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The Dungeon of Stories #2
The Entropic Core
The Voidbringer Core has been destroyed, but Will and Gar both know that the threat hasn’t ended, and that anyone could be controlled by the Voidbringers. And now Erianna has gone missing…
For Will, he seeks first to absorb the power of the dead Voidbringer Core and then expand to find all the nearby cores. Perhaps he can ally with them, or even protect them from the Voidbringer threat. In addition, he intends to undergo the trial to discover his third magic with the aid of Amber. Lastly, he must deal with the increasing number of dungeon fairies that are dependent on him.
For Gar, he must level up, becoming powerful enough to defend his nascent barony, all the while navigating the politics of his family, his neighbors, and his new relationships. He must grow and guard his kingdom against the machinations of both House Dapplelight and the Voidbringers. Not only that, but he seeks to discover the whereabouts of the missing Erianna before something terrible befalls her.
The Voidbringer corruption has spread deep. Anyone is a potential enemy, including the nearby cores. Any dungeon core lost will turn into nightmarish threat. Can Will and Gar prevent the corruption of everything they hold dear?
A Dungeon Core story.
For Will, he seeks first to absorb the power of the dead Voidbringer Core and then expand to find all the nearby cores. Perhaps he can ally with them, or even protect them from the Voidbringer threat. In addition, he intends to undergo the trial to discover his third magic with the aid of Amber. Lastly, he must deal with the increasing number of dungeon fairies that are dependent on him.
For Gar, he must level up, becoming powerful enough to defend his nascent barony, all the while navigating the politics of his family, his neighbors, and his new relationships. He must grow and guard his kingdom against the machinations of both House Dapplelight and the Voidbringers. Not only that, but he seeks to discover the whereabouts of the missing Erianna before something terrible befalls her.
The Voidbringer corruption has spread deep. Anyone is a potential enemy, including the nearby cores. Any dungeon core lost will turn into nightmarish threat. Can Will and Gar prevent the corruption of everything they hold dear?
A Dungeon Core story.
- GenresFantasy
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
81 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 3, 2021
Interesting growth
I think this book was a more interesting development from the more basic start of the dungeon core story. It took some cool ideas and grew them. There’s a larger emphasis on town building that was started in the previous book, and a lot of intrigue that’s fun to see play out.
I enjoyed it.
I think this book was a more interesting development from the more basic start of the dungeon core story. It took some cool ideas and grew them. There’s a larger emphasis on town building that was started in the previous book, and a lot of intrigue that’s fun to see play out.
I enjoyed it.
September 14, 2021
So the underlying premise no longer seems supported by the story.
I get that this is going for a nice guy, let's all hold hands and fight together, but the level of opposition is so far out of the protagonists range that it is silly. The entire dungeon is designed to be weak and is artificially supporting itself with resources. This is never addressed but is mentioned.
I get that this is going for a nice guy, let's all hold hands and fight together, but the level of opposition is so far out of the protagonists range that it is silly. The entire dungeon is designed to be weak and is artificially supporting itself with resources. This is never addressed but is mentioned.
April 26, 2024
A radient journey!!
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with “The Entropic Core,” where every page pulsates with life, inviting readers into a world where the dungeon itself breathes with sentience. John Stovall masterfully balances the dual narratives, weaving a tale that is as harmonious as it is thrilling. The dungeon’s playful nods to pop culture are sprinkled like stardust throughout the narrative, adding a layer of delightful wit to the already captivating plot.
The author’s portrayal of the dungeon is nothing short of brilliant, crafting a character that is both formidable and endearing. The labyrinthine corridors of “The Entropic Core” are not just pathways to be traversed but a stage for an epic saga that unfolds with impeccable pacing and boundless imagination.
Fun is an understatement when describing the experience of navigating this sentient maze. It’s a rollicking ride that teeters on the edge of the fantastical and the familiar, ensuring that every participant emerges from the journey with a sense of awe and a yearning for more.
Stovall’s narrative is a finely tuned symphony of excitement and intrigue, a testament to his skill in creating a dungeon that is as much a character as any hero or villain. “The Entropic Core” is a must-read for any aficionado of RPG, a beacon of creativity that shines brightly in the landscape of fantasy literature.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with “The Entropic Core,” where every page pulsates with life, inviting readers into a world where the dungeon itself breathes with sentience. John Stovall masterfully balances the dual narratives, weaving a tale that is as harmonious as it is thrilling. The dungeon’s playful nods to pop culture are sprinkled like stardust throughout the narrative, adding a layer of delightful wit to the already captivating plot.
The author’s portrayal of the dungeon is nothing short of brilliant, crafting a character that is both formidable and endearing. The labyrinthine corridors of “The Entropic Core” are not just pathways to be traversed but a stage for an epic saga that unfolds with impeccable pacing and boundless imagination.
Fun is an understatement when describing the experience of navigating this sentient maze. It’s a rollicking ride that teeters on the edge of the fantastical and the familiar, ensuring that every participant emerges from the journey with a sense of awe and a yearning for more.
Stovall’s narrative is a finely tuned symphony of excitement and intrigue, a testament to his skill in creating a dungeon that is as much a character as any hero or villain. “The Entropic Core” is a must-read for any aficionado of RPG, a beacon of creativity that shines brightly in the landscape of fantasy literature.
September 25, 2021
The dangers grow more complicated for the Dungeon of Stories, the Kingdom of Daruk, and the surrounding lands. This second installment of the Dungeon of Stories series balances the plot threads Stovall established in book one. There’s Will’s growth both as an individual dungeon, and as a strategist capable of coordinating and bringing the best out of his allies. Gar and company grow and advance as adventurers and he continues to build his barony and bring prosperity to his refugee kingdom. Meanwhile, monstrous threats from the Voidbringers as well as political intrigue both at home and abroad threaten everything our intrepid heroes have created. Stovall has created a surprisingly complex world and I’m already looking forward to reading book three.
September 23, 2021
A solid follow-up to book one that fleshes out the world and characters presented previously.
The advancement of the dungeon feels very creative and satisfying - you can tell they were well planned out in advance by the author with how naturally the new abilities fit in. The main mechanic the dungeon uses is rather creative and I'm enjoying seeing how far the MC can push it to his advantage.
The only drawback is the MC feels way out of his depth and is barely scraping by in each book against enemies drastically stronger than him. If the Voidbringers actually took him seriously instead of sending progressively stronger enemies against him, he'd have been dead already.
The advancement of the dungeon feels very creative and satisfying - you can tell they were well planned out in advance by the author with how naturally the new abilities fit in. The main mechanic the dungeon uses is rather creative and I'm enjoying seeing how far the MC can push it to his advantage.
The only drawback is the MC feels way out of his depth and is barely scraping by in each book against enemies drastically stronger than him. If the Voidbringers actually took him seriously instead of sending progressively stronger enemies against him, he'd have been dead already.
November 18, 2021
Good story, characters and pacing
The story is really humming along in book two. The characters are all interesting and there is a wide variety of personalities.
We also start to see more of the Voidbringers; the main one sounds similar to a D&D illithid (e.g. a mind flayer). It and it's minions are definitely evil and it's pretty scary how deeply embedded they'd already gotten into their target kingdom.
We see new dungeons, fairies, goblins, etc., as well as some pretty major battles. It will be interesting to see how things progress in the next book.
The story is really humming along in book two. The characters are all interesting and there is a wide variety of personalities.
We also start to see more of the Voidbringers; the main one sounds similar to a D&D illithid (e.g. a mind flayer). It and it's minions are definitely evil and it's pretty scary how deeply embedded they'd already gotten into their target kingdom.
We see new dungeons, fairies, goblins, etc., as well as some pretty major battles. It will be interesting to see how things progress in the next book.
June 25, 2025
only a 3 star but a high one. unfortunately there feels like there is even MORE focus on the secondary characters! The dungeon core in this Dungeon Core story clearly feels like a side story half of the time now. Hell a section was even dedicated to them exploring a different Dungeon than the MC!
world building is growing though feels odd at times. secondary plot points suddenly resolved in a few pages.
MC does make more than an acceptable amount of poor decisions too, frustrating with their shortsightedness.
world building is growing though feels odd at times. secondary plot points suddenly resolved in a few pages.
MC does make more than an acceptable amount of poor decisions too, frustrating with their shortsightedness.
November 27, 2021
A great book
At first I hated the thought of it as just another dungeon or with all its normal tropes and otherwise done plot features but as I continue to reading into the next book what started as a mildly interesting and decently done series turned into a exciting Cricket I don't know it's just real real great and Incredibly interesting plot with developed characters and tight clear rebuilt World section also magic mechanics have been well done what does nice
At first I hated the thought of it as just another dungeon or with all its normal tropes and otherwise done plot features but as I continue to reading into the next book what started as a mildly interesting and decently done series turned into a exciting Cricket I don't know it's just real real great and Incredibly interesting plot with developed characters and tight clear rebuilt World section also magic mechanics have been well done what does nice
November 7, 2021
A darker turn but still a fantastic story
The second instalment of the Dungeon of Stories series expands on the fascinating world and origin of dungeons for the setting. While the story takes a significantly darker turn towards the end it was an addictive read. I can't wait for part 3.
The second instalment of the Dungeon of Stories series expands on the fascinating world and origin of dungeons for the setting. While the story takes a significantly darker turn towards the end it was an addictive read. I can't wait for part 3.
January 15, 2022
Slow Start, but Ends Well
One thing I liked about the first book is the development of Will and Amber. That aspect is reduced in this book and I missed it. There really isn’t much character development in this book.
The story is good, though. The battle at the climax keeps the reader on edge.
One thing I liked about the first book is the development of Will and Amber. That aspect is reduced in this book and I missed it. There really isn’t much character development in this book.
The story is good, though. The battle at the climax keeps the reader on edge.
March 15, 2022
Good story!!
Marvelous characters and great action. The problems are common to us all, food, shelter and security from something trying to take it all. Most of us just want to get along. When I was young, I wanted to set the world on fire. Now, I just want to keep my living room warm.
Marvelous characters and great action. The problems are common to us all, food, shelter and security from something trying to take it all. Most of us just want to get along. When I was young, I wanted to set the world on fire. Now, I just want to keep my living room warm.
August 2, 2022
Conflict abounds!
This book is a thrilling read. The pace is pretty consistent and the story flows nicely. Our main characters find themselves fighting at every turn and the future only holds mystery for the outcome of this war. I'm excited to start the next installation in the series
This book is a thrilling read. The pace is pretty consistent and the story flows nicely. Our main characters find themselves fighting at every turn and the future only holds mystery for the outcome of this war. I'm excited to start the next installation in the series
September 1, 2021
Book two
Mistakes: Wasn't really looking. I was more interested in the story.
Plot: Dungeon growth and another attack by the Void.
Characters: Some growth. Maybe some bad blood forming between the brothers?
7/10
Mistakes: Wasn't really looking. I was more interested in the story.
Plot: Dungeon growth and another attack by the Void.
Characters: Some growth. Maybe some bad blood forming between the brothers?
7/10
September 8, 2021
Good
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
November 1, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and dungeon core type of books.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and dungeon core type of books.
February 21, 2022
Awesome Series
This story of a dungeon core and the town that’s built around it was a very interesting entertaining book that I really enjoyed reading.
This story of a dungeon core and the town that’s built around it was a very interesting entertaining book that I really enjoyed reading.
Read
May 2, 2022Great book
Stellar work once again from John Stovall! Lots of action and adventure, dungeon building and monsters. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from John Stovall! Lots of action and adventure, dungeon building and monsters. Looking forward to the next one!
April 27, 2023
This one takes a slightly darker turn but is still a quick, enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews