Warren and the Dungeon Seed

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Detroit, 2045. Warren, a lover of 1980s hair bands and denim vests, comes home from a dreary day working in a factory to find that his sister found them a new way to make ends meet — by farming gold in an immersive virtual reality fantasy game calledIntegration Online. After a blunder in Character Creation, Warren is forced to change his plan in an adaptive game that seems to know too much about him and doesn’t give second chances.

When he's given a unique quest to steal a Dungeon Seed and alter the world forever, his dreams of avoiding danger crumble. Fast. He becomes the target of NPCs and players alike. He must fight, craft, grow stronger, seek out unique items, and deal with people who don't like 80s rock. All things that he never wanted to do in the first place.

Time is ticking. If he can’t make enough money while playing, he’ll have to go back to the factory.

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What to Expect:

-Two chapters a week ongoing-Virtual Reality LitRPG in a fantasy world-Book 1 Finished, working on the 2nd-Periodic character sheets-Detailed Crafting-A complex Job (class) system with elements fromFinal Fantasy Tactics,Skills that level and progress with use, limited Attributes, and a creative AI that adapts to character strengths and defects-Dungeon Diving-Rags to Riches-Publishing on RoyalRoad and Patreon

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Warren and the Dungeon Seed is now available for sale as akindle ebook here. However, I did NOT give kindle exclusive rights, so you can continue to enjoy to read for free on RoyalRoad.

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2024
Author: Kirby

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.4/ 5.0
Followers: 516
Views: 115,976

Chapters(67 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

wazzapRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Let's get this out of the way for those who don't want to read a whole review: it's a good story, you should read it.
A few things I didn't know which category they fit into:
Depending on how soon after this review is posted you read this, there may or may not be some issues with formatting. I assure you, even if at first it seems bad, your eyes will get used to it and the story is really worth it.
And if you're reading this in the future when it's been fixed: well, isn't that just the best sign that the author is awesome and willing to listen to feedback!
As for the whole 80s rock theme. If you're a fan of that, lucky you! There are references sprinkled throughout the story for you to enjoy. If you, like me, don't care for it? Not to worry! It's not that big of a part of the story and you won't miss out on anything plot relevant by not understanding the references. And if you vehemently hate it? Idk what to tell you. Will you let your hate ruin a perfectly good story for you?
Style
Style is difficult to review for me. Mostly because (from my POV) it had to do one of two things: Either being invisible so that the reader can get fully immersed in the story (like grammar), or do something special with symbolism and meaning.
I think WatDS does the former rather well. It's told to us from the point of view of the main character, Warren. Which mean 1st person past. Or, to be specific, it's a retrospective narration.
Now, I do have one gripe with it (since I first read it I've mostly come to accept it, but at first it really messed with me). Chapter one starts beautifully in media res. However! Before we can reach a conclusion for the scene (or even a satisfying endpoint for the scene) we are interrupted by the present, and the actually story begins before chapter 1. And we don't get to find out how the cliffhanger ends until about 10 chapters later. Thinking back, it does make sense and works, but when I was first reading it it really rankled me.
Story
If you've ever rea
DesertgloryRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Only a few chapters in and the book has me hooked.One of the standout features so far is the attention to the detail and infusion of modern day elements in the story telling.
it’s clear that the author put significant effort into making it both engaging and logical. It never feels overwhelming, and the balance between story and game mechanics is spot on, with just the right amount of character progression and world-building.
Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the genre, and I highly recommend it to fans of LitRPGs who are looking for a fresh, entertaining, and well-crafted adventure. Can't wait to see what happens next
v
knowitallRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I am in love with this story right now! I felt submersed in the world of integration online, and was genuinely enjoying myself. The story is great, and has all the key elements it needs, with a goal to work towards, adversity, and an overarching sense of mystery relating to what is yet to be discovered. The character development is great, and I love how Warren is shaping up to take the path of an adventurer, despite his initial plans of being a simple job worker.
The grammar does not take away from the story. In fact, despite it not being a focus of LitRPG genre books, it actually adds to the story. The word choice and overall style of the book make it a very enjoyable read.
The only thing I have against the book is that I wish the real world was incorporated more into the story. Other than the beginning, it seems that the story will be primarily focused on Integration Online(which makes sense), but maybe showing Warren upgrading his life, or even having interactions with big corporations that he pisses off or even impresses(Impervious???).
The author seems to be leading into those real world interactions, however, so I look forward to my wish list being fulfilled. This is a great read, and I will be adding this to my regular reads.
DatateqRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall, the story is pretty good. The one thing that should be corrected is that “casted” is not a word. The past tense of cast is cast. “Yesterday, I cast a spell.” Everything else pretty much stands on its own. I am looking forward to the next book. Thanks for sharing your time and creativity.
MadFireGodRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Story: The story is solid. Without spoiling things, It features Warren as he explores a new VRMMO and through his, what I can only surmise as infinitely bad luck, he messes up during character creation. This leads to mayhem and hijinks. I like the story; it's a sort of brisk pacing while keeping tight, I haven't found any issues with it, and I probably won't.
(As an aside, this is just my rambling. VRMMOs with real pain—who would actually play this? I've seen this trope in tons of stories and never really thought much of it until I watched a YouTube video (can't remember the name. Something like writing a litRPG by terrible writing advice?) Anyways, let's talk pain. Would you play a game that features real pain? Your answer is probably one of two: Yeah, I'd try it, or Hell no! Even if you did try it you would most likely stop the first time a rabbit takes a chunk from your leg. We humans while possessing certain thresholds for pain, normally do our best to avoid it. So, why would we play a game in which you can feel every ounce of pain from a rabbit's teeth or the slice of a blade against your flesh? Surprisingly, I can say I have experience with both, and I definitely don't want to experience it again in a game. Anyway, I've rambled enough, and in the end, I can say the Author did a good job painting a vivid display of a VRMMO that integrates this pain feature.)
Style: Honestly I was a little but off by the lack of blank space, as it messes with my dyslexia when I try to go back and reread something, but it had quickly grown on me. Bringing its own unique style to the otherwise normally bland and repetitive nature of writing.
Grammar: I don't really have anything to say about the grammar. It is good, and I'm not a huge stickler for grammar, as long as its fairly readable. Which this is more than, perfectly readable I'd call it.
Character: MC - He is a down on his luck average Joe, with a possibly unhealthy obsession—as all the greatest obsessions are—with 70-80's
MirpletRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall: So, before anything else, when I am giving this review the story has not gotten to the actual Dungeon Building. Still, from what I have read I don't see why it wouldn't be a top-tier dungeon story. The author has done an incredible job with the story and I would highly recommend the story!
Style: At first it was a bit odd reading it from a first-person perspective since it's been a while but honestly. The flow of the story is so well done that after the first few chapters, I didn't even notice. I honestly like the style of writing it is a very classical adventure at least up to where I have read.
Story: Top-tier stuff. The author has done an incredible job with the system and the story they are trying to tell. It felt so relatable. From working at a shitty job to stumbling into a new possibility. Seriously, screw management. Honestly, I enjoy the story even if It hasn't gotten to the dungeon-building part. This enjoyment has really come from a well-told Litrpg story, good and constant developments that keep you entertained. Now, I usually don't go for the stories with VR Type Games because they don't feel as risky for the mc. However, lately, I have been struggling with a shitty job myself, and I can completely understand how Warren feels if he fails to produce income via the game and thus be sent back to a shitty job. The story has really changed my perspective on Immersive VR Stories.
Character: Like I have said, very relatable and well-presented MC. Same thing for the world and its characters. From those idiots at the factory making fun of the MC to people who think they are above everyone else like the guild members. Great character creation and presentation all around.
Grammar: I didn't find any issues. Could there have been some? Maybe. However, I didn't see any, and even if I did a couple of misspelled words or whatever don't detract from a story. Seriously, this is free entertainment here. Why do people complain about free stuff????
Anyways, I defin
WaxenroomRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Style: what an interesting approach to a literary RPG. I don't want to spoil but the POV is unique and different from what you would expect.
Story: The story is very captivating, there's a few separate story lines he has going simultaneously and I'm interested in all of them. I was so eager to get to the next chapter and some of the story lines don't evolve every chapter so those were in the back of my mind as we entered the new chapter.
Grammar: The grammar seems a bit out of the norm, but I find it to be the style of the author and not actually poor grammar. No complaints, not sure what else can be discussed here.
Character: I'm even interested in some of the NPCs he only brought in for a few chapters, amazing character development of the smallest characters and of course the main characters. I'm emotional over the NPCs as some of their back stories develop and turn out to be sad or reach happy endings. Maybe this belongs under style but the way you learn more about the main characters is really quite unique. Using features of the RPG at times to introduce details and backstory.
exvilrazorRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Wonderful story and characters, very well written. As someone who likes LitRPGs, this book satisfies me as a reader. It's so entertaining.
Oh, also I like the system and character details. It has great character development and progression throughout the story. There is so much going on. Guarantee you will enjoy it, can't wait for the next update.
HeavenscallRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
This book is right down my alley, I’m a fan. The MC is relatable. I enjoy the pacing as the author takes time to let the the story breathe. One the subject of the story it is fresh and at only a few chapters in I want more. Great job.
awelonblueRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
I liked the opening hook. The characters are unique and interesting, too. And the story feels like it's going places. Yet, every time the author brings up numbers, I feel annoyed.
For example, the game pod costs $20k, but the characters are expected to pay $2k per week, indefinitely AFAICT. That's utterly insane. A reasonable rental rate (e.g. 6.5% interest, residual value at $8k after two years) would be $570 per month. Lease to own over two years would instead be about $940 per month.
Yet, the author presents this as the government "helping" people in poverty. As opposed to extremely predatory lending even worse than most loan sharks. And the characters clearly don't know better. To the author, I expect it's just a MacGuffin that we aren't expected to think about too much.
Now, I don't expect fantasy authors to be economists as such. But, when it's a major plot point, I do expect them to either do a little research or ask a skilled friend. Or, more simply ... not mention the numbers if they aren't sure. That would be okay, too.
This is (thus far) a recurring theme in the story. For example, Warren plays 12 hours a day. By any reasonable estimate, his party members are also humans that need to eat, sleep, attend to hygiene and such outside the game. They might play a bit longer, say 14 hours per day. Yet, they are somehow able to level more using those extra two hours than they together with the MC could level over half a day. Is the MC the ultimate party drag?
Again, would have been better if such numbers were never mentioned. So far, almost every direct mention of a number feels like a fumble.
This issue probably won't bother readers who are less prone to running the numbers in their head as they read, or who aren't bothered by such issues. But for me, it's unfortunately interfering with my ability to enjoy an otherwise pretty good story.