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A whole new world. Well, the framework. Surely nothing will go wrong.
Artorian shrugged off moonfall and war like it was a gentle rain, and must now face new trials. Specifically: life in the world created by the Dungeon Core, Cal. Unfortunately, Cal has only put together the most bare-bones of systems.
He's no stranger to solving near impossible problems; how difficult could it be to smooth out the slew of angry Mages with bitter rivalries, uncountable hidden secrets, a complete inability to cultivate, and a Dungeon creating messes at full speed? One way or another, it is up to Artorian to pick up the pieces. He’s ready to roll up his sleeves and administrate.
There are some very serious holes in this world, and the old academic is determined to fix them.
Artorian shrugged off moonfall and war like it was a gentle rain, and must now face new trials. Specifically: life in the world created by the Dungeon Core, Cal. Unfortunately, Cal has only put together the most bare-bones of systems.
He's no stranger to solving near impossible problems; how difficult could it be to smooth out the slew of angry Mages with bitter rivalries, uncountable hidden secrets, a complete inability to cultivate, and a Dungeon creating messes at full speed? One way or another, it is up to Artorian to pick up the pieces. He’s ready to roll up his sleeves and administrate.
There are some very serious holes in this world, and the old academic is determined to fix them.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2020
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369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 18, 2021
Notes:
Lots of cool aspects mixed with chunky progression. It comes across as "still in brainstorming progress" vs fully developed story arc for the series.
Lots of cool aspects mixed with chunky progression. It comes across as "still in brainstorming progress" vs fully developed story arc for the series.
December 23, 2021
The issue with this book is that it is no longer the same book that you started reading. The 1st set of books was a cultivation series about a guy who is trying to become stronger so that he can achieve his goal. This book is simply the author trying to transform the story from a cultivation story and to some kind of lit RPG story. For this book to matter everything that happened beforehand doesn't matter. nothing has any meaning.
What the author should have done is had it so that the characters were in this Kal-world for a few 100 years then spit back out into the real world and then the rest of the book would be about their story of how they are trying to rebuild society. Then you could have had it where the world had forgotten how to cultivate even further and now everyone could focus on teaching and rebuilding the world of cultivation while continuing to actually cultivate. Now the author has locked himself into this made up world where he can't progress the actual story because it makes no sense to have cultivation when you can't get any higher of a cultivation than the actual dungeon.
Then the author's gonna run into an issue that because this whole world is created by Kal that there is no way to create a bad guy that isn't already there in the dungeon. Then you run into an issue where you can't create any good bad conflict because everything is made by Kal so Kal has ultimate control over anything that can happen in that world so why would there ever be any main bad guys.
So what the author has done essentially is locked the character development into a set parameter. Remove the initial cultivation inspiration that the original books were based off of and now he's trying to rebuild into a whole different leveling system that was not there to even begin with.
What the author should have done is had it so that the characters were in this Kal-world for a few 100 years then spit back out into the real world and then the rest of the book would be about their story of how they are trying to rebuild society. Then you could have had it where the world had forgotten how to cultivate even further and now everyone could focus on teaching and rebuilding the world of cultivation while continuing to actually cultivate. Now the author has locked himself into this made up world where he can't progress the actual story because it makes no sense to have cultivation when you can't get any higher of a cultivation than the actual dungeon.
Then the author's gonna run into an issue that because this whole world is created by Kal that there is no way to create a bad guy that isn't already there in the dungeon. Then you run into an issue where you can't create any good bad conflict because everything is made by Kal so Kal has ultimate control over anything that can happen in that world so why would there ever be any main bad guys.
So what the author has done essentially is locked the character development into a set parameter. Remove the initial cultivation inspiration that the original books were based off of and now he's trying to rebuild into a whole different leveling system that was not there to even begin with.
April 1, 2022
Rating: 2.7/5
Spoiler Alert!!
Review: The cover art for this series is fantastic!
Well, I cannot say that I am a fan of the world building as it exists inside a dungeons soul space. The story line jumps around so much that the reader is expected to accept a world that barely makes cognitive sense. There are multiple continuity errors that you have to ride in hopes of a conclusion that never materializes.
The character development is rushed and again, as time has no limitations you are forced to accept radical changes to a host of magical beings. The Dungeon (Cale) is an amalgam yet we never uncover what happened to Dale. Entire continents exist in a floating environment with no Sun and Cale is an inveterate a-hole yet everyone accepts his casual authority. Less is known about the “Real” world that they escaped from and that devalues the content of previous novels that were built with a solid foundation.
I keep reading this series because I am too far in to back out. Plus, I like Artorians character enough to continue on.
Spoiler Alert!!
Review: The cover art for this series is fantastic!
Well, I cannot say that I am a fan of the world building as it exists inside a dungeons soul space. The story line jumps around so much that the reader is expected to accept a world that barely makes cognitive sense. There are multiple continuity errors that you have to ride in hopes of a conclusion that never materializes.
The character development is rushed and again, as time has no limitations you are forced to accept radical changes to a host of magical beings. The Dungeon (Cale) is an amalgam yet we never uncover what happened to Dale. Entire continents exist in a floating environment with no Sun and Cale is an inveterate a-hole yet everyone accepts his casual authority. Less is known about the “Real” world that they escaped from and that devalues the content of previous novels that were built with a solid foundation.
I keep reading this series because I am too far in to back out. Plus, I like Artorians character enough to continue on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2020
Not the right rating
But...ugh.
If you have enjoyed the series...I don’t know if you will like this book. A bit philosophical, but mostly nonsensical, there didn’t seem to be a point or direction. There didn’t seem to be a ‘bad guy’ or oppositional force. Really, there wasn’t a narrative force at all.
And that’s the core of the issue: lack of narrative force. There was no cohesion, no goal, no structure other than perhaps time (which was a bit wobbly-wobbly).
As compared to the previous novels in the series, this one feels unnecessary. Oh, Arturian leveled up, but that was all but a non-event.
I don’t know if there will be more in the series. In some ways I hope not.
But...ugh.
If you have enjoyed the series...I don’t know if you will like this book. A bit philosophical, but mostly nonsensical, there didn’t seem to be a point or direction. There didn’t seem to be a ‘bad guy’ or oppositional force. Really, there wasn’t a narrative force at all.
And that’s the core of the issue: lack of narrative force. There was no cohesion, no goal, no structure other than perhaps time (which was a bit wobbly-wobbly).
As compared to the previous novels in the series, this one feels unnecessary. Oh, Arturian leveled up, but that was all but a non-event.
I don’t know if there will be more in the series. In some ways I hope not.
October 8, 2020
DNF 23%
Nearly a quarter of the way through and there is no evidence of a plot. This is mostly a deep dive into the minutia of world-building and the theory of its cultivation system. Save it for the appendix Dennis.
The rest is just a training montage. No stakes = no fear.
I realized I didn't want to pick it up to continue reading, despite my investment of time in this series. That's pretty damning.
Nearly a quarter of the way through and there is no evidence of a plot. This is mostly a deep dive into the minutia of world-building and the theory of its cultivation system. Save it for the appendix Dennis.
The rest is just a training montage. No stakes = no fear.
I realized I didn't want to pick it up to continue reading, despite my investment of time in this series. That's pretty damning.
December 14, 2020
This very much feels like an intermediate book. Intermediate book for what? Well, it feels like Vanderkerken is setting up the transition from the Divine Dungeon Series to... Ritualist? I think. I would have said for sure but I also just finished Something which also seems to slot into Divine Dungeon somehow. I would says Ritualist fits much better given Tatum, the islands, human / wolfmand island, ext, but it's not clear how that whole setup is going to work. Like, how does Earth fit into things? I don't know. It was ok, but not great.
December 2, 2020
Good and bad
First book was amazing. Book 2 was alright. Then you star to wonder what the storyline is about. Then you have whatever book 5 is.
First book was amazing. Book 2 was alright. Then you star to wonder what the storyline is about. Then you have whatever book 5 is.
October 23, 2020
Good, But Lacks Plot
I liked this entry more than the last, where I felt Artorian became lost in the main Divine Dungeon storyline. In this book, he becomes a kind of caretaker to all those within the Soul Space, and it works pretty well.
The main problem I have: there’s basically no plot. Things happen, sure, but the events don’t really amount to a story. I suppose life is like that sometimes. We meander. And this is a slice of life novel, so perhaps it fits. I dunno. Having no plot meant having no ending. The book just... stops. It’s abrupt and jarring, leaving a dissatisfied sensation after.
One thing that absolutely works, for me, is the idea that Artorian gains power by showing Love and helping others. It’s powerful and awfully wonderful. I hope future novels continue exploring that idea.
I liked this entry more than the last, where I felt Artorian became lost in the main Divine Dungeon storyline. In this book, he becomes a kind of caretaker to all those within the Soul Space, and it works pretty well.
The main problem I have: there’s basically no plot. Things happen, sure, but the events don’t really amount to a story. I suppose life is like that sometimes. We meander. And this is a slice of life novel, so perhaps it fits. I dunno. Having no plot meant having no ending. The book just... stops. It’s abrupt and jarring, leaving a dissatisfied sensation after.
One thing that absolutely works, for me, is the idea that Artorian gains power by showing Love and helping others. It’s powerful and awfully wonderful. I hope future novels continue exploring that idea.
May 5, 2023
Audiobook: excellent and the narrator does an excellent job bringing Artorian to life.
Will technically contain minor spoilers below but their mostly broad strokes
We get to learn more rules of this soul space and eternium in general, how the supervisors are getting on, as well as the risks that were not known as they ventured within cale's soul.
And some fantastic grandfatherly efforts of keeping folks on track.
We even finally find out where Minya ended up
Note: I understand what some reviewers have said about pop culture referenced slowly becoming more numerous as the series goes on; whilst not as numerous in this entry it did feel a bit jarring when I saw them coming.
Density is low enough to not entirely break immersion at least.
Will technically contain minor spoilers below but their mostly broad strokes
We get to learn more rules of this soul space and eternium in general, how the supervisors are getting on, as well as the risks that were not known as they ventured within cale's soul.
And some fantastic grandfatherly efforts of keeping folks on track.
We even finally find out where Minya ended up
Note: I understand what some reviewers have said about pop culture referenced slowly becoming more numerous as the series goes on; whilst not as numerous in this entry it did feel a bit jarring when I saw them coming.
Density is low enough to not entirely break immersion at least.
October 25, 2020
Love it
Alright, haven't finished the book yet but I love Artorian. He's the perfect grandfather, and reminds me so much of my own, when he was still with us. Completely non-judgmental and accepting of everyones faults. One of the best books in the series. To finish, a non spoiler quote from the book which resonates deeply with myself in real life:
“Everyone makes mistakes, my boy. Everyone. There is nobody and nothing that does not stumble. Everyone feels at times that they are not doing enough, or not doing well enough. That’s not a slight on your efforts, that’s just life. You try so hard to be perfect, my boy, but perfection is unattainable.”
Alright, haven't finished the book yet but I love Artorian. He's the perfect grandfather, and reminds me so much of my own, when he was still with us. Completely non-judgmental and accepting of everyones faults. One of the best books in the series. To finish, a non spoiler quote from the book which resonates deeply with myself in real life:
“Everyone makes mistakes, my boy. Everyone. There is nobody and nothing that does not stumble. Everyone feels at times that they are not doing enough, or not doing well enough. That’s not a slight on your efforts, that’s just life. You try so hard to be perfect, my boy, but perfection is unattainable.”
February 7, 2022
World building!
So this is definitely more world building than the other Artorian books and a different step from the previous books. As a result it has some serious slow down issues that can make it hard to keep focused as the main area focuses changes greatly from moment to moment. At the same time they have done really well keeping the upbeat and playful nature of Artorian with some very fun well you mucked that up moments. Yet when I was drawn back in there were some really profound hard hitting moments that showed the Love node clearly. I am looking forward to seeing where they take this.
So this is definitely more world building than the other Artorian books and a different step from the previous books. As a result it has some serious slow down issues that can make it hard to keep focused as the main area focuses changes greatly from moment to moment. At the same time they have done really well keeping the upbeat and playful nature of Artorian with some very fun well you mucked that up moments. Yet when I was drawn back in there were some really profound hard hitting moments that showed the Love node clearly. I am looking forward to seeing where they take this.
October 9, 2020
I have enjoyed the rest of this series, but his edition just didn’t grab me as the others did. I suspect it has to do with the nature of the story - rather than having a specific goal, as he did in the other books, Artorian finds himself wandering around a new world, trying to find his place and his power. There are plenty of somewhat-interesting vignettes and some laugh-out-loud moments. And I think the authors were having some fun talking about world-building in the story along with the world-building of the authors.
October 31, 2020
DNF 25%.
Well written but the story lacks any sort of drive to it. Plot is non-existent, as there's nothing urgent pushing the characters to do anything. It's more like a side story or fanfic than actually part of a series.
It just seems like the author got to the end of the planned series and wanted to write more about the world and characters but didn't think about where the story was going.
The previous books were pretty lax on a diving plot given the years and years of intervening time and seeming lack of urgency, but at least they had something pushing the protagonist to act.
Well written but the story lacks any sort of drive to it. Plot is non-existent, as there's nothing urgent pushing the characters to do anything. It's more like a side story or fanfic than actually part of a series.
It just seems like the author got to the end of the planned series and wanted to write more about the world and characters but didn't think about where the story was going.
The previous books were pretty lax on a diving plot given the years and years of intervening time and seeming lack of urgency, but at least they had something pushing the protagonist to act.
August 15, 2021
So Vanderkerken seems to be hell-bent on providing as much logistics and statistics as possible now that everyone is inside Cal's soul space. It's trying at times, but there is enough of a story to make it a worthwhile listen. Just be aware that around 20% of it will be pure logistics and may become background noise to whatever else you might be inclined to do while listening. Nothing wrong with it as long as you understand that going in. There is still character progression so it isn't a complete waste, but it's not a straight action/adventure like the ones prior. You have been warned.
November 21, 2020
HILARIOUS ... As well as INTRIGUING
The best thus far ... slow start ... almost picked up a different book and was close to making this my filler ... then all he'll broke loose ... and I never picked up a filler ...
GREAT READ ... FANTASTIC Fantasy ... O am still hooked ... Characters keep. getting stronger ... and the strength of their characterization ... makes the new additions that much more fun.
Please .... keep them coming!!!
The best thus far ... slow start ... almost picked up a different book and was close to making this my filler ... then all he'll broke loose ... and I never picked up a filler ...
GREAT READ ... FANTASTIC Fantasy ... O am still hooked ... Characters keep. getting stronger ... and the strength of their characterization ... makes the new additions that much more fun.
Please .... keep them coming!!!
October 23, 2020
Let there be
Curiosity killed the cat, and the Artorian. Thankfully he has more than 9 lives, right? He just can't seem to leave well enough alone, and MUST fiddle and play with dangerous energies, no matter what anyone has to say about it. But at least in his up time he gets to spend it with his best friend. And spiders don't have to be bad things anymore.
Curiosity killed the cat, and the Artorian. Thankfully he has more than 9 lives, right? He just can't seem to leave well enough alone, and MUST fiddle and play with dangerous energies, no matter what anyone has to say about it. But at least in his up time he gets to spend it with his best friend. And spiders don't have to be bad things anymore.
November 13, 2020
Another Artfully Amazing Artorians Archive!
Here there be Dragons! Artorian finally gets into the business of being the administrator of Cal's soulspace-contained world, working through the issues that have cropped up under the various administrators, and managing his own continent.
Here there be Dragons! Artorian finally gets into the business of being the administrator of Cal's soulspace-contained world, working through the issues that have cropped up under the various administrators, and managing his own continent.
April 24, 2021
To much discussion
Wow I finally gave up on this series!! Way to long winded and not enough story!! I kept reading hoping it would improve but after skipping pages and pages it never did,if you like a fast paced and enjoyable read them this series is not for you !! I do not recommend this book!!!
Wow I finally gave up on this series!! Way to long winded and not enough story!! I kept reading hoping it would improve but after skipping pages and pages it never did,if you like a fast paced and enjoyable read them this series is not for you !! I do not recommend this book!!!
September 20, 2021
Taking a dive from Divine Dungeon too Completionist Chronicles
If you enjoy Completionist Chronicles, then this book is right up your alley since it covers a lot of the backstory for CC. It has some cultivation moments in it but cultivation isn't the main point of tis lovely book.
If you enjoy Completionist Chronicles, then this book is right up your alley since it covers a lot of the backstory for CC. It has some cultivation moments in it but cultivation isn't the main point of tis lovely book.
March 12, 2024
A very "meta" book. We have a whole slew of people living in the soul space of a Dungeon core (Cal). The story goes on trying to figure out how the people can live in this space properly. There is a lot of philosophy hidden in this book as well, and of course the craziness that makes me laugh out loud.
October 2, 2020
Another favorite!
The Artorian's Archives series continues to deliver enriching and absolutely enrapturing stories. I cannot wait to start a second and then third read-through. Please go start the series if you haven't, and if you're reaching this point from the start, enjoy!
The Artorian's Archives series continues to deliver enriching and absolutely enrapturing stories. I cannot wait to start a second and then third read-through. Please go start the series if you haven't, and if you're reaching this point from the start, enjoy!
October 5, 2020
Seriously funny
The book was fun and it gives us plenty of world building background. However the world building part mechanics have a tendency to be a bit dry but overall a very fun book
The book was fun and it gives us plenty of world building background. However the world building part mechanics have a tendency to be a bit dry but overall a very fun book
October 24, 2020
Love this series
Such a great litRPG series and this installment is great. I would have to say Acme went a little more technical with the world building than others in the series but it did not distract from the plot.
Such a great litRPG series and this installment is great. I would have to say Acme went a little more technical with the world building than others in the series but it did not distract from the plot.
November 17, 2020
Even though i liked the series, i´m going to post a low score to this book.
It has no conflict or drama. Just immortal people living their immortal lives. The only growth is made by Cale, not by the protagonist.
It has no conflict or drama. Just immortal people living their immortal lives. The only growth is made by Cale, not by the protagonist.
November 21, 2020
Enjoyable, but....
By the end of the book I felt the story really hadn't progressed any. It seemed this book was nothing but a long drawn out shop for the next book(s). While I enjoy his writing and humor this book was just lacking in any real/major accomplishment.
By the end of the book I felt the story really hadn't progressed any. It seemed this book was nothing but a long drawn out shop for the next book(s). While I enjoy his writing and humor this book was just lacking in any real/major accomplishment.
December 9, 2020
Artorian!!!!
Artorian is awesome! I love that guy. And now I want to read more of him in the Divine Dungeon world. So irreverent. He grows and helps flesh out Cal’s world. A great read enjoy
Artorian is awesome! I love that guy. And now I want to read more of him in the Divine Dungeon world. So irreverent. He grows and helps flesh out Cal’s world. A great read enjoy
February 3, 2021
This book makes no sense.
Cal (or Cale?) Is all powerful. He operates at hyper speed, he's invested...
And he's entirely irrelevant.
There are other irregularities as well, but for that alone, this story is 1 star.
Cal (or Cale?) Is all powerful. He operates at hyper speed, he's invested...
And he's entirely irrelevant.
There are other irregularities as well, but for that alone, this story is 1 star.
February 14, 2021
The book is not uninteresting and I enjoy the additional cross over to the Completionist series. This feels like an origin story for the world and series I enjoyed a lot so far.
The issue is, a whole lot of nothing happens. The first 2/3rds are ok, but the last third simply feels like a set of random events.
The issue is, a whole lot of nothing happens. The first 2/3rds are ok, but the last third simply feels like a set of random events.
June 9, 2021
This one is a transition book
A little slower but the life actually goes on and Cal, Artorian, Dawn and the other supervisors are actually in a growing and managing their respective skyscapes as their adventures continues.
A little slower but the life actually goes on and Cal, Artorian, Dawn and the other supervisors are actually in a growing and managing their respective skyscapes as their adventures continues.
January 14, 2022
Probably my least favorite in the series so far. The focus in these books has always been on the theory and mechanisms of the cultivation system , but this book took it to a whole new level. It was interesting but made the story drag. More action and plot needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews