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Hackers of Artem #1
Underdog: City of Artem
Start from behind? Cheat the system!
Out of credits, with trash-tier mods and no hope, Bowdoin Katamari resides at the bottom of the pile in the city of Artem. A place where megacorporations, merc guilds and inner city pricks live like royalty while the rest suffer.
In spite of his poor prospects, this self-taught hacker does have a few things left. A seething hatred for the upper castes, a mind bursting with plots, and a like-minded crew determined to get ahead.
Down with the corpos – let the towers burn!
Out of credits, with trash-tier mods and no hope, Bowdoin Katamari resides at the bottom of the pile in the city of Artem. A place where megacorporations, merc guilds and inner city pricks live like royalty while the rest suffer.
In spite of his poor prospects, this self-taught hacker does have a few things left. A seething hatred for the upper castes, a mind bursting with plots, and a like-minded crew determined to get ahead.
Down with the corpos – let the towers burn!
740 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
44 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 2, 2023
This world has me so pumped
This book is a delicious rollercoaster. Just when you think we are about to be done, you look down and there’s another 52% of book left.
Then you keep reading and you have that feeling again, and you look down you are sitting at 78%.
What in the world! This book should be 3 and you are getting it for a steal for the price of one.
Great story, great characters, great world building. That’s it. Read it
This book is a delicious rollercoaster. Just when you think we are about to be done, you look down and there’s another 52% of book left.
Then you keep reading and you have that feeling again, and you look down you are sitting at 78%.
What in the world! This book should be 3 and you are getting it for a steal for the price of one.
Great story, great characters, great world building. That’s it. Read it
April 17, 2025
I liked it well enough. I don't fw endings that are so obviously setting up the next book. I appreciate a self contained story with potential to continue. if it did that it would have been better.
December 14, 2023
As a firm lover of all things cyberpunk, this could probably not have been more up my alley. During my read-through I got Neuromancer-vibes, felt I finally found an immersive Shadowrun universe (respect to the original SR novels, they just never really hit home for me) and had a vivid picture of Night City in my mind's eye, when the crew were moving around Artem. All in all unrivaled world-building.
Most of all I find myself being intriged by the characters themselves - while the story and pacing is good, I just want more pages fleshing out the characters while following them around in their Artem daily life. Comparably, I feel the same with most Neal Stephenson books.
5/5 would recommend to anyone with the slightest inclination toward cyberpunk (and likely punk-subculture in general).
Most of all I find myself being intriged by the characters themselves - while the story and pacing is good, I just want more pages fleshing out the characters while following them around in their Artem daily life. Comparably, I feel the same with most Neal Stephenson books.
5/5 would recommend to anyone with the slightest inclination toward cyberpunk (and likely punk-subculture in general).
January 13, 2024
A Riveting Dive into Cyber Espionage - "Underdog: City of Artem" by Lars Machmüller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⚝ (4/5)
Lars Machmüller's debut novel, "Underdog: City of Artem," thrusts readers into a thrilling world of cyber espionage and hackers, delivering a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends action, intrigue, and technological prowess.
Set in the near future, the story unfolds in the sprawling metropolis of Artem, a city dominated by cutting-edge technology and a clandestine underbelly of hackers and cybercriminals. The protagonist, an unlikely hero named Alex "Underdog" Petrov, finds himself inadvertently entangled in a web of conspiracy and corruption that threatens the very fabric of society.
Machmüller's storytelling is nothing short of electrifying, as he masterfully navigates the complex world of hacking, virtual realms, and the ever-present danger lurking behind every line of code. The author demonstrates a deep understanding of technology and effortlessly translates it into a narrative that is both accessible and engrossing for readers, regardless of their technical background.
The characters in "Underdog" are skillfully crafted, each with their own unique motivations and vulnerabilities. Alex, in particular, stands out as a relatable underdog who must harness his latent hacking abilities to confront the forces conspiring against him. The supporting cast adds depth and diversity, enhancing the overall richness of the narrative.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to paint a vivid picture of the City of Artem. The world-building is impeccable, with Machmüller immersing readers in a cyberpunk landscape filled with neon lights, dark alleyways, and virtual spaces that come alive with each passing chapter. The author's attention to detail creates an atmosphere that is both captivating and eerily plausible.
The pacing of the plot is relentless, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Machmüller seamlessly integrates real-world issues of privacy, corporate greed, and political machinations into the fictional narrative, giving the story a thought-provoking depth that elevates it beyond a mere techno-thriller.
"Underdog: City of Artem" is a tour de force in the cyberpunk genre, showcasing Lars Machmüller's talent for storytelling and his ability to make complex technological concepts accessible to a wide audience. This debut novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a riveting blend of action, suspense, and cutting-edge technology. It leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the "Hackers of Artem" series.
August 21, 2023
Excellent
Wonderful story, lots of ups and downs, loads of tension given with a measured hand. The story was excellent, the world building was top notch, and I really enjoyed the characterizations of the supporting crew. Everything just felt interesting and new at all times, but never did I feel pulled down in absolute dismay over the dystopian atmosphere. For me, that's a huge plus.
There were a couple of very minor typos, but nothing too immersion breaking. I look forward to the sequel!
Wonderful story, lots of ups and downs, loads of tension given with a measured hand. The story was excellent, the world building was top notch, and I really enjoyed the characterizations of the supporting crew. Everything just felt interesting and new at all times, but never did I feel pulled down in absolute dismay over the dystopian atmosphere. For me, that's a huge plus.
There were a couple of very minor typos, but nothing too immersion breaking. I look forward to the sequel!
August 28, 2023
Another amazing Artem story
This may be best read as the 2nd in the world, although no particular order is needed. This isn't too technical and merges into quite a few recognisable characters from the partner authors giving a great world build. Some good action scenes without being too stuck in the digital world alone and still gives some interesting character development. Well worth a read as is the other stories within the universe.
This may be best read as the 2nd in the world, although no particular order is needed. This isn't too technical and merges into quite a few recognisable characters from the partner authors giving a great world build. Some good action scenes without being too stuck in the digital world alone and still gives some interesting character development. Well worth a read as is the other stories within the universe.
April 10, 2024
You know, this was a very good book. But the last two missions felt kind of crammed, it could have been 3 different books and allowed it to breathe more. Especially the second, where the rest of the gang pretty much disappeared from the story until the very end and with minimal integration of the plot.
October 1, 2023
Rather enjoyable story
Enjoyable story. Characters are more than two dimensional. Introduction is bit weird..creates a sub character that is immediately killed off...just to set a scene.
Enjoyable story. Characters are more than two dimensional. Introduction is bit weird..creates a sub character that is immediately killed off...just to set a scene.
March 27, 2024
Cool book, it feels more like 3 short novellas then one long story, but it was funny and interesting.
4.5/5
4.5/5
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews