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Neuro-Divergence #1
The Escherian Core
Solve the maze. Find the girls. Win the game.
I was just an anonymous clerk at a game store. Then one day a disgruntled customer ran over me and my hot co-worker Kelly – all because of an unreleased game I wouldn’t sell him.
Now we’re trapped in a huge three-dimensional maze where gravity seems optional, competing in dangerous contests with a team of fellow social outcasts.
And failure is often fatal.
But I think I know what’s going on here. We’re gathering territory, I’m gaining strange abilities, and every contest we win adds another member to my team of hot girls.
We just need get to the bottom of this maze. If only we can find it.
The Escherian Core is is a dark base-building isekai gamelit adventure with graphic violence and unconventional relationships.
I was just an anonymous clerk at a game store. Then one day a disgruntled customer ran over me and my hot co-worker Kelly – all because of an unreleased game I wouldn’t sell him.
Now we’re trapped in a huge three-dimensional maze where gravity seems optional, competing in dangerous contests with a team of fellow social outcasts.
And failure is often fatal.
But I think I know what’s going on here. We’re gathering territory, I’m gaining strange abilities, and every contest we win adds another member to my team of hot girls.
We just need get to the bottom of this maze. If only we can find it.
The Escherian Core is is a dark base-building isekai gamelit adventure with graphic violence and unconventional relationships.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2022
65 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dalton
80 books304 followersMichael Dalton is a professional journalist and editor.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 4, 2022
From anyone else, this would be a four or five star book.
Harem books can get a bad rap. Cheap narratives, flat characters and unrealistic relationships being the reason why. Dalton books do not have this problem. They have well built worlds with diverse and interesting characters who form realistic, believable bonds. And now here we are. Given the set up, I did not expect much of a world state, that's fine. The neuro divergence is such a defining characteristic that several of the characters seem "samey" with only a race change to differentiate. The instant bonding removes the believability with the dreams coming across as an "after the fact" patch. While all of this does not make this a bad book, it does lessen it severely.
Harem books can get a bad rap. Cheap narratives, flat characters and unrealistic relationships being the reason why. Dalton books do not have this problem. They have well built worlds with diverse and interesting characters who form realistic, believable bonds. And now here we are. Given the set up, I did not expect much of a world state, that's fine. The neuro divergence is such a defining characteristic that several of the characters seem "samey" with only a race change to differentiate. The instant bonding removes the believability with the dreams coming across as an "after the fact" patch. While all of this does not make this a bad book, it does lessen it severely.
April 11, 2022
Great story just not for me .
A great story about beings using people as computer inputs to win maze games selecting only the best for their project solving aliens technology .
A great story about beings using people as computer inputs to win maze games selecting only the best for their project solving aliens technology .
July 4, 2022
The Escherian Core (Neuro-Divergence Book 1) offers entertaining and clever twists to the “I woke up in a strange place after being killed, and now must fight for my life while building a team of hot women” trope.
Initially, I didn’t care much for the male VA (Trevor Jordan) in this book…he performed the part of male gaming slacker just a bit too well. Once he was killed and became an integral part of building a team, his voice (and those of the other male characters) grew on me; he actually did a terrific job! The female VA (Alyssa Poon) was fantastic with all her roles.
Much of this story reminded me of David Burke’s terrific “Descend” series. Both series require the characters to advance in the “game” or die, the women all have distinct personalities, and we don’t find out until later in the book/series much about who is directing the deadly events, or for what reasons.
Also, as in “Descend”, we find the MC and his harem drifting back and forth in timelines, or here….alternate universe earths, and getting memories confused with what is a dream and what is reality. If you liked “Descend”, you’ll enjoy “The Escherian Core”. It’s definitely its own story!
Some of the challenges in the story were so hilariously over-the-top I was also reminded of the terrific Star Trek spoof “Galaxy Quest”, where the characters questioned the absurd challenges confronting them! Oh, and there’s a specific Stargate SG-1 episode that you’ll recognize, but I can’t mention it because of spoilers. It’s a great episode, though!
In addition to many action sequences, there are plenty of well-done intimate scenes too! No FTB here, I’m happy to report! The writing is intelligently done, and even uses the Fibonacci Sequence to solve a puzzle!
Well, I started writing more about The Escherian Core, but everything was coming up spoilers. So, let me just encourage you to get this terrific audiobook and enjoy the story yourself! Definitely a 5* book, and I look forward to the next book in the series: The Kafkaesque Passage. Oh, btw - author Michael Dalton has several audiobooks available on the US Public Libraries affiliated website Hooladigital.com, and the subscription site Scribd.com. Those books were published by Tantor Audio. Escherian Core is published by Royal Guard Publishing and the audiobook is exclusive to Audible. Given the dual narration gained, I applaud the move to the different publisher!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Receiving a review copy did not influence my rating or my review.
Initially, I didn’t care much for the male VA (Trevor Jordan) in this book…he performed the part of male gaming slacker just a bit too well. Once he was killed and became an integral part of building a team, his voice (and those of the other male characters) grew on me; he actually did a terrific job! The female VA (Alyssa Poon) was fantastic with all her roles.
Much of this story reminded me of David Burke’s terrific “Descend” series. Both series require the characters to advance in the “game” or die, the women all have distinct personalities, and we don’t find out until later in the book/series much about who is directing the deadly events, or for what reasons.
Also, as in “Descend”, we find the MC and his harem drifting back and forth in timelines, or here….alternate universe earths, and getting memories confused with what is a dream and what is reality. If you liked “Descend”, you’ll enjoy “The Escherian Core”. It’s definitely its own story!
Some of the challenges in the story were so hilariously over-the-top I was also reminded of the terrific Star Trek spoof “Galaxy Quest”, where the characters questioned the absurd challenges confronting them! Oh, and there’s a specific Stargate SG-1 episode that you’ll recognize, but I can’t mention it because of spoilers. It’s a great episode, though!
In addition to many action sequences, there are plenty of well-done intimate scenes too! No FTB here, I’m happy to report! The writing is intelligently done, and even uses the Fibonacci Sequence to solve a puzzle!
Well, I started writing more about The Escherian Core, but everything was coming up spoilers. So, let me just encourage you to get this terrific audiobook and enjoy the story yourself! Definitely a 5* book, and I look forward to the next book in the series: The Kafkaesque Passage. Oh, btw - author Michael Dalton has several audiobooks available on the US Public Libraries affiliated website Hooladigital.com, and the subscription site Scribd.com. Those books were published by Tantor Audio. Escherian Core is published by Royal Guard Publishing and the audiobook is exclusive to Audible. Given the dual narration gained, I applaud the move to the different publisher!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Receiving a review copy did not influence my rating or my review.
June 17, 2022
Not sure where to start, this was surprisingly very good and engaging.
The story itself is a huge mystery, of which only a small part seems to have been revealed to us, but enough to feel satisfactory. Basically people from all over the world/worlds have been gathered in a "cube" like experiment, having to defeat other teams and solve various puzzles all while making their own team stronger through bonding and receiving new abilities. Not all relies on using brute force, in fact quite a lot depends on using knowledge and especially by thinking outside the box. More can be said, but that would be going into spoiler territory.
The MC is likeable and avoids a lot of the tropes we usually see in these type of novels which was quite refreshing. the FL's are also very fun and unique in their own ways. Maybe the building of the team could have been done more slowly, but it kinda works like this also, and makes me wonder how it will develop in the future, while keeping all members relevant (hope this aspect will count in future books). The bonding ability was also quite fun and kept things interesting in that department.
Now for the narration. Alyssa Poon did an amazing job with the female characters, they all sound like different people with various accents and inflections, I could tell all the time which character spoke with it having the need to dwell on it. She also made them feel real and adorable in various ways. Trevor Jordan was also a good pick for the main character, but his role was a bit easier, so to say.
In the end it's a very good book that successfully combined both elements present in the genre while keeping us engaged and entertained. I really hope the next books live up to the hype because I'm quite excited for the next books to come and want to see more of these characters.
The story itself is a huge mystery, of which only a small part seems to have been revealed to us, but enough to feel satisfactory. Basically people from all over the world/worlds have been gathered in a "cube" like experiment, having to defeat other teams and solve various puzzles all while making their own team stronger through bonding and receiving new abilities. Not all relies on using brute force, in fact quite a lot depends on using knowledge and especially by thinking outside the box. More can be said, but that would be going into spoiler territory.
The MC is likeable and avoids a lot of the tropes we usually see in these type of novels which was quite refreshing. the FL's are also very fun and unique in their own ways. Maybe the building of the team could have been done more slowly, but it kinda works like this also, and makes me wonder how it will develop in the future, while keeping all members relevant (hope this aspect will count in future books). The bonding ability was also quite fun and kept things interesting in that department.
Now for the narration. Alyssa Poon did an amazing job with the female characters, they all sound like different people with various accents and inflections, I could tell all the time which character spoke with it having the need to dwell on it. She also made them feel real and adorable in various ways. Trevor Jordan was also a good pick for the main character, but his role was a bit easier, so to say.
In the end it's a very good book that successfully combined both elements present in the genre while keeping us engaged and entertained. I really hope the next books live up to the hype because I'm quite excited for the next books to come and want to see more of these characters.
December 19, 2022
Yeah this piece of work is not for me.
Short summary up until 27%: People die from accidents or whatever, and get put into teams of 6 in some weird system-ish world. They all discover that they have some mental disability and are set to complete "tasks" which basically equates to intelligence tests. There are always 3 pairs of men and women in each team, and each pair knows each other - The men (except protag) die off and the protag collects a harem that loves each other within an hour of their best friends dying.
Author MD definitely can write without worrying about grammar issues or general bad writing, but this story is just.. off. It's probably the worst quality cheap harem collection smut novel I've read in a while simply due to its absurdity. If you're gonna write a smut novel, do you really have to go through the following procedures? Isekai into a weird ass multiverse labyrinth > Kill off males > Show how smart the protag is due to being able to solve some math problems > Use some voodoo magic game system to make them all have sex? You really don't. It's just weird.
Overall, I really can't recommend anyone to read this. It's just straight awful.
Short summary up until 27%: People die from accidents or whatever, and get put into teams of 6 in some weird system-ish world. They all discover that they have some mental disability and are set to complete "tasks" which basically equates to intelligence tests. There are always 3 pairs of men and women in each team, and each pair knows each other - The men (except protag) die off and the protag collects a harem that loves each other within an hour of their best friends dying.
Author MD definitely can write without worrying about grammar issues or general bad writing, but this story is just.. off. It's probably the worst quality cheap harem collection smut novel I've read in a while simply due to its absurdity. If you're gonna write a smut novel, do you really have to go through the following procedures? Isekai into a weird ass multiverse labyrinth > Kill off males > Show how smart the protag is due to being able to solve some math problems > Use some voodoo magic game system to make them all have sex? You really don't. It's just weird.
Overall, I really can't recommend anyone to read this. It's just straight awful.
March 29, 2022
Had a hard time tagging this one, but it's at least adjacent to the tags I used. I like the author and there was nothing glaringly wrong here, but IMO not his best work.
As someone with two "neuro-divergent" children I appreciate that element of the story, but it overall was missing the je-ne-sais-quoi which would push it to a 5. The TL:DR (bit late in the review, but hey): it's an easy read and not too bogged down in sex for a harem book, so if you like the author's other work you may also enjoy this. It passes the essential "will I read the next one?" test, so that's what really matters.
As someone with two "neuro-divergent" children I appreciate that element of the story, but it overall was missing the je-ne-sais-quoi which would push it to a 5. The TL:DR (bit late in the review, but hey): it's an easy read and not too bogged down in sex for a harem book, so if you like the author's other work you may also enjoy this. It passes the essential "will I read the next one?" test, so that's what really matters.
March 5, 2022
Weird, twisted and truely ingenious!
Creating a world based on Escher, twisted death games and challenges with lethal consequences for failing is definitely one thrilling read.
Add in the odd abilities, unique and interesting characters with sometimes strange and unusual pasts makes it even more interesting.
Especially when they are gorgeous women.
And the title of the series is truely unique and brilliant, and especially relatable to someone who also suspects they re "neuro-divergent"
Look forward to see book 2!
Creating a world based on Escher, twisted death games and challenges with lethal consequences for failing is definitely one thrilling read.
Add in the odd abilities, unique and interesting characters with sometimes strange and unusual pasts makes it even more interesting.
Especially when they are gorgeous women.
And the title of the series is truely unique and brilliant, and especially relatable to someone who also suspects they re "neuro-divergent"
Look forward to see book 2!
March 4, 2022
Poorly written neck beard porn
It's ironic that the author decided to make fun of a neck beard on the first page when the story is about one.
The story reads like it was written from a very sheltered point of view that is decades out of touch and suffering from a poor understanding of the opposite sex.
PS: no one has used the word geek as an insult in like 20 years.
It's ironic that the author decided to make fun of a neck beard on the first page when the story is about one.
The story reads like it was written from a very sheltered point of view that is decades out of touch and suffering from a poor understanding of the opposite sex.
PS: no one has used the word geek as an insult in like 20 years.
March 7, 2022
Great start to a series
This is by far my favorite cast of characters in one of his novels and I'm very much looking forward to the rest of their story. The book also sets up an overarching plot that is interesting and has a potential end goal, instead of the nebulous goals of the mcs of his other 2 major series.
This is by far my favorite cast of characters in one of his novels and I'm very much looking forward to the rest of their story. The book also sets up an overarching plot that is interesting and has a potential end goal, instead of the nebulous goals of the mcs of his other 2 major series.
March 11, 2022
Easy and interesting to read, but really "odd" most of the way through, just dumped into the situation, and no real answers or understanding start to appear until the very end. So if you find yourself enjoying the writing, but wondering what is going on, keep with it, it becomes a bit clearer in the end :)
April 16, 2022
Interesting Start
So, full disclosure - I was also diagnosed with ADHD, know around here as, "Attention Deficit..... Hey! Let's Ride Bicycles! "
The idea the it could be a world saving super power is a weird one for me, but it works here. I am looking forward to book two so that I can see where this goes.
Thank you, Mr. Dalton. Read you next time!
-Will
So, full disclosure - I was also diagnosed with ADHD, know around here as, "Attention Deficit..... Hey! Let's Ride Bicycles! "
The idea the it could be a world saving super power is a weird one for me, but it works here. I am looking forward to book two so that I can see where this goes.
Thank you, Mr. Dalton. Read you next time!
-Will
April 23, 2022
Look, yes, this is exactly what you would expect from the cover.
Other than that it's actually not terrible. Up until the final couple of chapters it was basically a kind of horny take on the movie Cube. A bunch of strangers forced to work together to resolve weird puzzles in an almost impossible space. The mystery of the setting was kind of compelling.
Other than that it's actually not terrible. Up until the final couple of chapters it was basically a kind of horny take on the movie Cube. A bunch of strangers forced to work together to resolve weird puzzles in an almost impossible space. The mystery of the setting was kind of compelling.
May 31, 2023
This book was hard to put down, sucked me in
Enjoyed this, I liked that the plot idea was so different from the other gamelit books that I am used to reading. Trying to envision the structures in the maze was difficult sometimes but will look forward to next book in the series. Also I thought that the pictures throughout was a nice touch and hope it continues in the next one.
Enjoyed this, I liked that the plot idea was so different from the other gamelit books that I am used to reading. Trying to envision the structures in the maze was difficult sometimes but will look forward to next book in the series. Also I thought that the pictures throughout was a nice touch and hope it continues in the next one.
May 3, 2024
Amazing
This story is much better written than almost off this genre. I honestly care about the MC and all the girls. It's not all about some guy beating everything with girlfriend helpers. He sits back whoever is best for a challenge runs the time. They make bonding action logical to the story. I finished this book in half a day.
This story is much better written than almost off this genre. I honestly care about the MC and all the girls. It's not all about some guy beating everything with girlfriend helpers. He sits back whoever is best for a challenge runs the time. They make bonding action logical to the story. I finished this book in half a day.
March 10, 2022
Nice
I liked the alternative nature if the characters in this story. The pace is fast, and developed into a deeply immersive experience quickly. Great read, and I can't wait for the next.
I liked the alternative nature if the characters in this story. The pace is fast, and developed into a deeply immersive experience quickly. Great read, and I can't wait for the next.
October 13, 2022
Great read
Big fan of this author and this book was no exception. Great concept and great execution with lots of action but not done in a way you expect. Definitely going to read the next one.
Big fan of this author and this book was no exception. Great concept and great execution with lots of action but not done in a way you expect. Definitely going to read the next one.
March 6, 2022
None
Read 31 pages, must be the most white ever published in any format..😖😷 no no no no no no no no.
Read 31 pages, must be the most white ever published in any format..😖😷 no no no no no no no no.
March 6, 2022
Awesome
Neuro-Divergence Book 1 is an awesome read. Definitely can’t wait to read book 2! If you are into science fiction like me you will definitely like this new series!
Neuro-Divergence Book 1 is an awesome read. Definitely can’t wait to read book 2! If you are into science fiction like me you will definitely like this new series!
March 22, 2022
fun book
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
March 27, 2022
Very good book
This is a unique sci-fi adventure harem novel. The story is different from the norm, but it works. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a unique sci-fi adventure harem novel. The story is different from the norm, but it works. I anxiously await the sequel.
July 22, 2022
Good Book
I liked it anyway, I hope you do as well. Can't wait to see what happens next. Good puzzle book.
I liked it anyway, I hope you do as well. Can't wait to see what happens next. Good puzzle book.
January 20, 2024
3 to 3.5 stars, not a bad start, I will for sure continue with the series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews