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Monster Core #2
Monster Core 2
“Now, we become adventurers. . .” Von Dominus continues to build Zagorath into a lair worthy of an evil overlord. When a new item brings another realm to his fingertips, it’s time the dungeon did a little diving of his own.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2019
175 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 3, 2019
Love it! But....
While the story is engaging and characters are wonderful there is a serious problem with editing. You forget powers that have been given already, mistake characters and kills. This is something that can be considered small and also a big issue. This has been a recurring issue in both books. It creates serious plot holes.
For example (spoiler):
The final fight has the champions fighting, in the initial fight three enemies died, two tanks and blade-dancer. But four walk through the chasm. I hope you can improve on this.
4/5 (3/5 due to editing)
While the story is engaging and characters are wonderful there is a serious problem with editing. You forget powers that have been given already, mistake characters and kills. This is something that can be considered small and also a big issue. This has been a recurring issue in both books. It creates serious plot holes.
For example (spoiler):
The final fight has the champions fighting, in the initial fight three enemies died, two tanks and blade-dancer. But four walk through the chasm. I hope you can improve on this.
4/5 (3/5 due to editing)
May 31, 2020
Note: I listened to an audio book but, as that is not currently listed on Goodreads.com, I am placing my review here.
Note 2: I listened to books 1 and 2 in this series one right after the other so they are getting the same review.
I listened to "Bone Lord" by this author recently and found it to be nothing more than a teenage boy's wet dream put to paper. As a result I only listened to 20% of "Bone Lord". Here, again, is little more than an immature male fantasy, with every female sexually desiring the MC and every male defeated in battle and/or subservient to the MC. I, however, am a sucker for the "how do we grow a dungeon" story line and that kept me reading, which is how I was able to finish both books. These books, however, lack imagination, never surprising me once. Further, there is little to no character development. I am really only giving these books 2 stars because, while the story told is uninspired, it is at least told in a good, straightforward manner, making the books passable.
Here the MC is on earth but is approached by a goddess from another world. In a stupid and unnecessary part of the story the author has the MC and goddess misunderstand each other with the MC insisting on thinking he is in a VR game even though he didn't put on any VR gear.
NOTE: "Spoilers" follow, but, personally, I found these books to be so straight-forward and lacking in surprise that I can't really see how one would spoil them.
Regardless the MC ends up a dungeon core without a dungeon but with an avatar he can manifest for an hour and a mountain to climb. The top of the mountain is an advantageous place to start a dungeon but on the way there the MC is waylaid by trolls. Fortunately the MC is able to seduce the one hot half troll and enthrall an imp. Together they kill the other trolls and head for the mountain top. This begins the routine the author uses for confrontations: The trolls were painted as way too tough for the MC and half-orc babe but then they win with ease. They are followed by a troll chieftain of sorts who is tougher than all the other trolls together and suppose to be a real threat, until they beat him with ease. Then the "chosen one" (Ralph, and yes, all the author's names for anyone other than the MC are lame) shows up with a wizard (of sorts) and a dungeon diving crew only to be defeated with such ease that the MC lets Ralph go free just so he can bring more dungeon divers. Also, the "wizard" had another dungeon core which the MC seduces and the countdown to threesomes begins (although the MC is too busy in the first two books to get to that).
Ralph returns with the "Sand Pirates" who are this realms version of professional dungeon divers and they are defeated with ease and Ralph set free again.
This is where book 1 ends and book 2 begins with the author just not bothering with how he ended book 1. Ignoring that Ralph was sent off, book 2 begins with Ralph enthralled to the MC. The MC then proceeds to find a portal stone to the nature realm and send Ralph and his imp through. Ralph and imp make an alliance with a local guild who are tired of being treated like second class citizens by the higher ups. This leads to the MC and local guild going dungeon diving ending in the MC seducing the tree realm dungeon core.
To protect his new nature realm allies the MC lures their higher ups to his dungeon and defeats them easily. End book 2.
Bottom line: Unless you are a 13 year old boy in want of fantasy erotica, give these books a pass and find something better to read.
Note 2: I listened to books 1 and 2 in this series one right after the other so they are getting the same review.
I listened to "Bone Lord" by this author recently and found it to be nothing more than a teenage boy's wet dream put to paper. As a result I only listened to 20% of "Bone Lord". Here, again, is little more than an immature male fantasy, with every female sexually desiring the MC and every male defeated in battle and/or subservient to the MC. I, however, am a sucker for the "how do we grow a dungeon" story line and that kept me reading, which is how I was able to finish both books. These books, however, lack imagination, never surprising me once. Further, there is little to no character development. I am really only giving these books 2 stars because, while the story told is uninspired, it is at least told in a good, straightforward manner, making the books passable.
Here the MC is on earth but is approached by a goddess from another world. In a stupid and unnecessary part of the story the author has the MC and goddess misunderstand each other with the MC insisting on thinking he is in a VR game even though he didn't put on any VR gear.
NOTE: "Spoilers" follow, but, personally, I found these books to be so straight-forward and lacking in surprise that I can't really see how one would spoil them.
Regardless the MC ends up a dungeon core without a dungeon but with an avatar he can manifest for an hour and a mountain to climb. The top of the mountain is an advantageous place to start a dungeon but on the way there the MC is waylaid by trolls. Fortunately the MC is able to seduce the one hot half troll and enthrall an imp. Together they kill the other trolls and head for the mountain top. This begins the routine the author uses for confrontations: The trolls were painted as way too tough for the MC and half-orc babe but then they win with ease. They are followed by a troll chieftain of sorts who is tougher than all the other trolls together and suppose to be a real threat, until they beat him with ease. Then the "chosen one" (Ralph, and yes, all the author's names for anyone other than the MC are lame) shows up with a wizard (of sorts) and a dungeon diving crew only to be defeated with such ease that the MC lets Ralph go free just so he can bring more dungeon divers. Also, the "wizard" had another dungeon core which the MC seduces and the countdown to threesomes begins (although the MC is too busy in the first two books to get to that).
Ralph returns with the "Sand Pirates" who are this realms version of professional dungeon divers and they are defeated with ease and Ralph set free again.
This is where book 1 ends and book 2 begins with the author just not bothering with how he ended book 1. Ignoring that Ralph was sent off, book 2 begins with Ralph enthralled to the MC. The MC then proceeds to find a portal stone to the nature realm and send Ralph and his imp through. Ralph and imp make an alliance with a local guild who are tired of being treated like second class citizens by the higher ups. This leads to the MC and local guild going dungeon diving ending in the MC seducing the tree realm dungeon core.
To protect his new nature realm allies the MC lures their higher ups to his dungeon and defeats them easily. End book 2.
Bottom line: Unless you are a 13 year old boy in want of fantasy erotica, give these books a pass and find something better to read.
January 3, 2025
Monster Core 2: A Frosty Take on Dungeon Building and Harem Dynamics
Reviewer:
Kiba Snowpaw – Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom, master dungeon diver, harem aficionado, and frost-mage extraordinaire. With 38+ years of experience in RPGs and over 400 audiobooks devoured, I dive into Monster Core 2 by Dante King with claws and curiosity!
Introduction:
Dungeon-building? Check. Harem elements? Double-check. Epic battles against relentless adventurers and savage trolls? Absolutely. Monster Core 2 continues the saga of Von Dominus, the dungeon core determined to rise to power. With a mix of strategy, snark, and seduction, this book offers a frosty brew of LitRPG goodness that will warm even the iciest of wolfish hearts.
Basic Plot Summary:
Von Dominus returns, expanding his dungeon Zagorath into an unholy lair of epic proportions. This time, he ventures beyond his dark mountain home to conquer a realm teeming with nature magic. Along the way, he faces off against guilds, pirates, and rival dungeon cores while seducing allies (and enemies) into his growing harem of power.
The book is a fast-paced romp filled with dungeon-building mechanics, tactical skirmishes, and enough loot drops to make even the greediest adventurer swoon. From defeating Sand Pirates to allying with rebellious guilds, Von’s journey is equal parts strategy and chaos.
Originality:
Paws Up: While dungeon core stories are a staple of LitRPG, Dante King puts his unique spin on the genre with Von Dominus’ unapologetically dark personality and a harem dynamic that balances tasteful relationships with power-building intrigue. The addition of inter-realm exploration adds a fresh twist.
Paws Down: The harem elements, while engaging, occasionally drift into cliché territory. More nuanced development of these relationships would elevate the story further.
About the Author:
Dante King is a prolific writer in the LitRPG and harem genres, known for his no-holds-barred approach to storytelling. His works often explore morally ambiguous characters and unconventional narratives. Fans of Bone Lord and Creation Mage will find familiar themes here—though *Monster Core* leans more heavily into dungeon mechanics and base-building strategy.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Character Development:
Main Characters:
- Von Dominus: A morally grey protagonist whose charm lies in his cunning and ruthlessness. His evolution as a leader and dungeon master continues to intrigue, though some of his decisions feel repetitive.
- Lilith: The fiery core guardian whose loyalty is tested as Von’s ambitions grow. Her dynamic with Von adds depth and tension.
- Ralph: A surprisingly complex "chosen one" character turned thrall. His arc raises questions about free will and loyalty.
Supporting Cast:
New characters like the nature realm guild members bring fresh perspectives, though their development often takes a backseat to Von’s exploits.
Character Arcs:
Von’s journey from opportunistic core to ambitious overlord remains compelling, but the arcs of secondary characters sometimes feel rushed or underexplored.
Structure and Mechanics:
The book’s pacing alternates between frenetic action and slower moments of dungeon-building strategy. While this balance works well overall, some sequences—particularly involving loot drops and glyph descriptions—can feel overly detailed, pulling readers out of the narrative.
Impact:
Dante King’s world-building shines in its ability to immerse readers in a realm where dungeons are living, breathing entities. The book’s exploration of themes like power, loyalty, and ambition adds layers to the otherwise action-driven plot.
Hook and Thesis:
What does it mean to be a dungeon core? Monster Core 2 answers this with a mix of dark humor, strategic gameplay, and emotional stakes. The result is a story that challenges readers to question the morality of their actions in the name of power.
Praise and Critique:
Praise:
- Engaging Protagonist: Von Dominus is a delightfully complex antihero.
- World-Building: The inter-realm dynamics and dungeon mechanics are richly detailed.
- Action Sequences: The battles are visceral and satisfying, with creative use of dungeon traps and minions.
Critique:
- Repetitive Elements: The cycle of “introduce a threat, defeat it with ease” can feel formulaic.
- Harem Dynamics: While enjoyable, the relationships could use more depth and less focus on quantity.
Personal Opinion:
As a frost-blooded wolf with a penchant for morally ambiguous protagonists, I found Von’s journey both thrilling and thought-provoking. The mix of base-building, harem antics, and tactical battles scratched every itch I didn’t know I had.
Highlights and Drawbacks:
Highlight: The introduction of the nature realm adds a fresh layer of complexity to the story.
Drawback: The lack of significant character development for some supporting cast members is noticeable.
Comparison:
Fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman or The Land by Aleron Kong will appreciate the strategic depth and moral dilemmas of *Monster Core*. However, its darker tone and focus on harem dynamics set it apart from its peers.
Overall Conclusion:
Monster Core 2 is a worthy addition to the dungeon core genre, blending strategy, action, and morally grey characters in a way that keeps readers hooked. While not without its flaws, its strengths make it a must-read for fans of LitRPG and harem tales.
Rating:
Story: 4.3/5
Characters: 4.1/5
World-Building: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.4/5
Final Howl: If you’re a fan of dungeon-building, morally grey antiheroes, or harem antics, grab a copy and dive in. Von Dominus’ rise to power is a frosty thrill ride you won’t want to miss!
Reviewer:
Kiba Snowpaw – Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom, master dungeon diver, harem aficionado, and frost-mage extraordinaire. With 38+ years of experience in RPGs and over 400 audiobooks devoured, I dive into Monster Core 2 by Dante King with claws and curiosity!
Introduction:
Dungeon-building? Check. Harem elements? Double-check. Epic battles against relentless adventurers and savage trolls? Absolutely. Monster Core 2 continues the saga of Von Dominus, the dungeon core determined to rise to power. With a mix of strategy, snark, and seduction, this book offers a frosty brew of LitRPG goodness that will warm even the iciest of wolfish hearts.
Basic Plot Summary:
Von Dominus returns, expanding his dungeon Zagorath into an unholy lair of epic proportions. This time, he ventures beyond his dark mountain home to conquer a realm teeming with nature magic. Along the way, he faces off against guilds, pirates, and rival dungeon cores while seducing allies (and enemies) into his growing harem of power.
The book is a fast-paced romp filled with dungeon-building mechanics, tactical skirmishes, and enough loot drops to make even the greediest adventurer swoon. From defeating Sand Pirates to allying with rebellious guilds, Von’s journey is equal parts strategy and chaos.
Originality:
Paws Up: While dungeon core stories are a staple of LitRPG, Dante King puts his unique spin on the genre with Von Dominus’ unapologetically dark personality and a harem dynamic that balances tasteful relationships with power-building intrigue. The addition of inter-realm exploration adds a fresh twist.
Paws Down: The harem elements, while engaging, occasionally drift into cliché territory. More nuanced development of these relationships would elevate the story further.
About the Author:
Dante King is a prolific writer in the LitRPG and harem genres, known for his no-holds-barred approach to storytelling. His works often explore morally ambiguous characters and unconventional narratives. Fans of Bone Lord and Creation Mage will find familiar themes here—though *Monster Core* leans more heavily into dungeon mechanics and base-building strategy.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Character Development:
Main Characters:
- Von Dominus: A morally grey protagonist whose charm lies in his cunning and ruthlessness. His evolution as a leader and dungeon master continues to intrigue, though some of his decisions feel repetitive.
- Lilith: The fiery core guardian whose loyalty is tested as Von’s ambitions grow. Her dynamic with Von adds depth and tension.
- Ralph: A surprisingly complex "chosen one" character turned thrall. His arc raises questions about free will and loyalty.
Supporting Cast:
New characters like the nature realm guild members bring fresh perspectives, though their development often takes a backseat to Von’s exploits.
Character Arcs:
Von’s journey from opportunistic core to ambitious overlord remains compelling, but the arcs of secondary characters sometimes feel rushed or underexplored.
Structure and Mechanics:
The book’s pacing alternates between frenetic action and slower moments of dungeon-building strategy. While this balance works well overall, some sequences—particularly involving loot drops and glyph descriptions—can feel overly detailed, pulling readers out of the narrative.
Impact:
Dante King’s world-building shines in its ability to immerse readers in a realm where dungeons are living, breathing entities. The book’s exploration of themes like power, loyalty, and ambition adds layers to the otherwise action-driven plot.
Hook and Thesis:
What does it mean to be a dungeon core? Monster Core 2 answers this with a mix of dark humor, strategic gameplay, and emotional stakes. The result is a story that challenges readers to question the morality of their actions in the name of power.
Praise and Critique:
Praise:
- Engaging Protagonist: Von Dominus is a delightfully complex antihero.
- World-Building: The inter-realm dynamics and dungeon mechanics are richly detailed.
- Action Sequences: The battles are visceral and satisfying, with creative use of dungeon traps and minions.
Critique:
- Repetitive Elements: The cycle of “introduce a threat, defeat it with ease” can feel formulaic.
- Harem Dynamics: While enjoyable, the relationships could use more depth and less focus on quantity.
Personal Opinion:
As a frost-blooded wolf with a penchant for morally ambiguous protagonists, I found Von’s journey both thrilling and thought-provoking. The mix of base-building, harem antics, and tactical battles scratched every itch I didn’t know I had.
Highlights and Drawbacks:
Highlight: The introduction of the nature realm adds a fresh layer of complexity to the story.
Drawback: The lack of significant character development for some supporting cast members is noticeable.
Comparison:
Fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman or The Land by Aleron Kong will appreciate the strategic depth and moral dilemmas of *Monster Core*. However, its darker tone and focus on harem dynamics set it apart from its peers.
Overall Conclusion:
Monster Core 2 is a worthy addition to the dungeon core genre, blending strategy, action, and morally grey characters in a way that keeps readers hooked. While not without its flaws, its strengths make it a must-read for fans of LitRPG and harem tales.
Rating:
Story: 4.3/5
Characters: 4.1/5
World-Building: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.4/5
Final Howl: If you’re a fan of dungeon-building, morally grey antiheroes, or harem antics, grab a copy and dive in. Von Dominus’ rise to power is a frosty thrill ride you won’t want to miss!
April 21, 2019
fantastic follow on from the last one, really wish there wasnt such as large gap between these books i had to read the first one again because i'd forgotten soem of the storyline... this can be problematic for the authors what with amazon having decided that continual re-reading of books is grounds for getting rid of authors.... on the other hand i think releasing a book and reading it from the start all over a gain is a great way for someone to gain money and part of the joy of KU :)
August 13, 2022
This for the audiobook version.
I liked the first book, but this one lost me halfway through, right after they meet the dwarf and elves on their way to take over/explore a new dungeon.
Too many new characters were introduced and the MC just became an unbearable snarky dick on the verge of a complete Gary Stu.
I will not continue the series as I found myself zoning out, missing some of the story and not caring what happened.
I liked the first book, but this one lost me halfway through, right after they meet the dwarf and elves on their way to take over/explore a new dungeon.
Too many new characters were introduced and the MC just became an unbearable snarky dick on the verge of a complete Gary Stu.
I will not continue the series as I found myself zoning out, missing some of the story and not caring what happened.
April 17, 2019
Great story
I will say there are a couple typos but nothing that throws the story off or ruins immersion. Not a face to black book but not explicitly detailed either. Just enough and follows kings style of writing. I enjoyed the cast amount of plot and character development included in the book. I'm eager to read the next book.
I will say there are a couple typos but nothing that throws the story off or ruins immersion. Not a face to black book but not explicitly detailed either. Just enough and follows kings style of writing. I enjoyed the cast amount of plot and character development included in the book. I'm eager to read the next book.
May 4, 2019
A great second book
The continuing adventures of Von Dominus and his infernal minions spare no blood, but they do put sex on hold when there's work to be done. Book two devotes a little more time to building the dungeon than to lustier pursuits, and Zagorath shows it. Can't wait for book 3. Hope this story goes on for a good long wile.
The continuing adventures of Von Dominus and his infernal minions spare no blood, but they do put sex on hold when there's work to be done. Book two devotes a little more time to building the dungeon than to lustier pursuits, and Zagorath shows it. Can't wait for book 3. Hope this story goes on for a good long wile.
March 28, 2019
Yup
This book was super fun. I love the darkness of the MC. The story never slows down, even when the perspective switches briefly. I've been waiting on this as its by far my favorite dungeon core series. I love rooting for the bad guy.
This book was super fun. I love the darkness of the MC. The story never slows down, even when the perspective switches briefly. I've been waiting on this as its by far my favorite dungeon core series. I love rooting for the bad guy.
April 9, 2019
Fun
Great fun. MC is thoroughly despicable, with glaring weaknesses in his character that I can see being used to haunt him later in the story. Wish the books were longer, but still very good second book.
Great fun. MC is thoroughly despicable, with glaring weaknesses in his character that I can see being used to haunt him later in the story. Wish the books were longer, but still very good second book.
June 24, 2019
Fun dungeon building
I really enjoyed the series so far definitely be picking up at three when it comes out, if You enjoy dungeon desolation or any other dungeon core books you’ll definitely enjoy this one. warning harem elements but tasteful.
I really enjoyed the series so far definitely be picking up at three when it comes out, if You enjoy dungeon desolation or any other dungeon core books you’ll definitely enjoy this one. warning harem elements but tasteful.
January 1, 2020
I loved this story. Although now I cant wait to see what happens with Lillith. Also can't help but wonder as to what the deal is with Ralph is that enthrallment wearing off or is Dom's mindwipe not going to hold.
January 29, 2021
Absolutely Brilliant
The machinations of an Internal dungeon with plans for expansion and conquest... What's not to love?
Brilliant system, world building and the characters are always a blast.
Dying for the next one!
The machinations of an Internal dungeon with plans for expansion and conquest... What's not to love?
Brilliant system, world building and the characters are always a blast.
Dying for the next one!
February 3, 2021
My favorite series by Dante King!
Loved this series so much I bought them to have in my library so I could revisit them whenever I wanted some comfort reads. Desperately want book 3-10+
Loved this series so much I bought them to have in my library so I could revisit them whenever I wanted some comfort reads. Desperately want book 3-10+
October 21, 2021
Ahh to be a dngeon.
So you want to be a dungeon. Fame and glory, not to mention he babes. Well this is a match made in hellscape for sure. Come and enjoy Tue second rousing tale of a fledgling dungeon and his just to be the most powerful dungeon ever.
So you want to be a dungeon. Fame and glory, not to mention he babes. Well this is a match made in hellscape for sure. Come and enjoy Tue second rousing tale of a fledgling dungeon and his just to be the most powerful dungeon ever.
March 27, 2019
Left me wanting more
Loved it. Just as good as the first one if not better. Although I have to say the ending made me curse the author out loud.
Loved it. Just as good as the first one if not better. Although I have to say the ending made me curse the author out loud.
March 30, 2019
Fun book
Good story, fun continuation of the series, looking forward to the release of book 3, and seeing where it goes from there.
Good story, fun continuation of the series, looking forward to the release of book 3, and seeing where it goes from there.
April 1, 2019
Great Book
An amazing read I love all of the characters and the plot. Can’t wait for the next book to be released.
An amazing read I love all of the characters and the plot. Can’t wait for the next book to be released.
April 2, 2019
Loved lt was all I wanted an more I can’t wait to see what Dom will do next!
April 4, 2019
Dungeon Crawl
This series definitely has an interesting world and an interesting take on dungeon rules. I look forward to seeing the new shenanigans in book 3.
This series definitely has an interesting world and an interesting take on dungeon rules. I look forward to seeing the new shenanigans in book 3.
April 26, 2019
Great book
Love the story and the characters, can't wait to see what kind of chaos dom will cause in the next book.
Love the story and the characters, can't wait to see what kind of chaos dom will cause in the next book.
May 4, 2019
Great
This book was even better than the first.If you like dungeons and all that good stuff this series is for you.
This book was even better than the first.If you like dungeons and all that good stuff this series is for you.
July 20, 2019
More please!
The story continues to keep my interest. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Glad to have found this author.
The story continues to keep my interest. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Glad to have found this author.
October 27, 2019
Great book!
Good character building MC stays with character continuing down the path of power in darkness. An amazing book. Please give me the next one
Good character building MC stays with character continuing down the path of power in darkness. An amazing book. Please give me the next one
May 5, 2020
So much fun!
I am really enjoying the dungeon core crafting part of this series and look forward to the next. Description makes the story come alive
I am really enjoying the dungeon core crafting part of this series and look forward to the next. Description makes the story come alive
May 27, 2020
Great
Excellent story!! A fast paced enjoyable fantasy adventure!!! Really love the twists upon the typical dungeon fantasy stories. Truly an awesome read!
Excellent story!! A fast paced enjoyable fantasy adventure!!! Really love the twists upon the typical dungeon fantasy stories. Truly an awesome read!
July 2, 2020
Fantastic book, would like to see him do more actual dungeon'ing in the next books, if the author ever writes them :)
October 19, 2020
Good story, lacks abit in the harem departement. MC can be rambling a bit too much and fights just takes forever. Dont drag things out an more h development.
August 1, 2022
Intense
No doubt, one of writers best works. All characters interesting. Hope I have foreseen a few of the upcoming interactions amongst the characters.
No doubt, one of writers best works. All characters interesting. Hope I have foreseen a few of the upcoming interactions amongst the characters.
November 24, 2024
So fun
I really enjoyed this story. A little dark and vicious but a fun story all the same. Look forward to the next book
I really enjoyed this story. A little dark and vicious but a fun story all the same. Look forward to the next book
January 7, 2022
As Gamelit it's quite bad, listening/ reading through pages of loot drops and glyphs explanations for multiple times is quite infuriating. the Rest not as bad. Some good dialogue, some shit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews