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Battleborne #3
Dungeons & Guardians
Max and company pursue their epic quest to restore the Heart of the Mountain, finding new enemies and surprising allies along the way. The potential rewards are tremendous, but the cost is high. A growing threat from the mountains to the north endangers Stormhaven, its citizens, and its neighbors.
Looking to expand his kingdom, and most especially his population, Max leads a party to the newest human kingdom where he learns about a ruthless Battleborne queen, and discovers that dungeons are both real, and deadly.
Looking to expand his kingdom, and most especially his population, Max leads a party to the newest human kingdom where he learns about a ruthless Battleborne queen, and discovers that dungeons are both real, and deadly.
614 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2022
481 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books633 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 7, 2022
In book 3 we have more of the same that we saw in the previous two books: fixing problems, fighting off others for new land or those attacking, and making deals. Plus a dungeon or two.
Having said that, I still enjoyed the book. Maximillian Storm is a better leader than Allistor ever will be, which takes a certain level of annoyance out of the books.
Sure, it's slice of life adventuring, but the editing is far, far better than the last book was, and Max's group are more cohesive than they were before. Yes, a key character dies because that's the authors MO, but I wasn't too bothered about it.
The stats are there but we only see the full sheet a couple times. Most of the book focuses on action, and when there isn't action Max is walking around his study trying to figure out how to be a better leader.
FYI, the only significant error I caught was for "a qualified manor", which should be "a qualified manner."
5/5*
Having said that, I still enjoyed the book. Maximillian Storm is a better leader than Allistor ever will be, which takes a certain level of annoyance out of the books.
Sure, it's slice of life adventuring, but the editing is far, far better than the last book was, and Max's group are more cohesive than they were before. Yes, a key character dies because that's the authors MO, but I wasn't too bothered about it.
The stats are there but we only see the full sheet a couple times. Most of the book focuses on action, and when there isn't action Max is walking around his study trying to figure out how to be a better leader.
FYI, the only significant error I caught was for "a qualified manor", which should be "a qualified manner."
5/5*
September 11, 2022
Still liking the series though the flavor is changing a bit
I still enjoy this series. The main character has a good attitude and a good moral set. I have over noticed that the Riding style for the series has changed a little bit and there's certainly less of the RPG element. All descriptor no stats and Very little focus on it obviously. It is also shifted to a lot more world building though there's plenty of epic battles to enjoy. As usual the author does not shy away from killing off popular characters. We have seen that he's done that in most of his serious... kind of a hallmark. Still don't have any major idea of why the MC was brought to this world. Would love to see a few more interactions on that front. But overall I am enjoying the series and look forward to the next book.
I still enjoy this series. The main character has a good attitude and a good moral set. I have over noticed that the Riding style for the series has changed a little bit and there's certainly less of the RPG element. All descriptor no stats and Very little focus on it obviously. It is also shifted to a lot more world building though there's plenty of epic battles to enjoy. As usual the author does not shy away from killing off popular characters. We have seen that he's done that in most of his serious... kind of a hallmark. Still don't have any major idea of why the MC was brought to this world. Would love to see a few more interactions on that front. But overall I am enjoying the series and look forward to the next book.
April 2, 2023
More of the same that existed in the previous books in this series. Max grows in strength and ability along with the help of his party while restoring the Heart of the mountain. At the same time we have a side storyline about LaGrass that I was actually very much more interested in this time around and would've liked to have seen more of a connection between the two characters. It doesn't take away from the novel in any way though because we get more world building and new character arcs during this story.
One other gripe that I have was the lack of story concerning the Valkyries and Gods of that world. They pop up once in a while but i guess I would have to be patient to see how the rest of the books progress in understanding what the overarching story is with them. Overall great continuation of the series. Definitely recommend 🫡
One other gripe that I have was the lack of story concerning the Valkyries and Gods of that world. They pop up once in a while but i guess I would have to be patient to see how the rest of the books progress in understanding what the overarching story is with them. Overall great continuation of the series. Definitely recommend 🫡
September 8, 2023
Battleborne 3: Dungeons and Guardians
Max and his soldiers have recovered from the last big battle. Of course, that is when a new enemy presents itself. The perfect way to prepare for the enemy orc king and the new threat is to get some new allies. Humans are well known to be a strong race and they are close by. It’s time to Max to go meet the human neighbors!
This is a great series. It’s just fun to see the interactions between the four soldiers. Like the title implies, this book has a significant dungeon run. It is done so well and I hope to see more in this series. I’m also happy to say that book 4 is already out, since I want more now! This is a great book for audio! Daniel Wisniewski doing the narration and make characters with Jessica Threet doing the female voices.
Content Warning: mild language.
Max and his soldiers have recovered from the last big battle. Of course, that is when a new enemy presents itself. The perfect way to prepare for the enemy orc king and the new threat is to get some new allies. Humans are well known to be a strong race and they are close by. It’s time to Max to go meet the human neighbors!
This is a great series. It’s just fun to see the interactions between the four soldiers. Like the title implies, this book has a significant dungeon run. It is done so well and I hope to see more in this series. I’m also happy to say that book 4 is already out, since I want more now! This is a great book for audio! Daniel Wisniewski doing the narration and make characters with Jessica Threet doing the female voices.
Content Warning: mild language.
February 17, 2025
Ended quickly
I was not paying attention to what page I was on when the book just ended. I was surprised. A lot more action this time than the previous book.
It was nice to see one major quest accomplished. However, I don't understand what the author is doing with the orc story arch; introduced in the first book as the main plot arch to overcome, and we are now in book three with no end in sight. We have also been introduced into a bigger orc dilemma with the red eyes; still not sure where the author is going with this.
More filler with Lagrass. If you want to read feel free. I personally hate the character (which I believe you are supposed to), and every time you read about him, he just does bad stuff. I have taken to just skimming his sections as so far nothing about his story helps push any of the current plots along at all.
Have fun!
I was not paying attention to what page I was on when the book just ended. I was surprised. A lot more action this time than the previous book.
It was nice to see one major quest accomplished. However, I don't understand what the author is doing with the orc story arch; introduced in the first book as the main plot arch to overcome, and we are now in book three with no end in sight. We have also been introduced into a bigger orc dilemma with the red eyes; still not sure where the author is going with this.
More filler with Lagrass. If you want to read feel free. I personally hate the character (which I believe you are supposed to), and every time you read about him, he just does bad stuff. I have taken to just skimming his sections as so far nothing about his story helps push any of the current plots along at all.
Have fun!
May 31, 2023
Help me read more books
Been a while since I read one of these books, but I wasn't lost for very long, after the first couple chapters, I started getting back into the swing of things. Good installment in the series. I like the expansion, but also the main character realizing he needs to consolidate and settle down and take care of what he has instead of just blindly expanding all the time. (wise move that). Not sure what's going on with the secondary main character, but I'm sure if the ending of the book is any indication, there's going to be some major shaking up in the next book. Can't wait.
Been a while since I read one of these books, but I wasn't lost for very long, after the first couple chapters, I started getting back into the swing of things. Good installment in the series. I like the expansion, but also the main character realizing he needs to consolidate and settle down and take care of what he has instead of just blindly expanding all the time. (wise move that). Not sure what's going on with the secondary main character, but I'm sure if the ending of the book is any indication, there's going to be some major shaking up in the next book. Can't wait.
September 11, 2022
Clean LitRPG
It’s definitely focused more on the young adult market.
Stats and level information were way to light. Do they even matter?
If a character turns up their charisma, what level are they? Class? What strength charisma? Why did it work? That particular scene seemed a bit forced.
Book / series is a fun read overall. If he controls portals with zero operating cost, instant transportation, what a huge potential tax / revenue source. As manticore in the honorverse makes a huge amount of money off its gates.
It’s definitely focused more on the young adult market.
Stats and level information were way to light. Do they even matter?
If a character turns up their charisma, what level are they? Class? What strength charisma? Why did it work? That particular scene seemed a bit forced.
Book / series is a fun read overall. If he controls portals with zero operating cost, instant transportation, what a huge potential tax / revenue source. As manticore in the honorverse makes a huge amount of money off its gates.
September 22, 2022
So the problem, as with all of Dave's work, is the characters.
This has an intriguing setting, it has a lot of potential in the world building. It falls apart with the characters, especially the MC with a Messiah complex. This is not the first MC with this issue in Dave's work. The real problems come from backgrounds and individual actions not matching up in any significant way. Everything comes off as formulated scripted nonsense, none of it seems genuine to the characters. This keeps you from ever getting invested or caring. This problem is all over Willmarth's work.
This has an intriguing setting, it has a lot of potential in the world building. It falls apart with the characters, especially the MC with a Messiah complex. This is not the first MC with this issue in Dave's work. The real problems come from backgrounds and individual actions not matching up in any significant way. Everything comes off as formulated scripted nonsense, none of it seems genuine to the characters. This keeps you from ever getting invested or caring. This problem is all over Willmarth's work.
August 10, 2023
a bit better
I Almost stopped reading the series after the first book. The LitRPG style was annoying me. The basic story premise was mildly involving, so I decided to keep reading. Thankfully the author reduced dramatically the incredibly annoying video game/RPG stuff and moved it to the background. Once that happened my enjoyment increased and I became more invested into the story.
The introduction of villain Battleborne (trying to avoid spoilers), has potential for a good payoff for sticking with the series… Dear Author, I hope you didn’t fail!
I Almost stopped reading the series after the first book. The LitRPG style was annoying me. The basic story premise was mildly involving, so I decided to keep reading. Thankfully the author reduced dramatically the incredibly annoying video game/RPG stuff and moved it to the background. Once that happened my enjoyment increased and I became more invested into the story.
The introduction of villain Battleborne (trying to avoid spoilers), has potential for a good payoff for sticking with the series… Dear Author, I hope you didn’t fail!
September 20, 2022
definitely read
The character and team building through the series is great! The books have exciting adventure scenes, some really funny exchanges between the characters that had me giggling out loud, and some really sad and serious parts that I didn’t enjoy but created so much depth to the story that I can’t fault Dave for including them. I need a hug after the guardian battle.
The entire series is definitely worth the read. You will not be disappointed.
The character and team building through the series is great! The books have exciting adventure scenes, some really funny exchanges between the characters that had me giggling out loud, and some really sad and serious parts that I didn’t enjoy but created so much depth to the story that I can’t fault Dave for including them. I need a hug after the guardian battle.
The entire series is definitely worth the read. You will not be disappointed.
November 7, 2024
Engasging isekai story, setting up for an epic battle between minions of the gods
The MC continues to grow his kingdom, making diplomatic overtures, fighting battles and even clearing a dungeon with an unexpected reward. There are still old enemies: gray dwarves, new enemies: red eyed orcs and new allies: the caretaker and the guardian. But on the horizon are additonal battleborn and an unknown threat that can't wait to ruin his day.
The MC continues to grow his kingdom, making diplomatic overtures, fighting battles and even clearing a dungeon with an unexpected reward. There are still old enemies: gray dwarves, new enemies: red eyed orcs and new allies: the caretaker and the guardian. But on the horizon are additonal battleborn and an unknown threat that can't wait to ruin his day.
September 10, 2022
solid entry
This might be my favorite series thus far. We start relatively close to where we ended last book and get some much needed world building, kingdom expansion, and fleshing out of minor characters. We revisit old enemies and start to learn about new ones. It’s fast paced, tons of battle and moved the plot forward. I was very happy with book 3 and can’t wait for book 4
This might be my favorite series thus far. We start relatively close to where we ended last book and get some much needed world building, kingdom expansion, and fleshing out of minor characters. We revisit old enemies and start to learn about new ones. It’s fast paced, tons of battle and moved the plot forward. I was very happy with book 3 and can’t wait for book 4
September 11, 2022
Kingdom conquest
Although this is the tried and true formula from Wilmarth the kingdom building and the rich characters you get are the best as you read at frantic pace to discover all the fascinating creatures and level ups that are possible.
This series shows great promise and the action scenes are well constructed with plenty more surprises in store.
Although this is the tried and true formula from Wilmarth the kingdom building and the rich characters you get are the best as you read at frantic pace to discover all the fascinating creatures and level ups that are possible.
This series shows great promise and the action scenes are well constructed with plenty more surprises in store.
October 3, 2022
Can't wait for the next one
I like the detail in the relationship between the characters. The description in the fight scenes and the surprises as they come up. It kept my interest and I did not want to put the book down. A good read from cover to cover no dead space. This is becoming one of my favorite series.
I like the detail in the relationship between the characters. The description in the fight scenes and the surprises as they come up. It kept my interest and I did not want to put the book down. A good read from cover to cover no dead space. This is becoming one of my favorite series.
November 21, 2022
not bad
The MC ran around for most of the book exploring and putting out fires. There were a few things that didn’t make much sense. For instance, the MC is constantly in battle but doesn’t bother to learn more effective battle spells even when he’s offered instruction by an arch mage.
The MC ran around for most of the book exploring and putting out fires. There were a few things that didn’t make much sense. For instance, the MC is constantly in battle but doesn’t bother to learn more effective battle spells even when he’s offered instruction by an arch mage.
April 15, 2023
KU Review
I really enjoy the camaraderie between characters. I appreciate the focus on the MC, but the way in which he interacts with his team makes these stories exceptional.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
I really enjoy the camaraderie between characters. I appreciate the focus on the MC, but the way in which he interacts with his team makes these stories exceptional.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
April 27, 2023
Death, Killing, Stress
Lots of descriptive killing, characters dying, MC doing unexplained things during battle and not doing obvious things during battle. Sometimes this novel is hard to read, it's boring one minute, then there is a big battle, someone dies, not much explanation for some events. Not sure I will read the next in the series.
Lots of descriptive killing, characters dying, MC doing unexplained things during battle and not doing obvious things during battle. Sometimes this novel is hard to read, it's boring one minute, then there is a big battle, someone dies, not much explanation for some events. Not sure I will read the next in the series.
September 11, 2024
King Max has more adventures
Alternate universe, LitRPG, base building
Max continues to build his personal reputation while leveling up, and develop strong friendships. Wondering if more of his former squad will appear, and concerned there is only one more novel in this series thus far. A lot of action with plenty of close calls. Average editing. On to book 4!
Alternate universe, LitRPG, base building
Max continues to build his personal reputation while leveling up, and develop strong friendships. Wondering if more of his former squad will appear, and concerned there is only one more novel in this series thus far. A lot of action with plenty of close calls. Average editing. On to book 4!
September 8, 2022
Max…imum enjoyment
Another wonderful book by Dave Willmarth. This book made me laugh and it made me tear up. (I’m not crying you’re crying) now I just have to wait oh so patiently for the next book
Another wonderful book by Dave Willmarth. This book made me laugh and it made me tear up. (I’m not crying you’re crying) now I just have to wait oh so patiently for the next book
September 12, 2022
Great addition to a fun series
I really enjoy the Battleborne books. It’s a good mix of kingdom building and fighting, and I enjoy the characters and their interactions. I’m looking forward to the next one!
I really enjoy the Battleborne books. It’s a good mix of kingdom building and fighting, and I enjoy the characters and their interactions. I’m looking forward to the next one!
September 13, 2022
Max the mountain king
Welp, Max and gang are at it again. Crazy orcs, dangerous dungeons - just about anything gets thrown at them. Quite a fun ride. I enjoy the antics of Max and his crew. Looking forward to the next book!
Welp, Max and gang are at it again. Crazy orcs, dangerous dungeons - just about anything gets thrown at them. Quite a fun ride. I enjoy the antics of Max and his crew. Looking forward to the next book!
September 13, 2022
Battleborne book 3
This book was as good as the first two in the series. It had lots of action very good character development and Neat plots for future books. I look forward to the next in the series.
This book was as good as the first two in the series. It had lots of action very good character development and Neat plots for future books. I look forward to the next in the series.
September 21, 2022
Badassery!
Love what Max and his War Dogs accomplish in this adventure. His kingdom building skills are really shaping up too. Can't wait for book four. Keep writing Dave, love your books.
Love what Max and his War Dogs accomplish in this adventure. His kingdom building skills are really shaping up too. Can't wait for book four. Keep writing Dave, love your books.
September 27, 2022
Interesting
Enjoyed third book in series. Characters are interesting, and funny. Storyline is entertaining, good. Books just aren't long enough lol. Worst part is waiting for next to come out.
Enjoyed third book in series. Characters are interesting, and funny. Storyline is entertaining, good. Books just aren't long enough lol. Worst part is waiting for next to come out.
September 29, 2022
Well done addition to the series!
As entertaining as the first two and a good addition to the series. Lots of action, good fun, and some good development. Hopefully he gets into some base building in the next book. Can’t wait!
As entertaining as the first two and a good addition to the series. Lots of action, good fun, and some good development. Hopefully he gets into some base building in the next book. Can’t wait!
October 7, 2022
Great series!
Absolutely love this series! I'm not a gamer, but these types of books are so satisfying! If you like stories where the good guys bring about even more good you'll enjoy reading this series again and again.
Absolutely love this series! I'm not a gamer, but these types of books are so satisfying! If you like stories where the good guys bring about even more good you'll enjoy reading this series again and again.
October 9, 2022
As Expected
Book three is everything you would expect after reading the first two books. The main character, Max, continues his quest to strengthen and expand his kingdom. The battle descriptions are done quite well and a couple of new allies gained. A solid series.
Book three is everything you would expect after reading the first two books. The main character, Max, continues his quest to strengthen and expand his kingdom. The battle descriptions are done quite well and a couple of new allies gained. A solid series.
October 10, 2022
Fun read
So far, the story has o ly grown with little loss of both character development and action. With few slow points, the story is both engrossing entertaining. I'm waiting with baited breath for the next installment.
So far, the story has o ly grown with little loss of both character development and action. With few slow points, the story is both engrossing entertaining. I'm waiting with baited breath for the next installment.
November 30, 2022
Great
I have read all books and characters and story is great. I love the action, battles, orcs, elves, goblins,.... as you read you want more and I am already waiting for next book in the series.
I have read all books and characters and story is great. I love the action, battles, orcs, elves, goblins,.... as you read you want more and I am already waiting for next book in the series.
December 4, 2022
Need more books
I usually read several books from different authors at the same time, depends on my thoughts that day. I had to read these straight through. Waiting on the next book
I usually read several books from different authors at the same time, depends on my thoughts that day. I had to read these straight through. Waiting on the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews