Crystal Core

Crystal Core, Book 1

By: David Burke

Narrated by: Daniel Wisniewski, Rebecca Woods

Ryan lived his life on Earth trapped in his own body.

The doctors couldn't explain what was happening to him, but slowly, his body was crystallizing.

Then, a portal opened up on the ceiling of his hospital room. He'd seen that one in enough anime to recognize what was happening. It couldn't possibly be worse than the hell that was his life on Earth, not that he was given any choice.

Now, those who summoned him expect some type of hero. That isn't Ryan. Ryan wants freedom. He wants to live his life his way. He'll do the right thing when confronted with it, but he isn't out to be anyone's savior.

Of course, in a world under a brutal siege and surrounded by powerful cultivators, Ryan realizes the only path to freedom is becoming strong enough to make his own path. For once, the mysterious disease will work in his favor as he forms his Crystal Core.

This story features slow-burn romantic interests, world-building, a cultivation system with LitRPG framework, making fun of cultivation tropes, powerful supporting characters who have their own motivations and backgrounds, and an MC who has potential, but is still growing in power. Be warned, there is some mild cussing from some of the characters, and the MC undergoes a great deal of personal growth in this book so that he will be in the place he needs to be for the rest of the series.

©2023 David Burke (P)2024 Podium Audio

Middle School Sexual Tension Ruins It

I really just wanted to enjoy the story that kept getting interrupted by a bunch of middle school sexual fantasy.

good book

this book has some potential in the future I really liked it. I really wonder where it will go

Came because it was free. Stayed for the Voice

So, when I encountered this. I thought it was going to be another regular harem-lit-style book. Nothing particularly noteworthy, with some spice to keep the readers entertained. That was not what I ended up getting. First of all, when I started the book, I found myself thinking. Sir. This vocal performance is amazing. What are you doing narrating an audiobook like this? The vocal performance reminded me of Michael Kramer doing Mistborn. Obviously, this isn't Michael Kramer performing this, but I couldn't help but be reminded of Kelsier. That was already a sign that the voice work was going to be quite good.
Narratively speaking, this did some interesting things with a cultivation-based elemental magic system It naturally fell into the harem-lit plot points, but in an interesting way. To my surprise, it wasn't even a spicy book. I was surprised when the book faded to black, and by the lack of overt sexualisation of the cast. Yes, there was sexualisation, but not to an excessive or uncomfortable degree. The characters were strong and well written, and I believed in them and their place in the world.

Honestly, I don't recommend Harem-lit. It's not a genre that I actively indulge in. But I would gladly recommend this one.

Great start to a fun world

Enjoyed the world building and characters. The system seems fun and I can’t wait to read the next book

Baby

The protagonist is crying and complaining for more than half the book. It’s very annoying but I can tell this series has potential. This has to be one of the most disappointing first books. All the protagonist does is annoy everyone, cry for no reason, and complain about his op powers because he couldn’t move before he was transported. Yes he was paralyzed on earth but it very obvious that he doesn’t suffer from the same symptoms. He refuses to step up and only complains. He eventually gets his sh*t together but he has to be one of the most irritating protagonist. I really hope he changes the next book because I really like the premise of this story.