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League of Losers #1
A Cat and His Human
LitRPG Series
When our protagonist Andrei discovers that his girlfriend has cheated on him, he finds himself with an unexpected choice to make: a quick death, or a new life in another world he knows absolutely nothing about. Andrei chooses life, and sets off alongside his pet, a ginger cat with a limp, for a primeval world fraught with danger. The trouble is… who is whose pet becomes entirely unclear; the man’s consciousness is split between both creatures, and the little cat gets a far greater share of intelligence and wit than his hulking master. What do you do as a weak little kitty? Abandon the clumsy human who always seems to get into trouble, go in search of a new master? Or protect your human body in the hope of one day returning to it?
When our protagonist Andrei discovers that his girlfriend has cheated on him, he finds himself with an unexpected choice to make: a quick death, or a new life in another world he knows absolutely nothing about. Andrei chooses life, and sets off alongside his pet, a ginger cat with a limp, for a primeval world fraught with danger. The trouble is… who is whose pet becomes entirely unclear; the man’s consciousness is split between both creatures, and the little cat gets a far greater share of intelligence and wit than his hulking master. What do you do as a weak little kitty? Abandon the clumsy human who always seems to get into trouble, go in search of a new master? Or protect your human body in the hope of one day returning to it?
564 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2020
124 people are currently reading
88 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 4, 2020
2.25 Meh.
Interesting premise but lacking as a whole.
The starting area makes absolutely no sense and the ending was absolutely meaningless. Why is there lvl 77+ monsters in a starting area for up tp lvl 25 and why can a low lvl tame a monster that is so many lvls higher than them.
Relationships develop so fast that is has absolutely no meaning. The MC and a young girl meets up and they almost instantly call each other siblings making their relationship feel empty.
The women in this book has no agency. They are sexually harassed, sexually assaulted, and traded like livestock or at the very least they are ogled at. A woman actually sobbed when she found out the MC (Who she has known for maybe a week and never had any conversation about liking him) slept with another woman.
Interesting premise but lacking as a whole.
The starting area makes absolutely no sense and the ending was absolutely meaningless. Why is there lvl 77+ monsters in a starting area for up tp lvl 25 and why can a low lvl tame a monster that is so many lvls higher than them.
Relationships develop so fast that is has absolutely no meaning. The MC and a young girl meets up and they almost instantly call each other siblings making their relationship feel empty.
The women in this book has no agency. They are sexually harassed, sexually assaulted, and traded like livestock or at the very least they are ogled at. A woman actually sobbed when she found out the MC (Who she has known for maybe a week and never had any conversation about liking him) slept with another woman.
October 12, 2020
Thinking that western women won't really enjoy the casual misogynic view of the MC. I knocked a star off for that - most of the women seem to be 'really into the MC' and usually spend their time screaming, being taken captive or other 'traditionally female roles', despite being in a game world where stats trump physical build.
There is also the normal Russian streak of 'I have not had a day so bad as today...since yesterday' running through it with everyone having negative luck scores - and being OK with that.
Lots of stuff that could have been done a bit better. Over used tropes hit include things like a level based system, the MC and friends being able to decimate much higher level people/creatures than they, getting healed to full when you level, totally reactionary MC (nobody ever has any plans - they just react to the environment), etc, etc.
Other than that, it was an OK story. Not as masterful as some I've read but I'd check out book 2.
There is also the normal Russian streak of 'I have not had a day so bad as today...since yesterday' running through it with everyone having negative luck scores - and being OK with that.
Lots of stuff that could have been done a bit better. Over used tropes hit include things like a level based system, the MC and friends being able to decimate much higher level people/creatures than they, getting healed to full when you level, totally reactionary MC (nobody ever has any plans - they just react to the environment), etc, etc.
Other than that, it was an OK story. Not as masterful as some I've read but I'd check out book 2.
April 2, 2025
DNR
MC lives under 'communist' state rule, dies of power abuse by a family member of the lowest member of nomenklatura, still rants how capitalism is the 'evil'. MC gets isekai-ed (reincarnated in another world in his current body and memories) to... what? Prove social Darwinism is a lie? Make humanity great again? Basically, in a world of medieval level of technology and science speciesism is the driving force for forming of new cultures and communities.
Plot armor on the lil'guy is exceptional, he has no existential crisis or loose screws, immediately accepts his circumstances and shows no individualism. The saying 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' must breed true under communism.
Conclusion: 1/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: James Fouhey. The idea for having accidentally been reincarnated in two bodies is great, but the execution doesn't take any risks and follows the most threat through path. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 1.82 $/hour ( 21.49$ / 11 hrs 51 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
MC lives under 'communist' state rule, dies of power abuse by a family member of the lowest member of nomenklatura, still rants how capitalism is the 'evil'. MC gets isekai-ed (reincarnated in another world in his current body and memories) to... what? Prove social Darwinism is a lie? Make humanity great again? Basically, in a world of medieval level of technology and science speciesism is the driving force for forming of new cultures and communities.
Plot armor on the lil'guy is exceptional, he has no existential crisis or loose screws, immediately accepts his circumstances and shows no individualism. The saying 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' must breed true under communism.
Conclusion: 1/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: James Fouhey. The idea for having accidentally been reincarnated in two bodies is great, but the execution doesn't take any risks and follows the most threat through path. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 1.82 $/hour ( 21.49$ / 11 hrs 51 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
June 26, 2020
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
November 5, 2020
I guess it was okay (Goodreads 2 stars) but it just didn't grab me. Guy and kitten transported into very Russian alternative world. The biggest hook (man has talent as animal trainer) wasn't well explored and his techniques seemed to be easily mastered by others and he wasn't just generous to a fault, he was more than a bit of an idiot.
This being Atamanov, of course, he was surrounded by nubile young women at the same time.
His Reality Benders series is a hoot. This wasn't.
And it's so very very Russian. By which you can read: corrupt, manipulative, nasty people getting theirs at the expense of strangers, with gallantry extending only to girlfriends (and, although not showcased in this book, family and blood brothers).
This being Atamanov, of course, he was surrounded by nubile young women at the same time.
His Reality Benders series is a hoot. This wasn't.
And it's so very very Russian. By which you can read: corrupt, manipulative, nasty people getting theirs at the expense of strangers, with gallantry extending only to girlfriends (and, although not showcased in this book, family and blood brothers).
August 28, 2020
Another enjoyable drink
I'm a fan of this authors books and I like the beat tameing aspect and hope for more development of that system. I do notice that the women tend to play a more meek role even though they are strong or they make comments like "it's the man's duty to protect the weak women " or something along those lines.
I always find it weird especially in gamelit because women tend to be able to fill any role a man can. Although this world is based a little more on people's original stats. But that's my take. Enjoyable book and excited for the next one.
I'm a fan of this authors books and I like the beat tameing aspect and hope for more development of that system. I do notice that the women tend to play a more meek role even though they are strong or they make comments like "it's the man's duty to protect the weak women " or something along those lines.
I always find it weird especially in gamelit because women tend to be able to fill any role a man can. Although this world is based a little more on people's original stats. But that's my take. Enjoyable book and excited for the next one.
January 20, 2021
A boring story told around an extremely dense main character.
You see the betrayals from miles away and wait for it to happen. The main character does nothing to avoid it since he is too thick to see it coming. Not the first time or the last or any in between. This is a story you do not care about because it is based on a character you do not care about.
You see the betrayals from miles away and wait for it to happen. The main character does nothing to avoid it since he is too thick to see it coming. Not the first time or the last or any in between. This is a story you do not care about because it is based on a character you do not care about.
June 30, 2020
He has the same ending for almost every book(cliff hanger)
Look this is my opinion what I thought, take my review with a grain of salt.
Unneeded drama, unneeded stupidity from main character. As I read this book I remembered WHY I stopped reading his books.
Look this is my opinion what I thought, take my review with a grain of salt.
Unneeded drama, unneeded stupidity from main character. As I read this book I remembered WHY I stopped reading his books.
November 21, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: I found two simple errors inn instead of in and another wrong word.
The two I found to be major though, his fishing level hit five twice and one of his pets went from female to male. I find that either of those could have impacted the story more seriously than they did, but could have so I took away a star.
Plot: Offered a chance to settle a new world instead of facing his own immanent death, a man and his cat are off on an adventure.
Characters: There are plenty of interesting people in this book.
5/10 I think this book has been overlooked by the litrpg community, possibly due to its cover.
Mistakes: I found two simple errors inn instead of in and another wrong word.
The two I found to be major though, his fishing level hit five twice and one of his pets went from female to male. I find that either of those could have impacted the story more seriously than they did, but could have so I took away a star.
Plot: Offered a chance to settle a new world instead of facing his own immanent death, a man and his cat are off on an adventure.
Characters: There are plenty of interesting people in this book.
5/10 I think this book has been overlooked by the litrpg community, possibly due to its cover.
January 24, 2023
Translation issues
Having read the genre for several years, this was an original premise, which is rare. My two main complaints, I'll assume are more to translation issues than any flaw of the author. Some things just didn't seem to make sense; I chalk that to cultural differences. The pacing is also very rough. In the authors native language, it is probably fine, but things seem to get lost in translation.
Outside of those issues this is easily 3stars, and for someone more familiar with Chechnya culture and history, might even get near 5. Worth the read, especially if you know eastern European culture and history.
Having read the genre for several years, this was an original premise, which is rare. My two main complaints, I'll assume are more to translation issues than any flaw of the author. Some things just didn't seem to make sense; I chalk that to cultural differences. The pacing is also very rough. In the authors native language, it is probably fine, but things seem to get lost in translation.
Outside of those issues this is easily 3stars, and for someone more familiar with Chechnya culture and history, might even get near 5. Worth the read, especially if you know eastern European culture and history.
April 3, 2025
On the surface level, this can be a little fun adventure book. But when I dig a little deeper it's a bit problematic.
I do like two pov's it worked for me and the contrast between mc's character avatars diffrent skill set, was think through and fun to see in action.
Relationship build was bland and lacked dephness. As soon as one girls heart was secured a book introduced a new girl, casting old one aside.
Where the mc's wiev of women was not condesending, books itself was not treating women characters as a full person. They were merely in the book to build and support mc's ego and awsomness.
I do like two pov's it worked for me and the contrast between mc's character avatars diffrent skill set, was think through and fun to see in action.
Relationship build was bland and lacked dephness. As soon as one girls heart was secured a book introduced a new girl, casting old one aside.
Where the mc's wiev of women was not condesending, books itself was not treating women characters as a full person. They were merely in the book to build and support mc's ego and awsomness.
October 20, 2020
I'm a fan of adventure manga and RPG webtoons. This one is obviously heavily influenced by that. I pick this up because of the title and I had fun reading it, but I marked it 3 stars because I'm way too annoyed with the main character. How dense to have to be not to notice how special is your pet? Especially after so many high-level players showing signs of interest in it and even practically pointing it out. Also because the ending just plain and simple pissed me off and made me wonder what the hell was the point.
November 9, 2020
So, aside from the sexism, which I have kind of begrudgingly accepted from Atamanov. I really enjoyed this book. I won't go into the sexism and weak female roles in the book, it's been covered ad nauseam by other reviews.
I consume books like this on my commute; my goal is escapism. Predictable simple escapism. To review this style of book outside simple entertainment is nonsense! I always find it funny when people take them so seriously and review them with such scrutiny.
It's good geeky gamer trash. It's Hollyoaks for gamers, and I like it.
I consume books like this on my commute; my goal is escapism. Predictable simple escapism. To review this style of book outside simple entertainment is nonsense! I always find it funny when people take them so seriously and review them with such scrutiny.
It's good geeky gamer trash. It's Hollyoaks for gamers, and I like it.
April 2, 2021
3 to maybe 3.5 stars. The start of this story was okay and I liked it but about half ways too 3/4 it was just one thing after another with little to no explanation and just jumping from one unexplained thing to another and got really frustrating. The last 1/4 or 1/3 of the book was a little better but the end was a little disappointing. I am on the fence if I would continue with this series... I do really like other of this authors work tho and would recommend him to anyone that even some what liked this books...
June 29, 2020
I obtained this book as a review copy.
This book has a rather unique aspect, and I found it rather interesting. LitRPG fans will find some familiar beginnings in this one, but it isn't the story it looks like from the start. I liked the story, and not only because it has some building in it (I almost always like building stories), but because of it's point of view characters. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series to be sure.
This book has a rather unique aspect, and I found it rather interesting. LitRPG fans will find some familiar beginnings in this one, but it isn't the story it looks like from the start. I liked the story, and not only because it has some building in it (I almost always like building stories), but because of it's point of view characters. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series to be sure.
July 12, 2020
Cat or Human? Both are pretty fun
Another great series from Atamanov. Interesting mechanic, separating the consciousness of the main character into 2 beings, each an independent character on their own. The human is more interesting and rounded out than the book description said, but still engrossing to follow.
Another great series from Atamanov. Interesting mechanic, separating the consciousness of the main character into 2 beings, each an independent character on their own. The human is more interesting and rounded out than the book description said, but still engrossing to follow.
January 8, 2023
Trochu iný typ enginu, ale v zásade stále platí z nuly hrdinom. A ľudstvo by nebolo ľudstvom, keby sa opäť niekto pokúsil zotročiť ostatných za cenu potlačenia seba samého. Príliš rýchly postup, príliš priamočiare smerovanie od-do. Ale chýba odpoveď na hlavnú otázku, čo vlastne je cieľom tejto knihy - kam to všetko má doputovať?
July 25, 2025
DNF at 19%
The MC is a real dumdum and his choices stink. (his argument not to learn dodge because of poor eyesight was the final straw for me).
I refuse reading unmarked first person views of the cat - which are written identical to the fool's first person view.
I was no fan of the gaming aspects of the book, especially multiple lifes and mini games in between either.
The MC is a real dumdum and his choices stink. (his argument not to learn dodge because of poor eyesight was the final straw for me).
I refuse reading unmarked first person views of the cat - which are written identical to the fool's first person view.
I was no fan of the gaming aspects of the book, especially multiple lifes and mini games in between either.
July 1, 2020
Good fast read
Fun story basic litrpg. Not heavy it to mechanics. Quick fast fun read. Also look at his other stories the reality bender series rocks and the dark herbalist just made me laugh.
Fun story basic litrpg. Not heavy it to mechanics. Quick fast fun read. Also look at his other stories the reality bender series rocks and the dark herbalist just made me laugh.
July 3, 2020
Good and Different
A nicely written LitRPG with some serious plot twists. There’s different mechanics, environment, enemies, and especially mysteries. Book one introduced us to many things, and yet kept so much back. Book two will probably rock! Recommended!
A nicely written LitRPG with some serious plot twists. There’s different mechanics, environment, enemies, and especially mysteries. Book one introduced us to many things, and yet kept so much back. Book two will probably rock! Recommended!
July 4, 2020
Well that was shorter than I'd hoped.
Love me some Russian LitRPG, wish this one had been just a bit longer. Blew through it in a couple hours. Loved the split personality MC, and interesting class choice. Hopefully it's not a long wait for the next
Love me some Russian LitRPG, wish this one had been just a bit longer. Blew through it in a couple hours. Loved the split personality MC, and interesting class choice. Hopefully it's not a long wait for the next
July 18, 2020
Interesting perspective (pun intended)
I like this story. You might too if this genre is your thing. Michael is a very author and develops amazing worlds for us to visit. Yet to find any of his stories I don’t like.
I like this story. You might too if this genre is your thing. Michael is a very author and develops amazing worlds for us to visit. Yet to find any of his stories I don’t like.
November 11, 2020
First book PG-13 language
Imaginative Role Playing Game (RPG) style adventure. I dislike cursing and crude expletives. Any other qualities in the writing or story are overshadowed by that. What my family calls 'poop brownies'. Eat'em if you wish. I won't read the next.
Imaginative Role Playing Game (RPG) style adventure. I dislike cursing and crude expletives. Any other qualities in the writing or story are overshadowed by that. What my family calls 'poop brownies'. Eat'em if you wish. I won't read the next.
January 2, 2021
3.5 Took some adjustment to having the chapters split between two MCs, and there were some hints of VR mechanics but fortunately its not a VR book and there are some real stakes which I prefer.
I'll pick up the next book and see how it goes.
I'll pick up the next book and see how it goes.
July 1, 2020
Good read
Very entertaining! I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books.
Very entertaining! I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books.
July 2, 2020
Great start
Another great start for a unique series, with a great class system and different world with a game feel. Really looking forward to more of this one.
Another great start for a unique series, with a great class system and different world with a game feel. Really looking forward to more of this one.
July 15, 2020
Great book one
I would have liked to see more of the cats that you saw in the beginning I don't wanna give things away but those are some cool cats
I would have liked to see more of the cats that you saw in the beginning I don't wanna give things away but those are some cool cats
July 21, 2020
I liked this book a lot. Clever writing and a good solid story. Not too much puns and not to little :)
March 12, 2021
3.5 Stars
October 2, 2021
The book was way better than I expected. Seeing the title and the cover I thought it would be a slice of life story. But it is not. On to the next book I go.
Hope it doesn't become a harem story.
Hope it doesn't become a harem story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews