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Dungeon Walkers #1
Dungeon Walkers 1
Dungeon Walkers brave the depths of the dungeons for personal gain— clearing a dungeon means dungeon points to purchase gear with, but more importantly, perks. Perks are the main reason Walkers put their lives on the line. Every time a dungeon is cleared the first time, a Walker gets a choice of three perks that could change their lives.
Not every Walker makes it out alive. When someone dies in the dungeon, their soul is fragmented into four shards, which can be purchased for dungeon points. Collecting all four shards and taking them to a temple of the Goddess means the dead can live again. There is a sub-sect of Walkers that makes it their goal to bring the dead back from the dungeons— they’re called the Rescue Squad.
Stern is intent on joining the ranks of Rescue Squad. Finally done with his six months at the academy, he is about to make his first run through a dungeon. It will not be easy— he doesn’t have a crew, or a team, to run it with. Stern is an irregular— someone born with unusual perks— and unfortunately, looking like the blighted. Being seen as blighted has made Stern’s life hell, but he keeps pushing on, intent on making his goal real.
Despite his hardships, he’s been blessed with the unusual perk of his life-long friend, Pawly. Pawly is a polydactyl Maine Coon, who is protective of her friend and eager to help him reach his goal. With his friend beside him, Stern is ready to start his adventure.
(This book contains non-standard relationships and touches upon adult situations.)
Not every Walker makes it out alive. When someone dies in the dungeon, their soul is fragmented into four shards, which can be purchased for dungeon points. Collecting all four shards and taking them to a temple of the Goddess means the dead can live again. There is a sub-sect of Walkers that makes it their goal to bring the dead back from the dungeons— they’re called the Rescue Squad.
Stern is intent on joining the ranks of Rescue Squad. Finally done with his six months at the academy, he is about to make his first run through a dungeon. It will not be easy— he doesn’t have a crew, or a team, to run it with. Stern is an irregular— someone born with unusual perks— and unfortunately, looking like the blighted. Being seen as blighted has made Stern’s life hell, but he keeps pushing on, intent on making his goal real.
Despite his hardships, he’s been blessed with the unusual perk of his life-long friend, Pawly. Pawly is a polydactyl Maine Coon, who is protective of her friend and eager to help him reach his goal. With his friend beside him, Stern is ready to start his adventure.
(This book contains non-standard relationships and touches upon adult situations.)
511 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
405 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Schinhofen
67 books1,314 followersDaniel James Schinhofen is a self-published author in the burgeoning genre of LitRPG/Gamelit. He published his first book, Last Horizon: Beta, in October of 2016, and has recently published his fifteenth book. A best-selling author on Amazon multiple times, his four series have achieved name recognition in the genre. When not slavishly typing away at the next book, Daniel tries to unwind with video games, playing with his dog Sugar, or going for walks around his neighborhood. His books can be found easily via his website http://schinhofenbooks.com/. Daniel can be found via Twitter using the handle @DJSchinhofen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
April 26, 2021
What happened
This book starts off so good with a cool pet and cultivation system then around 60% of the book took a bad turn. Starts focusing on background characters and a love triangle that no one picked this book up for. Stern had two perks skipped which was the most exciting part of the book and the last two dungeons didn’t even get a perk from only cyra. Stick with the story the romance was nit need. Even if you wanted romance maybe find it in the dungeons not a month long visit to a town then nothing else is mentioned. Really disappointing. I found myself flipping through pages not reading because I wanted it back on track...never got there.
This book starts off so good with a cool pet and cultivation system then around 60% of the book took a bad turn. Starts focusing on background characters and a love triangle that no one picked this book up for. Stern had two perks skipped which was the most exciting part of the book and the last two dungeons didn’t even get a perk from only cyra. Stick with the story the romance was nit need. Even if you wanted romance maybe find it in the dungeons not a month long visit to a town then nothing else is mentioned. Really disappointing. I found myself flipping through pages not reading because I wanted it back on track...never got there.
April 25, 2021
I liked the first half of the book. It was a fun RPG dungeon bildungsroman, although with too much time spent on a cat summon. And then the second half of the book happened. The plot ground to a halt and it became all harem, all sexytimes, all gossiping. I hated it.
Somewhere between 3 stars "I liked it" for the firsts half and 1 star "I didn't like it" for the second.
I'd dock it more for the annoying cat but I knew going in that the cat was going to be the major component of a Summoner character.
Somewhere between 3 stars "I liked it" for the firsts half and 1 star "I didn't like it" for the second.
I'd dock it more for the annoying cat but I knew going in that the cat was going to be the major component of a Summoner character.
May 1, 2021
Book one
I grabbed this because the blurb sounded good. I missed the sex warnings. I kept expecting the cat to turn into a person.
I didn't finish the book. I won't be reading book two. This just isn't the type of book I like to read. Sex isn't needed to write a book. In my opinion it ruins more books than it helps.
I grabbed this because the blurb sounded good. I missed the sex warnings. I kept expecting the cat to turn into a person.
I didn't finish the book. I won't be reading book two. This just isn't the type of book I like to read. Sex isn't needed to write a book. In my opinion it ruins more books than it helps.
April 22, 2021
We’ll ...
So the premise is interesting the world is great and fascinating the main character is a schinhofen man just this side of a Mary Sue which is fine this is how he writes main characters and I’ve always been ok with that, but then comes the but I really disliked both the main female leads this time and since as soon as they showed up it became less about the story process and more about his relationship with them I got bored so not my favourite book of his and please for all that’s good do not add more ladies later on it won’t help maybe they could leave him for each other. However back to the good parts love the cat truly a high light and the dadism peeks at a greater story very interesting so sadly this is a coin toss for me as there are some good stuff as always but when a character that takes up way too much space is just everywhere it colours your view on a story read it yourself if you like his other books as I think my opinion is clouded here.
So the premise is interesting the world is great and fascinating the main character is a schinhofen man just this side of a Mary Sue which is fine this is how he writes main characters and I’ve always been ok with that, but then comes the but I really disliked both the main female leads this time and since as soon as they showed up it became less about the story process and more about his relationship with them I got bored so not my favourite book of his and please for all that’s good do not add more ladies later on it won’t help maybe they could leave him for each other. However back to the good parts love the cat truly a high light and the dadism peeks at a greater story very interesting so sadly this is a coin toss for me as there are some good stuff as always but when a character that takes up way too much space is just everywhere it colours your view on a story read it yourself if you like his other books as I think my opinion is clouded here.
June 2, 2021
Not an adventure, but a slow burn harem story
The book barely gets through a third of its page count before the first major climax occurs. It’s great. Then afterward all major conflicts end, the main character literally travels backwards, and the rest of the book is just setup for a harem. Came for a journey of a character climbing the ranks and proving others wrong, and I got a harem almost-slice-of-life instead, except just the first season.
Other parts of the book are nice and try to be organic, but the complete collapse of narrative and external conflict for a large majority of the book ruins everything for me.
If you liked the author’s previous series, you may like this one anyway for the characters alone. But I’m skipping the later books.
The book barely gets through a third of its page count before the first major climax occurs. It’s great. Then afterward all major conflicts end, the main character literally travels backwards, and the rest of the book is just setup for a harem. Came for a journey of a character climbing the ranks and proving others wrong, and I got a harem almost-slice-of-life instead, except just the first season.
Other parts of the book are nice and try to be organic, but the complete collapse of narrative and external conflict for a large majority of the book ruins everything for me.
If you liked the author’s previous series, you may like this one anyway for the characters alone. But I’m skipping the later books.
April 29, 2021
I picked up this book just like I've done with all the others. It took me until the 10% mark to get into the flow of the story, as the beginning is nothing more than Alistern and his cat doing various things.
As you get further in, the book feels closer to an Alpha World book than anything else. There is a lot of 'caring is sharing', especially as we get further into the story, which seems a little odd for a guy who looks what I can only assume is a zombie or something similar. It's never really explained as Alistern (which is very close to Alistair in Alpha World) is passed off as an irregular.
The dungeon walking is what you expect: the first few dungeons are starter dungeons with a single mob type and a boss at the end. While I'm sure they'll get more complicated and dangerous further on, in book 1 they are a bit simple and don't provide much in the way of tension.
The main plot is that Alistern wants to join the Rescue Squad, a group that goes into dungeons and finds the soul shards so those lost can be brought back to life in the temple. Since a walker can only go into a dungeon three times in their life, this means that they can only visit a dungeon once or twice before moving on to the next.
There is a solid battle when Alistern recovers the soul shards for a lost dungeon walker and pays another group to gather the rest. This turns into a legal battle where we learn who Alistern's father is. Not only is he an important person in this world, but he also seems to be from Earth. Alistern quotes 'dadism's' over and over, mentioning things like DNA that aren't known in this world.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's not a complicated story but does a good job of setting up book 2.
4/5*
As you get further in, the book feels closer to an Alpha World book than anything else. There is a lot of 'caring is sharing', especially as we get further into the story, which seems a little odd for a guy who looks what I can only assume is a zombie or something similar. It's never really explained as Alistern (which is very close to Alistair in Alpha World) is passed off as an irregular.
The dungeon walking is what you expect: the first few dungeons are starter dungeons with a single mob type and a boss at the end. While I'm sure they'll get more complicated and dangerous further on, in book 1 they are a bit simple and don't provide much in the way of tension.
The main plot is that Alistern wants to join the Rescue Squad, a group that goes into dungeons and finds the soul shards so those lost can be brought back to life in the temple. Since a walker can only go into a dungeon three times in their life, this means that they can only visit a dungeon once or twice before moving on to the next.
There is a solid battle when Alistern recovers the soul shards for a lost dungeon walker and pays another group to gather the rest. This turns into a legal battle where we learn who Alistern's father is. Not only is he an important person in this world, but he also seems to be from Earth. Alistern quotes 'dadism's' over and over, mentioning things like DNA that aren't known in this world.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's not a complicated story but does a good job of setting up book 2.
4/5*
April 29, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
I like this authors books and his style. This one was a little bit different though. After I finished I thought about the difference between this one and his other books and I realized it was because of the MC. In most books from this author the MC is transported to a new world. Sometimes the MC is on the same world but a big change happens and the MC has to leave to a school or some other new experience. With these characters we learn about the new world together. This book is different. The MC is from this world and knows all about it. So we don't learn things along with the MC, we wait for the MC to explain about his past and his history. I like the first style better. I knew the MC was hiding things about his past and I didn't find out about that history until the end. I don't like that kind of "tease" writing.
The MC is about to become a dungeon runner. He finished his classes and has been prepared by his family for this moment his entire life. His goal is to explore dungeons and gain power. Each person can only visit a specific dungeon 3 times. The first time it is visited the goddess gives that player a perk. If the dungeon runner dies, his soul shards can be collected and he can be brought back. The MC wants to do that. His goal is to go to these dungeons and bring out the soul shards to bring people back. While he is trained well, he does have a few things going against him. His appearance. He looks like a blighted. Some type of being that the people were at war with in the past. Everywhere he goes he is looked at with disdain and hostility. It would be so bad except that he has an empathic gift and can feel what others are feeling. The first 1/2 of the book is the MC going to dungeons and gaining attributes. The second half is a little different Overall still enjoyable, but not one of my favorites.
I like this authors books and his style. This one was a little bit different though. After I finished I thought about the difference between this one and his other books and I realized it was because of the MC. In most books from this author the MC is transported to a new world. Sometimes the MC is on the same world but a big change happens and the MC has to leave to a school or some other new experience. With these characters we learn about the new world together. This book is different. The MC is from this world and knows all about it. So we don't learn things along with the MC, we wait for the MC to explain about his past and his history. I like the first style better. I knew the MC was hiding things about his past and I didn't find out about that history until the end. I don't like that kind of "tease" writing.
The MC is about to become a dungeon runner. He finished his classes and has been prepared by his family for this moment his entire life. His goal is to explore dungeons and gain power. Each person can only visit a specific dungeon 3 times. The first time it is visited the goddess gives that player a perk. If the dungeon runner dies, his soul shards can be collected and he can be brought back. The MC wants to do that. His goal is to go to these dungeons and bring out the soul shards to bring people back. While he is trained well, he does have a few things going against him. His appearance. He looks like a blighted. Some type of being that the people were at war with in the past. Everywhere he goes he is looked at with disdain and hostility. It would be so bad except that he has an empathic gift and can feel what others are feeling. The first 1/2 of the book is the MC going to dungeons and gaining attributes. The second half is a little different Overall still enjoyable, but not one of my favorites.
Read
May 4, 2021wanted to like but hated it (his worst work),
Spoliers,
At first I thought the MC was strong but ultimately he his pathetic in every way. His cat does the majority of the killing. The girl he rescued from literally being dead and then stopped her from being killed the next day refuses to have sex with him but no issue having sex with the next female crewmember. His bed is always empty where the girls are always together. He pays for everything, helps train them and all he gets his a BJ?
The MC special ability is to feel what others feel and yet he is unable to figure out relationships. To me he feels like a third wheel in his own harem. I've enjoyed the majority of the authors prior works but this one to me is his worst. I honestly can't find one thing I like about the characters, the story or the book. It's a hard pass on me for this series!
Spoliers,
At first I thought the MC was strong but ultimately he his pathetic in every way. His cat does the majority of the killing. The girl he rescued from literally being dead and then stopped her from being killed the next day refuses to have sex with him but no issue having sex with the next female crewmember. His bed is always empty where the girls are always together. He pays for everything, helps train them and all he gets his a BJ?
The MC special ability is to feel what others feel and yet he is unable to figure out relationships. To me he feels like a third wheel in his own harem. I've enjoyed the majority of the authors prior works but this one to me is his worst. I honestly can't find one thing I like about the characters, the story or the book. It's a hard pass on me for this series!
April 24, 2021
This started very well, with a good balance of activity/action and character development. A bit over halfway through it bogged down though, not holding my interest as well.
I've said this about this author's work before, and it's subjective: too much slice of life for me. Some books, especially the more recent ones, have done a better job of balancing that with other story elements, but this one is really about 2/3 of a book with too much padding in the last 1/3 or so. YMMV, and it's not a bad book by any stretch, it just doesn't clear my hurdle for a 5th star.
I've said this about this author's work before, and it's subjective: too much slice of life for me. Some books, especially the more recent ones, have done a better job of balancing that with other story elements, but this one is really about 2/3 of a book with too much padding in the last 1/3 or so. YMMV, and it's not a bad book by any stretch, it just doesn't clear my hurdle for a 5th star.
April 28, 2021
DNF
Tried to stick with it, but shelved it at 70% through. Most of the book is about the MC’s relationship with his love interest. Talked about it so much that the story itself just dragged.
I like the dungeon and leveling set up as a whole, but thought the sections about dungeon running were just mediocre.
Wanted to like it because I have had fun with a lot of the author’s books but just couldn’t.
Tried to stick with it, but shelved it at 70% through. Most of the book is about the MC’s relationship with his love interest. Talked about it so much that the story itself just dragged.
I like the dungeon and leveling set up as a whole, but thought the sections about dungeon running were just mediocre.
Wanted to like it because I have had fun with a lot of the author’s books but just couldn’t.
June 2, 2021
Started out good but
The first part of the book was ok, but nothing much really happened.the last half was like the author decided to write the same chapter several different ways.the last several chapters where about a love triangle. Very disjointed and poorly written with no plot
The first part of the book was ok, but nothing much really happened.the last half was like the author decided to write the same chapter several different ways.the last several chapters where about a love triangle. Very disjointed and poorly written with no plot
April 24, 2021
Didnt really care for it
I was bored for the 2nd half of the book. Didnt really seem to have any plot or action. Honestly, I dont know what the point of the story is. Not planning to read the next book in the series.
I was bored for the 2nd half of the book. Didnt really seem to have any plot or action. Honestly, I dont know what the point of the story is. Not planning to read the next book in the series.
May 28, 2021
Like watching paint dry
This is like one of those low budget propaganda videos that churches use to try and convince teens not to have sex. Cringy, slow, boring, and flat.... If you are having trouble falling asleep, give it a go.
This is like one of those low budget propaganda videos that churches use to try and convince teens not to have sex. Cringy, slow, boring, and flat.... If you are having trouble falling asleep, give it a go.
October 30, 2021
good reading!
I truly enjoyed this story. Very interesting characters and action that carried through from start to finish. Looking forward to the next part.
I truly enjoyed this story. Very interesting characters and action that carried through from start to finish. Looking forward to the next part.
June 22, 2021
Another great read
Everything this author writes turns to magic for me. Each story takes you in a trip to somewhere special. And this one is no different. Great story with a nice link to his prior work. An excellent read and already looking forward to reading the next book.
Everything this author writes turns to magic for me. Each story takes you in a trip to somewhere special. And this one is no different. Great story with a nice link to his prior work. An excellent read and already looking forward to reading the next book.
May 24, 2021
Unexpected harem
I enjoyed this but wasn't expecting the harem which I'm not really a fan of so won't be getting the next one.
I enjoyed this but wasn't expecting the harem which I'm not really a fan of so won't be getting the next one.
May 1, 2021
A great start to Delta World
I enjoyed it. My only gripe, which is the huge turn off resulting in 2 stars, is the fact the MC has relationships forming with the same type of people as alpha world. Minus Stacia. While the relationships and the writing is good, it's just a big negative from me for the lack of variety.
It's a great start to Delta World and I enjoyed the world that is being built by the Author.
I enjoyed it. My only gripe, which is the huge turn off resulting in 2 stars, is the fact the MC has relationships forming with the same type of people as alpha world. Minus Stacia. While the relationships and the writing is good, it's just a big negative from me for the lack of variety.
It's a great start to Delta World and I enjoyed the world that is being built by the Author.
July 21, 2021
I regret actually finishing this audiobook, it's like the author dropped a weight on his head halfway through and reverted back into a 14 year old.
The second half of the book consists of some juvenile polyamorous triangle with a rabbit girl and some lady who won't stop winking. Instead of dungeons they go out to eat a lot, figure out who to sleep with, make lame sexual innuendos and teach each other how to cook and take turns doing the dishes.
Are authors required to make all main male character white knight simps now? It's like men today have no idea how male interactions actually work and project all over their book characters. Asking another guy if he's in a relationship with a woman? NOT COOL MAN - THIS ISN'T HOW YOU MALE BOND IN THE CURRENT YEAR!!!
I feel bad for Poly the cat, I assume she was huffing the end half of the book out of pure cringe.
The second half of the book consists of some juvenile polyamorous triangle with a rabbit girl and some lady who won't stop winking. Instead of dungeons they go out to eat a lot, figure out who to sleep with, make lame sexual innuendos and teach each other how to cook and take turns doing the dishes.
Are authors required to make all main male character white knight simps now? It's like men today have no idea how male interactions actually work and project all over their book characters. Asking another guy if he's in a relationship with a woman? NOT COOL MAN - THIS ISN'T HOW YOU MALE BOND IN THE CURRENT YEAR!!!
I feel bad for Poly the cat, I assume she was huffing the end half of the book out of pure cringe.
October 17, 2021
Dungeon Walkers 1 is a fun start to a new series. In this setting, you can only enter dungeons 3 times, so adventurers or dungeon walkers need to plan accordingly. Stern, our protagonist, is not OP. Better prepared than others, but not OP. We see his journey through the elementary dungeons and attempting to form a party. And Damn Skippy...again.
There is a twist that is fully revealed at the end of the book. Plenty of breadcrumbs laced throughout the book to lead you to it. A nice twist. As I was reading and finding the breadcrumbs, it raised my excitement level reading the book as I hoped for the twist to be what it was.
I do need to warn you ,that this book is not all non-stop action. We do get slice of life and character development.
There is a twist that is fully revealed at the end of the book. Plenty of breadcrumbs laced throughout the book to lead you to it. A nice twist. As I was reading and finding the breadcrumbs, it raised my excitement level reading the book as I hoped for the twist to be what it was.
I do need to warn you ,that this book is not all non-stop action. We do get slice of life and character development.
June 5, 2021
Good story, but a bit reverse haremish
The story is pretty god, with nice storytelling and worldbuilding. Plus for skipping detailing menial tasks, like many authors don't do. Would liked a bit more progress.
MC is supernice a bit of a wuzz to a point unrealistic.
The girls are super bi, like alot of harem, which also feels unrealistic. One of the girls lusts for anything and the other does almost nothing with the MC. This gives it a alot of a reverse harem felling, but with a girl on top. Guy feels like a doormat that can't get jealous. Its not what I enjoy.
The story is pretty god, with nice storytelling and worldbuilding. Plus for skipping detailing menial tasks, like many authors don't do. Would liked a bit more progress.
MC is supernice a bit of a wuzz to a point unrealistic.
The girls are super bi, like alot of harem, which also feels unrealistic. One of the girls lusts for anything and the other does almost nothing with the MC. This gives it a alot of a reverse harem felling, but with a girl on top. Guy feels like a doormat that can't get jealous. Its not what I enjoy.
May 9, 2021
Started out interesting
Book started out very interesting. Then the love triangle hit and everything in the story came to a halt. The love triangle adds nothing of value to the story and really just feels like fluff to pad out the length of the book.
Book started out very interesting. Then the love triangle hit and everything in the story came to a halt. The love triangle adds nothing of value to the story and really just feels like fluff to pad out the length of the book.
September 24, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings, fellow beings from the icy realm of HowlStrom. As the alpha male Ice Wolf, with the power of ice magic coursing through my veins, I've taken a break from the eternal winter of our world to delve into the depths of "Dungeon Walkers #1." Let me share my thoughts on this tale, which in some ways, mirrors the challenges we face in our icy homeland.
Basic Plot Summary:
The world of dungeon crawling is not for the faint-hearted. Walkers, as they are known, venture into these treacherous labyrinths for perks and points. Stern, our protagonist, is an irregular Walker, born with unique perks that make him resemble the blighted. Despite facing prejudice, Stern is determined to join the Rescue Squad, a noble group that seeks to bring back the souls of the fallen from the dungeons. With Pawly, his loyal Maine Coon, Stern embarks on a journey filled with danger, politics, and personal growth.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Schinhofen crafts a world that is both intriguing and detailed. The concept of dungeons, perks, and the Rescue Squad is well-thought-out, providing a fresh take on the classic dungeon-crawling genre. The stakes are high, with the possibility of death and the hope of resurrection, making every decision crucial.
Characters:
Stern stands out as a character who faces adversity head-on. His relationship with Pawly adds depth to his character, showcasing his loyalty and determination. Other characters, like Cyra, add layers to the story, providing both challenges and support for Stern.
Structure:
The book follows a clear structure, with a well-defined beginning, middle, and end. The pacing, while slow at times, allows for in-depth character development and world-building.
Impact:
The themes of discrimination, perseverance, and friendship resonate deeply. Stern's journey mirrors the challenges many face in the real world, making his story both relatable and inspiring.
Hook and Thesis:
The unique world of dungeon crawling and the concept of soul shards provide a compelling hook. Stern's journey and his determination to overcome adversity form the central thesis of the story.
Praise and Critique:
Schinhofen's world-building and character development are commendable. However, the pacing might not appeal to everyone, and the romantic subplots could be distracting for some.
Evaluation:
"Dungeon Walkers #1" offers a fresh take on the dungeon-crawling genre. While it has its flaws, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, making it a worthy read.
Comparison:
Compared to other books in the same genre, "Dungeon Walkers #1" stands out for its unique concepts and well-developed characters. The world-building is on par with some of the best in the genre.
Conclusion:
In the icy realm of HowlStrom, we value perseverance, loyalty, and bravery. "Dungeon Walkers #1" embodies these values, making it a tale worth reading. As the alpha male Ice Wolf, I recommend this book to those who seek adventure, growth, and a touch of magic. May your journey be as thrilling as Stern's.
Greetings, fellow beings from the icy realm of HowlStrom. As the alpha male Ice Wolf, with the power of ice magic coursing through my veins, I've taken a break from the eternal winter of our world to delve into the depths of "Dungeon Walkers #1." Let me share my thoughts on this tale, which in some ways, mirrors the challenges we face in our icy homeland.
Basic Plot Summary:
The world of dungeon crawling is not for the faint-hearted. Walkers, as they are known, venture into these treacherous labyrinths for perks and points. Stern, our protagonist, is an irregular Walker, born with unique perks that make him resemble the blighted. Despite facing prejudice, Stern is determined to join the Rescue Squad, a noble group that seeks to bring back the souls of the fallen from the dungeons. With Pawly, his loyal Maine Coon, Stern embarks on a journey filled with danger, politics, and personal growth.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Schinhofen crafts a world that is both intriguing and detailed. The concept of dungeons, perks, and the Rescue Squad is well-thought-out, providing a fresh take on the classic dungeon-crawling genre. The stakes are high, with the possibility of death and the hope of resurrection, making every decision crucial.
Characters:
Stern stands out as a character who faces adversity head-on. His relationship with Pawly adds depth to his character, showcasing his loyalty and determination. Other characters, like Cyra, add layers to the story, providing both challenges and support for Stern.
Structure:
The book follows a clear structure, with a well-defined beginning, middle, and end. The pacing, while slow at times, allows for in-depth character development and world-building.
Impact:
The themes of discrimination, perseverance, and friendship resonate deeply. Stern's journey mirrors the challenges many face in the real world, making his story both relatable and inspiring.
Hook and Thesis:
The unique world of dungeon crawling and the concept of soul shards provide a compelling hook. Stern's journey and his determination to overcome adversity form the central thesis of the story.
Praise and Critique:
Schinhofen's world-building and character development are commendable. However, the pacing might not appeal to everyone, and the romantic subplots could be distracting for some.
Evaluation:
"Dungeon Walkers #1" offers a fresh take on the dungeon-crawling genre. While it has its flaws, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, making it a worthy read.
Comparison:
Compared to other books in the same genre, "Dungeon Walkers #1" stands out for its unique concepts and well-developed characters. The world-building is on par with some of the best in the genre.
Conclusion:
In the icy realm of HowlStrom, we value perseverance, loyalty, and bravery. "Dungeon Walkers #1" embodies these values, making it a tale worth reading. As the alpha male Ice Wolf, I recommend this book to those who seek adventure, growth, and a touch of magic. May your journey be as thrilling as Stern's.
November 30, 2021
I don't know why I picked this up.
So it seems this is about a Slenderman looking guy, and his huge cat adventuring, while everyone is afraid of him.
It's pretty entertaining so far.
Ah yes. It's a Schinhofen book. We must have the romance. I hope this isn't going to be the usually reluctant guy whining about how his father raised him for a one woman relationship, then finally giving in after hundreds of pages, to having multiple women in his life.
Him dropping hints about his mother and father leads me to assume this is exactly how things will go.
I don't know how this author does it. He has a plot that is interesting, the story usually starts great too, and as soon as the author inserts his flavour of romance, the book falls flat on it's face. He actually made me like the cat in this book (not a cat person), then threw it all away when he had me cringing non-stop when the romance became a thing.
Another thing I noticed is that the fuzzy bunny girl has a suspicious background / personality like a certain "fluff" from a certain book.
What do I end up finding out? It seems this book takes place / has characters from another book the author wrote. One that I didn't complete the series of because of the literal page filler and beyond cringey relationships that gave you physical pains to read.
I may continue the series, but I'm not going to recommend it to the guy who I know loves books with cats. The last quarter of this book would make him rage at me for sending it his way.
This was an okay book (3 stars) before the romance. Too bad.
2.5/5 Stars
So it seems this is about a Slenderman looking guy, and his huge cat adventuring, while everyone is afraid of him.
It's pretty entertaining so far.
Ah yes. It's a Schinhofen book. We must have the romance. I hope this isn't going to be the usually reluctant guy whining about how his father raised him for a one woman relationship, then finally giving in after hundreds of pages, to having multiple women in his life.
Him dropping hints about his mother and father leads me to assume this is exactly how things will go.
I don't know how this author does it. He has a plot that is interesting, the story usually starts great too, and as soon as the author inserts his flavour of romance, the book falls flat on it's face. He actually made me like the cat in this book (not a cat person), then threw it all away when he had me cringing non-stop when the romance became a thing.
Another thing I noticed is that the fuzzy bunny girl has a suspicious background / personality like a certain "fluff" from a certain book.
What do I end up finding out? It seems this book takes place / has characters from another book the author wrote. One that I didn't complete the series of because of the literal page filler and beyond cringey relationships that gave you physical pains to read.
I may continue the series, but I'm not going to recommend it to the guy who I know loves books with cats. The last quarter of this book would make him rage at me for sending it his way.
This was an okay book (3 stars) before the romance. Too bad.
2.5/5 Stars
August 12, 2022
I get the feeling that the "cat - familiar" Pawly should have been the main character of this fantasy novel series. Pawly for a cat is contradictory or "ironic", every time I read her name I thought of a parrot (Polly, Pauly, Pawly, all homonyms). So does Polly want a cracker? (New York Monthly Magazine, 1849). Because Pawly the cat-like familiar kills most of the monsters and adversaries encountered, she actually levels up faster and higher than the main character that rarely does anything.
The author changes the names of the regular "adventurers"/"dungeon delvers" and calls them "walkers". So maybe this is the reason why this could be described as a rogue/rebel Dungeon Delving LitRPG (Role Playing game book) that is atypical and is not constant. "Walkers" really doesn't apply much to "adventurers" or "delvers" because they could be riding mounts, flying, could be crawling, jogging or running while "adventuring".
The son's mayor is a massive rapist/homicidal-maniac. Then, the main character saves a girl that was left in a Dungeon for dead. This caused a whole lot of trouble for everybody (even the judge). Shows what a dark opinion that the author has about power-corruption-depravity and lack of justice in his fantasy-other-world (hell-like world). I get the feeling that the author is also a "closet" "cat-lady". That this story is more about a strange love triangle and trying to please his Patreon Board members (fan service) than about having cohesion in the story and integrity as a writer. So this is what a "camel" thought from a board of Patreon sponsors looks like...
The author changes the names of the regular "adventurers"/"dungeon delvers" and calls them "walkers". So maybe this is the reason why this could be described as a rogue/rebel Dungeon Delving LitRPG (Role Playing game book) that is atypical and is not constant. "Walkers" really doesn't apply much to "adventurers" or "delvers" because they could be riding mounts, flying, could be crawling, jogging or running while "adventuring".
The son's mayor is a massive rapist/homicidal-maniac. Then, the main character saves a girl that was left in a Dungeon for dead. This caused a whole lot of trouble for everybody (even the judge). Shows what a dark opinion that the author has about power-corruption-depravity and lack of justice in his fantasy-other-world (hell-like world). I get the feeling that the author is also a "closet" "cat-lady". That this story is more about a strange love triangle and trying to please his Patreon Board members (fan service) than about having cohesion in the story and integrity as a writer. So this is what a "camel" thought from a board of Patreon sponsors looks like...
May 14, 2021
Alert
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
By all accounts, this is a perfectly worded review. Unfortunately, some of our fellow readers are offended that I am not pouring my heart out and offering a detailed and intimate breakdown of my thoughts on the books. As such they have reported me to the authorities and I have been warned against continuing my bad behavior. I will not. So I may be banned. If so, it was a fun journey with you.
If I enjoy a book, my goal is to promote it and help the author by encouraging others to read it. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
By all accounts, this is a perfectly worded review. Unfortunately, some of our fellow readers are offended that I am not pouring my heart out and offering a detailed and intimate breakdown of my thoughts on the books. As such they have reported me to the authorities and I have been warned against continuing my bad behavior. I will not. So I may be banned. If so, it was a fun journey with you.
If I enjoy a book, my goal is to promote it and help the author by encouraging others to read it. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
April 23, 2021
The start to another great series by Mr. Schinhofen. Although this is a stand-alone book, fans will recognize the MC and his relationship to characters in other books. That being said, this world has a new reward system for dungeon crawling. A successful completion gives you points to purchase loot, and a choice among several perks for your character. The interesting twist is that you can use points to collect shards - fragments of unsuccessful Dungeon Walkers - to resurrect the individual. Thus we have the Rescue Squad of Dungeon Walkers and our MC's goal is to eventually join this group.
Like most of Mr. Schinhofen's books, the first in the series is focused on the MC, his motivations and character. It is easy to become attached to a character with all the detail that is provided. And, once again, we find a Skippy in this book. If you've read his other books, you'll recognize this character and understand his fate.
Overall, this is a fun read and an exciting start to a new series - as promised in one of the author's notes.
Like most of Mr. Schinhofen's books, the first in the series is focused on the MC, his motivations and character. It is easy to become attached to a character with all the detail that is provided. And, once again, we find a Skippy in this book. If you've read his other books, you'll recognize this character and understand his fate.
Overall, this is a fun read and an exciting start to a new series - as promised in one of the author's notes.
August 3, 2024
Very slow start but intriguing enough world
---Spoilers---
Not gonna lie, it took me forever to get into the book; maybe like chapter 6-7 I finally got into enough to read happily. Just like Aether's Revival, it was a slow start and you're missing a lot of information but this book just seems like there so much more you're missing. I still haven't got a full idea on what a blighted or an irregular is. Just that both are a negative connotation and the former is worse than the latter. It wouldn't really matter except that the MC is a so- called irregular; so what does that mean? I don't really know because it was never explained besides little tidbits of information that doesn't amount to anywhere near enough.
I like the characters enough, I wish the world building was better considering the events and places already visited, and the action while fighting is clear to understand. I like what the book is about, I just wish I didn't feel like I was missing major plot points within the first couple chapters.
---Spoilers---
Not gonna lie, it took me forever to get into the book; maybe like chapter 6-7 I finally got into enough to read happily. Just like Aether's Revival, it was a slow start and you're missing a lot of information but this book just seems like there so much more you're missing. I still haven't got a full idea on what a blighted or an irregular is. Just that both are a negative connotation and the former is worse than the latter. It wouldn't really matter except that the MC is a so- called irregular; so what does that mean? I don't really know because it was never explained besides little tidbits of information that doesn't amount to anywhere near enough.
I like the characters enough, I wish the world building was better considering the events and places already visited, and the action while fighting is clear to understand. I like what the book is about, I just wish I didn't feel like I was missing major plot points within the first couple chapters.
April 23, 2021
SOME SPOILERS!
It's pretty much gotten to the point where I am going to read whatever Mr. Schinhofen puts out. I didn't even stop to look over the description of the story before I bought it, so that should tell you something.
While his work is Adult themed, the stories are always a joy to read. Characters, plot, mechanics and world building are this man's bread and butter.
Dungeon Walkers 1 reminds me a lot of his Alpha World series. The Characters to be specific. They seem to share a likeness there. Otherwise, the Walkers are akin to Adventurers, the dungeons have a nice limitation to them and the mystery of who the Blighted actually are is a nice hook.
My favorite part of the story, however, is the Rescue Squad. I love the idea behind the shards and the limitations on runs per dungeons. Heroes who try to save those that have already passed.
I look forward...well, to anything that comes out next.
It's pretty much gotten to the point where I am going to read whatever Mr. Schinhofen puts out. I didn't even stop to look over the description of the story before I bought it, so that should tell you something.
While his work is Adult themed, the stories are always a joy to read. Characters, plot, mechanics and world building are this man's bread and butter.
Dungeon Walkers 1 reminds me a lot of his Alpha World series. The Characters to be specific. They seem to share a likeness there. Otherwise, the Walkers are akin to Adventurers, the dungeons have a nice limitation to them and the mystery of who the Blighted actually are is a nice hook.
My favorite part of the story, however, is the Rescue Squad. I love the idea behind the shards and the limitations on runs per dungeons. Heroes who try to save those that have already passed.
I look forward...well, to anything that comes out next.
March 5, 2025
This is my favorite book by this author so far. He didn't include sex or really get into harem stuff for once, and that was a major plus for me. That stuff always makes the books worse for me, and the author tends to like that stuff. The main characters were fairly compelling, the setting was interesting, and the plot kept me wanting to see what would happen next. This book series is a spinoff of the Alpha World series by the same author, but it is fine to read this series without having first read Alpha World. The protagonist, Stern, is the eldest son of the protagonist of Alpha World, but Stern was never really in Alpha World, at least not that I can recall. Daniel Schinhofen is a pretty great author, and it was really nice to see them avoid sex scenes and a focus on harems. Also, this book has an awesome summoned cat. If you like LitRPG and cats, this series is definitely worth checking out.
May 19, 2021
Amazing!
This story is amazing and I can't wait for more. (Spoilers ahead) omg Vicki what are you doing! Ha-ah I never thought I'd see delta world. At the end of alpha world it felt like a hard no and something for the audience to make up on their own. I'm glad of how this was written with breadcrums scattered all over before laying it out for you. Only wish there was more physical description of Alistern right at the start as I started to build an image the didn't fit also more insight in to blighted as there is alot of hostility toward him for reasons that are not too clear. Foreshadowing is important and I've the story and way it's written but I ended up having to change my image of Alistern a few times as more was revealed and it left me a little disconnected with him. Cant wait for more.
This story is amazing and I can't wait for more. (Spoilers ahead) omg Vicki what are you doing! Ha-ah I never thought I'd see delta world. At the end of alpha world it felt like a hard no and something for the audience to make up on their own. I'm glad of how this was written with breadcrums scattered all over before laying it out for you. Only wish there was more physical description of Alistern right at the start as I started to build an image the didn't fit also more insight in to blighted as there is alot of hostility toward him for reasons that are not too clear. Foreshadowing is important and I've the story and way it's written but I ended up having to change my image of Alistern a few times as more was revealed and it left me a little disconnected with him. Cant wait for more.
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