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Reality Benders #4
Web of Worlds Lib/E
Ceasefires have one big downside: they eventually come to an end. And when they do, once again game nodes are set ablaze, and platoons of Dark Faction soldiers threaten our customary world with destruction. The enemy has grown stronger and more numerous. To make matters worse, they also got their hands on even deadlier weaponry. They have learned painful lessons from previous encounters and adjusted their tactics accordingly. What's more, the vast hordes of enemies are led by the greatest strategist of modern times, and his mage advisors can see all possible futures so they always know just what to do.
How can our world possibly stand up against such an enemy? Our only hope is the bravery and tenacity of our best fighters, those who’d rather die than surrender. Well, that and a starship captained by one lone mage.
How can our world possibly stand up against such an enemy? Our only hope is the bravery and tenacity of our best fighters, those who’d rather die than surrender. Well, that and a starship captained by one lone mage.
Audio CD
First published May 17, 2019
271 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Michael Atamanov
54 books549 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 54 reviews
May 11, 2019
This 4th book has only one drawback: it's far too short.
We still follow the adventures of Gnat en his team and the story develops again in the right direction: the whole galaxy is a mess and people have to be creative.
We can still see two very different stories: the one in the game which is really refreshing and the one in the real world where we see too many spies and traitors (the typical russian meme).
So if you liked the previous ones, you really need this one.
We still follow the adventures of Gnat en his team and the story develops again in the right direction: the whole galaxy is a mess and people have to be creative.
We can still see two very different stories: the one in the game which is really refreshing and the one in the real world where we see too many spies and traitors (the typical russian meme).
So if you liked the previous ones, you really need this one.
June 9, 2019
Fun story! Different and non-fantasy
What I love about this story is how it is an actual sci-fi story rather than a fantasy story with LitRPG elements. It is a light stats story, but an emphasis on plots and larger stories coming together from previous books.
I would say if you haven’t re-read the previous books recently, I’d recommend it. The characters referenced from previous books (some with very alien names) is important to understand the plot.
To be fair, I understood even without a recent re-read, but I would recommend that for others. Looking forward to a book 5 - especially since the space arcs in this story are fantastic, and that’s where it looks like book 5 is going.
Fun times!
What I love about this story is how it is an actual sci-fi story rather than a fantasy story with LitRPG elements. It is a light stats story, but an emphasis on plots and larger stories coming together from previous books.
I would say if you haven’t re-read the previous books recently, I’d recommend it. The characters referenced from previous books (some with very alien names) is important to understand the plot.
To be fair, I understood even without a recent re-read, but I would recommend that for others. Looking forward to a book 5 - especially since the space arcs in this story are fantastic, and that’s where it looks like book 5 is going.
Fun times!
May 21, 2019
A good follow up
All gamers know that as you level up it gets harder to reach the next level when you're at a higher lvl. The quests/tasks required are increasingly complex and harder to complete by yourself.. This follow up story is great, coz it's about time that Gnat increases his party size to actually complete those tasks (for loot and xp!). Its also good to see loose ends/side stories reveal itself and sync up with the main story. Side stories are always a favorite of mine in games and I really appreciate them in this series.
All gamers know that as you level up it gets harder to reach the next level when you're at a higher lvl. The quests/tasks required are increasingly complex and harder to complete by yourself.. This follow up story is great, coz it's about time that Gnat increases his party size to actually complete those tasks (for loot and xp!). Its also good to see loose ends/side stories reveal itself and sync up with the main story. Side stories are always a favorite of mine in games and I really appreciate them in this series.
May 23, 2019
This book is amazing
This series is amazing like all the other books in the series this one is great, the best thing is that it continues to build on the greatness of the earlier books in the series, of you need something to read this one is for you it's simply amazing a must read one of my favorite books.
This series is amazing like all the other books in the series this one is great, the best thing is that it continues to build on the greatness of the earlier books in the series, of you need something to read this one is for you it's simply amazing a must read one of my favorite books.
June 1, 2019
Awesome!!
I can never get enough of these books from Atamanov! The story continues to grow and keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. I just wish I could get more of his works faster. Very impressed and looking forward to the next book!!
I can never get enough of these books from Atamanov! The story continues to grow and keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. I just wish I could get more of his works faster. Very impressed and looking forward to the next book!!
December 31, 2020
What’s with all the third person references. I’m bowing out of the series on this one. It’s taken a downward turn in quality and gnat has just become arrogant and disorganised
June 7, 2019
Ceasefires have one big downside: they eventually come to an end. And when they do, once again game nodes are set ablaze, and platoons of Dark Faction soldiers threaten our customary world with destruction. The enemy has grown stronger and more numerous. To make matters worse, they also got their hands on even deadlier weaponry. They have learned painful lessons from previous encounters and adjusted their tactics accordingly. What's more, the vast hordes of enemies are led by the greatest strategist of modern times, and his mage advisors can see all possible futures so they always know just what to do.
How can our world possibly stand up against such an enemy? Our only hope is the bravery and tenacity of our best fighters, those who’d rather die than surrender. Well, that and a starship captained by one lone mage.
November 4, 2019
not too shabby. I really enjoyed the first few books of this series. While this one continued the story, the translation got on my nerves just a little...I suspect much of the narration doesn't come off quite as flippant in German as it does in English.
I like the story and the development of the characters for the most part. The plot itself is becoming quite interwoven, mostly in a good way. I still enjoyed the book, but there was something about the translation/narration that kept jarring me out of the story and making it difficult in places to really fully enjoy it.
I'll still continue reading the series, with the hope that that translation of the next book in it is a little better. I would highly suggest not starting into the series with this book (start from the beginning or it will make very little sense).
I like the story and the development of the characters for the most part. The plot itself is becoming quite interwoven, mostly in a good way. I still enjoyed the book, but there was something about the translation/narration that kept jarring me out of the story and making it difficult in places to really fully enjoy it.
I'll still continue reading the series, with the hope that that translation of the next book in it is a little better. I would highly suggest not starting into the series with this book (start from the beginning or it will make very little sense).
May 30, 2019
Gnat makes more trouble
And saves the day.. Again. Gnat is advancing rapidly and helping his faction is slowly becoming second as he realizes that the earth as a whole is unprepared. Using all his resources in Unique ways makes gnat an unusual and difficult foe which is what we like and admire.
I like this book a lot but there are some translation problems where slang and expression are not auto translated well making for some awkward reading. Not a show stopper but needs some polish and editing. Id give 4.5 stars. Still! I want more... Soon.. But wait for good editing please
And saves the day.. Again. Gnat is advancing rapidly and helping his faction is slowly becoming second as he realizes that the earth as a whole is unprepared. Using all his resources in Unique ways makes gnat an unusual and difficult foe which is what we like and admire.
I like this book a lot but there are some translation problems where slang and expression are not auto translated well making for some awkward reading. Not a show stopper but needs some polish and editing. Id give 4.5 stars. Still! I want more... Soon.. But wait for good editing please
March 27, 2021
What would happen is an alternate universe earth , which has magic and technology fights with our earth that has only technology and majority of it's population is even unaware of fight for survival that is going on in the background.
Our hero gathers a groups of aliens and human's from across space to create a new faction to thrive in the game while gaining the necessary technology for earth to survive.
His wife's earth has somehow gained the technology to travel to our planet, however the MC manages to stop the threat.
Interesting to see how the series shapes up. Looking forward to listening it on Storytel.
Our hero gathers a groups of aliens and human's from across space to create a new faction to thrive in the game while gaining the necessary technology for earth to survive.
His wife's earth has somehow gained the technology to travel to our planet, however the MC manages to stop the threat.
Interesting to see how the series shapes up. Looking forward to listening it on Storytel.
May 25, 2019
No Lull
This is a weird story to review. It’s not written in a way that would win it any awards. This can be contributed to the fact that this is a translation, and it seemed to be a choppy one. But the series is entertaining overall. To me, it is the best of the Russian imports. The story has no pause from the first page onwards. Gnat does things constantly that pushes his faction forward at a crazy pace. Open-minded readers will enjoy. Sticklers for grammar will do so but maybe not so much.
Favorite Line: if you’re afraid of wolves, stay out of the forest!
This is a weird story to review. It’s not written in a way that would win it any awards. This can be contributed to the fact that this is a translation, and it seemed to be a choppy one. But the series is entertaining overall. To me, it is the best of the Russian imports. The story has no pause from the first page onwards. Gnat does things constantly that pushes his faction forward at a crazy pace. Open-minded readers will enjoy. Sticklers for grammar will do so but maybe not so much.
Favorite Line: if you’re afraid of wolves, stay out of the forest!
June 1, 2019
This book goes through phases. Sometimes it's so enjoyable you procrastinate things you should be doing to read "just one more page". At other times, you are spending time re-reading whole paragraphs so you can claim understanding.
I found myself playing the game of - is this broken English part of the plot or poor translation.
Ultimately, this series is going the route of most of Mr. Atamanov's books, where the ante keeps getting raised with little to no conclusions, which causes ab enjoyable read to turn into a convolution of complications.
I found myself playing the game of - is this broken English part of the plot or poor translation.
Ultimately, this series is going the route of most of Mr. Atamanov's books, where the ante keeps getting raised with little to no conclusions, which causes ab enjoyable read to turn into a convolution of complications.
September 16, 2023
Hate to see the quality go down so dramatically. The author is getting quite lazy with this story. He's started skipping important scenes with a short recap after. The scenes that aren't skipped are put together with little effort. For instance, in the scenes it was clear there was one specific outcome planned and the path to get there was poorly thought out. It left the characters doing nonsensical, stupid actions (or just doing nothing, waiting for the bad guys to act) just to get the planned outcome.
November 3, 2023
Wow, I can't believe how quickly I zoomed through the first 4 books in this amazing action-packed series written by Michael Atamanov and translated by Andrew Schmitt. Along with Rudy Sanda's wonderful voice performance. (And yeah I did notice the slight change in the narration toward the end of the book, but Rudy Sanda had done most of the work.)
Gnat is still fighting the good fight, not leaving his own human faction and trying to shore-up the morale of his flagging faction, as the other side appears to currently have the bigger stick and seemingly always one step ahead of the humans.
Gnat is still fighting the good fight, not leaving his own human faction and trying to shore-up the morale of his flagging faction, as the other side appears to currently have the bigger stick and seemingly always one step ahead of the humans.
November 13, 2019
Slightly disappointing book.
The series seem to have lost most of its impetus by now. There's a number of plot that pop up, disappear, and give no overall sense of usefulness to the global story. It's still well written, but the lack of general progression is killing the interest you could have in the series.
That's the point in the series where you watch the blurbs and read the reviews rather than buying the book to check yourself.
The series seem to have lost most of its impetus by now. There's a number of plot that pop up, disappear, and give no overall sense of usefulness to the global story. It's still well written, but the lack of general progression is killing the interest you could have in the series.
That's the point in the series where you watch the blurbs and read the reviews rather than buying the book to check yourself.
February 2, 2020
The Reality Benders series is one of my favorite GameLIT series. I found it entertaining and fairly unique from start to current finish. The characters are fairly memorable and the world they occupy is both realistic and fantastic.
If you are looking to get started in the genre, this is a worthy starting point. It also may get you hooked on the unique worldview that seems to permeate all these Russian-translations.
Keep them coming Mr. Atamanov and translation team!
If you are looking to get started in the genre, this is a worthy starting point. It also may get you hooked on the unique worldview that seems to permeate all these Russian-translations.
Keep them coming Mr. Atamanov and translation team!
June 15, 2019
Great Read
A lot comes together in this book. Gnat keeps leveling up and gaining power. He needs it to fight off the mages of the Dark Faction. The characters are well written and compelling. I like the action, humor, romance, and strategy. I hope there is another book as there is room for further plot development. Again this is one of my favorite series.
A lot comes together in this book. Gnat keeps leveling up and gaining power. He needs it to fight off the mages of the Dark Faction. The characters are well written and compelling. I like the action, humor, romance, and strategy. I hope there is another book as there is room for further plot development. Again this is one of my favorite series.
November 2, 2019
The plot in this series is consistently engaging, but I don't think the translation is doing it any favors for its characters or overall feel. I'm staying engaged due to the larger Relict mysteries... the politics and pirates don't really excite me. I'm not holding my breathe for the next one, but I'll continue to buy them.
November 6, 2019
3 maybe 3.5 stars, sadly not a strong as some of his other books and books in this series. I do like the author and the general story line of this series but this one just was all over the place. I found the story like disjointed at time and no real sold plot. I do like this series and will for sure continue it but this book was not the best this author has put out.
January 21, 2020
Excellent
The sad thing about reaching the end of this bo2os that om sure that book 5 is currently the end of the series thus far... And Im reading slower and slower as Im gett8ng closer to that point. This is such an excellent series that I honestly cannot wait for the adventure to continue.
The sad thing about reaching the end of this bo2os that om sure that book 5 is currently the end of the series thus far... And Im reading slower and slower as Im gett8ng closer to that point. This is such an excellent series that I honestly cannot wait for the adventure to continue.
March 21, 2021
I received a review copy of this book.
The story advances nicely in this book, and it goes pretty much where you would expect it to go, but there's lots of interesting events in the process, and of course, as usual, it certainly doesn't hurt that it promises lots of action in the next book. Very glad to see the series going strong. Definitely planning on reading more.
The story advances nicely in this book, and it goes pretty much where you would expect it to go, but there's lots of interesting events in the process, and of course, as usual, it certainly doesn't hurt that it promises lots of action in the next book. Very glad to see the series going strong. Definitely planning on reading more.
May 21, 2019
Keep going
Really enjoyed this book, the pacing was well done. A few points words seemed a bit out of place not sure if that was translation issue or speach pattern for some of the alien characters, but not too distracting. Keep going bring on the next book
Really enjoyed this book, the pacing was well done. A few points words seemed a bit out of place not sure if that was translation issue or speach pattern for some of the alien characters, but not too distracting. Keep going bring on the next book
May 21, 2019
Another great jaunt in this world
Not a huge amount to say, aside from I loved it, and basically read it start to finish in almost one sitting.
Excellent continuation of the series and I can't wait to see where it goes.
Not a huge amount to say, aside from I loved it, and basically read it start to finish in almost one sitting.
Excellent continuation of the series and I can't wait to see where it goes.
May 22, 2019
Good but mostly political
I enjoyed this instalment however much of the story related to political movements and outcomes. I thought this storyline was a bit less action packed. Nonetheless still good.
I enjoyed this instalment however much of the story related to political movements and outcomes. I thought this storyline was a bit less action packed. Nonetheless still good.
May 26, 2019
Another wonderful addition
I love this writer his works always make me smile, laugh and I can even feel my heart strings being plucked occasionally. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
I love this writer his works always make me smile, laugh and I can even feel my heart strings being plucked occasionally. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
May 31, 2019
Great read!
Man Mr. Atamanov has never disappointed me. Every single one of his books has been top notch and this one is no exception! Definitely recommend this series to all litrpg fans!
Man Mr. Atamanov has never disappointed me. Every single one of his books has been top notch and this one is no exception! Definitely recommend this series to all litrpg fans!
August 31, 2019
Very entertaining and we'll written!
Atamanov does it again. He pulls you into his worlds and makes you want to stay there. I do not buy many books, just using KU, but I will keep buying his as long as he keeps writing to this high standard.
Atamanov does it again. He pulls you into his worlds and makes you want to stay there. I do not buy many books, just using KU, but I will keep buying his as long as he keeps writing to this high standard.
April 22, 2025
Není velkým překvapením jakým směrem se Gnat posouvá. Tam kde je teď, nebrzdí rozvoj svůj ani svých kolegů, ba naopak, vytváří tak další příležitosti. Jsem zvědavá jak se budou věci vyvíjet dál.
Ubírám jednu hvězdu za Lozovského a za charaktery většiny ženských postav.
Ubírám jednu hvězdu za Lozovského a za charaktery většiny ženských postav.
May 21, 2019
Good series
Enjoying the series and this is a good progression for it. One of my favorite sci-fi litrpgs that I’ve read so far.
Enjoying the series and this is a good progression for it. One of my favorite sci-fi litrpgs that I’ve read so far.
May 23, 2019
Yes
Yes yes yes waited so long was wellworth the read less space exploration then I expected but you can see this is promising
Yes yes yes waited so long was wellworth the read less space exploration then I expected but you can see this is promising
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews