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Reality Benders #6
Aces High
MP3 CD Format
To be on a starship that's just sustained serious damage in a space battle including losing its thrusters and find yourself in a totally different galaxy . . . You might think that would be cause for panic or, at the very least, despondency, right? Not at all! Gnat maintains optimism, gradually gets his space frigate back in working order, and even finds upsides to what happened.On top of that, there's never a dull moment—both in the virtual game and the real world. Gnat finds himself at the very epicenter of the great space-faring races' interests, though he does not understand why they're paying him such close attention. And add to that the fact that humanity's Geckho suzerains are also in a tight spot and demanding all their vassals institute a military draft then send their assembled forces out to fight a distant space war.
Will Gnat be able to play his part in this complicated diplomatic party with the future of the entire human race at stake? Find out in Book Six of Reality Benders!
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 29, 2020
188 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Michael Atamanov
55 books557 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 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 1, 2020
This series is loosing its luster.
Between an overcomplication of the main story and plot armor that is starting to look like those worn by Space Marines in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, there's a whole lot of nothing taking place in this book.
Random level ups, the laboratory from the previous book barely makes the pages besides being glorified mass transport and a tangled mess of plot lines that make a rats' nest seem organised.
Mieh, I'm still debating is if I'll follow up with the next one or not.
Between an overcomplication of the main story and plot armor that is starting to look like those worn by Space Marines in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, there's a whole lot of nothing taking place in this book.
Random level ups, the laboratory from the previous book barely makes the pages besides being glorified mass transport and a tangled mess of plot lines that make a rats' nest seem organised.
Mieh, I'm still debating is if I'll follow up with the next one or not.
June 12, 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 4, 2022
I've rated all of these at 3*, but they are honestly more like 2.5 and I just round up to give the benefit of the doubt. This one, however, gets the 2* because I'm actually starting book 9, and in book 8 the translator STILL doesn't know that it is "chock full" instead of "chalk full." This book in particular had 2 instances of it if I remember correctly, and was sort of boring, thus the 2* here. Sure, maybe that isn't the author's fault for the translations, but I'm rating the English versions so I have to reflect that experience.
Overall the books are fine, nothing really special but entertaining enough. Hardly anything permanently negative ever happens to the main character though. Short-term negatives happen all the time, but he just picks a path and miraculously everything becomes super easy, barely an inconvenience. Technically something bad happens in a later book, but I'm skeptical that it will remain bad at all. I could be wrong.
Also, the fact that the native tongue is Russian is VERY obvious even with the translations. Mindsets and demeanors are pretty different than the standard Western ones, and idioms are a little different. Like how everyone "bats their eyelashes" which to us is more of a seductive thing, but I'm pretty sure to them it is similar to being stunned or agape. Or everyone being so close together you can't "swing a cat." First of all, I need a lot of room to swing a cat, so clearly they aren't very close together. And most of us prefer to swing dead cats per the English phrase "can't swing a dead cat without hitting" whatever it is that is plentiful. Still, nothing too jarring, but it is sometimes amusing to see the differences even with a translator that I would assume is fairly familiar with English.
Overall the books are fine, nothing really special but entertaining enough. Hardly anything permanently negative ever happens to the main character though. Short-term negatives happen all the time, but he just picks a path and miraculously everything becomes super easy, barely an inconvenience. Technically something bad happens in a later book, but I'm skeptical that it will remain bad at all. I could be wrong.
Also, the fact that the native tongue is Russian is VERY obvious even with the translations. Mindsets and demeanors are pretty different than the standard Western ones, and idioms are a little different. Like how everyone "bats their eyelashes" which to us is more of a seductive thing, but I'm pretty sure to them it is similar to being stunned or agape. Or everyone being so close together you can't "swing a cat." First of all, I need a lot of room to swing a cat, so clearly they aren't very close together. And most of us prefer to swing dead cats per the English phrase "can't swing a dead cat without hitting" whatever it is that is plentiful. Still, nothing too jarring, but it is sometimes amusing to see the differences even with a translator that I would assume is fairly familiar with English.
November 9, 2023
Once again Michael Atamanov out does himself with another great litRPG with a side order of Space Opera. In this Reality Benders gaming series. It was truly wonderful to read. But you need to start reading it from the beginning, no skipping!!!
The book takes off right from the end of cliffhanger that was the so called end of Jump into the Unknown. Where they've found a living Relic and a Relic Space Station too.
In this book Gnat has his work cut out for him to not only get as much credits as he can, and build up his stats, but still he finds himself skating around all political machinations of all the alien races, including the earth nations and the Cryptid populations.
Neil Hellegers continues to give us his best as he narrates this story!
The book takes off right from the end of cliffhanger that was the so called end of Jump into the Unknown. Where they've found a living Relic and a Relic Space Station too.
In this book Gnat has his work cut out for him to not only get as much credits as he can, and build up his stats, but still he finds himself skating around all political machinations of all the alien races, including the earth nations and the Cryptid populations.
Neil Hellegers continues to give us his best as he narrates this story!
June 18, 2020
Wow, the prologue... REALLY Mr. Atamanov really! How can ya do us that way really! Ya can't just throw in that curveball and not mention it ever again. Emperor George! So is the Game that Bends Reality actually Perimeter Defense or is Perimeter Defense actually the Game that Bends Reality. It's a real mind-bender... I can't help but hope that George and Gnat meet each other someday. It would be awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
Calling this a disappointment would be wrong, as I no longer expect much from this series which peaked somewhere in the first three books. At this point it just feels like the author is going through the motions. We've almost entirely traded action, adventure, and discovery for naive and inane political thrills and meaningless skill improvements. More than anything else, the entire endeavor has lost its sense of fun and is simply work to read.
June 9, 2020
Great book hope he continues the series
This is a great book that is part of an even better series. I really hope this story continues. There is action, romance, side quests that are terrible, rewards that are worse. Just a great story, it is fun to see an author who is at the top of their craft and Michael is definitely the new standard for excellence.
This is a great book that is part of an even better series. I really hope this story continues. There is action, romance, side quests that are terrible, rewards that are worse. Just a great story, it is fun to see an author who is at the top of their craft and Michael is definitely the new standard for excellence.
June 22, 2020
More space galavanting fun
Gnat is still at it. Running by the seat of his pants or so it seems. Using Brains and Machismo to more through the problems in similar fashion to the earlier books. More problems are rising as the earth 1 yr grave period is approaching so that means more work for Gnat. Looking forward to more and hopefully soon.
Gnat is still at it. Running by the seat of his pants or so it seems. Using Brains and Machismo to more through the problems in similar fashion to the earlier books. More problems are rising as the earth 1 yr grave period is approaching so that means more work for Gnat. Looking forward to more and hopefully soon.
April 15, 2021
Intriguing Read
Gnat struggles with politics, conspiracies, intrigue, and the many out to get him. Remember, even if you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they are not out to get you. I like the action, humor, romance, strategy, and politics. Will Gnat be able to protect Earth from invasion? I look forward to the next book.
Gnat struggles with politics, conspiracies, intrigue, and the many out to get him. Remember, even if you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they are not out to get you. I like the action, humor, romance, strategy, and politics. Will Gnat be able to protect Earth from invasion? I look forward to the next book.
June 20, 2021
I find the story interesting, but it’s so slow! The first book covers so much ground inventing this world, then the next 5 drag on and on without giving any resolution or significant progress. This book opens with the best space technology in existence and it is completely ignored so our main character can waste words with intergalactic diplomats.
I’m done reading this series.
I’m done reading this series.
March 31, 2024
Quite a few people don’t like this one but I thought it was fairly good. Not as good as some of the others but still enjoyable. Good addition to the series and it’s clearly leading to the point where Gnat will rule the earth and help when the time comes when earth is no longer safe. Look forward to the next one
June 15, 2020
Book six
Mistakes: I found five mistakes in this book. This is a decent translation from Russian to English.
Plot: Lots of intrigue in this book as Gnat races from crisis to crisis.
Characters: The Mc is growing nicely and keeps doing interesting things.
8/10
Mistakes: I found five mistakes in this book. This is a decent translation from Russian to English.
Plot: Lots of intrigue in this book as Gnat races from crisis to crisis.
Characters: The Mc is growing nicely and keeps doing interesting things.
8/10
October 8, 2020
Another good book in the series.
I love the premise if this book and all the stuff that happened. Gnat leading humanity for war is an interesting direction. So many new things we learned that I can't just spoil. I didn't like cliffhanger ending
I love the premise if this book and all the stuff that happened. Gnat leading humanity for war is an interesting direction. So many new things we learned that I can't just spoil. I didn't like cliffhanger ending
March 24, 2021
I received a review copy of this book.
This book continues the story, and what style too. We find all kinds of new things about the listener class, the relics being collected, and even learn about new races in another galaxy. All and all, a very nice addition to the series.
This book continues the story, and what style too. We find all kinds of new things about the listener class, the relics being collected, and even learn about new races in another galaxy. All and all, a very nice addition to the series.
August 2, 2021
When others series have long faltered, this 6th volume is going stronger than ever and Michael Atamanov keeps things fresh with new encounters and elevated stakes while keeping the sense of adventure one might expect from team Gnat. And Tini...
June 10, 2020
Excellent book
I found the story unique and very interesting and look forward to seeing the next installment of this series of books
I found the story unique and very interesting and look forward to seeing the next installment of this series of books
June 13, 2020
Awesome series
Wow this an awesome series really enjoyed reading this a couple of times! I can’t wait for more!!!!!!! This series is definitely definitive
Wow this an awesome series really enjoyed reading this a couple of times! I can’t wait for more!!!!!!! This series is definitely definitive
June 14, 2020
More of the same.... Thankfully !
A great story that continues its wild run. Bring on book 7 please ! Can’t wait for it to be released
A great story that continues its wild run. Bring on book 7 please ! Can’t wait for it to be released
June 16, 2020
Great series
Atamanov has done it again and I will keep reading these books. Packed with action, good story telling. Recommand it!
Atamanov has done it again and I will keep reading these books. Packed with action, good story telling. Recommand it!
June 19, 2020
I love it!
I can't wait till you make the next book.
I'm completely addicted. Please write more stories like this one. Thanks!
I can't wait till you make the next book.
I'm completely addicted. Please write more stories like this one. Thanks!
June 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.
July 25, 2020
Another great addition
Great read, kept me hooked until the end. this briefly hints at the authors universe. Can't wait to see how he ties this into the other half of the universe
Great read, kept me hooked until the end. this briefly hints at the authors universe. Can't wait to see how he ties this into the other half of the universe
August 7, 2020
More.. need more... givf more?
January 22, 2021
For whatever reason this book was not as great as the previous ones. Not sure why. It was exciting and well written. Perhaps it was simply not exciting enough given the previous books. I’ll still check out the next one when I can.
March 10, 2021
Enthralling!
Keeps the action up!
Fun read as the character Gnat develops even further. It’s refreshing how even at level 100+ the character is not invulnerable...
Keeps the action up!
Fun read as the character Gnat develops even further. It’s refreshing how even at level 100+ the character is not invulnerable...
July 29, 2021
Сюжет уже давно ушёл от реальности и перешёл в чистую фантастику. Со всеми её, кстати, плюсами и минусами. Но отдельное мерси за приведённых гостей в самый разгар "пьянки")
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2022
from fun adventure/discovery to boring political intrigue...
February 19, 2023
Серия началась интересно, но потихоньку скатывается в какой-то средненький комикс...
January 24, 2026
Since I am somewhere at the half of the series, wondering what will Gnat become in the future... I guess god is not enough, but still, it is funny and it keeps one to read long in the night :)
March 15, 2021
Another excellent read furthering the tales of Team Gnat!
Reality Benders remains the wonderful scifi LitRPG series I have come to know and love. With many LitRPG tales set in a fantasy setting and a few set in high tech settings, Reality Benders is a wonderful fusion of Magic and technology, Orcs, centaur, and harpies, coupled with high tech alien space faring civilizations. You get great character development and complex situations. All 6 books each contribute to this exciting and expanding universe and I cannot wait to read books 7 through 12 just as soon as they are available. This author is definitely one that you should mark as "Follow"!
Reality Benders remains the wonderful scifi LitRPG series I have come to know and love. With many LitRPG tales set in a fantasy setting and a few set in high tech settings, Reality Benders is a wonderful fusion of Magic and technology, Orcs, centaur, and harpies, coupled with high tech alien space faring civilizations. You get great character development and complex situations. All 6 books each contribute to this exciting and expanding universe and I cannot wait to read books 7 through 12 just as soon as they are available. This author is definitely one that you should mark as "Follow"!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews