Shadows End: An Epic Dungeon Core Series

by Ayden Grey

For as long as anyone can remember, adventurers have explored the dungeon known as Shadows End. Located in the middle of a forest, it is unhidden and known to many. Though survivors have returned to tell about its wonders, no one who has travelled to its deepest depths has ever returned. Three adventurers set forth on a journey to explore the mysterious dungeon, each hoping to fulfill his heart’s desire. The dungeon is as mysterious as it is unforgiving.The hall’s somehow seem to have it out for the trio, and some sort of cult seems intent on worshipping the dungeon itself. Fortunes are sought and answers are found. And that is only the beginning of the journey.

542 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2020

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's all about expectations. Generally, when I see a book that says it's a dungeon core adventure, I automatically assume LitRPG, because dungeon core is a subgenre of that particular kind of story.
Sadly, that is not the case with this title/series. If you're looking for a LitRPG entry, you can skip this book, because there are no LitRPG elements at all in this one.
It is a story about dungeon cores, but those dungeon cores aren't leveling up and creating dungeons for others to explore (well, other than whatever is necessary for the story to continue, which is precious little), and there's nothing here that LitRPG fans have to come to know and love about dungeon stories of that kind.
For me, calling this a dungeon core book is the same as calling the doom books gamelit. Sure, they're stories about a game, but that's as far as it goes. This is a story about dungeon cores, but other than that, there's nothing here to recommend to LitRPG fans, which are usually the kind of folks that would latch onto the description of the book.
Needless to say, I won't be reading any additional books in this series.
Honestly, you could replace dungeon cores with demons, or some other mythical creature, and the story would change very little.
I had to struggle to get through this one, and I don't recommend it for LitRPG fans. Fantasy folks may like it if they don't mind their stories having little to no progression, just loads and loads of danger, with practically nothing be resolved by the end of the book.
However, if you like that sort of thing, because (presumably) it sets up for more books in the series, then have at it, you may enjoy this one. I however did not, but don't feel I should give it a bad rating just because it wasn't what I wanted to read.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started a little rocky for me... With that said, it then turned into a good read. Sir Martin ended up showing how much heart he truly had in him, when he could care for, protect, and do all he could for what essentially is not even a person.Olwyn who is the core of a dungeon, which is a whole new context for me, who seamed to be a heartless, careless, being; actually had a heart, of sorts, and grew being in the care of Sir Martin.
Thank you Ayden Grey for sharing your story, and I'm looking forward to the next!

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book one

Mistakes: I didn't find anything wrong, but this book has a flawed feeling to it that I couldn't ever get past.

Plot: Guy searching for his sister betrays his party to guard a dungeon core for no real reason that made sense to me.

Characters: While well written i couldn't really root for anyone because their motives didn't make sense not match up with their actions.

5/10

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

For as long as anyone can remember, adventurers have explored the dungeon known as Shadows End. Located in the middle of a forest, it is unhidden and known to many.
Slow start good ending.
Fortunes and answers are found.
Good characters and a good read.

[Booksley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of a different take on the dungeon core genre. Seemed to span out and focus more on the story of the knight Sir Martin and other characters. Had some unique ideas though.