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Galactogon #3
Ein Scheck über eine Milliarde
Ein Scheck über eine Milliarde Credits. Der Preis schien für immer verloren, doch nun funkelt er wieder vor ihren Augen und zieht unser Pärchen magisch an. Die Piraten, die Uldaner, die Zatrathi – all das spielt jetzt keine Rolle mehr. Das endgültige Ziel ist so nah. Sie müssen nur noch die Hand ausstrecken und es ergreifen.
Doch das Glück wird sich Chirurg nicht kampflos hingeben. Es kommt nur zu denen, die sich beweisen. Werden Alexis und Eunice ihre innere Stärke finden und bis zum Äußersten gehen – oder werden sie vor den Hindernissen kapitulieren und ihre Suche aufgeben? Letztendlich ist das Wichtigste, den Planeten mit dem Preis zu finden. Doch wo in dieser weiten Galaxie sollen sie überhaupt anfangen?
Doch das Glück wird sich Chirurg nicht kampflos hingeben. Es kommt nur zu denen, die sich beweisen. Werden Alexis und Eunice ihre innere Stärke finden und bis zum Äußersten gehen – oder werden sie vor den Hindernissen kapitulieren und ihre Suche aufgeben? Letztendlich ist das Wichtigste, den Planeten mit dem Preis zu finden. Doch wo in dieser weiten Galaxie sollen sie überhaupt anfangen?
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
547 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2019
About the author
Vasily Mahanenko
99 books1,111 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 22, 2026
⭐⭐⚝ ⚝ ⚝ (2/5)
What would you do if unimaginable wealth suddenly became yours—but at a cosmic cost? That’s the irresistible hook of A Check for a Billion (Galactogon, #3) by Vasily Mahanenko, a story that blends high-stakes sci-fi gaming with sharp character tension and moral complexity.
This third installment raises the bar in both scope and consequence. The protagonist is no longer just reacting to the bizarre, game-like mechanics of the universe—he’s actively shaping outcomes, and every decision carries weight. The titular “check” isn’t just about money; it’s about power, responsibility, and the subtle corruption that can creep in when limits disappear.
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What works brilliantly:
Escalating stakes: The narrative constantly pushes forward, with each challenge feeling bigger and more dangerous than the last.
Game mechanics done right: Mahanenko continues to integrate RPG-style systems seamlessly into the plot without slowing the story.
Moral dilemmas: The choices the protagonist faces aren’t black-and-white, adding depth to what could have been a straightforward power fantasy.
Where it stumbles slightly:
Pacing inconsistencies: Some sections feel rushed compared to the detailed buildup of earlier conflicts.
Side characters: A few supporting figures could use more development to match the complexity of the main arc.
What makes this book stand out in the progression fantasy genre is its willingness to question the very premise it thrives on. Power isn’t just earned—it’s tested, twisted, and sometimes regretted. The universe of Galactogon feels more alive than ever, expanding in ways that keep readers curious and slightly off-balance.
At its core, this is not just a story about gaining everything—it’s about what that gain quietly takes away.
Final verdict: If you’ve followed the series so far, this is a must-read. It’s smarter, darker, and more ambitious than its predecessors, even if it occasionally sacrifices depth for speed. For newcomers, starting earlier in the series is recommended to fully appreciate the layered progression.
A compelling continuation that proves the Galactogon series still has plenty of surprises—and consequences—left to deliver.
April 11, 2021
I dont think this was among the best of the litRGP books by Mahanenko. Being a gamer myself, even in the RGP genre, I enjoy the interplay of the MCs with the virtual and the real. That the character may be a Mary Sue winning all the prices, money and the girl, is fine to me. However, in this final novel in the trilogy, it feels like a little too much. The MCs are flat, behave like a 16 year old boy (while having a 30year old wife, in game) really feels out of character, and the interplay between real and virtual is not there ("honey, our house is blown up, but we got a new condo, I arranges everything"). So I know there is not a lot of believability in these books, but the thin thread that defines an MC in life, namely his/her behavior in the real, was completely gone in this one. Also, I enjoy the "leveling up skills" and "quests" in litRGP and in this novel it did not matter at all for the plot. You knew how this was going to end, right? Finally, the end. Utterly hasted, no fun. 2 stars.
September 18, 2025
Friends, enemies, frenemies-sacrifice and revenge.
Book 3 of the Galactogon series. This is the finale to the series and was a wild ride. Betrayal, deals, and double deals along with sacrifices and pure grit to finish off this task. I like that it leaves room for another series. We get to see all of our friends, enemies, and frenemies and revenge. This book pulls out all the stops to leave us with a wonderful ending. Pick this little trilogy up and enjoy a fun space adventure.
Book 3 of the Galactogon series. This is the finale to the series and was a wild ride. Betrayal, deals, and double deals along with sacrifices and pure grit to finish off this task. I like that it leaves room for another series. We get to see all of our friends, enemies, and frenemies and revenge. This book pulls out all the stops to leave us with a wonderful ending. Pick this little trilogy up and enjoy a fun space adventure.
August 4, 2021
While I liked this book, and thought it was probably the best book in the series, There were serious issues with the storyline, at least if it is to stay consistent with the rest of the universe. Still, the book was enjoyable, and while I'm not all that enthusiastic about how it ended, it (hopefully) means there will be more in the series from the author, though they're likely to be under a different series name.
September 19, 2021
Tak, ako to začalo, tak rozbito to aj skončilo. Všeznalosťou hlavného hrdinu, v hre pre milióny hráčov, kde unikátne úlohy pripadnú práve jemu. Asi nerozumiem tomuto "konceptu" herných mechanizmov, ale žil som v tom, že vývoj postáv niekam smeruje a "misie" nie sú jednorazové. Plus tá "inteligencia" herných postáv a ovládateľné detaily virtuálnej reality boli už na mňa príliš. Ale asi na to nestačí PP06-ka :)
January 7, 2025
It was nicely paced and written, but I am sorry, this not feel like game. Generally quests made for one player only, NPCs having more interesting agenda then players - really how you make an MMORPG.
When reaching end I was just "ok, how is he planning to end this in so little space".... And he did and it was not satisfactory and it seemed far-fetched to me. Ending just because author said so.
And I would say author got there pretty nice potential, but I enjoyed first two books more
When reaching end I was just "ok, how is he planning to end this in so little space".... And he did and it was not satisfactory and it seemed far-fetched to me. Ending just because author said so.
And I would say author got there pretty nice potential, but I enjoyed first two books more
November 27, 2023
Even more "lucky coincidences". The plot feels very contrived and it is hastening towards the end..
The game antagonists feel totally overpowered and would totally ruin the game if let unchecked by the heavily-plot-armor-infused protagonist...
The game antagonists feel totally overpowered and would totally ruin the game if let unchecked by the heavily-plot-armor-infused protagonist...
March 20, 2026
Nanestastie najslabsia kniha celej serie. Tak nejak som mal pocit ze autor mal este straasne vela napadov a potreboval ich vsetky napchat do tejto knihy, takze to chvilami posobi ako torta od psicka a macicky...
August 6, 2020
The end was worthwhile...
Great series and pretty good translation overall. Thanks for sharing your imagination and creations Vasily. Looking forward to the next set of adventures !
Great series and pretty good translation overall. Thanks for sharing your imagination and creations Vasily. Looking forward to the next set of adventures !
September 19, 2021
I listened to the first two books but decided to read the final book in the trilogy, unwilling to wait for the audiobook to be released. I'm glad I did, too, as it lives up to the bar set by the first two books. I realize the author doesn't think highly of this series, but I've enjoyed it from the beginning.
The Good: we see more galactic intrigue, backstabbing, betrayal and more as Surgeon and Nurse take on Galactogon for the billion dollar check. The check is a bit of a MacGuffin really, as most of the action isn't really around the check but the journey. I think this series is almost as good at Michael Atamanov's Reality Bender series, which is probably the best LItRPG sci-fi story out there. It's that good.
The notifications are consistent. This is definitely LitRPG.
The not quite so good: the internal bickering between Surgeon and Nurse wasn't great. As has been mentioned before, some of the plot lines are forced to wrap things up, which takes away from the drama. The story with the Corsican was ok, but really didn't go anywhere in the end, which was disappointing after the build up from the previous two books.
I do believe that there is a possible fourth or fifth book if the author is willing. Just like a band who write a hit song that they dislike, as long as it makes $$ they keep playing it. Just a thought...
Overall, I recommend this series especially if you like sci-fi and LitRGP.
4/5*
The Good: we see more galactic intrigue, backstabbing, betrayal and more as Surgeon and Nurse take on Galactogon for the billion dollar check. The check is a bit of a MacGuffin really, as most of the action isn't really around the check but the journey. I think this series is almost as good at Michael Atamanov's Reality Bender series, which is probably the best LItRPG sci-fi story out there. It's that good.
The notifications are consistent. This is definitely LitRPG.
The not quite so good: the internal bickering between Surgeon and Nurse wasn't great. As has been mentioned before, some of the plot lines are forced to wrap things up, which takes away from the drama. The story with the Corsican was ok, but really didn't go anywhere in the end, which was disappointing after the build up from the previous two books.
I do believe that there is a possible fourth or fifth book if the author is willing. Just like a band who write a hit song that they dislike, as long as it makes $$ they keep playing it. Just a thought...
Overall, I recommend this series especially if you like sci-fi and LitRGP.
4/5*
September 23, 2019
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
April 15, 2022
Musím říct že je pro mě trojka lepší než první dva díly. Skvěle vyvážená porce politiky a akce způsobila že jsem se nemohla odtrhnout. Hodně mě tedy mrzí absence levelovaní vlastností, chápu že se autor snaží navodit reálnější prostředí ale to by si víc užil hráč než čtenář toužící právě po takových informacích.
Jsem vděčná za pořádně ukončené dějové linky. Často mám pocit že se je autoři snaží uzavřít jen aby se neřeklo ale tady mi to přišlo smysluplné a dotažené do konce. Konec dobře navnadil na další pokračování, takže jsem zvědavá co Chirurga a posádku kulolodě čeká dál, snad to bude stát za to.
Jsem vděčná za pořádně ukončené dějové linky. Často mám pocit že se je autoři snaží uzavřít jen aby se neřeklo ale tady mi to přišlo smysluplné a dotažené do konce. Konec dobře navnadil na další pokračování, takže jsem zvědavá co Chirurga a posádku kulolodě čeká dál, snad to bude stát za to.
September 2, 2019
Book three
Mistakes: I found three for sure. He said four words not three. Also wasn’t a fan of the spelled out sound effects, that is what my imagination is for.
Plot: The end of the series. Plenty is still left to do if the author returns to this world.
Characters: I like the MC and would look forward to more adventures.
8/10
Mistakes: I found three for sure. He said four words not three. Also wasn’t a fan of the spelled out sound effects, that is what my imagination is for.
Plot: The end of the series. Plenty is still left to do if the author returns to this world.
Characters: I like the MC and would look forward to more adventures.
8/10
September 6, 2019
Starts a bit slow
I was expecting a bit more. Every issue always had a ready solution, almost as if the end of the book was written first. The book starts off a bit slow and then just ends. I wished there was a bit more to the conclusion. I did enjoy the story.
I was expecting a bit more. Every issue always had a ready solution, almost as if the end of the book was written first. The book starts off a bit slow and then just ends. I wished there was a bit more to the conclusion. I did enjoy the story.
September 8, 2019
An OK book
First part was excellent, second was good and while I wasn't exactly bored reading the last part, it wasn't the same "can't put the book down" feeling. I was about to give it 3 stars but after comparing it to another books of the same genre I have 4
First part was excellent, second was good and while I wasn't exactly bored reading the last part, it wasn't the same "can't put the book down" feeling. I was about to give it 3 stars but after comparing it to another books of the same genre I have 4
August 30, 2019
Rollercoaster of a book
What a great book into a really good series Vasily you have done it once again.
I look forward to reading your next book
What a great book into a really good series Vasily you have done it once again.
I look forward to reading your next book
September 8, 2019
Really good!
One of the best litrpg writers out there. I reread the first 2 before I read this one and it was very rewarding. Thank you for finishing the series. I loved it
One of the best litrpg writers out there. I reread the first 2 before I read this one and it was very rewarding. Thank you for finishing the series. I loved it
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews