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Dungeon Heart #1
Dungeon Heart: The Singing Mountain
The Emperor of the Forge, Sage of Stones—meaningless titles in the face of death.
After more than seven hundred years, he was expecting a peaceful and lonely end to his long life. That, however, was not meant to be. A single choice changed his fate, and his soul was forced to live again as a dungeon. Reborn but shackled to the heart of a mountain, this old soul has lost everything—and more.
In a world of gods and demons, there is no room for a weak newborn dungeon. Now with a new name, Smit and his creations will have to carve out their own place. The path may be long and dangerous, but with a soul hardier than stone and a will stronger than iron, will he be able to forge his own destiny?
After more than seven hundred years, he was expecting a peaceful and lonely end to his long life. That, however, was not meant to be. A single choice changed his fate, and his soul was forced to live again as a dungeon. Reborn but shackled to the heart of a mountain, this old soul has lost everything—and more.
In a world of gods and demons, there is no room for a weak newborn dungeon. Now with a new name, Smit and his creations will have to carve out their own place. The path may be long and dangerous, but with a soul hardier than stone and a will stronger than iron, will he be able to forge his own destiny?
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 14, 2021
Yet another LitRPG author that doesn't know the difference between wary and weary. Hits all of the cliches, and pads out the length with excessive repetition. It's just not good.
For some reason the author jumps between first person and third person. It's very jarring, and doesn't make any sense.
For some reason the author jumps between first person and third person. It's very jarring, and doesn't make any sense.
June 20, 2021
The premise for this book is good but the execution is terrible.
Long meandering dialogues full of mundane details that get repeated over and over and over.
In one chapter they mention that the local in is almost finished 3 times. I repeat, they mention it will be finished shortly three times in a single chapter. That’s triple repetition of a detail that has no bearing on the story.
This is easily my worst purchase on amazon and that this book has 4,5 stars has made it clear to me that amazon and goodreads reviews are bought wholesale and therefore worthless.
Dont buy this, just get a Dakota Krout book if you want a Dungeon fantasy.
Long meandering dialogues full of mundane details that get repeated over and over and over.
In one chapter they mention that the local in is almost finished 3 times. I repeat, they mention it will be finished shortly three times in a single chapter. That’s triple repetition of a detail that has no bearing on the story.
This is easily my worst purchase on amazon and that this book has 4,5 stars has made it clear to me that amazon and goodreads reviews are bought wholesale and therefore worthless.
Dont buy this, just get a Dakota Krout book if you want a Dungeon fantasy.
January 4, 2021
Tons of filler
This guy does everything he can to pad the page count. The story could stand on its own without the padding.
This guy does everything he can to pad the page count. The story could stand on its own without the padding.
February 25, 2021
4.5 Stars
OVERALL- This is the most amazing start to a Dungeon Core series that I have ever read. If you like this genre, don't hesitate- Read this book.
NO WARNINGS APPLY
This is a story about a Dwarf turning into a Dungeon Core, and can I just start this review out by saying how awesome that is? 😊
In this genre, more often then not, the creature that is turned into a Dungeon Core is a human- and so the fact that this author went with a well known creature that is NOT human already set the bar high for me. Because with humans- well, we are already human, and reading about your own species beating the odds using the same ol' things that make us unique... it gets old after a while. We all know the strengths of humans, which is why coming into this I was excited because just starting out we already have a Dungeon Core with unique strengths, personality traits, and quirks!
This story has everything that a mainstream Dungeon Core novel has, including a 'Dungeon Fairy'. Now, I cannot emphasize this enough: 9/10 times I am not a fan of the 'Dungeon Fairies' that I read about. This is because most of the stories I have read do not elaborate on their role, and they are simply regulated to spewing exposition when the time is convenient.
Echo is different- in fact, she is the first 'Dungeon Fairy' who I have fallen completely in love with. She isn't a tool, she's a character who furthers the story. Her origin is unique (in fact, she herself used to be a dungeon core!) and because of her origin its reasonable for her to have the knowledge/practical experience she has. But what I love the most, is her utter POTENTIAL. Because the way she was created allows for her to become the Core's Guardian- Someone who protects the dungeon core! She can become the LAST BOSS!!!!!
I’ve always wanted to see this done in a Dungeon Core story, and when I read about her getting a metal body and learning how to handle a spear, I admit I fangirled so hard that I am STILL fangirling! Echo isn't just a character written to keep the MC company, with no use outside of ‘knowledge’. Echo is going to be the Final Boss!!!!! Mwhahahahaha! And if that isn't enough to entice you, I'll have you know that not only is she created out of Mithril and Gold, beautiful enough to put Galatea to shame, but her fighting style is also that of a Valkyrie.
She is going to be a Valkyrie... 😍
And yet another thing to love and admire about this book... the SONGS! Dun dun dun!
I really admire the fact that this author wrote songs for this story, and that they included the songs to begin with! This is something that I adore in stories, and this was done well. The songs matched his backstory as a dwarf wonderfully, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I heard Thoron’s voice from the Misty Mountain song when I was reading those parts. That deep baritone matches so well that imagining it made me squeal with joy every time.
Remember those 'unique traits' I mentioned earlier? Yeah, this Dungeon Core SINGS (this novel's title is totally more relevant then I thought it would be and is therefore low key awesome), and it boosts his creatures morale and development. I can't wait to see this trait elaborated on in later books- because the ability almost reminds me of a Bard. Can he embed his voice to give stat increases to his creatures? Will his singing make others mistake him as a God? The possibilities are limitless! :D
Just one more unique thing that was truly the cherry on top of this great story!
There are a few CONS to this story, but they are small things. This story can be very fast paced, and so beginner readers of this genre might lose a bit of the ambience usual to Dungeon Core novels, or they might feel a bit lost (as a veteran reader I didn't mind the pace). Also, while it didn’t really bother me, it might bother others so I decided to include this: the Status Screen. His abilities don’t really change much throughout the book, and so it can feel like a waste of space that you skim before going on with the story. Like, I don't mind reading about changes that occur or Updates, but the Dungeon Core general abilities don’t really need to be listed EVERY time.
NOTE: I didn’t mind and skimmed it without problems, but I thought I’d mention it. Just including the new abilities and their info would have been perfect. I liked at the end of chapter 6 where it defines the abilities that were new/used in the chapter. That was the perfect amount of Status Screen time for me.
All in all, this book made me fangirl HARD. I am a converted fangirl now and forever, because so many of the quirks of this book hit themes that I ADORE. I am waiting in anticipation of the next installment, and cannot thank this author enough for publishing. Thank you THANK YOU THANKYOU!!!!!
OVERALL- This is the most amazing start to a Dungeon Core series that I have ever read. If you like this genre, don't hesitate- Read this book.
NO WARNINGS APPLY
This is a story about a Dwarf turning into a Dungeon Core, and can I just start this review out by saying how awesome that is? 😊
In this genre, more often then not, the creature that is turned into a Dungeon Core is a human- and so the fact that this author went with a well known creature that is NOT human already set the bar high for me. Because with humans- well, we are already human, and reading about your own species beating the odds using the same ol' things that make us unique... it gets old after a while. We all know the strengths of humans, which is why coming into this I was excited because just starting out we already have a Dungeon Core with unique strengths, personality traits, and quirks!
This story has everything that a mainstream Dungeon Core novel has, including a 'Dungeon Fairy'. Now, I cannot emphasize this enough: 9/10 times I am not a fan of the 'Dungeon Fairies' that I read about. This is because most of the stories I have read do not elaborate on their role, and they are simply regulated to spewing exposition when the time is convenient.
Echo is different- in fact, she is the first 'Dungeon Fairy' who I have fallen completely in love with. She isn't a tool, she's a character who furthers the story. Her origin is unique (in fact, she herself used to be a dungeon core!) and because of her origin its reasonable for her to have the knowledge/practical experience she has. But what I love the most, is her utter POTENTIAL. Because the way she was created allows for her to become the Core's Guardian- Someone who protects the dungeon core! She can become the LAST BOSS!!!!!
I’ve always wanted to see this done in a Dungeon Core story, and when I read about her getting a metal body and learning how to handle a spear, I admit I fangirled so hard that I am STILL fangirling! Echo isn't just a character written to keep the MC company, with no use outside of ‘knowledge’. Echo is going to be the Final Boss!!!!! Mwhahahahaha! And if that isn't enough to entice you, I'll have you know that not only is she created out of Mithril and Gold, beautiful enough to put Galatea to shame, but her fighting style is also that of a Valkyrie.
She is going to be a Valkyrie... 😍
And yet another thing to love and admire about this book... the SONGS! Dun dun dun!
I really admire the fact that this author wrote songs for this story, and that they included the songs to begin with! This is something that I adore in stories, and this was done well. The songs matched his backstory as a dwarf wonderfully, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I heard Thoron’s voice from the Misty Mountain song when I was reading those parts. That deep baritone matches so well that imagining it made me squeal with joy every time.
Remember those 'unique traits' I mentioned earlier? Yeah, this Dungeon Core SINGS (this novel's title is totally more relevant then I thought it would be and is therefore low key awesome), and it boosts his creatures morale and development. I can't wait to see this trait elaborated on in later books- because the ability almost reminds me of a Bard. Can he embed his voice to give stat increases to his creatures? Will his singing make others mistake him as a God? The possibilities are limitless! :D
Just one more unique thing that was truly the cherry on top of this great story!
There are a few CONS to this story, but they are small things. This story can be very fast paced, and so beginner readers of this genre might lose a bit of the ambience usual to Dungeon Core novels, or they might feel a bit lost (as a veteran reader I didn't mind the pace). Also, while it didn’t really bother me, it might bother others so I decided to include this: the Status Screen. His abilities don’t really change much throughout the book, and so it can feel like a waste of space that you skim before going on with the story. Like, I don't mind reading about changes that occur or Updates, but the Dungeon Core general abilities don’t really need to be listed EVERY time.
NOTE: I didn’t mind and skimmed it without problems, but I thought I’d mention it. Just including the new abilities and their info would have been perfect. I liked at the end of chapter 6 where it defines the abilities that were new/used in the chapter. That was the perfect amount of Status Screen time for me.
All in all, this book made me fangirl HARD. I am a converted fangirl now and forever, because so many of the quirks of this book hit themes that I ADORE. I am waiting in anticipation of the next installment, and cannot thank this author enough for publishing. Thank you THANK YOU THANKYOU!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
5 Few Things Were Less Threatening Than A Goldfish Stars
The Singing Mountain is the first book in the Dungeon Heart series by David Sanchez-Panto.
To end with that beautiful song detailing Mak'rit Strongarm's life and reincarnation into a dungeon core was pure genius on David Sanchez-Ponto's part. It set my ears to ringing, and bade me to read it over and over again, finding purchase within my mind. I enjoyed the entirety of this book so entirely, that I cannot fathom how the rest of the series can build on such a pivotal beginning.
This is such a unique ingenious take on converting a humanoid into a dungeon core. The loyalty of his creations being such a defining characteristic to define the layout of the story itself. To see the evolution of his main creations in: Pela, Echo, and Arturus. Only speaking to the inevitable wonderful additions to come in the future. I see thus becoming it's own wonderful ecosystem of prosperity. I'm filled with anticipation for when his true nature is revealed to the town on Nam. As well, the weapons, armor, and art he will manifest when he finally establishes a new corporeal form.
Outside of all the political intrigue, what has been set before us thus far is a delight to behold. The added consequences and coming turmoil only an added value to further exploring this world and work. That this was his debut, it seems, is a marvel in itself. The epitome of "coming out with a bang". I will be so extremely thankful to enjoy more of this authors work, as I come across it in the future.
The Singing Mountain is the first book in the Dungeon Heart series by David Sanchez-Panto.
To end with that beautiful song detailing Mak'rit Strongarm's life and reincarnation into a dungeon core was pure genius on David Sanchez-Ponto's part. It set my ears to ringing, and bade me to read it over and over again, finding purchase within my mind. I enjoyed the entirety of this book so entirely, that I cannot fathom how the rest of the series can build on such a pivotal beginning.
This is such a unique ingenious take on converting a humanoid into a dungeon core. The loyalty of his creations being such a defining characteristic to define the layout of the story itself. To see the evolution of his main creations in: Pela, Echo, and Arturus. Only speaking to the inevitable wonderful additions to come in the future. I see thus becoming it's own wonderful ecosystem of prosperity. I'm filled with anticipation for when his true nature is revealed to the town on Nam. As well, the weapons, armor, and art he will manifest when he finally establishes a new corporeal form.
Outside of all the political intrigue, what has been set before us thus far is a delight to behold. The added consequences and coming turmoil only an added value to further exploring this world and work. That this was his debut, it seems, is a marvel in itself. The epitome of "coming out with a bang". I will be so extremely thankful to enjoy more of this authors work, as I come across it in the future.
July 15, 2024
The world was mostly fine, but I had issues with the writing choices. The story would jump from first- to third-person of different characters with no warning or reason, and there weren't even headers to help us easily figure out whose POV we were following. Overall, there wasn't much plot progression, just a setup of the main characters with a dungeon evolving and random adventurers exploring it.
Another point I was confused about was the dungeon cultivating, but I didn't see any mentions of the adventurers doing so. The magic in the world was not well explained.
I don't think I'm interested enough in the characters to continue with the series.
Another point I was confused about was the dungeon cultivating, but I didn't see any mentions of the adventurers doing so. The magic in the world was not well explained.
I don't think I'm interested enough in the characters to continue with the series.
December 9, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author but I really enjoyed the read. An ancient dwarf, who was a master craftsman dies after his seven hundred year old life runs out, and is reincarnated into a dungeon core. He is assisted by Echo, who had been a dungeon core before but who was bested by Smit, the new dungeon core master. Smit starts to build his dungeon by trial and error having had no previous experience how to go about doing this, but what he has retained from his previous life was his love of crafting and beautiful artwork. This he puts before everything else as he crafts his dungeon, turning this into a pure work of art. As a team of adventurers descend for a dungeon dive onto the Dungeon of Origins they are awed by the beauty surrounding them and cannot believe that a newly formed dungeon could be so intricate. They are also not prepared totally for the pitfalls and dangers surrounding them through the kobolds, monster plants, dungeon rats and snakes and wolves and so many other magically infused creatures all out to defend their master who they revere as their God. Smit's dungeon has the potential to become a heroic dungeon if not more, and the King has his eyes set on this, knowing it would bring wealth and power to his Kingdom but also aware that many greedy noblemen and other neighbouring countries could wage war to get hold of the dungeon. Already deaths have occurred, so can Smit keep his dungeon from being used for evil? I love the different slant on a dungeon tale and the fact that Smit has retained his past life experiences and I am really looking forward to book 2 in this very enjoyable series.
September 3, 2022
I thought it was alright. I was pretty annoyed with how the MC acted when he was turned into a dungeon and thought it was pretty sus how the MC enforces loyalty in his creations, yet he feels pride in the love his creations have for him (even though it might just be a consequence of that loyalty trait). The MC is also strangely against cooperation with people outside his dungeon, even though there is never a good reason for him to act like that.
Writing-wise, there's nothing super impressive; it's just the same general easy-to-read style you often find in LitRPG novels. Fighting scenes could probably be compressed in the series; parts of the story are predictable; although the author tries, there's is nothing super unique about the dungeon perspective. (I might be a bit harsh though in this section since I'm coming from Mannix's novel The Fox and The Hound)
The short of it is the series is alright, but characters sometimes act in ways that aren't natural, and the writing is simple and sometimes predictable. Would I recommend the story? Sure, nonetheless, it was a fun read.
Writing-wise, there's nothing super impressive; it's just the same general easy-to-read style you often find in LitRPG novels. Fighting scenes could probably be compressed in the series; parts of the story are predictable; although the author tries, there's is nothing super unique about the dungeon perspective. (I might be a bit harsh though in this section since I'm coming from Mannix's novel The Fox and The Hound)
The short of it is the series is alright, but characters sometimes act in ways that aren't natural, and the writing is simple and sometimes predictable. Would I recommend the story? Sure, nonetheless, it was a fun read.
February 13, 2021
Slice of Life dungeon lit
Technically I guess this would be a soft litrpg novel. It sets up the story then doesn't really go anywhere with it. It was fine as far as it went, though the author has a tendency to start chapters in first person without actually identifying the person. I found this kind of annoying and immersion breaking. The writing was solid enough in the characters interesting enough that I'll give the second book a try, especially since I can get it for free through Kindle unlimited
Technically I guess this would be a soft litrpg novel. It sets up the story then doesn't really go anywhere with it. It was fine as far as it went, though the author has a tendency to start chapters in first person without actually identifying the person. I found this kind of annoying and immersion breaking. The writing was solid enough in the characters interesting enough that I'll give the second book a try, especially since I can get it for free through Kindle unlimited
April 12, 2022
The singing mountain is the first volume of the Dungeon Heart novel series by the author. With over 400+ pages and 27 chapters, this first series book centers around Dungeon Building and Governance.
The speed of this first book is snail-paced, so much so that 20% into the book, the only action is the creation of the Dungeon. I'm sure that if you read this book to most young adults, it would be a fast and cheap narcoleptic. You want people to never get into liking reading? Make them read slow-moving, boring books.
If the former dwarf-smith, Mak’rit (new name Smit), was to create a synergy in this new dungeon, opening the front door should have been one of the last things the Dungeon Master, Dungeon Core (Echo), should have done. Once the entrance is made, Dungeon Deivers, adventurers, etc. rush in to retrieve the Dungeon Core and complete the dungeon. Moss, mice, snakes and Kobolds are not intimidating. Anyone, even unarmed brave little girls, would be able to destroy this dungeon in about an hour, retrieve the Dungeon Core and send the author home. Unless, the mosquitos have malaria, and the rats have black plague, the moss is slippery, so it can make the adventurers slip and break their necks, but the Dungeon would still be destroyed faster than you can say: "Next?" Only weaker than snakes and the traps placed, were the bandits the author imagined to become the first victims of this extremely weak and simple dungeon.
Western LitRPG (Role Playing Game books) writers do not comply with most of the canons that the same Asian Dungeon Genre Authors use and publish in their web novel and light novel series. For Example, Kobolds for the Asians are dog-like humanoids, for the Westerner geeks (from Dungeon and Dragons) the Kobolds are lizard-folk (like Dragonewts, Draconians, Lizard like humanoids.) What is the point of making the Kobolds another Dragon-race-like humanoid species, if the Dragons already have so many humanoid species and Dragons can usually shape-shift into humanoid shapes anyways?
This Kobold controversy originates from the Dungeons and Dragons publication: Volo's Guide to Monsters. Because of this contradiction, today's Kobolds illustrated by Westerners, make a Dog-like face and a lizard-like body for the Kobolds.
The speed of this first book is snail-paced, so much so that 20% into the book, the only action is the creation of the Dungeon. I'm sure that if you read this book to most young adults, it would be a fast and cheap narcoleptic. You want people to never get into liking reading? Make them read slow-moving, boring books.
If the former dwarf-smith, Mak’rit (new name Smit), was to create a synergy in this new dungeon, opening the front door should have been one of the last things the Dungeon Master, Dungeon Core (Echo), should have done. Once the entrance is made, Dungeon Deivers, adventurers, etc. rush in to retrieve the Dungeon Core and complete the dungeon. Moss, mice, snakes and Kobolds are not intimidating. Anyone, even unarmed brave little girls, would be able to destroy this dungeon in about an hour, retrieve the Dungeon Core and send the author home. Unless, the mosquitos have malaria, and the rats have black plague, the moss is slippery, so it can make the adventurers slip and break their necks, but the Dungeon would still be destroyed faster than you can say: "Next?" Only weaker than snakes and the traps placed, were the bandits the author imagined to become the first victims of this extremely weak and simple dungeon.
Western LitRPG (Role Playing Game books) writers do not comply with most of the canons that the same Asian Dungeon Genre Authors use and publish in their web novel and light novel series. For Example, Kobolds for the Asians are dog-like humanoids, for the Westerner geeks (from Dungeon and Dragons) the Kobolds are lizard-folk (like Dragonewts, Draconians, Lizard like humanoids.) What is the point of making the Kobolds another Dragon-race-like humanoid species, if the Dragons already have so many humanoid species and Dragons can usually shape-shift into humanoid shapes anyways?
This Kobold controversy originates from the Dungeons and Dragons publication: Volo's Guide to Monsters. Because of this contradiction, today's Kobolds illustrated by Westerners, make a Dog-like face and a lizard-like body for the Kobolds.
December 15, 2020
A Skillful Debut.
Our dwarven MC dies and becomes a dungeon core and so begins this enchanting and very readable tale.
David does a good job of emphasising the beauty and skill of the dungeon that is created. Our MC isn't just any old dungeon core but both a dwarf, famous for their crafting skills and a master craftsman of legendary skill. Together this means a dungeon core with the skill worthy of creating palaces and weapons fit for a king. This makes for very interesting reading.
The tendency of the author to switch perspectives (character point of view) on a frequent basis is a bit disconcerting as he doesn't mention who the next character is for a few pages in and the reader is left to guess. Usually I would deduct a star in annoyance but the story is just so captivating and readable that it more than makes up for this.
Beware! This story comes with a cliffhanger. After being caught up in this page turner, the story abruptly stops and the reader is left feeling like a drug addict craving their next fix.
Our dwarven MC dies and becomes a dungeon core and so begins this enchanting and very readable tale.
David does a good job of emphasising the beauty and skill of the dungeon that is created. Our MC isn't just any old dungeon core but both a dwarf, famous for their crafting skills and a master craftsman of legendary skill. Together this means a dungeon core with the skill worthy of creating palaces and weapons fit for a king. This makes for very interesting reading.
The tendency of the author to switch perspectives (character point of view) on a frequent basis is a bit disconcerting as he doesn't mention who the next character is for a few pages in and the reader is left to guess. Usually I would deduct a star in annoyance but the story is just so captivating and readable that it more than makes up for this.
Beware! This story comes with a cliffhanger. After being caught up in this page turner, the story abruptly stops and the reader is left feeling like a drug addict craving their next fix.
February 25, 2024
A great example of what I’m looking for in a dungeon core book (base building, creature evolution, worldbuilding, a non-murderhobo core), but it does still suffer a bit on a writing quality level.
A legendary dwarven crafter dies in his workshop and his soul merges with a nearby dungeon core instead of passing on. Reborn, dungeon core Smit must build his dungeon, but with a level of artistry and skill unseen in other dungeon cores. I thought this was really fun and perfectly scratched the dungeon core itch. Smit is more interested crafting and artistry than killing adventures (in fact he generally wants to keep them alive!) and the small community of monsters he creates is fun and wholesome. There are some fairly jarring perspectives shifts, as it can hop around, switching from third to first, but when its just following Smit, it flows pretty well.
Recommended if you like dungeon core books. Also recommended as an intro to the genre (just don’t expect dazzling prose).
A legendary dwarven crafter dies in his workshop and his soul merges with a nearby dungeon core instead of passing on. Reborn, dungeon core Smit must build his dungeon, but with a level of artistry and skill unseen in other dungeon cores. I thought this was really fun and perfectly scratched the dungeon core itch. Smit is more interested crafting and artistry than killing adventures (in fact he generally wants to keep them alive!) and the small community of monsters he creates is fun and wholesome. There are some fairly jarring perspectives shifts, as it can hop around, switching from third to first, but when its just following Smit, it flows pretty well.
Recommended if you like dungeon core books. Also recommended as an intro to the genre (just don’t expect dazzling prose).
December 16, 2020
Not much to criticize
I racked my brain trying to figure out something to criticize in this book, surprisingly enough everything I could think of would either create pacing issues of loose ends.
I do not give reviews often, when I do, it is for a book that's so thoroughly enthralled me that I end up cursing at the end because it's over and I did not realize 5 hours had passed.
The only thing I can say I did not like was the cliffhanger, now I won't be able to stop thinking about this book for at least the next week.
I will definitely get the next book when it comes out, and for the foreseeable future this book will invade my dreams.
To the author I send my sincerest regards and praise, you have created a world which I believe can rival the Divine Dungeon, or even the World Keeper Series in complexity and entertainment.
I racked my brain trying to figure out something to criticize in this book, surprisingly enough everything I could think of would either create pacing issues of loose ends.
I do not give reviews often, when I do, it is for a book that's so thoroughly enthralled me that I end up cursing at the end because it's over and I did not realize 5 hours had passed.
The only thing I can say I did not like was the cliffhanger, now I won't be able to stop thinking about this book for at least the next week.
I will definitely get the next book when it comes out, and for the foreseeable future this book will invade my dreams.
To the author I send my sincerest regards and praise, you have created a world which I believe can rival the Divine Dungeon, or even the World Keeper Series in complexity and entertainment.
May 6, 2021
I loved this book! This is the story of how an ancient, powerful Dwarf (named Smit) became a Dungeon-Heart, and the soul of the mountain! when Smit "wakes" after dying, he discovers how vulnerable he is as a newly formed Dungeon Heart. But starting out from scratch doesn't scare him off, and since all his memories are intact he sets to cultivating, gaining both stats and power in order to set up a proper Dungeon! A dungeon that's inticing enough to draw Hero's in but challenging enough to keep them on their toes, and dropping enough cool loot so that they'll want to come back! And Smit has a lot of work to do, plus as a master craftsman in his previous life, he'll get it done right! Smit's dungeon HAS to be both aesthetically pleasing, and challenging as well!
Henry Kramer's narration was quite good too, so overall 4.5 genre specific ⭐'s 😊👍
Henry Kramer's narration was quite good too, so overall 4.5 genre specific ⭐'s 😊👍
January 18, 2025
Great new take on a dungeon core story
First of all, MCs usually aren’t dwarves and dungeon cores specifically are almost always written as human spirits. This change is one of my favorites because it’s so refreshing seeing the “stubborn, alcohol obsessed dwarf” from a personal perspective. Smit is also old so we don’t have to be bothered by immature emotional outbursts and stupidity. Greatly appreciated author-san!
It’s also the first time I’ve read a dungeon story with such a family based aspect, and it was really enjoyable. I really liked that Smit wasn’t just playing along with the views of his creations. He honestly views them as his children just as they see him as their father.
Lastly, the bathrooms. I’m not gonna say anything else, in the spirit of surprise, but bathrooms? I immediately died! 🤣
First of all, MCs usually aren’t dwarves and dungeon cores specifically are almost always written as human spirits. This change is one of my favorites because it’s so refreshing seeing the “stubborn, alcohol obsessed dwarf” from a personal perspective. Smit is also old so we don’t have to be bothered by immature emotional outbursts and stupidity. Greatly appreciated author-san!
It’s also the first time I’ve read a dungeon story with such a family based aspect, and it was really enjoyable. I really liked that Smit wasn’t just playing along with the views of his creations. He honestly views them as his children just as they see him as their father.
Lastly, the bathrooms. I’m not gonna say anything else, in the spirit of surprise, but bathrooms? I immediately died! 🤣
January 24, 2021
Interesting characters and good story
A good dungeon core story, with interesting characters. I like the main character Smit. While he can be gruff and focused, he does also care, to a certain extent, about others. So, not a blood thirsty dungeon, but rather one which creates challenges and art. Though, he is more than willing to destroy those who would try to kill him.
The other characters are also interesting and you can see several wheels spinning, as the people of the kingdom react to this new dungeon and the potential rewards. Especially as the King will be appointing someone to manage the land, who may have the opportunity to become wealthy and powerful as a result.
A good dungeon core story, with interesting characters. I like the main character Smit. While he can be gruff and focused, he does also care, to a certain extent, about others. So, not a blood thirsty dungeon, but rather one which creates challenges and art. Though, he is more than willing to destroy those who would try to kill him.
The other characters are also interesting and you can see several wheels spinning, as the people of the kingdom react to this new dungeon and the potential rewards. Especially as the King will be appointing someone to manage the land, who may have the opportunity to become wealthy and powerful as a result.
August 4, 2023
This is a mostly-OK book ruined by an audiobook reader that doesn't know how to properly read text. That is, he pauses for nearly a whole second on a comma. It ends up reading like this:
The writer's constant repetition of overly specific word use ("his little village"/"his village"/"the village") doesn't help things, but it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the audiobook reader.
Edit:
This one's going in my "not going to finish" pile and its 90% Henry Kramer's fault. "Of course" and "However" are not sentences deserving of a full stop. >:C
"You fool!"
Icfas roared.
As he threw his hands in the air.
Startling everyone in the room.
"Do you not see?
"Quickly.
"Tell me what you know about golems."
Gat strode through his little village.
Staring at the sudden change that was going on throughout it.
It was odd to see so many people that he didn't know in his village.
The village.
Though it had been founded less than a century ago.
Did not have much traffic from foreign entities.
The writer's constant repetition of overly specific word use ("his little village"/"his village"/"the village") doesn't help things, but it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the audiobook reader.
Edit:
This one's going in my "not going to finish" pile and its 90% Henry Kramer's fault. "Of course" and "However" are not sentences deserving of a full stop. >:C
December 16, 2020
Fantastic Dungeon Core novel
So I read most of this book on RoyalRoad and boy m I glad to see this book moving up in the World. This book sets itself apart from other Dungeon Core novels with the amount of detail that goes into each creation. The Dungeon Coe was originally a master craftsmen and was renowned across the world and now his new goal is to be the most beautiful dungeon ever and the descriptions make sure you realize he’s already on the way to succeeding. It makes you appreciate his monsters so much more then the dull and lifeless creations of other dc novels. In all this is a great read and I hope more people will take the time to enjoy it.
So I read most of this book on RoyalRoad and boy m I glad to see this book moving up in the World. This book sets itself apart from other Dungeon Core novels with the amount of detail that goes into each creation. The Dungeon Coe was originally a master craftsmen and was renowned across the world and now his new goal is to be the most beautiful dungeon ever and the descriptions make sure you realize he’s already on the way to succeeding. It makes you appreciate his monsters so much more then the dull and lifeless creations of other dc novels. In all this is a great read and I hope more people will take the time to enjoy it.
February 16, 2021
Dwarf to dungeon
This is a beautifully crafted story, rich and lush with detail and genuinely a pleasure to read. There's some clips outside of the dungeon to help us work out who the Adventurers are and what's going on but most of the story focuses on Smit and his creation and evolution of his home. I really thoroughly enjoyed it especially the artistic touches that were given to the build. They really helped pile my imagination with luscious details and his fondness for art and craft makes you find of this standoffish dwarf turned dungeon. Can't wait for the next installment.
This is a beautifully crafted story, rich and lush with detail and genuinely a pleasure to read. There's some clips outside of the dungeon to help us work out who the Adventurers are and what's going on but most of the story focuses on Smit and his creation and evolution of his home. I really thoroughly enjoyed it especially the artistic touches that were given to the build. They really helped pile my imagination with luscious details and his fondness for art and craft makes you find of this standoffish dwarf turned dungeon. Can't wait for the next installment.
January 4, 2021
Far and away my favorite book of this genre. Excellent protagonist backstory and development.
That said: Can stand alone on its literary merit without the LitRPG fluff. Doesn't need the filler of having a monster core summary every 10 or so pages. And as any good systems analyst will tell you its the delta's that are important not constant repetition of the framework. IE I'm sincere in my 5 star rating but would prefer subsequent books to be normal novels. Your ideas are great and you have the talent to not need the LitRPG crutch.
That said: Can stand alone on its literary merit without the LitRPG fluff. Doesn't need the filler of having a monster core summary every 10 or so pages. And as any good systems analyst will tell you its the delta's that are important not constant repetition of the framework. IE I'm sincere in my 5 star rating but would prefer subsequent books to be normal novels. Your ideas are great and you have the talent to not need the LitRPG crutch.
January 7, 2021
Good book but ...
A good enough book with some dungeon building and very sparse litrpg elements, decent action and interesting evolution possibilities, however the adding of the dungeon stats at the end of every chapter even though it has no relevance, and nothing has changed is clearly a pathetic attempt to inflate the page count. At about 93% the book ends abruptly and the rest is filled with character stats. This D... move, the abrupt ending and the fact that several misteries are introduced but not followed up deserve at least one star detracted.
A good enough book with some dungeon building and very sparse litrpg elements, decent action and interesting evolution possibilities, however the adding of the dungeon stats at the end of every chapter even though it has no relevance, and nothing has changed is clearly a pathetic attempt to inflate the page count. At about 93% the book ends abruptly and the rest is filled with character stats. This D... move, the abrupt ending and the fact that several misteries are introduced but not followed up deserve at least one star detracted.
March 24, 2022
An Ancient Dwarven Master Smith Becomes A Dungeon Heart.
Smit has spent centuries practicing and mastering his various crafts. His retreat into isolation leaves him alone when old age overtakes him. He dies with no company beyond a cracked and slumbering Dungeon Heart; which gives him a new lease on life when the stone absorbs his soul. Thus does Smit become the spirit of The Singing Mountain.
This novel may be of interest to fans of the wider Fantasy genre and to those who enjoy playing RPGs.
Smit has spent centuries practicing and mastering his various crafts. His retreat into isolation leaves him alone when old age overtakes him. He dies with no company beyond a cracked and slumbering Dungeon Heart; which gives him a new lease on life when the stone absorbs his soul. Thus does Smit become the spirit of The Singing Mountain.
This novel may be of interest to fans of the wider Fantasy genre and to those who enjoy playing RPGs.
October 4, 2022
what a book
This has been one of the best if not the best book in its genre thatI’ve read and it compares very favorably to all those books that are classified fantasy.
The MC is a believable protagonist in a world that holds up to suspension of disbelief. It shows what happens when a great craftsman is reincarnated into a dungeon who is using his past experience to become the greatest and, more importantly, the most artistic dungeon in the world.
I can’t wait to read the next installment.
This has been one of the best if not the best book in its genre thatI’ve read and it compares very favorably to all those books that are classified fantasy.
The MC is a believable protagonist in a world that holds up to suspension of disbelief. It shows what happens when a great craftsman is reincarnated into a dungeon who is using his past experience to become the greatest and, more importantly, the most artistic dungeon in the world.
I can’t wait to read the next installment.
February 1, 2021
Good Read.
I liked the story. A change from the other dungeon core story. // One little note towards the book’s end on of the characters said ... “hits like a truck.” In a fantasy world, what is a truck. // With formatting, the character sheet shows up too many time with very little change to it (I mostly skipped it). The last note, POV change was not always clear. The chapters could be labeled with the new POV.
I liked the story. A change from the other dungeon core story. // One little note towards the book’s end on of the characters said ... “hits like a truck.” In a fantasy world, what is a truck. // With formatting, the character sheet shows up too many time with very little change to it (I mostly skipped it). The last note, POV change was not always clear. The chapters could be labeled with the new POV.
January 3, 2021
Great start to a new dungeon series!
Like I said in the title its a great start to a new series. I am definitely looking forward to the next book. The plot is a little heavy handed and or clunky in a few places but I was looking forward to to see what happens next. Smit, the dungeon can come off as too powerful at times but overall that can be forgiven plot wise.
Like I said in the title its a great start to a new series. I am definitely looking forward to the next book. The plot is a little heavy handed and or clunky in a few places but I was looking forward to to see what happens next. Smit, the dungeon can come off as too powerful at times but overall that can be forgiven plot wise.
January 27, 2021
A masterpiece that will soon join the halls of the other dungeon greats
I'm not sure if I should be excited to be one of the first or sad I have to wait. Without a doubt this will be held on the same pedistal as the divine dungeon in time. An EXCELLENT job showing the way the monsters of the dungeon think.
I'm not sure if I should be excited to be one of the first or sad I have to wait. Without a doubt this will be held on the same pedistal as the divine dungeon in time. An EXCELLENT job showing the way the monsters of the dungeon think.
February 18, 2021
Better than the summary suggest
After passing on it because the book summary turned me away i finally decided to take a chance on the first in hopefully a decent size series i was pleasantly surprised the book quickly gabs your attention as you learn things with the mc and balances the perspectives between other characters and the main dungeon in a gripping read
After passing on it because the book summary turned me away i finally decided to take a chance on the first in hopefully a decent size series i was pleasantly surprised the book quickly gabs your attention as you learn things with the mc and balances the perspectives between other characters and the main dungeon in a gripping read
March 30, 2021
Great read
A rare find of the genre. This book has well fleshed out characters and a lot of interesting mysterious I'm looking forward to exploring.
Just as a note the chapters often have different POV characters and adding a name to indicate who is speaking k ing would be useful as it was a bit confusing in earlier chapters.
A rare find of the genre. This book has well fleshed out characters and a lot of interesting mysterious I'm looking forward to exploring.
Just as a note the chapters often have different POV characters and adding a name to indicate who is speaking k ing would be useful as it was a bit confusing in earlier chapters.
March 16, 2022
Silver Spoon
Are these authors so uncreative they need give their heroes or villains silver spoons in their mouths to create a story. I got to the place where echo says you are a legendary dungeon core the most powerful one he could be in Chapter One and I sent the book back i said that’s it I am not wasting my time on another one like this.
Are these authors so uncreative they need give their heroes or villains silver spoons in their mouths to create a story. I got to the place where echo says you are a legendary dungeon core the most powerful one he could be in Chapter One and I sent the book back i said that’s it I am not wasting my time on another one like this.
April 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Had everything you would expect in a dungeon core book. I especially liked the incorporation of music into the story and really wish it had more. I love stories that include music like The name of the wind, Bardic Voices, and wars of light and shadow. Hopefully book 2 fleshes this aspect out more!
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