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The Rise of the Winter Wolf #4
The Awakening
A livestreamed dungeon crawl competition for the rank of Administrator. Or at least, that's what it started out. Is it really so simple as that anymore?
Changes are occurring throughout the entire dungeon. Changes that have never been seen before.
How will these affect the Competitors? Will it make things more difficult on them?
And how will Wolf deal with some new changes to both himself and his soul bound companion?
Changes are occurring throughout the entire dungeon. Changes that have never been seen before.
How will these affect the Competitors? Will it make things more difficult on them?
And how will Wolf deal with some new changes to both himself and his soul bound companion?
514 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2023
547 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Shane Purdy
33 books124 followersShane Purdy is a college graduate with a Bachelors in Computer Science. At a young age he became fascinated with Fantasy books after reading the Wereworld series by Curtis Jobling, which led to a love of reading that continues to this day.
When he was younger you could almost always find him with a book in his hand (when he wasn’t busy with Band activities that is). As he got older, he started reading online webnovels as well. In June of 2021, after reading thousands of books, he decided to take the plunge and write a book of his own, starting with his first series, Dungeon from the Void.
He writes both high and low progression fantasy novels of varying genres, including Dungeon Core, LitRPG, Cultivation, Sci-Fi and more.
He does not use any sort of social media for his books other than Reddit, he has no Facebook pages, and his Facebook account is private and not public. Therefore if anyone finds public Facebook or other social media accounts outside of Reddit or Discord claiming to be him, they are fake.
When he was younger you could almost always find him with a book in his hand (when he wasn’t busy with Band activities that is). As he got older, he started reading online webnovels as well. In June of 2021, after reading thousands of books, he decided to take the plunge and write a book of his own, starting with his first series, Dungeon from the Void.
He writes both high and low progression fantasy novels of varying genres, including Dungeon Core, LitRPG, Cultivation, Sci-Fi and more.
He does not use any sort of social media for his books other than Reddit, he has no Facebook pages, and his Facebook account is private and not public. Therefore if anyone finds public Facebook or other social media accounts outside of Reddit or Discord claiming to be him, they are fake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 3, 2023
This is fourth in a LitRPG series. Read in order.
Lots of new developments in this one. I kind of love Sapphire gaining humanoid form. An eight year-old following Wolf around calling him Papa while slaughtering bad guys is way more adorable than it should have been.
I'm way less sanguine about . Also, it's more than a little lame . I get that the power imbalance needed something extra because Wolf was out-powering the entire dungeon cohort and there wasn't any elegant way to even that out (that I can think of). I just think how Purdy did it wasn't an improvement for me.
At the same time, I'm very intrigued with Wolf's actual pronouncement of not being interested in romance. He really isn't and it looks very much like asexuality to me. I don't know if that's Purdy's intent or if he's just bad at writing romance (he is, as witnessed by the Katie/Aiden subplot). If it's the latter, then at least he's leaning away from his weaknesses. Maybe that's a good thing?
At any rate, there's enough dissatisfaction for me to round down to three stars in this one. I'm honestly unsure if I'll pick up the next should it appear. As I said, I'm completely uninterested in the main conflict that landed on this story so it's going to be a tough sell.
A note about Chaste: Asexual protagonist or just the author bad at romance, there's none in the story. So it's very chaste.
Lots of new developments in this one. I kind of love Sapphire gaining humanoid form. An eight year-old following Wolf around calling him Papa while slaughtering bad guys is way more adorable than it should have been.
I'm way less sanguine about . Also, it's more than a little lame . I get that the power imbalance needed something extra because Wolf was out-powering the entire dungeon cohort and there wasn't any elegant way to even that out (that I can think of). I just think how Purdy did it wasn't an improvement for me.
At the same time, I'm very intrigued with Wolf's actual pronouncement of not being interested in romance. He really isn't and it looks very much like asexuality to me. I don't know if that's Purdy's intent or if he's just bad at writing romance (he is, as witnessed by the Katie/Aiden subplot). If it's the latter, then at least he's leaning away from his weaknesses. Maybe that's a good thing?
At any rate, there's enough dissatisfaction for me to round down to three stars in this one. I'm honestly unsure if I'll pick up the next should it appear. As I said, I'm completely uninterested in the main conflict that landed on this story so it's going to be a tough sell.
A note about Chaste: Asexual protagonist or just the author bad at romance, there's none in the story. So it's very chaste.
March 13, 2023
In book four Wolf Adler decides to push through the dungeon as fast as he can, and to a certain degree he succeeds. Only to see the rules changed to make it harder. Then changed again.
Book four is very much a continuation of all the previous books. The dungeon has a lot left and Joe's nowhere near the end. While he and and his spider fight, there are political changes happening in the background. Why now?
I have no idea. Just because. Diane is just as needy as ever to have Wolf take on the title of heir apparent to the werewolf throne. Somewhere along the way he gained the werewolf virus but I don't remember that happening. Anyway, he moves further along that path while his family fights on the planet of Aegis.
The dungeon levels are creative which is fun. Most don't last that long but The Winter Wolf has moved past them, while others stick around for a bit.
The editing is not great, which I find hard to believe. These books are doing well, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal to pay a professional editor to have them edited.
My last thought is what all those people are doing watching the livestreamed dungeon. Don't they have jobs? Families? Things to do? It doesn't seem like it as they sit and watch someone fight in a dungeon. If it was me I'd have to take a nap at least for a while before coming back. Even March Madness can't keep me glued to the TV for every game.
I'm enjoying the series while also wondering where it's going. And I have no answer to that question. 5/5* if you like dungeon crawls.
Book four is very much a continuation of all the previous books. The dungeon has a lot left and Joe's nowhere near the end. While he and and his spider fight, there are political changes happening in the background. Why now?
I have no idea. Just because. Diane is just as needy as ever to have Wolf take on the title of heir apparent to the werewolf throne. Somewhere along the way he gained the werewolf virus but I don't remember that happening. Anyway, he moves further along that path while his family fights on the planet of Aegis.
The dungeon levels are creative which is fun. Most don't last that long but The Winter Wolf has moved past them, while others stick around for a bit.
The editing is not great, which I find hard to believe. These books are doing well, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal to pay a professional editor to have them edited.
My last thought is what all those people are doing watching the livestreamed dungeon. Don't they have jobs? Families? Things to do? It doesn't seem like it as they sit and watch someone fight in a dungeon. If it was me I'd have to take a nap at least for a while before coming back. Even March Madness can't keep me glued to the TV for every game.
I'm enjoying the series while also wondering where it's going. And I have no answer to that question. 5/5* if you like dungeon crawls.
April 12, 2023
Wolf is crossing to a new stage of power, whether he wants to or not
The Reaper has plans for more than just his descendants, but he’s currently become interested in Wolf and only time will tell whether this is a blessing or a curse, or worse, both.
As the story continues, Wolf begins to pull further ahead of the other competitors until the System start malfunctioning for him. It seems that some powers are beyond even the System’s ability to control or identify. And Wolf is about to learn how dual edged that level of power can be.
Meanwhile, crossing the thousandth level will bring a surprising change to both Wolf and Sapphire as their bond grows. Sapphire has become a power in her own right through her skills and abilities as well as the shared level of power she has with Wolf.
Quite a few changes are made to the dungeon with surprises for both the competitors and the viewers.
Read on to discover what new challenges the Reaper’s dungeon has in store for them all.
The Reaper has plans for more than just his descendants, but he’s currently become interested in Wolf and only time will tell whether this is a blessing or a curse, or worse, both.
As the story continues, Wolf begins to pull further ahead of the other competitors until the System start malfunctioning for him. It seems that some powers are beyond even the System’s ability to control or identify. And Wolf is about to learn how dual edged that level of power can be.
Meanwhile, crossing the thousandth level will bring a surprising change to both Wolf and Sapphire as their bond grows. Sapphire has become a power in her own right through her skills and abilities as well as the shared level of power she has with Wolf.
Quite a few changes are made to the dungeon with surprises for both the competitors and the viewers.
Read on to discover what new challenges the Reaper’s dungeon has in store for them all.
November 22, 2023
Good story, but has many side plots and characters that distract.
Overall I enjoy the story. But it can get tedious to where you have to put the book down. There are many subplots with side characters including the main characters family. The problem is you don't really care about any of them. There's an overall plot for the major forces of the universe to be using all the characters as pawns. The story Lacks excitement as you know characters leveling up will always survive. I get what the author is trying to do here and I'm already invested. But the story overall which I'd like, is really just an okay story and rather lackluster. I think the live streaming storyline was a unique idea, however it reads like an immature writer and after several books in the series it becomes obvious sometimes painfully so.
Overall I enjoy the story. But it can get tedious to where you have to put the book down. There are many subplots with side characters including the main characters family. The problem is you don't really care about any of them. There's an overall plot for the major forces of the universe to be using all the characters as pawns. The story Lacks excitement as you know characters leveling up will always survive. I get what the author is trying to do here and I'm already invested. But the story overall which I'd like, is really just an okay story and rather lackluster. I think the live streaming storyline was a unique idea, however it reads like an immature writer and after several books in the series it becomes obvious sometimes painfully so.
March 12, 2023
Why, oh why, did I have to start this series before it was finished?!
What could possibly be the point of a war between Void and Radiance? And why do the Adlers seem to be the trigger for open conflict? Will both siblings eventually gain access to both sides of their powers? And what would that mean for the events of the epilogue?
Wolf was certainly getting to be too OP for the trial, and he was very quickly learning to play the system (pun intended). Him being shunted to Beta will certainly lead to tougher challenges, but will also, probably, lead to greater and faster gains. How will Sapphire change to compliment Wolf’s evolution?
What could possibly be the point of a war between Void and Radiance? And why do the Adlers seem to be the trigger for open conflict? Will both siblings eventually gain access to both sides of their powers? And what would that mean for the events of the epilogue?
Wolf was certainly getting to be too OP for the trial, and he was very quickly learning to play the system (pun intended). Him being shunted to Beta will certainly lead to tougher challenges, but will also, probably, lead to greater and faster gains. How will Sapphire change to compliment Wolf’s evolution?
July 26, 2023
damn great series
So this is the series that got me to know about the absolute insane guy named Shane Purdy…tbh like all my other book series ive read it started out as me being bored af and so i looked at my recommended options and picked this one (the first book of this at least) then i got on his patreon and i have to say every series hes working on seems absolutely fantastic…im a bit iffy on the Dungeon core from the Void and dont think ill read the Eternal series just yet as i see it as being a copy of this (ik its not but thats just my personal feelings) but this series is great and ik i didnt really do a review but eh
So this is the series that got me to know about the absolute insane guy named Shane Purdy…tbh like all my other book series ive read it started out as me being bored af and so i looked at my recommended options and picked this one (the first book of this at least) then i got on his patreon and i have to say every series hes working on seems absolutely fantastic…im a bit iffy on the Dungeon core from the Void and dont think ill read the Eternal series just yet as i see it as being a copy of this (ik its not but thats just my personal feelings) but this series is great and ik i didnt really do a review but eh
April 9, 2025
Better
Better than book 3 thankfully. I’d still like seeing the items Wolf receives from boxes, even if he can’t use them. Also, what gives on their storage, this is the first EVER RPG or LitRPG I’ve ever read where a person has unlimited storage with no need to upgrade. It makes you wonder why would someone create storage rings, necklaces, or bracelets. I can understand like something for a house for food. I’m also curious if wolf is queer because he definitely seems to be. Lastly can you please give a rundown of Wolf’s powers and abilities, as well as update his level and SP/FP a lot more often, again, please.
Better than book 3 thankfully. I’d still like seeing the items Wolf receives from boxes, even if he can’t use them. Also, what gives on their storage, this is the first EVER RPG or LitRPG I’ve ever read where a person has unlimited storage with no need to upgrade. It makes you wonder why would someone create storage rings, necklaces, or bracelets. I can understand like something for a house for food. I’m also curious if wolf is queer because he definitely seems to be. Lastly can you please give a rundown of Wolf’s powers and abilities, as well as update his level and SP/FP a lot more often, again, please.
February 8, 2024
Lost the plot
I love the idea of progenitors and the war and whatnot. But the idea at the end of it giving the reaper control, kinda makes the “system” just feel flimsy and off to the wayside. And despite this being a dungeon crawler. I’m honestly kind of tired of the dungeons. I feel that more time skips to dungeon finish would’ve been better to see wolf reunite with his friends and family. Him being moved to another dungeon as a universal war breaks just feels off.
I love the idea of progenitors and the war and whatnot. But the idea at the end of it giving the reaper control, kinda makes the “system” just feel flimsy and off to the wayside. And despite this being a dungeon crawler. I’m honestly kind of tired of the dungeons. I feel that more time skips to dungeon finish would’ve been better to see wolf reunite with his friends and family. Him being moved to another dungeon as a universal war breaks just feels off.
March 13, 2023
It was obvious how the pacing issue was to be dealt with.
But this left a major content issue. The dungeon has become tedious, the battles are boring, and the other competitors are irrelevant. I won't speak on the ending suffice it to say it makes me feel that I have wasted my time on the first three books.
But this left a major content issue. The dungeon has become tedious, the battles are boring, and the other competitors are irrelevant. I won't speak on the ending suffice it to say it makes me feel that I have wasted my time on the first three books.
March 16, 2023
Meh
I really enjoyed the previous books, but this one was tough to get through. The MC had little hardship to overcome, his growth seemed forced, and the book reads like a it was translated with software that doesn’t truly know english. I hope this at least gets proofread and updated soon because I won’t read another installment if the grammar is this atrocious.
I really enjoyed the previous books, but this one was tough to get through. The MC had little hardship to overcome, his growth seemed forced, and the book reads like a it was translated with software that doesn’t truly know english. I hope this at least gets proofread and updated soon because I won’t read another installment if the grammar is this atrocious.
March 16, 2023
Awesome!!
To the author, I say great job, young sir. I am most definitely a huge fan of the series and I look forward to reading it for quite some time. Very cool cover by the way. Also, thank you for the picture of sapphire. It helps when some of the main characters are brought to life with a picture like that.
To the author, I say great job, young sir. I am most definitely a huge fan of the series and I look forward to reading it for quite some time. Very cool cover by the way. Also, thank you for the picture of sapphire. It helps when some of the main characters are brought to life with a picture like that.
March 21, 2023
KU Review
Keeps throwing curveballs. They keep getting faster paced in terms of progression but still not sure how many books it will take to finish 1000 levels. Too fun to put down.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Keeps throwing curveballs. They keep getting faster paced in terms of progression but still not sure how many books it will take to finish 1000 levels. Too fun to put down.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
March 31, 2023
Continued drop in enjoyment
I’m now done. Four books is enough. I stayed with it this far hoping for at least a satisfying conclusion. But, the author chose to twist things at the end of the novel robbing the reader of that, and catapulting in a new direction that feels like going back to the beginning.
I’m now done. Four books is enough. I stayed with it this far hoping for at least a satisfying conclusion. But, the author chose to twist things at the end of the novel robbing the reader of that, and catapulting in a new direction that feels like going back to the beginning.
April 7, 2023
A clash of Titans
Wolf and Sapphire have some extreme changes and close calls. I'm also interested in the beings from an unknown council, the reason for specific members to clash, and the hope for both siblings to flip everyone off and be doubly powerful. It's amusing to see the System Mascots, and I hope there's A positive purpose for them eventually.
Wolf and Sapphire have some extreme changes and close calls. I'm also interested in the beings from an unknown council, the reason for specific members to clash, and the hope for both siblings to flip everyone off and be doubly powerful. It's amusing to see the System Mascots, and I hope there's A positive purpose for them eventually.
March 11, 2023
Another great work!
Another wonderful addition to the series. Wolf and Sapphire have come a long way together and made some serious strides in this book. I can’t wait to see what all happens from here.
Another wonderful addition to the series. Wolf and Sapphire have come a long way together and made some serious strides in this book. I can’t wait to see what all happens from here.
March 13, 2023
Still enjoying
I like Wolf, the main character and I'm looking forward to book 5. There are things I'm not sure about and would to understand but overall I enjoyed the book. I would like clarification on why the demon/techno people seem hell bent on killing him.
I like Wolf, the main character and I'm looking forward to book 5. There are things I'm not sure about and would to understand but overall I enjoyed the book. I would like clarification on why the demon/techno people seem hell bent on killing him.
March 15, 2023
Still loving storyline
Its still entertaining me, and I will continue reading the series. Had some surprise twists to it, not sure where author is going with next book, so I will have to wait and see.
Its still entertaining me, and I will continue reading the series. Had some surprise twists to it, not sure where author is going with next book, so I will have to wait and see.
March 16, 2023
Frustrating disappointment
Read a book get used to the rules and in the fourth book at the end just change them. Also has the author lost the point? Seems as he is writing looking for a plot. Some typos but I can overlook those just not tge since of, where did I go.
Read a book get used to the rules and in the fourth book at the end just change them. Also has the author lost the point? Seems as he is writing looking for a plot. Some typos but I can overlook those just not tge since of, where did I go.
March 26, 2023
enjoyable reading
I usually don’t enjoy dungeon stories but I really enjoyed these books. Reading a book and feeling like you are there watching the story unfolding is my way of determining how good a book is, these do that for me. Thank you
I usually don’t enjoy dungeon stories but I really enjoyed these books. Reading a book and feeling like you are there watching the story unfolding is my way of determining how good a book is, these do that for me. Thank you
March 26, 2023
Worth the read
Love this series. I finished the first 4 books in 7 days. Would have been 5, but life got busy. I love this authors world building and character creation. I look forward to the next book in this series and whatever the author comes up with next.
Love this series. I finished the first 4 books in 7 days. Would have been 5, but life got busy. I love this authors world building and character creation. I look forward to the next book in this series and whatever the author comes up with next.
April 7, 2023
Good book
I love the story and elements. Characters and plot line intrigue me. That said the editing of this book was atrocious. Misspelled words, broken sentences and complete sentences the made ABSOLUTELY no sense. Disappointed because I did not see this in previous books.
I love the story and elements. Characters and plot line intrigue me. That said the editing of this book was atrocious. Misspelled words, broken sentences and complete sentences the made ABSOLUTELY no sense. Disappointed because I did not see this in previous books.
April 11, 2023
Holy Smokes, that was amazing
Fantastic series. I wish it had audible versions though but I binge read it in the space of a couple days. I guess I should get some work done now while waiting for the next.
Fantastic series, can’t recommend enough.
Fantastic series. I wish it had audible versions though but I binge read it in the space of a couple days. I guess I should get some work done now while waiting for the next.
Fantastic series, can’t recommend enough.
April 17, 2023
How boring can it get? There is no obstacle for the MC, no villain. Every enemy is dumb, every ally is a trustworthy entity and the MC neither uses nor needs his brains.
In between endless irrelevant fight scenes. Irrelevant because the MC wins anyway.
In between endless irrelevant fight scenes. Irrelevant because the MC wins anyway.
May 11, 2023
Really good
I really enjoyed this book and this series as a whole. I'm not really sure about the new direction that the end of this book took.
So, it is recommended, but with caveats.
I really enjoyed this book and this series as a whole. I'm not really sure about the new direction that the end of this book took.
So, it is recommended, but with caveats.
May 17, 2023
Good book and story
There's stuff I like and dislike about this series I'm still pretty invested so I will be reading more hopefully some of the things I dislike like will change for the better
There's stuff I like and dislike about this series I'm still pretty invested so I will be reading more hopefully some of the things I dislike like will change for the better
July 14, 2023
Anyways is not a word
Would have been a 5* rating if not for the colloquilisms frequently used, i.e., anyways, towards, forwards, etc. Although, I blame the editor for not catching it. Good imagination, well crafted storyline, very little non relevant filler.
Would have been a 5* rating if not for the colloquilisms frequently used, i.e., anyways, towards, forwards, etc. Although, I blame the editor for not catching it. Good imagination, well crafted storyline, very little non relevant filler.
August 1, 2023
Sort and to the point
Great read can't wait for the next one. The main character is embroiled in the schemes of two different entities both with their own goals in mind.
All of this while trying to survive the reapers dungeon.
Great read can't wait for the next one. The main character is embroiled in the schemes of two different entities both with their own goals in mind.
All of this while trying to survive the reapers dungeon.
August 17, 2023
3 1/2 stars. Things are running pretty much like the other books with levels, fights, new powers, etc. Then things get really interesting and really do set everything on its head (not saying what because spoilers!. Have to wait until the next book to see how things turn out.
December 1, 2023
Keeps getting better and better as the book continues!
Very good way to end the 4th book can’t wait for the next one. Hopefully it’s out soon. Now I have to find something to read in the meantime haha
Very good way to end the 4th book can’t wait for the next one. Hopefully it’s out soon. Now I have to find something to read in the meantime haha
December 14, 2023
Great way to end the story
What excitement at reading this story. What a way to end the book, it keeps you excited, on the edge of your seat, chomping at the bit to know when the next book will be out. I want to know what is coming in the storyline.
What excitement at reading this story. What a way to end the book, it keeps you excited, on the edge of your seat, chomping at the bit to know when the next book will be out. I want to know what is coming in the storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews