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Reality Benders #8
Devourer
The aggressive invaders from another galaxy cannot be stopped. The Composite keeps capturing system after system wiping out everything in its path, and there is no sign of a force capable of standing up to it.
In the search for allies, Gnat embarks on a long journey aimed at uniting the various branches of the human race. And though the potential for alliance is there, how can he convince them to set off to fight a suicidal war with such a disastrous balance of forces?
Beyond that, things aren’t as easy as they initially seemed with the humans from the far-off Empire, and they have a compelling reason not to enter this war which does not concern them. There's also the status of sole ruler of humanity at stake, which is not the kind of achievement that can be shared.
And that means one of the human leaders will have to back down.
In the search for allies, Gnat embarks on a long journey aimed at uniting the various branches of the human race. And though the potential for alliance is there, how can he convince them to set off to fight a suicidal war with such a disastrous balance of forces?
Beyond that, things aren’t as easy as they initially seemed with the humans from the far-off Empire, and they have a compelling reason not to enter this war which does not concern them. There's also the status of sole ruler of humanity at stake, which is not the kind of achievement that can be shared.
And that means one of the human leaders will have to back down.
587 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
84 people are currently reading
80 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 15, 2021
With Michael Atamanov's space opera LitRPG epic Reality Benders, you pretty much know what you're getting into by book eight.
Or do you?
The book kicks off with a diplomatic visit to an older series by the same author, Sector Eight: Perimeter Defense. I loved that series when it came out, although I never envisioned a mash-up between the current one and that one.
Emperor Georg is still on the throne, but now that he's conquered everything he wanted to conquer, he's basically done. Gnat is hoping to find something to trade so he can come away with some new tech, and his hopes are answered.
As it turns out, the Emperor loves his coffee.
He also likes seeing the composite fleet destroyed, and gives Gnat the weapons to make see it happen.
From there, we're back to the usual tour of Kung and Krong's across the universe and races, and Kung Gnat knows them all on a first name basis.
There is work being done on Earth now that the two-tong limit of safety is almost up, and Gnat has to scramble to find enough money to gobble up all the remaining hexagons so the Relict Faction is the majority owner of hexagons on Earth.
Make that dual Earth.
At the same time, they are consolidating power on the Poko-Poko space station that they acquired in book 7. I won't spoil what happens there, but it's significant.
From there Tamara the Paladin is off to a distant world where a complete Relict city has been uncovered by the Gekho, and Gnat is able to put the pieces together and bring the power online. Gnat buys a few key items for his Listener suit, but the real prize is the city.
The book ends with a deal between Gnat and the Krong of the Geckho. Again, I won't spoil it, but it does mean that book 9 is going to bring some new work for the Relict faction.
Overall, I loved this series from book 1, and that feeling hasn't wavered throughout the rest of the books. The story is building to when Earth becomes independent (or does it), and whether Gnat can attain Krong status.
Highly Recommended. 5/5*
Or do you?
The book kicks off with a diplomatic visit to an older series by the same author, Sector Eight: Perimeter Defense. I loved that series when it came out, although I never envisioned a mash-up between the current one and that one.
Emperor Georg is still on the throne, but now that he's conquered everything he wanted to conquer, he's basically done. Gnat is hoping to find something to trade so he can come away with some new tech, and his hopes are answered.
As it turns out, the Emperor loves his coffee.
He also likes seeing the composite fleet destroyed, and gives Gnat the weapons to make see it happen.
From there, we're back to the usual tour of Kung and Krong's across the universe and races, and Kung Gnat knows them all on a first name basis.
There is work being done on Earth now that the two-tong limit of safety is almost up, and Gnat has to scramble to find enough money to gobble up all the remaining hexagons so the Relict Faction is the majority owner of hexagons on Earth.
Make that dual Earth.
At the same time, they are consolidating power on the Poko-Poko space station that they acquired in book 7. I won't spoil what happens there, but it's significant.
From there Tamara the Paladin is off to a distant world where a complete Relict city has been uncovered by the Gekho, and Gnat is able to put the pieces together and bring the power online. Gnat buys a few key items for his Listener suit, but the real prize is the city.
The book ends with a deal between Gnat and the Krong of the Geckho. Again, I won't spoil it, but it does mean that book 9 is going to bring some new work for the Relict faction.
Overall, I loved this series from book 1, and that feeling hasn't wavered throughout the rest of the books. The story is building to when Earth becomes independent (or does it), and whether Gnat can attain Krong status.
Highly Recommended. 5/5*
July 12, 2021
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
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.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. 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
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.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. 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
July 13, 2021
I received a review copy of this book.
I'm really liking this series. After every book, I keep thinking it can't get anymore complex, but then the next book comes along, and proves me wrong.
In this book, I'm disappointed in what was lost, happy about what was found, and gleeful in how enemies are dealt with, especially the big boss guy that can't be allowed to wake up. Great fun all around, and if you're a fan of the series, you really don't want to miss this one.
I'm really liking this series. After every book, I keep thinking it can't get anymore complex, but then the next book comes along, and proves me wrong.
In this book, I'm disappointed in what was lost, happy about what was found, and gleeful in how enemies are dealt with, especially the big boss guy that can't be allowed to wake up. Great fun all around, and if you're a fan of the series, you really don't want to miss this one.
August 25, 2024
Book eight
I've been reading the ARCs for this series from the beginning. Not sure why this one didn't have a review.
I check the translation from Russian to English and try to find mistakes.
I'm sure I miss plenty, but if you report them they should get fixed.
In my experience Magic Dome has been really good about fixing mistakes and giving readers the best translation that they can. So report those mistakes people!
8/10
I've been reading the ARCs for this series from the beginning. Not sure why this one didn't have a review.
I check the translation from Russian to English and try to find mistakes.
I'm sure I miss plenty, but if you report them they should get fixed.
In my experience Magic Dome has been really good about fixing mistakes and giving readers the best translation that they can. So report those mistakes people!
8/10
July 20, 2021
Great Read, Great Series
Kung Gnat is rapidly leveling up. Mishaps befall him and his crew while good fortune also happens. Can he keep his friends and loved ones safe? More about the game is revealed. I like the action, humor, romance, and intrigue. This is one of my favorite series. I look forward to the next book.
Kung Gnat is rapidly leveling up. Mishaps befall him and his crew while good fortune also happens. Can he keep his friends and loved ones safe? More about the game is revealed. I like the action, humor, romance, and intrigue. This is one of my favorite series. I look forward to the next book.
Read
July 30, 2021Love it!
Merging Perimeter defense and reality Benders Together blew my mind. I loved both books and was pleasantly surprised How they both came together. I do hope King George's people .Become players as well. I look forward to the next book to this truly exciting story. Please release it soon
Merging Perimeter defense and reality Benders Together blew my mind. I loved both books and was pleasantly surprised How they both came together. I do hope King George's people .Become players as well. I look forward to the next book to this truly exciting story. Please release it soon
July 14, 2021
Another great book to series
Always got to love Gnats unpredictability, lived cross over eith Perimeter Defense universe.
Definitely hope they get Ayni situation resolved as she's my favorite.
Always got to love Gnats unpredictability, lived cross over eith Perimeter Defense universe.
Definitely hope they get Ayni situation resolved as she's my favorite.
July 20, 2021
Surprise ending…..
No I don’t mean there was some random twist, I mean that I was surprised to reach the end of the book because I was so entranced by the story. Every book in this series seems to suck me in and keep me on the edge of my seat until the end just pops up
No I don’t mean there was some random twist, I mean that I was surprised to reach the end of the book because I was so entranced by the story. Every book in this series seems to suck me in and keep me on the edge of my seat until the end just pops up
October 15, 2021
Gnat back at it
There is alot that happens in this book. I thought a few of the books lacked events but this made up for it. I was happy the characters from perimeter defense made an appearance.
There is alot that happens in this book. I thought a few of the books lacked events but this made up for it. I was happy the characters from perimeter defense made an appearance.
July 11, 2022
Overall last couple books in this series seem to have lost of their charm. Moving to the galactic scale lost a lot of the interpersonal character that was charming. Near the end the book picked up some again.
April 9, 2024
When an author gets lazy or can't figure out what to do with his MC and resorts to nerfing him just to get some content out it is unforgivable. So lazy. Oh, hey you've gotten pretty powerful and I can't figure out what to do now. Nerf! Why? Because reasons.
July 13, 2021
Once again an epic story.
Once again Michael has written an epic story book 8 better than book one . I really enjoyed the series i highly recommend it.
Once again Michael has written an epic story book 8 better than book one . I really enjoyed the series i highly recommend it.
July 14, 2021
Excellent!
Great read which is an excellent addition to the story line!
With character levels in the hundreds, the author has done an amazing job of world building!
Great read which is an excellent addition to the story line!
With character levels in the hundreds, the author has done an amazing job of world building!
July 14, 2021
WARNING This book assumes you have read the Perimeter Defence series which I gave up on after the hero was turned into a heroin junkie at the end of the first book. Book was returned for refund.
July 14, 2021
Didn’t like Perimeter Defence so I’m annoyed I have to read the series to continue with Reality Benders. Returned the book for a refund.
July 14, 2021
This really throws the ending of Perimeter Defense into a new light.. This book provided some very interesting information that just makes the rabbit hole all the bigger.
July 15, 2021
Great story and series
This is a great story and series that I’ve been reading for years! I really enjoyed this story arc and I am excited to see where he will go.
This is a great story and series that I’ve been reading for years! I really enjoyed this story arc and I am excited to see where he will go.
July 16, 2021
Great series
One of my favorite series. This is another great addition, looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend it.
One of my favorite series. This is another great addition, looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend it.
February 20, 2023
"Как юзер хакнул систему и получил админские права"
Чуть не умер в процессе чтения от передозировки роялей.
Чуть не умер в процессе чтения от передозировки роялей.
April 1, 2024
Good one. Sad about some of the happenings but also cool how much Gnat is progressing
December 14, 2021
Серия, которой лучше было бы закончиться две-три книги назад. Для меня эта книга, пожалуй, последняя. Заметная часть объема посвящена статам персонажа, его размышлениям, куда вкачать очки навыков... Но вот парадокс: куда бы он их не вкачивал, он в первую очередь в книге и только потом уже в игре, а это значит, что автор всегда раскидывает очки правильно. И вот эта бесконечная правильность выбора игрока вне зависимости от того, что он делает, торгует, убивает или что-то ещё, делает эту книгу нудятиной. К навыкам тоже возникают вопросы. Можно взять любой из них. Скажем, Ощущение Опасности всегда срабатывает одновременно с повышением навыка. В итоге нет у персонажа никакого ощущения опасности как навыка, который ему бы что-то подсказывал без увеличения своего значения. Выходит, что уровень навыка равен тому, сколько раз главный герой почувствовал опасность. И так почти всюду. Вся затея, в целом, была неплохой. Но, увы, автор увлекся бесконечным выжиманием контента из идеи и произошло самопереваривание. Знаю, что уже есть и девятая книга, но, ей-богу, хорош.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews