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Guild Core #2
The Guild Core: Core Sworn
Find a Dungeon.
Build Defenses.
Fight the Monster that Comes...
Kai is finally becoming the hero he's always dreamed of. As the enemy pursues, he's forced to accept his complicated identity and the power that comes with his blood.
Rhona can endure a blow to her pride. But when that blow comes from the vile Hastings, she has to strive to match his savagery and save her friends.
Ban discovers the ultimate prize for an Earth Core. Secrets, magic, and an incredible housewarming gift can be attained in an ancient keep once home to his ancestors. But can he defend the territory he's taken?
Read The Guild Core's second installment, where our band of heroes endures to restore the world to an age of dragons, heroes, and honor.
The Guild Core is a novel by TJ Reynolds Fantasy LitRPG author of Eternal Online books 1-3. The Guild Core was inspired by the Divine Dungeon series, the Wheel of Time, and classic films like The Labyrinth and The Neverending Story.
This story takes place in an Epic Fantasy world governed by gaming mechanics. It contains light to moderate LitRPG, Gamelit, Cultivation and Dungeon Core elements. Features realistic violence, 3 MC POVs, and more than a few quaint jokes. Language and adult content is appropriate for teen readers.
Build Defenses.
Fight the Monster that Comes...
Kai is finally becoming the hero he's always dreamed of. As the enemy pursues, he's forced to accept his complicated identity and the power that comes with his blood.
Rhona can endure a blow to her pride. But when that blow comes from the vile Hastings, she has to strive to match his savagery and save her friends.
Ban discovers the ultimate prize for an Earth Core. Secrets, magic, and an incredible housewarming gift can be attained in an ancient keep once home to his ancestors. But can he defend the territory he's taken?
Read The Guild Core's second installment, where our band of heroes endures to restore the world to an age of dragons, heroes, and honor.
The Guild Core is a novel by TJ Reynolds Fantasy LitRPG author of Eternal Online books 1-3. The Guild Core was inspired by the Divine Dungeon series, the Wheel of Time, and classic films like The Labyrinth and The Neverending Story.
This story takes place in an Epic Fantasy world governed by gaming mechanics. It contains light to moderate LitRPG, Gamelit, Cultivation and Dungeon Core elements. Features realistic violence, 3 MC POVs, and more than a few quaint jokes. Language and adult content is appropriate for teen readers.
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
Published December 17, 2020
188 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Reynolds
17 books83 followersI'm a lover of fantasy, gaming, film, and most other forms of miraculous escapism.
I have kids, and a flock of baby dragons we are trying to raise to be house trained.
I write LitRPG/Gamelit books... Feel free to message me or reach out at any time!!!
I have kids, and a flock of baby dragons we are trying to raise to be house trained.
I write LitRPG/Gamelit books... Feel free to message me or reach out at any time!!!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 18, 2022
This next venture for Kai, Rhona and Ban was a bit of a doozy, although it was more emotionally brutal for Rhona. I was hoping that Tela would join their little guild but I suppose it's been the three of them and Honor from the start, so it wasn't needed.
I'm a little confused as to how Hastings actually perished, did Ban absorb all that power that was within him? I was just so eager to read his end that I maybe missed something.
I'm a little confused as to how Hastings actually perished, did Ban absorb all that power that was within him? I was just so eager to read his end that I maybe missed something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
The second book in any new series is always a bit of a concern, since the sophomore slump is a real thing, and readers are often leery of a step back in book two. This is not a concern with the Guild Core 2: Core Sworn, though, as the story picks up where the first book left off and takes all the elements that worked so well in book one and makes them even better, all while adding new story and character elements.
The characters in this series are the true selling points. The world building is fun and creative, but the characters are definitely what move the needle. Kai, Rhona and Ban are such a fantastic group of protagonists, and they play off of each other so well. Kai, as the innocent young half-dragon, has so much potential, and he really starts to realize it throughout the story. The author is careful not to make him overpowered or just too perfect, and plays on his relative newness to cultivating power to keep him relatively in check.
Rhona and Ban, on the other hand, are much more experienced, even if Ban has some catching up to do because of his core being shivered during the Dragon Wars. Rhona’s path is very interesting, because she must fight against a lifetime of training both at home and the army to do the right thing, even if it hurts her country’s ambitions. Ban is just desperate to settle down and put down roots, in his case almost literally as he is looking to create a new dungeon in which he and Kai can be safe in. It’s a really interesting arc, and one I really didn’t expect to go in the directions it did.
The villains are definitely not what I expected, especially Hastings, who was much more complex and powerful than I would have expected. There is also an unexpected threat, not only for the protagonists, but also the world at large that came out of left field and just dove right into the story. Its definitely a threat I suspect will be a constant menace in future installments, and poses a grave threat to the Guild’s mission to repopulate the dungeons with new cores.
The audio book version narration is performed by Steve Campbell, who does a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. He has excellent narrative pacing, and his character voices are all distinct and consistent. He gives each character a life of their own, and the listener is never in any doubt which character is speaking. I’d highly recommend the audio version.
This is a series I can’t help but recommend. It has so much to appeal to fans of traditional fantasy, as well as LitRPG fans. If you like a good character driven story, you can’t go wrong with this series, or this book. I highly recommend checking it out.
The characters in this series are the true selling points. The world building is fun and creative, but the characters are definitely what move the needle. Kai, Rhona and Ban are such a fantastic group of protagonists, and they play off of each other so well. Kai, as the innocent young half-dragon, has so much potential, and he really starts to realize it throughout the story. The author is careful not to make him overpowered or just too perfect, and plays on his relative newness to cultivating power to keep him relatively in check.
Rhona and Ban, on the other hand, are much more experienced, even if Ban has some catching up to do because of his core being shivered during the Dragon Wars. Rhona’s path is very interesting, because she must fight against a lifetime of training both at home and the army to do the right thing, even if it hurts her country’s ambitions. Ban is just desperate to settle down and put down roots, in his case almost literally as he is looking to create a new dungeon in which he and Kai can be safe in. It’s a really interesting arc, and one I really didn’t expect to go in the directions it did.
The villains are definitely not what I expected, especially Hastings, who was much more complex and powerful than I would have expected. There is also an unexpected threat, not only for the protagonists, but also the world at large that came out of left field and just dove right into the story. Its definitely a threat I suspect will be a constant menace in future installments, and poses a grave threat to the Guild’s mission to repopulate the dungeons with new cores.
The audio book version narration is performed by Steve Campbell, who does a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. He has excellent narrative pacing, and his character voices are all distinct and consistent. He gives each character a life of their own, and the listener is never in any doubt which character is speaking. I’d highly recommend the audio version.
This is a series I can’t help but recommend. It has so much to appeal to fans of traditional fantasy, as well as LitRPG fans. If you like a good character driven story, you can’t go wrong with this series, or this book. I highly recommend checking it out.
March 8, 2021
I’m loving this series!!💜
TJ Reynolds is a wonderful author. First, I love the way he’s written with 3 POV’s in this series. Second, the pace is set so that it’s easy to follow and feel like you’re on the journey with these characters. I even catch myself cringing when they describe a new minion or trap created be Bancroft. The pairing of TJ Reynolds and narrator Steve Campbell makes it even better. Steve seamlessly switches from each character giving them life. Each one has their own unique personalities and accents, and he makes it easy to distinguish each character. In addition, he allows you to feel each character and their emotions, whether it’s excitement, anger or sorrow. There’s some more exciting adventures coming and I can’t wait to read/listen to book 3 to see what’s in store for us. This is book 2 with an HEA but the story continues. I highly recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
TJ Reynolds is a wonderful author. First, I love the way he’s written with 3 POV’s in this series. Second, the pace is set so that it’s easy to follow and feel like you’re on the journey with these characters. I even catch myself cringing when they describe a new minion or trap created be Bancroft. The pairing of TJ Reynolds and narrator Steve Campbell makes it even better. Steve seamlessly switches from each character giving them life. Each one has their own unique personalities and accents, and he makes it easy to distinguish each character. In addition, he allows you to feel each character and their emotions, whether it’s excitement, anger or sorrow. There’s some more exciting adventures coming and I can’t wait to read/listen to book 3 to see what’s in store for us. This is book 2 with an HEA but the story continues. I highly recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
July 27, 2022
I appreciate the author avoided the “snarky dungeon core” trope that is so prevalent in the LitRPG space. That said, I found Ban’s personality a bit inconsistent. Sometimes he was attentive and caring - other times he was aloof and dismissive. Maybe the author was going for “complex”, but for me, it was more “confused”.
Additionally, there were inconsistencies in the character leveling that I found very distracting. Rhona is introduced in book one as a Golden 1. Then she gains a level and, after the fact, the author reconfirms her as a Golden 1. The book isn’t very crunchy to begin with, so I found this dissonance very distracting.
All that said, it’s a solid story line and the author maintains a reasonable pace. The story is fairly tight as well. Not a bad read, but just not as good as some others I’ve read.
Additionally, there were inconsistencies in the character leveling that I found very distracting. Rhona is introduced in book one as a Golden 1. Then she gains a level and, after the fact, the author reconfirms her as a Golden 1. The book isn’t very crunchy to begin with, so I found this dissonance very distracting.
All that said, it’s a solid story line and the author maintains a reasonable pace. The story is fairly tight as well. Not a bad read, but just not as good as some others I’ve read.
October 7, 2021
Book Two Was Fantastic- ADULT read
Parents: Again easily mature R level content, references and lots of battle gore. Language (no f-bombs), violence is heavy and lots of gore, and the sexual content is there with a reference to rape.
If you enjoyed the first book, buckle up! This one is quite the adventure and has plenty more twists and mystery than the first book. Fast paced and action packed, this book sucks you in and leaves you hanging and chomping at the bit for the next book. A worthwhile read to be sure!
Narrator is amazing and has solid pacing and good differentiations
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents: Again easily mature R level content, references and lots of battle gore. Language (no f-bombs), violence is heavy and lots of gore, and the sexual content is there with a reference to rape.
If you enjoyed the first book, buckle up! This one is quite the adventure and has plenty more twists and mystery than the first book. Fast paced and action packed, this book sucks you in and leaves you hanging and chomping at the bit for the next book. A worthwhile read to be sure!
Narrator is amazing and has solid pacing and good differentiations
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 23, 2020
I enjoyed the first book due to it being something original.
This book not so much. The leveling of characters doesn't really matter or mean anything since they just level whenever the author needs more power.
If course he has no problem turning into a dragon, of course he has baby dragons.
The book has decent editing so I give it 5/10
This book not so much. The leveling of characters doesn't really matter or mean anything since they just level whenever the author needs more power.
If course he has no problem turning into a dragon, of course he has baby dragons.
The book has decent editing so I give it 5/10
December 27, 2020
Great Story and Progression
The characters and plot grow quickly in this book in order to match the enemies coming their way. New places and people add complexity and color to the story, making that growth all the more meaningful. Our little guild is becoming something... more.
Definitely recommended (16+)
The characters and plot grow quickly in this book in order to match the enemies coming their way. New places and people add complexity and color to the story, making that growth all the more meaningful. Our little guild is becoming something... more.
Definitely recommended (16+)
November 21, 2022
I liked the plot, action and some of the twists in this book. The pacing was good for the most part as well. A little more depth to characters, worldbuilding and a more understandable magic system (instead of endless spells and stuff that are hard to keep track) would have made this series even more appealing.
May 5, 2024
Core Sworn was as enjoyable as the first book in this series
Very enjoyable read. This book was difficult to put down, due to how good the world and character building was. I did find a few errors in this second book, therefore it was given four stars. Looking forward to more adventures from the Guild Core.
Very enjoyable read. This book was difficult to put down, due to how good the world and character building was. I did find a few errors in this second book, therefore it was given four stars. Looking forward to more adventures from the Guild Core.
December 21, 2020
Good second book
I look forward to the next book and can't wait to see what is in store for Kai and team.
I look forward to the next book and can't wait to see what is in store for Kai and team.
January 21, 2021
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like cultivating and LitRPG type of books
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like cultivating and LitRPG type of books
February 1, 2021
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
February 7, 2021
Better and better
If you liked the first book, you’ll like this one even more. A little more serious, but still with a good mix.
If you liked the first book, you’ll like this one even more. A little more serious, but still with a good mix.
November 22, 2021
You have to read it!
A good read. The story flows smoothly and the plot keeps your mind on it from beginning to the end.
A good read. The story flows smoothly and the plot keeps your mind on it from beginning to the end.
September 23, 2022
meh
Very simple and childlike. Some inconsistencies and needs work on the litrpg aspects. Still a fun story. If food, it’d be fast food.
Very simple and childlike. Some inconsistencies and needs work on the litrpg aspects. Still a fun story. If food, it’d be fast food.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews