What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alchemist #5
Tartila Mine
What are you supposed to do when the whole world joins forces against you? Give up, find some hole to duck into, and beg for your life to be spared? But even despite how obvious the answer to that question might be, many an adult had been dashed on the rocks twelve-year-old Tailyn Vlashich was supposed to climb. Ahead of him lay a secret laboratory belonging to the ancients; behind was a horde headed by his sworn enemy. But through it all, Tailyn had those who loved him, those who believed in him, and that support was enough to carry him to the ends of the earth.
There was just one question left to answer: who was the Absorber? And what did he want with Tailyn?
There was just one question left to answer: who was the Absorber? And what did he want with Tailyn?
635 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2021
181 people are currently reading
103 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 17, 2022
We get a fun end. I mean, seriously, we get a nearly-world-shattering end to this LitRPG, assuming we just stick with one world. We'll see. But for right now, this thirteen-year-old kid and his betrothed managed to kill or otherwise defeat meta-world intelligences and immortals, ancient high-tech defenses, and re-awaken magic.
On the other hand, now that I have read these five books, I'm rather amused to see how they could really be re-named: how to hack a worldbuilding and magic system, get the DM super pissed off at you, and how to find yet MORE exploits to later get nerfed.
EVERY SINGLE BOOK. We get a short period of time where our kid can be utterly OP, lose it, find a new method, lose it, find yet another way to screw over the system, and then finally just say to the system, all right, buddy, I'm tired of this. I'm doing it MY WAY.
I seriously had a great time with that.
On the other hand, now that I have read these five books, I'm rather amused to see how they could really be re-named: how to hack a worldbuilding and magic system, get the DM super pissed off at you, and how to find yet MORE exploits to later get nerfed.
EVERY SINGLE BOOK. We get a short period of time where our kid can be utterly OP, lose it, find a new method, lose it, find yet another way to screw over the system, and then finally just say to the system, all right, buddy, I'm tired of this. I'm doing it MY WAY.
I seriously had a great time with that.
July 31, 2021
Good to see the story advancing in the way it's going. I like when a character beats the odds, and especially when they do so in a way the system doesn't expect. Very well done, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 7, 2021
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
By all accounts, this is a perfectly worded review. Unfortunately, some of our fellow readers are offended that I am not pouring my heart out and offering a detailed and intimate breakdown of my thoughts on the books. As such they have reported me to the authorities and I have been warned against continuing my bad behavior. I will not. So I may be banned. If so, it was a fun journey with you.
If I enjoy a book, my goal is to promote it and help the author by encouraging others to read it. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
By all accounts, this is a perfectly worded review. Unfortunately, some of our fellow readers are offended that I am not pouring my heart out and offering a detailed and intimate breakdown of my thoughts on the books. As such they have reported me to the authorities and I have been warned against continuing my bad behavior. I will not. So I may be banned. If so, it was a fun journey with you.
If I enjoy a book, my goal is to promote it and help the author by encouraging others to read it. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
June 22, 2021
Magic life in The Game, Becomes Magic Life
This was exciting until it wasn't, but then it and again not until it was again. Ya lost me too. All the prior stories in this series were mind blowing until this, the Final Installment, then not so much. Maybe should have been a part A & part B.
I got lost after the big battle that so much time was spent preparing for then didn't actually happen instead the story changed.
I was seriously let down after putting so much time into the series.
Read in 2 days
This was exciting until it wasn't, but then it and again not until it was again. Ya lost me too. All the prior stories in this series were mind blowing until this, the Final Installment, then not so much. Maybe should have been a part A & part B.
I got lost after the big battle that so much time was spent preparing for then didn't actually happen instead the story changed.
I was seriously let down after putting so much time into the series.
Read in 2 days
July 7, 2021
Book five
This is another series where I get ARC's to check the translation from Russian to English.
I like this series better than the first series that first tells of the system coming to earth. It's set in the distant future and is a fun read.
4/5
This is another series where I get ARC's to check the translation from Russian to English.
I like this series better than the first series that first tells of the system coming to earth. It's set in the distant future and is a fun read.
4/5
February 5, 2022
Been a while since I last read a book in this series.
Some parts struck me as lazy writing, some as bad editing/translation, on the whole it was ok but I've started to dislike the MC or perhaps the entire style of writing which makes them seem distant and sociopathic.
Some parts struck me as lazy writing, some as bad editing/translation, on the whole it was ok but I've started to dislike the MC or perhaps the entire style of writing which makes them seem distant and sociopathic.
June 15, 2022
What is even going on?
I finally found a way to describe the feeling of this series… Reading it is like playing a card game with a 3 year old that keeps changing the rules and always has to win… every single step.
I stopped following the numbers in the last book, but here everything just went crazy and nothing had any meaning… someone is dead? Nope. We need 100$ here, take 2000$ and some levels and candy, the enemy is undefeated? Ok here is a cheat code… oh and everyone is going to die! But never mind they don’t. Was there even a plan for the story here?
Maybe if I would have read the series about the exodus first everything would have been clear, I don’t know.
I was here for the ride but I'm kinda happy it's over.
2.5/5 not recommended…
I finally found a way to describe the feeling of this series… Reading it is like playing a card game with a 3 year old that keeps changing the rules and always has to win… every single step.
I stopped following the numbers in the last book, but here everything just went crazy and nothing had any meaning… someone is dead? Nope. We need 100$ here, take 2000$ and some levels and candy, the enemy is undefeated? Ok here is a cheat code… oh and everyone is going to die! But never mind they don’t. Was there even a plan for the story here?
Maybe if I would have read the series about the exodus first everything would have been clear, I don’t know.
I was here for the ride but I'm kinda happy it's over.
2.5/5 not recommended…
June 1, 2021
Book 5 gets off to a slow start, as other reviewers have noted. Once I got past the 10% mark, I was back in the groove and on board with the story.
I think the biggest difference between book 5 and all the previous four books is that Tailyn isn't as inventive in book five. Yes, this ends an arc in the story, but he faces so many tough enemies that he simply doesn't have room to maneuver like he usually does.
I won't spoil anything, but the last thirty percent of the book is spent with the group running from one unwinnable situation to another. The ending makes sense, but it's definitely not what I expected.
In book six, I hope we get back to what Tailyn (and Valia) do best, which is finding unique ways to win where they shouldn't. The ending reminded me directly of The Gam3 trilogy, which if you've read that series you'll understand.
Overall, I came close to giving book five a 4 star rating before deciding not to. I like this series and most of what Vasily writes, and even though this wasn't my favorite book in the series, I'm okay with it.
5/5*
I think the biggest difference between book 5 and all the previous four books is that Tailyn isn't as inventive in book five. Yes, this ends an arc in the story, but he faces so many tough enemies that he simply doesn't have room to maneuver like he usually does.
I won't spoil anything, but the last thirty percent of the book is spent with the group running from one unwinnable situation to another. The ending makes sense, but it's definitely not what I expected.
In book six, I hope we get back to what Tailyn (and Valia) do best, which is finding unique ways to win where they shouldn't. The ending reminded me directly of The Gam3 trilogy, which if you've read that series you'll understand.
Overall, I came close to giving book five a 4 star rating before deciding not to. I like this series and most of what Vasily writes, and even though this wasn't my favorite book in the series, I'm okay with it.
5/5*
April 3, 2023
I love RPG books. It is a result of my love for RPG games I guess.
The series tells us about a very far future after an Earth invasion when all previous life is replaced by The GAME. Earth is populated by humans and lixes. Everyone s under strict control of God( the system) and every event is estimated buy God instantly with possibility to grow and develop or to be punished and set back. In this world you cannot lie as God is always there to be a witness of your words.
In this harsh wold, where life counts for nothing, a boy Tailyn Vlashich is born in a poor family and his mum dies at birth. His father gives his life as gift to God in order to provide a better choice in life for his son. And his son gets a choice to be a mage but in this moment a personal enemy, a black lix, is born to keep the balance in the world.
Tailyn becomes a good person who is ready to work hard and helps a lot of people in his way fighting a lot of enemies including Emperors of the wold.
The end of series is very optimistic for the future of Earth and shows that humankind should fight for the planet.
The series tells us about a very far future after an Earth invasion when all previous life is replaced by The GAME. Earth is populated by humans and lixes. Everyone s under strict control of God( the system) and every event is estimated buy God instantly with possibility to grow and develop or to be punished and set back. In this world you cannot lie as God is always there to be a witness of your words.
In this harsh wold, where life counts for nothing, a boy Tailyn Vlashich is born in a poor family and his mum dies at birth. His father gives his life as gift to God in order to provide a better choice in life for his son. And his son gets a choice to be a mage but in this moment a personal enemy, a black lix, is born to keep the balance in the world.
Tailyn becomes a good person who is ready to work hard and helps a lot of people in his way fighting a lot of enemies including Emperors of the wold.
The end of series is very optimistic for the future of Earth and shows that humankind should fight for the planet.
May 15, 2021
Tough to start
It’s been a few months since I read the previous novel and that didn’t help me diving into this one. This book picks up directly where the last left off, without any explanation or recap. For that reason, I found myself having to piece together who was who and what exactly was going on.
At a certain point it all clicked and I was following along. That would also be when the pace accelerated. The ride to the end was wild. The good news is this ended the series quite effectively.
A few scattered typos. Family friendly, if a bit destructive.
You really should re-read at least the previous novel before attempting this one. If you are a fan of the series, it is worth it.
It’s been a few months since I read the previous novel and that didn’t help me diving into this one. This book picks up directly where the last left off, without any explanation or recap. For that reason, I found myself having to piece together who was who and what exactly was going on.
At a certain point it all clicked and I was following along. That would also be when the pace accelerated. The ride to the end was wild. The good news is this ended the series quite effectively.
A few scattered typos. Family friendly, if a bit destructive.
You really should re-read at least the previous novel before attempting this one. If you are a fan of the series, it is worth it.
November 24, 2021
Decent series, but skip audible.
The series has been good so far and this book really was a surprise as the series had started to get old, but book 5 was a nice change of pace.
I bought audible this time and I was dissappointed. The narrator's reading was grating...it followed an wierd lilting pattern that just rubbed me the wrong way. He did it less when he was "speaking" as one of the characters, but it was really prevalent anytime he was narrating. It wasn't awful, but it seriously bugged me for some reason.
Note, this series is definitely targeted towards a younger audience as the MC is like 13yrs old.
The series has been good so far and this book really was a surprise as the series had started to get old, but book 5 was a nice change of pace.
I bought audible this time and I was dissappointed. The narrator's reading was grating...it followed an wierd lilting pattern that just rubbed me the wrong way. He did it less when he was "speaking" as one of the characters, but it was really prevalent anytime he was narrating. It wasn't awful, but it seriously bugged me for some reason.
Note, this series is definitely targeted towards a younger audience as the MC is like 13yrs old.
March 10, 2023
Book 5 of the Alchemist series. This leaves an opening for future books, while still being a satisfying conclusion. If you’re as big of fan boy as me you’ll enjoy this one. I was worried for a minute it was going to become an Adam and Eve story, but it did not and let me feeling great about the series. The only disappointing part of this RPGLit was that we understand so little about the game. We are given more hints in this book, but it is just so nebulous that it leaves me guessing most of the time about how they became part of the world. Still a strong recommend.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
May 15, 2021
Read tho whole series
Honestly the best series I've read. First book was weaker I've even droped it for a while, but the rest is pure gold. Im not book worm or critic, so the only thing I can give you is my feelings of this series and they scream READ IT.
Honestly the best series I've read. First book was weaker I've even droped it for a while, but the rest is pure gold. Im not book worm or critic, so the only thing I can give you is my feelings of this series and they scream READ IT.
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.
December 26, 2021
Not enjoying this as much. I think it's too crowded.
Our boy doing his thing to survive was always nice.
I think I can end the series here. It was a tolerable conclusion.
The entire book was a "meh" for me otherwise.
3/5 Stars
Our boy doing his thing to survive was always nice.
I think I can end the series here. It was a tolerable conclusion.
The entire book was a "meh" for me otherwise.
3/5 Stars
February 21, 2022
Not bad
Was not going to comment but this guy has some thing here that's worth reading the rest are doing upgrades here and there, in this one we have the world as a entry point to the universe interested in the next 10 books......
Was not going to comment but this guy has some thing here that's worth reading the rest are doing upgrades here and there, in this one we have the world as a entry point to the universe interested in the next 10 books......
July 21, 2023
Fang the boomerang dagger.
Pretty good ending , most loose ends tied up , Tailyn and Velia and companions fight the good fight but everyone is against them and the system isn't helping much.
Pretty good ending , most loose ends tied up , Tailyn and Velia and companions fight the good fight but everyone is against them and the system isn't helping much.
May 14, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it to anyone that like LitRPG with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it to anyone that like LitRPG with lots of action.
May 23, 2021
Great Arc Conclusion!
Solid writing and excellent plotting. Lots of action and answers to many questions answered. Nice to tie it to another series.
Solid writing and excellent plotting. Lots of action and answers to many questions answered. Nice to tie it to another series.
September 21, 2021
Good Author, I enjoy his books
I really enjoyed this series. Great surprise twists with the occasional sardonic edge to keep it from being too upbeat.
I really enjoyed this series. Great surprise twists with the occasional sardonic edge to keep it from being too upbeat.
October 3, 2022
Overall it was a fantastic read and kept me entertained. I don't ask for much more in a book.
August 10, 2023
Tartila Mine
I did not like this book as much as the first 4 books. It seemed to me to try to capture the mood/pace of the others. It fell short.
I did not like this book as much as the first 4 books. It seemed to me to try to capture the mood/pace of the others. It fell short.
November 14, 2025
Začína byť nepekným zvykom, že (pod tlakom času? snahou zbaviť sa toho?) posledné čísla dlhých sérií stoja za fajku dymu. U tohto autora sa mi to stalo prvýkrát. Nerozumiem tomu, ako je možné urobiť zo "supermana" štyroch dielov na konci obyčajného štatistu. Cliffhanger na konci naznačuje pokračovanie série, čo ma trochu desí. S Cestou šamana sa to ani neoplatí porovnávať a ešte aj neobľúbený Galactogon bol o úroveň vyššie.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews