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Dungeon Crafting #2
The Crafter's Defense
Sandra managed to survive the first major incursion from the nearby Orcs, thanks in part to the help a certain Half-Orc/Half-Dwarf provided. However, Kelerim left her dungeon to seek out his father, leaving her all alone with just Winxa – her Dungeon Fairy – as company.
With the loss of her new friend comes some opportunities, at least; she now has the freedom to craft whatever she wants, and the threat of her Dungeon Core’s destruction from outside forces is practically absent. She even has the opportunity to upgrade her Core Size, unlocking additional constructs for use as Dungeon Monsters, as well as a new Core-specific Skill.
Unfortunately for Sandra, a particular action outside of the dungeon has unintentionally drawn attention to her activities, and there’s now a very serious threat to her survival. Racing against the clock, the crafting-based dungeon needs to find a way to prevent her destruction, all the while dealing with the problems her expanding Area of Influence has created.
Because it’s not only the nearby races that she has to deal with – but the nearby dungeons, as well.
This Dungeon Core story contains LitRPG/GameLit elements such as statistics and leveling and a heavy crafting emphasis. No profanity and no harems.
With the loss of her new friend comes some opportunities, at least; she now has the freedom to craft whatever she wants, and the threat of her Dungeon Core’s destruction from outside forces is practically absent. She even has the opportunity to upgrade her Core Size, unlocking additional constructs for use as Dungeon Monsters, as well as a new Core-specific Skill.
Unfortunately for Sandra, a particular action outside of the dungeon has unintentionally drawn attention to her activities, and there’s now a very serious threat to her survival. Racing against the clock, the crafting-based dungeon needs to find a way to prevent her destruction, all the while dealing with the problems her expanding Area of Influence has created.
Because it’s not only the nearby races that she has to deal with – but the nearby dungeons, as well.
This Dungeon Core story contains LitRPG/GameLit elements such as statistics and leveling and a heavy crafting emphasis. No profanity and no harems.
519 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2019
699 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Brooks
82 books483 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 3, 2019
Good second
Though a core book this series has legs. The core is unique and in a unique position. How she acts and reacts to the votes and races around her will dictate her future. Sandra wants to help and craft and in this book she is starting to do both. It is slow going not being able to directly communicate with people but she must as the other cores are on the move. There is a lot of learning by Sandra as to what she can do to grow and thrive without killing and how to handle other cores. I'm very excited for the next book. I hope I don't have to wait long....
Though a core book this series has legs. The core is unique and in a unique position. How she acts and reacts to the votes and races around her will dictate her future. Sandra wants to help and craft and in this book she is starting to do both. It is slow going not being able to directly communicate with people but she must as the other cores are on the move. There is a lot of learning by Sandra as to what she can do to grow and thrive without killing and how to handle other cores. I'm very excited for the next book. I hope I don't have to wait long....
October 28, 2019
Another great dungeon book
Jonathan Brooks continues to hit them out of the park in his niche genre.
We see a lot more crafting this time around and a definite greater view of the world at large and it's mechanics.
While I definitely want to read the next one, I would take any of his other series as well.
Jonathan Brooks continues to hit them out of the park in his niche genre.
We see a lot more crafting this time around and a definite greater view of the world at large and it's mechanics.
While I definitely want to read the next one, I would take any of his other series as well.
October 3, 2019
A fantastic second entry to the series. A lot more crafting, a few major battles, and some creative thinking from the amazing dungeon.
January 10, 2020
Decent book
A quick story with some satisfying bits. Nothing incredibly new in the genre. Dont want to wait for the next book.
A quick story with some satisfying bits. Nothing incredibly new in the genre. Dont want to wait for the next book.
April 22, 2021
recruits and crafting and evolving.
April 26, 2024
Sandra has always been passionate about crafting. Blacksmithing, enchanting, jewellery making, leatherwork - she has made it her life's mission to learn everything she can. Unfortunately her disability means she's never been able to craft anything herself. But she makes do - right up until she's killed chasing a new lead.
When she's reborn as a dungeon core, Sandra is left awed when she discovers her new abilities will let her build and make all she wants - she only needs time and a little bit of creativity before she's able to pursue her passion; crafting.
This was a bit more action packed than the first book. Kelerim might have left the dungeon, but there is lots to do with nearby dungeon cores expanding, new people to meet and things to learn, teach and create. Like the first book, the abrupt switch of point of view was a bit jarring but I liked meeting Echo. Though I preferred the gnomes. Felbar and Violet were terrific additions to the team. I loved their humour and curiosity in helping Sandra create. But similar to Kelerim, I would've liked to see more conversation between them all - giving feedback and input to Sandra's plans than being separate entities. There was some of that but not enough for my enjoyment.
The politics of this one was a lot more intense but I enjoyed it for the most part. There was still a lot of crafting going on so it wasn't so bad. Just not quite what I expected from a crafting dungeon. Sandra's mission seems to get waylaid by her plans to fix things for everyone. Still it was a decent read with interesting characters, fun crafts and clever solutions to their problems. 3 stars.
When she's reborn as a dungeon core, Sandra is left awed when she discovers her new abilities will let her build and make all she wants - she only needs time and a little bit of creativity before she's able to pursue her passion; crafting.
This was a bit more action packed than the first book. Kelerim might have left the dungeon, but there is lots to do with nearby dungeon cores expanding, new people to meet and things to learn, teach and create. Like the first book, the abrupt switch of point of view was a bit jarring but I liked meeting Echo. Though I preferred the gnomes. Felbar and Violet were terrific additions to the team. I loved their humour and curiosity in helping Sandra create. But similar to Kelerim, I would've liked to see more conversation between them all - giving feedback and input to Sandra's plans than being separate entities. There was some of that but not enough for my enjoyment.
The politics of this one was a lot more intense but I enjoyed it for the most part. There was still a lot of crafting going on so it wasn't so bad. Just not quite what I expected from a crafting dungeon. Sandra's mission seems to get waylaid by her plans to fix things for everyone. Still it was a decent read with interesting characters, fun crafts and clever solutions to their problems. 3 stars.
June 3, 2020
Honestly, I would rate this at three stars, but I do like it, and I don't want to damage its rating. I like that Sandra wants to help people. I like the idea that the Creator put her there to fix a... Mistake? This is a fun read with likable characters, clean enough for any kiddo just getting into LitRPG. That said, Sandra's character is pretty shallow. It feels like the author has an idea for a story, and created a character to tell that story, but doesn't really know (yet, because authors grow) how to give her depth. Given that her human life ended as it did, I would expect more angst over what she missed. You do feel like she's a real crafter, more devoted to actual crafting than anything else, who probably would have died at 90 as a cantankerous hermit creating her one final masterpiece, which then would have been found by someone more interesting, who would then go on to have Adventures. Which doesn't explain why she's so interested in helping people. I would very much have liked to see her give food to a beggar brat, use her own healing kit to save someone's life... Something other than be a one note, neither perceptive nor particularly intelligent, character before her transformation. So, pros: fun, light, easy to read, likable characters. Cons: no depth of character or plot, some grammar errors (though nothing egregious).
March 8, 2021
An Alternate Title To This Novel Could Be, _The Dungeon Who Fought_.
Don't Read This Novel -- Until You Have Read The First Novel Of The Series! If you ignore the advice of the preceding sentence, you will seriously impair your enjoyment of that novel and of this one as well. As a reviewer, I feel that I owe that cautionary advice to both the author and the readers of this wonderful novel.
I mentioned a possible alternate title for this novel, _The Dungeon Who Fought._ It occurred to me, while reading this novel that it, and its prequel, are similar in concept to Anne McCaffrey's Brainship Series Books, specifically the novel _The City Who Fought_. I doubt that Jonathan Brooks intended these novels as an homage to one of the Grand masters of the Science Fiction genre, but once the similarity of concepts occurred to me, I felt Jonathan Brooks novels honored the spirit of Anne McCaffrey's novels. Be that as it may, or not; this novel continues the story of Sandra, the Crafting Dungeon's growth and struggles to fulfill her passion for crafting and her goal of saving Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, and Orcs from extinction.
I recommend this series for those who have enjoyed other LitRPG novels and McCaffrey's Brainsship series.
Don't Read This Novel -- Until You Have Read The First Novel Of The Series! If you ignore the advice of the preceding sentence, you will seriously impair your enjoyment of that novel and of this one as well. As a reviewer, I feel that I owe that cautionary advice to both the author and the readers of this wonderful novel.
I mentioned a possible alternate title for this novel, _The Dungeon Who Fought._ It occurred to me, while reading this novel that it, and its prequel, are similar in concept to Anne McCaffrey's Brainship Series Books, specifically the novel _The City Who Fought_. I doubt that Jonathan Brooks intended these novels as an homage to one of the Grand masters of the Science Fiction genre, but once the similarity of concepts occurred to me, I felt Jonathan Brooks novels honored the spirit of Anne McCaffrey's novels. Be that as it may, or not; this novel continues the story of Sandra, the Crafting Dungeon's growth and struggles to fulfill her passion for crafting and her goal of saving Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, and Orcs from extinction.
I recommend this series for those who have enjoyed other LitRPG novels and McCaffrey's Brainsship series.
July 1, 2020
Great concept but too much detail
I understand what he is doing. It is a something I have never seen in the dungeon book. I would not mind a little detail and he is proud of his ideas, clearly. However in there is too much of a good thing this book extended it out a few miles.
I was happy with the ending and looking forward to the next one. Pray it has more action, more plot and less mind numbing details.
I understand what he is doing. It is a something I have never seen in the dungeon book. I would not mind a little detail and he is proud of his ideas, clearly. However in there is too much of a good thing this book extended it out a few miles.
I was happy with the ending and looking forward to the next one. Pray it has more action, more plot and less mind numbing details.
March 7, 2020
One of the best book series in Dungeon LitRPG that i have read. I have read a couple of LitRPG and dungeon books but i just love this book series. I love crafting and this book has that and everything else you would like. if you like crafting and enjoy stats (all of his books are full of them) you will love this book. highly recommend it! just try it!
August 20, 2021
Great continuances
It has been a while since I read the first book but I was quickly able to pick up the story again. I continue to really enjoy this series. I’m interested in the main character, I like the minor characters that are introduced, and I am able to follow along with the gaming stats. Can’t wait to read the next book.
It has been a while since I read the first book but I was quickly able to pick up the story again. I continue to really enjoy this series. I’m interested in the main character, I like the minor characters that are introduced, and I am able to follow along with the gaming stats. Can’t wait to read the next book.
September 5, 2021
Beautiful Book
For anyone interested in fantasy novels, this series makes you see things from a different perspective: that of the dungeon. The main character isn’t your typical “hero”, but very interesting in her thought processes, ideas, and ways to bring her plans to fruition. I’m SO glad I stumbled across this series. Can’t wait to read the next book!
For anyone interested in fantasy novels, this series makes you see things from a different perspective: that of the dungeon. The main character isn’t your typical “hero”, but very interesting in her thought processes, ideas, and ways to bring her plans to fruition. I’m SO glad I stumbled across this series. Can’t wait to read the next book!
December 14, 2021
Dungeon books do not need so much boring detail
While I understand the need for detail in a novel, this book was more boring words than action. When reading a little book I expect smart battles. This book was all about creating threads. A whole book with crafting instead of battles. Never would buy that game.
While I understand the need for detail in a novel, this book was more boring words than action. When reading a little book I expect smart battles. This book was all about creating threads. A whole book with crafting instead of battles. Never would buy that game.
January 18, 2022
More world building and crafting
Sandra's core continues to grow and she finally gets to do some enchanting.
A war with another dungeon added to the stakes in this book.
It was interesting seeing the dungeon grow and flesh out some of its designs.
I look forward to the next volume.
Sandra's core continues to grow and she finally gets to do some enchanting.
A war with another dungeon added to the stakes in this book.
It was interesting seeing the dungeon grow and flesh out some of its designs.
I look forward to the next volume.
February 24, 2023
Good, but not great
I like the story so far, the general premise and most of the characters. However it does feel a bit repetitive. Dungeon meets outsider, outsider distrusted dungeon, dungeon wins them over and then deals with an outside threat. I'm hoping going forward now that Sandra has tentatively befriended 2 races we can see a change of formula.
I like the story so far, the general premise and most of the characters. However it does feel a bit repetitive. Dungeon meets outsider, outsider distrusted dungeon, dungeon wins them over and then deals with an outside threat. I'm hoping going forward now that Sandra has tentatively befriended 2 races we can see a change of formula.
April 20, 2025
2 bit drama
On one side we have a dungeon trying to save all sentient life, put there by the all powerful creator, who didn't give her a way to communicate with those people. On the other side we have these different races she's attempting to save doing all they can to kill her. Repeat for each race.
Sound like fun?
On one side we have a dungeon trying to save all sentient life, put there by the all powerful creator, who didn't give her a way to communicate with those people. On the other side we have these different races she's attempting to save doing all they can to kill her. Repeat for each race.
Sound like fun?
February 27, 2020
The plot thickens
This book was very enjoyable to read. Mr. Brooks provides us with new goals and conflicts for our endeavoring crafter dungeon in a way that doesn't make her seem overly powerful. The story leaves the reader following along and rooting for Sandra to overcome the new obstacles in her path.
This book was very enjoyable to read. Mr. Brooks provides us with new goals and conflicts for our endeavoring crafter dungeon in a way that doesn't make her seem overly powerful. The story leaves the reader following along and rooting for Sandra to overcome the new obstacles in her path.
August 3, 2020
Great 2nd book in the series!
Book to continue to deliver on the promise of the first book. The Dungeon was expanded, new materials gained, new bad guys defeated, and all of it in a very unique spin on dungeon core. I will be buying the next book and reading it shortly :-)
Book to continue to deliver on the promise of the first book. The Dungeon was expanded, new materials gained, new bad guys defeated, and all of it in a very unique spin on dungeon core. I will be buying the next book and reading it shortly :-)
February 4, 2021
Wow this is fantastic.
The Crafter Dungeon series is really great. I enjoy the dungeon Sandra's character. As well as the Nome and Elven characters too. Especially Echo who is a unique individual her self. Who really hates snakes.
The Crafter Dungeon series is really great. I enjoy the dungeon Sandra's character. As well as the Nome and Elven characters too. Especially Echo who is a unique individual her self. Who really hates snakes.
March 13, 2021
Almost Paradise
Were I a crafter actually IN one of the RPG games I play, this would almost be an ideal haven. A few kinks still need to be worked out, but the Dungeon Core is getting there.
Were I a crafter actually IN one of the RPG games I play, this would almost be an ideal haven. A few kinks still need to be worked out, but the Dungeon Core is getting there.
March 20, 2021
A different approach
Our favorite construct dungeon core continues her adventures towards crafting greatness through a series of unlikely allies - each with their own unique circumstances.
Our favorite construct dungeon core continues her adventures towards crafting greatness through a series of unlikely allies - each with their own unique circumstances.
May 31, 2021
3.5 to 3.75 stars, I kinda like this series, not sure why as it is slow at times and sometimes even a little boring but I like the situation and how the MC goes about getting out of it. I will continue with it but it may not be for everyone. If you like the first book it is much of the same.
November 28, 2021
Great continuation of the series
Welp, read this in record time, I was hooked by the first book and the second is even better. I wouldn't recommend picking them up out of order, so if you're reading this and haven't read the first book, don't.
Welp, read this in record time, I was hooked by the first book and the second is even better. I wouldn't recommend picking them up out of order, so if you're reading this and haven't read the first book, don't.
May 7, 2024
hey o
I really enjoy this author’s creativity! I wonder if they are neurodivergent. Their characters have a warmth but a very logical and distanced aura to their personalities. I recommend this author!
I really enjoy this author’s creativity! I wonder if they are neurodivergent. Their characters have a warmth but a very logical and distanced aura to their personalities. I recommend this author!
April 13, 2020
Good fun read
Make sure you enjoy reading about the detail of crafting, Otherwise a great contribution to the genre and an enjoyable continuation of the series.
Make sure you enjoy reading about the detail of crafting, Otherwise a great contribution to the genre and an enjoyable continuation of the series.
April 30, 2020
Fun fun fun
I am so thrilled with this series. The books are well written and I love the crafting mixed with dungeon building.
I am so thrilled with this series. The books are well written and I love the crafting mixed with dungeon building.
May 13, 2020
Such good writing!
I’d recommend this series to anyone who plays dungeons and dragons, it’s a fantastic. The detail and mechanics are great, looking forward to reading more.
I’d recommend this series to anyone who plays dungeons and dragons, it’s a fantastic. The detail and mechanics are great, looking forward to reading more.
July 22, 2020
Fun read
I liked this one as we find out more about the dungeon mechanics and get more of a glimpse at the rest of the area.
I liked this one as we find out more about the dungeon mechanics and get more of a glimpse at the rest of the area.
August 13, 2020
Go Sandra
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews