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New world. Old problems. Even gods must die.
Artorian has been given the lovely opportunity to run a realm and sort out all of its inherent issues. Not only does he get to chase around people with world-shattering abilities and force them into hibernation, he gets to break up his days by living through the worst portions of his life all over again. Nothing like trauma to fuel personal growth!
Nasty creatures Artorian thought were gone forever have begun appearing in the dark corners of the world, smiling at him with too many teeth. Between constant battles, Cal’s newfound love for math and pylons, the early stages of a world-spanning game system, and grumpy supervisors who refuse their bedtime…the sunny administrator has his now-tiny hands full.
Exactly how he likes it.
Artorian has been given the lovely opportunity to run a realm and sort out all of its inherent issues. Not only does he get to chase around people with world-shattering abilities and force them into hibernation, he gets to break up his days by living through the worst portions of his life all over again. Nothing like trauma to fuel personal growth!
Nasty creatures Artorian thought were gone forever have begun appearing in the dark corners of the world, smiling at him with too many teeth. Between constant battles, Cal’s newfound love for math and pylons, the early stages of a world-spanning game system, and grumpy supervisors who refuse their bedtime…the sunny administrator has his now-tiny hands full.
Exactly how he likes it.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2021
241 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 17, 2021
There is no end!
neither to the story (long arc) nor to the book (short arc). The book just stops. It isn´t even a cliff hanger, it just didn´t go further
And it irritates me.
neither to the story (long arc) nor to the book (short arc). The book just stops. It isn´t even a cliff hanger, it just didn´t go further
And it irritates me.
February 13, 2021
Filler and confusion
Excellent writing as always, but the book is literally fill time between the divine dungeon series and the completionist chronicles. Yes there is plot, but it is weak and doesn’t hold up to inspection. Not to mention that the important things, like the cliffhanger and the title of the book aren’t even explained, nor mentioned until literally the very last word. Lots of fun bits, but it could be condensed so much to make a book that not only is fun to read, but easy to follow. I had a hard time keeping up with events, and unless you start from the very beginning and read to the very end of all the series at once, you will miss and forget references and important information vital to the story. Authors: please condense stories to relevant form. Artorian may be able to and even prefer to bumble around the book like a nincompoop on a sugar high, but I for one do not. There are too many trips down basher holes for eloquent reading.
Excellent writing as always, but the book is literally fill time between the divine dungeon series and the completionist chronicles. Yes there is plot, but it is weak and doesn’t hold up to inspection. Not to mention that the important things, like the cliffhanger and the title of the book aren’t even explained, nor mentioned until literally the very last word. Lots of fun bits, but it could be condensed so much to make a book that not only is fun to read, but easy to follow. I had a hard time keeping up with events, and unless you start from the very beginning and read to the very end of all the series at once, you will miss and forget references and important information vital to the story. Authors: please condense stories to relevant form. Artorian may be able to and even prefer to bumble around the book like a nincompoop on a sugar high, but I for one do not. There are too many trips down basher holes for eloquent reading.
April 5, 2022
Rating: 1.8/5
Review: If ever there was a filler novel, this was it. Absolutely no continuity whatsoever. This story line jumped around more than a hooker at a tent revival. What stood out like a dick in a bowl of hot dogs was Artorians constant too-ing and fro-ing from banked to reality. Not only is there drastic world changes that are explained away in a few pages but everyone he has known has undergone radical changes of which he is entirely accepting. Huh?
This story line is just scattered and without consistency. The gaps in time are conveniently explained away as are the world building issues that go through a myriad of iterations without explanation. In short this novel was a fucked up mess. This used to be a gritty novel with Artorian built as a character of depth. Now he’s like the Love Guru, a painful parody of a dismal movie. Also, who the fug is Eternium and when did he come along for the party?
If I read that someone is “smirking” or “adorable” one more time, I am going to end this series.
Review: If ever there was a filler novel, this was it. Absolutely no continuity whatsoever. This story line jumped around more than a hooker at a tent revival. What stood out like a dick in a bowl of hot dogs was Artorians constant too-ing and fro-ing from banked to reality. Not only is there drastic world changes that are explained away in a few pages but everyone he has known has undergone radical changes of which he is entirely accepting. Huh?
This story line is just scattered and without consistency. The gaps in time are conveniently explained away as are the world building issues that go through a myriad of iterations without explanation. In short this novel was a fucked up mess. This used to be a gritty novel with Artorian built as a character of depth. Now he’s like the Love Guru, a painful parody of a dismal movie. Also, who the fug is Eternium and when did he come along for the party?
If I read that someone is “smirking” or “adorable” one more time, I am going to end this series.
July 12, 2021
For most of the book nothing interesting happens. A little discussion here, some fight there, but most of the plot is just plain boring and not very well written. Very little world and character building and zero new elements are introduced. But the author sure loves his Mach numbers.
One detail that is especially bothering me is that all sense of scale is weirdly skewed which make the plot hard to follow and digest. We are constantly reminded how epic a lot of things are. Characters constantly toss around incredible timescales like centuries and millenia ("I need to sleep for a century now." "Just going from X rank n to X rank n+1 normally takes millenia"). Well, I guess this sounds nice (like those god damn Mach numbers), but then is actually hard to incorporate into a coherent plot, so this just gets thrown out conveniently and Artorian can just progress in whatever time is convenient.
And even that he doesn't do for whatever reason. "Here, progress to S-rank by going through old memories" - "Sorry, no time, maybe later" Aaargh.
One detail that is especially bothering me is that all sense of scale is weirdly skewed which make the plot hard to follow and digest. We are constantly reminded how epic a lot of things are. Characters constantly toss around incredible timescales like centuries and millenia ("I need to sleep for a century now." "Just going from X rank n to X rank n+1 normally takes millenia"). Well, I guess this sounds nice (like those god damn Mach numbers), but then is actually hard to incorporate into a coherent plot, so this just gets thrown out conveniently and Artorian can just progress in whatever time is convenient.
And even that he doesn't do for whatever reason. "Here, progress to S-rank by going through old memories" - "Sorry, no time, maybe later" Aaargh.
February 22, 2021
I love this series. Artorian is one of my absolute favorite good guys, but the last two books have been just okay. No big baddies to fight, just concepts and game mechanics. If you know CAL and have read the others in the Divine Dungeon world, you (maybe) get it on all the levels, but it was kind of lacking. 👍🏽
March 1, 2021
Still not sure about all this. Seeing some of the setup between Dungeon Born and Ritualist is neat and all (not sure where Something comes into it) but a lot of this feels like filler. I'm also not hugely fond of all the time skips, the first half of the book feels like Artorian can't take two steps without something causing him to loose a few hundred years. The closer they get to Ritualist the better it seems to be getting but still, Vanderkerken needs to move this narrative along and cut out all these time skips.
June 26, 2025
This is an okay book and series. I found this series on Audible. I believe the entire series, including this book, rates somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. What I liked:
- Excellent narration by Travis Baldre
- The MC, along with many of the supporting characters, are likable and entertaining.
- The story is entertaining, featuring humor and plenty of action.
Where I think the story falls short.
- Pacing issues throughout the series.
- While I did not know what was happening, I understood the first three books, what the characters were doing, and where they were going. In books 3 -6, the reader is just along for the ride with no idea where the author might take them next.
This book is 3.25 stars, rounded down to 3 stars. Not sure if I want to read more.
- Excellent narration by Travis Baldre
- The MC, along with many of the supporting characters, are likable and entertaining.
- The story is entertaining, featuring humor and plenty of action.
Where I think the story falls short.
- Pacing issues throughout the series.
- While I did not know what was happening, I understood the first three books, what the characters were doing, and where they were going. In books 3 -6, the reader is just along for the ride with no idea where the author might take them next.
This book is 3.25 stars, rounded down to 3 stars. Not sure if I want to read more.
February 14, 2021
Frustratingly good
We get our usual shenanigans from Artorian, some sass and puns and mystery. There is always one more thing that he has to surprise us. Some of his adventures are the typical gutsy moves that Dakota has given us since Dungeon Born, but with the spin that we have seen much more with Dennis' Artorian tales. Somewhere I, incorrectly, got it in my head that this is only a 6-book series. Thankfully,i was wrong because Sunny's story doesn't seem close to done just yet.
We get our usual shenanigans from Artorian, some sass and puns and mystery. There is always one more thing that he has to surprise us. Some of his adventures are the typical gutsy moves that Dakota has given us since Dungeon Born, but with the spin that we have seen much more with Dennis' Artorian tales. Somewhere I, incorrectly, got it in my head that this is only a 6-book series. Thankfully,i was wrong because Sunny's story doesn't seem close to done just yet.
February 14, 2021
Now the connections become clearer
This series has been curious. The first several books focused on Artorian and his development in the magic (cultivation) of the world, along with his deep relationship with the people in his life. This one has fully transitioned to Artorian being one of the key people involved in developing what becomes “Eternium” and the world of Dakota Krout’s series Completionist Chronicles. It’s fun to see some of the connections along with seeing things from Artorian’s perspective and the challenges he and his friends have.
This series has been curious. The first several books focused on Artorian and his development in the magic (cultivation) of the world, along with his deep relationship with the people in his life. This one has fully transitioned to Artorian being one of the key people involved in developing what becomes “Eternium” and the world of Dakota Krout’s series Completionist Chronicles. It’s fun to see some of the connections along with seeing things from Artorian’s perspective and the challenges he and his friends have.
February 14, 2021
Another fun read
I love seeing how this series develops towards the ritualist series while solving issues from the divine dungeon series so handily. The puns are great and continuing to learn stuff about the world is great too. Like the knowledge about wisps. Really just disappointed as suddenly as it did.
I loved learning more about Artorians past and wished we could have see more of more. One of the worst feelings though is the time jumps though where he gets left behind and everyone else develops around him.
I love seeing how this series develops towards the ritualist series while solving issues from the divine dungeon series so handily. The puns are great and continuing to learn stuff about the world is great too. Like the knowledge about wisps. Really just disappointed as suddenly as it did.
I loved learning more about Artorians past and wished we could have see more of more. One of the worst feelings though is the time jumps though where he gets left behind and everyone else develops around him.
April 17, 2021
I enjoy the series and the characters, I really do. But the book doesn't have an end, doesn't resolve anything. At some point I was sure it was gonna be good, having introduced a sub-plot with Artorian's regrets, but it failed to resolve that one too.
I think the whole series will be a good read/listen when it's finished and consumed as one giant omegabook, with a start and finish.
The middle volumes just don't seem to be able to wrap up into cohesive, closed books.
I think the whole series will be a good read/listen when it's finished and consumed as one giant omegabook, with a start and finish.
The middle volumes just don't seem to be able to wrap up into cohesive, closed books.
April 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. There isn't a whole lot of action, but there are still some really exciting moments and battles. The writing is wonderful, I was moved by the really emotional and beautiful moments Artorian is forced to relive from his long life. The way past characters were weaved into the story were some of my favorite moments and I can't wait for the next book to come out. As always, Travis Baldree is a rockstar narrator.
May 30, 2023
A dark truth about the new life of our old friends in Cal's soul is found, the Administrator attempts his gig and repeatedly gets distracted... And old enemies resurface.
Plus Puns. Obviously
Decent but not sure if I enjoyed this one less or just mainlined too much so taking a break.
Minor spoiler
The title of this entry is mentioned at the end and I have no idea what the heck they were talking about.
Plus Puns. Obviously
Decent but not sure if I enjoyed this one less or just mainlined too much so taking a break.
Minor spoiler
The title of this entry is mentioned at the end and I have no idea what the heck they were talking about.
November 3, 2023
WTH? Just WTH?????
Where does the author want to go with this nonsense? This is not what I started the series for? I want humanity, order, challenges. Not people who aren't afraid of dying and fucking up multiple centuries and millennia, never learning how to run their regions. The more I read the more I dislike the series and Artorian. Without his family with him he is turning into a troublemaker. His inability to focus on performing his tasks is boring to read.
Where does the author want to go with this nonsense? This is not what I started the series for? I want humanity, order, challenges. Not people who aren't afraid of dying and fucking up multiple centuries and millennia, never learning how to run their regions. The more I read the more I dislike the series and Artorian. Without his family with him he is turning into a troublemaker. His inability to focus on performing his tasks is boring to read.
February 16, 2021
Yet another fantastic addition
A world as deep and all encompassing as the divine dungeon universe has a tendency to leave unanswered questions and a desire to know more Artorian Archive's fills that need wonderfully while at the same time crafting it's own story that pulls you in. But as with all of AA it's the characters that truly make this book.
A world as deep and all encompassing as the divine dungeon universe has a tendency to leave unanswered questions and a desire to know more Artorian Archive's fills that need wonderfully while at the same time crafting it's own story that pulls you in. But as with all of AA it's the characters that truly make this book.
September 23, 2021
Good addition to the series. I don’t think I actually read the previous book but I was able to figure out what was going on. So if you have read the Divine Dungeon and Completionist Chronicle series you could figure out what was going on. I did not love this regret resolution cultivation stuff. I want more goose demons!
July 2, 2021
Ever more lovable
This series is excellent. Honestly, if you're reading a review for this book and haven't started it then you need to do so right away. This book is just another example of what greatness looks like and I'm thrilled to have read it
This series is excellent. Honestly, if you're reading a review for this book and haven't started it then you need to do so right away. This book is just another example of what greatness looks like and I'm thrilled to have read it
August 16, 2021
Another good story in the series. Still a ton of info dumps, but progress as well. Just as the characters suggest, it seems like an intermediary between events. Still interested for the next one though. I do hope Artorian gets his butt in gear.
February 16, 2021
Artorian
Artorian is still at it. The world becomes closer to the Completionist Saga and new mysteries and puzzles arise. A great addition to the series.
Artorian is still at it. The world becomes closer to the Completionist Saga and new mysteries and puzzles arise. A great addition to the series.
February 17, 2021
Great book
I love this series and the whole universe of books built into this world, ya gotta love the clever old codger!
I love this series and the whole universe of books built into this world, ya gotta love the clever old codger!
February 26, 2021
The last 2 books have been pretty boring, hopefully the next one will be better
March 4, 2021
Very entertaining read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like cultivating type of books
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like cultivating type of books
April 5, 2021
I am just... "done" with cals soul space and issues... I liked the shorts on Artorians regrets... but that was about it... let's move along...
May 6, 2021
I did not care for this book. I like the series, but this book was confusing. I was also bored most of the time.
July 19, 2021
Notes:
While I did like some of the "flashbacks", I wasn't a fan of the overall story arc in this book. Awkward transition piece with more filler than main plot developments.
Low end of 3 Stars
While I did like some of the "flashbacks", I wasn't a fan of the overall story arc in this book. Awkward transition piece with more filler than main plot developments.
Low end of 3 Stars
May 31, 2022
Solid
Nice fun romp through new cinema and new challenges. Old enemies return to threaten the harmony or lack thereof of all our favorites.
Nice fun romp through new cinema and new challenges. Old enemies return to threaten the harmony or lack thereof of all our favorites.
November 15, 2022
Just a fun read
Again and again the author continues to create a truly out of the box unusual but captivating storyline. I can't wait to read the next book.
Again and again the author continues to create a truly out of the box unusual but captivating storyline. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 8, 2024
Another boring world building book, although I did like learning more about the chosen.
November 2, 2022
Lost.
Not my favourite. You don’t explain the whole point of the book in the last chapter it really spoils the book and leaves it on a sour note. I spent the majority trying to work out what this book was aiming towards and felt cheated at the end. Artorian is chaos incarnate but this book lost some of his spirit with the split between two worlds.
Not my favourite. You don’t explain the whole point of the book in the last chapter it really spoils the book and leaves it on a sour note. I spent the majority trying to work out what this book was aiming towards and felt cheated at the end. Artorian is chaos incarnate but this book lost some of his spirit with the split between two worlds.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews