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Headmaster. Exile. Gladiator.
Backed into a corner, Artorian must play fast and loose with the laws of the land. To gather what he needs to progress, he will need to sacrifice what he’s gained in order to get this far.
With his new school and friends facing their most deadly challenges yet, Artorian finds an opportunity to keep them safe. The cost of it may be access to the new home he’s built, but that was never intended to be for him.
When he can ensure their safety, Artorian will begin pursuit of his grandchildren once more. If he finds them, will they want to be saved… or will they have found a taste for the darker powers they have accrued? It’s time to make the hard choices.
Death or graduation.
Backed into a corner, Artorian must play fast and loose with the laws of the land. To gather what he needs to progress, he will need to sacrifice what he’s gained in order to get this far.
With his new school and friends facing their most deadly challenges yet, Artorian finds an opportunity to keep them safe. The cost of it may be access to the new home he’s built, but that was never intended to be for him.
When he can ensure their safety, Artorian will begin pursuit of his grandchildren once more. If he finds them, will they want to be saved… or will they have found a taste for the darker powers they have accrued? It’s time to make the hard choices.
Death or graduation.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2020
576 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 17, 2020
Another great book in this series.
I love the main character. He is the most loveable in this series. I cannot wait for more of his story.
I love the main character. He is the most loveable in this series. I cannot wait for more of his story.
July 4, 2021
Annex is the third book in the Artorian’s Archives by Dennis Vanderkerken and Dakota Krout.
I swear this book had to be shorter. I finished it so incredibly quickly. But that could honestly just be in fault of how deeply it ensnared me to keep reading until 4 a.m.
Yay, to Blight destruction! Down with that creepy mind-eating shadow monster of Ancient Elf descent. It’s erasure was well deserved and so achingly long awaited. That Ember’s reincarnation or Ascended new form was the weapon of its complete and utter eradication was sweet justice. That she reached a new pinnacle in the Law of Fire and overcame those previously above her, to completely reshape her imagine and future path was just soothing to experience.
The weirdness with the Dwarves was honestly both good and bad. It was entirely too convoluted and very poorly explained. But the saving Grace was their obvious addition to Artorian’s allies/adopted family. Yet, I’m still a little salty that we didn’t get to experience the Grand Matron and Dawn meeting in this edition to the series.
I’m excited to YET AGAIN see what disastrously lucky circumstances our wily old beard will discover while recovering from his ordeal against the Vizier. My good wishes go out to Tychus and Grimaldis as they await their grandfathers return to abscond them from The Mistress’ grasp. Especially in light of the suspicious way in which the Emerald Eyes were involved/associated with the recent calamity in what was essentially the Hands base of operations.
I swear this book had to be shorter. I finished it so incredibly quickly. But that could honestly just be in fault of how deeply it ensnared me to keep reading until 4 a.m.
Yay, to Blight destruction! Down with that creepy mind-eating shadow monster of Ancient Elf descent. It’s erasure was well deserved and so achingly long awaited. That Ember’s reincarnation or Ascended new form was the weapon of its complete and utter eradication was sweet justice. That she reached a new pinnacle in the Law of Fire and overcame those previously above her, to completely reshape her imagine and future path was just soothing to experience.
The weirdness with the Dwarves was honestly both good and bad. It was entirely too convoluted and very poorly explained. But the saving Grace was their obvious addition to Artorian’s allies/adopted family. Yet, I’m still a little salty that we didn’t get to experience the Grand Matron and Dawn meeting in this edition to the series.
I’m excited to YET AGAIN see what disastrously lucky circumstances our wily old beard will discover while recovering from his ordeal against the Vizier. My good wishes go out to Tychus and Grimaldis as they await their grandfathers return to abscond them from The Mistress’ grasp. Especially in light of the suspicious way in which the Emerald Eyes were involved/associated with the recent calamity in what was essentially the Hands base of operations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
Rating: 3.0/5
Review: Well, Artorian is still a favorable character as is Dawn but the pages of analytical essence/pathway development just drug on a little too long in places. While the “science” of rendering fantasy some legitimacy was nerdful, the slog was interminable.
When the action gets going, it is good. No, really good. This form of magic when released from the confines of the analytical, comes to the fore in an understandable way, without being cloying and bereft of passion. The only real consistent story line that keeps me coming back is Artorian’s development. I just want to see him succeed and develop into something more. I just don’t need to know why he doesn’t use a fractal and instead opted for a Bernoulli, web, beehive, ring, starlight blah blah blah. Sugar gliders suck as a pivotal diversion for the story line. This insertion of cutesy, cuddly mammal things is ill thought and without consideration to where the story line has lead the reader. “Hey lets do blood and gore for 99% of the novel then bring in fluffy things that are overprotective of the little childrens”.
Don’t get me started on the rankings.
I am gonna be mad that I bought the next in the series in hopes that much will be truncated due to Dakota’s influence. If wishes were fishes.
Review: Well, Artorian is still a favorable character as is Dawn but the pages of analytical essence/pathway development just drug on a little too long in places. While the “science” of rendering fantasy some legitimacy was nerdful, the slog was interminable.
When the action gets going, it is good. No, really good. This form of magic when released from the confines of the analytical, comes to the fore in an understandable way, without being cloying and bereft of passion. The only real consistent story line that keeps me coming back is Artorian’s development. I just want to see him succeed and develop into something more. I just don’t need to know why he doesn’t use a fractal and instead opted for a Bernoulli, web, beehive, ring, starlight blah blah blah. Sugar gliders suck as a pivotal diversion for the story line. This insertion of cutesy, cuddly mammal things is ill thought and without consideration to where the story line has lead the reader. “Hey lets do blood and gore for 99% of the novel then bring in fluffy things that are overprotective of the little childrens”.
Don’t get me started on the rankings.
I am gonna be mad that I bought the next in the series in hopes that much will be truncated due to Dakota’s influence. If wishes were fishes.
April 3, 2023
Eigentlich ein gutes Buch aber ich glaube man sollte nicht mehr als 2 am stück lesen oder man dreht durch
May 6, 2024
I love this world and this character. This was a great first 3 books to get this character developed and on a good track.
May 6, 2020
As this is book three in this series, it would be a bad starting point for anyone that wasn't already invested in the series, the first two books in this series are both highly enjoyable and you would be advised to read those first if you haven't already done so.
This series in general and the main character in particular takes a somewhat different approach to the 'levelling' kind of process, Artorian's progression seems to be far more about him increasing his knowledge rather than simply being about the raw numbers of ranks or levels like many books in this genre and it works really well to produce an interesting character who could easily end up being overpowered if he was as singleminded about the numbers as other characters.
The narrator helps to bring the main character in particular to life with their performance that also delivers a distinctive range for the supporting cast too.
Overall, another enjoyable listen in this series and I can't wait to see where it goes next.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
This series in general and the main character in particular takes a somewhat different approach to the 'levelling' kind of process, Artorian's progression seems to be far more about him increasing his knowledge rather than simply being about the raw numbers of ranks or levels like many books in this genre and it works really well to produce an interesting character who could easily end up being overpowered if he was as singleminded about the numbers as other characters.
The narrator helps to bring the main character in particular to life with their performance that also delivers a distinctive range for the supporting cast too.
Overall, another enjoyable listen in this series and I can't wait to see where it goes next.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
February 16, 2020
Weak installment
I've been enjoying this series overall. But this book was a bit dissapointing. The first 20% of the book consisted of a long drawn out conversation between the main character and an evil creature. Utter waste of space. The MC also spends no time dedicated to his own growth. There were some bright spots to be sure. That said, this book could be better
I've been enjoying this series overall. But this book was a bit dissapointing. The first 20% of the book consisted of a long drawn out conversation between the main character and an evil creature. Utter waste of space. The MC also spends no time dedicated to his own growth. There were some bright spots to be sure. That said, this book could be better
Read
May 28, 2021The author is great at delivering a payoff after building it up over one or more books. Not gonna spoil anything, but I found one of the scenes in particular to be very moving, and a great way to engender emotional investment from your viewers
February 19, 2020
Dig deeper to get out?
The last book ended with Artorian in a terrible situation, and this one started with it getting worse before it got better. The story develops a lot of the lore of the world that we hadn’t seen previously, which makes sense for this curious “philosopher” of a main character.
Artorian follows his usual path through cities - making himself a nuisance by just asking questions and observing the world. How will he ever overcome his latest obstacle to save his children?
I am still amazed the author wrote all of this (and more to come) in response to the story developed in the Divine Dungeon series.
The last book ended with Artorian in a terrible situation, and this one started with it getting worse before it got better. The story develops a lot of the lore of the world that we hadn’t seen previously, which makes sense for this curious “philosopher” of a main character.
Artorian follows his usual path through cities - making himself a nuisance by just asking questions and observing the world. How will he ever overcome his latest obstacle to save his children?
I am still amazed the author wrote all of this (and more to come) in response to the story developed in the Divine Dungeon series.
July 26, 2020
A whole town killed and no reaction?
There was also no sense of urgency in the first half as he was looking for the children he raised.
With the first book in the series, when this happened, fine. He was an older man, the sole survivor, and on a mission. In this book, I can't buy it.
I don't like books that spend half of it with the MC moaning and complaining, but I do expect at least a little emotion and some mourning of the dead, especially from the younger people with him.
While I enjoyed the MC and the writing, the complete lack of remorse bothers me.
It felt more at times like a vehicle to deliver the plot instead of a story.
There was also no sense of urgency in the first half as he was looking for the children he raised.
With the first book in the series, when this happened, fine. He was an older man, the sole survivor, and on a mission. In this book, I can't buy it.
I don't like books that spend half of it with the MC moaning and complaining, but I do expect at least a little emotion and some mourning of the dead, especially from the younger people with him.
While I enjoyed the MC and the writing, the complete lack of remorse bothers me.
It felt more at times like a vehicle to deliver the plot instead of a story.
February 20, 2020
Ups and downs abound wherever Artorian feels need
Artorian has mastered the fluidity of the moment and seizes opportunities, or maybe he creates them. The universe aligns and his life’s quest has a final location, that he just happens to be rolling toward, while among his incredible dwarves compatriots, family even.
A likable, yet infuriatingly frustrating grandfather pursues his adopted children and vengeance on those who’ve hurt him or his. Looking forward to the next installment already!!
Artorian has mastered the fluidity of the moment and seizes opportunities, or maybe he creates them. The universe aligns and his life’s quest has a final location, that he just happens to be rolling toward, while among his incredible dwarves compatriots, family even.
A likable, yet infuriatingly frustrating grandfather pursues his adopted children and vengeance on those who’ve hurt him or his. Looking forward to the next installment already!!
February 20, 2020
Great Perspective
As always, this was a wonderful continuation of Artorian's series. The writing was well done, the banter comical (though less funny than usual), and the plot and action were fun and exciting. This time what really stood out were the perspective changes that happened throughout. There were times that I had to backtrack a few lines because the POV was now opposite Artorian, or who Artorian was just talking about. If not done well these can be big, glaring issues. This was not one of those times, these guys did it really well.
As always, this was a wonderful continuation of Artorian's series. The writing was well done, the banter comical (though less funny than usual), and the plot and action were fun and exciting. This time what really stood out were the perspective changes that happened throughout. There were times that I had to backtrack a few lines because the POV was now opposite Artorian, or who Artorian was just talking about. If not done well these can be big, glaring issues. This was not one of those times, these guys did it really well.
August 6, 2020
Consistently Good
This series is great.
For this entry, a few of my qualms for earlier novels have been addressed. Mainly: there isn’t any huge leaps in time inside the same chapter. The events felt fairly well connected and naturally occurring.
Still have major issue with the shoehorned references. There is literally a throwaway character named “Nintendo”, only misspelled. It completely rips me from the story. Do not like.
But like all books thus far: worth your time and money.
On to the next!
This series is great.
For this entry, a few of my qualms for earlier novels have been addressed. Mainly: there isn’t any huge leaps in time inside the same chapter. The events felt fairly well connected and naturally occurring.
Still have major issue with the shoehorned references. There is literally a throwaway character named “Nintendo”, only misspelled. It completely rips me from the story. Do not like.
But like all books thus far: worth your time and money.
On to the next!
February 15, 2020
Yet again!
This author continues to astound. The wonderful expounding of the pre existing world, pulling the curtain back millimeters at a time to reveal more and more if the world all while following the escapades of a wily and sly old man is wonderful. The story leaves you wanting more like a masochistic fool after shredding your heart strings and rubbing *salt* all over it. I cant wait to see what is in store for these characters in the next book.
This author continues to astound. The wonderful expounding of the pre existing world, pulling the curtain back millimeters at a time to reveal more and more if the world all while following the escapades of a wily and sly old man is wonderful. The story leaves you wanting more like a masochistic fool after shredding your heart strings and rubbing *salt* all over it. I cant wait to see what is in store for these characters in the next book.
February 11, 2023
Book three done another. Very fun enjoyable read
The storyline once you get into it is very engrossing. The main character very endearing the emotions you feel reading of the goodness he exposes while rescuing his adopted family is great at the least and makes you think about your own thoughts about family honor and duty. Even more so about to get the next book and crack the cover.
The storyline once you get into it is very engrossing. The main character very endearing the emotions you feel reading of the goodness he exposes while rescuing his adopted family is great at the least and makes you think about your own thoughts about family honor and duty. Even more so about to get the next book and crack the cover.
February 15, 2020
Like literary sunshine!
Have you ever just sat in a meadow and basked in the pleasant warmth of a perfect sunny day? If not, try it. If you have, however, you will recognize that same satisfying warmth in the words of this book. This series is a treasure to experience. Artorian is one of a kind, and one of the kindest. Read this book.
Have you ever just sat in a meadow and basked in the pleasant warmth of a perfect sunny day? If not, try it. If you have, however, you will recognize that same satisfying warmth in the words of this book. This series is a treasure to experience. Artorian is one of a kind, and one of the kindest. Read this book.
February 16, 2020
Well spoken MC
Honestly, the beginning was challenging and a bit rough. Futzing around in the dark. A bit trippy. After that things get moving and there's some good action and finagling by the elder MC. Required a bit more thinking than my normal fare, I enjoyed it.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Honestly, the beginning was challenging and a bit rough. Futzing around in the dark. A bit trippy. After that things get moving and there's some good action and finagling by the elder MC. Required a bit more thinking than my normal fare, I enjoyed it.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
February 25, 2020
Noooooooooooooo...
For whatever reason, I thought this was a trilogy; I was wrong. Artorian is still at it. He is growing stronger and changing the world without trying. At times the research themed exposition weighs heavily on the narrative, but the MC is just too lovable to stay mad. It’s a great addition and an enjoyable read.
For whatever reason, I thought this was a trilogy; I was wrong. Artorian is still at it. He is growing stronger and changing the world without trying. At times the research themed exposition weighs heavily on the narrative, but the MC is just too lovable to stay mad. It’s a great addition and an enjoyable read.
May 11, 2020
More good than bad in this one. There was some good history being given out and mechanics stuff I enjoyed in the first 1/3rd. My favorite part though had to be him going through the churches city and his trading up and down screwing with the bureaucracy in fun ways. The last 1/3rd was the weakest IMO.
August 2, 2020
A beautiful ascension
The book had what I consider the moment the series goes from average to amazing. The connection that was built in the first two finally had that moment that took it to the emotional realm for the reader. The writing, rhythm, tone, and space were near perfect and you got that moment of “Dawn”. Loved it!
The book had what I consider the moment the series goes from average to amazing. The connection that was built in the first two finally had that moment that took it to the emotional realm for the reader. The writing, rhythm, tone, and space were near perfect and you got that moment of “Dawn”. Loved it!
August 4, 2020
I'm enjoying this books series more and more. I wasn't sold with the first two. In fact I'd decided not to get the third, but gave in when I had nothing else to read. These last two books were unique and went pretty deep into the magic system.
Besides, I'm a sucker for parallel stories and this pretty much catches us up with the present in the last of the Divine Dungeon series.
Besides, I'm a sucker for parallel stories and this pretty much catches us up with the present in the last of the Divine Dungeon series.
March 19, 2021
About the first third wraps up the story from the previous book. Then we change tack to spend some time with dwarves, fight the church a bit, and transition back to the story arc of "rescuing his kids." Then he does a stint of "Mortal Kombat," followed by a Pyrrhic victory against a minor boss. The End.
April 21, 2023
The children all found, but not all rescued.
And... Did the dwarves really think he wasn't going to find a way to investigate when they refused him information?!
But even I thought his shenanigans in the church's stronghold maaay have been a bit much. Thankfully he realized it too.
Lastly.... What's with all sides wanting emerald eyes?
And... Did the dwarves really think he wasn't going to find a way to investigate when they refused him information?!
But even I thought his shenanigans in the church's stronghold maaay have been a bit much. Thankfully he realized it too.
Lastly.... What's with all sides wanting emerald eyes?
February 17, 2020
Another cant put it down story in this amazing world.
The story continues and ramps up quickly. The word humor continues to make me laugh and sometimes groan. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed the divine series. Obviously start with the first in the series.
The story continues and ramps up quickly. The word humor continues to make me laugh and sometimes groan. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed the divine series. Obviously start with the first in the series.
February 18, 2020
Consistently enthralling
I'm amazed by how deeply I've become invested in this series. For any fans of the Divine Dungeon series, this book contains huge insights into the inner workings and dynamics of the world. Definitely a must read.
I'm amazed by how deeply I've become invested in this series. For any fans of the Divine Dungeon series, this book contains huge insights into the inner workings and dynamics of the world. Definitely a must read.
February 22, 2020
These books are so freaking good!
If you love cultivation, wit, high fantasy, divine dungeon, or justbplain old great fun you have to read this book. A worthy successor to the first two volumes... i anxiously await the fourth. Well done!
If you love cultivation, wit, high fantasy, divine dungeon, or justbplain old great fun you have to read this book. A worthy successor to the first two volumes... i anxiously await the fourth. Well done!
March 26, 2020
Well done!
These books have been a great expansion to the divine dungeon series. The battles were epic and well written. Looking forward to the conclusion while at the same time hoping for many more books.
These books have been a great expansion to the divine dungeon series. The battles were epic and well written. Looking forward to the conclusion while at the same time hoping for many more books.
April 1, 2020
Another thoroughly enjoyed read
An excellent read, unfortunately it finished far too soon! I greatly look forward to seeing the next installment. I greatly enjoyed many of the little quips.
An excellent read, unfortunately it finished far too soon! I greatly look forward to seeing the next installment. I greatly enjoyed many of the little quips.
April 27, 2020
Great series
This series is great, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. There are a few grammatical errors that come up every now and again that pull me out of the narrative but those were much less I’m this book.
This series is great, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. There are a few grammatical errors that come up every now and again that pull me out of the narrative but those were much less I’m this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews