Wizardom Legends: Temple of the Unknown

Tor the Dungeon Crawler #1

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

D&D meets Indiana Jones in a new treasure hunting series set in the bestselling world of Wizardoms.

A retired master ranger has disappeared, and his daughter is desperate to find him. When approached with this quest, Tor Ranseur declines...until he discovers this man went missing while following clues leading to a temple of legend.

The magical artifacts rumored to await in these ruins are too alluring to deny.
Joined by a dysfunctional crew armed with magical weapons, Tor sets off on a quest to locate, infiltrate, and pilfer the Temple of the Dark Lord. What he finds is something completely unexpected as monsters, traps, and betrayal turn the quest from dangerous to deadly.

If you enjoy fast-paced questing stories, humorous moments, and the discovery of magical artifacts, you'll love this all new series featuring the world's premier team of relic seekers.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

About the author

I love fantasy, adventure, and magic. More than that, I adore my readers.

My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.

I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.

Best wishes,
Jeff

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Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.

Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________

"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff

"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."

Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek

Reviews

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tor Ranseur mentions in the prologue that this is the greatest adventuring team in history and after reading this book, I completely agree! It's set in the familiar world of Wizardoms, but with different characters, although some references to characters we do know pop up. 


Tor and 2 fellow ex soldiers are destined to be hung, due in large to a lieutenant eager to advance himself, are saved by Vanda, a sorcerer who utilises their talents to acquire ancient artefacts and there's no one better than Tor. Not sure what to make of Vanda yet, I have suspicions he's not the benefactor he portrayes himself to be, I'm waiting for the shoe to drop. It might not, but hey, Jeff loves getting one comfortable in our assumptions and then promptly pulling the rug from under us.
Another hugely entertaining and recommended read by Jeffrey Kohanek!


I do enjoy a good dose of Dwalf and Borgli gave me a full measure! Borgli adds a humourous tone to the tale, he is from underground right, so his reactions so comical, one's hard pressed not to smile. He was scary strong before he acquired his axe, an ancient relic of his people, now he's formidable!


Koji, gentle, caring giant and compationate, unless he's in a battle or protecting others of course, then he's full on warrior supreme. As is Tor, together with his ranseur, he cuts an impressive figure, hehehe, pun so intended!


I do enjoy the world that Jeff builds, so vivid and spectacularly immersive, I always feel like part of the crew. He's especially skilled with his handling of female characters, they're never weak, timid, yes sir, no sir, characters, they're everything a female is, vulnerable but resilient, tough but caring and can hold their own, whether in battle a with swords or words, as Ekaji and Quell so aptly portray. What started off as a quest to find Quell's missing father, turned into a full blown battle of survival, with an outcome that left Quell heartbroken and no where to go. So there's only one logical solution right? Yes, Quell becomes part of the crew. I'm loving this crew!  Another major skill Jeff has is how likeable his characters are, they're fallable and make serious mistakes but I forgive them each time without even blinking an eye. 


The way the author manages to catch me off guard, time and time again, when I least expect it, making me draw in a sharp breath at the drama and tension. Okay, maybe I had an inkling there would be action, but not ever as I anticipated, always more deadly than I expected. I love the riddles solving throughout, I caught myself trying to decipher them, to no avail, which is why they're best left to the experts, like master adventurer Tor. And did he have his work cut out for him, not only to make sense of the riddles but to keep alive whilst doing so. Which let me tell you, is very challenging! Even faced with betrayal, it's only his quick thinking and a hearty dose of skill combined with luck that save him and his crew.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brand new series set in the wizardoms world and it is just as full of adventure and snarky humour and banter as the previous series. This one is about the relic hunter Tor Ranseur and his friend and team mate Koji the gentle giant. They had lost their other partner Navarre in a previous adventure but they picked up a dwarf called Borgli, who they freed from a horde of goblins and who was a stone shaper, so worthy to join the crew. Borgli is scared of the sea and cannot ride horses but he is too talented to leave behind so Tor has a job to teach him some skills. They are sent on a new quest by Vanda, the sorcerer and benefactor who funded their quests and provided them with food and lodging. A young ranger wanted to find her father who had gone missing, Quell was sharp tongued and quite cruel, and Tor was not sure he wanted to take up such a quest until he found out that her father had been trying to find the dark lord's temple itself. Knowing there might be interesting magical relics to be plundered made Tor accept even though their journey through Zialis and beyond would be fraught with danger, as it was darkspawn territory. What they find once they locate the temple is not what they expected and neither was the betrayal. I love these fun filled, humorous series and cannot get enough of reading and adventuring all across the wizardoms territories but I hated that everyone was so cruel to Koji for being so kind and gentle!

[Melinda Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kohanek is a master storyteller. His stories range from what I would call classic epic fantasy, to more fast paced and grittier fantasy, to the absolutely hilarious, laugh out loud variety. More often than not they are a masterfully written combination, which is what makes him such an amazing and enjoyable writer.

So when I started reading Temple of the Unknown I was excited to find out where exactly this story fell in the Kohanek Universe. And what I discovered was an absolutely entrancing story filled with not only adventure and humor but also mystery, found family, and a whole lot of heart.

Temple of the Unknown features Tor Ranseur, named for his unique weapon, and his friend and companion Koji as they set out to discover and collect some of the Wizardoms lost artifacts and relics. Along the way they are accompanied by Borgli, a dwarf that escapes being a goblin sacrifice by mere minutes and Quell, a young woman who is in search of her missing father. Vanda, the mysterious man that funds their expeditions, sets them on the path of an unknown temple with only Tor’s leadership and Quell’s father’s cryptic journal to guide them. And what follows is an Amazingly Fun Adventure complete with magical discoveries, a temple full to the brim with deathly puzzles and traps, friendship, betrayal, heartache, sacrifice, lots of goblins and other fantastical creatures/beings, a Kohanek amount of humor, and a pleasantly surprising amount of heart.

I’ve read and loved, pretty much all of Kohanek’s books/series, however, I have to admit that this one was one of my absolute favorites! I loved the classic rhythm of the story and how it felt like coming home (I’m a huge classic fantasy fan! And some of my favorite memories are of reading series such as the Belgariad). Temple of the Unknown gave me a huge dose of nostalgia which I completely enjoyed and was sorry to see end. (I am now sitting here very impatiently awaiting book 2 and 3!) I also enjoyed the spattering of humor that Kohanek sprinkled in. When it comes to humor, Kohanek is a master…even when I sometimes find myself, smiling, shaking my head, and thinking “OMG! I can’t believe he wrote that!” These moments are what really bring the story and the characters to life. I could definitely feel that there is a connection between Tor and Jace. Tor definitely felt like an older, wiser, more subdued version of Jace and I really loved how Kohanek was able to relay that without being overly obvious and smacking you upside the head with it. Another aspect of this story that I adored was the many cameos and relic overlap between this book and the Original Wizardoms series’. My favorite being that of Ekaji whom I absolutely loved in the Fall of the Wizardoms. It is so interesting to see how different situations led to later happenings in the Wizardom Universe. This really brought the whole story full circle and I loved every minute of it.

But my FAVORITE aspect of Temple of the Unknown was the development of Tor’s gang of relic hunters and the camaraderie that was forged between the members. Each character brought their own background, skill set, and heartaches to the group and they blended together to make this absolutely perfect found family. Nobody writes characters like Kohanek, who, somehow, is able to write so many interesting and distinctive characters that seem to come alive and entrance you. They are so well fleshed out that they could step right out of the pages and live and breath among us and no one would be the wiser (ok…well one is a dwarf so maybe we would notice…lol). And Tor and His Gang are some of the best he has ever written. The development of their bond was beautifully developed and by the time I finished the last page my heart was completely happy and my soul was overjoyed.

So, if you love a story overflowing with adventure, by a rag tag team of hilarious characters on the search for a missing father and many, many mysterious and magical relics and artifacts, in a tomb that was once lost and forgotten then you just have to read Wizardom Legends: Temple of the Unknown. You won’t be disappointed.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Kohanek's books in the past and was looking forward to this one. It was quite slow getting started and the characters didn't resonate with me at all the first half of the book.

After that point it improved enough for me to read the next one

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tor Ramseur is a part of a two man team hunting down power relics. He added a dwarve, Borgli, to this team midst quite a fight against goblins in an underground temple long thought to be the stuff of legend only. Borgli is quite the addition for his talent as stone mason, something the team consisting of Tor and Koji will soon get to appreciate a number of times in some very tight and dangerous spots.
What I found truly intriguing, though, is the relationship the team has with a wizard called Vanda. Though the relationship is explained, we know but very little indeed of Vanda and he remains an enigma as yet.
What Tor did not expect, though, was getting a woman added to his next venture by Vanda. Quell is quite spirited and in search of her dad who disappeared in a search of some unknown temple. Vanda, of course, is interested in this temple so little is known of.
Hence the subsequent expedition.
Who could have guessed it would be something touched upon by some prophecy as well?
Author Jeffrey L Kohanek is well known for his various Wizardom books that is starting to become the stuff of legend as well. Deservedly so.
Temple of the Unknown is bound to do so as well.
Enjoy.

[Michelle L. Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterfully written! Tor and his crew take on a noble quest to find a missing man only to find themselves facing goblins, ogres and magic. Exciting adventure from start to finish!

[Russell lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wizardom Legends : Temple of the Unknown

Great characters ....... Interesting story ...... I really enjoyed the banter ....... Looking forward for book 2 in March .

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story set in the Wizardoms world. The characters are varied and not at all what you expect from a band of adventurers. Somehow they work and you get to follow along with them and enjoy their banter and snark as they try to track down lost relics.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.
This is a great book filled with adventure, monsters and wit and very hard to put down.

[Taco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, it had its moments but the flaws unfortunately lowered it in my estimation.

I struggled with the pacing. The start did not hook me in at all, Borgli’s addition to the party felt rushed. I felt the book may have benefitted starting 100 pages in. Once the adventure had got going it was fine. One thing that really bugged me was the repetition of a lot of words and phrases.

“Tor dug into his pack, removed his light rod, and activated it by twisting the brass cap at the end of the rod. Pale light bloomed…”

Character-wise it was mixed. On one hand I could recall all the main characters’ names and their archetypes with ease, sometimes difficult in fantasy books. However the characters never got developed past this, there was no nuance. There were a lot of character interactions that introduced small quirks but nothing that ever impacted the narrative. A lot of things were touched on but never explored in depth. (E.g. Tor’s unique weapon, their past party member and what happened to them). I also thought them berating Koji for being “too emotional” and “girlish” felt out of place given he was just providing emotional support to his party members. It struck me as odd.

The monsters/dark spawn were very good adversaries that posed an actual threat. You could see why they were fears and traversing the Wilds felt appropriately dangerous.

The action scenes were good and the puzzles/traps in the dungeons were entertaining. The queef joke very much caught me off guard and undercut the tone of the dungeon a bit too much, in my opinion.

Ultimately, this was fine, the adventure wrapped up decently enough with the promise of additional ones. I just would have liked a bit more depth in everything! The ideas were good, the execution made it fall short.

[S.F. Henne · Rating 5 out of 5]

D&D meets Indiana Jones really does sum up this novel perfectly. Tor Ranseur's fame usually precedes him but call him what you like- relic hunter, dungeon crawler- he is always on the hunt to find long lost relics with his crew. When the daughter of a retired master ranger asks for his help to find her missing father, he wants nothing to do with the brash girl, until he learns that the man was looking for the long lost temple of the Dark Lord.

Tor is the brains of the group armed with Claw he is an expert at traps, puzzles and ancient history. Koji is the muscle (though he is a softy at heart), Borgli the dwarf and stone shaper is the newest addition to the crew. But now Quell, the female ranger, joins to find her father and this unlikely crew struggles to get along. When death is just a step away, the crew must learn to get along and play to their own strengths while trusting each other.

This was a fun, funny and fast paced story that had old school fantasy vibes without all the unnecessary exposition. Each character had their own quirks and I loved each one of them for what they brought to the story and how they balanced each other. It was really fun exploring the world with this crew and I just flew through this book.

[Tim Kamen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me that sets up a solid foundation for the rest of the series and I enjoyed it. You get a solid grasp of each of the main characters, their past and what led them to where they are now, and how they all gel together as a cohesive team.

The action scenes, while I wish there were more of, were very well written and immersive. I could easily picture the fights in my head as I read them play out. There is just enough humor sprinkled in to mix as well. I mean anytime a book makes references to "queefs" it will automatically get a bump in the score even if it was a snooze fest.

This was my first step in the world of Wizardoms and I'll likely read the other series once I finish these next two Tor installations. Now, would I classify this book as LitRPG? No, more like standard nerdy Fantasy. It read more like a D&D campaign minus the gaming mechanics which makes total sense as the description for it says "D&D meets Indiana Jones".

[Gayreth Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new adventure in the Wizardoms world!

This is a new Wizardoms series with a crew of relic hunters... Tor and his crew are recruited to find a missing Ranger and any relics if possible. What they find is totally unexpected.... I enjoyed this book so much. The characters are captivating, the plot is solid and filled with magic, adventure, danger, battles with the darkspawn and many challenging situations. This is a gripping tale, cleverly written and a true page turner. Just the type of story I love. I was completely entertained and can't wait to read the next book to find out where Tor and his crew go next! "Warning", once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down!!!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader. This book featuring adventures of notorious relic hunter Tor Ranseur has action, humor, battles, monsters, a bit of mystery and the start of bonds of friendship with a growing crew. Each character is unique and, while not yet fully developed as this is book 1, they are clearly typed. All of this makes it a fun read, especially the fun banter. The story is serious without taking itself too seriously. Jeff Kohanek is a great writer and delivers what he promises. I miss more of a deep emotional story experience, which is my preference in any book. The main character and the plot don't lend themselves to that, so it has the appropriate level just not as much as I enjoy. All the rest was great.

[C. Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books 1-3 trilogy is a series of challenges along a travel tale. It's easy to read, though the hard-to-pronounce place names slow the pace. There are character developments, but of limited depth. The variation in the different challenges was disappointing, though some resolutions were well thought out.
This is supposed to be a fantasy story. However, I was disappointed that there were virtually no fantasy or magic elements in it. While it is somewhat entertaining, the lack of imaginative fantasy and the simplistic plot and character depth make it average at best.

[Duke1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this first book in Tor, the Dungeon Crawler series. It was wonderful to get back into the Wizardoms world and find out more about the team of adventurers we met in A Sundered Realm, the final book of The Fall of Wizardoms.

This tale, and there will be more, was a lot of fun to read. The tale begins with a search for a missing man and continues with a legendary temple, betrayal, magical artifacts and darkspawn.

Looking forward to the next book.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tor is scheduled to be executed. Yet he is saved by Vanda. Personally not sure I would trust Vanda. Tor and crewmates, Koji and Borgli are soon joined by Quell and they are off to find a lost temple and save her father.
I have enjoy all of Mr. Kohanek's works so far and this is no exception. He created a world like no other and just keeps expanding on it. I look forward to reading more of Tor and crew's adventures.

[JR Knodel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's going on!!!!

I read this novel recently but can't seem to recollect the exact story line. One thing I do know is that I enjoyed the novel emensly. Also the fact I finished it. Amazon has changed my way of critiquing a book so I can't give an opinion at the time of finishing Said novel. But like I said good, to great read. You will not be wasting anything by trying.

[Peggy Keleher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temple of the Unknown

A very interesting start to the trilogy. At times hilarious, but full of action and very interesting characters. The quests are very intricate and Indiana Jones like. I loved it.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, action packed adventure!

Hesitant to begin this adventure, I am not disappointed I did. I could hear the darkspawn, feel the Dark Lord's creations. Borgli endeared himself to me. Koji made me smile. I want the stubborn determination of Quell. And, Tor... His matter-of-fact approach is just wonderful.

Looking forward to enjoying their next adventure!

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

What isn't there to like about a fast-paced magical artifact seeking/treasure hunt filled with clues to be solves, deadly traps to be avoided and oh, so sweet, rumored loot. I love these things. Hey, there is also some humor and good characters.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my typical read but this is a terrific way to slug through dungeons & find some cool loot if you’re otherwise indisposed or lazy, I mean if you can be too lazy to play tabletop or vidya games!

Desperately needs an audiobook version please Jeffrey 🤓

[Echizero Rincewind · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clasic dungeon adventure for those who love RPGs.
Plenty of traps, several kinds of monsters to fight and some treachery.

The start of a campaing (trilogy). Not big stakes (or not yet).
Simple, straight, not surprises, but thrilling and entertaining.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

seems to be going backwards

[GraphicSushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty solid book - great if you're a D&D fan. Pretty easy read nothing very complex here.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!

[Jordan Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a decent and fun read but nothing exceptional. Good world building and better combat, but clunky dialogue and none of the humor landed for me. 

[Robert Colthar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

This book has it all! Great storyline and plot and engaging characters.Thoroughly enjoyed this book.Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy.

[Douglas Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This is an excellent story that I find hard to put down. I recommend it and will get the next book in the series.

[Robert #277 Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. Free flowing and great character design. Hope there will be another series with this group of dynamic characters.