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Crystal Core #5
Crystal Core 5: A Litrpg Cultivation Adventure
The final book of the main series...
Ryan has been to hell and back, literally, and will do whatever it takes to protect his new home and family. That family is expanding in more ways than one which provides even more motivation.
It's finally time to put the political squabbles behind him as humanity unites behind the Hero to face off against an orc horde which is even larger than anticipated. But Ryan is ready for this challenge and with his wives by his side, no one can stand against him.
Ryan has been to hell and back, literally, and will do whatever it takes to protect his new home and family. That family is expanding in more ways than one which provides even more motivation.
It's finally time to put the political squabbles behind him as humanity unites behind the Hero to face off against an orc horde which is even larger than anticipated. But Ryan is ready for this challenge and with his wives by his side, no one can stand against him.
Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2024
About the author
David Burke
38 books138 followersDavid Burke is a mild manner something who tries to enjoy each day a bit more than the last. It dawned upon him at some point that life was racing him by and he wasn’t nearly as young as he used to be.
So now he spends his nights and lunch hours and any other free time he can putting down on paper all the stories that have collected up over a life time.
So now he spends his nights and lunch hours and any other free time he can putting down on paper all the stories that have collected up over a life time.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 25, 2025
Pretty disappointing final book to this series. Which, over all, i liked tremendously. My biggest complaint is what happened to that damned ascended orc that killed and maimed several side characters and was hunting Ryan? They fought briefly once, then he peaced and was never heard from again. WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM? He killed Fieri for goodness sakes. And that final battle sucked ass with the big bad horde leader basically falling apart from his infected wounds. How anti-climatic. Instead we're treated to Kumo's annoying dead mom being the big bad, only to get her ass handed to her with no real effort again.
And what happened to that fallen angel demon chick? Was she kicked out of the realm? Did she just go home cause those angels showed up to spoil her fun? Whatever. And the epilogue was pretty confusing. I don't know who that Dutch guy is. Probably from another series i haven't read. And i'm not sure i will, cause i don't care to much about this multiversal storyline. Marvel is trying that shit and it's not working too well for them either.
And what happened to that fallen angel demon chick? Was she kicked out of the realm? Did she just go home cause those angels showed up to spoil her fun? Whatever. And the epilogue was pretty confusing. I don't know who that Dutch guy is. Probably from another series i haven't read. And i'm not sure i will, cause i don't care to much about this multiversal storyline. Marvel is trying that shit and it's not working too well for them either.
December 28, 2024
Dear gods, PLEASE get this proofread!
All I have to say, outside of the very, very many error reports I have submitted while reading this otherwise very enjoyable novel, is that if you can't even get your own series title correct on the last page of the book, you darn-well NEED a proofreader, and preferably an actual copy editor.
Get the character names right, remove the redundant words, fill in the missing gaps, and clear up the basic typos ("it6", for example) and this might actually be worth 5 stars.
All I have to say, outside of the very, very many error reports I have submitted while reading this otherwise very enjoyable novel, is that if you can't even get your own series title correct on the last page of the book, you darn-well NEED a proofreader, and preferably an actual copy editor.
Get the character names right, remove the redundant words, fill in the missing gaps, and clear up the basic typos ("it6", for example) and this might actually be worth 5 stars.
February 26, 2025
Awesome series!!
This is a wonderful, engaging, complex and comprehensive story with excellent world building and character development. The main character is delightfully relatable, even with the overpowered trope in full form, particularly in the last book.
That being said, oh my goodness, the last two books especially need primary and copy editing. Thankfully, it's not so bad as to break the story.
This is a wonderful, engaging, complex and comprehensive story with excellent world building and character development. The main character is delightfully relatable, even with the overpowered trope in full form, particularly in the last book.
That being said, oh my goodness, the last two books especially need primary and copy editing. Thankfully, it's not so bad as to break the story.
March 8, 2025
It was all right
Amazon recommends books but doesn't give a person the ability to say I'm not interested. So the recommendations repeat themselves. Eventually if you're not paying attention and are bored you may pick up and start a book that you didn't intend to. I have come across another author who absolutely knocks it out of the park with the first couple of books in a series only to let it wilt as it winds down towards an ending that is lacklustered. I have fallen into the aforementioned trap enough times to recognize this author on site even with the multiple Amazon recommendations, but that is unfortunately not true for this author. This author writes stories that are a part of a connected universe. While they are better than the aforementioned authors work in my opinion, the problem is that you really need to have read this author's other work or the ending of what he calls the main series is watered down. I don't know about you but it is a very rare content creator that produces works for which I love all of it. More often than not I like series A d g but not the ones that come in between and thus having them connected to the point where you miss significant portions of the story if you haven't read everything is to say the least quite annoying. I did not like the look of war God for hire but I did like the look of prism. I had to stop part way through prism and go pick up war god to know what the hell was going on or walk away completely. The author writes under two different names and this series is connected to not one but two other series under his second name. At the very least, I would have liked a warning perhaps in the blurb or at the front of the book noting that this series was a part of a greater connected universe that the author is telling stories in. That alone would have changed the tone and content of this review.
Amazon recommends books but doesn't give a person the ability to say I'm not interested. So the recommendations repeat themselves. Eventually if you're not paying attention and are bored you may pick up and start a book that you didn't intend to. I have come across another author who absolutely knocks it out of the park with the first couple of books in a series only to let it wilt as it winds down towards an ending that is lacklustered. I have fallen into the aforementioned trap enough times to recognize this author on site even with the multiple Amazon recommendations, but that is unfortunately not true for this author. This author writes stories that are a part of a connected universe. While they are better than the aforementioned authors work in my opinion, the problem is that you really need to have read this author's other work or the ending of what he calls the main series is watered down. I don't know about you but it is a very rare content creator that produces works for which I love all of it. More often than not I like series A d g but not the ones that come in between and thus having them connected to the point where you miss significant portions of the story if you haven't read everything is to say the least quite annoying. I did not like the look of war God for hire but I did like the look of prism. I had to stop part way through prism and go pick up war god to know what the hell was going on or walk away completely. The author writes under two different names and this series is connected to not one but two other series under his second name. At the very least, I would have liked a warning perhaps in the blurb or at the front of the book noting that this series was a part of a greater connected universe that the author is telling stories in. That alone would have changed the tone and content of this review.
December 13, 2024
Sort of a conclusion
Alternate universe, magic, cultivation, other worlds, harem fade to black adult situations
Ryan and his family deal with all the current threats hanging over their lives, making Ryan the top OP cultivator around, only for the author to set up crossover threats gathering to end Ryan and his family, linking this series to two other multi-volume series; at least they are already mostly written.
Above average editing, though the rate of errors increased as the ending neared.
One detail that seemed to get missed was that although Fera advanced, her new bloodline also advanced through experience. And while the lives of Ryan's wives were extended by their connections to him, they only way to ensure their continued lives together was to help each of them achieve S rank and ascension. Though that now seems out of reach for the one now dependent upon experience rather than cultivation to advance.
There were also the unresolved matters of elven and dwarven refugees, though that might be addressed in future volumes in a new series. And there are supposedly six other human nations on their world who were not affected and had their populations decimated by the orc invasion. Mentioned a few times, but nothing further.
Alternate universe, magic, cultivation, other worlds, harem fade to black adult situations
Ryan and his family deal with all the current threats hanging over their lives, making Ryan the top OP cultivator around, only for the author to set up crossover threats gathering to end Ryan and his family, linking this series to two other multi-volume series; at least they are already mostly written.
Above average editing, though the rate of errors increased as the ending neared.
One detail that seemed to get missed was that although Fera advanced, her new bloodline also advanced through experience. And while the lives of Ryan's wives were extended by their connections to him, they only way to ensure their continued lives together was to help each of them achieve S rank and ascension. Though that now seems out of reach for the one now dependent upon experience rather than cultivation to advance.
There were also the unresolved matters of elven and dwarven refugees, though that might be addressed in future volumes in a new series. And there are supposedly six other human nations on their world who were not affected and had their populations decimated by the orc invasion. Mentioned a few times, but nothing further.
February 5, 2025
Enjoyed the series and it ended without getting long in the tooth, yet with options for expansion.
The MC continues to be a force for change in cultivator society in the 3 peaks. He visits the celestial realm where he learns yet again before returning to battle for the final showdown with the ascended orcs. The outcome of the three nemeses, the widow, the orcan horde leader's daughter and the air sect founder was quite surprising yet well crafted.
I did enjoy the series but am glad that this arc ended on a high note rather than dragging on. Fresh characters in a new setting offers a refresh cycle, but with continuity since Kumo would play a major role as a mentor to Dutch. I do suggest working on upgrading the editing since there were some annoying typos.
The MC continues to be a force for change in cultivator society in the 3 peaks. He visits the celestial realm where he learns yet again before returning to battle for the final showdown with the ascended orcs. The outcome of the three nemeses, the widow, the orcan horde leader's daughter and the air sect founder was quite surprising yet well crafted.
I did enjoy the series but am glad that this arc ended on a high note rather than dragging on. Fresh characters in a new setting offers a refresh cycle, but with continuity since Kumo would play a major role as a mentor to Dutch. I do suggest working on upgrading the editing since there were some annoying typos.
December 16, 2024
4.5 stars, though it's only because it was a good read that it gets 5 stars, as the end was a bit all over the place.
The shared universe this series exists in is getting crowded, although I think I've been reading them all so it made (some) sense to me. Someone for whom this was the only one of these series they'd read will likely be lost by the ending. What comes of this may be interesting, or it may collapse under its own weight; time will tell.
The shared universe this series exists in is getting crowded, although I think I've been reading them all so it made (some) sense to me. Someone for whom this was the only one of these series they'd read will likely be lost by the ending. What comes of this may be interesting, or it may collapse under its own weight; time will tell.
December 29, 2024
Great final for a captivating series
Ryan and his wives face their biggest challenge. This is the final book of the Crystal Core story and add the other for books in the series are a fun read centered on cultivation. Cross over to two other series by the author make for some interesting connection and i hope the he decides to write the hunted at Three Peaks trilogy and look forward to the next book in the Multiverse storyline.
Ryan and his wives face their biggest challenge. This is the final book of the Crystal Core story and add the other for books in the series are a fun read centered on cultivation. Cross over to two other series by the author make for some interesting connection and i hope the he decides to write the hunted at Three Peaks trilogy and look forward to the next book in the Multiverse storyline.
October 2, 2025
enjoyable series
The series was a really enjoyable read. I like the various systems the author plays with. There are minor spelling issues, typos, double words in sentences, and just general grammar mistakes, but it is fairly easy to overlook when immersed in the story. I would love to see the “Three Peaks Trilogy” be written and this universe explored more. I would recommend this book to friends who enjoy fantasy, LitRPG, and romance without excessive spice 🌶️.
The series was a really enjoyable read. I like the various systems the author plays with. There are minor spelling issues, typos, double words in sentences, and just general grammar mistakes, but it is fairly easy to overlook when immersed in the story. I would love to see the “Three Peaks Trilogy” be written and this universe explored more. I would recommend this book to friends who enjoy fantasy, LitRPG, and romance without excessive spice 🌶️.
December 17, 2024
Definitely the ending this arc deserved!!!
I am definitely interested in another trilogy!!! It would.be a horrible waste to not continue parts or all of all the world.Building put into this series!!! I really hated to put this book down to even sleep or eat it was honestly that could!!!
I am definitely interested in another trilogy!!! It would.be a horrible waste to not continue parts or all of all the world.Building put into this series!!! I really hated to put this book down to even sleep or eat it was honestly that could!!!
December 19, 2025
needs editing, but pretty good overall
I read this series because of the crossover with “Welcome to the Multiverse”
In that context, I liked it, but I did feel like the story was a bit rushed. It think the whole series took place in less than a year, and yet the MC ends up being more powerful than people who worked for literal millennia to reach the peak of their power.
I read this series because of the crossover with “Welcome to the Multiverse”
In that context, I liked it, but I did feel like the story was a bit rushed. It think the whole series took place in less than a year, and yet the MC ends up being more powerful than people who worked for literal millennia to reach the peak of their power.
December 17, 2024
3 Peaks and more
Cheers and happy holidays. I hope this review finds you happy, healthy and in good cheer. Quite the ride, the Easter eggs throughout are awesome, along with a compelling plot and interesting characters.
Cheers and happy holidays. I hope this review finds you happy, healthy and in good cheer. Quite the ride, the Easter eggs throughout are awesome, along with a compelling plot and interesting characters.
December 17, 2024
excellent series
Did a reread of the series before getting to #5 and enjoyed just as much the second time. Grammar tricky at times. In reference to the potential future books, YES! Looking forward to the crossovers.
Did a reread of the series before getting to #5 and enjoyed just as much the second time. Grammar tricky at times. In reference to the potential future books, YES! Looking forward to the crossovers.
January 4, 2025
excellent finish
Great story great wrap up and great teasers for the related multiverse stories. I’m immediately finding the connected series! Can’t wait for the next books in this world either!
Great story great wrap up and great teasers for the related multiverse stories. I’m immediately finding the connected series! Can’t wait for the next books in this world either!
January 10, 2025
Fantastic
Loved this series. A great conclusion, but I'd love to see more. The world and mechanics were interesting, the characters were great and while every current plotline was dealt with well, there's clearly great potential for more stories in this setting. Hats off!
Loved this series. A great conclusion, but I'd love to see more. The world and mechanics were interesting, the characters were great and while every current plotline was dealt with well, there's clearly great potential for more stories in this setting. Hats off!
December 10, 2024
Excellent series
Fantastic read with lots of action and story building Looking forward to the new trilogy the three peaks. Highly recommend this series.
Fantastic read with lots of action and story building Looking forward to the new trilogy the three peaks. Highly recommend this series.
December 10, 2024
A fun series with an open ending for more.
This is a fun series that is a great weekend read. I can't wait for some of the hinted at crossover stories.
This is a fun series that is a great weekend read. I can't wait for some of the hinted at crossover stories.
December 24, 2024
And epic concussion of one story and the beginning of more. It seems I have 2 others series to read to that when universes combine it will have a better grasp of the players. Looking forward to it.
May 20, 2026
Love the book
Great story, will not be complete without a final book series of the three peaks to pull them all together.
Great story, will not be complete without a final book series of the three peaks to pull them all together.
July 7, 2025
Crystal Core 5
The orcs have gained a foothold into the Divided Realms. They are opening portals as fast as they can be closed. Meanwhile, Ryan and his wives are still having to play politics to get the defenses prepared. Worse of all, Ryan is out of balance from his trip to the Hells and it is starting to affect him.
This is a fantastic cultivation series! It is a PG 13 harem story, so romance is a big part of it, but everything happens behind closed doors. The women in the series are well developed and are more than just objects for the MC. This wraps up the Crystal Core series, but it sets up its connections to both Dragon Sorcerer and Welcome to the Multiverse. This series was well worth it and I can’t wait to see the characters show up in the other series! Daniel Wisniewski and Rebecca Woods do a great job with the narration.
Content warning: harem with fade to black scenes
The orcs have gained a foothold into the Divided Realms. They are opening portals as fast as they can be closed. Meanwhile, Ryan and his wives are still having to play politics to get the defenses prepared. Worse of all, Ryan is out of balance from his trip to the Hells and it is starting to affect him.
This is a fantastic cultivation series! It is a PG 13 harem story, so romance is a big part of it, but everything happens behind closed doors. The women in the series are well developed and are more than just objects for the MC. This wraps up the Crystal Core series, but it sets up its connections to both Dragon Sorcerer and Welcome to the Multiverse. This series was well worth it and I can’t wait to see the characters show up in the other series! Daniel Wisniewski and Rebecca Woods do a great job with the narration.
Content warning: harem with fade to black scenes
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews