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The Doctor from Nowhere #2
The Doctor from Nowhere (Book 2): A Historical Progression Fantasy Adventure Series
The next book of the series!
The Doctor from Nowhere (Book 3):
After being killed in Syria and awakening in the body of a dead aristocrat, Igor has found a way to survive in this parallel world. He’s lost his country, his home, and his family, but he’s still got his surgical skills and his honor as an officer.
It’s 1916, the New World Empire is beset by enemies, and Dr. Igor Ivanov, now known as Donwar-Podlaski, is back in action!
The Doctor from Nowhere (Book 3):
After being killed in Syria and awakening in the body of a dead aristocrat, Igor has found a way to survive in this parallel world. He’s lost his country, his home, and his family, but he’s still got his surgical skills and his honor as an officer.
It’s 1916, the New World Empire is beset by enemies, and Dr. Igor Ivanov, now known as Donwar-Podlaski, is back in action!
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
91 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 17, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
An intriguing premise that struggles under uneven execution and heavy-handed storytelling.
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The Doctor from Nowhere (Book 2) by Anatoly Drozdov continues the story of Igor Ivanov, a modern military surgeon who dies in a contemporary conflict and awakens in the body of an aristocratic officer in an alternate version of early-20th-century Europe. Armed with modern knowledge and medical expertise, Igor attempts to reshape history while navigating the political and military chaos of a world resembling World War I.
At first glance, the premise is undeniably appealing. A time-displaced doctor influencing medicine and war in a historical setting creates the potential for fascinating conflicts and moral dilemmas. Unfortunately, while the concept remains strong, the execution in the second book feels noticeably weaker and more formulaic.
What the Book Does Well
Interesting central concept
The blend of alternate history, progression fantasy, and medical innovation is still the novel’s greatest strength. Scenes where Igor introduces modern surgical knowledge into an early-20th-century setting can be genuinely engaging.
Fast pacing
The story rarely slows down. Battles, medical crises, and political developments happen frequently enough to keep readers moving through the pages.
Where the Book Struggles
Shallow character development
Most characters feel underdeveloped and exist mainly to move the plot forward. Igor himself often reads less like a complex individual and more like a narrative tool used to demonstrate superiority over the historical setting.
Overpowered protagonist
The story suffers from what many readers call “protagonist invincibility.” Igor’s modern knowledge, combined with his social status and strategic foresight, removes much of the tension from the narrative. Problems rarely feel truly threatening.
Heavy ideological tone
At times the novel leans strongly into romanticized portrayals of imperial power and national identity. Rather than presenting nuanced alternate history, the narrative occasionally feels like a form of wish-fulfillment that simplifies complex historical dynamics.
Convenient historical progress
The speed at which medical and social changes occur can feel unrealistic even within the framework of alternate history. Many developments happen too easily, reducing the sense of struggle or resistance that such innovations would realistically face.
Writing Style
The prose is functional but rarely memorable. The narrative prioritizes plot movement over atmosphere or introspection. Moments that could explore deeper ethical questions—such as the responsibility of altering history or the morality of war medicine—are often passed over quickly.
Overall Thoughts
The Doctor from Nowhere (Book 2) still benefits from a creative premise and a fast pace, but it struggles to deliver the depth that its concept promises. With stronger character development and more nuanced world-building, the series could have evolved into a compelling piece of historical speculative fiction. Instead, it often settles for a straightforward power fantasy.
Final Verdict: A promising idea that never fully realizes its potential.
January 26, 2026
Better than the first?
I think it might be better than the first book. There was some propaganda in the story, but honestly I can’t complain about it too much. As much as the author clearly loves his country he also has very few nice things to say about how much the USSR devastated his country. The Russian Empire before the World wars is a bit romanticized in the story, but it’s a fun story.
The MC continues to be enjoyable, and the premise builds off the book one.
I think it might be better than the first book. There was some propaganda in the story, but honestly I can’t complain about it too much. As much as the author clearly loves his country he also has very few nice things to say about how much the USSR devastated his country. The Russian Empire before the World wars is a bit romanticized in the story, but it’s a fun story.
The MC continues to be enjoyable, and the premise builds off the book one.
November 16, 2025
better than the first
We pick up where we left off and this book was even better than the first! It’s a great fast paced read and draws your in and never lets your attention go. Can’t wait for book 3
We pick up where we left off and this book was even better than the first! It’s a great fast paced read and draws your in and never lets your attention go. Can’t wait for book 3
November 22, 2025
Huzzah!!! Go grab the book and root for Donwar-Podlaski!
Wow! Great! Huzzah! In Dr From Nowhere the war machine drags on. And incase you didn't get it from my review of book1, I love books where the MC is a Healer. And not only is he a great surgeon but a surgeon with healing magic, and because of that his patients don't die! In fact they heal faster than normal... he's the only doctor that has magic. Plus Dr. Donwar-Podlaski has an ace up his sleeve! With his 20th century knowledge he's able to introduce new medical procedures, revolutionizing the medical industry, saving countless lives in the process and also with his inate ability he can second guess what the Germans are about to do next! Then prepare the nation for their next attack, so everyone can respond appropriately. He's also learning about his place in this alternate Russia complete with bein challenged to duel!!! However what he didn't expect was the bombing of the Kremlin!
So yeah you'll hafta grab this so you can enjoy it, finding out what happens next!
Here's a quote for ya:
What’s the difference between love and sex? Sex is fast food — you fill your stomach with it, then forget about it.
Wow! Great! Huzzah! In Dr From Nowhere the war machine drags on. And incase you didn't get it from my review of book1, I love books where the MC is a Healer. And not only is he a great surgeon but a surgeon with healing magic, and because of that his patients don't die! In fact they heal faster than normal... he's the only doctor that has magic. Plus Dr. Donwar-Podlaski has an ace up his sleeve! With his 20th century knowledge he's able to introduce new medical procedures, revolutionizing the medical industry, saving countless lives in the process and also with his inate ability he can second guess what the Germans are about to do next! Then prepare the nation for their next attack, so everyone can respond appropriately. He's also learning about his place in this alternate Russia complete with bein challenged to duel!!! However what he didn't expect was the bombing of the Kremlin!
So yeah you'll hafta grab this so you can enjoy it, finding out what happens next!
Here's a quote for ya:
What’s the difference between love and sex? Sex is fast food — you fill your stomach with it, then forget about it.
January 14, 2026
I received a review copy of this book.
The Doctor From Nowhere is the second book in this series, and though the beginning feels like the first book all over again, it quickly gets into its own part of the story and becomes interesting enough to keep me reading to the end in one sitting. I read the first 2 chapters in November, and the rest of the book today. It's not my favorite genre, since alternative history was never my thing, but I do like the way the modern tech is handled in this world, of course there's nothing like it, and how it's introduced is amusing and interesting at the same time.
I'll probably read book 3, since it looks like there's some very momentus things coming up soon, and it should prove interesting to watch them happen. If you're an alternative history fan, this book should be enjoyable right away. If you aren't, then you may have to work for a few chapters to find something in the story that keeps you reading, but don't give up too early, it just might surprise you.
The Doctor From Nowhere is the second book in this series, and though the beginning feels like the first book all over again, it quickly gets into its own part of the story and becomes interesting enough to keep me reading to the end in one sitting. I read the first 2 chapters in November, and the rest of the book today. It's not my favorite genre, since alternative history was never my thing, but I do like the way the modern tech is handled in this world, of course there's nothing like it, and how it's introduced is amusing and interesting at the same time.
I'll probably read book 3, since it looks like there's some very momentus things coming up soon, and it should prove interesting to watch them happen. If you're an alternative history fan, this book should be enjoyable right away. If you aren't, then you may have to work for a few chapters to find something in the story that keeps you reading, but don't give up too early, it just might surprise you.
November 14, 2025
I just gobbled this book up.
It surprised me a little when the British were painted as the bad-guys. It seemed plausible though. I also feel it's unlikely that a quick blood-typing system could be developed in such a short time... but what do I know.
The premise is a delight and I can't get enough. Using knowledge of future tech and science to defeat an evil, invading army... terrific.
It surprised me a little when the British were painted as the bad-guys. It seemed plausible though. I also feel it's unlikely that a quick blood-typing system could be developed in such a short time... but what do I know.
The premise is a delight and I can't get enough. Using knowledge of future tech and science to defeat an evil, invading army... terrific.
November 15, 2025
Enjoyed the book!
I gave book 5* but unless I write something my rating would not be printed. Happy to rate books but not having to write review. So most books I read end up with no rating or review from me.
I gave book 5* but unless I write something my rating would not be printed. Happy to rate books but not having to write review. So most books I read end up with no rating or review from me.
January 12, 2026
Moving on and moving up nicely is the Doctor.
There are many moving parts managed well in this well-told tale. The characters are evolving at a pace sufficient to support an excellent restructuring of history.
There are many moving parts managed well in this well-told tale. The characters are evolving at a pace sufficient to support an excellent restructuring of history.
November 13, 2025
Interesting concept
Resurrection followed by the rollercoaster of life. I was pulled along by this story. Cannot wait for the next installment. But I have to. Highly recommend.
Resurrection followed by the rollercoaster of life. I was pulled along by this story. Cannot wait for the next installment. But I have to. Highly recommend.
November 14, 2025
Enjoyable
The novel is super fast paced and does an incredible job of showing the human emotions from the empress to our hero, with incredible world building.
The novel is super fast paced and does an incredible job of showing the human emotions from the empress to our hero, with incredible world building.
January 10, 2026
Fun read
I had a great time reading this book. Now I have to wait patiently for the next volume to come out. Nervous tick won't stop.
I had a great time reading this book. Now I have to wait patiently for the next volume to come out. Nervous tick won't stop.
February 26, 2026
Still Great
Another great story in the interesting life of an isekai'd doctor I highly recommend, especially as it portrays WWI setting retold with magic and action.
Another great story in the interesting life of an isekai'd doctor I highly recommend, especially as it portrays WWI setting retold with magic and action.
January 26, 2026
just turned into mediocre propaganda pamphlet. just Russians are the best and everyone else is evil. the story didn't have anything exciting just boring and flat.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews