"dungeon"

2016 · Chugong · 270 chapters · Fantasy / Action

Solo Leveling is the Korean web novel that ignited a global phenomenon, following the weakest hunter in the world as he gains a unique leveling system and rises to become the strongest. The power progression is intoxicating, the shadow army mechanic is visually and narratively inspired, and the pacing never lets up. The supporting cast is paper-thin, the plot serves the power fantasy rather than the other way around, and the ending feels rushed, but the core appeal of watching Sung Jin-Woo's ascent is so well-executed that these flaws barely register during the reading experience.

2018 · Dakota Krout · 334 pages · Fantasy / LitRPG

The Ritualist offers a LitRPG experience focused on crafting and ritual magic rather than combat leveling, giving its protagonist a class that rewards creativity and preparation over raw fighting ability. Dakota Krout's humor and the unique class focus provide enough novelty to distinguish it from the combat-heavy LitRPG standard. The writing is serviceable but not polished, the pacing can feel scattered as the protagonist bounces between activities, and the game world's rules are sometimes inconsistent.