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The Dwarf, The Mine, and The RPG Apocalypse: Dwarf Smith From Earth
Note: As of July 2021 the book was professionally proofread.
A fantasy Apocalypse with monsters and Levels instead of zombies. A single dwarf to save the day.
Derek Smith (what a name!) became a minor celebrity when his friend posted a video titled "The Real-World Dwarf is a Cool Dude!".
Being a last-year high-schooler who is 4'8 (142cm) in height is one thing, but having the muscles of a bodybuilder and the face of a middle-aged biker at the same time is another. And don't you dare to bring up shaving in front of him. Did I mention that the boy's favorite hobby is smithing?
Derek always wondered if gods had sent him to the wrong world. Until, one day, Earth Awakened. With dungeons, monsters, magic, and status screens, everything became not so different from fantasy fiction or a role-playing game... Except death was real and monsters would chase you until you experience it firsthand. The sudden change brought chaos to the world, but to the young dwarf, it also brought the opportunity to discover his true self. And maybe to reunite with his real kinfolk. But only if he survived, first.
Who asked him to explore this abandoned mine at the worst time possible? Now Derek is trapped, and the only way to escape is to learn how this mysterious System works. Too bad there's no manual or teacher to help him with that. Or maybe there is? With his unlikely companions—a megalomaniac fairy, a polite dolphid, a twin ogre, and a mysterious cloaked girl—he's going to survive, he's going to learn, and he's going to show his talent as a Mastersmith!
A fantasy Apocalypse with monsters and Levels instead of zombies. A single dwarf to save the day.
Derek Smith (what a name!) became a minor celebrity when his friend posted a video titled "The Real-World Dwarf is a Cool Dude!".
Being a last-year high-schooler who is 4'8 (142cm) in height is one thing, but having the muscles of a bodybuilder and the face of a middle-aged biker at the same time is another. And don't you dare to bring up shaving in front of him. Did I mention that the boy's favorite hobby is smithing?
Derek always wondered if gods had sent him to the wrong world. Until, one day, Earth Awakened. With dungeons, monsters, magic, and status screens, everything became not so different from fantasy fiction or a role-playing game... Except death was real and monsters would chase you until you experience it firsthand. The sudden change brought chaos to the world, but to the young dwarf, it also brought the opportunity to discover his true self. And maybe to reunite with his real kinfolk. But only if he survived, first.
Who asked him to explore this abandoned mine at the worst time possible? Now Derek is trapped, and the only way to escape is to learn how this mysterious System works. Too bad there's no manual or teacher to help him with that. Or maybe there is? With his unlikely companions—a megalomaniac fairy, a polite dolphid, a twin ogre, and a mysterious cloaked girl—he's going to survive, he's going to learn, and he's going to show his talent as a Mastersmith!
- GenresFantasy
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2021
202 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 5, 2022
The story aint bad but the writing makes it unreadable.
I sort of liked the story and telling of it, but the writing was just not okay for me and constantly put me off.
The grammar is really bad, not "foreigner who needs to practice"- bad but "not giving a darn about tempus"-bad. Past and present tense was all over the place in a way I've never seen in an indie book before.
If you can stay immersed when the writing is poor but story better, maybe this would work for otherwise maybe this is not for you.
I sort of liked the story and telling of it, but the writing was just not okay for me and constantly put me off.
The grammar is really bad, not "foreigner who needs to practice"- bad but "not giving a darn about tempus"-bad. Past and present tense was all over the place in a way I've never seen in an indie book before.
If you can stay immersed when the writing is poor but story better, maybe this would work for otherwise maybe this is not for you.
June 28, 2021
Lazy translation work
Flat out lazy work by the translator. I found myself asking if they read this after Google was done or in fact spoke English at all. Too many mistakes with verb usage, expression, or word choice and order. For those out there that would like to try translation work. My advise is be of having good hooks in both languages. Have a firm grasp of how to use the target language.
Flat out lazy work by the translator. I found myself asking if they read this after Google was done or in fact spoke English at all. Too many mistakes with verb usage, expression, or word choice and order. For those out there that would like to try translation work. My advise is be of having good hooks in both languages. Have a firm grasp of how to use the target language.
November 11, 2022
KU Review
With a dwarf mc it has to be a great story. I may be biased as they are my favorite race; FU Peter Jackson for making them comic relief. Anyway, this really is a good story and a great start for the author. Looking forward to what comes next.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
With a dwarf mc it has to be a great story. I may be biased as they are my favorite race; FU Peter Jackson for making them comic relief. Anyway, this really is a good story and a great start for the author. Looking forward to what comes next.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
January 13, 2023
Silly
Not my cup of tea, I thought the book was little to silly and not as humorous as intended. What is HP if you can hit zero and still be alive? Why are all the starter monster so much higher than the MC? What make MP if not intelligence and wisdom? The whole story is ruined by author not understanding rpg game mechanics, the character stats are not represented in any way? I wouldn't recommend reading this if you're familiar at all with the numerous litrg books out there.
Not my cup of tea, I thought the book was little to silly and not as humorous as intended. What is HP if you can hit zero and still be alive? Why are all the starter monster so much higher than the MC? What make MP if not intelligence and wisdom? The whole story is ruined by author not understanding rpg game mechanics, the character stats are not represented in any way? I wouldn't recommend reading this if you're familiar at all with the numerous litrg books out there.
August 6, 2021
Says it has been proofread but it needs at least one rewrite
Childishly written, poorly translated and full of errors of every sort. The premise has promise the author completely failed to realize. The characters are far closer to weak parodies of over used stereotypes. Waste of money.
Childishly written, poorly translated and full of errors of every sort. The premise has promise the author completely failed to realize. The characters are far closer to weak parodies of over used stereotypes. Waste of money.
January 31, 2022
DNF 17%
I couldn't get past the terrible grammar. Ignoring that screaming flaw, there wasn't much else to recommend within the story. It came across as fan fiction, written by an enthusiastic teenager. The structure was recognizably LitRPG but there was no nuance. For example, the protagonist evinced no sign of fear or self-preservation. Verisimilitude? I don't think so.
I couldn't get past the terrible grammar. Ignoring that screaming flaw, there wasn't much else to recommend within the story. It came across as fan fiction, written by an enthusiastic teenager. The structure was recognizably LitRPG but there was no nuance. For example, the protagonist evinced no sign of fear or self-preservation. Verisimilitude? I don't think so.
November 13, 2022
This author needs to get in contact with a good editor .. Doing so would take his books that are poor to bad quality to good to really good quality. Its not the story itself that is the problem. Its the way its presented.
February 4, 2022
An interesting premise marred by writing that reads as if penned by a teenager.
June 22, 2021
Great story
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to the next one.
I liked the characters and the world building. There are some tables and formulas involved as is typical for litRPG, but nowhere near as much as 'Emerilia' or 'The Land'.
When your Attributes go over 20 you have to invest 2 points to increase to 21 etc. A reminder in the tables would have been nice otherwise you think error in the table.
The editing was interesting. The first 50% were great and in the 2nd half I found some errors per chapter. Not enough to detract from the story but odd phrasing or a wrong word used = the things spell check misses.
My guess is that the author has got a (partially) non english background. Taking that into consideration - the book is brilliant. Grammar nazies back off and enjoy the story!
I am pretty sure that the author will take the reader feedback and improve mistakes over time.
I would happily offer my services as a beta reader to the author - that is how much I enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next one(s).
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to the next one.
I liked the characters and the world building. There are some tables and formulas involved as is typical for litRPG, but nowhere near as much as 'Emerilia' or 'The Land'.
When your Attributes go over 20 you have to invest 2 points to increase to 21 etc. A reminder in the tables would have been nice otherwise you think error in the table.
The editing was interesting. The first 50% were great and in the 2nd half I found some errors per chapter. Not enough to detract from the story but odd phrasing or a wrong word used = the things spell check misses.
My guess is that the author has got a (partially) non english background. Taking that into consideration - the book is brilliant. Grammar nazies back off and enjoy the story!
I am pretty sure that the author will take the reader feedback and improve mistakes over time.
I would happily offer my services as a beta reader to the author - that is how much I enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next one(s).
July 20, 2021
Good first book
While no ended this book it was not without problems. The author mention a few in the epilogue . While I enjoy an OP character this time the maxed smithing was annoying but fit the needs of the story. Early books are about discovery and his smithing skill should be the same. The character interactions were fun and led to secondary characters being unique and interesting. The cultural differences with said goblina was unique and enjoyable I hope for more anti-trope along those lines in the future. There is a lot of progression in this book so I hope the author has planned for the immense personal and system growth. That said I look forward to reading it. Hopefully the author doesn't feel the need for epic impossible battle at the end of every book that is Cliche and annoying. Big battles can be spread throughout the book with plenty of cleanup before the end. Hate cliffhangers. Looking forward to next book.
While no ended this book it was not without problems. The author mention a few in the epilogue . While I enjoy an OP character this time the maxed smithing was annoying but fit the needs of the story. Early books are about discovery and his smithing skill should be the same. The character interactions were fun and led to secondary characters being unique and interesting. The cultural differences with said goblina was unique and enjoyable I hope for more anti-trope along those lines in the future. There is a lot of progression in this book so I hope the author has planned for the immense personal and system growth. That said I look forward to reading it. Hopefully the author doesn't feel the need for epic impossible battle at the end of every book that is Cliche and annoying. Big battles can be spread throughout the book with plenty of cleanup before the end. Hate cliffhangers. Looking forward to next book.
June 13, 2021
Dwarven Hammers are Awesome
This story is a heavy LitRPG. The rpg elements are pervasive throughout the story and almost overwhelming. There are many grammatical and award sentence structures throughout, but particularly in the last third of the book.
That being said -READ the Book. The story is well crafted and is cohesively assembled. The character develops logically as does the situation. There are almost some blatant situations of Deus Machina but they are events that could plausibly develop in the universe depicted. Some elements about the System and crafting get alittle tedious but ithink the author needs us to understand the System mechanics.
Overall nothing got too cumbersome. The characters are very nice and the action is constant keeping the story moving. I am interested in book 2. I want to see what happens next.
This story is a heavy LitRPG. The rpg elements are pervasive throughout the story and almost overwhelming. There are many grammatical and award sentence structures throughout, but particularly in the last third of the book.
That being said -READ the Book. The story is well crafted and is cohesively assembled. The character develops logically as does the situation. There are almost some blatant situations of Deus Machina but they are events that could plausibly develop in the universe depicted. Some elements about the System and crafting get alittle tedious but ithink the author needs us to understand the System mechanics.
Overall nothing got too cumbersome. The characters are very nice and the action is constant keeping the story moving. I am interested in book 2. I want to see what happens next.
August 26, 2024
Meh
It starts off with potential and the protagonist is a dwarf which is really cool cuz it's more often when it's not a human protagonist to me an elf.
Unfortunately it kind of goes downhill from there with an overly complicated leveling system and overly complicated profession system pretty much everything is overly complicated and it really makes it a bit of a slog especially when you combine the bag that the entire book takes place in one dungeon.
I don't really care for the social interactions in the story either they're very limited in scope and don't really come up as believable to me personally.
It's kind of like those Seinfeld episodes where if one character would just open their mouth and simply explain a situation none of the rest of the issues would have come up it's exactly like that.
It starts off with potential and the protagonist is a dwarf which is really cool cuz it's more often when it's not a human protagonist to me an elf.
Unfortunately it kind of goes downhill from there with an overly complicated leveling system and overly complicated profession system pretty much everything is overly complicated and it really makes it a bit of a slog especially when you combine the bag that the entire book takes place in one dungeon.
I don't really care for the social interactions in the story either they're very limited in scope and don't really come up as believable to me personally.
It's kind of like those Seinfeld episodes where if one character would just open their mouth and simply explain a situation none of the rest of the issues would have come up it's exactly like that.
January 29, 2025
Fodder material in the overflowing litRPG space. Bland and uninteresting with nothing to make it stand out. For new readers of the genre, there are tons of better books to start with, while for litRPG fans this is just overwhelmingly sub-par childish simple.
Classic earth-system-integration merging-worlds event and the story of a teenaged guy stuck in a cave during that event, while following his attempts at survival and the level up process, all this while receiving special attention from the system given some mystery around his hidden origins. Abilities, classes, magic and mechanics are sub-par with nothing worth mentioning while the MC is totally forgettable.
After more than 150 litRPG reads I'm not expecting anything new to be honest, yet, even so I'm sorry to have spent time on this book, I want my money back. I'll definitely forget this series.
Classic earth-system-integration merging-worlds event and the story of a teenaged guy stuck in a cave during that event, while following his attempts at survival and the level up process, all this while receiving special attention from the system given some mystery around his hidden origins. Abilities, classes, magic and mechanics are sub-par with nothing worth mentioning while the MC is totally forgettable.
After more than 150 litRPG reads I'm not expecting anything new to be honest, yet, even so I'm sorry to have spent time on this book, I want my money back. I'll definitely forget this series.
May 20, 2024
Very interesting apoclypse by the system story
The MC is a dwarf stuck in an abandoned mine when the system awakens earth. His dwarven affinities help him survive in total darkness, no food and higher level monsters around. He meets up with 4 exiles from their home world who have landed in the same mine thats now a contested dungeon. Though the story was interesting, there was more stats and RPG leveling mumbo jumbo than I personally care for. Still it is an interesting story.
I look forward to finding out what happens when Derick gets out of the dungeon and meets up with leveled humans.
The MC is a dwarf stuck in an abandoned mine when the system awakens earth. His dwarven affinities help him survive in total darkness, no food and higher level monsters around. He meets up with 4 exiles from their home world who have landed in the same mine thats now a contested dungeon. Though the story was interesting, there was more stats and RPG leveling mumbo jumbo than I personally care for. Still it is an interesting story.
I look forward to finding out what happens when Derick gets out of the dungeon and meets up with leveled humans.
June 18, 2024
DNF at 53 %
The story reads like an awkward fan fiction written by teenager for a teenage audience. With a good editor who corrects and trims the story it would be a lot better.
Some thoughts:
- The protagonist and his friend seem to old to play with toy hammers and fool around in a mine..
- The first monsters look idiotic and reminded me of the alien from "the life of Brian" by Monty Python.
- Goblins are pretty and good while Elves are ugly and evil? Okay, i guess...
- The interactions of the protagonist with female persons have a Isekai harem vibe too them..
- The short side story of the Russian girl felt misplaced and lead nowhere..
The story reads like an awkward fan fiction written by teenager for a teenage audience. With a good editor who corrects and trims the story it would be a lot better.
Some thoughts:
- The protagonist and his friend seem to old to play with toy hammers and fool around in a mine..
- The first monsters look idiotic and reminded me of the alien from "the life of Brian" by Monty Python.
- Goblins are pretty and good while Elves are ugly and evil? Okay, i guess...
- The interactions of the protagonist with female persons have a Isekai harem vibe too them..
- The short side story of the Russian girl felt misplaced and lead nowhere..
June 10, 2024
Great new series
I wanted to wait to review this book when I had time to sit down and really say how much I enjoyed it. I don't want to give too much away, but our MC who was raised on Earth and thought he was just really short and wide found out that he really is a dwarf. And finds himself at the bottom of a mineshaft filled with monsters and a Fey who is scary sexy and actually really nice. He has to work with exiles from other planets who are trying to take over the dungeon and then take over the Earth.
I wanted to wait to review this book when I had time to sit down and really say how much I enjoyed it. I don't want to give too much away, but our MC who was raised on Earth and thought he was just really short and wide found out that he really is a dwarf. And finds himself at the bottom of a mineshaft filled with monsters and a Fey who is scary sexy and actually really nice. He has to work with exiles from other planets who are trying to take over the dungeon and then take over the Earth.
August 27, 2023
This has horrible pacing issues.
The beginning just acted as an intro to the system, it was drawn out far too long. By the time additional characters were added, I just didn't care. I had already lost interest. The completely random additions had no solid basis so none of them were attention getting. By the end I was skimming through combat the gas no attachment to any of the characters.
The beginning just acted as an intro to the system, it was drawn out far too long. By the time additional characters were added, I just didn't care. I had already lost interest. The completely random additions had no solid basis so none of them were attention getting. By the end I was skimming through combat the gas no attachment to any of the characters.
June 24, 2024
Stinker
The author is very talented. However, I fell asleep 3 times before I got to 70% and I realized the main character would be stuck in the same dungeon for the whole book. Also, the progression was too slow and the stat sheets were given too often. I never did understand the meaning of many of the characteristics. Pick up the pace and get him out of the dungeon. And a bee sized fairy as the Queen with power to kick everyone's butt. I don't think so.
The author is very talented. However, I fell asleep 3 times before I got to 70% and I realized the main character would be stuck in the same dungeon for the whole book. Also, the progression was too slow and the stat sheets were given too often. I never did understand the meaning of many of the characteristics. Pick up the pace and get him out of the dungeon. And a bee sized fairy as the Queen with power to kick everyone's butt. I don't think so.
August 8, 2021
Recent start
As the author himself admits, this story has some odd pacing and inconsistencies in the storylines but overall a solid start. The characters are engaging and the MC has quirks and a great potential. So I will definitely give the next book a read and see how the author grows.
As the author himself admits, this story has some odd pacing and inconsistencies in the storylines but overall a solid start. The characters are engaging and the MC has quirks and a great potential. So I will definitely give the next book a read and see how the author grows.
February 22, 2022
Better than I thought it would be...
I was worried that it would be the same dwarf trope, cranky but strong, you know. But it was very different and I was pleasantly surprised. It does have some grammatical errors but they are easy to fix, especially considering the author is not a native English speaker. He did very well. I look forward to the next one!
I was worried that it would be the same dwarf trope, cranky but strong, you know. But it was very different and I was pleasantly surprised. It does have some grammatical errors but they are easy to fix, especially considering the author is not a native English speaker. He did very well. I look forward to the next one!
April 4, 2022
Not bad. I liked this take on a litrpg. I would prefer a more in-depth system that gives more than what a stereotypical fantasy dwarf troupe rewards. A dwarf happens to be adopted as a child on earth and he just so happens to be a master blacksmith?????? REALLY?!?!?!?!
3.5 /5 will read any sequels
3.5 /5 will read any sequels
July 21, 2024
Dwarf, the mine and the RPG apocalypse
Pretty good first part of the story, but the progression seems to take a long time. Seems like this was translated to english, just by the phrasing and sentence structure.
All in all it is enjoyable, and looking forward to book 2.
Thank you.
Pretty good first part of the story, but the progression seems to take a long time. Seems like this was translated to english, just by the phrasing and sentence structure.
All in all it is enjoyable, and looking forward to book 2.
Thank you.
September 11, 2024
1st book
I like Derrick. He's an interesting character and I want to know his whole story. Yes there's some issues with this 1st book. But I feel they don't take away from the story. In fact the author has been attempting to fix the issues and plans on continuing the characters story which I find to be worth reading. Book 2 is now out and I'm off to go read it.
I like Derrick. He's an interesting character and I want to know his whole story. Yes there's some issues with this 1st book. But I feel they don't take away from the story. In fact the author has been attempting to fix the issues and plans on continuing the characters story which I find to be worth reading. Book 2 is now out and I'm off to go read it.
June 3, 2021
Waste of money
First thing the spaces between sentences was to wide !! The writer put in big words a 18 year old would never use,then he would start cussing! Another writer that needs to be put on a blacklist!!
First thing the spaces between sentences was to wide !! The writer put in big words a 18 year old would never use,then he would start cussing! Another writer that needs to be put on a blacklist!!
June 29, 2021
Good story!
Really enjoyed the book, and I can really see the potential for the series. The grammar and spelling mistakes make for a less fluid read, but it doesn't take away from the story itself. Good characters, and looking forward to reading more.
Really enjoyed the book, and I can really see the potential for the series. The grammar and spelling mistakes make for a less fluid read, but it doesn't take away from the story itself. Good characters, and looking forward to reading more.
July 22, 2021
Amazing.
What a wonderful story. Derek is a great Mc to follow and I really enjoyed the story as a whole. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. Definitely worth the read
What a wonderful story. Derek is a great Mc to follow and I really enjoyed the story as a whole. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. Definitely worth the read
August 5, 2021
Mixed. Very mixed.
Excellent system and avatars, terrible dialogue, sounding immature and stilted. The magic and system were well done, but the characters were simple, lacking depth. I think this may develop into a good writer, but has a ways to go.
Excellent system and avatars, terrible dialogue, sounding immature and stilted. The magic and system were well done, but the characters were simple, lacking depth. I think this may develop into a good writer, but has a ways to go.
August 10, 2021
Poor writing
Perhaps targeted at a younger audience. Writing is poor and uninteresting, managed to suffer through 5 chapters. Or maybe the generic litrpg plot hook isn't enough for me anymore.
Perhaps targeted at a younger audience. Writing is poor and uninteresting, managed to suffer through 5 chapters. Or maybe the generic litrpg plot hook isn't enough for me anymore.
January 12, 2022
Well damn
Wow! This is got to be one of the most surprisingly good books in the genre that I have run across! You care for the characters, you enjoy the setting, and the storyline is pleasant! I can't wait for the sequel!
Wow! This is got to be one of the most surprisingly good books in the genre that I have run across! You care for the characters, you enjoy the setting, and the storyline is pleasant! I can't wait for the sequel!
May 13, 2024
Good read for teens.
A coming of age story for a youth who has learned blacksmithing from his adopted father.
He is in a mine as the world suddenly transforms.
A few spelling and grammar errors can be overlooked.
A coming of age story for a youth who has learned blacksmithing from his adopted father.
He is in a mine as the world suddenly transforms.
A few spelling and grammar errors can be overlooked.
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