Alumni: A Divine Dungeon Series (Artorian's Archives Book 2)

The characters development has been amazing. Storyline very engaging a page turner for sure. If you're starting here, go back and start a book one. Otherwise I hope you enjoy. This is much as I did on to book three

This is another good installment in the series. I did not review the first book because I decided that I would review every other one. The first book was a little slow, a lot of world building which was good and its way. This book full of action much more character development between the main character and his friend Ember. I enjoyed the dynamic between the MC and her. I am glad that the author is not using the MC as a veritable punching bag like a lotta authors do in this genre of books. I just don’t get why they wish to abuse their character when they know that that said character is the star of the book and they’re not going to kill him or her. So far in my opinion this problem has been avoided to an extent. i’m giving it for stars because it ended in a cliffhanger. Don’t like cliffhangers. Going on to read the next book.

If you're in this far then there's not much new to say. This book is pretty consistent with the style of the artorian archives and gives you very informative insights into how the magic system works.I find the magic system a little annoying in that it's too mathematical but that's more a critique on the entirety of the world over just this series as I'd expect it in completionist chronicles rather than the time before. But as i mentioned, that's another conversation.In this installment of the artorian archives artorian does his usual work of sewing order and chaos in the world around him in his signature ridiculous manner that somehow still fits in the world. You'll have Silliness and rapid tone shifts that make the book feel real and in this particular series you'll get a whole bunch of insight into the past of cultivating and how these things actually work all peppered in with a little bit of cultural criticism that's strong enough to give extra flavor but not strong enough to beat you over the head with it to "start a conversation" and it also doesn't drag you into a blatant screech over modern politics (thank God)Totally recommend this book.

I really liked this book I can't wait to see where the author takes the story I will definitely read the next book

A few parts of the book felt a bit like two different people were writing. Not sure if it's shared writing or just a shared world.I've been enjoying everything quite a bit. I do have a couple critiques, for what they're worth:1. We don't really ever see Artorian contact or attempt to visit Lunella and Wux. He was extremely close by. Later it seems to be implied that he doesn't know about letters. Still I had trouble thinking he wouldn't let them know he was alive.2. Preface, part of what I love about these books and the series as a whole is it is fun, quick, and pulpy (is that the right term?).Still, given Artorians attitude toward raiders and who/what they are I really thought that Astrea might, or should, be admitting that she'd done some horrible stuff. That it might be a growing experience to learn one of the top raiders was just surviving. Never showing weakness and earning the nickname Nightmare.It is easy to condemn the raiders. Rightfully so. Just can't forget that Astrea or Wux or Lunella are no different except someone rescued them. Someone they could show weakness to. I wasn't thrilled when he killed a bunch of defenseless raider prisoners.That's it. Thanks for writing and sharing your work. Looking forward to the next book!

For anyone that hasn't followed or read the Divine Dungeon series by Dakota Krout, please take note of the following items: the Artorian's Archives series is currently set in the Divine Dungeon universe. Book one (Axiom) and this book take place before Dakota's five Divine Dungeon books. Also, Dennis is the primary author and that Dakota had a smaller hand in the writing in this series.With that said, there are some English grammar nuances that are still slightly out of Dennis’s grasp that Mountaindale Press should have caught. Nothing really detrimental, but enough to slightly pull me from the world I’m reading.On a more positive note! Dennis is doing an amazing job in terms of lore and expanding the world of the Divine Dungeon. Artorian’s antics of exploring cultivation are insightful, rewarding and outright silly at times. The human and non-human characters are fun to read about. I can’t wait for when Artorian’s series overlaps with Dale and Cal timelines and we see all of Divine Dungeon through Artorian’s point of view!

Alumni is an extremely fun read. It has deep characters, unique ideas surrounding magic and the way it interacts with the world, and some stellar action moments. I entirely recommend it.But like the first book, there are some issues.Firstly, too many italics. First book had the same issue, so I think it’s just the author’s style. I find them distracting, but often ignorable.Two: the quick passage of time can be extremely jarring. In a few instances, a new paragraph means jumping years in the future. It’s shocking and leaves you scratching your head.My biggest complaint, though, are some of the fourth-wall breaking references. As an example, there is one minor character named after a real world historical library, and the reveal is saved for the last line of a chapter. For me, that took all the punch from the moment. It feels somewhat like how Marvel movies are always trying to shoehorn references in every movie. I didn’t care for it.I think the authors are trying to set our current real world as the end result of the Divine Dungeon universe, but it’s distracting more than anything. I wish they would just leave their world separate.So... great book with the same issues as the first. I imagine the next entry will hold the pattern, and I am perfectly fine with that. They are still very much worth my time. And yours.

I enjoy reading stories of unusual heros. Artorian is unusual in his age and world view. I think it's what makes these stories so satisfying.

I couldn't put the book down. From start to finish it was full of action and laughs. I look forward to reading the next book

The pacing in this story is fantastic. It feels like an awful lot has been covered in great depth. I hope the story keeps up the same level of quality throughout. Excited for book 3!

I loved this book. The joy with which artorian views everyday life is infectious. His great heart and how he wins is more impressive even than the fact that he does win.

This entry still had a slower pace. A great deal of character development and discovery particularly on the matter and methods of cultivation. The action picks up in the later half of the book. A return to the academy and it's rebuilding gives this entry it's action. Several threats are gathering on the borders and it will be interesting to discover how the old schemer deals with it.