3 out of 5 Stars

Well, first things first, this book was a VERY unique RPG LIT! I was really excited about the concept of the book as it is told, mainly, from the perspective of.. THE DUNGEON! Yes, that’s right! Cal, a dungeon core, is ‘born’ and reveals his story learning to build himself up and protect himself from the adventurers who are brave enough to explore his walls and seek his treasure.

Learning to take in Essence for use in expanding his walls, making ‘mobs’ and setting traps to lure in Adventurers to kill to receive more Essence to repeat the process and level up his dungeon for more and stronger Adventurers.

I really wanted to like this book… And in the end my rating ended up higher than I thought it would because they eventually split the narrative between Cal, the dungeon, and Dale, the adventurer adding another level and making the story a little more relatable. Unfortunately, up to that point, which was a long time coming, the story of Cal and his bonded Whisp (as in Will o’ the) Dani, is a little dry. It was almost as though Dakota took his D&D campaign manual and wrote a novel out of it… Which would be all well and good if it hadn’t been SO technical. As a huge geek and D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) player it was even a little too much for me! (or, maybe it was a little much BECAUSE of that!)

“Well, we start with an upgrade! Here are a few basics first though. There are many different levels of Essence cultivation. Starting with the lowest, we have G, F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, SSS, Heavenly, and Godly. Each rank has ten levels within it, the lowest being zero and the highest at nine. When I got here, you were at G-zero, which is basic life with only the instinct to eat.” She chuckled at that, I had progressed far in intelligence since then. “After making the deal with me you moved to G-rank one, which opens the way for more complex actions and thought. You have enough power already to move to G-rank two, which lets you begin to grow your power and use your own influence intentionally.”

The first half of the book was too much like being stuck in the tutorial of an RPG. I felt a little talked down to.. I understand trying to explain things to readers who may not understand these things… But, there’s a limit to what should be explained as someone who knew NOTHING about this probably wouldn’t be reading the book to begin with, and if they are, then they’re probably not stupid and can figure these things out through the story itself.

Now, in saying this, it really did become an enjoyable story! I may have been a little hard on it! The characters, when the adventuring team was finally introduced, were very likable (especially the ‘old’ mage Hans) as was the story. It just took a little longer than necessary to get out of that tutorial!

Dungeon Born is Best Served With

Dungeon Punch

I found this drink at recipe http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink3292.html#ixzz56JzNrnKe I don’t know why it’s called dungeon punch (maybe after a few it makes you feel like you’ve been punched in the “dungeon”?) Lol! In any case, the name was so fitting and the drink sounded delicious… so, I didn’t really care! (Plus I got to buy kool-aid for the first time in…. well, probably ever!

Ingredients

• 1 oz Vodka
• 5 oz Kool-Aid®
• 3 oz orange juice
• 1 oz peach schnapps
• 2 cherries

Directions

1. Mix fruit punch flavored kool-aid with schnapps, vodka, and orange juice.
2. Once stirred, garnish with cherries.
3. CHEERS!!