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Banned #1
Banned (Book 1): A LitRPG Adventure Series
They shouldn’t have pissed off a virtual world top player by erasing his character for a highly questionable “violation of game rules”— and taking away his valuable in-game possessions. After returning to the virtual world under a different nickname, an unknown newb puts everything on the line by selecting the most difficult Hardcore a single life that’s so easy to lose in the dangerous game world.
In search of his former character’s treasures, the newb breaks old stereotypes to become the sandbox terror, punishing those who banned him, monsters, rivals, enemy players, and anyone else who happens to get into his sharp-clawed paws!
In search of his former character’s treasures, the newb breaks old stereotypes to become the sandbox terror, punishing those who banned him, monsters, rivals, enemy players, and anyone else who happens to get into his sharp-clawed paws!
463 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
124 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Michael Atamanov
55 books557 followersMichael Atamanov was born in 1975 in Grozny, Chechnia. He excelled at school, winning numerous national science and writing competitions. Having graduated with honors, he entered Moscow University to study material engineering. Soon, however, he had no home to return to: their house was destroyed during the first Chechen campaign. Michael's family fled the war, taking shelter with some relatives in Stavropol Territory in the South of Russia.
Having graduated from the University, Michael was forced to accept whatever work was available. He moonlighted in chemical labs, loaded trucks, translated technical articles, worked as a software installer as well as scene shifter for local artists and events. At the same time he never stopped writing, even when squatting in some seedy Moscow hostels. Writing became an urgent need for Michael, driving him to submit articles to science publications, news fillers for a variety of web sites and a plethora of technical and copywriting gigs.
Then one day unexpectedly for himself he started writing fairy tales and science fiction novels. For several years, his audience consisted of only one person: Michael's elder son. Then, at the end of 2014 he decided to upload one of his manuscripts to a free online writers resource. Readers liked it and demanded a sequel. Michael uploaded another book, and yet another, his audience growing as did his list. It was his readers who helped Michael hone his writing style. He finally had the breakthrough he deserved when the Moscow-based EKSMO - the biggest publishing house in Europe - offered him a contract for his first and consequent books.
Having graduated from the University, Michael was forced to accept whatever work was available. He moonlighted in chemical labs, loaded trucks, translated technical articles, worked as a software installer as well as scene shifter for local artists and events. At the same time he never stopped writing, even when squatting in some seedy Moscow hostels. Writing became an urgent need for Michael, driving him to submit articles to science publications, news fillers for a variety of web sites and a plethora of technical and copywriting gigs.
Then one day unexpectedly for himself he started writing fairy tales and science fiction novels. For several years, his audience consisted of only one person: Michael's elder son. Then, at the end of 2014 he decided to upload one of his manuscripts to a free online writers resource. Readers liked it and demanded a sequel. Michael uploaded another book, and yet another, his audience growing as did his list. It was his readers who helped Michael hone his writing style. He finally had the breakthrough he deserved when the Moscow-based EKSMO - the biggest publishing house in Europe - offered him a contract for his first and consequent books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 12, 2025
Banned (Book 1): A LitRPG Adventure Series by Michael Atamanov
A competent revenge fantasy that successfully channels gamer frustration into narrative momentum, though its protagonist's transformation from victim to "sandbox terror" reveals troubling power fantasies beneath the LitRPG mechanics.
Plot Structure and Premise: Banned opens with a premise familiar to any gamer who has suffered arbitrary administrative punishment—a top-tier player loses his character and valuable possessions due to questionable rule enforcement. Rather than simply moving on, the protagonist returns under a new identity, selecting the most punishing "Hardcore mode" where death means permanent character loss, transforming his quest for justice into a high-stakes gamble.
The revenge framework provides clear motivation and escalating stakes, while the hardcore mode adds genuine tension to combat encounters. Atamanov demonstrates understanding of MMO player psychology, particularly the bitter frustration of losing progress to seemingly arbitrary authority.
Protagonist Analysis - Arthur/"Dog of the Forgotten Pack": The central character represents a fascinating study in justified grievance corrupted by escalating violence. Initially sympathetic as a victim of corporate gaming injustice, Arthur's transformation into the "sandbox terror" who punishes everyone: those who banned him, monsters, rivals, enemy players, and anyone else who happens to get into his sharp-clawed paws reveals the dangerous psychology of aggrieved entitlement.
Character Development Arc:
Initial Victimization: Arthur begins as sympathetic—an experienced player stripped of achievements through corporate caprice, representing legitimate grievance against arbitrary authority.
Strategic Rebirth: His choice of hardcore mode demonstrates both tactical thinking and self-destructive tendencies—risking everything for the chance at revenge rather than simply starting fresh.
Moral Degradation: The transformation into "sandbox terror" who targets indiscriminately suggests the protagonist's justice quest has devolved into generalized hostility toward the game world and its inhabitants.
The protagonist's targeting of "anyone else who happens to get into his sharp-clawed paws" demonstrates how personal grievance can expand into generalized misanthropy. He begins seeking justice against specific wrongdoers but evolves into a threat to anyone within reach—a classic escalation pattern seen in real-world revenge scenarios.
LitRPG Mechanics and World-Building: Atamanov demonstrates technical competence in game system design, with the hardcore mode creating genuine stakes for character advancement. The treasure hunt element provides concrete goals while the player-versus-player conflicts generate ongoing tension. His experience with titles like Reality Benders and The Dark Herbalist shows in the systematic approach to game mechanics.
However, the focus on punishment and revenge limits exploration of the virtual world's broader possibilities. Unlike Atamanov's other works that explore complex political systems or character progression, Banned reduces the game world to an arena for personal vendettas.
The "breaking old stereotypes" mentioned in the synopsis suggests the book positions Arthur's violence as innovative gameplay rather than antisocial behavior. This framing reflects broader issues in gaming culture where griefing and harassment get recontextualized as legitimate play styles.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩ out of 5 glowing stars
July 3, 2025
More of a 4.5/5.
And the blurb makes it sound much more bloodthirsty than it really is. There's no John Wick-ing going on here. Arthur is (rightly) pissed off and he wants all the loot he stashed. Yeah. I would be pissed off too! And then he hatches a long-shot plan and goes about it, with LOTS of twists and turns into new areas, and new game play styles.
As another reviewer mentioned, the reason for the ban from the first game is never really explained well. I rationalize it as "Well, you're playing someone else's game. You don't own it; they make the rules. If they want to change the rules on you, or even throw out the rules, then they can." In my head probably some rich player told them to do it, so they did.
I really like how this is a game, not isekai where someone gets pulled into a different, magical, world. Half the story is real time, about 25 years from now, half is in game, and it switches back and forth. However, that leads to a bit of a niggle for me. His new character, "Dog" is sometimes referenced as "Dog" and sometimes "I". For example, "Although Dog had food supplies set aside for his long journey, I was hesitant to use them...". The author keeps flipping back and forth like that, and it takes me out of the game. Which might be the point? To illustrate it's just a character? Which is why I didn't take off any points for it. Just something that's a bit odd.
Another odd thing I noticed is that the second game is somehow almost identical (in terms of ratings, and loot, and stats) as the first game. We know this because Arthur/Dog sometimes reviews how he did things in the old game vs what he wants to do now, in the new game. And what he did, usually works again, here. I thought games like to be unique. Even though these two games are merging in two weeks time, I would expect more differences. The second game is from an oriental company with different character types (the half-animals) and I like that. I just expected more differences. I think it would be cool if something trips up Dog because he was expecting something from the first game but it was different here in the second one. I have yet to see it happen.
The one thing that leads to a negative half-star is the levelling. It's just too darn fast. Dog hits a foe with a sword and boom; some skill level goes up. That's just stupid. The guy isn't even vanquished yet. You tapped him, and you go up a level. Sheesh. The thing that allows me to accept it, is that everyone is treated the same. It's not just the MC, but all the players, and even the NPCs. At least it's consistently stupid.
And that's about all I can find to criticize. The writing is interesting. There's lots of action. The MC isn't a jerk; in fact he's kind of a nice guy. There's a little bit of fetishization of women, but it's actually not bad. No harems here, thank goodness. The world building is so-so; nothing really special about it other than there are a LOT of half-animal characters. Like Dog, who is a half-wolf. That's different.
And the blurb makes it sound much more bloodthirsty than it really is. There's no John Wick-ing going on here. Arthur is (rightly) pissed off and he wants all the loot he stashed. Yeah. I would be pissed off too! And then he hatches a long-shot plan and goes about it, with LOTS of twists and turns into new areas, and new game play styles.
As another reviewer mentioned, the reason for the ban from the first game is never really explained well. I rationalize it as "Well, you're playing someone else's game. You don't own it; they make the rules. If they want to change the rules on you, or even throw out the rules, then they can." In my head probably some rich player told them to do it, so they did.
I really like how this is a game, not isekai where someone gets pulled into a different, magical, world. Half the story is real time, about 25 years from now, half is in game, and it switches back and forth. However, that leads to a bit of a niggle for me. His new character, "Dog" is sometimes referenced as "Dog" and sometimes "I". For example, "Although Dog had food supplies set aside for his long journey, I was hesitant to use them...". The author keeps flipping back and forth like that, and it takes me out of the game. Which might be the point? To illustrate it's just a character? Which is why I didn't take off any points for it. Just something that's a bit odd.
Another odd thing I noticed is that the second game is somehow almost identical (in terms of ratings, and loot, and stats) as the first game. We know this because Arthur/Dog sometimes reviews how he did things in the old game vs what he wants to do now, in the new game. And what he did, usually works again, here. I thought games like to be unique. Even though these two games are merging in two weeks time, I would expect more differences. The second game is from an oriental company with different character types (the half-animals) and I like that. I just expected more differences. I think it would be cool if something trips up Dog because he was expecting something from the first game but it was different here in the second one. I have yet to see it happen.
The one thing that leads to a negative half-star is the levelling. It's just too darn fast. Dog hits a foe with a sword and boom; some skill level goes up. That's just stupid. The guy isn't even vanquished yet. You tapped him, and you go up a level. Sheesh. The thing that allows me to accept it, is that everyone is treated the same. It's not just the MC, but all the players, and even the NPCs. At least it's consistently stupid.
And that's about all I can find to criticize. The writing is interesting. There's lots of action. The MC isn't a jerk; in fact he's kind of a nice guy. There's a little bit of fetishization of women, but it's actually not bad. No harems here, thank goodness. The world building is so-so; nothing really special about it other than there are a LOT of half-animal characters. Like Dog, who is a half-wolf. That's different.
March 24, 2025
I read the ARC for this one before it was listed here on Goodreads so this review is a little late.
The MC getting banned doesn't make sense but it is the hook for the series.
Although the MC is banned from the original game he joins another game that is merging with the game he has been banned from. Now anyone with a brain knows that they can't get on your case if they merge with another game that you are playing. However, this is the entire hook of the story. So in this world you get banned you are apparently boned.
The MC is after the loot his banned character has hidden away.
Should only take a few books to get that out of the way and then I figure it will be him trying not to get caught as a banned player as he runs around basically wreaking the game and other players.
It isn't deep and if you basically ignore the entire banned reasoning the story itself is a good way to kill an afternoon.
7/10 The start and finished date on this one are unknown so I set it for today.
The MC getting banned doesn't make sense but it is the hook for the series.
Although the MC is banned from the original game he joins another game that is merging with the game he has been banned from. Now anyone with a brain knows that they can't get on your case if they merge with another game that you are playing. However, this is the entire hook of the story. So in this world you get banned you are apparently boned.
The MC is after the loot his banned character has hidden away.
Should only take a few books to get that out of the way and then I figure it will be him trying not to get caught as a banned player as he runs around basically wreaking the game and other players.
It isn't deep and if you basically ignore the entire banned reasoning the story itself is a good way to kill an afternoon.
7/10 The start and finished date on this one are unknown so I set it for today.
April 29, 2025
While it is hard to deny the fact that this book has been written many times with just different flavors it was still a charming read by the end.
The introduction of companions definitely takes away from the “Top Solo Player” vibe I got at the beginning they are nice and good editions to the atmosphere in their own way.
I found my self never really uninterested in what ever quest might pop up and this book does a good job of really powering up the character through stats and levels.
Personally I think I will read the next book, this one ends on a cliff hanger but I will probably read other things first.
As a whole not bad but could be better.
The introduction of companions definitely takes away from the “Top Solo Player” vibe I got at the beginning they are nice and good editions to the atmosphere in their own way.
I found my self never really uninterested in what ever quest might pop up and this book does a good job of really powering up the character through stats and levels.
Personally I think I will read the next book, this one ends on a cliff hanger but I will probably read other things first.
As a whole not bad but could be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
I received a review copy of this book.
Very well done first in a series. The world is interesting, the characters are complex, and the storyline promises plenty of unique situations throughout the entire series. I can easily recommend this one if you're a LitRPG fan, and as a added bonus, this is one that takes place both in the real world and in the game world, which seems to be an increasingly rare thing lately.
Very well done first in a series. The world is interesting, the characters are complex, and the storyline promises plenty of unique situations throughout the entire series. I can easily recommend this one if you're a LitRPG fan, and as a added bonus, this is one that takes place both in the real world and in the game world, which seems to be an increasingly rare thing lately.
April 21, 2025
The protagonist gets himself banned from his favourite Mmoprg and uses a cunning plan to get the loot from his old deleted
The synopsis of the book is: freshly fired young man needs to make some quick bucks by exploiting online game mechanics.. luckily, his character is totally op for no real reason and keeps getting boons..
The synopsis of the book is: freshly fired young man needs to make some quick bucks by exploiting online game mechanics.. luckily, his character is totally op for no real reason and keeps getting boons..
March 4, 2025
Really fun book and characters
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, there was action in the book and in the real world. The twist at the end should definitely make book two interesting as well. I definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, there was action in the book and in the real world. The twist at the end should definitely make book two interesting as well. I definitely recommend this book.
July 2, 2025
3.5 stars
3.5 stars. DNF 80%.
Feels a bit too childish. The leveling speed is way too high. But what really disappointed me was wen the MC's character became 'prince' without any prior evidence that game players can hold nobility in the game.
3.5 stars. DNF 80%.
Feels a bit too childish. The leveling speed is way too high. But what really disappointed me was wen the MC's character became 'prince' without any prior evidence that game players can hold nobility in the game.
January 27, 2025
A great book
I absolutely loved reading this book th character was a joy and the flow of reading was wonderful. Keep up the good work!!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book th character was a joy and the flow of reading was wonderful. Keep up the good work!!!!
January 30, 2025
Good read. Nice twists.
I enjoyed the book. Read til early morning a few nights. Dog is a great character and is both ruthless and caring in equal parts. Cheers.
I enjoyed the book. Read til early morning a few nights. Dog is a great character and is both ruthless and caring in equal parts. Cheers.
February 27, 2025
The main character acts in two completely different ways. It is jarring and seems a cheap way to move story forward. Numerous typos and a simplistic setting make this middling at best.
January 13, 2026
Really interesting
Just a lot of good story hooks which get rolled into a really good story. Ended up being rather short and while we had an abrupt ending it wasn't an epilogue.
Just a lot of good story hooks which get rolled into a really good story. Ended up being rather short and while we had an abrupt ending it wasn't an epilogue.
February 3, 2026
Absolutely fantastic, I don't normally get into Vr-litrpg but this book absolutely kills it. I am ready to jump right into book 2!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews