What do you think?
Rate this book
Erryn's world #1
A Lonely Dungeon
When a new dungeon is born, it wants nothing more than to have the most vicious monsters, the most cunning traps and the most shiny of loot. There is only one problem, but it's a rather big one; it finished its first floor years ago, but it still hasn't been visited by any adventurers! In order to find someone or something to explore its floors, or perhaps just to find someone to talk to, this dungeon will have to go way off script. But it soon discovers that going off script brings problems of its own, and that adventurers are not the only thing this world is missing.
A story about a dungeons journey of exploration and self discovery in a dark and devastated world.
A story about a dungeons journey of exploration and self discovery in a dark and devastated world.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2020
41 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 4, 2020
Enjoyable, short, and unique.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read. It was rather unique and fairly short. The protagonist goes through a really neat journey of discovery and explores things with a different perspective than usual. Read this!
I found this book to be an enjoyable read. It was rather unique and fairly short. The protagonist goes through a really neat journey of discovery and explores things with a different perspective than usual. Read this!
November 28, 2020
A nice story, made maybe slightly not nice by the context.
It is a story of exploration of dungeon concepts, not of adventure. There are no adventurers, no dungeon companion, nobody but... well the titular dungeon, all alone at the end of the world. A slightly depressing story, all said, but with a good rhythm to it. And just of the right size as well.
(mostly read on Royal Road)
It is a story of exploration of dungeon concepts, not of adventure. There are no adventurers, no dungeon companion, nobody but... well the titular dungeon, all alone at the end of the world. A slightly depressing story, all said, but with a good rhythm to it. And just of the right size as well.
(mostly read on Royal Road)
January 24, 2021
An interesting twist on a post apocalyptic tale
You can definitely feel the dungeon's loneliness throughout most of the book. I found the main character to be interesting, their growth reasonable, even painful and life-threatening at times, and admired their determination.
It will be interesting to see what are the repercussions of one of Erryn's final decisions in future books.
As has been said before, paraphrasing a bit here, the only way to have perfect order is death. And, death begets life, which is chaotic by nature, and too much chaos begets order. It seems this world is now starting its third cycle, at least. Maybe the people will be able to figure out a better way, this time.
You can definitely feel the dungeon's loneliness throughout most of the book. I found the main character to be interesting, their growth reasonable, even painful and life-threatening at times, and admired their determination.
It will be interesting to see what are the repercussions of one of Erryn's final decisions in future books.
As has been said before, paraphrasing a bit here, the only way to have perfect order is death. And, death begets life, which is chaotic by nature, and too much chaos begets order. It seems this world is now starting its third cycle, at least. Maybe the people will be able to figure out a better way, this time.
October 7, 2023
Most of the time litRPG is popcorn reading. OP MC solves problem because he must, because peter parker's dad made some good points. Sometimes you get a side of steak with your popcorn reading, and the MC does something authentically interesting within the "rules" that the system has established. Subverts an expectation or two and does it without divine intervention or being handed a +1billion magic sword.
Then there is Erryn's world. Erryn's world was a suprise for me because I thought it was popcorn lit (and not even particularly good popcorn lit, underseasoned, bland popcorn lit) and it turned out to be prime rib with a twice baked potato, 4 course dinner. Book one, a lonely dungeon is essentially a stand alone story. Books 2-5 are your typical popcorn litRPG which, frankly, I did not like all that much. Is it fair if I treat the first 5.5 books in a series as being nothing but prologue to the final two?
Also, I'm throwing out a content warning for those of you who aren't comfortable with a 35 year old MC being pressured to have s*x with a 14 year old girl who is "an adult by local standards" by said girl's parents, even if said MC ultimately doesn't. It was a thing for multiple chapters of the 6th book, and there were other adult themes too.
Also, also, some people can't handle social commentary, discussions of morality, moralizing, indecisive MCs who fail to take action damn the consequences, etc. I can guarantee you right now that you will disagree entirely with my 5 star review of erryn's world. I have no doubt that a large number of people will call the MC whiney and declare with absolute assurance that their "common sense" can solve unsolvable thought experiments without all the "thinking" that plagues us ivory tower academics. Still, overall, I was more than satisfied with my helping of erryn's world, and I think the journey was more enjoyable though I suffered through some low points in the earlier books. Probably just the sunk cost fallacy.
Then there is Erryn's world. Erryn's world was a suprise for me because I thought it was popcorn lit (and not even particularly good popcorn lit, underseasoned, bland popcorn lit) and it turned out to be prime rib with a twice baked potato, 4 course dinner. Book one, a lonely dungeon is essentially a stand alone story. Books 2-5 are your typical popcorn litRPG which, frankly, I did not like all that much. Is it fair if I treat the first 5.5 books in a series as being nothing but prologue to the final two?
Also, I'm throwing out a content warning for those of you who aren't comfortable with a 35 year old MC being pressured to have s*x with a 14 year old girl who is "an adult by local standards" by said girl's parents, even if said MC ultimately doesn't. It was a thing for multiple chapters of the 6th book, and there were other adult themes too.
Also, also, some people can't handle social commentary, discussions of morality, moralizing, indecisive MCs who fail to take action damn the consequences, etc. I can guarantee you right now that you will disagree entirely with my 5 star review of erryn's world. I have no doubt that a large number of people will call the MC whiney and declare with absolute assurance that their "common sense" can solve unsolvable thought experiments without all the "thinking" that plagues us ivory tower academics. Still, overall, I was more than satisfied with my helping of erryn's world, and I think the journey was more enjoyable though I suffered through some low points in the earlier books. Probably just the sunk cost fallacy.
Read
October 9, 2021[Review copypasted from RoyalRoad]
When I first came across this story I thought that the concept was interesting, the synopssi well written and...nothing more. Add to growing piles read later.
Then one day I checked it out again and begun reading it. And let me say it, its freaking good. There is a ton to learn from this story, especially if you are a writter. But let me go for steps.
Style:
The style is light, I not something distinct or particular unique. In truth you wouldn't notice it until you are half way throught that the author tends to repeat some words. But this is beside the point, it carries you along and well. And this is what is important. And this is also the reason why I devoured it in one day.
Grammar:
I found only a few typos in the whole 213 pages story. Some paraghraphs had weird punctuation and nothing more. The grammar is great.
Character:
If you want a story with in deep characterization, tons of characters who show the various aspect of humanity, and in deep motives, I have only one suggestion for you: this story is not for you.
Story:
There is no way that I can talk about the story without doing spoilers, if you want to read it, just know that its good and it will make you think.
When I first came across this story I thought that the concept was interesting, the synopssi well written and...nothing more. Add to growing piles read later.
Then one day I checked it out again and begun reading it. And let me say it, its freaking good. There is a ton to learn from this story, especially if you are a writter. But let me go for steps.
Style:
The style is light, I not something distinct or particular unique. In truth you wouldn't notice it until you are half way throught that the author tends to repeat some words. But this is beside the point, it carries you along and well. And this is what is important. And this is also the reason why I devoured it in one day.
Grammar:
I found only a few typos in the whole 213 pages story. Some paraghraphs had weird punctuation and nothing more. The grammar is great.
Character:
If you want a story with in deep characterization, tons of characters who show the various aspect of humanity, and in deep motives, I have only one suggestion for you: this story is not for you.
Story:
There is no way that I can talk about the story without doing spoilers, if you want to read it, just know that its good and it will make you think.
March 26, 2021
One of the Most Unique Novels I've Ever Read.
This novel is a Dungeon Core Story; which I consider a subset of the LitRPG genre. Beyond the fact that it fits into that uncommon literary niche, this novel is around eighty percent world building and character development; which is practically synonymous where Dungeon Core stories are concerned.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who is already a fan of the LitRPG genre, the Dungeon Core subgenre, or is a fan of the Fantasy genre. This might make a great introductory read in the Dungeon Core genre who wants to try it out to see if they like it.
This novel is a Dungeon Core Story; which I consider a subset of the LitRPG genre. Beyond the fact that it fits into that uncommon literary niche, this novel is around eighty percent world building and character development; which is practically synonymous where Dungeon Core stories are concerned.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who is already a fan of the LitRPG genre, the Dungeon Core subgenre, or is a fan of the Fantasy genre. This might make a great introductory read in the Dungeon Core genre who wants to try it out to see if they like it.
January 6, 2024
I don't really care about dungeon planning and the likes. I like the hot dogs but don't care how they are made. Dungeon mechanics books are kinda boring to be honest. I mean how many different ways can you butcher a hog? DUNGEON CORE ONLINE 1 was fun but 2 was same shit different days so it went in a DNF pile. However, this book was bit different. World is empty. There are no sapients alive. We have a newly awakened dungeon and so far it's growing pains and evolving. There's no human interaction or any repetitive stats that takes up half a chapter. That in itself gets a 4 stars and tentative book 2 on my reading list.
January 6, 2026
DNF at 28%. I liked the premise and found the idea of a dungeon core that has never been human very interesting. The setting, shaped by the remains of a past civilization, also stood out to me. However, while I appreciated the concept, the story did not give me enough momentum to continue. At this point, there were very few stakes or opposition, which made it hard to stay invested. Knowing I did not plan to continue the series also reinforced that feeling. Overall, I just was not in the mood for this book, though I may come back to it at a different time.
June 10, 2023
This was a breath of fresh air. It was nice to see a dungeon story that tried and succeeded at being different. No annoying dungeon fairies / spirits/ assistants. No Humans who after being betrayed joins into a partnership with the dungeon. No snarky puns, or childish jokes. Just an entertaining story.
I will pick up the sequel
We will see.
3/5 Stars
I will pick up the sequel
We will see.
3/5 Stars
August 3, 2023
I don't think this book is a good starting point for the series. Rather, it should be seen as a prequel. There's almost no active plot... it mostly happens in retrospectives. A lot of time is spent on Erryn's laborious experimentation and exploration. In short, it's all set-up and very little story.
I do plan to read the next book as I assume the ratio will be reversed, now that the setting is defined.
I do plan to read the next book as I assume the ratio will be reversed, now that the setting is defined.
October 18, 2021
A nice simple dungeon core story with none of the regular negatives (harem, erotica, human centric, protagonist with human morals, fairy sidekick, idiot protagonist, etc.). (Un)fortunately, the title is indicative of the entire novel. This is more introspective and thought provoking than usual dungeon core stories.
November 30, 2020
A good and simple start
Short dungeon story that made sense, was straightforward, and had a good plot given the length of the book. Definitely an enjoyable short read, and hope the author will be able to introduce more stories and adventures to this world in subsequent novels!
Short dungeon story that made sense, was straightforward, and had a good plot given the length of the book. Definitely an enjoyable short read, and hope the author will be able to introduce more stories and adventures to this world in subsequent novels!
December 18, 2020
A nice read
This is a nice short story to pass the time wish there could have been more characters but the story was thought out and better than a lot of other stories I've read were the stories all over the place.
This is a nice short story to pass the time wish there could have been more characters but the story was thought out and better than a lot of other stories I've read were the stories all over the place.
January 15, 2021
Different and fun
Dungeon core that became more was very enjoyable . Nice storey
and entertaining, kept me glued to the story like a good book should. I would like to hear and read more of your stories.😁
Dungeon core that became more was very enjoyable . Nice storey
and entertaining, kept me glued to the story like a good book should. I would like to hear and read more of your stories.😁
August 3, 2021
Good beginning
Started out very good, but went downhill and the ending stunk.
The mc kept making leaps and knowing things that it never learned, saying it was innate is a poor explanation.
Started out very good, but went downhill and the ending stunk.
The mc kept making leaps and knowing things that it never learned, saying it was innate is a poor explanation.
February 10, 2022
Pretty good
Good short book and enjoyably for what it is, it's not worth 3$ more like 1$ for the size.
Buy it if you like a good story, just the price per "crunch" ratio is a bit off compared to similar books.
Good short book and enjoyably for what it is, it's not worth 3$ more like 1$ for the size.
Buy it if you like a good story, just the price per "crunch" ratio is a bit off compared to similar books.
December 28, 2025
A 6hr audio book. Somewhere between I loved the new spin of how a dungeon works, and the I hated how this story ended is how a feel about this book. Overall, I enjoyed this book but due to the others in the series are not free, I wont be continuing yet.
November 28, 2020
Wonderful
I really enjoyed this story. The story really lives up to the title. Looking forward to reading the sequel, can't wait!👍
I really enjoyed this story. The story really lives up to the title. Looking forward to reading the sequel, can't wait!👍
December 21, 2020
Fun
It’s a fun lazy day read. Fast paced. A bit philosophical. Gives a good look at the System and it’s loopholes. In all a fun entertaining read that I hop you’ll like. enjoy
It’s a fun lazy day read. Fast paced. A bit philosophical. Gives a good look at the System and it’s loopholes. In all a fun entertaining read that I hop you’ll like. enjoy
December 24, 2020
An interesting read
This was a different but interesting take on dungeon core books. It was well written if a tad bit slow on pacing and conflicts.
This was a different but interesting take on dungeon core books. It was well written if a tad bit slow on pacing and conflicts.
December 29, 2020
Clever and an engaging read
Surprisingly captivating. Very smart and original story in the dungeon core genre. Shoulders and half a head above the vast majority you will find. I will happily watch for the next in this world. Read and enjoy.
Surprisingly captivating. Very smart and original story in the dungeon core genre. Shoulders and half a head above the vast majority you will find. I will happily watch for the next in this world. Read and enjoy.
January 3, 2021
Interesante take en el genero, muy interesante como esta planteado, mucho mas es spoiler.
July 17, 2023
Great book
An interesting read from Cathfach! Lots of dungeon building and creation, skills and monsters. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes!
An interesting read from Cathfach! Lots of dungeon building and creation, skills and monsters. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes!
August 23, 2023
Not exactly a dungeon story. More of a hard magic info dump. 3.5 stars...
June 2, 2025
interesting concept
dungeon core genre
is basically a prologue to a books series
dungeon core genre
is basically a prologue to a books series
July 16, 2025
Whilst I'm not a big genre fan, I enjoy some of the books. Coming at it from the core's perspective was new to me, so I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews