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380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2017
A Dungeon's Soul is the third installment in Tao Wong's Adventures on Brad series, a progression fantasy that blends traditional RPG mechanics with classic fantasy storytelling. Set in the same captivating world of dungeon dives, monsters, and level-ups, this book continues to follow our young adventurer, Daniel Chai, as he navigates the perils of dungeons and confronts his growing powers.
"It's more than just surviving a dungeon; it's about mastering yourself, and that’s where the heart of this book lies."
In this book, Daniel's journey becomes more intense, with the stakes climbing significantly. What sets A Dungeon's Soul apart from the previous entries is its deep focus on the development of both Daniel as a character and the dungeon itself as an evolving entity. The dungeon grows in complexity, almost becoming a character in its own right, which is a refreshing element in progression fantasy, where often the world-building is overshadowed by the protagonist’s growth. Here, the world and dungeon development go hand in hand.
Daniel Chai, the protagonist, continues to evolve from a naive farm boy to a more confident and seasoned adventurer. In this book, he faces new, more challenging dilemmas that test not only his strength but also his ethics and leadership skills. His arc is about balancing power with responsibility, a classic theme in many RPG-inspired books but handled well here with Wong’s focus on Daniel’s inner turmoil.
Other Characters:

Asin: As Daniel’s closest companion, Asin’s role as the steady, skillful fighter becomes more fleshed out. Her development is more subtle but still significant as she begins to trust Daniel with leadership decisions, even when it means putting herself in danger. While her arc is secondary to Daniel’s, her character shows the kind of growth that elevates her from sidekick to an indispensable partner.
Amar: A minor character but one who plays a crucial role in this book, Amar offers a new perspective on the dangers of power, particularly how to avoid being consumed by it. His wisdom serves as a critical contrast to Daniel's more impulsive tendencies. Despite having less page time, Amar is essential in Daniel’s development, offering guidance and insight at critical moments.
Dungeon Creatures: Unlike in many progression fantasies where monsters are one-dimensional obstacles, here the creatures, especially the dungeon bosses, have their own sense of progression and menace. The final boss fight is memorable not just for the action but for the way it forces Daniel to reckon with his limitations and strategy.

Compared to its contemporaries in the progression fantasy genre, like Dakota Krout’s Divine Dungeon series or Andrew Rowe’s Sufficiently Advanced Magic, A Dungeon's Soul strikes a more balanced approach between character development and action. Wong excels in weaving emotional growth into the action-packed sequences, making Daniel’s victories feel earned both physically and mentally. While Krout focuses more on the dungeon's perspective and Rowe delves into more technical magic systems, Wong finds a middle ground, appealing to fans of both types of storytelling.
However, where Wong shines is in his pacing. Unlike some progression fantasies that tend to drag in certain arcs, A Dungeon's Soul keeps the momentum going, avoiding unnecessary filler and focusing instead on clear progression. This tight pacing is one of the reasons why the series remains so engaging.

A Dungeon’s Soul is a solid entry in the Adventures on Brad series, blending action, emotional growth, and evolving world-building in a way that will please fans of the genre. The character arcs, particularly Daniel’s, offer a satisfying balance of internal and external challenges. While it may not reinvent the wheel of progression fantasy, it delivers a polished, well-paced story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

If you enjoyed the earlier books in the series, this one will not disappoint. And if you're a fan of LitRPG or progression fantasy, this is definitely worth your time.
