The Dungeon Book - Gareth Hanrahan

THE DUNGEON BOOK

GARETH HANRAHAN

****

Enter a world of dungeons and dragons, magic and manticores, goblins and gargoyles in this captivating standalone fantasy from the author of The Gutter Prayer

Bait doesn't remember a time before the dungeon, before the dragon stole her from her cot. She doesn't know what her name was before she was handed over to the monstrous denizens of the dungeon beneath the sorcerer's tower. Luckily for Bait, they decided not to eat her. And so, she grew up in the dark - the goblins her adopted family, a vengeful minotaur her protector, a sentient skull her tutor and a faithful blob of corridor slime her main source of nutrition.

But the labyrinthine dungeon, with its haunted halls, buried temples and forgotten magics, draws treasure hunters like moths to a flame. And as the outside world starts to intrude, Bait will learn what it means to be monstrous, and she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

MY REVIEW

****

As someone who loves fantasy and gaming, The Dungeon Book stood out to me as a must-read this summer.

Bait is a no ordinary girl – saved by a gargoyle, raised by goblins and protected by a minotaur, The Dungeon is her home, and she knows little of the outside world. But when she learns of her real identity, she must decide whether to stay, or to explore the wider world and meet a whole different kind of monster…

I loved the writing style of The Dungeon Book which is narrated by Cornelius the talking skull who used to be a famous wizard before being betrayed and killed. The writing style is humorous at times and reads as if you are hearing an ancient fantasy epic besides a roaring fire. All of the characters are quirky and have unique personalities which makes them easy to remember and relate to. It reminded me a little of ‘Once Was Willem’ by M.R. Carey, and if you enjoyed that book, you will love this one as well.

I was perhaps expecting a little more fantasy adventure, but the book is more about found family and working together. The plot still had me hooked though, and there’s a great progression throughout. I felt that I didn’t really know where it was going and I was just along for the ride and keen to see where we would end up!

Overall, if you love adventure and gaming, I think The Dungeon Book will appeal – it’s an epic tale with fun characters told in an engaging way. Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown Book Group UK – Orbit for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

LINKS TO BUY

Amazon UK

Waterstones