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Dungeon of Envy
Imagine a world where humans are almost extinct.
Hundreds of years ago, the realm walls collapsed, and Earth was flooded with mythical creatures. Now, dungeons dot the landscape, releasing Demons that terrorize and destroy everything in their path. If they aren’t stopped soon, humans won’t be the only endangered species.
In an attempt to preserve life and win the war against Demons, Protectors from different species all over the world have downloaded level-up programs to help them fight. Jason Jonosan doesn’t want to be a part of that world, though his dad created the original tech. His dad’s latest work has made him a target, and Jason finds himself running for his life.
When he’s accidentally injected with an accelerated prototype, it’s level up or die. But as he goes through dungeons with his best friend and new Party members, they realize the situation isn’t as simple as they always believed, and the race to save Jason’s life turns into a quest to save the world.
Hundreds of years ago, the realm walls collapsed, and Earth was flooded with mythical creatures. Now, dungeons dot the landscape, releasing Demons that terrorize and destroy everything in their path. If they aren’t stopped soon, humans won’t be the only endangered species.
In an attempt to preserve life and win the war against Demons, Protectors from different species all over the world have downloaded level-up programs to help them fight. Jason Jonosan doesn’t want to be a part of that world, though his dad created the original tech. His dad’s latest work has made him a target, and Jason finds himself running for his life.
When he’s accidentally injected with an accelerated prototype, it’s level up or die. But as he goes through dungeons with his best friend and new Party members, they realize the situation isn’t as simple as they always believed, and the race to save Jason’s life turns into a quest to save the world.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2021
340 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 11, 2020
Drake does a lot of things right. Writing quality is above average for the genre, the MC is making his way in an established world with more powerful characters and doesn't rely on "cheating" the system or having unique skills, and the reason for the game overlay is unique as far as I've seen.
Puzzlingly, despite being a Dungeon book the regular world sequences are the most interesting. The dungeons themselves are pretty generic (except for the final boss which I won't spoil), and Jason's combat techniques remain something out of vanilla WoW ("Have dagger, will stab").
He's also set up at the beginning as having studiously avoided thinking about the game system his whole life, and yet by the last third of the book he's calling the shots for his party of Elites who've spent their whole lives fighting in dungeons.
Other than these gripes it's a solid read.
Puzzlingly, despite being a Dungeon book the regular world sequences are the most interesting. The dungeons themselves are pretty generic (except for the final boss which I won't spoil), and Jason's combat techniques remain something out of vanilla WoW ("Have dagger, will stab").
He's also set up at the beginning as having studiously avoided thinking about the game system his whole life, and yet by the last third of the book he's calling the shots for his party of Elites who've spent their whole lives fighting in dungeons.
Other than these gripes it's a solid read.
September 9, 2022
Atrocious writing.
Atrocious world-building.
Shameless info-dumps.
Tepid MC.
Skip.
Atrocious world-building.
Shameless info-dumps.
Tepid MC.
Skip.
January 18, 2021
Not bad,but not great
The book is decent, but it’s a bit flat. The author doesn’t do much world building and the plot really doesn’t evolve all that much. There are way too many coincidences that seemed contrived to add a twist to the plot. The author seems like he’s pulling random occurrences out of his butt to try and make the story more interesting. Also the characters powers are completely underwhelming. The fights get boring after a while.
The book is decent, but it’s a bit flat. The author doesn’t do much world building and the plot really doesn’t evolve all that much. There are way too many coincidences that seemed contrived to add a twist to the plot. The author seems like he’s pulling random occurrences out of his butt to try and make the story more interesting. Also the characters powers are completely underwhelming. The fights get boring after a while.
January 20, 2021
Good read with a mystery
I liked the characters, sorry and plot. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone, so will only say that dungeon diving in this story has a slightly different purpose and result than in other books I've read.
There is also a mystery, or possibly two, which threads throughout the book. I'm interested in seeing how things work out in the rest of the series.
I liked the characters, sorry and plot. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone, so will only say that dungeon diving in this story has a slightly different purpose and result than in other books I've read.
There is also a mystery, or possibly two, which threads throughout the book. I'm interested in seeing how things work out in the rest of the series.
December 21, 2020
Good story
I think the story is fairly good with a solid take on the apocalyptic events, though the leveling aspect is explained oddly. Still, looking forwards to the next book and seeing the author improve.
I think the story is fairly good with a solid take on the apocalyptic events, though the leveling aspect is explained oddly. Still, looking forwards to the next book and seeing the author improve.
January 4, 2021
Great story and a little spoiler alert
The author weaves a great story clearly progressing the MC through trials. Each trial got harder but developed the MC in a balanced way. It was hard to read through the times the MC lost friends to the demon dungeons.
The author weaves a great story clearly progressing the MC through trials. Each trial got harder but developed the MC in a balanced way. It was hard to read through the times the MC lost friends to the demon dungeons.
February 14, 2021
Extremely Good!!!
Very good book to read it's very entertaining and exciting!! The book is a series that comes to a End before the next episode? It's not like other rpgs it won't take long to figure why....
Very good book to read it's very entertaining and exciting!! The book is a series that comes to a End before the next episode? It's not like other rpgs it won't take long to figure why....
November 20, 2020
I enjoyed this one
I think this was a nice gem of a story. Look forward to another from this author, I see where they are going with it and am excited for more.
I think this was a nice gem of a story. Look forward to another from this author, I see where they are going with it and am excited for more.
November 23, 2020
Awesome book with an engaging plot.
December 27, 2020
Great book
I really enjoyed reading this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Well written and interesting. Cannot wait to learn more about the world
I really enjoyed reading this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Well written and interesting. Cannot wait to learn more about the world
January 3, 2021
Very slow--the main character is such a whiner--it finally speeded up in the last 25%. Not sure if I'll read any more of these...
January 9, 2021
Good story
This was a good story and it left me wanting more. That's how all good series should be. Thank you Mr O'Keefe!
This was a good story and it left me wanting more. That's how all good series should be. Thank you Mr O'Keefe!
January 11, 2021
Looking Forward to the next one
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think first and foremost that is what you should rate a book on. Some things felt a little rushed but lined up with the MC being rushed throughout the timeline. I look forward to him meeting his father at some point.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think first and foremost that is what you should rate a book on. Some things felt a little rushed but lined up with the MC being rushed throughout the timeline. I look forward to him meeting his father at some point.
November 22, 2020
Good read
This is a classic Litrpg title done well. The characters are engaging the storyline flows along with the action. I recommend others give it a try.
This is a classic Litrpg title done well. The characters are engaging the storyline flows along with the action. I recommend others give it a try.
December 13, 2020
Fresh take!
Legitimately enjoyed the book and looking forward to more in the series! It drew me in with questions by the second chapter so couldn't help but binge it
Legitimately enjoyed the book and looking forward to more in the series! It drew me in with questions by the second chapter so couldn't help but binge it
January 2, 2021
Great story
The book was well done and a great read. I could not put it down and I can’t wait for the next book.
The book was well done and a great read. I could not put it down and I can’t wait for the next book.
December 10, 2020
Good story. Well worth the read.
An original story line and for once the mc is not op. Well worth the time to read.
Very well done.
An original story line and for once the mc is not op. Well worth the time to read.
Very well done.
February 10, 2021
Great Lit RPG read
I really enjoyed the story and the progression of the hero. Was a very interesting premise and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed the story and the progression of the hero. Was a very interesting premise and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
August 31, 2022
DNF
I assume this series is intended as YA since the main characters seem... I'll just say 'young in spirit.'
I take no issue with YA fiction, but it needs to maintain some standards. I'm not talking about bad grammar, (although there are issues here), rather I'm referring to the lack of believability. The central character is the son of a world-class leveling tech expert, and yet Jason comes across as a complete newbie and has to be clued in with basic knowledge. (It's not exposition it's contextual learning... sure it is.) Then, just as the crew discovers they are wanted by the authorities, they conveniently meet a criminal hacker/forger who can erase their identities - despite being in a small town at the time. A few moments later, when they are faced with a police roadblock, Jason discovers an invisibility cloak. 'Nuff said. I'm out.
I assume this series is intended as YA since the main characters seem... I'll just say 'young in spirit.'
I take no issue with YA fiction, but it needs to maintain some standards. I'm not talking about bad grammar, (although there are issues here), rather I'm referring to the lack of believability. The central character is the son of a world-class leveling tech expert, and yet Jason comes across as a complete newbie and has to be clued in with basic knowledge. (It's not exposition it's contextual learning... sure it is.) Then, just as the crew discovers they are wanted by the authorities, they conveniently meet a criminal hacker/forger who can erase their identities - despite being in a small town at the time. A few moments later, when they are faced with a police roadblock, Jason discovers an invisibility cloak. 'Nuff said. I'm out.
September 10, 2022
Fun read, I think the book suffers fron a little lack of world building, but I appreciate that the author doesn't neglect the party dynamics in the fight scenes, which I enjoy. While it's maybe not the "most original plot ever" their is enough detail and though put into making it worth the read.
Pros:
- party dynamic is decent
- characters aren't invincible
- progression isn't so slow that we get bored, but not so fast that it's "op"
- mc isn't a whiney little b***
- decent detail in the level up perks, again good, but not op
Cons:
- limited word building
- overarching plot feels a little generic
- support character development feels a little slow....will re-evaluate this one after I read book 2, could easily turn around.
- some people may find the that the fights drag on a bit, but I don't mind that.
Pros:
- party dynamic is decent
- characters aren't invincible
- progression isn't so slow that we get bored, but not so fast that it's "op"
- mc isn't a whiney little b***
- decent detail in the level up perks, again good, but not op
Cons:
- limited word building
- overarching plot feels a little generic
- support character development feels a little slow....will re-evaluate this one after I read book 2, could easily turn around.
- some people may find the that the fights drag on a bit, but I don't mind that.
March 10, 2021
I don’t like 3 stars
But...it’s not a 4 star novel, in my opinion. And it deserves better than 2.
I finished it. There was something important missing. The whole thing was on fast-forward. Levels and gear dropping fast, even as the MC barely survived. And several other characters did not.
I think it was a lack of agency. Rarely did the MC take action that wasn’t forced upon him by circumstance. And there were some things that were poorly explained.
It was okay. But I am not going to read the next book in the series.
But...it’s not a 4 star novel, in my opinion. And it deserves better than 2.
I finished it. There was something important missing. The whole thing was on fast-forward. Levels and gear dropping fast, even as the MC barely survived. And several other characters did not.
I think it was a lack of agency. Rarely did the MC take action that wasn’t forced upon him by circumstance. And there were some things that were poorly explained.
It was okay. But I am not going to read the next book in the series.
October 13, 2021
Fantastic adventure!
I really enjoyed following Jason and his companions on his fantastic adventure! I loved the overall storyline however, some of the dungeon battles went on a bit much for me. The final dungeon battles were epic and totally my favorite. Blaze is one of my favorite characters and I love that he talks about himself in the third person. The narration was absolutely wonderful. Steve Campbell’s voice acting skills are really showcased in this story.
This is book 1.
I recommend this book.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
I really enjoyed following Jason and his companions on his fantastic adventure! I loved the overall storyline however, some of the dungeon battles went on a bit much for me. The final dungeon battles were epic and totally my favorite. Blaze is one of my favorite characters and I love that he talks about himself in the third person. The narration was absolutely wonderful. Steve Campbell’s voice acting skills are really showcased in this story.
This is book 1.
I recommend this book.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
January 26, 2021
This was quite fun until they started killing people off for no real reason, like there was a quota and they abruptly realised they hadn’t filled it. Just like, random deaths. Made it feel very contrived.
I liked the book fine, if I hadn’t liked it I wouldn’t have cared when the characters died. But they both died for nothing, because a timer ran out rather than they made some sacrifice or big mistake. I can see why they put the timer thing in, but it made those deaths feel cheap.
Maybe two stars was a bit harsh, so I’m setting it to three. Five stars doesn’t leave much room for subtlety. It was a good book but I was disappointed by the last part of it.
I liked the book fine, if I hadn’t liked it I wouldn’t have cared when the characters died. But they both died for nothing, because a timer ran out rather than they made some sacrifice or big mistake. I can see why they put the timer thing in, but it made those deaths feel cheap.
Maybe two stars was a bit harsh, so I’m setting it to three. Five stars doesn’t leave much room for subtlety. It was a good book but I was disappointed by the last part of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2022
DNF - 30% 2.5 stars
Very dumb MC. Has no equipment and won't wear new rings or necklace because he doesn't use the stats much. That's how dumb he is. Also has lots of filler text, xp on kills and stats.
I get it, you're trying to a growing-up arc but if basic survival instincts like wearing anything to survive like this and RPG elements are so foreign for a billionaires kid.. nah, he's a gonner.
Very dumb MC. Has no equipment and won't wear new rings or necklace because he doesn't use the stats much. That's how dumb he is. Also has lots of filler text, xp on kills and stats.
I get it, you're trying to a growing-up arc but if basic survival instincts like wearing anything to survive like this and RPG elements are so foreign for a billionaires kid.. nah, he's a gonner.
March 17, 2021
This book blew me away. As an avid video game and book lover, I was so pumped when reading this book. It’s my first Lit-RPG book and will absolutely be reading the others in this series. The story is so intense and incredibly clever. If you’re reading this, Drake, hurry and come out with the next one. I can’t wait to see this party’s next adventure!
December 11, 2021
Good
It was a good story. I liked the characters and the things they had to do, but the combat scenes were a little hard to follow. It was a little annoying how the main character was able to speed level and not get hurt really bad in the fights when his companions had to be revived multiple times.
It was a good story. I liked the characters and the things they had to do, but the combat scenes were a little hard to follow. It was a little annoying how the main character was able to speed level and not get hurt really bad in the fights when his companions had to be revived multiple times.
January 6, 2023
Great continuation of the story
I have enjoyed all the books so far which have been set in this universe, and this is definitely a fun read. The characters continue to be interesting, there is a lot of action, magic, and overall great adventures. I recommend this book and look forward to future books in the series.
I have enjoyed all the books so far which have been set in this universe, and this is definitely a fun read. The characters continue to be interesting, there is a lot of action, magic, and overall great adventures. I recommend this book and look forward to future books in the series.
September 1, 2022
DNF - Another litrpg with stupid and annoying main characters. None of these characters are smart enough to survive to adulthood in a non magical world never mind a magical one. You can't connect to any of the characters because of their stupidity
January 14, 2021
Unlikable main character
Only got to about 10%of the book but could not go on !! The main character was a punk plain and simpld
Only got to about 10%of the book but could not go on !! The main character was a punk plain and simpld
January 16, 2021
Interesting story
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in this series. Seems to be an interesting start to a new series.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in this series. Seems to be an interesting start to a new series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews