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Artorian's Archives #4
Arsenal
An end of the world. The start of a new one. A thousand places to be.
Artorian has survived his encounter at the Ziggurat, but at a sharp cost. However, the powers in the world are moving and there is no time to rest. Even if Artorian doesn’t realize his part in it, the next stage of the great plan is set in motion.
In a place of mountains and dales, the old scholar must seek new information in order to puzzle out the last pieces and gather victory with his own two hands. For his loved ones, his humanity may need to be left behind. Yet, becoming something else is a small price to pay for an old man on a mission. Life comes at a price, but success comes with Ascension.
War and Moonfall loom on the horizon. It matters little. Artorian will build his arsenal.
Artorian has survived his encounter at the Ziggurat, but at a sharp cost. However, the powers in the world are moving and there is no time to rest. Even if Artorian doesn’t realize his part in it, the next stage of the great plan is set in motion.
In a place of mountains and dales, the old scholar must seek new information in order to puzzle out the last pieces and gather victory with his own two hands. For his loved ones, his humanity may need to be left behind. Yet, becoming something else is a small price to pay for an old man on a mission. Life comes at a price, but success comes with Ascension.
War and Moonfall loom on the horizon. It matters little. Artorian will build his arsenal.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2020
549 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 15, 2020
Something Missing
Arsenal is a fun read, but something feels wrong with the story.
This entry sees Artorian entering the timeline of the Divine dungeon series. Its initially interesting, but it does take a large part of the main character’s authority over the tale. He becomes just a small background actor in a larger tale. At the same time, we see the MC hoping between various settings, almost like a play. It’s not as interesting as the rest of the books, where you watch him naturally grow and interact with the world.
Another big problem I have is the ending. Without spoilers: there isn’t an ending. The book is preparing for the next entry (which I’m definitely reading) and just kinda... peters out. Its jarring.
One positive: there’s less real world references in this novel, though there are still a few. Especially references to other Dakota Krout novels. They are unpleasant, but at least there’s less of them this time around.
If you’ve read the series up to this point: grab this entry. It has problems, but still worth your time. And I’m banking that the next entry will be unique.
Arsenal is a fun read, but something feels wrong with the story.
This entry sees Artorian entering the timeline of the Divine dungeon series. Its initially interesting, but it does take a large part of the main character’s authority over the tale. He becomes just a small background actor in a larger tale. At the same time, we see the MC hoping between various settings, almost like a play. It’s not as interesting as the rest of the books, where you watch him naturally grow and interact with the world.
Another big problem I have is the ending. Without spoilers: there isn’t an ending. The book is preparing for the next entry (which I’m definitely reading) and just kinda... peters out. Its jarring.
One positive: there’s less real world references in this novel, though there are still a few. Especially references to other Dakota Krout novels. They are unpleasant, but at least there’s less of them this time around.
If you’ve read the series up to this point: grab this entry. It has problems, but still worth your time. And I’m banking that the next entry will be unique.
October 31, 2023
I honestly can't see the point of this book. So many people died, people we knew in previous books yet no one cared. What's the point of being administrator when he just let people kill each other or cause disaster wherever he goes. I didn't like Artorian in this book. He and the book were all over the place with no direct goal.
June 23, 2022
Very good book, I recommend it 5/5, it is very interesting every second, very good book, I highly recommend it.
July 18, 2021
Notes:
I liked this one more because of the direct tie in with Divine Dungeon series.
I liked this one more because of the direct tie in with Divine Dungeon series.
May 14, 2024
How is Vanderkerken going to fill another 10 -12 books? Connecting all of the Cal worlds together perhaps? Looking forward to it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
Fun
Uh... so Artorian finally rescues his last kids and the story connects to Divine Dungeon. There is a lot of analysis of the magic system and constant overturning of it and saying that it’s wrong... Still Artorian is a researcher so long exposition on matters is forgivable, however with the completion of the book series I am now unsure if it was the story of Artorian or an excuse for the author to work through his thoughts on the magic system. If the exposition were edited Artorian’s adventures would be one, maybe two, novels. Ultimately it’s a fun read, I just got tired of the nigh nonstop exposition. Enjoy.
Uh... so Artorian finally rescues his last kids and the story connects to Divine Dungeon. There is a lot of analysis of the magic system and constant overturning of it and saying that it’s wrong... Still Artorian is a researcher so long exposition on matters is forgivable, however with the completion of the book series I am now unsure if it was the story of Artorian or an excuse for the author to work through his thoughts on the magic system. If the exposition were edited Artorian’s adventures would be one, maybe two, novels. Ultimately it’s a fun read, I just got tired of the nigh nonstop exposition. Enjoy.
July 10, 2021
Arsenal is the fourth book in the Artorian’s Archives series by Dennis Vanderkerken and Dakota Krout.
I’m slightly disappointed how many different ‘evils’ or antagonists in Artorian’s future were so cleanly and easily swept away. They were this hard to accomplish future goal and now they are destroyed.
The most important aspect of this book was what might have been the destruction of the pearlescent aspect of cultivating for C rankers and above. That’s only if Cal/Cale can figure out how to bring cultivating and mana use back to his new pocket dimension. It’s an intriguing idea; this world inside a dungeon. We will come to see the pinnacle of creation. The nature of humanity it’s core: selfish, needless violence for the sake of pride when peace is always an option.
Artorian’s every day life will change. Maybe not so far in the crazy schemes he’ll manage to build out of nothing. However, I think the tasks to conquer this time around will take precedence over his general kookiness. His family and extended group of adopted children is safe and protected. With more power than most probably have given all they brought to the dungeon.
I’m excited to see how Vanderkerken will shape this new future, and what unexpected occurrences await us next.
I’m slightly disappointed how many different ‘evils’ or antagonists in Artorian’s future were so cleanly and easily swept away. They were this hard to accomplish future goal and now they are destroyed.
The most important aspect of this book was what might have been the destruction of the pearlescent aspect of cultivating for C rankers and above. That’s only if Cal/Cale can figure out how to bring cultivating and mana use back to his new pocket dimension. It’s an intriguing idea; this world inside a dungeon. We will come to see the pinnacle of creation. The nature of humanity it’s core: selfish, needless violence for the sake of pride when peace is always an option.
Artorian’s every day life will change. Maybe not so far in the crazy schemes he’ll manage to build out of nothing. However, I think the tasks to conquer this time around will take precedence over his general kookiness. His family and extended group of adopted children is safe and protected. With more power than most probably have given all they brought to the dungeon.
I’m excited to see how Vanderkerken will shape this new future, and what unexpected occurrences await us next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
I started the Artorian Archives on a whim and I am not sure if I should have read another series prior to this. Here are the things I love about this series. Artorian's whimsy , grandfatherlyness. I love that part and it has carried me thru these 4 books. I enjoyed reading Dawn/Ember.
The most fun was the antics and capers Artorian gets into. The fight and snappy repartee is just great. I love the humor. 4th wall breaks are nice too.
The bad: I feel like that there are veiled references that i miss. the Will Wight references I got but i think I am missing others.
But WHAT i detest is the Magic theory. it is soo dense. I tried to follow thru til I realized that. I don't care. Everytime the thesis of magic is discussed, my eyes cross. I admire the authors dedication to their magic system but damn Professors.. easy..
Anyway. I love the humor, whimsy. The Dwarf Grandmatron was a hoot. I just cant deal with the heavy magic theory that honestly bores me at this point. Also I dont understand where Artorian is going. I will finish this book and hopefully see if book 5 is worth the read.
The most fun was the antics and capers Artorian gets into. The fight and snappy repartee is just great. I love the humor. 4th wall breaks are nice too.
The bad: I feel like that there are veiled references that i miss. the Will Wight references I got but i think I am missing others.
But WHAT i detest is the Magic theory. it is soo dense. I tried to follow thru til I realized that. I don't care. Everytime the thesis of magic is discussed, my eyes cross. I admire the authors dedication to their magic system but damn Professors.. easy..
Anyway. I love the humor, whimsy. The Dwarf Grandmatron was a hoot. I just cant deal with the heavy magic theory that honestly bores me at this point. Also I dont understand where Artorian is going. I will finish this book and hopefully see if book 5 is worth the read.
May 25, 2023
Syncing up with Divine Dungeon 5
This book brings Artorian and the world through to the end of Divine Dungeon 5 and the epilogue covers a little bit after. This is the book in which Artorian settles all old business.
Spoilers below...
I've already started Acme (which is the name of the law Cal is bound to).
This book brings Artorian and the world through to the end of Divine Dungeon 5 and the epilogue covers a little bit after. This is the book in which Artorian settles all old business.
Spoilers below...
I've already started Acme (which is the name of the law Cal is bound to).
July 11, 2020
An entertaining twist of a story is Artorian’s road through life but he isn’t meandering
Deep inside, Artorian is a committed, tenacious lover of history, mischief, good food, good people and so much more. However he is on his own path and it looks like he may finally finish that bucket list that’s been haunting him for decades. Finishing things just feels good, maybe he will finally be able to rest?
Amazing imagery brings new powers and abilities to the fore, we once again see the extreme differences in power levels from C to B to A to S.
This book tied into Dale and Cal’s story as well as adding backstory and details!!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!
Deep inside, Artorian is a committed, tenacious lover of history, mischief, good food, good people and so much more. However he is on his own path and it looks like he may finally finish that bucket list that’s been haunting him for decades. Finishing things just feels good, maybe he will finally be able to rest?
Amazing imagery brings new powers and abilities to the fore, we once again see the extreme differences in power levels from C to B to A to S.
This book tied into Dale and Cal’s story as well as adding backstory and details!!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!
August 11, 2020
Great story but the development of powers bogs it down at times...
If your enjoyed the main Divine Dungeon story, you'll likely enjoy this tale delving into Artorian's past and how his life last him to be coming head of the academy. Unless you really enjoy delving into the deep makeup of the powers, the explanations can bog down the flow of the story. The in-depth revealing of how the potters exist and work aren't necessarily a truly negative thing as they are well thought out.
Other than that, GREAT story especially seeing the Divine Dungeon developments from his perspective.
!?
If your enjoyed the main Divine Dungeon story, you'll likely enjoy this tale delving into Artorian's past and how his life last him to be coming head of the academy. Unless you really enjoy delving into the deep makeup of the powers, the explanations can bog down the flow of the story. The in-depth revealing of how the potters exist and work aren't necessarily a truly negative thing as they are well thought out.
Other than that, GREAT story especially seeing the Divine Dungeon developments from his perspective.
!?
August 7, 2022
Long on exposition, a bit late on action.
First of all I enjoy the storyline of this book.
Love the main character and his Besty. in fact you could give Dawn her own series. The main character and her interaction are quite touching and quite lovely. my only complaint is too much exposition, explaining how mana works, explaining how other things work delving into the MC‘s analytical processes, we bit too much. don’t get me wrong I love how he analyze this way out of certain situations but some of the Book gets bogged down with too much Manusia. Still a worthy read going on to read the next one in the series
First of all I enjoy the storyline of this book.
Love the main character and his Besty. in fact you could give Dawn her own series. The main character and her interaction are quite touching and quite lovely. my only complaint is too much exposition, explaining how mana works, explaining how other things work delving into the MC‘s analytical processes, we bit too much. don’t get me wrong I love how he analyze this way out of certain situations but some of the Book gets bogged down with too much Manusia. Still a worthy read going on to read the next one in the series
August 9, 2020
I dropped books to finish this series
Unlike many extra spin offs, this does not feel like an author just trying to wring out the series. Artorians Archives was a fantastic way of adding yet more depth to an already amazingly fleshed out series whilst still keeping it fresh and giving us a fantastic character with amazing development and side characters. Towards the end it does feel a fraction faster suddenly but thankfully not jarringly so.
I hope i speak for everyone else when i say "We demand more Artorian shenanigans!"
Unlike many extra spin offs, this does not feel like an author just trying to wring out the series. Artorians Archives was a fantastic way of adding yet more depth to an already amazingly fleshed out series whilst still keeping it fresh and giving us a fantastic character with amazing development and side characters. Towards the end it does feel a fraction faster suddenly but thankfully not jarringly so.
I hope i speak for everyone else when i say "We demand more Artorian shenanigans!"
October 1, 2020
every book alone in this series is good. But as a series as a hole there are to many discrepancys and inconsistencys. Also many an evil which is not explained (why and how) or solved.
Spoilers
for example Hadurin. Some Time he is whit his family at the Spire and his war- wounds are because of his church exit. But at the end he ist still a high ranking inquisition in the fringe...
Or the church as such; why are they coruppted what happend in chasuble?
Where are all these refugees from?
What is with the zigurrat and its link to the Master and the necromancers...
Spoilers
for example Hadurin. Some Time he is whit his family at the Spire and his war- wounds are because of his church exit. But at the end he ist still a high ranking inquisition in the fringe...
Or the church as such; why are they coruppted what happend in chasuble?
Where are all these refugees from?
What is with the zigurrat and its link to the Master and the necromancers...
July 5, 2020
Possibly my favorite so far.
If you're reading this review hopefully it's because you have already read three terrific books about Artorian so far, and are yearning for the next. This book has so many great things in it. Answers to your questions about our favorite pillow-master, answers to the questions of what cultivation is, old school eastern style cultivation references, C rankers, A rankers, S rankers and my favorite, vorpal spiders.
If you're reading this review hopefully it's because you have already read three terrific books about Artorian so far, and are yearning for the next. This book has so many great things in it. Answers to your questions about our favorite pillow-master, answers to the questions of what cultivation is, old school eastern style cultivation references, C rankers, A rankers, S rankers and my favorite, vorpal spiders.
July 29, 2020
While I'm uncertain where the series goes from here, this book undoubtedly shows its origin is in another series. I really like Artorian and enjoy his character. His odd brand of wisdom and playfulness is what draws me. I think its safe to say the first narrative arc has been satisfied, and if we get more of artorian, his environment will be a bit different. It will be interesting to see if this series will brisge the gap between Kraot's series.
July 8, 2020
Absolutely amazing. Must read.
This book syncs up so well with the Divine Dungeon series. It’s gives so much more information on the universe that’s been created by these two writers, while still managing to be an entertaining read. Overall I say it’s a must read and I can’t for the next book in either series.
This book syncs up so well with the Divine Dungeon series. It’s gives so much more information on the universe that’s been created by these two writers, while still managing to be an entertaining read. Overall I say it’s a must read and I can’t for the next book in either series.
July 9, 2020
Comes Alive
I absolutely loved this book. The story and world really came alive in this book, and the character growth and development was also lovely. I couldn’t put this book down and read all night when I really shouldn’t of. My biggest regret about this book is that I finished it too fast, and now can’t keep on reading!
I absolutely loved this book. The story and world really came alive in this book, and the character growth and development was also lovely. I couldn’t put this book down and read all night when I really shouldn’t of. My biggest regret about this book is that I finished it too fast, and now can’t keep on reading!
July 12, 2020
Now we get to see a little more of the development of the world of Completionist Chronicles inside the "minds eye" of Cal the dungeon. All this happens from the perspective of the ever-curious, ever-troublesome Artorian.
Is there another Artorian book coming? Will he get himself into trouble inside this new world? Do we get other fun hints between the two worlds?
Is there another Artorian book coming? Will he get himself into trouble inside this new world? Do we get other fun hints between the two worlds?
July 13, 2020
Very good read but a foundation of the prequels is recommended
I love Artorian as a character. I love his perspective of things and events and how he views the mechanics of the world. I feel like the book got a little rushed near the middle, especially compared to previous entries in the series. I loved it though. I very much want another book in the serious to read.
I love Artorian as a character. I love his perspective of things and events and how he views the mechanics of the world. I feel like the book got a little rushed near the middle, especially compared to previous entries in the series. I loved it though. I very much want another book in the serious to read.
August 2, 2020
Lovetorian's Antics
The end of our original trilogy, but with the classic Artorian twists that are impossible to predict. We finally get to Lovetorian and his wonderfully crazy antics. Why fixate on the crash-landing of the moon, when there are so many more things to work on? The end of the world isn't nearly as important as...Love.
The end of our original trilogy, but with the classic Artorian twists that are impossible to predict. We finally get to Lovetorian and his wonderfully crazy antics. Why fixate on the crash-landing of the moon, when there are so many more things to work on? The end of the world isn't nearly as important as...Love.
August 5, 2020
A good but at times boring read
This series taxed me to no end with the ever repeating deep dives into essences and mana usage. The different story lines all had this in common and not one chapter escaped the tediousness of new aspects to be talked about or reviewed. It broke the flow and feel if the book for me.
This series taxed me to no end with the ever repeating deep dives into essences and mana usage. The different story lines all had this in common and not one chapter escaped the tediousness of new aspects to be talked about or reviewed. It broke the flow and feel if the book for me.
September 17, 2020
This is another great installment in the Artorian series in the Divine Dungeon Universe. I'm really not sure if people who only read this series will enjoy it as much as those who have already read the Divine Dungeon books, but it is still quite good by itself. I hope to see more of these and the Completionist Chronicles books from the author.
October 11, 2020
Noooow I remember who Artorian is. The way Vanderkerken weaves his story into and around the main line Dungeon Born story is great, especially seeing the final book from a different perspective. It makes me want to see another book of Team Cal dealing with the new world. Especially if it ends up leading into his Completionist series as I suspect.
April 26, 2023
What a solid wrap up of this , apparently first, arc
All things tied up nicely, linked with the original series without feeling like it rehashed too much.
Demons get what demons deserve 😁 sunlight pillow man learns about magehood.
And our favorite dawn makes an appearance.
If you like the others you'll enjoy this, as well as the audiobook versoon
All things tied up nicely, linked with the original series without feeling like it rehashed too much.
Demons get what demons deserve 😁 sunlight pillow man learns about magehood.
And our favorite dawn makes an appearance.
If you like the others you'll enjoy this, as well as the audiobook versoon
July 6, 2020
Good explanation
This book wrapped up the missing parts and opened up new avenues of exploration. I'm interested in how a lot of authors are having genre crossovers and will like to see where this goes.
This book wrapped up the missing parts and opened up new avenues of exploration. I'm interested in how a lot of authors are having genre crossovers and will like to see where this goes.
July 8, 2020
A marvellous addition to the Divine Dungeon world!
I love the main character. He is interesting and funny, with just enough knowledge to get into trouble. Really great job on adding lore to the world! Always hoping to see more.
I love the main character. He is interesting and funny, with just enough knowledge to get into trouble. Really great job on adding lore to the world! Always hoping to see more.
July 10, 2020
Brilliant addition
This book feels like the other half to the 4th and 5th Divine Dungeon books. It fills in a lot of blanks and manages to tie up a lot of loose ends in both series. A phenomenal challenge, fantastically executed.
This book feels like the other half to the 4th and 5th Divine Dungeon books. It fills in a lot of blanks and manages to tie up a lot of loose ends in both series. A phenomenal challenge, fantastically executed.
July 11, 2020
I continue to be impressed with this Eternium and its authors.
Another fun and lovable dive into Artorian and other characters in this fun world. I hope more is to come as I still want to know more about the time gaps between the two series.
Another fun and lovable dive into Artorian and other characters in this fun world. I hope more is to come as I still want to know more about the time gaps between the two series.
July 13, 2020
Dissapointing
I really liked the series up until this point, but this booked just seemed like a waste. Every other page is a long winded philosophical or theoretical discussion. The MC spends the whole book talking and taking random detours. Nothing happens in the first 40%.
I really liked the series up until this point, but this booked just seemed like a waste. Every other page is a long winded philosophical or theoretical discussion. The MC spends the whole book talking and taking random detours. Nothing happens in the first 40%.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews