What do you think?
Rate this book
Realm of Arkon #5
The Long Road to Karn
When driven by a goal, the impossible oft becomes doable, like slaughtering an entire coven of the Twice Cursed God’s adepts without mercy, or leading a legion of demons to storm the last bastion of the Cursed Princedom. But as the impossible hurdles keep on coming, even that drive may not be enough for Krian to escape Demon Grounds, make it to the higher plane, reunite with his sister and friend, and exact vengeance on his mortal enemy...
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2017
180 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
G. Akella
28 books191 followersGeorgy Smorodinsky.
44 years old, live in Moscow, married with three daughters. Akella has been my game nickname for almost 17 years. My love affair with the MMORPG genre began with Ultima Online, and I played WoW from its release date. My main classes are Warrior, Rogue and Death Knight. Back in vanilla WoW I made Grand Marshall with my warrior, for those who still remember what that is. Throughout WoW’s existence I was present for the slaying of roughly 70-80% of raid bosses; in those encounters, I was the main tank about half the time. In vanilla, I was the guild master of Shadow Angels on the Executus server. The guild had approximately 250 members, with an average of 80 people online every day. Sometimes I led raids to MC and BWL (for those who remember, in vanilla raid groups maxed out at 40). I also spent some time playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. Presently I’m playing Black Desert.
Patch 17 is my first book. I had never written anything before it. I was inspired to start writing after reading D. Rus, A. Vasilev, R. Mikhaylov and V. Mahanenko. I wanted to create a world that lived by the game’s rules, to write a book that even gamers would enjoy reading. The same gamers who killed skeletons at the Vesper graveyard, stormed castles in Lineage 2, battled in Alterac Valley, and spent months chipping away at Nefarian and the Lich King.
Of utmost importance to me are: the logic of the game world, the immersion factor (for readers to feel as if they’re part of this world), and logical behavior of the book’s characters. So far so good, it would seem. Five of the books in the series are finished. Book three is in the process of being published. The first two books have sold out their initial print run, and more are being printed. The reviews from critics and fan feedback grow better with each new book. I sincerely hope that you will get to read book two of the series, The Cursed Princedom, in February.
Oh, and one day I dream of visiting San Francisco, the city where Patch 17 begins. Thank you, everyone, and happy reading.
Georgy Smorodinsky (Akella)
44 years old, live in Moscow, married with three daughters. Akella has been my game nickname for almost 17 years. My love affair with the MMORPG genre began with Ultima Online, and I played WoW from its release date. My main classes are Warrior, Rogue and Death Knight. Back in vanilla WoW I made Grand Marshall with my warrior, for those who still remember what that is. Throughout WoW’s existence I was present for the slaying of roughly 70-80% of raid bosses; in those encounters, I was the main tank about half the time. In vanilla, I was the guild master of Shadow Angels on the Executus server. The guild had approximately 250 members, with an average of 80 people online every day. Sometimes I led raids to MC and BWL (for those who remember, in vanilla raid groups maxed out at 40). I also spent some time playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. Presently I’m playing Black Desert.
Patch 17 is my first book. I had never written anything before it. I was inspired to start writing after reading D. Rus, A. Vasilev, R. Mikhaylov and V. Mahanenko. I wanted to create a world that lived by the game’s rules, to write a book that even gamers would enjoy reading. The same gamers who killed skeletons at the Vesper graveyard, stormed castles in Lineage 2, battled in Alterac Valley, and spent months chipping away at Nefarian and the Lich King.
Of utmost importance to me are: the logic of the game world, the immersion factor (for readers to feel as if they’re part of this world), and logical behavior of the book’s characters. So far so good, it would seem. Five of the books in the series are finished. Book three is in the process of being published. The first two books have sold out their initial print run, and more are being printed. The reviews from critics and fan feedback grow better with each new book. I sincerely hope that you will get to read book two of the series, The Cursed Princedom, in February.
Oh, and one day I dream of visiting San Francisco, the city where Patch 17 begins. Thank you, everyone, and happy reading.
Georgy Smorodinsky (Akella)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 10, 2018
Satisfying read!
We are back to Krian in this book. He’s had so much going on, just getting caught up on things he’s planned for a while, starting to deal with his new position, and moving ever onwards to freeing his wife and reaching his sister and Max takes a while. There were exciting points as well as happy and hopeful points as well.
I like the deep dive into the more relationship side of things for a little bit. It makes Krian more likable as a person, helps to keep him grounded, and makes the results of all his struggles that much more meaningful. Not that I’m not looking forward to more action too, because I am! I just really like that there is more depth to the character too. :)
We are back to Krian in this book. He’s had so much going on, just getting caught up on things he’s planned for a while, starting to deal with his new position, and moving ever onwards to freeing his wife and reaching his sister and Max takes a while. There were exciting points as well as happy and hopeful points as well.
I like the deep dive into the more relationship side of things for a little bit. It makes Krian more likable as a person, helps to keep him grounded, and makes the results of all his struggles that much more meaningful. Not that I’m not looking forward to more action too, because I am! I just really like that there is more depth to the character too. :)
July 26, 2017
I hate to leave a less than glowing review, but I was not impressed by this book in the least. I really loved books 1 to 3, but this one barely progressed and as some previous reviewer noted, there are SOOOO many flashbacks or retelling of the same series of events after which everyone stands around in a stupor and 3 pages of the book are dedicated to slapping them upside the head or dumping a vat of cold water on their head. Not to mention at every single turn of the page, Gloom is front and center and the object of complete and total admiration... We get it, he is a great beast but come on...enough is enough. Additionally, the goddess/elder lord wiping out a half mil strong army in less than a minute? Really? You could have at least milked the battle for a chapter vs. 2 sentences! My last complain is that it was over before anything really started, we left with more questions, more quests, and more unknowns then ever and at this point there are way to many open ended scenarios to account for that are pithy in the grand scheme of things. All in all, I was truly disappointed in this, especially after Book 4 completely deviated from Krian and then we get this lackluster book following a previous disappointment. I am hesitant to even continue reading in book 6, but we shall see
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2017
Went downhill
The first books in the series where good . Tbis book suckef im glad it got back to the main character but there was no action at all !! Juat briefly went into some fights were he was sure to die but miraculously for what ever reason wins.. 90% of the book is main character bitching and laminating on how the game and life sucks but oh well let not dwell on it 4 chapters later still on it !!one fight scene than back to moronic bitching.. was really expecting more from this book!! Really didn't mind going from main character in first book to splitting with his freind and sister in second. And just them im third. But honestly only book that was good was the first book!!
The first books in the series where good . Tbis book suckef im glad it got back to the main character but there was no action at all !! Juat briefly went into some fights were he was sure to die but miraculously for what ever reason wins.. 90% of the book is main character bitching and laminating on how the game and life sucks but oh well let not dwell on it 4 chapters later still on it !!one fight scene than back to moronic bitching.. was really expecting more from this book!! Really didn't mind going from main character in first book to splitting with his freind and sister in second. And just them im third. But honestly only book that was good was the first book!!
July 20, 2017
Decent book
Less translation errors than prior books and it does advance the story. Lots of filled where the past was repeatedly retold to this person or that. Seriously I did not keep count but I would estimate that happened a dozen times. There is good story there but if this was a tv series this book would be half flash backs. There were some major points that developed.
Less translation errors than prior books and it does advance the story. Lots of filled where the past was repeatedly retold to this person or that. Seriously I did not keep count but I would estimate that happened a dozen times. There is good story there but if this was a tv series this book would be half flash backs. There were some major points that developed.
July 24, 2017
Dear god... 80% of the book is internal dialogue between Krian and himself or first person exposition. With the exception of a couple of battle scenes everything else is forgettable and unnecessary.
I don't know if this was an issue with the translators or if it was really written like this, since following the release of book 4, there was a lot of words written about how it all would make sense following book 5.
I fail to see it.
I don't know if this was an issue with the translators or if it was really written like this, since following the release of book 4, there was a lot of words written about how it all would make sense following book 5.
I fail to see it.
April 2, 2019
Onward, but not yet upward.
This book is all Krian. The promise to Altus is fulfilled and the continental quest is completed. Then he turns his full attention to reconnecting with Max and Alonya. Of course he manages a few incredible encounters and some real game changing events. The "do pigs have wings and can they fly" scenario was a real treat. Gloom rocks. Again. (Avoiding some not so run of the mill spoilers here.)
This book is all Krian. The promise to Altus is fulfilled and the continental quest is completed. Then he turns his full attention to reconnecting with Max and Alonya. Of course he manages a few incredible encounters and some real game changing events. The "do pigs have wings and can they fly" scenario was a real treat. Gloom rocks. Again. (Avoiding some not so run of the mill spoilers here.)
July 18, 2017
Awesome read
Like others I was disappointed a bit with the 4th book in the series with it's concentration on secondary characters although I understood why the author did so. The book I just finished with the return of the main character Krian reminded me why I love this series so much. If you love litrpg than this series is a must read
Like others I was disappointed a bit with the 4th book in the series with it's concentration on secondary characters although I understood why the author did so. The book I just finished with the return of the main character Krian reminded me why I love this series so much. If you love litrpg than this series is a must read
July 27, 2017
Well huh
Got this book the day after I had surgery for detached retina couldn't wait to read it, thanks the surgery I had to wait a week it was definitely worth the wait he continues to build his characters smoothly with great flow for a story. I'm already looking forward to the next book
Got this book the day after I had surgery for detached retina couldn't wait to read it, thanks the surgery I had to wait a week it was definitely worth the wait he continues to build his characters smoothly with great flow for a story. I'm already looking forward to the next book
April 2, 2019
And series moves on
I liked the boomed, not as much as the last book in the series. That one, I had a hard time putting it down. This book, I had to power thru some slow spots. And this book was all about The lead character who was my favorite character. But after the last book, I’ve been liking Max. Anyway, still worth the read so you can stay abreast of the series.
I liked the boomed, not as much as the last book in the series. That one, I had a hard time putting it down. This book, I had to power thru some slow spots. And this book was all about The lead character who was my favorite character. But after the last book, I’ve been liking Max. Anyway, still worth the read so you can stay abreast of the series.
May 2, 2022
This is no longer a character running forward.
It is a character being led by the nose. The main character has lost that spark that made him so memorable. This guy does what he is told, and goes where he is led. He never would have made it to the graveyard from book one with his current attitude.
It is a character being led by the nose. The main character has lost that spark that made him so memorable. This guy does what he is told, and goes where he is led. He never would have made it to the graveyard from book one with his current attitude.
August 25, 2017
Outstanding Series !
Truely an awesome set of books can't wait for more translations. Besides being a great story will good pacing it is filled with humor. I highly recommend these books.
Truely an awesome set of books can't wait for more translations. Besides being a great story will good pacing it is filled with humor. I highly recommend these books.
October 2, 2017
I can't get enough
I can't put these Arkon books down. I am going to have to read all five again while waiting for
The next book. I am going to have serious withdrawals of i have to wait to long
I can't put these Arkon books down. I am going to have to read all five again while waiting for
The next book. I am going to have serious withdrawals of i have to wait to long
January 31, 2018
A fun and well constructed adventure!
These books really make me wish for a game with a world this well thought out. If you are a fan of mmorpgs or just good rpgs, or just like a good fantasy adventure I highly recommend this series...
These books really make me wish for a game with a world this well thought out. If you are a fan of mmorpgs or just good rpgs, or just like a good fantasy adventure I highly recommend this series...
May 6, 2018
Very Good 👍
Well story story has you following 2 friends road of adventure to power Although it's boring at times the action is really entertaining. Just wish the cost of each book was better?
Well story story has you following 2 friends road of adventure to power Although it's boring at times the action is really entertaining. Just wish the cost of each book was better?
November 25, 2024
It was fine but I've outgrown the series. Definitely old school LitRPG that was popular in the 2010s where a lot were Russian translations. This book was fine but I lost interest with it and the series.
July 17, 2017
Have to love the wifey. Poor dude. He is going to have a long hard life with a wife like that. Wonder how the story is going to progress it should be relatively interesting i think.
July 20, 2017
Addictive story
I am addicted to these books i can't wait for the next book i am new to the litrpg genre this series is in top top 5 that i have read in the padt few months
I am addicted to these books i can't wait for the next book i am new to the litrpg genre this series is in top top 5 that i have read in the padt few months
July 23, 2017
Looking forward to the next one.
Yet another great read. Can't wait to see what happens next. Just as good if not better then the earlier books
Yet another great read. Can't wait to see what happens next. Just as good if not better then the earlier books
July 30, 2017
Can't wait
Glade the story is back with the MC, great continuation of the story and once again we are left waiting for the next book to be translated!!!
Glade the story is back with the MC, great continuation of the story and once again we are left waiting for the next book to be translated!!!
August 3, 2017
Another home run
As soon as I finished this book I am already eagerly awaiting the next. It is hard not to fall in love with the characters as they are easy to relate to.
As soon as I finished this book I am already eagerly awaiting the next. It is hard not to fall in love with the characters as they are easy to relate to.
August 15, 2017
Love this book
Love this series,
Do yourself a favor mate and read read and reread this book.
If the next four books were out I would goram read them
Love this series,
Do yourself a favor mate and read read and reread this book.
If the next four books were out I would goram read them
February 2, 2018
Ebook: Enjoyed reading, only disappointed as it seems to be last in series but not end of story.
September 4, 2017
Great read
Very nice addition to the series. Good progression in the story line of the Demon zone. Looking forward to the next book.
Very nice addition to the series. Good progression in the story line of the Demon zone. Looking forward to the next book.
September 15, 2017
Can't wait for the next book
Devoured this in a day. Looking forward to the next book when it comes out! Kiran keeps getting more badass
Devoured this in a day. Looking forward to the next book when it comes out! Kiran keeps getting more badass
August 2, 2018
I have loved all the books in this series but this one just not quite as much. I didn't inhale it as quick as the others.
November 29, 2018
OH NOOOOOOO SUCCUBUS LOVE INTEREST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 16, 2018
Good book
Great recounting of Krians adventures in order to return to Karn. And certain poor lines were clarified and explained. Good read.
Great recounting of Krians adventures in order to return to Karn. And certain poor lines were clarified and explained. Good read.
August 25, 2019
Enjoyable LitRPG
I enjoyed the story and characters. Some of it gets a bit repetitive over the series, but doesn’t detract too much. Overarching arc pulls you through.
I enjoyed the story and characters. Some of it gets a bit repetitive over the series, but doesn’t detract too much. Overarching arc pulls you through.
July 23, 2019
And we're back to following Krian, as he captures the Cursed Princedom (not sure that really counts as a spoiler here, people) and see what happens next. Will he EVER make it up to join Max and his sister? Stay tuned!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews