What do you think?
Rate this book
Reality Benders #2
External Threat
The countdown timer continues to tick, but Earth is still not ready to repel an invasion from space. Gnat is on his voyage with the Shiamiru, all the while trying to find backup for humanity among the great spacefaring races. After all, based on what he’s already seen, he knows not to count on the good sense of his own kind. Even facing an external threat, the people of our Earth cannot see past their internal squabbles and come together to fight as one. Gnat does not expect gratitude from his leaders for taking such matters into his own hands, but when have laws and rules ever stopped our intrepid hero before?!
520 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2018
320 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Michael Atamanov
57 books555 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 13, 2020
Notes:
I adjusted to the narration style enough to ignore what I don't like. I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book. Then things started to fall apart a bit as Gnat's personal relationships grew more complicated and other stuff "happens" in the story. One of the characters in the story that is in "love" with Gnat is 16. I believe Gnat is 21-23? I don't remember the exact age but there's an odd backstory for the female champion. She's just one part of the weird mashup going on the personal relationship department. Going to dive into the next book and see how the dice roll. I was hoping that this would be a series I can chomp on quick but I may have to break it up between other books.
I adjusted to the narration style enough to ignore what I don't like. I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book. Then things started to fall apart a bit as Gnat's personal relationships grew more complicated and other stuff "happens" in the story. One of the characters in the story that is in "love" with Gnat is 16. I believe Gnat is 21-23? I don't remember the exact age but there's an odd backstory for the female champion. She's just one part of the weird mashup going on the personal relationship department. Going to dive into the next book and see how the dice roll. I was hoping that this would be a series I can chomp on quick but I may have to break it up between other books.
July 29, 2018
So did this lack a little of the excitement of book 1?
Yes, of course.
Was it just as weird, wonderful and slightly odd?
Absolutely!
The genre isn't for everyone - litrpg feels guiltier than OD on fanfiction. But I'm still enjoying this series and pleased that book 3 is on the way!
Yes, of course.
Was it just as weird, wonderful and slightly odd?
Absolutely!
The genre isn't for everyone - litrpg feels guiltier than OD on fanfiction. But I'm still enjoying this series and pleased that book 3 is on the way!
July 8, 2018
I did find a couple of mistakes throughout this book.
However I really enjoyed reading this book.
I did think that this book was to short and could have used a more in-depth meeting with the German faction.
Overall I'm impressed with this entire story line and look forward to more.
I highly recommend this entire series.
However I really enjoyed reading this book.
I did think that this book was to short and could have used a more in-depth meeting with the German faction.
Overall I'm impressed with this entire story line and look forward to more.
I highly recommend this entire series.
May 3, 2018
I read the Google translation of the Original. nevetheless 4 stars...!!!
December 8, 2023
Definitely I'm really fascinated,like wth😳
August 9, 2024
Líbí se mi to čím dál víc, a to nejsem zrovna fanouškem sci-fi. Gnat objevuje nové postavy a obzory a získává další užitečné zkušenosti. To je přesně to, co jeho frakce potřebuje. Tak jdeme dál!
September 22, 2025
I enjoyed parts of this second installment, but it did not grab me the way the first book did. The pacing felt uneven, and some sections dragged even though the story had plenty of action. The world keeps expanding with new layers of rules, but at times it felt more complicated than engaging.
The characters remain serviceable, though they still lack the kind of depth that would make me more invested. The humor and light tone are there, but they did not always land as well for me this time. I also noticed a bit more spice worked into the story, which may appeal to some readers but personally felt unnecessary and did not add much to the plot. On top of that, there were moments that made me hesitate because it seemed like the series might drift toward a harem setup, and that is not something I usually enjoy.
Even though this review probably sounds negative, I did still enjoy the book overall and do not regret reading it. It was fine but not great, and while it lost some of the spark that made the start so much fun, I am still curious enough to continue with the series.
The characters remain serviceable, though they still lack the kind of depth that would make me more invested. The humor and light tone are there, but they did not always land as well for me this time. I also noticed a bit more spice worked into the story, which may appeal to some readers but personally felt unnecessary and did not add much to the plot. On top of that, there were moments that made me hesitate because it seemed like the series might drift toward a harem setup, and that is not something I usually enjoy.
Even though this review probably sounds negative, I did still enjoy the book overall and do not regret reading it. It was fine but not great, and while it lost some of the spark that made the start so much fun, I am still curious enough to continue with the series.
August 1, 2018
Not as in depth as the first book in the series, but still very engaging. Some situations from the first book which I wanted more of were only lightly touched on at the end of this book, but enough that I felt satisfied. Some of the wording may seem strange to native english speakers, but the idioms and the way ideas are put forth make perfect sense if you know enough russian to carry on a conversation. I actually found that to be a nice surprise, and chuckled over them from time to time. I greatly anticipate the next book!
October 14, 2018
Really enjoyed both books! 🤗
Lots of action AND lots of fun throughout. So far, no graphic descriptions of killing nor objectionable language (cussing). (No sex either.)
This is the 3rd LitRPG type book I've read so I won't comment on game mechanics.
Parts of the story read a little different/strange... probably due to translation fron Russian. Interesting to read SciFi not written by a US or other English speaker/writer.
Recommended for all ages.
Lots of action AND lots of fun throughout. So far, no graphic descriptions of killing nor objectionable language (cussing). (No sex either.)
This is the 3rd LitRPG type book I've read so I won't comment on game mechanics.
Parts of the story read a little different/strange... probably due to translation fron Russian. Interesting to read SciFi not written by a US or other English speaker/writer.
Recommended for all ages.
June 13, 2019
Favorite! Favorite! Favorite!
Gnat is still up and at' them, taking new skills and leveling up. He bulldozes and finesses his way into and out of peril while impressing important personages. What will he do with a wayedda? He'll think of something! This is one of my favorite series. I am totally captivated. I feel like I am along side Gnat in his adventures. I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Gnat is still up and at' them, taking new skills and leveling up. He bulldozes and finesses his way into and out of peril while impressing important personages. What will he do with a wayedda? He'll think of something! This is one of my favorite series. I am totally captivated. I feel like I am along side Gnat in his adventures. I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
March 15, 2021
I received a review copy of this book.
It's been a while since I read this series, so upon starting in on the second book, I was a bit lost, until I got up to speed. Nonetheless, I had a great time reading this book, and I suspect most scifi fans will thoroughly enjoy this book/series as well. If you're a scifi fan, do yourself a favor, and go grab a copy of this book/series, and dive right in, you'll have a great time, and be able to enjoy a fantastic world as well.
It's been a while since I read this series, so upon starting in on the second book, I was a bit lost, until I got up to speed. Nonetheless, I had a great time reading this book, and I suspect most scifi fans will thoroughly enjoy this book/series as well. If you're a scifi fan, do yourself a favor, and go grab a copy of this book/series, and dive right in, you'll have a great time, and be able to enjoy a fantastic world as well.
March 27, 2021
We have magic and we have technology.
Our MC is on the forefront of both. Can he bring in support from space or does he need to bend his knee to the alien overlords.
As with the first book we see how learning alien languages is the first step into getting to know what is happening across the universe. Watch as our resident prospector turns into a lucky charm and introduces a new way for the human's to progress ahead.
Looking forward to the series.
Our MC is on the forefront of both. Can he bring in support from space or does he need to bend his knee to the alien overlords.
As with the first book we see how learning alien languages is the first step into getting to know what is happening across the universe. Watch as our resident prospector turns into a lucky charm and introduces a new way for the human's to progress ahead.
Looking forward to the series.
November 2, 2023
Wow, I just finished listening to the second book in the Reality Bender series by Michael Atamanov and find that I'm still loving it. Gnat is dealing with his bosses and the dark faction, Centaurs, Minotaur, Dryads, and trying to find allies... But first he's gotta deal with being trapped on a pirate space station and figuring out someway way to get home.
As with the first book it's available for free on your Amazon-plus membership.
As with the first book it's available for free on your Amazon-plus membership.
July 27, 2018
Wonderful!!
Another truly wonderful addition to this authors works! Fun characters just the right amount of violence and intrigue. The only detractors are the spelling,grammar, translation issues. If you need a beta reader for the translations let me know!!!! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
Another truly wonderful addition to this authors works! Fun characters just the right amount of violence and intrigue. The only detractors are the spelling,grammar, translation issues. If you need a beta reader for the translations let me know!!!! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
August 12, 2018
Atamanov does good and solid russian litrpg.
Once you go beyond the usual "trying to raise stakes beyond a RPG" excuses, you get a mix of RPG and space operatic stuff. I was tempted to give only 4 stars, but that would be for a more general scifi readership. For litrpg fans, it's very good. And, of course, the cliffhanger is... promising.
Once you go beyond the usual "trying to raise stakes beyond a RPG" excuses, you get a mix of RPG and space operatic stuff. I was tempted to give only 4 stars, but that would be for a more general scifi readership. For litrpg fans, it's very good. And, of course, the cliffhanger is... promising.
February 27, 2019
A russian author, I like the way they write and talk, that gives Michael a leg up; but it is also a good story, fresh, with some new elements that are well handled. The world building is good, the action is good, the descriptions are good, overall a good book. Maybe not quite up to the first in the series, but still quite good.
July 24, 2019
There are clear signs of this series heading into harem territory. I'm not a fan of that sub-genre.
The protagonist is never worried... where's the sense of danger.
Note: A better translation would be "blinks" rather than "bats his eye-lashes." One is an involuntary action, the other is flirtatious.
The protagonist is never worried... where's the sense of danger.
Note: A better translation would be "blinks" rather than "bats his eye-lashes." One is an involuntary action, the other is flirtatious.
January 8, 2020
Highly enjoyable
I’m really starting to like Russian LitRPG authors! It’s always written in a positive sort of way, and quite imaginative. I haven’t reviewed the first book yet, but I will soon. This one has excellent adventuring in it, and the character is increasing in complexity too, so it’s a great read.
I’m really starting to like Russian LitRPG authors! It’s always written in a positive sort of way, and quite imaginative. I haven’t reviewed the first book yet, but I will soon. This one has excellent adventuring in it, and the character is increasing in complexity too, so it’s a great read.
July 26, 2021
Has to be the best litRPG and sci-fi series I have read in recent years. The setting is admirably developed, the characters, plot, character progression, the constantly rising stakes... everything flows clearly and makes the book a joy to read. I can only hope the remaining volumes provide the same standards. Also, talking cats!
September 23, 2024
So if russians in real life are dirt bags than they can at least be heroes in books... well hard to argue... problem for me is constant blabbing about character stats in numbers... like 1 point added or 2 points added etc... but overall story has its good ideas... well i did read until end of 6th book... so yeah read it! Oh also names are long and i never cared to remember who was who and why...
October 23, 2018
3 to 3.5 stars, Not as strong as the first book but I still liked it and I have liked a lot of books by this Author. Still worth the read and if you liked the first book I am sure you will enjoy this one as well.
February 6, 2019
Agh! The ending was left on an abrupt cliffhanger. I wanted to scream. Great book, though. Plus, I love the new races being introduced and incorporated into the plot. Another good book in the LitRPG genre and a series worth reading.
March 14, 2021
Ever read books you wish were cleaner?
This is another. *sigh*
Second book of Reality Bender series adds sex and R language. So much to admire about Atamanov's writing. But he does NOT write for YA.
This is another. *sigh*
Second book of Reality Bender series adds sex and R language. So much to admire about Atamanov's writing. But he does NOT write for YA.
April 16, 2023
Hero is ultimate Mary Sue, everything goes well, but it is well paced and it "reads itself" so you do not care. I facepalmed several times, but... yeah, this is guilty pleasure and equivalent of Danielle Steel for men...
August 8, 2023
A good continuation. The pace stays fast. Our MC, Gnat, still works everyone with a mix of knowledge, daring and intuition. He shows good skill at reading the undercurrents of events and that opens up big doors.
I'm not too keen on the "romance" side.
I'm not too keen on the "romance" side.
July 24, 2018
LITRPG at its finest
Love the first book, this is a good follow up to it.. Developing other characters in a party is a good progression in this sequel.
Love the first book, this is a good follow up to it.. Developing other characters in a party is a good progression in this sequel.
July 24, 2018
Woot
Love it we do.
Great book need bigger guns.
Looking forward to reading the third book hope it's out soon
Love it we do.
Great book need bigger guns.
Looking forward to reading the third book hope it's out soon
July 24, 2018
Space and exploration oriented litrpg. decent continuation of the series
July 28, 2018
Just great
Excellent twist to LITRPG. The text is a little choppy at times due to the translation from Russian but I could not put it down.
Excellent twist to LITRPG. The text is a little choppy at times due to the translation from Russian but I could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews