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Survival Quest

Book 1 in the series:The Way of the Shaman

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'Survival Quest' in the series 'The Way of the Shaman' by Vasily Mahanenko follows the story of Mohan, a character convicted to 8 years of grinding in a VR RPG as a new way for the government to profit from prisoners. The plot revolves around Mohan navigating a virtual world where death holds real consequences, adding tension and a sense of suffering that enhances the storytelling. The interaction between fellow prisoners, NPCs, and the game dynamics drives the narrative, providing a unique and engaging perspective on the litRPG genre. Despite some initial slow pacing and awkward moments, the book offers a fresh take on the genre with unpredictable game elements and a protagonist who evolves through challenging circumstances.

The writing style of 'Survival Quest' is noted for its slight quirkiness and occasional errors, which, while not detracting from the overall meaning, may require some getting used to. introduces readers to a gaming environment that feels solid and immersive, with a dystopian backdrop that adds depth to the narrative. Through Mohan's journey, the author explores themes of struggle, consequences, and societal norms within a gaming world, creating a story that resonates with gamers and fans of the litRPG genre.

Characters:

Characters in the story are generally well-developed, especially the protagonist, but some may lack depth in comparison to the main character.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized as quirky with some errors, and includes detailed game mechanics that may not appeal to all readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Mohan, a prisoner forced into a VR RPG, where he faces unexpected challenges, adding both tension and depth to the storyline.

Setting:

The setting features a dystopian virtual reality, heavily focused on MMORPG elements, blending both gaming and real-life contexts.

Pacing:

Pacing begins slowly but accelerates, with a fast-paced and satisfying conclusion that rewards reader investment.
"... to find the defendant Daniel Mahan guilty of hacking the control program of the city sewage network, resulting in total system shut-down, and sentence him to confinement in a correctional capsul...

Notes:

The main character, Mohan, is sentenced to 8 years of grinding in a VR RPG as a form of prison punishment.
The story features elements that make death in the game more significant than in typical RPGs, adding tension to the storyline.
Interactions with fellow prisoners and NPCs drive the plot forward, making the experience engaging for the reader.
The series is set exclusively in a fantasy-themed MMORPG, which may not appeal to those unfamiliar with MMORPGs.
The author, Vasily Mahanenko, acknowledges some shortcomings in game mechanics that may not make sense in the RPG context.
The protagonist's class as a Shaman and his dual profession as a Jeweler adds unique gameplay dynamics.
Readers appreciate the character development and the struggles faced by the protagonist, enhancing the storytelling.
The book includes both game mechanics and real-life consequences, keeping the narrative grounded despite its fantastical elements.
Mahanenko's writing style reflects his Russian background, which may feel quirky or require adjustment for some readers.
Despite some issues with translation and grammar, many fans consider 'Survival Quest' to be a hidden gem in the LitRPG genre.

From The Publisher:

Barliona. A virtual world jam-packed with monsters, battles - and predictably, players. Millions of them come to Barliona, looking forward to the things they can't get in real life: elves and magic, dragons and princesses, and unforgettable combat. The game has become so popular that players now choose to spend months online without returning home. In Barliona, anything goes: you can assault fellow players, level up, become a mythical hero, a wizard or a legendary thief. The only rule that attempted to regulate the game demanded that no player was allowed to feel actual pain.But there's an exception to every rule. For a certain bunch of players, Barliona has become their personal hell. They are criminals sent to Barliona to serve their time. They aren't in it for the dragons' gold or the abundant loot. All they want is to survive the virtual inferno. They face the ultimate survival quest.

Ratings (31)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (8)
It Was OK (6)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (45):

Read It (31)
Want To Read (11)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (2)

About the Author:

Vasily Mahanenko is the author of several works of science fiction and fantasy, including the Way of the Shaman series. He graduated from Belgorod State University in Russia and currently works as a project manager.

 
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