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Derelict #1
Repel Boarders
One captain’s death might turn out to be humanity’s best chance at survival.
As humanity expands into the stars, it discovers the universe is a hostile place.
When Captain Slater of the USS Franklin is assigned to a deep-space reconnaissance mission, his ship is destroyed by an unknown alien race. Much to his surprise, Slater isn’t killed—he’s transformed. He is now a “derelict,” a consciousness bound to his old vessel.
Slater must quickly adapt to his new existence before raiders, alien armies, and mysterious forces seek to destroy him for a second and final time.
As humanity expands into the stars, it discovers the universe is a hostile place.
When Captain Slater of the USS Franklin is assigned to a deep-space reconnaissance mission, his ship is destroyed by an unknown alien race. Much to his surprise, Slater isn’t killed—he’s transformed. He is now a “derelict,” a consciousness bound to his old vessel.
Slater must quickly adapt to his new existence before raiders, alien armies, and mysterious forces seek to destroy him for a second and final time.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2020
865 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 8, 2020
Weak upon weak.
The military part at the beginning was hamhanded and laughable. To pick one point: THE CAPTAIN LEFT THE BRIDGE DURING COMBAT TO GET A SWORD. That he then never used.
Then the Dungeon Core portion started. I understand the tropes, but this felt like it was lifted directly from a different series. Like the setting hadn’t changed at all. The author didn’t consider how space is different and rework the tropes accordingly.
DNF
The military part at the beginning was hamhanded and laughable. To pick one point: THE CAPTAIN LEFT THE BRIDGE DURING COMBAT TO GET A SWORD. That he then never used.
Then the Dungeon Core portion started. I understand the tropes, but this felt like it was lifted directly from a different series. Like the setting hadn’t changed at all. The author didn’t consider how space is different and rework the tropes accordingly.
DNF
September 28, 2020
Review Overview. Another LitRPG novel that fails at one of the cornerstones of writing: show don't tell. DNF @ 18%.
Know your audience. The LitRPG genre is a niche within another niche and as such draws a very specific audience: gamers. We don't need to be told how levels, resources or abilities work in detail. Such explanation should be kept at an absolute minimum and only conveyed when they are relevant to the story. This is epitomised by the "virus" whose only purpose seems to be to spew exposition. It's lazy writing and if this is what's on offer within the first few pages of a novel, then I'm sorry to say but the rest is just not worth my time.
Terrible audiobook. Audiobook listeners out there do yourself a favour and skip this one. Jack Voraces, the narrator, sounds like a machine due to, what I can only assume to be, a lack of familiarity with the material. He stops and starts with such awkward timing that I couldn't even pay attention to what he was trying to say.
Know your audience. The LitRPG genre is a niche within another niche and as such draws a very specific audience: gamers. We don't need to be told how levels, resources or abilities work in detail. Such explanation should be kept at an absolute minimum and only conveyed when they are relevant to the story. This is epitomised by the "virus" whose only purpose seems to be to spew exposition. It's lazy writing and if this is what's on offer within the first few pages of a novel, then I'm sorry to say but the rest is just not worth my time.
Terrible audiobook. Audiobook listeners out there do yourself a favour and skip this one. Jack Voraces, the narrator, sounds like a machine due to, what I can only assume to be, a lack of familiarity with the material. He stops and starts with such awkward timing that I couldn't even pay attention to what he was trying to say.
August 26, 2020
This is my first LitRPG novel. For the non-cognoscenti it means a novel with a role playing game format in that a score of various things is kept and updated regularly with the aim being to increase the score. It further belongs to a subcategory - dungeon core. Normally, novels are from the point of view of adventurers battling the dungeon or in it. Here, in the form of a derelict spaceship,the dungeon is the protagonist.
Without having any experience of gaming, I really enjoyed the format with the plot being sufficient enough. It was fun! In a childish, youthful kind of way.
Yes, as is to be expected, there was gratuitous violence. But...
I plan on reading many more books in this genre, which I did not even know existed
Without having any experience of gaming, I really enjoyed the format with the plot being sufficient enough. It was fun! In a childish, youthful kind of way.
Yes, as is to be expected, there was gratuitous violence. But...
I plan on reading many more books in this genre, which I did not even know existed
July 8, 2021
It started with stupid.
Then it quickly exceeded the level of bullshit that I can handle (which is staggeringly high for this genre).
And when more stupid were added on top with addition of 95% of dialogues being exposition, I decided that I can do something more productive with my time, like stare at the wall or something.
Then it quickly exceeded the level of bullshit that I can handle (which is staggeringly high for this genre).
And when more stupid were added on top with addition of 95% of dialogues being exposition, I decided that I can do something more productive with my time, like stare at the wall or something.
June 10, 2020
3.5 Stars
A dungeon core LitRPG story that I rather enjoyed reading.
It wasn't quite what I expected, since I thought it would lean more heavily into science fiction. Much of it was more along the lines of a semi-regular fantasy settings with steam-punky elements... or something like that. Despite being set in space, we see very little actual space faring, with the story focused on the dungeon's interior. Which is fine, just not quite what I expected. I certainly thought the book would be more futuristic, but in some aspects the story isn't very sciencey. Partly it feels more like an "in-game" setting would've been more appropriate for what's happening. Overall though the setting worked fine.
The characters, our protagonist included, are pleasant, if not very well fleshed out. The focus of the story is very much on dungeon building and combat, with character interaction on the backdrop.
What I loved about this book, was it's interesting take on the dungeon fairy trope (which I usually despise), as well as the moderate progression pace. No instant game-breaking powers or secret super perks. Only humanities apparently very superior willpower. (Good old human-centric world views, how I love you.)
On another minor note, between the American-centric patriotism and the main characters views on war, it was very much apparent that this story was written by an American. Interestingly enough, future Earth's population isn't united, still adhering to today's political borders, and as per alien story tradition, the US is the only competent power among Earth's nations, it alone being able to succeed against alien aggressions. Also humanities saviour is of course an American solider and a patriot to boot.
Minor details aside, this was very much an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next instalment in the series. Don't let my cynicism deter you.
A dungeon core LitRPG story that I rather enjoyed reading.
It wasn't quite what I expected, since I thought it would lean more heavily into science fiction. Much of it was more along the lines of a semi-regular fantasy settings with steam-punky elements... or something like that. Despite being set in space, we see very little actual space faring, with the story focused on the dungeon's interior. Which is fine, just not quite what I expected. I certainly thought the book would be more futuristic, but in some aspects the story isn't very sciencey. Partly it feels more like an "in-game" setting would've been more appropriate for what's happening. Overall though the setting worked fine.
The characters, our protagonist included, are pleasant, if not very well fleshed out. The focus of the story is very much on dungeon building and combat, with character interaction on the backdrop.
What I loved about this book, was it's interesting take on the dungeon fairy trope (which I usually despise), as well as the moderate progression pace. No instant game-breaking powers or secret super perks. Only humanities apparently very superior willpower. (Good old human-centric world views, how I love you.)
On another minor note, between the American-centric patriotism and the main characters views on war, it was very much apparent that this story was written by an American. Interestingly enough, future Earth's population isn't united, still adhering to today's political borders, and as per alien story tradition, the US is the only competent power among Earth's nations, it alone being able to succeed against alien aggressions. Also humanities saviour is of course an American solider and a patriot to boot.
Minor details aside, this was very much an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next instalment in the series. Don't let my cynicism deter you.
May 4, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
June 7, 2020
A very nice read, interesting premise the struggle with resource management parts detracted from my enjoyment as it seems to take over the plot in parts, looking forward for the next book hoping it'll be even better.
October 28, 2021
This is my favourite sci-fi series in LitRPG. The series is a great deal of fun and I look forward to every book that comes out. They are surprisingly entertaining.
May 19, 2020
This is the first book in the dungeon core genre that I've tried. It takes place on/in/as a star ship. I'm a big fan of space operas so that was a fun aspect. The author managed to include fantasy aspects in a sci-fi setting and make them seamless. I did skim a bit of the upgrades as they were repetitive. I've found that this type of repetition is the norm in litrpg books so it's not unexpected in this subgenre.
The main character and those he met along the way were compelling. I expect too see some growth in the support characters in the next book in this series.
As this was my first dungeon core read I can't vouch for the originality of the plot. I can say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. There were moral and physical challenges for the main to overcome. He had a distinct personality. I like books that make me ask what I would do if I found myself in this situation. Derelict made me wonder if a star ship can be a person. It may be wonder if I would make a good star ship. It was a good book and you should read it too!
The main character and those he met along the way were compelling. I expect too see some growth in the support characters in the next book in this series.
As this was my first dungeon core read I can't vouch for the originality of the plot. I can say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. There were moral and physical challenges for the main to overcome. He had a distinct personality. I like books that make me ask what I would do if I found myself in this situation. Derelict made me wonder if a star ship can be a person. It may be wonder if I would make a good star ship. It was a good book and you should read it too!
September 19, 2021
I tried reading this book when it first came out, but I was burned out on dungeon core so I put it down.
I'm glad I picked it up again. Yes, it starts a bit slow like most dungeon core stories do, but I appreciated the fantasy elements which made it more fun to read for me. The orcs and kobolds are messy and disorganized, just like you would expect them to be (assuming you can see those races with space ships), while the dwarfs are honorable.
As Slater (The former ship captain/new dungeon core) grows in strength and deals with internal struggles, the book gets more interesting I think. He gains more skills, can fight off invaders wanting his core, and eventually has support that I didn't see coming.
Honestly, I've been impressed with all of the author's book. Yes, they tend to come from a military standpoint, but if you don't know that going into the first book, you will on the second book.
I will also add that I appreciated the history of each of the (human) ships mentioned in the book. I'm not a military historian, so it was new information for me.
5/5*
I'm glad I picked it up again. Yes, it starts a bit slow like most dungeon core stories do, but I appreciated the fantasy elements which made it more fun to read for me. The orcs and kobolds are messy and disorganized, just like you would expect them to be (assuming you can see those races with space ships), while the dwarfs are honorable.
As Slater (The former ship captain/new dungeon core) grows in strength and deals with internal struggles, the book gets more interesting I think. He gains more skills, can fight off invaders wanting his core, and eventually has support that I didn't see coming.
Honestly, I've been impressed with all of the author's book. Yes, they tend to come from a military standpoint, but if you don't know that going into the first book, you will on the second book.
I will also add that I appreciated the history of each of the (human) ships mentioned in the book. I'm not a military historian, so it was new information for me.
5/5*
June 2, 2020
Great mix of Sci-fi meets dungeon book
Minus the god awful explanation of how main character became dungeon core and how SciFi links to your standard LitRPG world.
Derelict is an amazing merger of SciFi and dungeon cor defence litRPG (probably should look up term for the genre).
It is a very unique twist that is very enjoyable to read.
Hopefully future books are longer.
I can't give this 5 stars solely on the explanation, I almost didn't read further then the explanation, but glad I did because it evolved into a great book. (Seriously this is generous 2star on explanation but rest of book brought it up).
If I haven't said it enough I hate the transition to dungeon core story, but rest of book is amazing SciFi/dungeon core litRPG book that keeps you hooked and on your toes.
Minus the god awful explanation of how main character became dungeon core and how SciFi links to your standard LitRPG world.
Derelict is an amazing merger of SciFi and dungeon cor defence litRPG (probably should look up term for the genre).
It is a very unique twist that is very enjoyable to read.
Hopefully future books are longer.
I can't give this 5 stars solely on the explanation, I almost didn't read further then the explanation, but glad I did because it evolved into a great book. (Seriously this is generous 2star on explanation but rest of book brought it up).
If I haven't said it enough I hate the transition to dungeon core story, but rest of book is amazing SciFi/dungeon core litRPG book that keeps you hooked and on your toes.
September 9, 2020
(I listen to the audible version)
This was really good I didn't know what to really expect from this book but I gave it a try because all of the author's other books have been really good and this one was no exception. This was absolutely fun creative and enjoyable I loved the set up of the story it's fantasy without being in the fantasy setting and it works really well adds a lot of Mystery and anticipation to find out what's going to happen next. the one thing I have to say is a found the little bit of repetition of the full readout of research and list of mobs and that kind of like a little bit cluttered and filler so that wasn't the greatest I hope it gets trim down especially as the derelict grows but other than that truly is a fantastic read. It should also be noted that Jack Voraces did an absolutely stellar job with this book absolutely amazing read.
This was really good I didn't know what to really expect from this book but I gave it a try because all of the author's other books have been really good and this one was no exception. This was absolutely fun creative and enjoyable I loved the set up of the story it's fantasy without being in the fantasy setting and it works really well adds a lot of Mystery and anticipation to find out what's going to happen next. the one thing I have to say is a found the little bit of repetition of the full readout of research and list of mobs and that kind of like a little bit cluttered and filler so that wasn't the greatest I hope it gets trim down especially as the derelict grows but other than that truly is a fantastic read. It should also be noted that Jack Voraces did an absolutely stellar job with this book absolutely amazing read.
August 14, 2021
Imagine you’ve died and been bought back as an AI in charge of a tower defence program played in the style of the board game boss monster.
That’s basically the premise of this book and it works great, the main characters interactions with those he meets are both funny and touching and amongst this LitRPG exterior they really get to the heart of what it means to be human.
My only negative is that this book is essentially just an introduction to the premise and characters and then ends before we get to explore the universe further. I am hook line and sinkered for reading book 2.
Jack Voraces does a great job narrating with distinct voices for each character that give them all a different personality.
This is a light hearted read when you’re looking for some fun so don’t expect anything too deep or clever.
That’s basically the premise of this book and it works great, the main characters interactions with those he meets are both funny and touching and amongst this LitRPG exterior they really get to the heart of what it means to be human.
My only negative is that this book is essentially just an introduction to the premise and characters and then ends before we get to explore the universe further. I am hook line and sinkered for reading book 2.
Jack Voraces does a great job narrating with distinct voices for each character that give them all a different personality.
This is a light hearted read when you’re looking for some fun so don’t expect anything too deep or clever.
October 11, 2021
Kobolds In Space!
Captain Slater's the only "survivor" of his exploratory squadron of ships destruction by Kobolds. That' right, Humanity's first interaction with an alien species in space is with the lizard people from myth and fiction. Futhermore, Captain Slater discovers that Dwarves and Orcs are also space faring races and all of the want to adventure through his derelict ship -- unless they want to kill the Derelict Core which now houses his consciousness.
This is a Dungeon Core Novel with a twist. Instead of being buried underground, the dungeons are derelict ships free floating in space which periodically warp to other star systems for new species to adventure through. This Novel may appeal to fans of LitRPG and the wider Fantasy genres as well as to RPG players.
Captain Slater's the only "survivor" of his exploratory squadron of ships destruction by Kobolds. That' right, Humanity's first interaction with an alien species in space is with the lizard people from myth and fiction. Futhermore, Captain Slater discovers that Dwarves and Orcs are also space faring races and all of the want to adventure through his derelict ship -- unless they want to kill the Derelict Core which now houses his consciousness.
This is a Dungeon Core Novel with a twist. Instead of being buried underground, the dungeons are derelict ships free floating in space which periodically warp to other star systems for new species to adventure through. This Novel may appeal to fans of LitRPG and the wider Fantasy genres as well as to RPG players.
September 7, 2020
Ahh, yes, the ever elusive LitRPG book that takes place in space. I'm always a fan of these, since scifi is my favorite genre, and finding an LitRPG book that falls squarely in that genre always pleases me. I really like this series, and I hope it continues for a while. It's an interesting take on the dungeon subgenre, and one I'm honestly surprised to find, though now that I've read it, I'm also surprised I've not seen more of it's kind. Other than a few series here and there, and one or two that have a few space segments in their storylines, these kind of LitRPG are hard to come by, and I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and I am not a big fan of the dungeon type LitRPG stories, though I have enjoyed a few of them, but if you're a scifi fan, you won't want to pass these by, since they're a nice story on top of great storytelling.
December 31, 2020
Good series, slow to start
When I first started this I was hopeful for the next lit dog dungeon core type book. The first 50 pages had me noticing what I referred to as copy and pasting much, if not all from other dungeon core type books, mainly lore and how they operate etc. After the first 150ish pages I kept thinking more and more on that because of how it seemed as thought the author was gonna keep it traditional, but I kept reading in hopes of it changing to how a space ship would work...and let me say that though in this book it didn't completely do what I hoped I'm now excited for the next book and am so glad that I decided to keep reading and shall until this series is done. So keep up the good work and I await your next book
When I first started this I was hopeful for the next lit dog dungeon core type book. The first 50 pages had me noticing what I referred to as copy and pasting much, if not all from other dungeon core type books, mainly lore and how they operate etc. After the first 150ish pages I kept thinking more and more on that because of how it seemed as thought the author was gonna keep it traditional, but I kept reading in hopes of it changing to how a space ship would work...and let me say that though in this book it didn't completely do what I hoped I'm now excited for the next book and am so glad that I decided to keep reading and shall until this series is done. So keep up the good work and I await your next book
March 13, 2025
What an exciting pulse-pounding beginning to what has all the earmarks of a great trilogy. Initially I was a little hesitant on the set because it looked like a syfy-milt series, but wait Dean Henegar wrote it and it actually was a litRPG! So it turned into a no brainer and I snapped it up. Because Dean Henegar is golden! Since I've loved everything he's written... ❤ ♥ ❤ In this book Captain Slater looses his life by repelling boarders, but instead of dying outright he comes to as the core in the now Derelict that had once been the proud ship of the US naval fleet, the Franklin exploring new horizons.
So yeah grab the book better yet get the boxed set to save on mula, even better the audiobook is whispersynced!
So yeah grab the book better yet get the boxed set to save on mula, even better the audiobook is whispersynced!
April 27, 2020
Awesome first book in the series! Very well written with a plot that is original and keeps the reader on their toes. Everything is well explained, the plot flows organically and set up for the next book is awesome (not a cliffhanger). The world building shows a lot of potential and the various plot lines are neatly expanding on it. One thing that the author can do better is to market his books a bit more. If he did so he would get many more readers. His books are a refreshing addition to the genre and one of the most well written pieces. Can't wait for book 2! Btw if you haven't read the Limitless Lands series, I highly recommend that you do so.
May 4, 2020
Excellent dungeon/spaceship core story
Interesting premise and new reality for this story! I very much enjoyed the creative mix of future sci fi and fantasy elements. This book is similar in a minor way to the Station Core series, which I really enjoyed, but vastly different in others. I really hope both series continue and that other authors write in this spin off SciFi version of the dungeon cores genre.
Note: While some statistics (stats) about levels and abilities are given, they are rare and not overwhelming. So, this book should be accessible even to those who are not interested in reading about stats.
Interesting premise and new reality for this story! I very much enjoyed the creative mix of future sci fi and fantasy elements. This book is similar in a minor way to the Station Core series, which I really enjoyed, but vastly different in others. I really hope both series continue and that other authors write in this spin off SciFi version of the dungeon cores genre.
Note: While some statistics (stats) about levels and abilities are given, they are rare and not overwhelming. So, this book should be accessible even to those who are not interested in reading about stats.
June 12, 2020
Decent read, wasted potential.
This is well written, with an interesting potential underlying. And a funny take on the helper in the form of the P.I.X.I.
Unfortunately, the entire dungeon system is a copy-pasted form of normal dungeons. Flat room setup, very basic point system. The idea that a derelict in space ends up becoming a bunch of cubic rooms makes it extremely hard to take seriously the idea. Most of the concepts feel interesting for future books, but it's dragged down by the most unoriginal of Dungeon Core concept execution.
Kudos for the attempt, but I'm leery of the next book in the series.
This is well written, with an interesting potential underlying. And a funny take on the helper in the form of the P.I.X.I.
Unfortunately, the entire dungeon system is a copy-pasted form of normal dungeons. Flat room setup, very basic point system. The idea that a derelict in space ends up becoming a bunch of cubic rooms makes it extremely hard to take seriously the idea. Most of the concepts feel interesting for future books, but it's dragged down by the most unoriginal of Dungeon Core concept execution.
Kudos for the attempt, but I'm leery of the next book in the series.
March 5, 2022
This was a solidly "ok" book from me. I like the world Dean Henegar has created, but it never really grabbed me. Interesting characters come and go all too soon, leaving nothing in their wake. As much as I love the RPG aspects of LitRPG, I think this one gets bogged down in minutia a bit? The stats screen is a good example. It eventually fills 3 pages, its never re-organized or categorized to allow for efficient parsing of information, or hiding stuff we don't really need. The layout of outer space is pretty interesting, and I'm interested to see what happens in future books. But if the 2nd doesn't get me more invested than this one did, I'll be dropping the series.
April 30, 2020
Dean Henegar does for dungeon cores what he did for Gamelit.
If you think about his other series, The Limitless Lands, and how interesting that story was with not only its premise, but how the main character behaved himself and how the novel many of the plot points were; You can see that Dean has taken the same approach to this story, giving it a really imaginative spin and setting his book apart.
The sci-fi and military aspects of it are very well done and I honestly am anxiously waiting for the next book.
If you think about his other series, The Limitless Lands, and how interesting that story was with not only its premise, but how the main character behaved himself and how the novel many of the plot points were; You can see that Dean has taken the same approach to this story, giving it a really imaginative spin and setting his book apart.
The sci-fi and military aspects of it are very well done and I honestly am anxiously waiting for the next book.
May 10, 2020
I found this a little heavy on the mechanics, but it wasn't out of place in this particular book being a dungeon development (in space!) book.
A key to me liking a lot of books is liking the MC, and as in the author's Limitless Lands series, I like Captain Slater. He's competent and level-headed as is to be hoped (but not always achieved) in one of his rank and position pre-mortem.
Took a bit long to really get moving, but from a technical standpoint I can understand why. I'm looking forward to more from Slater and the USDS (United States Dungeon Ship) Franklin.
A key to me liking a lot of books is liking the MC, and as in the author's Limitless Lands series, I like Captain Slater. He's competent and level-headed as is to be hoped (but not always achieved) in one of his rank and position pre-mortem.
Took a bit long to really get moving, but from a technical standpoint I can understand why. I'm looking forward to more from Slater and the USDS (United States Dungeon Ship) Franklin.
May 15, 2020
Hard for me to rate
This book was a quandary for me. The first one third to half I hated it and couldn't wait to be done and move on. It felt fake (even considering the genre) and forced. The situation with the derelict creation and premises was to contrived and didn't feel right. That said the last half the book was fun and I enjoyed the adventure. I probably will read the next book with the hope that it is like the second half of this book. Weird universe to play in magic and science plus all the usual fantasy races.
This book was a quandary for me. The first one third to half I hated it and couldn't wait to be done and move on. It felt fake (even considering the genre) and forced. The situation with the derelict creation and premises was to contrived and didn't feel right. That said the last half the book was fun and I enjoyed the adventure. I probably will read the next book with the hope that it is like the second half of this book. Weird universe to play in magic and science plus all the usual fantasy races.
June 9, 2020
So LitRPG is a niche I am reading lately. However, CORE versions are new to me. This is only the second CORE book I've read. And my first space LitRPG.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, start to finish. The pace was good. The characters have some progression in their growth, but still have good interactions.
The plot seems well thought out. We'll see about that last part, because I intend to read the next one as soon as it comes out.
Get this one, if just for the spacefaring edge of the adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, start to finish. The pace was good. The characters have some progression in their growth, but still have good interactions.
The plot seems well thought out. We'll see about that last part, because I intend to read the next one as soon as it comes out.
Get this one, if just for the spacefaring edge of the adventure
January 13, 2021
Right, I got about a quarter of the way through this, and dear God, everything felt so contrived. All of the in universe explanations are so stretched it's impossible to suspend your disbelief. The reason behind all the weird story choices are that that it's a dungeon core story. Why are there space rats? It's a dungeon core story. Why is the side kick named PIXI? It's a dungeon core story. Why is there a pitfall trap on a SPACESHIP? it's a dungeon core story!
I read the first 25%, and had to stop.
I read the first 25%, and had to stop.
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May 29, 2020I didn’t get very far (take this rating with a grain of salt)
I had read a review about great world building so I had high hopes starting this book. Unfortunately with the low-effort back story in a sci-fi novel where humans have only been in space a short while , miraculously developed jump drives and have shields is too much of a stretch for me, especially since it was billed as “great world building.”
I had read a review about great world building so I had high hopes starting this book. Unfortunately with the low-effort back story in a sci-fi novel where humans have only been in space a short while , miraculously developed jump drives and have shields is too much of a stretch for me, especially since it was billed as “great world building.”
June 7, 2020
Dungeon in space
Nothing really new here. Yes, it is set in space but that's where most of the differences stop. Some new laser weapons and such but the formula is pretty much the same. All of the "mythical" races exist i.e. kobolds, orcs, dwarves etc. All follow the same stereotypes you could imagine. There is a set of rules for the dungeon with a governing "council." I would have given it 2.5 stars but that's not an option.
Nothing really new here. Yes, it is set in space but that's where most of the differences stop. Some new laser weapons and such but the formula is pretty much the same. All of the "mythical" races exist i.e. kobolds, orcs, dwarves etc. All follow the same stereotypes you could imagine. There is a set of rules for the dungeon with a governing "council." I would have given it 2.5 stars but that's not an option.
December 4, 2020
Caught me off gaurd
When I decided to read this book I wasn't sure how it would go. I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn't put it down once I started. It unexpectedly blends three genres I'm a big fan of all together. If you are a fan of sci-fi, dungeon core or fantasy there is a good chance you will like this book. I'm getting the next in the series right after I submit this review.
When I decided to read this book I wasn't sure how it would go. I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn't put it down once I started. It unexpectedly blends three genres I'm a big fan of all together. If you are a fan of sci-fi, dungeon core or fantasy there is a good chance you will like this book. I'm getting the next in the series right after I submit this review.
April 17, 2021
I enjoy Henegar's writing. Having read Limitless Lands, I was excited to see how he did with dungeoncore, not my favorite subgenre, and scifi - a subgenre in litrpg that is under-represented. I like Slater. I miss Old Man Raytak, and Slater is a good proxy. There is enough of the human left in Slater for this to still appeal to me.
I've already snagged the second book, and am looking forward to it.
I've already snagged the second book, and am looking forward to it.
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