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Galactogon #1
Start the Game
Twelve players set off through the online world of Galaktogon, lured by the game owners' promise of an enormous payoff. The question is, who will survive to tell the tale? Which of the twelve is a potential hero - or a traitor in the making? Which of them will defend the weak and who will become the ultimate evil overlord?
A knight or a coward? Each of the twelve will have to choose his or her path. Each will keep a poker face. But if the billion-pound prize calls your name, you can't conceal your choice. And you will do everything to lay your hands on it.
A knight or a coward? Each of the twelve will have to choose his or her path. Each will keep a poker face. But if the billion-pound prize calls your name, you can't conceal your choice. And you will do everything to lay your hands on it.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
192 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Vasily Mahanenko
101 books1,104 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 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 29, 2017
An entertaining read, if you can stand Mary Sue
This book has an interesting premise, a great idea, but the MC is a giant Mary Sue. The author really needs to make the character do something to deserve his OP items, instead he just stumbled on them. Lazy writing, but still entertaining... I'll at least read the next book.
This book has an interesting premise, a great idea, but the MC is a giant Mary Sue. The author really needs to make the character do something to deserve his OP items, instead he just stumbled on them. Lazy writing, but still entertaining... I'll at least read the next book.
January 9, 2016
I was pretty surprised to find that Vasily Mahanenko's second LitRPG series was so different from Way of the Shaman, and yet just as interesting and compelling.
This series takes place for the most part in a Sci-Fi MMORPG game called Galactogon, the series protagonist is a professional gamer whose game of choice has just permanently closed down. He is offered a job working for some rather influential people in another game that he has never played before, the new game Galactogon that has taken the world by storm.
The goal, 2 billion pounds sterling. The job, play a game with zero familiarity with the game mechanics and zero funding of your character from real life sources, to prove that a game isn't "Pay To Win".
There are 11 other contestants including our main protagonist, but suddenly suspicious events begin to occur.
All in all this was even better to me than Way of the Shaman, the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the time to translate the sequels combined with the fact that the book ends on a major cliffhanger.
This series takes place for the most part in a Sci-Fi MMORPG game called Galactogon, the series protagonist is a professional gamer whose game of choice has just permanently closed down. He is offered a job working for some rather influential people in another game that he has never played before, the new game Galactogon that has taken the world by storm.
The goal, 2 billion pounds sterling. The job, play a game with zero familiarity with the game mechanics and zero funding of your character from real life sources, to prove that a game isn't "Pay To Win".
There are 11 other contestants including our main protagonist, but suddenly suspicious events begin to occur.
All in all this was even better to me than Way of the Shaman, the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the time to translate the sequels combined with the fact that the book ends on a major cliffhanger.
September 14, 2015
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Epic win on this one could na put the title down this book was so good I will read it at least three times this month.
When does the next one come out.
That is what I want to know.
Epic win on this one could na put the title down this book was so good I will read it at least three times this month.
When does the next one come out.
That is what I want to know.
March 16, 2026
Start the Game (Galactogon #1) by Vasily Mahanenko
⭐⭐⭐⚝⚝
What happens when a LitRPG veteran enters a new sandbox and decides the real game is not survival, but control?
That question powers Start the Game, the opening novel in Vasily Mahanenko’s Galactogon series. As a first installment, it does what the genre demands well: it establishes a high-concept game world, introduces a protagonist with room to grow, and lays the groundwork for a much larger struggle built on mechanics, power, and system exploitation. It is an engaging setup novel—smart in places, addictive in rhythm, but also recognizably burdened by the familiar weaknesses of progression-heavy fiction.
The core appeal here is exactly what the title promises: the thrill of entering a new system. Mahanenko understands how to make the early phases of a game-world narrative compelling. Learning the rules, experimenting with builds, uncovering hidden advantages, and navigating the first layers of a dangerous competitive environment all give the book a satisfying forward momentum. There is pleasure in watching the protagonist test boundaries and realize that the world is not merely something to survive in, but something that can be manipulated.
That sense of discovery is the novel’s strongest asset.
The game framework itself is built to reward readers who enjoy systems. Stats, progression, tactical choices, and structured advancement all play central roles. Mahanenko has always been effective at making progression feel concrete, and Start the Game continues that strength. The mechanics are not just decorative genre wallpaper; they actively shape the stakes, the pacing, and the protagonist’s decision-making.
At its best, the novel creates the classic LitRPG pleasure loop:
new environment,
new rule set,
new exploit,
new advantage.
That rhythm makes the book easy to keep reading.
Where the novel is less impressive is in its characterization. The protagonist is functional and capable, but not especially layered. He works as a vehicle for exploration and advancement more than as a deeply complex inner life. This is not fatal for the genre—many readers come primarily for the mechanics—but it does limit the book’s emotional weight. Supporting characters are similarly uneven: some have enough presence to suggest future importance, while others feel like placeholders in the game board.
The prose is clear and efficient, which suits the material, though it rarely rises above utility. Mahanenko is more interested in movement than atmosphere, more invested in progression than lyricism. That directness helps the book maintain pace, but it also means moments that should land with greater tension or wonder sometimes pass too quickly.
Critically, Start the Game feels more like a strategic opening than a fully satisfying standalone arc. This is very much a “book one” in the modern serialized sense. It introduces, positions, hints, and escalates. It does not fully resolve. Readers who enjoy long-form progression fantasy will likely accept that structure easily; readers wanting a more self-contained narrative may find it incomplete.
What makes the book work despite its limitations is Mahanenko’s veteran instinct for reader engagement. He knows how to engineer curiosity. He knows how to make incremental power growth feel meaningful. And he knows that in LitRPG, momentum can often matter more than elegance.
Compared with some of its genre contemporaries, Start the Game does not radically reinvent the form. It does not have the philosophical density of the more ambitious progression fantasies, nor the strongest character work in the field. What it offers instead is competence, clarity, and a reliable gameplay-driven hook. For many readers, that will be enough.
This is a solid beginning, not a masterwork.
It knows the rules.
More importantly, it knows how to make readers want to keep playing.
March 18, 2017
Clever MC.
Decent translation - not too many weird Russian sayings ("greedy pig" still works but not really common in English).
Interesting world.
Nifty plot.
I'd come up with part of a short story based on this book:
The billionaire investor walked into the control room.
"Is the game preceding? What will new players find when they first enter the world?"
The designer looked up. "Well sir - when they first come in at level one -"
The billionaire held up his hand "Wait a moment. Did you say 'at level one'?"
The designer looked at the others and everyone nodded.
The billionaire sighed. "We have made not one but several AI's which control the world yet have no desire to actually destroy humanity. We have pods which people can immerse themselves so fully into the game that they can not tell reality from the game world. And you're still using 'levels'?"
The designers looked nervous and shuffled their feet.
"Let me guess. 'Elf' is both a race and a class with you people isn't it? If I could, I'd have you all strangled."
-------
End of short short story.
Anyway, I finally found a book that doesn't use 'levels' for the characters in the game world. Only part way into reading it so I'm not sure how it will go but I wanted to point out that games which still use levels *even today* are either just kill fests (see Korean grinders) or becoming 'old fashioned'. I hope by the time they have immersion pods and other wonderful devices we will have moved way the hell past levels. Even my own RPG doesn't use levels.
Here's the book for those interested - note, items still have levels for some reason. I know from my smoking experience that bad habits are hard to give up.
Decent translation - not too many weird Russian sayings ("greedy pig" still works but not really common in English).
Interesting world.
Nifty plot.
I'd come up with part of a short story based on this book:
The billionaire investor walked into the control room.
"Is the game preceding? What will new players find when they first enter the world?"
The designer looked up. "Well sir - when they first come in at level one -"
The billionaire held up his hand "Wait a moment. Did you say 'at level one'?"
The designer looked at the others and everyone nodded.
The billionaire sighed. "We have made not one but several AI's which control the world yet have no desire to actually destroy humanity. We have pods which people can immerse themselves so fully into the game that they can not tell reality from the game world. And you're still using 'levels'?"
The designers looked nervous and shuffled their feet.
"Let me guess. 'Elf' is both a race and a class with you people isn't it? If I could, I'd have you all strangled."
-------
End of short short story.
Anyway, I finally found a book that doesn't use 'levels' for the characters in the game world. Only part way into reading it so I'm not sure how it will go but I wanted to point out that games which still use levels *even today* are either just kill fests (see Korean grinders) or becoming 'old fashioned'. I hope by the time they have immersion pods and other wonderful devices we will have moved way the hell past levels. Even my own RPG doesn't use levels.
Here's the book for those interested - note, items still have levels for some reason. I know from my smoking experience that bad habits are hard to give up.
December 8, 2024
Start the Game
Galactogon #1
By Vasily Mahanenko
Warning ⚠️ This review may contain plot-sensitive content.
Overview 📝
The author is back with a new MMO, this time in space! He’s transplanted many of the grandiose story-building devices from the Way of the Shaman (WotS) series into this iteration, producing another rags-to-riches story with a MC who’s at the epicenter of a grand plot.
Another Marina is used, this time the head of a leading clan. Much like Astaria of Phoenix Clan, she pursues Mahan’s analogue, Alex aka “Surgeon”, for coveted plunder he’s inexplicably come across as a newb. Together they form an alliance and Surgeon is quickly propelled into higher levels of prestige, reputation, and higher-class loot.
Behind the scenes, Surgeon begins the game immediately knowing what the stakes are to succeed at a certain contest that the developers recruited him for. He and 11 other participants—who have no prior knowledge of a certain Space Ops MMO—are offered the chance at $1 billion or rupees or whatever by playing the game under certain conditions. It is revealed that each of the 12 players have their own conditions, such as limiting play time each day but the ability to “pay to play” vs. unlimited game time each day but strictly adhering to a “free to play” IAP structure. Surgeon has been given the 4 hours max daily play time + a $500k monthly salary to which he can use to leverage his chances at finding a mystical game object that will grant the payout promised.
The Good 😊
1. The “contest” has a certain “Ready Player One” vibe going for it. There are lots of similarities to that story, including another player killing off the contestants. At least with this novel it’s assumed that no one can be trusted until thoroughly vetted (unlike poor Mahan in WotS). Surgeon’s relations with his best friend’s vengeful wife made me cringe each time he dealt with her once it was revealed that she was also a contestant.
2. Like Mahan, Surgeon stumbles into hidden game secrets and rewards through the use of bandying about persuasion and coercion tactics, finagling positive outcomes from idiot NPC’s, and generally using a sly tongue and a rapier wit to make things happen. It’s formulaic but still entertaining.
3. The mention of a legendary Grand Arbiter ship and how no one in the history of Galactagon has defeated one made me smile, as I just knew the author would conjure some way for Surgeon to destroy one.
4. Surgeon’s bloodlust in the training sector was very amusing.
5. Surgeon finagling the ship and its max load-out out from under the NPCs’ noses, including a certain top secret prototype weaponry system, and the corresponding offers received from top clans afterwards, made me smile in a “Karmadont Chess Set” sort of way.
6. “Space Cucumber” has a certain ring to it, much like Mahan’s clan’s name “Sea Thistles”. There are many other similarities to WotS too, such as Surgeon turning his back on his Empire of origin in favor of a path of shadow.
7. One of the most engrossing aspects of Mahanenko’s novels is you never know who’s going to have a hidden motive, and the most minor of characters (or quest or NPC) introduced early on might play a more significant role to the plot later on. The storyline is very nuanced and I have to refer to the ebook almost as often as the audiobook read through just to make sure I’m digesting everything.
8. Telling his clan to go home or logout while he lingers around only to discover epicly cool loot and game mechanics = classic Mahan ploy, but still a lot of fun.
9. Losing 1 complete ship class (i.e. 100 levels) for being destroyed and sent for respawn was a great addition to the game’s balance, even if everything else about Surgeon’s game time was highly unbalanced/OP. It really incentivized Surgeon to think his way out of situations as opposed to succumbing to what felt like, at first glance, the inevitable.
10. For all of the foibles in this novel, the ending tidies up very well and the ending “boss fight” was epic in Surgeon’s pragmatic approach to defeating his foe.
The Meh 🤢
1. The author originally wrote his books in Russian and a translator guy converted them to English. Certain translation deficiencies appear as obscure words and phrases, such as “Betting Masters” (describing the wealthy leaders of the contest) or calling a bearded Clan Leader “the beard” as opposed to his actual name. Other times the author (or his translator to English) is just plain confusing/confused. See next points below.
2. Someone got confused (author or translator?) as to what the vague term “unlimited” was in reference to: unlimited game credits OR unlimited play time. Alex was assigned the limited game time role but is clearly the unlimited game time player in the rest of the novel.
“Eunice, which of the three games types do you choose?” “Unlimited.” “Affirmed. Constantine?” “The second—the semi-limited.” “Affirmed. And you, Alexis, will play the limited game type then.”
4. As with WotS, the author is quite sexist, borderline misogynistic, towards women. If you’re unsure on this point just wait until the ending.
5. Why describe how leveling of items like articles of clothing or spoons work if you’re not going to follow through with leveling them up? Mentioning gaining “legendary status” with a spoon had an alluring “Survival Quest” vibe towards it, but the author never mentioned it again. Irritating.
6. It took a full quarter to third of the novel to get up to speed where things started to become really interesting.
7. Alex’s pacifier weapons acquired through killing the “local” (NPC) guards in the Training Sector prove to be an OP one-trick pony throughout the rest of the novel. At least with Mahan he never overused any one thing iirc correctly. Further OP exasperations continue with the finding of the Uldan planet and Surgeon’s subsequent acquisition of an elite robo squad and a unique B class ship (that should’ve been classified as legendary due to all its bells and whistles). Kind of lame.
8. Speaking of lame, the forced marriage with Eunice was ultra lame. Government controlling baby production, forcing them to marriage and move in together after a 1-night stand, converging their separate contest entries into 1, seriously??
9. Blood Island was purported to have an enormous amount of Raq yet why did Surgeon leave the world without first bringing his ship and robotic shipmates up to 100% operational efficiency through mining said Raq? No reason at all? Of course, that makes sense (sarcasm).
10. Why give an elite death squad to Surgeon and then cripple them with “operational efficiency”?? They proved to be more of a liability than an asset after everything was said and done. It’s like the author realized his blunder of writing in these OP plot elements and instead of revising what he wrote, he gave them all sorts of limitations instead. Laaaaame.
Final Thoughts 🤔
Tallies: 10 Good and 10 Meh. Will I read the next novel? Probably.
3 stars ⭐️
January 15, 2021
It’s so much easier to write a negative review than a positive one. I have read some enjoyable books lately, but I‘ve just been lazy, and truth be told, intimidated about writing those reviews.
In general, I really, really enjoy literature with a framing device. (I’ve recently enjoyed reading Frankenstein, a modern Frankenstein tribute novel, and Dracula.) These modern-day litRPG novels SHOULD be interesting since the format is essentially a story inside a story, but I haven’t encountered one that I’ve enjoyed. Maybe I should restate that as I “can’t recall” one I’ve enjoyed, since I typically encounter a rare gem within a despised sub genres. Somewhere, I’m sure there is at least ONE awesome litRPG novel out there.... Please recommend one to me that isn’t on my Read shelf.
In general, the framing device in litRPG doesn’t work for me because the framed role playing game is not reality. And neither is the frame itself. On the other hand, Simulacron3 —and hey, the Matrix movies, and more I’m sure — has a cool, edgy frame that makes you think about free will. But written stories about role play gaming just don’t convey that sense of horror, urgency, free will vs claustrophobia, etc.
The novel isn’t awful if you’re looking for escapism. Twelve gamers get a chance to win a billion dollars. People die in the game, and IRL, without any suspense or emotional consequence.
In general, I really, really enjoy literature with a framing device. (I’ve recently enjoyed reading Frankenstein, a modern Frankenstein tribute novel, and Dracula.) These modern-day litRPG novels SHOULD be interesting since the format is essentially a story inside a story, but I haven’t encountered one that I’ve enjoyed. Maybe I should restate that as I “can’t recall” one I’ve enjoyed, since I typically encounter a rare gem within a despised sub genres. Somewhere, I’m sure there is at least ONE awesome litRPG novel out there.... Please recommend one to me that isn’t on my Read shelf.
In general, the framing device in litRPG doesn’t work for me because the framed role playing game is not reality. And neither is the frame itself. On the other hand, Simulacron3 —and hey, the Matrix movies, and more I’m sure — has a cool, edgy frame that makes you think about free will. But written stories about role play gaming just don’t convey that sense of horror, urgency, free will vs claustrophobia, etc.
The novel isn’t awful if you’re looking for escapism. Twelve gamers get a chance to win a billion dollars. People die in the game, and IRL, without any suspense or emotional consequence.
June 16, 2019
With all due respect to Mahanenko I think this was the worse of his books I have read and the plot is a bit...well shit
The setup is unfortunately the best part of the book. I like the idea that this professional gamer has to switch over to a new game that is sci fi instead of the customary fantasy setting. I also didn't mind that character progression was more based on items than personal stats. The competition was an interesting addition as well but it honestly fell apart after that.
I really didn't like the main character. I didn't like the game world. I didn't connect with any of the NPCs. I didn't like the love interest. The gap in quality between this book and The Way of the Shaman series is immense.
The setup is unfortunately the best part of the book. I like the idea that this professional gamer has to switch over to a new game that is sci fi instead of the customary fantasy setting. I also didn't mind that character progression was more based on items than personal stats. The competition was an interesting addition as well but it honestly fell apart after that.
I really didn't like the main character. I didn't like the game world. I didn't connect with any of the NPCs. I didn't like the love interest. The gap in quality between this book and The Way of the Shaman series is immense.
April 17, 2018
Well written, but I'm starting to get the feeling (based on this book and a few others by this author), that he has some trouble with writing good endings. This one left me with a raised eyebrow and an eyeroll...I most likely won't read the next book in the series because of the last couple of chapters.
Also, it was a cliffhanger and I dislike being forced into reading more books in the series by such a cheap trick. This was supposed to be a book - not half of one.
Also, it was a cliffhanger and I dislike being forced into reading more books in the series by such a cheap trick. This was supposed to be a book - not half of one.
September 13, 2015
Great story
As soon as I got into this book all I wanted to do was keep reading. Now that I have finished it I can't wait for the next one to come out. I definitely recommend reading this book and others by Mahanenko.
As soon as I got into this book all I wanted to do was keep reading. Now that I have finished it I can't wait for the next one to come out. I definitely recommend reading this book and others by Mahanenko.
August 23, 2021
Dvanáct hráčů, šek na miliardu liber a vesmír plný nekonečných možností
Alexova oblíbená hra, ve které v roli obávaného paladina strávil několik uplynulých let, nenávratně končí. Truchlení však nemá dlouhého trvání, záhy ho totiž kontaktují zaměstnanci giganta Galaktogonu a on souhlasí s účastí v jejich zajímavém experimentu – tj. dokázat, že se dá dosáhnout velkých věcí, aniž by hráč musel investovat reálné peníze. Alex sice neví o Galaktogonu zhola nic a ve své pozici má zakázáno nakoupit byť jediný kredit, zato ale smí trávit online neomezené množství času. Výzva přijata! Alex má v plánu stát se vítězem – prvním z Dvanáctky, kdo najde šek na miliardu liber. Nezastaví ho nástrahy neznámé digitální galaxie, ani fakt, že se mezitím někdo snaží systematicky likvidovat soutěžící v reálném světě…
Dalo by se tvrdit, že to byl právě Vasilij Mahaněnko se svou sérií Cesta Šamana, kdo v roce 2017 odstartoval v ČR trend LitRPG žánru, přičemž coby dlouholetý pařmen MMORPGček uplatnil při psaní svoje zkušenosti s hraním her. Stvořil legendární Barlionu, VR ve stylu World of Warcraft, poté se však jeho fantazie počala rozpínat mnohem dál, až do hlubin kosmu… Ačkoliv v autorově rodné Rusi či anglickém překladu vyšly i jiné příběhy z Barliony, nakladatelství Fantom Print do edičního plánu kupodivu zařadilo Mahaněnkův sci-fi počin, první díl trilogie Galaktogon, jenž má námětem potenciál potěšit třebas fanoušky Atamanova Obránce perimetru nebo Clineho Ready Playera One.
Specialitou Galaktogonu je snaha o realističnost, a to nejen po vizuální stránce. Hráč sám neleveluje, ale vylepšuje svoje vybavení a jeho postava nabývá pouze těch dovedností, kterým se naučí její uživatel (např. pilotovat loď). Alex alias Chirurg začíná v Tréninkovém sektoru, jenže hned první zkoušku pokazí. Myslí si, že bude muset postavu stejně smazat, tak proč si trochu neužít a nevyvést nějakou neplechu... A právě tyto netradiční způsoby hraní ho dostanou na místa a do scénářů, které ostatním zpravidla zůstávají skryté! Což je skvělý nápad a děj díky tomu působí mnohem uvěřitelněji. Zábavným prvkem se jeví i Alexovo nováčkovství ve vesmírné sféře – třeba když mu nikdo nevysvětlí, že z povrchu se do hyperprostoru prostě neskáče...
Hlavní hrdina působí sympaticky, má smysl pro humor, je inteligentní i krapet prohnaný, zvládá improvizovat a nebojí se riskovat. Z vedlejších postav zaujme Lestran, který Alexovi zachrání kůži a láká ho ke stínovému Bratrstvu; dále pak odvážná pirátská kapitánka Marina; ambiciózní Eunice, konkurentka v soutěži; nebo chytrá domácnost Stan, jenž si během "soužití" s Alexem vytvořil cosi jako vlastní osobnost.
Text je velice čtivý, příběh vypráví sám protagonista a informace nám dávkuje postupně. Nechybí akce, napětí ani šokující zvraty. Bohužel se kniha nevyhne několika klišé (hrozba v reálu, z naprosté nicky proslulým hráčem atd.), ale autor s nimi pracuje na výbornou. Otevřený konec přímo láká sáhnout po pokračování...
Ač preferuji fantasy, neměla jsem problém čemukoliv porozumět a titul jsem si opravdu užila. Moje jediná výtka se týká nespokojenosti se směrem děje, kdy onen nápad s experimentem kvůli vnějším vlivům úplně ztrácí svůj význam...
4,5/5*
Za recenzní e-book děkuji nakladatelství FANTOM Print!
Alexova oblíbená hra, ve které v roli obávaného paladina strávil několik uplynulých let, nenávratně končí. Truchlení však nemá dlouhého trvání, záhy ho totiž kontaktují zaměstnanci giganta Galaktogonu a on souhlasí s účastí v jejich zajímavém experimentu – tj. dokázat, že se dá dosáhnout velkých věcí, aniž by hráč musel investovat reálné peníze. Alex sice neví o Galaktogonu zhola nic a ve své pozici má zakázáno nakoupit byť jediný kredit, zato ale smí trávit online neomezené množství času. Výzva přijata! Alex má v plánu stát se vítězem – prvním z Dvanáctky, kdo najde šek na miliardu liber. Nezastaví ho nástrahy neznámé digitální galaxie, ani fakt, že se mezitím někdo snaží systematicky likvidovat soutěžící v reálném světě…
Dalo by se tvrdit, že to byl právě Vasilij Mahaněnko se svou sérií Cesta Šamana, kdo v roce 2017 odstartoval v ČR trend LitRPG žánru, přičemž coby dlouholetý pařmen MMORPGček uplatnil při psaní svoje zkušenosti s hraním her. Stvořil legendární Barlionu, VR ve stylu World of Warcraft, poté se však jeho fantazie počala rozpínat mnohem dál, až do hlubin kosmu… Ačkoliv v autorově rodné Rusi či anglickém překladu vyšly i jiné příběhy z Barliony, nakladatelství Fantom Print do edičního plánu kupodivu zařadilo Mahaněnkův sci-fi počin, první díl trilogie Galaktogon, jenž má námětem potenciál potěšit třebas fanoušky Atamanova Obránce perimetru nebo Clineho Ready Playera One.
Specialitou Galaktogonu je snaha o realističnost, a to nejen po vizuální stránce. Hráč sám neleveluje, ale vylepšuje svoje vybavení a jeho postava nabývá pouze těch dovedností, kterým se naučí její uživatel (např. pilotovat loď). Alex alias Chirurg začíná v Tréninkovém sektoru, jenže hned první zkoušku pokazí. Myslí si, že bude muset postavu stejně smazat, tak proč si trochu neužít a nevyvést nějakou neplechu... A právě tyto netradiční způsoby hraní ho dostanou na místa a do scénářů, které ostatním zpravidla zůstávají skryté! Což je skvělý nápad a děj díky tomu působí mnohem uvěřitelněji. Zábavným prvkem se jeví i Alexovo nováčkovství ve vesmírné sféře – třeba když mu nikdo nevysvětlí, že z povrchu se do hyperprostoru prostě neskáče...
Hlavní hrdina působí sympaticky, má smysl pro humor, je inteligentní i krapet prohnaný, zvládá improvizovat a nebojí se riskovat. Z vedlejších postav zaujme Lestran, který Alexovi zachrání kůži a láká ho ke stínovému Bratrstvu; dále pak odvážná pirátská kapitánka Marina; ambiciózní Eunice, konkurentka v soutěži; nebo chytrá domácnost Stan, jenž si během "soužití" s Alexem vytvořil cosi jako vlastní osobnost.
Text je velice čtivý, příběh vypráví sám protagonista a informace nám dávkuje postupně. Nechybí akce, napětí ani šokující zvraty. Bohužel se kniha nevyhne několika klišé (hrozba v reálu, z naprosté nicky proslulým hráčem atd.), ale autor s nimi pracuje na výbornou. Otevřený konec přímo láká sáhnout po pokračování...
Ač preferuji fantasy, neměla jsem problém čemukoliv porozumět a titul jsem si opravdu užila. Moje jediná výtka se týká nespokojenosti se směrem děje, kdy onen nápad s experimentem kvůli vnějším vlivům úplně ztrácí svůj význam...
4,5/5*
Za recenzní e-book děkuji nakladatelství FANTOM Print!
July 18, 2020
This book was interesting but not especially unique. It felt like a generic LitRPG book but with a space instead of fantasy setting. I liked the space setting and the general plot. I felt that the main character seemed to be a bit misogynistic based on comments he made about women, and he would occasionally just make assumptions and do something even if something was happening that would suggest he was being stupid. Plot elements also seemed to fall into place too often too. The main character would go from one extremely unlikely or even supposedly impossible scenario to another. He is in a contest, and it feels like either the contest is rigged for this guy to win or the author just wanted unusual stuff to happen and was too lazy to think of interesting stuff that wasn't unusual in addition to all of the crazy stuff. Still, the book was a fun read. I just recommend a lot of other LitRPG books before this one. For a really fantastic LitRPG series set in space, that is also by a Russian author, I would recommend the Phantom Server series by Andrei Livadny instead. This book seems like something to read if you are craving a space LitRPG book and have already read the Phantom Server series. This book was worth checking out though.
September 19, 2021
I listened to this as an audiobook with a narrator who I had never heard of, which basically meant I was going in blind.
The good: I can see how some people have said that everything comes to easy to our MC. Maybe I'm seeing this differently as I listened to it instead of reading it, but I really liked the MC and how he approached the game. The MC is smart but not too smart, and relaxed enough most of the time that he doesn't worry too much no matter what happens. And this approach usually works out in the end, with the MC getting out of whatever bind he in no matter what happens.
The not quite so good: I honestly could have done without the bet or even the real world story. The end (no spoilers) felt like a massive tone shift, and while there was plenty of foreboding that didn't mean I enjoyed it. The best part of the story is when we're in the game, and I hope that is where it stays for book 2.
Overall I enjoyed this very much. I never got into the Way of the Shaman, so this is the first book I've really read from Vasily Mahanenko and I have to say, I am impressed. If you're looking for massive space opera type LitRPG, then can do much worse than reading this book.
4/5*
The good: I can see how some people have said that everything comes to easy to our MC. Maybe I'm seeing this differently as I listened to it instead of reading it, but I really liked the MC and how he approached the game. The MC is smart but not too smart, and relaxed enough most of the time that he doesn't worry too much no matter what happens. And this approach usually works out in the end, with the MC getting out of whatever bind he in no matter what happens.
The not quite so good: I honestly could have done without the bet or even the real world story. The end (no spoilers) felt like a massive tone shift, and while there was plenty of foreboding that didn't mean I enjoyed it. The best part of the story is when we're in the game, and I hope that is where it stays for book 2.
Overall I enjoyed this very much. I never got into the Way of the Shaman, so this is the first book I've really read from Vasily Mahanenko and I have to say, I am impressed. If you're looking for massive space opera type LitRPG, then can do much worse than reading this book.
4/5*
August 14, 2017
I went into this book speculatively, it being translated from Russian to English. I was not sure that things and meanings would make it through the translation properly to be cohesive to the entire plot. It made it through and then some. Great book, truly enjoyed it and recommended it to my son to read soon! BUT (and yes there is a big one) the ending truly sucked. Please do not let that sway you from reading the book though. It was like the author wanted a very dramatic ending so that you would want to read the second book, but cut it off so abruptly, it felt to me like he should have finished up with the sub-plot that he was in before ending the book, or waited till the next book to start it, not cut it off almost mid-sentence.
I am looking forward to the second book, and did find out that he has written a prequel of sorts for this one, so I will be getting that and wait for the next book in the series.
I am looking forward to the second book, and did find out that he has written a prequel of sorts for this one, so I will be getting that and wait for the next book in the series.
September 13, 2017
This is the first truly Scifi based Scifi litRPG's I've read. Most are either Fantasy based Scifi (future tech used to create a fantasy world like Mahananko's Shaman Series) or straight Fantasy (Fantasy world with RPG elements like Aleron Kong's 'The Land'). It actually turned out really well and I'm surprised there aren't more like it.
Galactogon, as a setting, is pretty much a Star Wars rip off. Hyperdrives with Star Wars EU hyperdrive rules (Complete with Interdictor Cruiser, Hyperspace Lanes, and Gravity well rules), Yuzon Vong like invading enemies, Similar weapons, no transporters, ext. As a result, I was very familiar with the world and rules right from the start and can't speak to how well he explained it to a layman.
All and all a very enjoyable setting and story, in and out of the game world. I'm definitely going to have to continue.
Galactogon, as a setting, is pretty much a Star Wars rip off. Hyperdrives with Star Wars EU hyperdrive rules (Complete with Interdictor Cruiser, Hyperspace Lanes, and Gravity well rules), Yuzon Vong like invading enemies, Similar weapons, no transporters, ext. As a result, I was very familiar with the world and rules right from the start and can't speak to how well he explained it to a layman.
All and all a very enjoyable setting and story, in and out of the game world. I'm definitely going to have to continue.
September 23, 2024
The last quarter of the book was so hard to finish and just seemed to have a lot of things unnecessarily added.
The book ends so abruptly and in a spot that forces you to get the next book just to see how this book should have wrapped up.
I hate the Fridging trope. They tap dance around this at the end of the book and it stopped my interest in continuing the series.
The link to the starting of the second book is old, so attached is their updated site, just so you can get answers to things that should had been in the first book.
http://magicdomebooks.blogspot.com/20...
The last couple of chapters of this and the starting of the second book really sunk my rating for this book series.
The book ends so abruptly and in a spot that forces you to get the next book just to see how this book should have wrapped up.
I hate the Fridging trope. They tap dance around this at the end of the book and it stopped my interest in continuing the series.
The link to the starting of the second book is old, so attached is their updated site, just so you can get answers to things that should had been in the first book.
http://magicdomebooks.blogspot.com/20...
The last couple of chapters of this and the starting of the second book really sunk my rating for this book series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2024
Fast paced adventure. Nice read, but unfortunately nothing more. I got irritated from time to time mainly by flaws in the system. It would be really great if author made the system prior to writing the book and going with every idea you think sounds good. In the end you get a ton of contradicting things...
... such as game is hyper realistic with ton of players spending enormous amounts of real life money. So you make their first experience in training center learning for various tests and you make flying a spaceship super complicated?
... so when a player somehow skips this - suddenly being able to push right buttons and having right knowledge does not make sense anymore?
... such as game is hyper realistic with ton of players spending enormous amounts of real life money. So you make their first experience in training center learning for various tests and you make flying a spaceship super complicated?
... so when a player somehow skips this - suddenly being able to push right buttons and having right knowledge does not make sense anymore?
September 12, 2025
Space Pirates
Book 1 of the Galactogon series. This LitRPG is the first I have read that is Sci-Fi. That said I enjoyed it immensely. This is similar to his Shaman series in the non-standard way the game is being played allowing for a different outcomes that no one expects or thinks possible. Lots of fighting and death but the language is suitable for YA (mature) audience. Overall a wonderful beginning to a series, bummed that there are only 3 books in the series. On to book 2.
Book 1 of the Galactogon series. This LitRPG is the first I have read that is Sci-Fi. That said I enjoyed it immensely. This is similar to his Shaman series in the non-standard way the game is being played allowing for a different outcomes that no one expects or thinks possible. Lots of fighting and death but the language is suitable for YA (mature) audience. Overall a wonderful beginning to a series, bummed that there are only 3 books in the series. On to book 2.
September 9, 2021
Kým predchádzajúce knihy mi počítačovú hru až tak nepripomínali, táto séria má viacero sterilných pasáží, ktoré mi pripadajú ako doslovný opis pohybu hráča. Chýba už len ťukanie do klávesnice alebo ovládača. Viaceré časti sa opakujú, napr. opakované vyhľadávanie informácií "inteligentnou domácnosťou". Ústredná línia (boj o miliardu) sa na konci vytráca a jej uzavretie (nateraz) vyzerá prvoplánovo jednoducho. A opäť neprekvapuje neskutočné "šťastie" nováčika, všeznalosť a domýšľavosť.
December 10, 2020
I was looking forward to this because it's one of the few SciFi LitRPG series that I've run across. Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the book. It has good (not great) world building and a fairly routine story arc, albeit one focused on SciFi instead of Fantasy.
However, there's almost no "crunch" to this series. The author describes a somewhat-novel leveling system early on in the book...but never really knits it into the story all that well. Additionally, I felt some key plot elements were shoe horned into the story in a fairly clumsy fashion.
It's a fun read and I have continued with the series...but Goodreads defines two stars as "Just OK" and that basically sums up this book perfectly.
However, there's almost no "crunch" to this series. The author describes a somewhat-novel leveling system early on in the book...but never really knits it into the story all that well. Additionally, I felt some key plot elements were shoe horned into the story in a fairly clumsy fashion.
It's a fun read and I have continued with the series...but Goodreads defines two stars as "Just OK" and that basically sums up this book perfectly.
November 27, 2023
The story of a gary stu sociopath in a galactic RPG. I found it hard to believe that anyone would give so many boons for sociopatical behaviour in a game. Actually, as it is supposed to be a world wide social experiment it should be the opposite.. The whole murderous cheater arc was harebrained for me..
The end of the book was "strange".
The end of the book was "strange".
October 31, 2017
Reading litrpg is a guilty pleasure of mine. I read everything I can get my hands on. Sadly, the second book in this series is still being written in Russian, so it will take a few years before it gets translated into English. Uff, and the first book ended in a cliffhanger!
January 9, 2018
Great book
Loved this book. He has some "quest update" type entry's but not too much like some books. The story is really good and there are many twists at the end. Can't wait to see what happens to our heros in next book.
Loved this book. He has some "quest update" type entry's but not too much like some books. The story is really good and there are many twists at the end. Can't wait to see what happens to our heros in next book.
August 14, 2018
Heckin amazing!
What can I say about this other than it is just one more fantastic piece of literature by a truly astounding author! I love all of his work and I can’t wait to read more of this series!!!!!
What can I say about this other than it is just one more fantastic piece of literature by a truly astounding author! I love all of his work and I can’t wait to read more of this series!!!!!
February 26, 2019
Wonderful!!
This story is strange because the main character has a multi personally that becomes brilliant when always finds a way too win and survive utterly ridiculous but a wonderful story??
This story is strange because the main character has a multi personally that becomes brilliant when always finds a way too win and survive utterly ridiculous but a wonderful story??
July 10, 2019
Hilariously fun
Twists, turns, excitement, and fun for the whole family.
Seriously, it was a fun book. I enjoyed it and suspect that the next two go in directions we don’t quite expect.
Twists, turns, excitement, and fun for the whole family.
Seriously, it was a fun book. I enjoyed it and suspect that the next two go in directions we don’t quite expect.
June 20, 2020
Love the author but this series is a definite dud. Dont know if its the sci-fi nature, the poor translation, or just the fact that it is too predictable but this book is definitely on a lower peg for lit RPG novels.
July 29, 2020
A master storyteller
I tend not to review the story anymore. 1 star = didn’t finish. 5 stars = finished. Storytelling is an art and since I can’t do it, I do not judge it. That said, loved the story and already bought book 2. On with the show Vasily !
I tend not to review the story anymore. 1 star = didn’t finish. 5 stars = finished. Storytelling is an art and since I can’t do it, I do not judge it. That said, loved the story and already bought book 2. On with the show Vasily !
September 14, 2017
Was going well until the end then it dragged so much that it affected this score. I probably would read the sequel.
November 19, 2017
The entirely scifi litrpg is something that is rarely done well. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
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