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Monster Core #1
Monster Core
Dominic Thompson becomes an Infernal dungeon core and is given one task: honor the dark goddess by killing adventurers.
Choosing an avatar is merely the first step. To become the greatest, he must make the other dungeon cores submit to him. And that means shattering their jeweled hearts.
Or seducing their avatars.
Lucky for Dom, the dungeon’s avatars are beautiful monster girls. But they’re also the fiercest warriors in the realms, and there’s a fine line between murder and seduction.
This Dungeon Core novel contains harem elements.
Choosing an avatar is merely the first step. To become the greatest, he must make the other dungeon cores submit to him. And that means shattering their jeweled hearts.
Or seducing their avatars.
Lucky for Dom, the dungeon’s avatars are beautiful monster girls. But they’re also the fiercest warriors in the realms, and there’s a fine line between murder and seduction.
This Dungeon Core novel contains harem elements.
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Published October 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 29, 2025
Okay, so...I don't know if I'm one of the only AFAB person to read/listen to this book. I personally don't mind harem stories. I'm a millennial who reads fanfics in her spare time when she's not reading/writing. The harem trope is not something I'm turned off by.
November 18, 2018
This wasn't as bad as I expected from the book jacket info. I thought it'd be a decent story when I saw it on amazon, then I read the blurb after I'd downloaded, and thought "Oh crap! another harem piece of junk.". However, I am happy to report that while there was certainly some of that harem type stuff, it was not overdone, and actually fit quite well into the storyline. I actually liked the way the dungeon's avatar was handled, in that it couldn't manifest all the time, but only for short periods, and advancing levels would increase the time the avatar could manifest as well. That kind of lent some urgency to the avatar's actions, as anything that needed done couldn't happen if it ran out of time, so time management became a prime consideration. I've not seen that in any other dungeon core type book, so that was nice to see here. Also interesting to see the avatar before the dungeon actually had a location, that's unusual as well. Definitely some firsts here, and something that makes for an interesting story. Not a whole lot of levelling happened here, but I suspect there wil be more in the series, and we'll see more level ups as the story advances. If you typically like dungeon core books, this one might be a bit odd to you. If you like LitRPG books as a whole, but haven't liked the dungeon core books you've tried before, you may want to give this one a try, as it's a bit different from what you may have seen before, and you might surprise yourself with how much you like this one.
January 2, 2019
Surprisingly good book because / despite diminished Harem aspect
This is a dungeon core story about an Infernal dungeon. Aren't those expressly forbidden in 99% of dungeon core books? Why yes they are, and in this one as well. Our guy likes to break the rules.
What a fun book. I picked it up because I like the sexy cover. wile there are 2 and 1/2 sex scenes in it, This is not a sex book. This is a Gamelit dungeon core book that just happens to have some sex in it, and that is fairly mild and described poetically with almost no anatomical references. Instead we get a pretty exciting adventure about a forbidden dungeon who is NOT over powered fighting the odds and getting by with wits and guile and a little help from his friends.
Bravo! Can't wait for the next one. This is the second best after the founding Divine Dungeon by Dakota Krout.
This is the Pain of coming into a series from the start, the wait is killing me.
This is a dungeon core story about an Infernal dungeon. Aren't those expressly forbidden in 99% of dungeon core books? Why yes they are, and in this one as well. Our guy likes to break the rules.
What a fun book. I picked it up because I like the sexy cover. wile there are 2 and 1/2 sex scenes in it, This is not a sex book. This is a Gamelit dungeon core book that just happens to have some sex in it, and that is fairly mild and described poetically with almost no anatomical references. Instead we get a pretty exciting adventure about a forbidden dungeon who is NOT over powered fighting the odds and getting by with wits and guile and a little help from his friends.
Bravo! Can't wait for the next one. This is the second best after the founding Divine Dungeon by Dakota Krout.
This is the Pain of coming into a series from the start, the wait is killing me.
April 16, 2023
Much better than expected! Granted, I was expecting something like one of those monster girl harem anime, so the bar was very low. But this is good actually!
Monster Core is about as horny as the average romance novel but none of the concent problems, plus the dungeon protagonist power fantasy. The protagonist is standard fare for this kind of book. He worked in marketing so he's good at manipulating others. Odd choice but okay.
The half troll lady is inexplicably hot and well spoken, despite coming from the talk-in-third-person uggo family. The other harem lady is more demure but is still down to party within an hour or so. There's also a non-sexy annoying sidekick character but he gets better.
Monster Core is about as horny as the average romance novel but none of the concent problems, plus the dungeon protagonist power fantasy. The protagonist is standard fare for this kind of book. He worked in marketing so he's good at manipulating others. Odd choice but okay.
The half troll lady is inexplicably hot and well spoken, despite coming from the talk-in-third-person uggo family. The other harem lady is more demure but is still down to party within an hour or so. There's also a non-sexy annoying sidekick character but he gets better.
October 30, 2018
The beginnings of a great dungeon core
This book could be the beginning of a previously wonderful dungeon core. The multiple plot lines hold a lot value and all are just as interesting as the next. The mc is logically evil but not a dirty bastard about things. The dungeon building is typical but I like what was done with how the dungeon creates. Can't wait for book 2! Oh and harems are always a win.
This book could be the beginning of a previously wonderful dungeon core. The multiple plot lines hold a lot value and all are just as interesting as the next. The mc is logically evil but not a dirty bastard about things. The dungeon building is typical but I like what was done with how the dungeon creates. Can't wait for book 2! Oh and harems are always a win.
November 11, 2018
Awesome
Very enjoyable experience. Well written and perfect progression. MC is relatable and entertaining. Interesting spin on playing the villain role. Nicely done and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Very enjoyable experience. Well written and perfect progression. MC is relatable and entertaining. Interesting spin on playing the villain role. Nicely done and I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 29, 2023
Introduction
In the icy realms of HowlStrom, where the frosty winds sing the ancient songs of the Ice Wolves, I, Kiba Snowpaw, an alpha male Ice Wolf with the magic of the eternal frost, sit by the roaring fire. The flames, a stark contrast to my icy domain, dance and flicker, casting eerie shadows that tell tales of power and mystery. In this moment of solitude, amidst the eternal winter that graces my world every century, I delve into the enigmatic world of “Monster Core” by Dante King, an audiobook that beckons with the allure of dark dungeons and enigmatic avatars.
Basic Plot Summary
Dominic Thompson, a mortal, is transformed into an Infernal dungeon core, a being of power and mystery, tasked with a dark honor by a goddess. He is to become the greatest by making other dungeon cores submit, a journey that walks the fine line between murder and seduction. In a world where avatars are beautiful monster girls and warriors of the realms, Dominic, or Dom, as he is known, is caught in a dance of power, allure, and danger.
Analysis/Evaluation
As the icy winds howl outside my icy abode, echoing the power and mystery that lies within the icy veins of every Ice Wolf, I am drawn into the world of Dom. It’s a world that defies the norms, breaking the chains of the typical dungeon core narrative. The icy grip of the eternal winter in HowlStrom mirrors the chilling and thrilling journey of Dom, a dungeon core not bound by the traditional confines, but one that is as wild and untamable as the icy storms of my world.
Characters
Dom, an Infernal dungeon core, is as enigmatic as the icy landscapes of HowlStrom. He is a dance of fire and ice, power and vulnerability, a being who is as unpredictable as the icy winds that grace my world. The monster girls, avatars of beauty and power, are warriors, each echoing the strength and majesty of the Ice Wolves. They are a testament to the power that lies within beauty, a power that is as fierce and untamable as the eternal frost.
Structure
The structure of “Monster Core” is as intricate as the icy patterns that adorn the windows of my icy abode during the eternal winter. It’s a dance of power, allure, and danger, a narrative that is as unpredictable as the icy storms. The story unfolds with the precision of the icy winds carving sculptures of power and majesty in the snowy landscapes of HowlStrom.
Impact
As an Ice Wolf, the icy realms of power and mystery are my domain. “Monster Core” echoes the enigmatic allure of the icy landscapes, a narrative that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy winds. It’s a journey that beckons the soul, a dance of power and allure that is as enigmatic as the eternal frost.
Hook and Thesis
In the icy silence of the eternal winter, where the world is a dance of frosty elegance, “Monster Core” emerges as a narrative of power and mystery. It’s a story that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy landscapes of HowlStrom, a journey of power, allure, and danger that beckons the soul into a dance of enigmatic elegance.
Praise and Critique
The icy elegance of the narrative is adorned with moments of power and allure that echo the majesty of the Ice Wolves. However, like the icy storms that sometimes mar the frosty elegance of HowlStrom, the narrative is occasionally marred by moments of predictability. Yet, in the icy silence of the eternal winter, the power and mystery of the story shine as brightly as the icy stars that adorn the frosty skies of my world.
Evaluation
As the icy winds sing the ancient songs of power and mystery, I, Kiba Snowpaw, am drawn into the enigmatic world of “Monster Core”. It’s a narrative that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy landscapes of HowlStrom, a story that beckons the soul into a dance of enigmatic elegance.
Comparison
In the icy silence of the eternal winter, where the frosty winds weave tales of power and mystery, “Monster Core” stands as a monument of enigmatic allure. It’s a narrative that is as intricate as the icy patterns that adorn the windows of my icy abode, a story that is as unpredictable as the icy storms of HowlStrom.
Conclusion
As the flames of the roaring fire dance and flicker, casting eerie shadows that tell tales of power and mystery, I am left in the icy silence of the eternal winter, haunted by the enigmatic allure of “Monster Core”. It’s a narrative that will echo in the icy realms of HowlStrom, a story that will be sung by the icy winds as they weave tales of power and mystery for generations of Ice Wolves to come. In the icy silence of the eternal winter, the power and mystery of “Monster Core” are immortalized, a testament to the enigmatic allure of a narrative that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy landscapes of my world.
In the icy realms of HowlStrom, where the frosty winds sing the ancient songs of the Ice Wolves, I, Kiba Snowpaw, an alpha male Ice Wolf with the magic of the eternal frost, sit by the roaring fire. The flames, a stark contrast to my icy domain, dance and flicker, casting eerie shadows that tell tales of power and mystery. In this moment of solitude, amidst the eternal winter that graces my world every century, I delve into the enigmatic world of “Monster Core” by Dante King, an audiobook that beckons with the allure of dark dungeons and enigmatic avatars.
Basic Plot Summary
Dominic Thompson, a mortal, is transformed into an Infernal dungeon core, a being of power and mystery, tasked with a dark honor by a goddess. He is to become the greatest by making other dungeon cores submit, a journey that walks the fine line between murder and seduction. In a world where avatars are beautiful monster girls and warriors of the realms, Dominic, or Dom, as he is known, is caught in a dance of power, allure, and danger.
Analysis/Evaluation
As the icy winds howl outside my icy abode, echoing the power and mystery that lies within the icy veins of every Ice Wolf, I am drawn into the world of Dom. It’s a world that defies the norms, breaking the chains of the typical dungeon core narrative. The icy grip of the eternal winter in HowlStrom mirrors the chilling and thrilling journey of Dom, a dungeon core not bound by the traditional confines, but one that is as wild and untamable as the icy storms of my world.
Characters
Dom, an Infernal dungeon core, is as enigmatic as the icy landscapes of HowlStrom. He is a dance of fire and ice, power and vulnerability, a being who is as unpredictable as the icy winds that grace my world. The monster girls, avatars of beauty and power, are warriors, each echoing the strength and majesty of the Ice Wolves. They are a testament to the power that lies within beauty, a power that is as fierce and untamable as the eternal frost.
Structure
The structure of “Monster Core” is as intricate as the icy patterns that adorn the windows of my icy abode during the eternal winter. It’s a dance of power, allure, and danger, a narrative that is as unpredictable as the icy storms. The story unfolds with the precision of the icy winds carving sculptures of power and majesty in the snowy landscapes of HowlStrom.
Impact
As an Ice Wolf, the icy realms of power and mystery are my domain. “Monster Core” echoes the enigmatic allure of the icy landscapes, a narrative that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy winds. It’s a journey that beckons the soul, a dance of power and allure that is as enigmatic as the eternal frost.
Hook and Thesis
In the icy silence of the eternal winter, where the world is a dance of frosty elegance, “Monster Core” emerges as a narrative of power and mystery. It’s a story that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy landscapes of HowlStrom, a journey of power, allure, and danger that beckons the soul into a dance of enigmatic elegance.
Praise and Critique
The icy elegance of the narrative is adorned with moments of power and allure that echo the majesty of the Ice Wolves. However, like the icy storms that sometimes mar the frosty elegance of HowlStrom, the narrative is occasionally marred by moments of predictability. Yet, in the icy silence of the eternal winter, the power and mystery of the story shine as brightly as the icy stars that adorn the frosty skies of my world.
Evaluation
As the icy winds sing the ancient songs of power and mystery, I, Kiba Snowpaw, am drawn into the enigmatic world of “Monster Core”. It’s a narrative that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy landscapes of HowlStrom, a story that beckons the soul into a dance of enigmatic elegance.
Comparison
In the icy silence of the eternal winter, where the frosty winds weave tales of power and mystery, “Monster Core” stands as a monument of enigmatic allure. It’s a narrative that is as intricate as the icy patterns that adorn the windows of my icy abode, a story that is as unpredictable as the icy storms of HowlStrom.
Conclusion
As the flames of the roaring fire dance and flicker, casting eerie shadows that tell tales of power and mystery, I am left in the icy silence of the eternal winter, haunted by the enigmatic allure of “Monster Core”. It’s a narrative that will echo in the icy realms of HowlStrom, a story that will be sung by the icy winds as they weave tales of power and mystery for generations of Ice Wolves to come. In the icy silence of the eternal winter, the power and mystery of “Monster Core” are immortalized, a testament to the enigmatic allure of a narrative that is as chilling and thrilling as the icy landscapes of my world.
May 31, 2020
Note: I listened to an audio book but, as that is not currently listed on Goodreads.com, I am placing my review here.
Note 2: I listened to books 1 and 2 in this series one right after the other so they are getting the same review.
I listened to "Bone Lord" by this author recently and found it to be nothing more than a teenage boy's wet dream put to paper. As a result I only listened to 20% of "Bone Lord". Here, again, is little more than an immature male fantasy, with every female sexually desiring the MC and every male defeated in battle and/or subservient to the MC. I, however, am a sucker for the "how do we grow a dungeon" story line and that kept me reading, which is how I was able to finish both books. These books, however, lack imagination, never surprising me once. Further, there is little to no character development. I am really only giving these books 2 stars because, while the story told is uninspired, it is at least told in a good, straightforward manner, making the books passable.
Here the MC is on earth but is approached by a goddess from another world. In a stupid and unnecessary part of the story the author has the MC and goddess misunderstand each other with the MC insisting on thinking he is in a VR game even though he didn't put on any VR gear.
NOTE: "Spoilers" follow, but, personally, I found these books to be so straight-forward and lacking in surprise that I can't really see how one would spoil them.
Regardless the MC ends up a dungeon core without a dungeon but with an avatar he can manifest for an hour and a mountain to climb. The top of the mountain is an advantageous place to start a dungeon but on the way there the MC is waylaid by trolls. Fortunately the MC is able to seduce the one hot half troll and enthrall an imp. Together they kill the other trolls and head for the mountain top. This begins the routine the author uses for confrontations: The trolls were painted as way too tough for the MC and half-orc babe but then they win with ease. They are followed by a troll chieftain of sorts who is tougher than all the other trolls together and suppose to be a real threat, until they beat him with ease. Then the "chosen one" (Ralph, and yes, all the author's names for anyone other than the MC are lame) shows up with a wizard (of sorts) and a dungeon diving crew only to be defeated with such ease that the MC lets Ralph go free just so he can bring more dungeon divers. Also, the "wizard" had another dungeon core which the MC seduces and the countdown to threesomes begins (although the MC is too busy in the first two books to get to that).
Ralph returns with the "Sand Pirates" who are this realms version of professional dungeon divers and they are defeated with ease and Ralph set free again.
This is where book 1 ends and book 2 begins with the author just not bothering with how he ended book 1. Ignoring that Ralph was sent off, book 2 begins with Ralph enthralled to the MC. The MC then proceeds to find a portal stone to the nature realm and send Ralph and his imp through. Ralph and imp make an alliance with a local guild who are tired of being treated like second class citizens by the higher ups. This leads to the MC and local guild going dungeon diving ending in the MC seducing the tree realm dungeon core.
To protect his new nature realm allies the MC lures their higher ups to his dungeon and defeats them easily. End book 2.
Bottom line: Unless you are a 13 year old boy in want of fantasy erotica, give these books a pass and find something better to read.
Note 2: I listened to books 1 and 2 in this series one right after the other so they are getting the same review.
I listened to "Bone Lord" by this author recently and found it to be nothing more than a teenage boy's wet dream put to paper. As a result I only listened to 20% of "Bone Lord". Here, again, is little more than an immature male fantasy, with every female sexually desiring the MC and every male defeated in battle and/or subservient to the MC. I, however, am a sucker for the "how do we grow a dungeon" story line and that kept me reading, which is how I was able to finish both books. These books, however, lack imagination, never surprising me once. Further, there is little to no character development. I am really only giving these books 2 stars because, while the story told is uninspired, it is at least told in a good, straightforward manner, making the books passable.
Here the MC is on earth but is approached by a goddess from another world. In a stupid and unnecessary part of the story the author has the MC and goddess misunderstand each other with the MC insisting on thinking he is in a VR game even though he didn't put on any VR gear.
NOTE: "Spoilers" follow, but, personally, I found these books to be so straight-forward and lacking in surprise that I can't really see how one would spoil them.
Regardless the MC ends up a dungeon core without a dungeon but with an avatar he can manifest for an hour and a mountain to climb. The top of the mountain is an advantageous place to start a dungeon but on the way there the MC is waylaid by trolls. Fortunately the MC is able to seduce the one hot half troll and enthrall an imp. Together they kill the other trolls and head for the mountain top. This begins the routine the author uses for confrontations: The trolls were painted as way too tough for the MC and half-orc babe but then they win with ease. They are followed by a troll chieftain of sorts who is tougher than all the other trolls together and suppose to be a real threat, until they beat him with ease. Then the "chosen one" (Ralph, and yes, all the author's names for anyone other than the MC are lame) shows up with a wizard (of sorts) and a dungeon diving crew only to be defeated with such ease that the MC lets Ralph go free just so he can bring more dungeon divers. Also, the "wizard" had another dungeon core which the MC seduces and the countdown to threesomes begins (although the MC is too busy in the first two books to get to that).
Ralph returns with the "Sand Pirates" who are this realms version of professional dungeon divers and they are defeated with ease and Ralph set free again.
This is where book 1 ends and book 2 begins with the author just not bothering with how he ended book 1. Ignoring that Ralph was sent off, book 2 begins with Ralph enthralled to the MC. The MC then proceeds to find a portal stone to the nature realm and send Ralph and his imp through. Ralph and imp make an alliance with a local guild who are tired of being treated like second class citizens by the higher ups. This leads to the MC and local guild going dungeon diving ending in the MC seducing the tree realm dungeon core.
To protect his new nature realm allies the MC lures their higher ups to his dungeon and defeats them easily. End book 2.
Bottom line: Unless you are a 13 year old boy in want of fantasy erotica, give these books a pass and find something better to read.
April 9, 2022
This is the first volume of a novel series. Monster core is about a human "reincarnated soul" placed into a Dungeon Core by goddess Lilith. The Zagorath Dungeon is managed by Von Dominus (Dungeon Core), main character.
My first impression is that Dante King, the author does not know that much about Dungeons or Dungeon Cores. This Dungeon Core does not have minions, drones, golems or guards. Has a possibility to name 2 champions in the beginning. Like with the medieval kings and duels.
A Dungeon Core has a constant fight against time, the weaker it is, the easier it is for adventurers, enemies, etc. to "conquer" the Dungeon and retrieve the Dungeon Core. I explain this because the first thing this Dungeon Core did, was have sexual intercourse with a Half Troll-Half Human "monster". Without minions, author, makes main character a "pac-man" being that eats the building materials to make the different rooms in his new Dungeon. With no helpers, this Dungeon building and creation is going to take forever. Von Dominus is the first minion, maid, concierge and lord. He designs and constructs everything. Traditional dungeons keep the Dungeon Core in a specific place (secret and hidden) and it is unmovable. In this author's mentality, the core, Von Dominus moves around, and accomplishes everything, but a movable core is fragile to attacks. If the core is defeated the Dungeon closes down. If the core is defeated, Von Dominus dies and the novel series ends.
This first novel has over 300+ pages and 32 chapters (about 10 pages per chapter which is small). About half the size and pages of similar genre novels. The title cover seems somewhat amateurishly done. Trolls are rarely "Hulk" green or shorter than humans, all have a regeneration ability and are monstrously ugly. Trolls are not goblins (green) or orcs (redish brown). Imps (even if they are infernal) are the weakest "minion" type monsters. Imps are like gremlins (small and weak). Only maybe slimes and microbe type or insect type hive monsters are weaker.
My first impression is that Dante King, the author does not know that much about Dungeons or Dungeon Cores. This Dungeon Core does not have minions, drones, golems or guards. Has a possibility to name 2 champions in the beginning. Like with the medieval kings and duels.
A Dungeon Core has a constant fight against time, the weaker it is, the easier it is for adventurers, enemies, etc. to "conquer" the Dungeon and retrieve the Dungeon Core. I explain this because the first thing this Dungeon Core did, was have sexual intercourse with a Half Troll-Half Human "monster". Without minions, author, makes main character a "pac-man" being that eats the building materials to make the different rooms in his new Dungeon. With no helpers, this Dungeon building and creation is going to take forever. Von Dominus is the first minion, maid, concierge and lord. He designs and constructs everything. Traditional dungeons keep the Dungeon Core in a specific place (secret and hidden) and it is unmovable. In this author's mentality, the core, Von Dominus moves around, and accomplishes everything, but a movable core is fragile to attacks. If the core is defeated the Dungeon closes down. If the core is defeated, Von Dominus dies and the novel series ends.
This first novel has over 300+ pages and 32 chapters (about 10 pages per chapter which is small). About half the size and pages of similar genre novels. The title cover seems somewhat amateurishly done. Trolls are rarely "Hulk" green or shorter than humans, all have a regeneration ability and are monstrously ugly. Trolls are not goblins (green) or orcs (redish brown). Imps (even if they are infernal) are the weakest "minion" type monsters. Imps are like gremlins (small and weak). Only maybe slimes and microbe type or insect type hive monsters are weaker.
July 16, 2021
I think I should stop reading dungeon core books. I've read two and while some of the elements are interesting, the actual defending the dungeon part tends to be pretty boring to me and the bloodthirsty nature of the core (at least in the ones I've read) I just find distasteful. Maybe if you altered the premise it could be made interesting. Maybe a living fort defending some border? Change the premise from randomly violent cave to something with an actual purpose. Anyway, onto this book.
So, we start off with some simple isekai to set things up, then mix in some litrpg elements, and eventually get to the dungeon building. These are all played fairly straight and don't deviate too much from the norm as far as I understand them. There's the harem elements but I think you could lump that in with [modern] isekai and no one would notice the difference. There's some sex scenes, but while they are described they're also somewhat abstract.
As far as characters go, Dom goes pretty quickly into the bloodthirsty/power hungry mode and that was just tedious to me. We get a few side chapters with the dungeon delver that fills the role of antagonist that start out humorously tropey, but the later ones I found fairly annoying. I wasn't a big fan of how the world's equivalent of "experience" functioned which played a part in that. Both Dom and the adventurer seem to go from nothing to super ultra amazing in functionally no time with basically no real explanation given as to how they were capable of that feat. Dom has the isekai excuse but it's never really explained though they do point it out for both of them.
The rest of the cast is likeable enough, and I think if the story could have pivoted away from the random murdery feel of the typical dungeon core set-up I would have liked this a lot more.
So, we start off with some simple isekai to set things up, then mix in some litrpg elements, and eventually get to the dungeon building. These are all played fairly straight and don't deviate too much from the norm as far as I understand them. There's the harem elements but I think you could lump that in with [modern] isekai and no one would notice the difference. There's some sex scenes, but while they are described they're also somewhat abstract.
As far as characters go, Dom goes pretty quickly into the bloodthirsty/power hungry mode and that was just tedious to me. We get a few side chapters with the dungeon delver that fills the role of antagonist that start out humorously tropey, but the later ones I found fairly annoying. I wasn't a big fan of how the world's equivalent of "experience" functioned which played a part in that. Both Dom and the adventurer seem to go from nothing to super ultra amazing in functionally no time with basically no real explanation given as to how they were capable of that feat. Dom has the isekai excuse but it's never really explained though they do point it out for both of them.
The rest of the cast is likeable enough, and I think if the story could have pivoted away from the random murdery feel of the typical dungeon core set-up I would have liked this a lot more.
October 14, 2021
3.75 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story... 3-4 Stars
If significant, why?
Main Character Ratings...
H = 7/10
h = n/a
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of?
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 40%
How much of the story? 10%
Anything beyond M/F? Not really but will be
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 6/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The blurb says it all
The Romance... None really.
The drama explosion... Bad guys attack
Did it feel real or contrived? Neither
Was it OTT? A bit
Separation involved?
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Properly
Final Notes... This was a fun and interesting story and not heavy on sex. The H and the enemy both develop a bit too quickly and it would have been more realistic if it took months instead of a few weeks.
HEA or HFN?
My rating range of this story... 3-4 Stars
If significant, why?
Main Character Ratings...
H = 7/10
h = n/a
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of?
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 40%
How much of the story? 10%
Anything beyond M/F? Not really but will be
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 6/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The blurb says it all
The Romance... None really.
The drama explosion... Bad guys attack
Did it feel real or contrived? Neither
Was it OTT? A bit
Separation involved?
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Properly
Final Notes... This was a fun and interesting story and not heavy on sex. The H and the enemy both develop a bit too quickly and it would have been more realistic if it took months instead of a few weeks.
HEA or HFN?
December 8, 2023
Plot-wise, this book is a three. While interesting, the story and its characters are relatively simple. Besides the MC, I didn't particularly feel invested in any of the characters and their world (limited information given). I also disliked how much smut there was and the way it occurred (it didn't feel natural/realistic, more like a boy's wet dream).
On the plus side (the reason I gave this book a 4), I loved how determined and bloodthirsty the MC was. It was fun watching him act the all-powerful and evil dungeon lord.
On the plus side (the reason I gave this book a 4), I loved how determined and bloodthirsty the MC was. It was fun watching him act the all-powerful and evil dungeon lord.
March 3, 2022
Not my usual fare to be sure, but the narrator to the audio book did a great job. A human becomes a demon elf and a dugeon core and battles creatures and beds others to get stronger. The book had a lot of gratuitous violence, which is spot on for the genre, but will probably keep me from listening to or reading the next book.
November 27, 2018
Good plot,but weak grammar
Story was solid,characters were memorable,and even though the grammar was rough in spots the writing was not unreadable. Overall a good read.
Expect some adult themes.
Story was solid,characters were memorable,and even though the grammar was rough in spots the writing was not unreadable. Overall a good read.
Expect some adult themes.
February 8, 2019
A great story
I enjoyed reading the book quite a bit. The last time I tried reading a dungeon core book I didnt really enjoy it. This book, however, is quite fun. The main character is maybe a little OP, but the storyline was handled well and the pace was excellent.
I enjoyed reading the book quite a bit. The last time I tried reading a dungeon core book I didnt really enjoy it. This book, however, is quite fun. The main character is maybe a little OP, but the storyline was handled well and the pace was excellent.
May 4, 2020
My favorite dungeon core book by a great author
Description! Immersion! Dungeon core! Crafting and problem solving, empire building, and nothing just straight out of the box. Nice twists and turns, a bit of foreshadowing, all the great stuff. Dante King is a fantastic author
Description! Immersion! Dungeon core! Crafting and problem solving, empire building, and nothing just straight out of the box. Nice twists and turns, a bit of foreshadowing, all the great stuff. Dante King is a fantastic author
January 29, 2021
Fun and exciting!
A brilliant, fun and exciting read with an awesome premise. I've always enjoyed Dungeon Core books from a few GameLit series, but this one has proven to be quite a thrilling and exciting read.
Already buying the next one!
A brilliant, fun and exciting read with an awesome premise. I've always enjoyed Dungeon Core books from a few GameLit series, but this one has proven to be quite a thrilling and exciting read.
Already buying the next one!
February 3, 2021
My favorite series by Dante King!
I love the dungeon crafting and building in this series, as well as the champion approach that has some creative character development as well. Can hardly wait for this series to continue.
I love the dungeon crafting and building in this series, as well as the champion approach that has some creative character development as well. Can hardly wait for this series to continue.
September 23, 2021
I found this to be an okay read. As far as the dungeon core idea, it was well done. It was light and fluffy, a good way to kill some quiet time.
However, I read the series by Drew Hayes, and I found that I enjoyed that take a bit better.
However, I read the series by Drew Hayes, and I found that I enjoyed that take a bit better.
December 20, 2021
It was ok.
There was nothing great or too aggravating. So if something starts to annoy you, it doesn't have anything to balance it out.
I don't have high hopes for the later instalments but won't dismiss them outright
There was nothing great or too aggravating. So if something starts to annoy you, it doesn't have anything to balance it out.
I don't have high hopes for the later instalments but won't dismiss them outright
July 27, 2023
Stick with it
Wasn’t sure about this book after reading about a 1/3 of it but I stuck with it and have since completed books 1, 2, and 3. The series did get better and I will definitely read book 4 when it comes out.
Wasn’t sure about this book after reading about a 1/3 of it but I stuck with it and have since completed books 1, 2, and 3. The series did get better and I will definitely read book 4 when it comes out.
September 26, 2023
An 11hr audio book. I both hated and enjoyed this book, I most likely will never read it again or even suggest it for anyone other than it was free and a Lit-RPG. But, as a Lit-RPG it was worthy of reading once.
November 7, 2023
Interesting dungeon core type fantasy novel, I liked the overall premise of the story but could have done without the adult aspects of the story. Thought I would try it because the story line sounded interesting. Not for Kids!
December 14, 2023
This was such a terribly boring read... It had a lot more plot than I had anticipated based off the cover which was great, but world building and story telling were just terrible IMO. It certainly cleansed my palate though, I'm ready for something MORE
December 31, 2024
A fun role playing game (RPG) feel reminding me of a D & D game. Good action and description and definitely covered the exploration and adventure part of classic RPG. Would be interesting to those looking for a book written from the masculine perspective.
October 29, 2018
Entertaining
A fun, entertaining, well paced new series. Looking forward to many sequels to come and hopefully more series from this author.
A fun, entertaining, well paced new series. Looking forward to many sequels to come and hopefully more series from this author.
October 31, 2018
Very good
I don't normally read dungeon core books. But this one captured me. I was thoroughly entertained. Looking forward to part 2.
I don't normally read dungeon core books. But this one captured me. I was thoroughly entertained. Looking forward to part 2.
November 4, 2018
I liked the book and cannot wait for the sequel
It is an enjoyable read good characters. I would have preferred more creatures in the dungeon though. It seems a bit barron.
It is an enjoyable read good characters. I would have preferred more creatures in the dungeon though. It seems a bit barron.
November 8, 2018
Great story, bad editting
Great plot and cincept. Editting needs work. Many things wouk have been caught by a basic spellchecker. Really looking forward to the next book.
Great plot and cincept. Editting needs work. Many things wouk have been caught by a basic spellchecker. Really looking forward to the next book.
November 12, 2018
Fun take on dungeons
It's a fun read. Action keeps the pace moving, like that he's one of many types yet still unique. Looking forward to the 2nd book!!
It's a fun read. Action keeps the pace moving, like that he's one of many types yet still unique. Looking forward to the 2nd book!!
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