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Nullform #1
Nullform #1
In this world, everyone starts with no memory and no recollection of their past life. In this world, you have nothing — even your limbs are rented, and you'll have to pay up every day. In this world, you must complete tasks assigned to you by the System or be fined and stripped of everything, including your arms and legs. In this world, you're under unrelenting supervision. But in dark corners hidden from the System's watchful eye, violence, brutality, and lawlessness abound.
In this world, you're assigned a number. You're a volitional Nullform. Now it's up to you to adapt to this reality and try to survive without ending up crippled. Just don't mess up, or you'll be wishing you were dead as you dig yourself deeper into an endless pit of debt. This world will not take pity on you. You'll have to work tirelessly to earn the right to live another day…
Read the first book in a new series from the author who brought you Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones.
An author who helped create the cult LitRPG genre.
An author who never ceases to amaze!
In this world, you're assigned a number. You're a volitional Nullform. Now it's up to you to adapt to this reality and try to survive without ending up crippled. Just don't mess up, or you'll be wishing you were dead as you dig yourself deeper into an endless pit of debt. This world will not take pity on you. You'll have to work tirelessly to earn the right to live another day…
Read the first book in a new series from the author who brought you Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones.
An author who helped create the cult LitRPG genre.
An author who never ceases to amaze!
441 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2021
145 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 24, 2021
I honestly do not know what litRPG stands for but I enjoyed the story. Very entertaining and exciting to listen to. Liked the little bit of a darker read than most books I've read lately and I would like to try to read more by Dem Mikhailov sooner rather then later
March 28, 2021
First, my review, then it’s time for a new copypasta:
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not a bot even though my reviews are identical. Of course, that is what a bot would say trying to pass itself off as human. But I would argue that trying to pass as human is enough to at least qualify as a reviewer.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that 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. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. 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
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not a bot even though my reviews are identical. Of course, that is what a bot would say trying to pass itself off as human. But I would argue that trying to pass as human is enough to at least qualify as a reviewer.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that 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. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. 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
July 9, 2021
New and gripping take in LitRPG
Very interesting approach. The story starts of without the reader or the MC knowing much about anything, some things become clearer throughout the story but at the end of book#1 many many questions remain option, so I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
It is a very dark and confined setting with the MC brining some light to it all..
Very interesting approach. The story starts of without the reader or the MC knowing much about anything, some things become clearer throughout the story but at the end of book#1 many many questions remain option, so I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
It is a very dark and confined setting with the MC brining some light to it all..
November 29, 2024
I picked this one up a few nights ago when I couldn't fall asleep. What a strange litrpg. It's got to be the most incredibly boring written work I've read recently. Is it the constant long-form musings? Is it the weird info dumping where Elb / Eleven just finds a random person to antagonize until he gets a question answered and so the work makes us feel exhausted? Is it the fact that this feels like the most post-capitalistic society ever created and it is incredibly demotivating? Or, is it that I couldn't fall asleep and read it all in a haze of exhaustion myself?
Also, the story takes a turn for the strange about 85% of the way through. It's like the previous characters were overwritten with a whole new personality. Yorka, who woke up Elb in the opening scene, is a hardass, a take-no-shit kind of woman. And then she feels like a one-dimensional weakling who'll do anything Elb wants no matter what he demands.
On the topic of Elb, he starts out a giant weakling. Instead of organically getting stronger, it's like a switch flips and he turns into a narcissistic, brutal asshole as soon as he gets a little bit of power / respect from those around him. The funny thing is that the narrative calls him out on this as well. Elb has some musings that amount to "someone else might see me as a narcissistic asshole, but I'm definitely not one so no one should see me that way". Which is the most bullshit I've read in a while.
In any case, while I am incredibly curious for the reason given for this world to exist, I don't think I have the stamina to finish reading the series. I won't even pick up the second book. Elb turned into a seriously annoying character to read by the end of this work. I can't imagine more works will solve the issues of endless boring thought-monologue, weird expositions, or the bullying, brutal tactics that Elb clearly will embrace.
Also, the story takes a turn for the strange about 85% of the way through. It's like the previous characters were overwritten with a whole new personality. Yorka, who woke up Elb in the opening scene, is a hardass, a take-no-shit kind of woman. And then she feels like a one-dimensional weakling who'll do anything Elb wants no matter what he demands.
On the topic of Elb, he starts out a giant weakling. Instead of organically getting stronger, it's like a switch flips and he turns into a narcissistic, brutal asshole as soon as he gets a little bit of power / respect from those around him. The funny thing is that the narrative calls him out on this as well. Elb has some musings that amount to "someone else might see me as a narcissistic asshole, but I'm definitely not one so no one should see me that way". Which is the most bullshit I've read in a while.
In any case, while I am incredibly curious for the reason given for this world to exist, I don't think I have the stamina to finish reading the series. I won't even pick up the second book. Elb turned into a seriously annoying character to read by the end of this work. I can't imagine more works will solve the issues of endless boring thought-monologue, weird expositions, or the bullying, brutal tactics that Elb clearly will embrace.
January 7, 2024
I'm giving Nullform 3.5 stars.
My other half has been trying to get me into LitRPG for some time and Nullform might well have persuaded me.
Surprisingly I found this on my own without him recommending it to me. It sounded interesting so I thought I'd give it a go and I've recommended it to him :0))
I think he will enjoy Nullform...Me? I'm still a little on the fence.
I didn't and don't expect much from this genre and maybe that is why I was pleasantly surprised. I struggle with the levelling aspect behind litRPG stories. Luckily in Nullform there is very little of this and what there is in the story makes sense and is pretty straightforward.
The world is interesting and centres around Elb, a guy who wakes up in a world/system with someone else's arms and legs sewn to his body and that he has to pay rent every single day or he will become a worm...shudder!
The author pushes that disturbing premise to the macabre (which is why I liked that part a lot.)
Think dystopian Mad Max meets, A Space Odyssey 2001, meets Frankenstein's monster and you are kind of there.
But, and here is the chink in Nullforms' armour - the dialogue structure is atrocious!
It's Very childish and unfortunately, the story is made up of a lot of this bad dialogue structure and it makes the characters (particularly one of them) annoying!
It's like the guy who wrote Nullform has never had a conversation with an adult.
You can regrettably feel the amateurish nature of the author in the way Nullform is written, but like I said the story outline has an interesting premise and I'm forgiving (to a point) from authors I don't expect to much from and litRPG are such authors, so...On to book 2.
My other half has been trying to get me into LitRPG for some time and Nullform might well have persuaded me.
Surprisingly I found this on my own without him recommending it to me. It sounded interesting so I thought I'd give it a go and I've recommended it to him :0))
I think he will enjoy Nullform...Me? I'm still a little on the fence.
I didn't and don't expect much from this genre and maybe that is why I was pleasantly surprised. I struggle with the levelling aspect behind litRPG stories. Luckily in Nullform there is very little of this and what there is in the story makes sense and is pretty straightforward.
The world is interesting and centres around Elb, a guy who wakes up in a world/system with someone else's arms and legs sewn to his body and that he has to pay rent every single day or he will become a worm...shudder!
The author pushes that disturbing premise to the macabre (which is why I liked that part a lot.)
Think dystopian Mad Max meets, A Space Odyssey 2001, meets Frankenstein's monster and you are kind of there.
But, and here is the chink in Nullforms' armour - the dialogue structure is atrocious!
It's Very childish and unfortunately, the story is made up of a lot of this bad dialogue structure and it makes the characters (particularly one of them) annoying!
It's like the guy who wrote Nullform has never had a conversation with an adult.
You can regrettably feel the amateurish nature of the author in the way Nullform is written, but like I said the story outline has an interesting premise and I'm forgiving (to a point) from authors I don't expect to much from and litRPG are such authors, so...On to book 2.
May 3, 2025
Title: Nullform #1 Author: Dem Mikhailov
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
“In this world, you have nothing — even your limbs are rented, and you'll have to pay up every day.”
— A chilling premise that sets the tone for the harrowing journey of survival and identity in a dystopian reality.
Review:
Nullform #1 plunges readers into a grim, dystopian world where individuals awaken with no memories, assigned only a number, and must navigate a brutal system that demands daily payments for the very limbs they use. The protagonist, known as Eleven, embodies the struggle for identity and autonomy in a society that commodifies existence itself.
The narrative is a blend of psychological horror and speculative fiction, reminiscent of narratives like Altered Carbon and Planescape: Torment. Mikhailov's world-building is meticulous, presenting a society where surveillance is omnipresent, and the threat of dehumanization looms large. The story challenges readers to contemplate the value of selfhood in a world that treats individuals as mere cogs in a relentless machine.
Character Briefs:
Eleven (Elb): The central figure, Eleven awakens in a disoriented state, grappling with the loss of identity and the harsh realities of the Nullform system. His journey is marked by a transformation from vulnerability to a complex assertion of self, often teetering on the edge of moral ambiguity. Ninety-One (Yorka): A seasoned inhabitant of the system, Yorka serves as a reluctant guide to Eleven. Her pragmatic approach and survival instincts offer a stark contrast to Eleven's initial confusion, highlighting the adaptive strategies necessary within this oppressive society. Grishin: Introduced later in the series, Grishin is a paralyzed scientific genius whose work delves into the manipulation of memory and identity. His character adds layers to the narrative's exploration of consciousness and the ethics of self-modification.Strengths:
Innovative World-Building: The concept of renting limbs and the daily struggle for existence presents a unique and unsettling setting that challenges conventional dystopian tropes. Psychological Depth: The protagonist's internal conflicts and evolving sense of self provide a compelling psychological dimension to the narrative. Societal Commentary: The story serves as a critique of systems that devalue individuality, prompting readers to reflect on contemporary societal structures.Weaknesses:
Dialogue Structure: Some readers have noted that the dialogue can feel stilted or unnatural, potentially detracting from character development. Pacing Issues: The initial chapters may progress slowly, which could challenge readers seeking immediate engagement. Character Consistency: There are instances where character behaviors shift abruptly, which might affect the narrative's coherence.Comparison with Contemporaries:
Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan: Both novels explore themes of identity and consciousness in technologically advanced societies. However, Nullform #1 focuses more on the individual's struggle within a dehumanizing system, whereas Altered Carbon delves into the implications of immortality and body-swapping. Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky: While both narratives are set in dystopian environments, Metro 2033 emphasizes survival in a post-apocalyptic world, whereas Nullform #1 centers on the psychological and societal impacts of systemic oppression.Verdict:
Nullform #1 offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity and survival within a uniquely oppressive system. While certain aspects, such as dialogue and pacing, may present challenges, the novel's innovative premise and psychological depth make it a compelling read for fans of dystopian and speculative fiction.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5)
December 24, 2021
The story reminds me of the old computer game Planetscape Torment as the protagonist is awakened (presumably after his death) in a body consisting of seemingly random sewn-together body parts. Without much introduction he is thrown into a truly dystopian underworld to fend for his continued existence.
The serie started very mysterious and with huge potential. However, after finishing the third book i must say that i am a bit underwhelmed. There are no really stunning or even more than mildly interesting revelations or discoveries so far and the characters stay very two dimensional. When you compare the series to similar series (for example the Metro 2033 series) the Nullform series is even quite boring unfortunately. The increasing drug abuse of the main character (at mostly really inconvenient times) in book 3 to get back some memories was rather anticlimatic for me as it did not (as intented by the author) make him more interesting to me but rather show that he is not the great tough leader he pretends to be but only an irresponsible junkie.
The whole concept of amputating limbs for laziness seems quite counterproductive if the system needs worker drones desperately. There would be way better ways to motivate workers.
The serie started very mysterious and with huge potential. However, after finishing the third book i must say that i am a bit underwhelmed. There are no really stunning or even more than mildly interesting revelations or discoveries so far and the characters stay very two dimensional. When you compare the series to similar series (for example the Metro 2033 series) the Nullform series is even quite boring unfortunately. The increasing drug abuse of the main character (at mostly really inconvenient times) in book 3 to get back some memories was rather anticlimatic for me as it did not (as intented by the author) make him more interesting to me but rather show that he is not the great tough leader he pretends to be but only an irresponsible junkie.
The whole concept of amputating limbs for laziness seems quite counterproductive if the system needs worker drones desperately. There would be way better ways to motivate workers.
March 30, 2021
I received a review copy of this book.
Not your typical LitRPG book. There's levels (of a sort), experience (of the school of hard knocks variety), and plenty of action to keep any fan turning the pages. It's a bit odd, which I suppose isn't unusual, but it is unique in that ranks aren't assigned due to xp, but due to the character's actions and decisions. It's almost entirely different from any other LitRPG books I've read, and for some that will be great, while for others it will be confusing and uninteresting, but what it does have going for it is the fact that it's an interesting story, and for that, I can forgive a lot.
Not your typical LitRPG book. There's levels (of a sort), experience (of the school of hard knocks variety), and plenty of action to keep any fan turning the pages. It's a bit odd, which I suppose isn't unusual, but it is unique in that ranks aren't assigned due to xp, but due to the character's actions and decisions. It's almost entirely different from any other LitRPG books I've read, and for some that will be great, while for others it will be confusing and uninteresting, but what it does have going for it is the fact that it's an interesting story, and for that, I can forgive a lot.
August 10, 2021
Up until chapter three I was enjoying figuring out what was going on. A grim world, where the main character wakes up tabla rosa has to piece together his current predicament. In chapter three that the clues start coming on hard and it became clear that this is just another stupid RPGlit novel. I just peeked at a three star review here on GR that says the book ends with a cliffhanger. That’s an acceptable ending for a chapter, but not for a novel. I’m out.
November 14, 2021
I wish I liked this. The concept is interesting but the execution, the characters, and the dialogue...I hated it all.
Blow up and die I guess.
Blow up and die I guess.
September 22, 2021
Minor gaming elements in what feels like a post apocalyptic world/possibly space colony. Some of the core tech feels almost altered carbonesque.
Outside some ... Frustrating some comments from MC ... Especially about women (minor but annoying, the world of the MC feels like a penal colony; some tropes are there but all the folks in the colony don't have their memories so some of the comments about gender roles were odd considering) it was really fun story and I look forward to the next one.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys apocalyptic worlds.
Outside some ... Frustrating some comments from MC ... Especially about women (minor but annoying, the world of the MC feels like a penal colony; some tropes are there but all the folks in the colony don't have their memories so some of the comments about gender roles were odd considering) it was really fun story and I look forward to the next one.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys apocalyptic worlds.
January 31, 2022
This started off a little slow/vague for me, not mentioning character attributes and whatnot, just a broken body in a bleak world. I kept reading curious to see if it would perk up, and it started to come along around 50% in. Next thing I knew I could barely put it down (for curiosity, not excitement).
March 17, 2023
Surprisingly good!
I had a hard time getting through the beginning because the poor MC's life sucks so much but keep going! It gets better soon! The mc is very clever and capable and learns how to deal quickly. I loved it! And I laughed out loud at several parts! What a unique good story!
I had a hard time getting through the beginning because the poor MC's life sucks so much but keep going! It gets better soon! The mc is very clever and capable and learns how to deal quickly. I loved it! And I laughed out loud at several parts! What a unique good story!
December 28, 2021
Great book
A unique story and very entertaining. The first 20 percent of the book moves a little slow and then takes off. Great mc and supporting cast. Really looking forward to the next book.
A unique story and very entertaining. The first 20 percent of the book moves a little slow and then takes off. Great mc and supporting cast. Really looking forward to the next book.
April 12, 2023
Nullform
A RPG series starter book that beats squid games by a factor of 1000. Well written by Dem Mikhallov. A very dystopian setting with nilism and down right cruelty. I loved it and awaiting to read the rest in the series.
A RPG series starter book that beats squid games by a factor of 1000. Well written by Dem Mikhallov. A very dystopian setting with nilism and down right cruelty. I loved it and awaiting to read the rest in the series.
April 2, 2021
This was an extremely interesting read. The mystery of why things are the way they are and who the MC is pulls you along and doesn't let you go.
May 14, 2021
This was an excellent book. I was unable to put it down. This book reminded me of an old role playing game from the 1980s called Paranoia.
July 6, 2021
Decent
I found the start of the book rather slow. I like the author so kept at it. Around the 35-40% mark it picked up and I enjoyed until the end.
I found the start of the book rather slow. I like the author so kept at it. Around the 35-40% mark it picked up and I enjoyed until the end.
August 13, 2021
Excellent
Very creative excellent world building with a lot of uniqueness. Much better than I expected. Story flowed nicely. Finished in a day.
Very creative excellent world building with a lot of uniqueness. Much better than I expected. Story flowed nicely. Finished in a day.
February 4, 2022
Weirdly fantastic
There is absolutely nothing like this book. Can't describe it, can't explain it. A truly unique tale that must be experienced!!! Go for it.
There is absolutely nothing like this book. Can't describe it, can't explain it. A truly unique tale that must be experienced!!! Go for it.
June 1, 2022
Slow start, wasn't engaging till halfway through. Then the stakes, action and vibes went through the roof. Explosive ending, I will definitely be continuing the series.
January 13, 2024
Incredible universe of harshness with literal individual body and team body building. Purchased this edition on January 8, 2024, from Amazon for free. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
April 11, 2024
Different with despicable characters 😀
June 6, 2024
What an amazing first book. It's a very interesting concept with the system taking your limbs and having to earn them back.
December 27, 2023
I didn't expect anything much when I started reading the Nullform books, but in the end I was blown away by the world building and character development as the story progressed. I really can't recall reading anything similar (well maybe "Drive-In" by Lansdale. It also had a lot of outlandish crazy S happening).
Every book in the series added more depth to the story and things got more and more interesting as the story progressed. Zero boring parts, no Fs given about political correctness or censorship. Maybe a tad slow, but very engaging and rewarding storytelling.
Things you may want to know about Nullform-books before starting reading:
Currently (10.2023) only 7 of 10 books were translated from Russian to English.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/324293
The last 10th book ends in a major cliffhanger in a VERY unsatisfactory way.
The unfinished story continues in the ongoing direct sequel called "Infer" consisting currently of 9 books with yet another book called "The Locked" being a great side story
https://www.goodreads.com/series/324291
I did read all books in the series and they are all pretty good with not a single one being boring filler material. Cant wait for the next book.
A must read for all litRPG fans.
Every book in the series added more depth to the story and things got more and more interesting as the story progressed. Zero boring parts, no Fs given about political correctness or censorship. Maybe a tad slow, but very engaging and rewarding storytelling.
Things you may want to know about Nullform-books before starting reading:
Currently (10.2023) only 7 of 10 books were translated from Russian to English.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/324293
The last 10th book ends in a major cliffhanger in a VERY unsatisfactory way.
The unfinished story continues in the ongoing direct sequel called "Infer" consisting currently of 9 books with yet another book called "The Locked" being a great side story
https://www.goodreads.com/series/324291
I did read all books in the series and they are all pretty good with not a single one being boring filler material. Cant wait for the next book.
A must read for all litRPG fans.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews