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The Rogue Dungeon #4
Rogue Evolution
Build. Evolve. Conquer. Welcome to the dawn of a whole new kind of monster…
Roark von Graf built a nation on the bodies of griefed players and disgruntled mobs who wanted him dead. He grinded his way up to the level cap of the Troll Evolutionary Path and made powerful underhanded alliances along the way, but even all of that isn’t enough to defeat the Tyrant King’s right-hand mage, Lowen, and the Divine armies of the most powerful dungeon in the game.
When Lowen and the Vault of the Radiant Shield go on the attack, Roark’s only hope of survival lies in the stolen World Stone Pendant and its mysterious transmutation magic. To stand a chance against the overpowered mage, he’ll have to unlock the game-changing cheat that is Mega-Evolutions.
But while Roark and his Troll Nation are entrenched in an all-out battle for survival, the Tyrant King is preparing to unleash his hidden weapon—one that will hit Roark where he’s most vulnerable. . .
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 11hrs. and 4mins.
©2020 Shadow Alley Press, Inc. (P)2020 Shadow Alley Press, Inc.
Roark von Graf built a nation on the bodies of griefed players and disgruntled mobs who wanted him dead. He grinded his way up to the level cap of the Troll Evolutionary Path and made powerful underhanded alliances along the way, but even all of that isn’t enough to defeat the Tyrant King’s right-hand mage, Lowen, and the Divine armies of the most powerful dungeon in the game.
When Lowen and the Vault of the Radiant Shield go on the attack, Roark’s only hope of survival lies in the stolen World Stone Pendant and its mysterious transmutation magic. To stand a chance against the overpowered mage, he’ll have to unlock the game-changing cheat that is Mega-Evolutions.
But while Roark and his Troll Nation are entrenched in an all-out battle for survival, the Tyrant King is preparing to unleash his hidden weapon—one that will hit Roark where he’s most vulnerable. . .
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 11hrs. and 4mins.
©2020 Shadow Alley Press, Inc. (P)2020 Shadow Alley Press, Inc.
Audible Audio
First published April 23, 2020
358 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
79 books1,112 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 27, 2020
Publishing Date: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5
Review: Initially, this novel was a slow start. The power up verbiage, while keeping with the theme, is becoming redundant. The action could have pulled more to the surface without the movement deadening, “magic explanations”. A bit restrictive when attempting to grow characters or introduce new ones.
The world has been built in prior novels and this creates an issue of repetitiveness when nothing new unfolds. Thankfully, there are quests galore (world expansion) with interesting scenarios and inventive creatures. At this point the novel clearly goes back into over-drive and what once was a chore to read has now captured my interest.
This series took off with a bang, got a flat tire and ended up crossing the line in good form. There is still more to come, and I look forward to it (them?).
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5
Review: Initially, this novel was a slow start. The power up verbiage, while keeping with the theme, is becoming redundant. The action could have pulled more to the surface without the movement deadening, “magic explanations”. A bit restrictive when attempting to grow characters or introduce new ones.
The world has been built in prior novels and this creates an issue of repetitiveness when nothing new unfolds. Thankfully, there are quests galore (world expansion) with interesting scenarios and inventive creatures. At this point the novel clearly goes back into over-drive and what once was a chore to read has now captured my interest.
This series took off with a bang, got a flat tire and ended up crossing the line in good form. There is still more to come, and I look forward to it (them?).
September 1, 2020
Loved!
Rogue Evolution is the 4th book in the series and for the first time in this series the the IRL characters, Randy and Scott, come out as the stars.That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy Roark and his eclectic band of underdogs that out perform against all odds against creepy spiders and a fire breathing dragon. I love love loved them, especially Kaz.
But Randy, the uber geek and programmer of Hearthworld and Scott the crazed gamer, came ready for action and showed they had balls of steel when it counted. The ending made very clear that they will have a huge part of the action in the next book which better be coming out soon, or else...I’ll think bad thoughts.
Rogue Evolution is the 4th book in the series and for the first time in this series the the IRL characters, Randy and Scott, come out as the stars.That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy Roark and his eclectic band of underdogs that out perform against all odds against creepy spiders and a fire breathing dragon. I love love loved them, especially Kaz.
But Randy, the uber geek and programmer of Hearthworld and Scott the crazed gamer, came ready for action and showed they had balls of steel when it counted. The ending made very clear that they will have a huge part of the action in the next book which better be coming out soon, or else...I’ll think bad thoughts.
January 28, 2021
I can't get the next book in my hands fast enough.
The tension (and power creep) marches on. The revelations, badass.
The tension (and power creep) marches on. The revelations, badass.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. This is still a fun ride, and I'll keep going with the series, but I don't have much to say about this volume in particular. It's very "middle book." That is, it's falling into a familiar formula where Roark has to go on a perilous quest somewhere in Hearthworld to get the items, skills, or levels he needs in order to accomplish the main goal of the book. Here, Roark needs a major breakthrough to have a chance at surviving an onslaught of level 99 Heralds under the command of Lowen, and he gets it, thanks to the weird magic of the Worldstone. But to make use of the new magic, he has to go on a quest through the Jungles of Night to kill the level 99 necrodragon, Axol the Eternal. And it's revealed that the arch-enemy Marek, the Tyrant King of Traisbin, plans to conquer and subjugate ALL the worlds, including the one the heroes refer to as "IRL."
One of the more interesting moments was when Xera gets a chance to undergo a strange new mega-evolution, and she seems to have evolved into something pretty unsexy but that suits her interests perfectly. She's come a long way from the scantily clad troll babe we met in book 1.
One of the more interesting moments was when Xera gets a chance to undergo a strange new mega-evolution, and she seems to have evolved into something pretty unsexy but that suits her interests perfectly. She's come a long way from the scantily clad troll babe we met in book 1.
June 8, 2020
I enjoy reading this series, but this book left me feeling like it was incomplete at the end. It doesn't feel like any plot arc is completed, or advanced sufficiently. World building, instead of story telling..
April 23, 2020
As always this series is really jam packed with breath taking action all the way, but what I really enjoyed in this book is that we get to see our heroes fighting their enemies not only in-game but also IRL and those we know of as heroes in-game are unfortunately not so heroic IRL but since Roark has made Scott alias pwnrbwner, his one time enemy, and Randy his greater vassals in-game they seem to have inherited magical powers which they are able to access IRL. Roark is the leader of Troll Nation and he knows that his biggest threat came from the Tyrant King Mirek, who had already stolen everything from Roark when he had killed his family, and Lowen his henchman and mage. In order to defeat this powerful enemy, he needed to make his trolls stronger and so he forged alliances with other citadel groups, and used his stolen stone pendant to hybridise some of the group thus making them much more powerful. It is this stone pendant that Mirek wants back at all costs, but which Roark who is just learning of the wonderful powers this can bestow is damned if he will let him have it. In this book the quests become more challenging and the monsters faced are awesome especially those faced in the Nocturnus territory. So can Scott and Randy beat the bullies back home and Roark, Griff, Mac, Zyra, Ick and Kez defeat the Tyrant King and take over Hearthworld, making this a safer place for one and all? Can Randy stop the people at Frontflip, those who had created the game, from wiping it out as they intended, with all his new friends never to be seen again? Phew quite a cliff hanger ending once again, and I for one am dying for book 5 already.
September 16, 2020
Pacing is off, but still a great read
Roark is looking for an edge against Lowen and his forces and is coming up empty. Roark gets an uncomfortable visit from someone in his past. So now Roark has to think of the craziest idea in order to try to make his goals happen. The short of it is that if you like the previous books in the series then you are going to like this one too. It is more of the characters we like and yet goes deeper into who each one is. This book was a great look into how the Troll Nation is changing and the people in it, and their roles in it, are changing too. Oh, and remember Roark used the pendent on the PC allies? Yeah, well the consequences of those actions may even follow the players into their world.
The one downside to this book, as great as it is, is that the pacing seems... jumpy. The characters will be dealing with an issue and its over, then its like an undefined amount of time passes and something else happens. It is not the biggest issue I've come across but it makes the moments mentioned feel like smaller arcs rather than a complete story when you might feel like you missed something. Some readers/listeners may not mind this but I thought I would mention it.
Nick Podehl still does amazing things with the stories he reads. I would recommend him to anyone.
Roark is looking for an edge against Lowen and his forces and is coming up empty. Roark gets an uncomfortable visit from someone in his past. So now Roark has to think of the craziest idea in order to try to make his goals happen. The short of it is that if you like the previous books in the series then you are going to like this one too. It is more of the characters we like and yet goes deeper into who each one is. This book was a great look into how the Troll Nation is changing and the people in it, and their roles in it, are changing too. Oh, and remember Roark used the pendent on the PC allies? Yeah, well the consequences of those actions may even follow the players into their world.
The one downside to this book, as great as it is, is that the pacing seems... jumpy. The characters will be dealing with an issue and its over, then its like an undefined amount of time passes and something else happens. It is not the biggest issue I've come across but it makes the moments mentioned feel like smaller arcs rather than a complete story when you might feel like you missed something. Some readers/listeners may not mind this but I thought I would mention it.
Nick Podehl still does amazing things with the stories he reads. I would recommend him to anyone.
April 25, 2020
Good story but short
Another good book in the series but plot progression was slow. Enjoy the series though and the runes this book took were really fun. I look forward to more in the series, I just wish more happened in a single book. The MC didnt hardly change from page 1 till the end, and it feels a bit contrived--like intentional dragging out of the series to get more books. I like the author for the most part, but he seems to be be doing this more and more to avoid power creep, but it stalls the plot progression and you have to read two or three books to get anywhere.
I'm still giving him 4 stars because he did move other aspects of the story along some, but these short snippet books annoy me as a reader. I get all done and stuff happened but I feel like nothing has actually happened. Stuff is introduced but not explored. Minor thing change and change is talked about, but the story isnt progressing. Once the series finally ends and a person can bing read the entire series it wont matter much. But I much prefer books in the 700 page range that move a story along so you feel like you are on an adventure, not watching a painfully detailed "day in the life" anime filler episode.,
Another good book in the series but plot progression was slow. Enjoy the series though and the runes this book took were really fun. I look forward to more in the series, I just wish more happened in a single book. The MC didnt hardly change from page 1 till the end, and it feels a bit contrived--like intentional dragging out of the series to get more books. I like the author for the most part, but he seems to be be doing this more and more to avoid power creep, but it stalls the plot progression and you have to read two or three books to get anywhere.
I'm still giving him 4 stars because he did move other aspects of the story along some, but these short snippet books annoy me as a reader. I get all done and stuff happened but I feel like nothing has actually happened. Stuff is introduced but not explored. Minor thing change and change is talked about, but the story isnt progressing. Once the series finally ends and a person can bing read the entire series it wont matter much. But I much prefer books in the 700 page range that move a story along so you feel like you are on an adventure, not watching a painfully detailed "day in the life" anime filler episode.,
April 9, 2022
book four
Mistakes: Two more of those stupid IRL abbreviations. It’s lazy writing and I can’t stand it. One of them didn’t even fit in the sentence. I know a lot of folks give good reviews regardless of the lack of writing, but I have standards.
I’m not going to give the best reviews to writing that uses abbreviations that don’t fit with peoples actions. Nobody actually says IRL when talking. At most they use it in written messages to others.
I also dislike when a character pulls some spell or items from thin air that we the readers never see them acquire. Plot armor sucks!
Plot: This book all revolves around the plot armor. Without it the story has gapping holes in it.
Characters: Oh yeah! He reunites with his sister! (Sarcasm!)
3/10 Could have been so much better if you didn’t rely on the plot armor to carry the story.
Spells that he learned between books and an overflowing vault when we saw him empty it in the last book.
Mistakes: Two more of those stupid IRL abbreviations. It’s lazy writing and I can’t stand it. One of them didn’t even fit in the sentence. I know a lot of folks give good reviews regardless of the lack of writing, but I have standards.
I’m not going to give the best reviews to writing that uses abbreviations that don’t fit with peoples actions. Nobody actually says IRL when talking. At most they use it in written messages to others.
I also dislike when a character pulls some spell or items from thin air that we the readers never see them acquire. Plot armor sucks!
Plot: This book all revolves around the plot armor. Without it the story has gapping holes in it.
Characters: Oh yeah! He reunites with his sister! (Sarcasm!)
3/10 Could have been so much better if you didn’t rely on the plot armor to carry the story.
Spells that he learned between books and an overflowing vault when we saw him empty it in the last book.
October 10, 2020
Well this is probably one of the worst series I have ever seen. The mc often still just sits in fights doing nothing the authors are pathatic at creating fight parts are terrible. The mc has a thing for being a one man army even tho he is utterly pathetic. He is like I need to take on the entire army my self.
Then the author is like let's fight a army of lvl twenties and some odd early lvl thirties against a entire army of lvl 99s. Like...That is just stupid. There is no tension no danger or anything because it's so ridiculous. The mc started at lvl 1 the enemies at lvl 99 and cap evolution which apparently the mc's race can never reach. So you are sitting there going why didn't they just 1 man kill him like it doesn't make sense the lvl 50 the only lvl 50 player was 1 shotting most creatures so a lvl 99 does almost no damage? Dear god this is complete trash.
Then the author is like let's fight a army of lvl twenties and some odd early lvl thirties against a entire army of lvl 99s. Like...That is just stupid. There is no tension no danger or anything because it's so ridiculous. The mc started at lvl 1 the enemies at lvl 99 and cap evolution which apparently the mc's race can never reach. So you are sitting there going why didn't they just 1 man kill him like it doesn't make sense the lvl 50 the only lvl 50 player was 1 shotting most creatures so a lvl 99 does almost no damage? Dear god this is complete trash.
August 1, 2020
Good, but unsurprising.
The book focuses a bit more on the Earth players roped in by Roark in the previous book. But, unfortunately, the plot and character are not particularly treated in an original way, which is something you would have expected given the background of the setting. All characters move in fairly standard directions, none of the twists are particularly surprising, and there's even a scene that doesn't make sense out of the blue.
So, slightly disappointing. But given the cheats found by our usual Griefer, I'm expecting the series to wrap soon, which is a good thing if it goes stale and predictable.
The book focuses a bit more on the Earth players roped in by Roark in the previous book. But, unfortunately, the plot and character are not particularly treated in an original way, which is something you would have expected given the background of the setting. All characters move in fairly standard directions, none of the twists are particularly surprising, and there's even a scene that doesn't make sense out of the blue.
So, slightly disappointing. But given the cheats found by our usual Griefer, I'm expecting the series to wrap soon, which is a good thing if it goes stale and predictable.
June 1, 2022
James A. Hunter has been a fav author of mine since reading his Viridian Gate series. Rogue Evolution is just as exciting and full of unexpected twists that you'll like this series too. Don't forget Eden Hudson the other half of this LitRPG series. Kudos to both for putting together an enjoyable, thoroughly satisfying, high-action dungeon series. Book four links this gaming world, with our world and other worlds in a multiverse that is in danger from an evil that no world will be able to stand against. Maybe a not-so-ordinary mob that is making a difference in the gaming world will be the savior of us all.
November 13, 2020
Yup can not wait for more
Great story, some parts dull, some parts over the top, some parts lacking, however, excellent story, intreaging concept, marginally original, and the ups downs ands and plot twists have a certain sort of realism that really pulls the whole story together in fantastic fashion, you don't want to be on the edge for the entirety of a story or you will never be able to put the book down. Well written and extremely few errors. 10 out of 10 in my eyes, no one is perfect and this story is one in a million!
Great story, some parts dull, some parts over the top, some parts lacking, however, excellent story, intreaging concept, marginally original, and the ups downs ands and plot twists have a certain sort of realism that really pulls the whole story together in fantastic fashion, you don't want to be on the edge for the entirety of a story or you will never be able to put the book down. Well written and extremely few errors. 10 out of 10 in my eyes, no one is perfect and this story is one in a million!
September 11, 2022
Getting back to the series after about a week, I appreciated the little hints in the starting few chapters to recall what had happened previously. These chapters also set the main plot for this book.
Overall, this was another good entry. Especially the slice-of-life scenes related to the Troll Nation.
Roark's world-stone extending the influence to Earth was natural, given all that has happened, but I wish it weren't so. LitRPG mingling IRL somehow takes me out of the immersion, whereas I'm all good if it is a fantasy world with game-like mechanics.
Overall, this was another good entry. Especially the slice-of-life scenes related to the Troll Nation.
Roark's world-stone extending the influence to Earth was natural, given all that has happened, but I wish it weren't so. LitRPG mingling IRL somehow takes me out of the immersion, whereas I'm all good if it is a fantasy world with game-like mechanics.
April 29, 2020
Changes
The story moves along. I really love this series. Rogue evolution wasn't as thrilling for me as the previous books. Very satisfying overall though. The beginning drug a bit. A bit more slice of life to start. There were several great fights, even a real world one. Roark comes up with a few new magic gadgets. And of course Kaz has some new recipes. Great read overall. The ending felt a bit abrupt.
Score: 8.4 out of 10
The story moves along. I really love this series. Rogue evolution wasn't as thrilling for me as the previous books. Very satisfying overall though. The beginning drug a bit. A bit more slice of life to start. There were several great fights, even a real world one. Roark comes up with a few new magic gadgets. And of course Kaz has some new recipes. Great read overall. The ending felt a bit abrupt.
Score: 8.4 out of 10
July 25, 2020
Audiobook. This was fun to read. The narrator was great, the story light and fun, and the dialog was hilarious. There are a few characters who actually are different rather than just a bunch of people with very similar characteristics. It’s great. I wish they didn’t swear as much, but unfortunately it fits one of the characters, and it’s so over the top, just like they should be. Anyways, can’t wait for the next one!
October 18, 2020
A little slow at first, but then it really picked up. There have been other litRPG series that dropped in quality as the series continues; so far this series has not followed that trend. This addition was just as fun as the previous entries and also added newer elements that gave the series an interesting new twist which keeps it fresh. There was actual progression to the story itself which is appreciated. Very much enjoyed. If you read the other 3, don’t miss this one. 👌🏻
April 23, 2020
Another Mitchlen star service
With out heroes moving through evolutions galore the disparity between Roarks Troll nation is showing as the heralds get serious but Roark has a plan so ensues more Kaz fun, Roark ingenuity and a load of action making sure you must read that next page.
Another resounding success and another far too long wait for book 4
With out heroes moving through evolutions galore the disparity between Roarks Troll nation is showing as the heralds get serious but Roark has a plan so ensues more Kaz fun, Roark ingenuity and a load of action making sure you must read that next page.
Another resounding success and another far too long wait for book 4
August 21, 2020
Craziness Galore
Aside from the usual partial continuity errors and problems with numbers, Roark and his crew have realized stepped up their troll game. Now that not every "real" person wants his head on a platter, Roark has a chance to really figure out what he is doing with the World Stone. Per usual, it's abilities get crazy and even throw Roark for a loop a lot.
Aside from the usual partial continuity errors and problems with numbers, Roark and his crew have realized stepped up their troll game. Now that not every "real" person wants his head on a platter, Roark has a chance to really figure out what he is doing with the World Stone. Per usual, it's abilities get crazy and even throw Roark for a loop a lot.
December 11, 2020
Its hard to have a LitRPG beat VGO but if there is one to beat or match it this comes very very close. What can i say the characters just kick ass and call to the reader ,and when you add in the game mechanics and great writing you have a top story. Add in the narration from Podehl then this can't fail to please and listener who loves the genre. An easy 5 stars and a great listen.
June 12, 2021
This is my favorite book yet.
I LOVE this book but it is not for kids it has some cussing that i do not like but it is the best book yet for me to read I love
The magic mobs hero’s
And what they can do is to sooooooooo cool it like parallel
Universe guy when into a video game and didn’t
Know it and it has good jokes
I personally love it.
I LOVE this book but it is not for kids it has some cussing that i do not like but it is the best book yet for me to read I love
The magic mobs hero’s
And what they can do is to sooooooooo cool it like parallel
Universe guy when into a video game and didn’t
Know it and it has good jokes
I personally love it.
April 12, 2022
Next Level!
This series just keeps topping itself! I love the different story lines that take back and forth between different world, and different characters. Don't want to give anything away, so if you've read the other 3, you're gonna LOVE this one! Creative, smart, funny and touching... what else could you want?!
This series just keeps topping itself! I love the different story lines that take back and forth between different world, and different characters. Don't want to give anything away, so if you've read the other 3, you're gonna LOVE this one! Creative, smart, funny and touching... what else could you want?!
August 18, 2022
A fun adventure where the universes start colliding: our world, the gaming world and at least one other universe, and it's done really well! The character development is great and I can't wait for the next instalment. Long-running story arcs and short arcs are woven together in a seamless and clever way.
May 30, 2024
Too much of a cliff hanger with Randy, but that's why the next book is downloaded and ready to go~
April 24, 2020
Quickly replacing VGO as my favorite series
Best book of this series by far. Love how they figured out how to move up in the world and can’t wait to see what creative creations come out in the next book. Keep these books coming!
Best book of this series by far. Love how they figured out how to move up in the world and can’t wait to see what creative creations come out in the next book. Keep these books coming!
May 2, 2020
gtz for writing a great story
Enjoyable enough that I want to read the next instalment. Hurry up and write it. IRL is full of covid, reading and Runescape. RS3 is nearly maxed so ready for a new book. Crack on.
Enjoyable enough that I want to read the next instalment. Hurry up and write it. IRL is full of covid, reading and Runescape. RS3 is nearly maxed so ready for a new book. Crack on.
May 13, 2020
A well written addition to the series
Continuing on the tradition of a well written, and mature world, this book pushes the plot further and we see advancement in all areas that make a book great. Keep up the great work!
Continuing on the tradition of a well written, and mature world, this book pushes the plot further and we see advancement in all areas that make a book great. Keep up the great work!
May 19, 2020
Not as good as previous books.
This book felt like a filler, most interesting things that happened took one chapter or less, this book could easily be trimmed down by 60% and not much would change except it would be a lot more exciting and have a better tempo.
This book felt like a filler, most interesting things that happened took one chapter or less, this book could easily be trimmed down by 60% and not much would change except it would be a lot more exciting and have a better tempo.
May 28, 2020
Great fun and continuation
Somehow every entry in the series manages to be as good as the last. Highly enjoyable. Get on for the ride.
Plus you’ll get to hear plenty of PWNR’s ridiculousness.
Somehow every entry in the series manages to be as good as the last. Highly enjoyable. Get on for the ride.
Plus you’ll get to hear plenty of PWNR’s ridiculousness.
June 14, 2020
Moar pls
Man I love this series. Solid progress on the story so far and I like how the lines are getting blurred on which reality is the main one for the story, Hearthworld, Earth, other Earth?! Can't wait for the next installment!
Man I love this series. Solid progress on the story so far and I like how the lines are getting blurred on which reality is the main one for the story, Hearthworld, Earth, other Earth?! Can't wait for the next installment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews