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Station Cores #3

The Guardian Guild

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Stranded on an alien planet with his consciousness implanted inside of a Station Core, Milton Frederick has used all of the resources at his disposal to protect his damaged Core from local hostile beasts, Proctans, and even a massive bear-gorilla hybrid that almost single-handedly destroyed his dungeon.

Milton is joined by his AI guide, ALANNA, as well as Brint and Whisp – two Proctans that have joined him in his endeavors; with the introduction of two new “recruits” – Rosewyn and Moxwell – they form a plan that enlists a few more Guardian Guild members to help combat the threat that Brint had discovered underneath the Quizard Mountains to the east.

Unfortunately, not everything is going as well for the Guardian Guild, the organization tasked with defending the Proctan kingdom from the wild beasts roaming their borders. A political coup instigated by the Cordpower Company has upset the monarchial government and the Guild has been caught in the crossfire.

Now, Milton has to figure out how to deal with that issue, while at the same time preparing for the inevitable arrival of the threat from the Quizard Mountains.

Fortunately, new discoveries of his own has led to great strides in manipulating the Gene Mutations that affect the Proctans. Not only has the introduction of a Neurological Control Unit allowed for the manipulation of abilities, but it also provides something that will change the very nature of how the Proctans view death – and something that Milton, as a gamer, knows very well: respawning.

But will those advantages be enough against the threat coming their way?

Find out now in The Guardian Guild, book 3 of the Station Cores series!


Contains LitRPG elements such as statistics and leveling, as well as OPTIONAL stat tables!

Previous books in the Station Cores series:
The Station Core
The Quizard Mountains

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2019

387 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Jonathan Brooks

82 books486 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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5 stars
390 (42%)
4 stars
334 (36%)
3 stars
159 (17%)
2 stars
23 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
152 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2019
i liked the first 2 books and this one was no different, oh what a cliffhanger to finish it on (although to be fair pretty sure it was already used) milton and company are going to need to figure some stuff out pretty darn fast really if there hopeing to survive, hope the next book istn long in coming :)
Profile Image for Colin Rowlands.
240 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2020
Getting the obvious comment out of the way first, as book three in the series, it is not the ideal starting point for somebody new to the series and they would be better off with book one. This book shares a fairly similar structure to the second book in the series, the timeline is again basically contiguous without the skips that were necessary in the first book and the amount of people interacting with the station core expands again. This time round the increased cast is in theory, significantly larger with the addition of an entire guild, although in reality the increase in significant characters isn't anywhere near as high as that.

It is interesting to see the way that the focus and goals of the dungeon core have changed over the course of this series, going from the more abstract developing sufficiently to return to the collective that had basically abducted him in the first place towards the more grounded aim of helping the population of the planet whose lives had been changed so drastically by his presence on their planet.

The performance of the narrator continues to be a strong point of this series, helping to nicely enhance the overall story with suitably distinctive tones.

Overall, this was very much a middle book in a series, escalating existing issues and introducing some new ones rather than closing off any particular plotlines, but this isn't a problem when you are already engaged and enjoying a series by this point anyway.

[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
39 reviews
October 4, 2019
Mok's review

An excellent book. Well thought-out and fairly decently written. An excellent adventure from the perspective of an individual that is neither hero nor villain.

" the only real complaint I have is that the author is another individual that confuses sentience for sapience. Sentience means the ability to feel pain it does not mean intelligence. Sapience means intelligence. That's why it's in the name of the genus of species of homo sapien. Homo is the ancient word for man sapiens is the ancient word for wise. This translates as man who is wise. A species that is intelligent is referred to as Sapien in the name. If you created an intelligent self aware animal let's say a dog it would be a Kano Sapien. Just an example another one would be an intelligent cat it would be a filo Sapien or penthera sapien.
594 reviews21 followers
March 2, 2019
Interesting and different series about a Station Core (dungeon core) that used to be a man from Earth that was abducted by aliens and then injured and lost for more than 4000 years only to crash land on another alien planet. The story is pretty good, though not great, all three covers suck, the MC is engaging in the second and third book and whiny in the first. I have to say the action portion of the book has improved from those previous and the characters have more depth. I almost quit reading this series but I'm glad I stuck with it because it kept getting better and better. The LitRPG leveling was well done and I really appreciated the stat pages being at the end of the book and able to be referenced easily. Looking forward to more about The Milton!
57 reviews
October 4, 2019
Very good read

First two books in this series were a little rough, but this book has good style and the story presentation is much improved, and entertaining to read. The characters continue to develops as the story line expands. There are far fewer fragmentary statements and partially developed thoughts In this book. In this episode the story moves smoother and is easier to follow, making it much more enjoyable and enguaging. If the writer continues at this level of writting and presentation the series will be very enjoyable to follow along with. This entry into the series set a good level of story writting and presentation, it was very enjoyable, I would recommend the series.
Profile Image for Robert.
273 reviews
February 28, 2019
Not as long as you think

I have the normal complaints for this author. He starts a train of thought or a conversation and then spends a couple of pages rambling on tangents before completing said thought or conversation.

Additionally, only 78% of this book is actually story. The remaining is tables. 22% of this book is tables.

I like the story but this author is not growing as a writer. His sorry advancement is also extremely slow. I am not sure if he doesn't realize his story is not moving forward or if he is trying to milk more money from people by extending the series beyond what it needs to be.
147 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2025
A Satisfying Evolution That Embraces Its Roots (4/5 Stars)
Hey dungeon divers and stat-sheet enthusiasts! I’m back with a look at The Guardian Guild (Station Cores #3) by Jonathan Brooks, and I’ve got to say—this series is officially hitting its stride. After the rocky start of The Station Core and the solid improvement of The Quizard Mountains, this third entry feels like Brooks has confidently settled into the story he wants to tell. While it’s very much a middle book in a series, escalating old threats and setting up new ones, the improved character work and high-stakes action make it a compelling, fun read.

Key Themes
Brooks builds on his established world with some clear thematic throughlines:

Found Family & Alliance Building: The theme of community from Book 2 explodes here. Milton isn’t just making a few friends; he’s actively trying to integrate with and protect an entire society—the Guardian Guild and the Proctan kingdom. His journey from a lonely core to a leader invested in the fate of others is the heart of the story.

Consequences & Escalation: Every action has a reaction. Milton’s presence and the radiation from his core have permanently altered this world. Now, the consequences arrive on multiple fronts: from the strategic threat under the Quizard Mountains to the political coup shaking the Proctan kingdom.

Humanity Through a Digital Lens: As a human mind in a machine, Milton uses his gamer knowledge to introduce game-changing mechanics to his allies, most notably the concept of respawning. This theme explores how technology (or advanced alien science) can fundamentally alter a society's relationship with life, death, and warfare.

Character Analysis
This is where the book shines brightest compared to its predecessors.

Milton (The Station Core): He’s grown immensely from the whiny, sometimes frustrating core of Book 1. His strategic, gamer mind is now fully focused on large-scale defense and empowering his allies. His motivation has matured from simple survival and escape to genuine stewardship.

The Expanded Cast: Brint, Whisp, and the new recruits Rosewyn and Moxwell are given more to do and feel more distinct. The introduction of more Guardian Guild members adds flavor, though only a few get significant depth—hopefully to be expanded in future books.

ALANNA (The AI): A point of improvement! Many readers (myself included) found the AI's potty-mouthed schtick in Book 1 grating. Here, she’s toned down and better integrated as a functional team member, a welcome change that shows Brooks listens to feedback.

Writing Style & Pacing
Brooks's craft continues to improve. Reviewers consistently note that the "style and story presentation is much improved" from the first two books, with fewer fragmented thoughts and a smoother narrative flow.

Pacing: This is a book of two halves: a tense, strategic buildup of defenses and political maneuvering, followed by a climactic, large-scale battle. It’s a classic "prepare for the siege, then survive the siege" structure that works well for the genre. While some note parts feel like necessary setup for the next book, the action-packed final act pays off.

LitRPG Mechanics: A major point of discussion! Brooks smartly keeps the extensive stat tables optional, placing them in the back or in a separate PDF for audiobook listeners. However, be aware that in the Kindle version, these tables can make up a significant portion of the page count (one reviewer noted 22%), which can skew your reading progress. For stat-lovers, it's a feature; for story-focused readers, it's easily skippable.

What I Liked & Disliked
Liked:

Character and Series Growth: Seeing Milton and his allies evolve, and the author's writing mature alongside them, is deeply satisfying.

High-Stakes Dungeon Defense: The core gameplay loop of building traps, designing encounters, and defending against waves of enemies is executed very well here, especially with the higher stakes.

A Genuinely Threatening Foe: The "Bearillas" (bear-gorilla hybrids) from Book 2 return as a smarter, more organized army, raising the threat level substantially.

Disliked:

The Stat Table Chonk: Even as an optional feature, the sheer volume of tables can be daunting and makes the book feel padded.

Predictable Arc Structure: The build-up-to-a-big-battle framework is classic Dungeon Core, but it can feel a bit formulaic by this point.

A Glaring Cliffhanger: Fair warning—the book ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves key conflicts unresolved, clearly funneling you into Book 4.

Conclusion & Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. This is a strong, entertaining entry that represents the qualitative peak of the series so far. It demonstrates clear authorial growth and delivers the strategic dungeon-building and character dynamics that fans of the genre crave.

You should read this book if: You’ve enjoyed the first two Station Cores books—this is a must-continue. It’s also perfect for LitRPG/Dungeon Core fans who love detailed world-building, tactical defense scenarios, and stories where a community grows around the core.

Do NOT start the series here. Jump back to Book 1, power through its slow start, and let the improvements in Books 2 and 3 reward your patience.

Content Note: Contains fantasy violence, minimal profanity, and no harem elements.

The Guardian Guild successfully evolves from a survival simulator into a proper epic. Despite some pacing and structural nitpicks, it left me immediately eager to download Book 4. If you're invested in Milton's journey, this installment will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Angel Ludwig.
299 reviews10 followers
February 20, 2019
Solid continuation

Editing could still use a bit of polish, but generally good enough. Good evolution of characters and system. I had spotted the ‘twist’ at the end back in book 2, but still a solid story, and each book shows a maturation as a writer and as a storyteller. Almost no ‘slow’ spots this time, and relatively few redundant passages or phrases (though he tends to use redundant &/or extraneous words). My only general crib is that he falls into passive voice A LOT. Looking forward to book 4.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,187 reviews86 followers
March 2, 2019
Book three

Mistakes: I found only two. One was a missing word, shield. The other should have been her opinion instead of his opinion. I also found the print on the stat tables to be rather small. Some people will have trouble reading them.
Plot: Things are really starting to heat up. Armies on the march, desperate defense, and of course more building.
Characters: We get glimpses of new characters, but nothing more. I'm expecting a few more to be fleshed out in the next book.
8/10 Really enjoying this series.
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,600 reviews12 followers
March 10, 2019
Scientific Crystal turns Planetary Dungeon Core

Aliens abduction of earth's top gamer to use his smarts to defend a Space station as its AI. Something goes wrong and he crash lands on a distant planet. He leaks radiation (mana) and mutates the residents. He builds a dungeon to protect himself. Great science in the fiction story.
Obviously there will be a war. I would like for Milton to create himself a human Avatar of his realself. And have the other guy as a space station already.
Profile Image for Charles Daniel.
586 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2021
The Station Core, Milton Fredericks, May Have A Nemesis.

As though Bearillas, Giant Bear-Gorilla hybrids, weren't enough of a problem, Milton discovers that they have a modicum of intelligence and may have a greater intellect deploying them in a strategic manner. Even with the Proctan Allies he has gathered the Bearilla Army may be more than he can defeat.

This story will likely appeal to fans of the Fantasy, LitRPG, Dungeon Core, and Science Fiction genres; as well as those who enjoy RPGs.
Profile Image for Chris Evans.
903 reviews43 followers
January 23, 2020
Not really much to say about this one. It's fine, but it's mostly moving characters into the positions Brooks needs them in for the next book(s).

Also, seems like non-lethal training methods might be more efficient for power leveling his people. I don't see how blind siding someone with a trap then having hours of down time plus xp loss is helpful. Seems like Brooks trying to fit into a more traditional dungeon core setup when that doesn't really work here.
Profile Image for GaiusPrimus.
870 reviews96 followers
February 27, 2019
Continuous improvement makes for great reading

It's great to see someone getting better at their craft. This of course leads to great entertaining stories and really compelling characters.

This series has been near and dear to me but it continues to get better. Loving what is hapoening and looking forward to the next one.
1,003 reviews13 followers
June 13, 2019
More grind

Most of this book is grinding. Which I don't mind but is boring and necessary in this case. The political climate with the locals is changing and Milton is adapting. The book is good enough and technical but author used the standard build/grind then big battle at end. I find that boring. I will however read more as I enjoy the progression and discovery.
123 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2019
Weak plot

Another poor installment where nothing gets accomplished and the “twist” ending has been obvious for two books now. The only saving grace this book had is with more characters Alanna mercifully gets less screen time.
794 reviews7 followers
July 23, 2019
A lot of guests and bringing down the house.

Another exciting book in the series. The whole guild shows up and some unwelcome party crashers. A lot of training in the middle of the book and an epic battle/tower defense at the end. Great reading!
25 reviews
July 25, 2019
Series hitting its stride

Well written. Well designed universe. Rather linear plot line, but that is difficult to avoid in this genre. Nice evolution from dungeon to siege story. Will be interesting to see if the story continues to morph.
Profile Image for Zerdath.
89 reviews
August 18, 2019
This series just keeps on being a win

More please, I love it!

Good progression of characters, story, and stats. I'm also enjoying seeing the Proctan world interacting with itself, and how unexpected things happen. I'll definitely be picking up the next book.
Profile Image for Vincent Archer.
443 reviews22 followers
September 14, 2019
The middle book of the series.

It's best described as a plodding book. There's political issues, and more science-fictional explanations of how traditional dungeon delving things arise. There's the required amount of twists and happenings, but it's not an exciting book, merely a solid one.
Profile Image for Benjamin smith.
80 reviews
February 19, 2019
Love it

This book literally has everything, action, love, humour and a weirdo AI. Having followed the series from the start I can say they just get better and better.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
650 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2019
Fun

A wonderful addition to the series. The story was captivating, but still needed an little more editing. I can hardly wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Heath.
521 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2019
Good Read.

A LitRPG story. The story continues from the previous book. Exploration. Vicious creatures. Battles to save the dungeon. Enjoyed the story.
91 reviews
August 14, 2019
Still reading

I'm enjoying it. It's still weird having to go to the index for charts. I like having charts to look at in the moment.
698 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2019
Great book

Great work once again from Jonathan Brooks! Milton's forces grow by leaps and bounds. Lots of time consolidating his gains, great culmination!
2,560 reviews72 followers
January 25, 2020
Uninspired

Inconsistent writing, bland characterization. Still no real tactics in combat. And the ending, weak at best. Story is just not that good.
Profile Image for Ethan Stein.
Author 5 books246 followers
January 22, 2021
So this one was as much a slog as I expected. Not a terrible story by any means but not something I was unable to put down. I’ll check out the next one when I can.
Profile Image for Jim.
230 reviews
April 7, 2022
great continuation

Getting ready for a rumble, this book has some great meat on getting taken care of. Grabbing the next one now!
Profile Image for Aaron Eichler.
789 reviews
July 28, 2022
a team up

It was interesting that Milton was able to team up with a guild, it will make both of them stronger.
7 reviews
April 11, 2024
People do not act or respond like the people do in this story. I like the plot over all but none of the people are believable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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