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The Alchemist #2
Forest of Desire
Is there anything better than a quiet life? Well, there’s a quiet life surrounded by people you care about, people who love you in return, of course. But Tailyn Vlashich knew nothing of the kind. His parents had died years before, the townspeople stayed well away from the god’s favorite, and his guardian just wanted to be rid of him. That was the setting when Tailyn was again placed on the road to uncertainty, beset by terrifying lixes, and hounded by a harsh trainer it was impossible to please. All he can do is bear up and keep pushing forward in the hopes that his wishes will be granted. As legend has it, somewhere ahead lies the Forest of Desire, a place capable of bringing to life one’s every wish. For example, returning Valia Levor, Tailyn’s betrothed, who was kidnapped. Oh, and does anyone know why Forian Tarn still isn’t back from his trip?
574 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2020
555 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Vasily Mahanenko
97 books1,095 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 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 13, 2022
While I didn't love this book nearly as much as I fell for the first, I did still enjoy the absurdly interesting leveling system and the quirky cheat that allowed it to happen.
Straight adventure, great delving into an ancient mystery-quest, very entertaining storylines, and best of all, it's a Tween boy who became this amazing LitRPG powerhouse.
Everyone underestimates him. Fortunately, he's got the support of a god. Okay, game-god, or DM, but still.
And now, after he's immensely powerful, he can FINALLY finish his initiation. It's school time. I can't wait to see what happens.
Straight adventure, great delving into an ancient mystery-quest, very entertaining storylines, and best of all, it's a Tween boy who became this amazing LitRPG powerhouse.
Everyone underestimates him. Fortunately, he's got the support of a god. Okay, game-god, or DM, but still.
And now, after he's immensely powerful, he can FINALLY finish his initiation. It's school time. I can't wait to see what happens.
May 29, 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
September 1, 2020
A disappointment
The first book was beyond great. So it came a great surprise the second book was this horrible. I feel the decisions and experiences of the main character don't coincide with the ones on this book. Out deals like a differently character. And seams like it did not grow and learned from his previous adventures. Such a shame.
The first book was beyond great. So it came a great surprise the second book was this horrible. I feel the decisions and experiences of the main character don't coincide with the ones on this book. Out deals like a differently character. And seams like it did not grow and learned from his previous adventures. Such a shame.
June 17, 2020
Mid book review
I’m a fan of the authors other works (mostly) and enjoy what he did with the world.
The downside is that the author wrote one of the most annoying/worst characters I’ve ever read. If the whole dynamic between MC and the herbalist doesn’t change by end of book I’m not sure I’ll be able to finish it, let alone continue to the third in the series. The MCs of the last few I’ve read by the author have been pretty whiny, which is tough enough, but now this herbalist who literally does nothing but mooch off of the 11 y/o MC, gripe, and boss people around makes it almost unreadable. She was tossed out of her country at 13 or so, kicked out academy after a year, and were still supposed to believe she knows wtf she’s taking about? Made it to what?? Level 13 in 20 years on her own and now flies through them without any contribution just by mooching off a kid.
Long winded but the character has me very frustrated.
I’m a fan of the authors other works (mostly) and enjoy what he did with the world.
The downside is that the author wrote one of the most annoying/worst characters I’ve ever read. If the whole dynamic between MC and the herbalist doesn’t change by end of book I’m not sure I’ll be able to finish it, let alone continue to the third in the series. The MCs of the last few I’ve read by the author have been pretty whiny, which is tough enough, but now this herbalist who literally does nothing but mooch off of the 11 y/o MC, gripe, and boss people around makes it almost unreadable. She was tossed out of her country at 13 or so, kicked out academy after a year, and were still supposed to believe she knows wtf she’s taking about? Made it to what?? Level 13 in 20 years on her own and now flies through them without any contribution just by mooching off a kid.
Long winded but the character has me very frustrated.
December 21, 2020
A fun adventure novel that's fun and clearly aimed at kids. It does this well as is still suitable for adult gamers or adventure fans.
Compared to the first book in the series this is less smart and imaginative with the best ideas and characters being introduced already. That said I still read it in a very short time period and found it fun.
Perhaps most like a Drizzt novels, if you'd like a comparison.
Compared to the first book in the series this is less smart and imaginative with the best ideas and characters being introduced already. That said I still read it in a very short time period and found it fun.
Perhaps most like a Drizzt novels, if you'd like a comparison.
July 11, 2025
The co trived gaming documentary continues
DNF at 67%
The book starts lame and boring but gets dumber, not only their obviously trapped quest but also the utterly moronic fireball incident and beasts who run on four legs using catapults.. #rofl#
Why exactly would the idiotic MC trust V. after what she did last book? Why would he save her? Why would the imbecile share his loot and stay with her?
The underwear plot is hilarious, he congratulates himself on the waste recycling system in his suit but later on we learn that nobody can take their underwear off until the age of 18. Quite some time to stay in pissed and shit in underpants! #rofl#
Once again, i hated the MC for selling great stuff out of short sightedness and the wish to please. What a buffoon!
I hated the scene where the group attacked and killed the peaceful mages. It was totally unnecessary and the result of travelling with the utterly unreliable and murderous woman..
It's rather ridiculous that in this world exist inquisitor statues and truth spells but the academy is riddled with spies and saboteurs..
Omg - the MC is such a moronic weak-minded simp. He does all the work, sold great equipment to buy equipment for the group, shares loot and now he even shares the coins with the murderous, traitorous c#nt..
After this point i realised that i had enough of these aggravating actions, and didn't care anymore about the contrived plot.. life is too short to be wasted like this..
DNF at 67%
The book starts lame and boring but gets dumber, not only their obviously trapped quest but also the utterly moronic fireball incident and beasts who run on four legs using catapults.. #rofl#
Why exactly would the idiotic MC trust V. after what she did last book? Why would he save her? Why would the imbecile share his loot and stay with her?
The underwear plot is hilarious, he congratulates himself on the waste recycling system in his suit but later on we learn that nobody can take their underwear off until the age of 18. Quite some time to stay in pissed and shit in underpants! #rofl#
Once again, i hated the MC for selling great stuff out of short sightedness and the wish to please. What a buffoon!
I hated the scene where the group attacked and killed the peaceful mages. It was totally unnecessary and the result of travelling with the utterly unreliable and murderous woman..
It's rather ridiculous that in this world exist inquisitor statues and truth spells but the academy is riddled with spies and saboteurs..
Omg - the MC is such a moronic weak-minded simp. He does all the work, sold great equipment to buy equipment for the group, shares loot and now he even shares the coins with the murderous, traitorous c#nt..
After this point i realised that i had enough of these aggravating actions, and didn't care anymore about the contrived plot.. life is too short to be wasted like this..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2021
The world and characters are head an shoulders above what I come to expect from a litRPG novel.
I noticed that the Russian authors constantly get lower ratings. Specific styles and worldview that might also not come through in translation is understandable, but a lot of the time they get penalties where us authors get excused for. I find this specifically annoying when it comes to things like grammar and phrase construction. American authors that don't know english are excused because they are doing it on purpose, the english translation however has to be perfect, or it detracts from the story.
I noticed that the Russian authors constantly get lower ratings. Specific styles and worldview that might also not come through in translation is understandable, but a lot of the time they get penalties where us authors get excused for. I find this specifically annoying when it comes to things like grammar and phrase construction. American authors that don't know english are excused because they are doing it on purpose, the english translation however has to be perfect, or it detracts from the story.
August 19, 2020
Okayish second book, but some issues.
As expected, the main character keeps on stacking more and more cheats, accumulate undeserved wealth, and be surrounded by relatively simplistic secondary characters. This is a pretty much typical russian lirtpg. Although the card system idea was very interesting and keeps being a nice system rarely used in litrpg, the novelty itself is no longer enough to keep the rest of the book entertaining.
Checking the third book to see if there's a better treatment or newer ideas coming, but the series seem headed to nowhere special.
As expected, the main character keeps on stacking more and more cheats, accumulate undeserved wealth, and be surrounded by relatively simplistic secondary characters. This is a pretty much typical russian lirtpg. Although the card system idea was very interesting and keeps being a nice system rarely used in litrpg, the novelty itself is no longer enough to keep the rest of the book entertaining.
Checking the third book to see if there's a better treatment or newer ideas coming, but the series seem headed to nowhere special.
December 31, 2020
I wasn't expecting much, sure, but I got even less than I had hoped for.
The book starts by just dropping us into a incredibly boring routine, without wind-up, as if we were in the middle of the book already. We have zero sense of direction or impetus. We're told that there is a crisis, but no one seems to really be stressed out about it, or even care enough to muster a sense of urgency. If felt more like a activity log than a book, so soulless was the narrative.
I dropped that like a sack of hot potatoes.
The book starts by just dropping us into a incredibly boring routine, without wind-up, as if we were in the middle of the book already. We have zero sense of direction or impetus. We're told that there is a crisis, but no one seems to really be stressed out about it, or even care enough to muster a sense of urgency. If felt more like a activity log than a book, so soulless was the narrative.
I dropped that like a sack of hot potatoes.
July 17, 2023
The toughest,smartest eleven year old you'll ever meet.
Tailyn has an ability to attract trouble , just when he's get his life together he and Valanil are sent to the Grey Lands where survival isn't likely it's a miracle , but miracles are Tailyns thing. He meets up with Velia who has been kidnapped and his mentor Forian who has been captured and is being used as a mana battery. I'm not quite sure why he has to go to the academy , he's far smarter and more dangerous than Forian and his survival instinct is through the roof.
Tailyn has an ability to attract trouble , just when he's get his life together he and Valanil are sent to the Grey Lands where survival isn't likely it's a miracle , but miracles are Tailyns thing. He meets up with Velia who has been kidnapped and his mentor Forian who has been captured and is being used as a mana battery. I'm not quite sure why he has to go to the academy , he's far smarter and more dangerous than Forian and his survival instinct is through the roof.
September 9, 2020
Decent book 2
This series’s doesn’t have much joy in it. Everyone wants to kill everyone else at a drop of a hat. To be frank anyone living in this world is a sadistic amoral person. Even the characters I like are a tad evil inside.
Why continue reading? Well, I want to see the answer to why the world is what it is. There has to be some reason why the world requires blood for everything.
This series’s doesn’t have much joy in it. Everyone wants to kill everyone else at a drop of a hat. To be frank anyone living in this world is a sadistic amoral person. Even the characters I like are a tad evil inside.
Why continue reading? Well, I want to see the answer to why the world is what it is. There has to be some reason why the world requires blood for everything.
June 18, 2021
Fighting a real life game world and the Unexpected Dungeon
This was such a well written story that kept me so enthralled all the way toll the end. The young boy is constantly fighting to stay alive and keep those around him alive, but monsters are constantly fighting and those who he childishly trusts, are waiting more from him for their own reasons.
This was so intense and can't wait for more!
Read in 2 days
This was such a well written story that kept me so enthralled all the way toll the end. The young boy is constantly fighting to stay alive and keep those around him alive, but monsters are constantly fighting and those who he childishly trusts, are waiting more from him for their own reasons.
This was so intense and can't wait for more!
Read in 2 days
June 9, 2022
Are we sure this is the same author of Way of the Shaman?
Well the world building in this lifting this whole series above the water level… at this point the characters are just an un-relatable bunch of kids and A-holes adults… I'm going to continue for the next one and really hope it gets better, or at least that the world building will stay that interesting
3/5 at this point, if you liked the first one you would like this one, don’t expect something much better.
Well the world building in this lifting this whole series above the water level… at this point the characters are just an un-relatable bunch of kids and A-holes adults… I'm going to continue for the next one and really hope it gets better, or at least that the world building will stay that interesting
3/5 at this point, if you liked the first one you would like this one, don’t expect something much better.
June 20, 2020
Nice addition to the story. I'm not all that enthusiastic about the whole card thing, but they do add an interesting aspect to the whole world, so there is that. I'll most certainly be reading the next one in the series, I'm really liking this world, even if I find some of it's mechanics a bit strange.
January 23, 2023
Book 2 of The Alchemist series. I like the series so far. This is an RPGLit book where the people don’t know or acknowledge that there are I in a video game. The main character continues to defeat enemies far stronger than he. This leaves a little to the yeah right factor, but you’re also wondering how he is going to pull it off this time.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.con
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.con
June 19, 2020
Book two
Mistakes: I found only one mistake in this book.
Plot: Running from one fight to the next. That is what it felt like anyway. Liked all the action.
Characters: I don’t like the mc’s trainer or mentor.
7/10
Mistakes: I found only one mistake in this book.
Plot: Running from one fight to the next. That is what it felt like anyway. Liked all the action.
Characters: I don’t like the mc’s trainer or mentor.
7/10
July 6, 2020
A series that just keeps getting better
The only issue I have with this story is that I know there is only one more book left! So many possibilities left in this universe, I hope Vasily continues with many more...
The only issue I have with this story is that I know there is only one more book left! So many possibilities left in this universe, I hope Vasily continues with many more...
July 18, 2020
Better name for book is: How to betray an 11 year old
Simple synopsis,lots of action, drama, and the MC is betrayed by every single person he knows save his betrothed. There is no romance, he's only 11.
Simple synopsis,lots of action, drama, and the MC is betrayed by every single person he knows save his betrothed. There is no romance, he's only 11.
August 15, 2020
Really a pretty good story
While the magic system is card based, this is an enjoyable story.
While I personally believe that the implemented system takes away from the story, I still enjoyed it.
While the magic system is card based, this is an enjoyable story.
While I personally believe that the implemented system takes away from the story, I still enjoyed it.
November 25, 2020
Engrossing fast paced fresh syory
The read was a great add to the first book. The complex characters and changing interaction is engaging. It draws you in and leave s you wanting more. Great series please write more.
The read was a great add to the first book. The complex characters and changing interaction is engaging. It draws you in and leave s you wanting more. Great series please write more.
August 16, 2021
I really enjoyed all 5 books in this series, I love the continuation of the original series "World of the Changed" It was very interesting to see what the world would become many years after the Game left a planet. Loved it. Thanks.
June 8, 2022
Bigger battles, bigger monsters and bigger quests. More of the ancient history of this world and its relationship to other things are hinted at. Entertaining. I'm just not sure if I buy the whole "romance"--completely innocent--between two 12 year olds.
June 17, 2020
Great series!
Really love the plot and magic system of this series, hoping that the Main character figures out that he shouldn't be loyal to his mentor.
Really love the plot and magic system of this series, hoping that the Main character figures out that he shouldn't be loyal to his mentor.
July 4, 2020
Good Read!
July 22, 2020
Much Better
This author is a fantastic writer but this story with kids as heroes not his best a entertaining story but I've read much more exciting books by him
This author is a fantastic writer but this story with kids as heroes not his best a entertaining story but I've read much more exciting books by him
July 28, 2020
Good
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
August 8, 2020
Still good
Second book was as good as the first, author has shown time and time again that his sets will hold together.
Second book was as good as the first, author has shown time and time again that his sets will hold together.
August 12, 2020
Amazing
Such a brilliant book. Cannot recommend enough to people who love Litrpg's. Great characters, worldbuilding & storyline. Can't wait to read the third book.
Such a brilliant book. Cannot recommend enough to people who love Litrpg's. Great characters, worldbuilding & storyline. Can't wait to read the third book.
August 19, 2020
Great story
This story of a eleven year old boy who the system is using to fight against monsters is a very entertaining fast paced action packed read.
This story of a eleven year old boy who the system is using to fight against monsters is a very entertaining fast paced action packed read.
September 2, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews