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Elemental Dungeon #3
Hallowed Bones
The dungeon cores are dying.
In the wake of the demon invasion, dungeons are being exterminated to protect the land. The Cult of Chaos may have been defeated, but the Exalted One remains in the shadows, pulling the strings.
Now his time has come.
Ryan, struggling with memories of his life as a human, finds himself once again under threat from the Church. Only by growing to the fabled diamond tier will he have a chance to save those around him. This time it’s all or nothing, because the God of Death is watching.
Can a dungeon defeat a god? It’s going to take a little more than a stalactite to the head…
In the wake of the demon invasion, dungeons are being exterminated to protect the land. The Cult of Chaos may have been defeated, but the Exalted One remains in the shadows, pulling the strings.
Now his time has come.
Ryan, struggling with memories of his life as a human, finds himself once again under threat from the Church. Only by growing to the fabled diamond tier will he have a chance to save those around him. This time it’s all or nothing, because the God of Death is watching.
Can a dungeon defeat a god? It’s going to take a little more than a stalactite to the head…
584 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2020
242 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Smidt
15 books98 followersJonathan’s journey through life has been anything but slow. Being part of a military family, he moved across the world growing up, and having not learned his lesson, joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. This sent him on a whirlwind adventure, which even found him in the sands of Afghanistan. During all his travels, he found one thing always remained constant…he loved to read. Now, married and with life finally calming down a bit, he has begun to push his passion for literature even higher, aiming to give readers the kinds of books he has come to love with his own unique twist.
He has grown up in thousands of worlds, courtesy of not only literature and anime, but also his avid gaming life! Jonathan has spent countless hours on video games ranging from Final Fantasy to Pokémon to Guild Wars and WoW, while also enjoying tabletops such as D&D and Exalted.
Living in a game world isn’t enough for Jonathan though, and he has pushed to turn his own life into a classic RPG. On top of leveling up his writing and music abilities (he swears he is not a bard though!), he is currently learning the ancient art of blacksmithing, which places him at his forge working hot metal into blades on the weekends!
He has grown up in thousands of worlds, courtesy of not only literature and anime, but also his avid gaming life! Jonathan has spent countless hours on video games ranging from Final Fantasy to Pokémon to Guild Wars and WoW, while also enjoying tabletops such as D&D and Exalted.
Living in a game world isn’t enough for Jonathan though, and he has pushed to turn his own life into a classic RPG. On top of leveling up his writing and music abilities (he swears he is not a bard though!), he is currently learning the ancient art of blacksmithing, which places him at his forge working hot metal into blades on the weekends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 6, 2020
A Satisfying End
I am writing this from my phone after finishing Hallowed Bones at 2am. This is probably the most satisfying end to a trilogy I have ever read from a relatively unestablished author(and better than many famous ones). Suffice it to say while I am sad wave goodbye to Ryan,Erin, Blaine and all of their friends I do not regret the time I spent with them. I also plan to read everything else he publishes going forward.
I am writing this from my phone after finishing Hallowed Bones at 2am. This is probably the most satisfying end to a trilogy I have ever read from a relatively unestablished author(and better than many famous ones). Suffice it to say while I am sad wave goodbye to Ryan,Erin, Blaine and all of their friends I do not regret the time I spent with them. I also plan to read everything else he publishes going forward.
May 12, 2023
If you've read the first two bone dungeon books then you will already know much about this book. The bone dungeon has a good sense of humor, likes bones, and has a flare for the dramatic. And the adventurers have a respect for the dungeon that allows them to get stronger, and richer, from each dive. But this is also the final book in the series, and we have a big bad nasty here ready for a fight.
The first half of this book is all about the dungeon diving, getting stronger, and leveling up. There are a few pieces being maneuvered around the board to position for the end battle, but the vast majority of that takes place at the end of the book.
The bone dungeon series was never really about the great big huge battles (though they do happen, and are entertaining to read) it was more about personal growth, and interactions between the people of the world. And learning to find a balance between them.
I really enjoyed the final chapter of this trilogy. I'm a little sad to see it ending, but I'm equally certain I will love other tales by this author.
The first half of this book is all about the dungeon diving, getting stronger, and leveling up. There are a few pieces being maneuvered around the board to position for the end battle, but the vast majority of that takes place at the end of the book.
The bone dungeon series was never really about the great big huge battles (though they do happen, and are entertaining to read) it was more about personal growth, and interactions between the people of the world. And learning to find a balance between them.
I really enjoyed the final chapter of this trilogy. I'm a little sad to see it ending, but I'm equally certain I will love other tales by this author.
April 12, 2021
Considering this was the author's first trilogy, I really really enjoyed this books since book 1! The story is very good, and I liked every single character. Reading this final book I really enjoyed how every major character was growing in power and development, I also did not expected some plot twist. 5/5 :D
December 5, 2020
Bittersweet feelings.
I love this series so much and to see it done is a sad but wonderful time. Thank you for giving it the final book it deserved!
I love this series so much and to see it done is a sad but wonderful time. Thank you for giving it the final book it deserved!
December 28, 2021
A very satisfying end to the trilogy
I've fallen in love with this trilogy, and as sad as I am to know it will be the last book in the series, I feel comfortable and complete by the ending.
Overall the author has come a long way in his evolution with writing. Most of his changes have been fantastic, although personally I felt there was a little too much world building, and a bit too little character interaction in this book. I can't fault the author for that, as when I write my own stories I tend to have the same thing happen.
In my personal opinion, I would like to see a small 30-40k word novella follow up to this book. One that ties up more lose ends, and dives more into the final character interactions. Ryan creates his dragon finally, he interacts with the mage guild leader as ambassador and smooths things over with Marcus. Blake and his crew wipe out the rest of the corrupted chaos and justice members and maybe a budding romance with Sasha. A look into Erin and Hel guiding new members of the church and adventurers with their respective affinities. No need for a full other book series regarding the characters, just a solid finish up to give an even better ending, a short story. One filled with humor and joy, and falling rocks.
Furthermore, with the giant bomb that was dropped with the world smith, or maybe word smith is more appropriate, I'd love to see the beginnings of a new world, done differently, near the beginning of time, and the creation of new dungeon cores with similar rules. There's so much out there that could be utilized still, and I'd love to be a part of it.
I've fallen in love with this trilogy, and as sad as I am to know it will be the last book in the series, I feel comfortable and complete by the ending.
Overall the author has come a long way in his evolution with writing. Most of his changes have been fantastic, although personally I felt there was a little too much world building, and a bit too little character interaction in this book. I can't fault the author for that, as when I write my own stories I tend to have the same thing happen.
In my personal opinion, I would like to see a small 30-40k word novella follow up to this book. One that ties up more lose ends, and dives more into the final character interactions. Ryan creates his dragon finally, he interacts with the mage guild leader as ambassador and smooths things over with Marcus. Blake and his crew wipe out the rest of the corrupted chaos and justice members and maybe a budding romance with Sasha. A look into Erin and Hel guiding new members of the church and adventurers with their respective affinities. No need for a full other book series regarding the characters, just a solid finish up to give an even better ending, a short story. One filled with humor and joy, and falling rocks.
Furthermore, with the giant bomb that was dropped with the world smith, or maybe word smith is more appropriate, I'd love to see the beginnings of a new world, done differently, near the beginning of time, and the creation of new dungeon cores with similar rules. There's so much out there that could be utilized still, and I'd love to be a part of it.
December 24, 2021
It's always a slog when the POV switches to the human tank. I'm not interested in anything he does.
I know the author slips in a bunch of pop culture references that have no reason to be in this world, and I usually ignore it, but I can't read this with a straight face... "It all started when the fire nation attacked"....(I didn't find it funny nor amusing)
I'm glad it's finally finished. That was a slog and turned out how I suspected it would.
I did not enjoy this book, the uninteresting parts were too numerous for me to ignore.
At least the series is finished.
3/5 Stars
I know the author slips in a bunch of pop culture references that have no reason to be in this world, and I usually ignore it, but I can't read this with a straight face... "It all started when the fire nation attacked"....(I didn't find it funny nor amusing)
I'm glad it's finally finished. That was a slog and turned out how I suspected it would.
I did not enjoy this book, the uninteresting parts were too numerous for me to ignore.
At least the series is finished.
3/5 Stars
December 17, 2020
Unbalanced.
The ending is about as contrived as you can get. The characters develop into caricatures of themselves. The series had potential that led nowhere and an ending that ruined a book.
The ending is about as contrived as you can get. The characters develop into caricatures of themselves. The series had potential that led nowhere and an ending that ruined a book.
June 17, 2023
Totally _mindblowing_!
I do not often leave reviews on stories I have read, as most who do review the stories tell others who read the reviews better than I would. Yes, I do often see errors in spelling and punctuation in the books I read, somehow getting through the proofreading(?), but I do try to ignore those and just enjoy the stories.
This last installment of the mini series struck the chord that many of life's travellers do not seem to ever uncover, which is life is not full of roses or riches but the stout of heart can gain knowledge if they can bring themselves to the meaning of life! Part of me want to give up a bit of this stories' reveal, I do not want to spoil the readers chance to enjoy the story to the end, but I will add that it is not always easy to be a parent watching one's children struggle in life's journey!
I do not often leave reviews on stories I have read, as most who do review the stories tell others who read the reviews better than I would. Yes, I do often see errors in spelling and punctuation in the books I read, somehow getting through the proofreading(?), but I do try to ignore those and just enjoy the stories.
This last installment of the mini series struck the chord that many of life's travellers do not seem to ever uncover, which is life is not full of roses or riches but the stout of heart can gain knowledge if they can bring themselves to the meaning of life! Part of me want to give up a bit of this stories' reveal, I do not want to spoil the readers chance to enjoy the story to the end, but I will add that it is not always easy to be a parent watching one's children struggle in life's journey!
March 20, 2025
Hallowed Bones
After the dungeons of the land had been corrupted by the Cult of Chaos, they all had to be destroyed. This leaves the Bone Dungeon as the only dungeon left with low level areas and isn’t directly controlled by a god. The Exalted One’s plan is not complete though and the church that took Ryan’s life as a human might be coming for his life as a dungeon core!
This was a great dungeon core litrpg trilogy! All of the characters are well developed and even the lesser known characters get to shine this time! It was a lot of fun following all the twists and turns. Even better, it is a completed trilogy! This is part of the Elemental Dungeon omnibus. Soundbooth Theater tastefully adds sound effects and music to enhance the story. Will M Watt, Annie Ellicott, Jeff Hayes, and Lauri Catherine Winkel do a great job as the narrating cast!
Content Warning: none
After the dungeons of the land had been corrupted by the Cult of Chaos, they all had to be destroyed. This leaves the Bone Dungeon as the only dungeon left with low level areas and isn’t directly controlled by a god. The Exalted One’s plan is not complete though and the church that took Ryan’s life as a human might be coming for his life as a dungeon core!
This was a great dungeon core litrpg trilogy! All of the characters are well developed and even the lesser known characters get to shine this time! It was a lot of fun following all the twists and turns. Even better, it is a completed trilogy! This is part of the Elemental Dungeon omnibus. Soundbooth Theater tastefully adds sound effects and music to enhance the story. Will M Watt, Annie Ellicott, Jeff Hayes, and Lauri Catherine Winkel do a great job as the narrating cast!
Content Warning: none
December 6, 2020
It gets 4 stars because I am unlikely to reread the book.
There trilogy is over. I enjoyed the epilogue. That's about it. Overall, the story isn't bad. It just isn't that good. It is average writing where the author does a good job of characterization. But it does smack of writing to get it done. I do think the author enjoyed the world, but certain mechanics of the world are just not really explained. Mostly on what it means to be a diamond adventurer.
My main problem is the author loves to tell us what the characters are thinking. It goes into the old adage of show, don't tell. An excellent example is where we are told, in narration, what motivates a character. That, and I didn't find the fighting to be exciting.
There trilogy is over. I enjoyed the epilogue. That's about it. Overall, the story isn't bad. It just isn't that good. It is average writing where the author does a good job of characterization. But it does smack of writing to get it done. I do think the author enjoyed the world, but certain mechanics of the world are just not really explained. Mostly on what it means to be a diamond adventurer.
My main problem is the author loves to tell us what the characters are thinking. It goes into the old adage of show, don't tell. An excellent example is where we are told, in narration, what motivates a character. That, and I didn't find the fighting to be exciting.
December 19, 2020
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
First let me explain how I score. 1 star, couldnt finish. 2 star finished but not happy 3 star engaged. 4 star page turner and reading again. 5 star I will be quoting this book.
I just finished the book and I had goosebumps the last 3 chapters! It was simply one of the most epic and satisfying ending to a cast of characters I have ever read. Few books in any genre, let alone a series, have lived up to my expectations, let alone exceeded them.
If you are a fan of engaging characters, foreshadowing, inspired plot work, read this series. Oh yeah if you like litrpg I am sure you will enjoy the dungeon building, original mob evolution, progression tiers, class setup, and advancement twists.
My only critique is misuse of the word, decimated.
First let me explain how I score. 1 star, couldnt finish. 2 star finished but not happy 3 star engaged. 4 star page turner and reading again. 5 star I will be quoting this book.
I just finished the book and I had goosebumps the last 3 chapters! It was simply one of the most epic and satisfying ending to a cast of characters I have ever read. Few books in any genre, let alone a series, have lived up to my expectations, let alone exceeded them.
If you are a fan of engaging characters, foreshadowing, inspired plot work, read this series. Oh yeah if you like litrpg I am sure you will enjoy the dungeon building, original mob evolution, progression tiers, class setup, and advancement twists.
My only critique is misuse of the word, decimated.
December 14, 2020
Well done!!!
Great end to a really good series. Some authors drag it out churning out book after book...never moving the plot along. But this series is not like that at all. It reminds me of some of my favorite 3 book Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance series from when I was a kid.
Good clean story I can recommend to my kids, and enjoy with them. Thanks for writing this and good luck with future series!
Great end to a really good series. Some authors drag it out churning out book after book...never moving the plot along. But this series is not like that at all. It reminds me of some of my favorite 3 book Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance series from when I was a kid.
Good clean story I can recommend to my kids, and enjoy with them. Thanks for writing this and good luck with future series!
February 15, 2021
This is the third and final book in the Elemental Dungeon trilogy. I really enjoyed this series and this book starts off with the same welcome elements as the first two--but once the action moves above ground, watch out! Incredible battles that are off the hook finish this volume. The ending is satisfying and leaves no loose threads. Not an easy task for a new author and Smidt pulls it off with seeming ease. I look forward to his next series and hope that it comes soon.
May 28, 2021
Great Read and satisfying journey
It is 3:15 am and I have just finished reading this book. I won’t spoil it, but I will say it was well worth reading into the dark of the morning. I may not have made some of the choices in storytelling this author made, but it all fit well with the story that was told. I recommend reading this, especially if you have read the first parts of the trilogy.
It is 3:15 am and I have just finished reading this book. I won’t spoil it, but I will say it was well worth reading into the dark of the morning. I may not have made some of the choices in storytelling this author made, but it all fit well with the story that was told. I recommend reading this, especially if you have read the first parts of the trilogy.
December 11, 2020
Book three
Mistakes: I didn't find any, but I found parts of this book dragged and it took me longer than expected to finish.
Plot: The end of the series has a lot going on as plot lines are tied up.
Characters: We say so long to an interesting group of characters that we spent time getting to know and following on their adventures.
7/10
Mistakes: I didn't find any, but I found parts of this book dragged and it took me longer than expected to finish.
Plot: The end of the series has a lot going on as plot lines are tied up.
Characters: We say so long to an interesting group of characters that we spent time getting to know and following on their adventures.
7/10
December 12, 2020
Holy crap
I won’t give any spoilers but this was such a good way to wrap up one of my favorite book serious. The way that Author writes this trilogy. I wish it would go on forever. I am sad that it must go. It is one of the only book trilogies I see my self buying permanently and being sad as I turn that final page once again
I won’t give any spoilers but this was such a good way to wrap up one of my favorite book serious. The way that Author writes this trilogy. I wish it would go on forever. I am sad that it must go. It is one of the only book trilogies I see my self buying permanently and being sad as I turn that final page once again
December 21, 2020
Good S***
A solid finish to an entertaining series. The fun of dungeon creation and mob creation felt a little less in this book as the delving was less important and there were a couple of time jumps for convience. It was a good finishing story though with still plenty of interesting twists. The author is a pleasure and I'll be keeping his books in mind
A solid finish to an entertaining series. The fun of dungeon creation and mob creation felt a little less in this book as the delving was less important and there were a couple of time jumps for convience. It was a good finishing story though with still plenty of interesting twists. The author is a pleasure and I'll be keeping his books in mind
January 3, 2021
Good conclusion to the series
While I am unhappy the series ended, I am thoroughly satisfied over how it ended. I liked that there were no plot holes or the story ending very quickly. It's better to end a series at a powerful note rather than writing a mediocre books. This book series was awesome
While I am unhappy the series ended, I am thoroughly satisfied over how it ended. I liked that there were no plot holes or the story ending very quickly. It's better to end a series at a powerful note rather than writing a mediocre books. This book series was awesome
January 10, 2021
Great end to a fun, very enjoyable series!
This series has made its way higher on my list of favorites with each book. Ive been captivated by it from the first book and loved the way it ended. The characters were well done and continually left me wondering what they’d do next. I highly recommend this series!
This series has made its way higher on my list of favorites with each book. Ive been captivated by it from the first book and loved the way it ended. The characters were well done and continually left me wondering what they’d do next. I highly recommend this series!
January 19, 2021
A proper conclusion to a well written dungeon core story
This was a satisfying ending to one over the better written dungeon core series to date. This market has been flooded with tons of poorly written words and I m glad to have found this one, and that it ended on such a strong showing.
This was a satisfying ending to one over the better written dungeon core series to date. This market has been flooded with tons of poorly written words and I m glad to have found this one, and that it ended on such a strong showing.
January 30, 2021
An excellent end to an amazing trillogy
I absolutely loved this trilogy and have been eagerly awaiting each book since the first was announced. This book is a great way to end the series highlight the growth of the characters we've come to love and keep us readers eagerly awaiting the next series.
I absolutely loved this trilogy and have been eagerly awaiting each book since the first was announced. This book is a great way to end the series highlight the growth of the characters we've come to love and keep us readers eagerly awaiting the next series.
April 24, 2021
The Climactic End Of The Bone Dungeon.
The hidden puppet master behind the Forces of Chaos reveals himself in world changing showdown between those Forces and the Bone Dungeon and its allies. This clash of titanic powers will cause the deaths of thousands, including many of the most senior Adventurers of the Guild and places the Bone Dungeon's existence in jeopardy.
This novel will likely appeal to fans of the Fantasy, LitRPG, and Dungeon Core genres; as well as those who enjoy playing RPGs.
The hidden puppet master behind the Forces of Chaos reveals himself in world changing showdown between those Forces and the Bone Dungeon and its allies. This clash of titanic powers will cause the deaths of thousands, including many of the most senior Adventurers of the Guild and places the Bone Dungeon's existence in jeopardy.
This novel will likely appeal to fans of the Fantasy, LitRPG, and Dungeon Core genres; as well as those who enjoy playing RPGs.
December 6, 2020
This was a great ending to a great story
The first and secound book of this trilogy has been in my favorite book list from its release, I have read them dozens of times, now I get to add this one.
Great book
The first and secound book of this trilogy has been in my favorite book list from its release, I have read them dozens of times, now I get to add this one.
Great book
December 11, 2020
Like the whole series
Whole series was great. Five star. Would have liked more books in that world , but honestly the end really did rap up good. That anymore might ruin it.
His other book on Royal raid is also good. Hope that gets released as a book.
Whole series was great. Five star. Would have liked more books in that world , but honestly the end really did rap up good. That anymore might ruin it.
His other book on Royal raid is also good. Hope that gets released as a book.
December 17, 2020
Loved it
This was a great ending to a great story. Couldn't put it down and definitely left me a few nights with little sleep because I decided to read all 3 again haha. Keep up the amazing work
This was a great ending to a great story. Couldn't put it down and definitely left me a few nights with little sleep because I decided to read all 3 again haha. Keep up the amazing work
December 21, 2020
Satisfying End
A well done finish to the trilogy. Good pacing and payoff to the story arcs we've seen. The only down side was the repeated repetition of certain past elements of the story.
A well done finish to the trilogy. Good pacing and payoff to the story arcs we've seen. The only down side was the repeated repetition of certain past elements of the story.
December 22, 2020
Absolutely amazing
I have to admit I was blown away by this story. This story has been wrapped up nicely it was quite the roller coaster. I look forward to the audiobook to come out so I can enjoy it again.
I have to admit I was blown away by this story. This story has been wrapped up nicely it was quite the roller coaster. I look forward to the audiobook to come out so I can enjoy it again.
December 28, 2020
Excellent Story
A very wonderful end book to this trilogy. It was a good balance of wrapping up the story but still leaving the world alive with the possibility of future tales. I also really enjoyed the World Smith concept and can’t wait to read about the next world.
A very wonderful end book to this trilogy. It was a good balance of wrapping up the story but still leaving the world alive with the possibility of future tales. I also really enjoyed the World Smith concept and can’t wait to read about the next world.
December 28, 2020
It was ok, but was a bit of a slog to get through. The pacing issues from the 2nd seemed even worse this time around, and the editing was a big step backwards (and I can't believe no one has mentioned this yet).
January 4, 2021
Amazing!!
Amazing! Absolutely amazing! The ending in this book has certainly brought a wonderful trilogy to a wonderful end. I hope to see more trilogies just like this one in the days to come.
Amazing! Absolutely amazing! The ending in this book has certainly brought a wonderful trilogy to a wonderful end. I hope to see more trilogies just like this one in the days to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews