, and tying up loose ends. It does however have some really fun world building that I really enjoyed and its the reason why I read these books so on net I enjoyed this book, but wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to others. I loved the first 40% of the book where Artorian vibes with the wood elves. I thought the setting and the characters were great (Ember is phenomenal) and my only complaint is that 5 years pass really fast and easy for someone on a rescue mission. However, the pivot to the skyspire introduces some very unexpected bloodshed, feels like a weird tangent and features several time skips which start to cheapen the overall plot. Additionally, it featured my least favorite trope of the Divine Dungeon series, where the ending is prefaced by sudden mass death of civilians.
February 16, 2020
Grandfather’s continued adventures to reclaim his children, and correct a grievous transgression
Artorian is the lovable, stubborn, open hearted, patriarchal figure in many minds when we think back to early memories of our grandparents and great grandparents. Bastions of our family, that we often know little of their early lives.
These humorous adventures are always part of the continued learning and growth process that is part of the core of who Artorian is, and what he wants the Academy to represent to the world. Decades pass and his knowledge grows, as does that of all around him as he encourages the sharing and debate of knowledge.
What cultivation craziness do you think he attempted this time? Was the result spectacular? Which of his children do you think he found in this book? Read on to find out!
Artorian is the lovable, stubborn, open hearted, patriarchal figure in many minds when we think back to early memories of our grandparents and great grandparents. Bastions of our family, that we often know little of their early lives.
These humorous adventures are always part of the continued learning and growth process that is part of the core of who Artorian is, and what he wants the Academy to represent to the world. Decades pass and his knowledge grows, as does that of all around him as he encourages the sharing and debate of knowledge.
What cultivation craziness do you think he attempted this time? Was the result spectacular? Which of his children do you think he found in this book? Read on to find out!
April 3, 2020
This book could be a listener's starting point to the series, but I would recommend the previous book in the series as you will appreciate this one and the main character that much more if you do.
In some ways you could almost have a lot of this book take place as a training montage, but the somewhat gentler pace works well with this character, drawing you into the story more gradually, but ensuring you will want to know what happens next with him and his mission.
The narrator does a good job of helping to bring this varied cast of characters to life, serving to enhance the enjoyment of the listener.
Overall, a strong second book in the series and I'll definitely be checking out subsequent ones in the future.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
In some ways you could almost have a lot of this book take place as a training montage, but the somewhat gentler pace works well with this character, drawing you into the story more gradually, but ensuring you will want to know what happens next with him and his mission.
The narrator does a good job of helping to bring this varied cast of characters to life, serving to enhance the enjoyment of the listener.
Overall, a strong second book in the series and I'll definitely be checking out subsequent ones in the future.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
August 6, 2022
good second installment
This is another good installment in the series. I did not review the first book because I decided that I would review every other one. The first book was a little slow, a lot of world building which was good and its way. This book full of action much more character development between the main character and his friend Ember. I enjoyed the dynamic between the MC and her. I am glad that the author is not using the MC as a veritable punching bag like a lotta authors do in this genre of books. I just don’t get why they wish to abuse their character when they know that that said character is the star of the book and they’re not going to kill him or her. So far in my opinion this problem has been avoided to an extent. i’m giving it for stars because it ended in a cliffhanger. Don’t like cliffhangers. Going on to read the next book.
This is another good installment in the series. I did not review the first book because I decided that I would review every other one. The first book was a little slow, a lot of world building which was good and its way. This book full of action much more character development between the main character and his friend Ember. I enjoyed the dynamic between the MC and her. I am glad that the author is not using the MC as a veritable punching bag like a lotta authors do in this genre of books. I just don’t get why they wish to abuse their character when they know that that said character is the star of the book and they’re not going to kill him or her. So far in my opinion this problem has been avoided to an extent. i’m giving it for stars because it ended in a cliffhanger. Don’t like cliffhangers. Going on to read the next book.
June 13, 2020
I hope this isn't as kiddie as the last Dakota book I read.
I didn't enjoy this much. There was too much time spent in the forest training (more than half the book). Then he spent his time being an academic.
I really can't put into words why this wasn't a page turner for me. Maybe because the protagonist wasn't an over powered being designing monsters and having people come into his cave to be slaughtered.
This book was just, I don't know. I know where our protagonist comes up in the original series, but I don't think he holds enough interest for me to enjoy his own series.
He has three down and two more to go. I will read the sequel, but I don't see myself enjoying it more than the previous two.
3/5 Stars
I didn't enjoy this much. There was too much time spent in the forest training (more than half the book). Then he spent his time being an academic.
I really can't put into words why this wasn't a page turner for me. Maybe because the protagonist wasn't an over powered being designing monsters and having people come into his cave to be slaughtered.
This book was just, I don't know. I know where our protagonist comes up in the original series, but I don't think he holds enough interest for me to enjoy his own series.
He has three down and two more to go. I will read the sequel, but I don't see myself enjoying it more than the previous two.
3/5 Stars
January 8, 2020
The start of this book was really hard to tie in with the end of the previous. One usually expects a smooth re-entry when the author doesn't put in a reminder of what went on before. I think the prologue is what threw me because chapter 1 picks up right where book one left off. Once I got past that and settled into what was happening in Chapter 1 the story turned into the antics of the old, mischievous MC I recalled from book 1. From there autopilot was engaged and brain put on idle... fun ride begins.
July 3, 2020
The main character keep developing his level and it’s a curious soul that in pursuit of knowledge will keep trying new ways to harm him self, but surrounds him self with characters that will help him reach his goals, that for Artorian is saving his children.
what set a low pace for me in the book was so many explanations that maid it slow but rich in details.
after growing with a elf version of social media and the internet and forums he moves to the skyspear and gives the second part of the book to leave us at a interesting point preparing us for the third book.
what set a low pace for me in the book was so many explanations that maid it slow but rich in details.
after growing with a elf version of social media and the internet and forums he moves to the skyspear and gives the second part of the book to leave us at a interesting point preparing us for the third book.
January 16, 2021
I was positively surprised by this book! I read the first book almost a year ago, kinda forgot about this series and only picked it up because I had a few weeks left on my Kindle Unlimited trial. So I didn't really expect that much.
The development and story arc Artorian goes through in this book is decent. The characters he encounters and the actual plot may not be that strong (and try to explain the plot to somebody who's not a die hard fan of LitRPG), but the casual world building is fascinating. Artorian himself is likeable and drives the narrative well. (Reminds of the adventures of the 100 year old who climbed out of the window)
The development and story arc Artorian goes through in this book is decent. The characters he encounters and the actual plot may not be that strong (and try to explain the plot to somebody who's not a die hard fan of LitRPG), but the casual world building is fascinating. Artorian himself is likeable and drives the narrative well. (Reminds of the adventures of the 100 year old who climbed out of the window)
November 25, 2023
I seriously love Artorian soooo much and I’m so glad he’s been able to find some of his kids. He is so smart and so determined to go through whatever pain/torture/lengths needed to make himself stronger so he can save the rest of his children that were taken by the raiders. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, definitely recommend this series and I’d also recommend the Divine Dungeon series as well that takes place after all of Artorians Archives, excellent series by Sam’s author as this one.
April 5, 2024
I love the character and I generally like cultivation books, but even Artorian couldn't keep my attention nor interest for long during the first half and last quarter. The first half was just non-stop cultivation mumbojumbo and no plot whatsoever. I had the vague sense he was "getting stronger for his students" but didn't he spend over a decade training with ember? There was no urgency or anything.
Whatever, I already own the three-pack and read that he picks up in the third book, so I'm gonna read it.... It just might be a while.
Whatever, I already own the three-pack and read that he picks up in the third book, so I'm gonna read it.... It just might be a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
Off the mountain you go…
Book 2 of the Artorian’s Archive series. This is epic fantasy, don’t think anything is going to happen quickly. That said it is a fun cultivation novel. The interesting part of this series is that Artorian is so old, reminiscent of Up. Aside from that the growth progression is very slow, more along the idea of what normal would look like as in other novels the MC slams through in minutes what takes others years. Topics of righteous judgement, self-sacrifice, and treating others well are key points of the series.
Book 2 of the Artorian’s Archive series. This is epic fantasy, don’t think anything is going to happen quickly. That said it is a fun cultivation novel. The interesting part of this series is that Artorian is so old, reminiscent of Up. Aside from that the growth progression is very slow, more along the idea of what normal would look like as in other novels the MC slams through in minutes what takes others years. Topics of righteous judgement, self-sacrifice, and treating others well are key points of the series.
January 11, 2020
A bit more confusing, but a fun read
Compared to the first book this was definitely a more confusing read. It lacked the earlier philosophy and was more about the mage system and was harder to follow. Also the time jumps and occasional enemy perspectives didn't help this. I still enjoyed reading this and like seeing the change from a wise old man to a quirky Grandpa. Some nice character dynamics. Definitely ended with a cliff hanger
Compared to the first book this was definitely a more confusing read. It lacked the earlier philosophy and was more about the mage system and was harder to follow. Also the time jumps and occasional enemy perspectives didn't help this. I still enjoyed reading this and like seeing the change from a wise old man to a quirky Grandpa. Some nice character dynamics. Definitely ended with a cliff hanger
January 12, 2020
The old man is at it again
The saga continues. Artorian is still at it. He makes new friends and starts learning new tricks. The exposition of world building continues to explore and expound on cultivating. Again this is forgivable as the MC is a researcher, but less so than in the first novel as it starts feeling like repetitious clutter. Still it’s a great story and I look forward to the next book.
The saga continues. Artorian is still at it. He makes new friends and starts learning new tricks. The exposition of world building continues to explore and expound on cultivating. Again this is forgivable as the MC is a researcher, but less so than in the first novel as it starts feeling like repetitious clutter. Still it’s a great story and I look forward to the next book.
February 12, 2020
A bit better than book 1.
While the book follows slightly the same setup as the book 1, it is a bit better in that you have more than just exploring the mechanics as the book's part 1. Otherwise, it follows the general structure, with a bit more action and stakes, and you get a peek at a major feature in the Divine Dungeon series as a bonus.
It is still absolutely infuriating with its overuse of italicized words. Can't give anything more than 3 stars since that's a fatal flaw.
While the book follows slightly the same setup as the book 1, it is a bit better in that you have more than just exploring the mechanics as the book's part 1. Otherwise, it follows the general structure, with a bit more action and stakes, and you get a peek at a major feature in the Divine Dungeon series as a bonus.
It is still absolutely infuriating with its overuse of italicized words. Can't give anything more than 3 stars since that's a fatal flaw.
January 10, 2020
Two stories in one
It seems like there is a lot going on here, following from book 1. Artorian continues to learn and grow - and be a sneaky pain in the backside to all his friends (and even worse with his enemies). His desperate search for his “children” has toned down, but it is still there. I am worried the longer he waits, the harder it will be to recover them.
It seems like there is a lot going on here, following from book 1. Artorian continues to learn and grow - and be a sneaky pain in the backside to all his friends (and even worse with his enemies). His desperate search for his “children” has toned down, but it is still there. I am worried the longer he waits, the harder it will be to recover them.
January 29, 2020
Serious focus on cultivation
This book goes even further than the first in the series into cultivation. Personally, it's a bit much for me. But, if you've relished that aspect in other Divine Dungeon books, you'll love this one.
I do enjoy his character interactions and the wider story line is very engaging. Looking forward to the next book.
This book goes even further than the first in the series into cultivation. Personally, it's a bit much for me. But, if you've relished that aspect in other Divine Dungeon books, you'll love this one.
I do enjoy his character interactions and the wider story line is very engaging. Looking forward to the next book.
July 29, 2020
A tale of two half’s
The forest and the eleven was a wonderful dive into being you against all outside influences. Being the best you makes others want to be the best themselves. That half of the book was slow and purposeful. The second half of the book with our main guy was rushed and face paced and all over the place. Let’s see how we progress in book three.
The forest and the eleven was a wonderful dive into being you against all outside influences. Being the best you makes others want to be the best themselves. That half of the book was slow and purposeful. The second half of the book with our main guy was rushed and face paced and all over the place. Let’s see how we progress in book three.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews