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Novels with extensive D&D-style ruin/dungeon exploration?


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2nd Book of Swords by Fred Saberhagen features a dungeon as the primary setting. It's been a while (20+ years) since I read it, so my memory of the book is very dim - but I do remember it taking place mostly in a dungeon.

Not only does the 2nd book of swords take place in a dungeon, but its a huge dungeon. Think Castle Greyhawk, Undermountain, etc.
 

I am absolutely astounded that no one has even mentioned Quag Keep, by the famous old school sci-fi novelist Andre Norton (actually Alice Mary Norton).

Originally published in 1978, it's really the first-ever D&D book.

There was also a Return to Quag Keep, written by a protegee of Andre's (Alice's).

Not actually great fiction, but well worth checking out.
 

"The Enchanted Pilgrimage" by Clifford D. Simak is one I liked. There is another similar story by Simak, name escapes me at the moment.

For somewhat of a reversal of the tropes, try the "Time of the Dark" series by Barbara Hamby. It has civilization stuck in the "dungeons" (for a good reason) and venturing out into the wild world. Her "Sunwolf" books are more episodic, almost Conan clones in some ways--sparkle in places, but uneven stories that sometimes don't seem to really go anywhere. Where she brings it all together for a good, single novel is "Dragonsbane".

With Dennis McKiernan, I would start with "Dragondoom". It is much earlier in the chronology of Mithgar, and more "original" in plotting than some that comes later. Plus, McKiernan writes with an odd narrative "voice" in all of his Mithgar books. Here is a chance to find out if you like it or hate it in a one-book story. Also of interest is "Caverns of Socrates"--not written in that Mithgar voice at all, for a sci/fi twist on a mainly fantasy story.
 


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