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Dark Paladin #2
The Quest
Surviving in a tough situation is not always the best option; sometimes dying is much better than staying alive. The Academy showed Paladin Yaropolk what makes the world go round: pragmatism and personal gain. Restart was set in motion, but it only makes players more frantic. Now everyone plays only for himself. Yaropolk faces the same dilemma: be like all of them, or keep his humanity and be known as an odd duck. Because there is only one rule in this world: kill or be killed…
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2017
212 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Vasily Mahanenko
98 books1,096 followersBe the first to know when Vasily Mahanenko’s next book is available! Follow him at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/v-mah... to get an alert whenever he has a new release, preorder, or discount!
Vasily Mahanenko is a fantasy author working in the new genre of LitRPG - the MMO-based fantasy and sci fi. His Way of the Shaman series took Russian literature by storm in 2012.
Vasily dipped into his college-days insider knowledge as a hardcore gamer in order to create a believable world of the virtual-reality MMO game. His bestselling series combines fiction and video games, telling the story of Shaman and his friends stuck in the ruthless reality of Barliona. He used his more than ten years' experience as an ERP implementation project manager to approach his writing in a well-organized manner, working to a strict schedule, a set of deadlines and even a budget. At the moment, the series boasts six novels with the seventh one in the works - this time the author expands on stories of Shaman's companions and those who helped and supported him in his trials and tribulations.
The first book of the series has already been translated into English, with more translations to follow, aiming to make the Way of the Shaman series available to the English-language reader in its entirety.
Vasily's other passion is space exploration which is why he now works on a follow-up series entitled Galaktiona. Set in a space-simulator based world, the first book of the series in already finished while Vasily works on its sequel.
Vasily Mahanenko is a fantasy author working in the new genre of LitRPG - the MMO-based fantasy and sci fi. His Way of the Shaman series took Russian literature by storm in 2012.
Vasily dipped into his college-days insider knowledge as a hardcore gamer in order to create a believable world of the virtual-reality MMO game. His bestselling series combines fiction and video games, telling the story of Shaman and his friends stuck in the ruthless reality of Barliona. He used his more than ten years' experience as an ERP implementation project manager to approach his writing in a well-organized manner, working to a strict schedule, a set of deadlines and even a budget. At the moment, the series boasts six novels with the seventh one in the works - this time the author expands on stories of Shaman's companions and those who helped and supported him in his trials and tribulations.
The first book of the series has already been translated into English, with more translations to follow, aiming to make the Way of the Shaman series available to the English-language reader in its entirety.
Vasily's other passion is space exploration which is why he now works on a follow-up series entitled Galaktiona. Set in a space-simulator based world, the first book of the series in already finished while Vasily works on its sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 12, 2017
I have to admit, I wasn't super into the first book, but I do enjoy Mahanenko's Shaman Series so I gave the second book a try. Unfortunately, the darker tone of the first book not only persists in this book, but intensifies. On top of that, the clear story line of the first book has given over to the much less focused open world. Sure, broadly, the story line is still nominally about the impending restart, but functionally it's just doing quests without a clear narrative connection to the overall story arc. Really, the overall plot line isn't advanced at all until the last 1/10th of the book.
Another issue is Alexandra Tusing's translation. For Mahanenko's other books, I couldn't really tell they were translated where this one has some awkward sentence structures that make it clear that English wasn't it's original language. Natalia Nikitin did a really good job with his Shaman series in that respect. Here, though, there's regular grammatical oddities that, while perfectly understandable, are a constant bur in the story giving it an underlying irritation throughout the whole thing.
Side Note: Mahanenko seems to have a strange issue with women. Between all his series, women seem to either be sadistic monsters, Useless and overly emotional, or low intelligence toys. His main characters seem to always think very poorly of them. If you're someone easily offended by that, you might want to avoid his books.
Another issue is Alexandra Tusing's translation. For Mahanenko's other books, I couldn't really tell they were translated where this one has some awkward sentence structures that make it clear that English wasn't it's original language. Natalia Nikitin did a really good job with his Shaman series in that respect. Here, though, there's regular grammatical oddities that, while perfectly understandable, are a constant bur in the story giving it an underlying irritation throughout the whole thing.
Side Note: Mahanenko seems to have a strange issue with women. Between all his series, women seem to either be sadistic monsters, Useless and overly emotional, or low intelligence toys. His main characters seem to always think very poorly of them. If you're someone easily offended by that, you might want to avoid his books.
July 1, 2017
Die Geschichte empfinde ich als sehr durcheinander und kompliziert, ausserdem gibt es für mich keinen Sympathieträger. Trotzdem will ich noch immer wissen, was passiert, wie das chaos aufgelöst wird...
June 30, 2017
King of litrpg
King of litrpg .................................
Really love this series and author..............................
Russia litrpg at its best......................
Great characters and world. Long live the king.
King of litrpg .................................
Really love this series and author..............................
Russia litrpg at its best......................
Great characters and world. Long live the king.
August 8, 2017
The endless amount of plottwists detracts a bit from the rollercoaster ride that is this book. While I still find the Dark Paladin world very interesting I must say that Mahanenko's habit of explaining everything afterwards (instead of the events being logical conclusions of what came before) makes for very detached reading. I like the main character and I believe the story has a lot of potential but it would benefit from a little less Deus ex machina and a little more actual development of plotlines
September 23, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings, fellow beings of HowlStrom. I am Kiba Snowpaw, an alpha male Ice Wolf with the power of ice magic, hailing from our icy realm. As someone who has been gaming all my life, I've ventured into the realm of audiobooks to experience stories in a different light. Today, I bring forth my thoughts on "The Quest - Dark Paladin, Book 2" by Vasily Mahanenko, narrated by Kevin Kraft.
Basic Plot Summary:
The world of Paladin Yaropolk is one of pragmatism and personal gain, as taught by the Academy. With the Restart set in motion, players have become more self-centered, playing solely for their own benefit. Yaropolk is faced with a choice: to become like the rest or to retain his humanity and stand out. In this world, it's either kill or be killed.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The story delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Paladin Yaropolk, as he grapples with the moral dilemmas of his world. The narrative is intense, and the stakes are high, making for a gripping listen.
Characters:
Yaropolk, our Paladin, is the heart of this tale. His internal struggles and the choices he makes are central to the story's progression. While some characters in the story might appear one-dimensional, Yaropolk's depth and development are commendable.
Structure:
The audiobook is structured well, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The pacing is consistent, ensuring that the listener remains engaged throughout.
Impact:
The story leaves a lasting impression, making one ponder the nature of humanity and the choices we make when faced with adversity.
Hook and Thesis:
The hook of the story lies in its unique premise and the moral dilemmas it presents. It's a tale that questions the very nature of humanity and what it means to retain one's soul in a world driven by selfish desires.
Praise and Critique:
The narrative is compelling, and the world-building is top-notch. However, several listeners have pointed out issues with the translation, feeling it could have been smoother. The narration by Kevin Kraft has received mixed reviews, with some appreciating his efforts while others felt he could have slowed down for better clarity.
Comparison:
Compared to Mahanenko's other works, especially the "Way of the Shaman" series, this book offers a darker tone and a more introspective look into its protagonist's psyche.
Conclusion:
"The Quest - Dark Paladin, Book 2" is a thought-provoking tale that delves deep into the moral choices one makes in a world driven by personal gain. While it has its flaws, especially in translation, it remains a worthy listen for those seeking a deeper narrative. As an Ice Wolf from HowlStrom, I appreciate tales that make one reflect, and this audiobook does just that. May your journeys be filled with adventure and introspection.
Review by Kiba Snowpaw of HowlStrom.
Greetings, fellow beings of HowlStrom. I am Kiba Snowpaw, an alpha male Ice Wolf with the power of ice magic, hailing from our icy realm. As someone who has been gaming all my life, I've ventured into the realm of audiobooks to experience stories in a different light. Today, I bring forth my thoughts on "The Quest - Dark Paladin, Book 2" by Vasily Mahanenko, narrated by Kevin Kraft.
Basic Plot Summary:
The world of Paladin Yaropolk is one of pragmatism and personal gain, as taught by the Academy. With the Restart set in motion, players have become more self-centered, playing solely for their own benefit. Yaropolk is faced with a choice: to become like the rest or to retain his humanity and stand out. In this world, it's either kill or be killed.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The story delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Paladin Yaropolk, as he grapples with the moral dilemmas of his world. The narrative is intense, and the stakes are high, making for a gripping listen.
Characters:
Yaropolk, our Paladin, is the heart of this tale. His internal struggles and the choices he makes are central to the story's progression. While some characters in the story might appear one-dimensional, Yaropolk's depth and development are commendable.
Structure:
The audiobook is structured well, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The pacing is consistent, ensuring that the listener remains engaged throughout.
Impact:
The story leaves a lasting impression, making one ponder the nature of humanity and the choices we make when faced with adversity.
Hook and Thesis:
The hook of the story lies in its unique premise and the moral dilemmas it presents. It's a tale that questions the very nature of humanity and what it means to retain one's soul in a world driven by selfish desires.
Praise and Critique:
The narrative is compelling, and the world-building is top-notch. However, several listeners have pointed out issues with the translation, feeling it could have been smoother. The narration by Kevin Kraft has received mixed reviews, with some appreciating his efforts while others felt he could have slowed down for better clarity.
Comparison:
Compared to Mahanenko's other works, especially the "Way of the Shaman" series, this book offers a darker tone and a more introspective look into its protagonist's psyche.
Conclusion:
"The Quest - Dark Paladin, Book 2" is a thought-provoking tale that delves deep into the moral choices one makes in a world driven by personal gain. While it has its flaws, especially in translation, it remains a worthy listen for those seeking a deeper narrative. As an Ice Wolf from HowlStrom, I appreciate tales that make one reflect, and this audiobook does just that. May your journeys be filled with adventure and introspection.
Review by Kiba Snowpaw of HowlStrom.
September 16, 2019
This series started off really excellent. There are a lot of major points that are great.
The way this book keeps stringing you along the main story point of what is reset and how do we find the people involved is great. The twists and side stories that start to unfold and show you why reset exists, why they are in a hurry, and what has been going wrong in the first place are amazing.
However I personally rated this book lower than the first due to what feels like being sidetracked. He finally starts to make his way in the real game world and the first thing that happens is he learns everyone knows about him and his book, and that they are all just using him as a puppet. Then it pushes him further down by shoving him onto what seems like a petty newbie quest to fine an amulet just to oppress him further. And this is where I don't like the story. I dont appreciate that that quest turns out to be the whole damn point of this book. He is totally lost, wandering through this quest just trying to deal with the outside influences upon him. Only to be revealed as just a mechanism to be used by the leaders to get the amulet back that was apparently the most important thing in the whole damn game world.
I am super suprised that he doesn't just tell people to fuck off and walk out on the quest after the 4bajillianth time that people belittle him for the sake of just using him to get their goal. Just about every instance of him getting the upper hand is revealed to just be scraps off of someone elses table, or what was being secretly handed to him to make him the proper pawn.
It really feels like the story is going to drive to a point where reset happens thanks to him and they just wipe him out complaining about how it took him too long to be a proper pawn for it.
The way this book keeps stringing you along the main story point of what is reset and how do we find the people involved is great. The twists and side stories that start to unfold and show you why reset exists, why they are in a hurry, and what has been going wrong in the first place are amazing.
However I personally rated this book lower than the first due to what feels like being sidetracked. He finally starts to make his way in the real game world and the first thing that happens is he learns everyone knows about him and his book, and that they are all just using him as a puppet. Then it pushes him further down by shoving him onto what seems like a petty newbie quest to fine an amulet just to oppress him further. And this is where I don't like the story. I dont appreciate that that quest turns out to be the whole damn point of this book. He is totally lost, wandering through this quest just trying to deal with the outside influences upon him. Only to be revealed as just a mechanism to be used by the leaders to get the amulet back that was apparently the most important thing in the whole damn game world.
I am super suprised that he doesn't just tell people to fuck off and walk out on the quest after the 4bajillianth time that people belittle him for the sake of just using him to get their goal. Just about every instance of him getting the upper hand is revealed to just be scraps off of someone elses table, or what was being secretly handed to him to make him the proper pawn.
It really feels like the story is going to drive to a point where reset happens thanks to him and they just wipe him out complaining about how it took him too long to be a proper pawn for it.
February 20, 2018
This time the story is going on... But the plot is quite complicated and some parts are not really needed. Globally the author knows the deal but the plot, the plot , the plot... We need more i$light humor and more accurate descriptions of what the player can do or not. Most items are deus-ex!
The Shaman cameo was a little to extreme... One full page on that is quite a lot as if you know the story you don't need it and if you don't it's useless... (plus the fact that the Shaman should not be there).
The Shaman cameo was a little to extreme... One full page on that is quite a lot as if you know the story you don't need it and if you don't it's useless... (plus the fact that the Shaman should not be there).
November 19, 2017
I am a tremendous fan of this author and the first book in this series is amazing. This one was also good, but it felt like Mahanenko just gave up towards the end and opted to chop it off short. I have read almost all of his books and I can tell that he didn't give this one his full attention. That's why I have to give him a 4 instead of a 5 here. I still have high hopes for the next one in this series however.
April 7, 2023
Book 2 of the Dark Paladin series. This is a fantastic book albeit the main character has a sex fixation like a teenage boy. Aside from that the story is well told and leaves you wondering what is really going on in parts. Lots of twists and turns, including one right at the end. Excited to start the final book in this. I would recommend this for mature YA. 16 and up should enjoy this one.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
September 14, 2017
The matrix meets video games
Overall not a bad read for fans of fantasy novels especially if you are a fan LitRPG or vasily mahanenko. It's not as good as The way of the Shaman or Galactagon but doesn't bog you down with game messages of leveling up and assorted game notices that bogs down other series in this genre and much better written than most other LitRPG books.
Overall not a bad read for fans of fantasy novels especially if you are a fan LitRPG or vasily mahanenko. It's not as good as The way of the Shaman or Galactagon but doesn't bog you down with game messages of leveling up and assorted game notices that bogs down other series in this genre and much better written than most other LitRPG books.
September 18, 2017
Okay read
The story goes on, with references to other books. Nothing fancy or difficult, easy to read and entertaining. The pocket dimension for training is undescribed and that annoys me.
The story goes on, with references to other books. Nothing fancy or difficult, easy to read and entertaining. The pocket dimension for training is undescribed and that annoys me.
July 25, 2017
More, now
This one is just as good as the first one. Every answer leads to more questions. The main character still has a lot to learn. The plot really starts to really get going and makes you want to read more. Now the waiting game begins.
This one is just as good as the first one. Every answer leads to more questions. The main character still has a lot to learn. The plot really starts to really get going and makes you want to read more. Now the waiting game begins.
June 21, 2019
Less sexism this book
April 11, 2021
Cliffhanger!
Definitely a different tact of LitRPG, very good. It does force you to read the 3rd book.
Not what I expected.
Definitely a different tact of LitRPG, very good. It does force you to read the 3rd book.
Not what I expected.
March 12, 2023
Bezhlavé skákanie, nulové vzťahy medzi postavami, pražiadna motivácia hlavného hrdinu. Rozmýšľam, prečo som sa po prvom dieli vôbec do ďalšieho púšťal.
April 8, 2018
Really... Mahan the Shaman really. Well it fits but still... I liked a lot of aspects of this book but... Why is he so lenient as a judge I mean if he is going to be dark shouldn't he be a little more hard in his sentences.. Just my opinion. Still loved the punishment he gave to Archibald. Slow karma.. Poor Nata such a poor stupid fool.. Wonder what's going to happen in the next book. Really want him to just say yea fuck you this shit is not going to keep going on..
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews