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

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

If I can finish, I may adjust the rating.

I'm about four hours in and struggling to keep going. The issue I'm having so far is how dumb the MC is in this book. I understand the idea of being ignorant or gullible, but the issue arises when you claim over and over to understand things then completely show the opposite. So far the series just appears to be making a puppet as the MC. Which isn't bad if the other characters can be interesting but so far they have no depth other than being "alpha" and manipulative.

Can't wait for the next book.To come out

I listen to the story i'm very happy Just waiting for the next one to come out.

Great stuff

This was just a fun story with what is really a pg-13 rating. It had some elements of romance but no insta-love. It had a hero with power, but not so much that he was overwhelming. He just definitely hits above his weight class.

The first 3/4 weren’t good

Hated the MC. So much whining. You would’ve thought he would’ve grown a pair early on. I almost quit the book. The MC was so bad but the last 25% of the book somewhat redeemed the character, but I am still not a fan.

Fantastic book one!

Original take on the sickly main character summoned from earth to another universe. In this case the main character is likable, honorable and honest. Plenty of scheming and conniving characters surround the main to keep things interesting

Beware of Chicken reference made five stars gained.

This author is absolutely fantastic and made a reference to a fantastic series called beware of chicken. so I know he has read absolute peak and has created an amazing story as well I can't wait to read book two.

The dialogue and underpinnings of the magic system

I liked everything about the book from the pace to the dialogue and world building.I read the original book and am surprised by how much I liked the audiobook.

excellent story

I loved it! I listened to it as fast as I could! I can't wait for the next book!

good cultivation book start Little mad though

Good start to the story gets a little chaotic at the end. cliffhanger but I'm mad because audible shows three books in the series that I can purchase but their pre-orders only I really wish they'd stop offering pre-orders like yes I'll buy it but but why 6 months in the future or even 30 to 90 days come on