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Dungeon Raider #1
Grudges
From #1 Amazon Bestselling author, J.R. Rain, and New York Times Bestselling author, H.P. Mallory, comes book #1 in the "Dungeon Raider" Series!
The Forge...
It’s not a place that gives anyone the warm and fuzzies.
No, The Forge is a dungeon mine that used to be home to the Deep Mountain Clan of dwarves. Then the orcs took control of it and forced the dwarves out.
Now it’s a death sentence to any who try to voyage into its dark depths.
That’s where I come in.
No, I’m not some sort of soldier or mercenary trying to set things right.
I’m a thief.
And I’ve plundered many dungeons—enough to have earned a reputation for myself.
I’m good at what I do and that’s the exact reason why I’ve been hired by holy knight, Cade, to take him into the bowels of The Forge.
Cade was entrusted by his higher-up to retrieve a holy scroll, located in the belly of The Forge.
The only problem (aside from the territorial orcs, the nightmarish beasts that roam the tunnels and shafts, and the fact that no one has ever reached the final level of The Forge) is…
My ex-boyfriend, Aram.
Right.
So, this isn’t one of my prouder moments, but a long time ago, Aram and I were together. Then I stole something precious from him and he’s been after me ever since.
Well, you know what they say about karma…
My karma finally caught up to me when Aram staged a setup and I fell for the bait.
Imagine Aram’s irritation when he finally gets the chance to arrest me, but then Cade shows up with this quest. Even though Aram is a Justiciar, an enforcer of the law, Cade’s rank trumps Aram’s which means Cade’s word goes.
And Cade wants me to lead this expedition.
As I see it, I have two choices: rot inside a jail cell for the rest of my life or take my chances in The Forge, with the potential to earn my freedom.
I choose The Forge.
After all, I’m always up for an adventure.
The Forge...
It’s not a place that gives anyone the warm and fuzzies.
No, The Forge is a dungeon mine that used to be home to the Deep Mountain Clan of dwarves. Then the orcs took control of it and forced the dwarves out.
Now it’s a death sentence to any who try to voyage into its dark depths.
That’s where I come in.
No, I’m not some sort of soldier or mercenary trying to set things right.
I’m a thief.
And I’ve plundered many dungeons—enough to have earned a reputation for myself.
I’m good at what I do and that’s the exact reason why I’ve been hired by holy knight, Cade, to take him into the bowels of The Forge.
Cade was entrusted by his higher-up to retrieve a holy scroll, located in the belly of The Forge.
The only problem (aside from the territorial orcs, the nightmarish beasts that roam the tunnels and shafts, and the fact that no one has ever reached the final level of The Forge) is…
My ex-boyfriend, Aram.
Right.
So, this isn’t one of my prouder moments, but a long time ago, Aram and I were together. Then I stole something precious from him and he’s been after me ever since.
Well, you know what they say about karma…
My karma finally caught up to me when Aram staged a setup and I fell for the bait.
Imagine Aram’s irritation when he finally gets the chance to arrest me, but then Cade shows up with this quest. Even though Aram is a Justiciar, an enforcer of the law, Cade’s rank trumps Aram’s which means Cade’s word goes.
And Cade wants me to lead this expedition.
As I see it, I have two choices: rot inside a jail cell for the rest of my life or take my chances in The Forge, with the potential to earn my freedom.
I choose The Forge.
After all, I’m always up for an adventure.
- GenresFantasy
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2020
About the author
J.R. Rain
2,695 books1,732 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 9, 2020
Rogue is a thief and a good thief , when someone comes back from her past she is almost caught. Her ex has her in his sights when Cade comes in and trumps everything and wants Rogue to go on a quest in the Forge . Rogue has two choices go to jail or lead them into the depths of the Forge and maybe earn her freedom .
This story has it all adventure , great characters oh and Orcs . Rogue is a very resilient young woman . She will keep you on your toes through out the book . She is tough but also can be very sweet . She just wants to survive and earn her freedom . I truly liked the characters all from Rogue to Cade they are well written and complex I can't just pick one to like . Rogue is strong and you will love her .
This story is a real departure for one of the authors but they both can write a good story with great characters. It is the start of an epic fantasy that has a lot of potential . I honestly did find it a little hard at the beginning to get into the story , I did feel a little disconnect until about chapter 3 and then the story really took off for me . Once I connected with Rogue I couldn't put the book down. I found myself cheering for them and sitting on the edge of my seat through out the book. Over all I really did enjoy this book and I can't wait to see where the authors take the characters in book two . So if you want a good fantasy book to get lost in this Christmas season check it out
This story has it all adventure , great characters oh and Orcs . Rogue is a very resilient young woman . She will keep you on your toes through out the book . She is tough but also can be very sweet . She just wants to survive and earn her freedom . I truly liked the characters all from Rogue to Cade they are well written and complex I can't just pick one to like . Rogue is strong and you will love her .
This story is a real departure for one of the authors but they both can write a good story with great characters. It is the start of an epic fantasy that has a lot of potential . I honestly did find it a little hard at the beginning to get into the story , I did feel a little disconnect until about chapter 3 and then the story really took off for me . Once I connected with Rogue I couldn't put the book down. I found myself cheering for them and sitting on the edge of my seat through out the book. Over all I really did enjoy this book and I can't wait to see where the authors take the characters in book two . So if you want a good fantasy book to get lost in this Christmas season check it out
March 24, 2025
I don't understand why the writing is somewhat chaotic considering that J R Rain is a very good writer. This book reads completely different from the "Aladdin sins bad" series which were quite entertaining and well-paced. Grudges however, reads like it's from a completely different author.
This one on has some annoying character-shifts. The narrator keeps changing which is fine on its own but it was poorly executed. Whenever the narrator shift happens, simultaneously a shift happens in the location, the plot as well. And none of that is brought out in sequence. You get to find it out in bits and pieces over confusion about what's going on.
There’s setup after setup, but no reason to care about any of it. I kept asking: why are these people doing anything? What do they really want?
The characters are quite shallow. There's no deep desire or why they want to do something. It's just setup without any of their emotions. Which is why personally I don't care if anything happens to any of these characters.
The heroine's beauty is way overhyped. The other 2 male characters on the other hand are quite 1-dimensional thinking and feeling no more than very limited things and the same patterns.
Once the 4th character is introduced the writing becomes so confusing about whether or not he's meeting them for the first time. The writing suggests both - he is meetnig them for the first time AND also has met them earlier.
I dropped the book at that point. Roc, like the others, felt flat and emotionally disconnected — and I realized I didn’t care what happened next.
This one on has some annoying character-shifts. The narrator keeps changing which is fine on its own but it was poorly executed. Whenever the narrator shift happens, simultaneously a shift happens in the location, the plot as well. And none of that is brought out in sequence. You get to find it out in bits and pieces over confusion about what's going on.
There’s setup after setup, but no reason to care about any of it. I kept asking: why are these people doing anything? What do they really want?
The characters are quite shallow. There's no deep desire or why they want to do something. It's just setup without any of their emotions. Which is why personally I don't care if anything happens to any of these characters.
The heroine's beauty is way overhyped. The other 2 male characters on the other hand are quite 1-dimensional thinking and feeling no more than very limited things and the same patterns.
Once the 4th character is introduced the writing becomes so confusing about whether or not he's meeting them for the first time. The writing suggests both - he is meetnig them for the first time AND also has met them earlier.
I dropped the book at that point. Roc, like the others, felt flat and emotionally disconnected — and I realized I didn’t care what happened next.
December 16, 2020
Rogue is a dungeon raider and experienced thief. She's also on the run from her ex, Aram. When he finally catches up to her, Aram isn't alone. With Aram is Prator Cade, a Paladin of the First Order Temple of Panthenoeosis. Pator Cade requests her assistance in retrieving something from The Forge, a danger mine dungeon full of murderous Orcs. After setting some terms, Rogue agrees to lead an expedition into The Forge, but getting out may be almost impossible.
As a player of World of Warcraft, this book sung to me. I loved the adventure, the danger, the methodical ways the group used to wind their way through The Forge. Rogue is a smart and tough heroine. Yes, she got caught in a trap but she was able to talk her way out of jail time, earn money, and do what she does best. She's a natural leader and people are drawn to her. The back and forth between Rogue and Aram brings a spurned romance into the equation, as well.
There was ample world building as Rogue's group entered The Forge and made their way to the bottom to locate the scroll Prator Cade is seeking. There is never a dull moment between the main players and their adversaries. I was rooting for them through the entire book. I can't wait to see where the authors takes this motley crew in the next book.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
As a player of World of Warcraft, this book sung to me. I loved the adventure, the danger, the methodical ways the group used to wind their way through The Forge. Rogue is a smart and tough heroine. Yes, she got caught in a trap but she was able to talk her way out of jail time, earn money, and do what she does best. She's a natural leader and people are drawn to her. The back and forth between Rogue and Aram brings a spurned romance into the equation, as well.
There was ample world building as Rogue's group entered The Forge and made their way to the bottom to locate the scroll Prator Cade is seeking. There is never a dull moment between the main players and their adversaries. I was rooting for them through the entire book. I can't wait to see where the authors takes this motley crew in the next book.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
March 3, 2026
This was quite a good read.
I wasn't sure, at first, whether it was for me, or not but, the longer I read it, the more involved with both the characters, & the storyline, I became!
I always like a sassy female lead, and Rogue is definitely that. I'm not totally sure how she got to where she is, as this story begins, but I like her self-possession, and her absolute belief in her own skills.
All of the other characters, that join her, in her hunt for treasure, do so for all their own reasons, and I'm very much enjoying the slow reveal of each of their personal stories - so I'm going to get a few hours of sleep, then I'll go on to Book two of this series: 'Illusions', by J.R. Rain, & H. P. Mallory.
Once I've read this, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
I wasn't sure, at first, whether it was for me, or not but, the longer I read it, the more involved with both the characters, & the storyline, I became!
I always like a sassy female lead, and Rogue is definitely that. I'm not totally sure how she got to where she is, as this story begins, but I like her self-possession, and her absolute belief in her own skills.
All of the other characters, that join her, in her hunt for treasure, do so for all their own reasons, and I'm very much enjoying the slow reveal of each of their personal stories - so I'm going to get a few hours of sleep, then I'll go on to Book two of this series: 'Illusions', by J.R. Rain, & H. P. Mallory.
Once I've read this, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
December 12, 2020
The first installment of the Dungeon Raider's series gives off part Indiana Jones and part Lord of the Rings vibes.
Grudges is action packed filled with all the emotions you'd want to see and feel from an epic journey.
Aurora aka Rogue is a super strong heroine that walks to her own beat. She's clever and resourceful, witty and sexy. She's also a thief... a really good thief. Now she's surrounded by her hot law abiding EX Aram that wants to haul her in for her crimes and Cade a Holy Knight that's delectable and in need of her particular qualities. Throw in a some memorable sidekicks and a dangerous crusade into the Forge, you won't be able to put this one down!
Grudges is action packed filled with all the emotions you'd want to see and feel from an epic journey.
Aurora aka Rogue is a super strong heroine that walks to her own beat. She's clever and resourceful, witty and sexy. She's also a thief... a really good thief. Now she's surrounded by her hot law abiding EX Aram that wants to haul her in for her crimes and Cade a Holy Knight that's delectable and in need of her particular qualities. Throw in a some memorable sidekicks and a dangerous crusade into the Forge, you won't be able to put this one down!
December 4, 2020
Rogue is thief that is finally captured by a man from her past. She hasn't seen him since she ruined it all. Rogue is given a job by the man that helped him capture her. Rogue gets the man to agree to her terms. They recruit others to come with them. Rogue and the others will try what others could not do to retrieve an item that sought after.
There is so much more to story then what I wrote about. You have a female lead that will keep you on your toes. The characters in this book will keep you reading, I truly enjoyed this book. I am looking for more from these two authors.
There is so much more to story then what I wrote about. You have a female lead that will keep you on your toes. The characters in this book will keep you reading, I truly enjoyed this book. I am looking for more from these two authors.
December 10, 2020
A new series that feels like a combination of other series and yet a departure that makes it unique. The characters are multi-faceted and intriguing. The relationships between the characters draws the reader in and makes them want to learn more. I enjoy strong female leads and while she if flawed, Aurora skillfully manages this adventure.
December 22, 2020
This was an entertaining, well-written book. The action was fast-paced and the book was hard to put down. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by these authors.
March 7, 2021
Grudges: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Dungeon Raider Book 1)
The adventure of Rogue (Aurora) and Cade. Rogue is a master thief and Cade has just court her. To get out of prison, she must help the Paladins get the treasure In a dangerous place. Will she do it? Ok story.
The adventure of Rogue (Aurora) and Cade. Rogue is a master thief and Cade has just court her. To get out of prison, she must help the Paladins get the treasure In a dangerous place. Will she do it? Ok story.
June 25, 2021
So many good twists and turns. She’s tricked and arrested by her ex and then gathering some others to go down into a dungeon that no one has ever made it out of. Plus with the sparks between her ex Aram and Cade it’s a very spicy read.
February 23, 2022
So much Danger in the Forge
It started off with a female thief completing her job but getting caught in the process. This band of misfits, well not all are, pull you through some dangerous situations.
It started off with a female thief completing her job but getting caught in the process. This band of misfits, well not all are, pull you through some dangerous situations.
December 17, 2020
Great new series. This is going to be a wild adventure.
December 18, 2020
Great read! Full of adventure and great chemistry between all the characters. A little different than my normal read, but still really good! Eager to see how the series progresses.
February 3, 2022
Rated 3.5
January 29, 2024
Returned the audio sounded like my GPS trying to bore me to death
December 30, 2020
So fast and fun to read!
It took a minute for me to get into this book, but once I did...it really took me on an adventure.
Great read that will keep you up just long enough to finish!
It took a minute for me to get into this book, but once I did...it really took me on an adventure.
Great read that will keep you up just long enough to finish!
June 23, 2022
Love this series! Fun fantasy/quest adventures with great characters.
October 27, 2022
I am a big fan of J.R Rain and of H.P Mallory. I've read a ton of both their books and have really enjoyed them. I download the Haven Hallow series the second they come out. This is the first in the Dungeon Raider series and it isn't my favorite. I'm not sure if I just didn't connect with the characters or the adventure they were on, but it simply didn't resonate with me. I'm not sure I'll continue on with this series but I will continue reading both of these authors.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews