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Dark Paladin #3
Restart
The Game is in turmoil. All the players’ strength and resources are invested in preparing for Restart: only twenty percent of the players will make it to the next era. Murders are becoming commonplace; bribes and nepotism are at their height. Betrayal is becoming an inherent part of everyday interactions. The Game has spread its perfidious influence to the farthest corners of the Universe, affecting every sentient being. Will the Dark Judge reach the right verdict? Will he follow the ideals of his class to the end, or will he reject them, becoming an ordinary player? Yaropolk must make a fateful choice: he is the Guide. The one who will launch the Restart.
481 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
161 people are currently reading
148 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 19, 2019
Ok so I really wanted to like this series. The first book started off fantastic and got me excited for the rest. But then the second book took a nose dive in plot. The third book here got even worse. They introduce all kinds of things that straight up contradict the original concept of the game world. Suddenly he doesnt mind murdering everyone and can still be an impratial judge to everyone else when its beneficial to him? Suddenly when you kill a player you get an incredibly valuable kill coin that can be used to turn an npc into a player. Oh and since they suddenly exist were just going to ignore all those hundreds of final kills that yari has earned in the other two books.
The worst part of this book has to be the obvious disdain for women that is written everywhere in it. I understand that authors wont always treat everyone equally, but this book really took a dump on its views of women. Madona, one of the mythical 3 beings needed for restart in finally reincarnated. and the first thing she does is start dishing out rewards to everyone. Sounds normal to me. Except instead of giving Yari anything she complains about every little almost wrong thing he ever did publically making sure everyone hates him. Literally explaining that its because as a women she uses her emotions to make these decisions... theres a few more examples similar that I wont go into for spoilers sake.
I finished the book just to get a conclusion, and I do say it was at least somewhat satisfactory. The concept they were going for in explaining how the game came to be and what its purpose is comes together nicely. It somewhat justifies how horrid the journey was because now you have a reason to hate everything and desire a restart by the end. If it weren't for the fact that this book literally made up new rules that contradict the old ones as it was going to make sure it could get to the end I would have probably accepted it as a 3 star.
The worst part of this book has to be the obvious disdain for women that is written everywhere in it. I understand that authors wont always treat everyone equally, but this book really took a dump on its views of women. Madona, one of the mythical 3 beings needed for restart in finally reincarnated. and the first thing she does is start dishing out rewards to everyone. Sounds normal to me. Except instead of giving Yari anything she complains about every little almost wrong thing he ever did publically making sure everyone hates him. Literally explaining that its because as a women she uses her emotions to make these decisions... theres a few more examples similar that I wont go into for spoilers sake.
I finished the book just to get a conclusion, and I do say it was at least somewhat satisfactory. The concept they were going for in explaining how the game came to be and what its purpose is comes together nicely. It somewhat justifies how horrid the journey was because now you have a reason to hate everything and desire a restart by the end. If it weren't for the fact that this book literally made up new rules that contradict the old ones as it was going to make sure it could get to the end I would have probably accepted it as a 3 star.
March 9, 2018
An interesting end to the trilogy.
I can understand ending this the way it does, still though I find myself wishing for a further "after credits" scene showing how the new trio will be incarnated. A family? A couple and an acquaintance/student? Just curious what the instructions Yari programmed into the robot were. Also whether anyone would make it to the next Game, did destroying the data erase the list too? That seems the indicated result, but if it isn't then did Dolgunata make the list/restart as the keymaster?
Just a few little questions, none of which would be a terrible thing to leave unanswered. Mystery is the spice of life after all.
I can understand ending this the way it does, still though I find myself wishing for a further "after credits" scene showing how the new trio will be incarnated. A family? A couple and an acquaintance/student? Just curious what the instructions Yari programmed into the robot were. Also whether anyone would make it to the next Game, did destroying the data erase the list too? That seems the indicated result, but if it isn't then did Dolgunata make the list/restart as the keymaster?
Just a few little questions, none of which would be a terrible thing to leave unanswered. Mystery is the spice of life after all.
June 2, 2021
I reeeeeaally wanted to like this more. The first two books were great and then is fizzled at the end for me. It started to build up to be just as fun as the "The Way of the Shaman" series. He had story lines popping up all over the place and by the time he tied them up I enjoyed the short twist in the roller coaster ride it gave me. But in this final book the story like popped up and tied off so fast it felt more like a session of mad libs.
Still a HUGE fan of his works overall and I don't regret reading this. It was overall a satisfying four stars overall for the series but this felt like a weak spot in his library
Still a HUGE fan of his works overall and I don't regret reading this. It was overall a satisfying four stars overall for the series but this felt like a weak spot in his library
August 15, 2018
I really feel that this booking in the series is just disappointing. The plot is mainly just the Protagonist being dragged around. The discovery aspect of the series is largely discarded and the ending is frustratingly nonsensical. This is a Very dark book with no real Positive parts, People die. I feel that in the end all the choices made by the Protagonist were pointless and accomplished very little all he did was make sure that the Antagonists would mostly be killed. mostly because frankly one survives at least partially. I can honestly say this was a one time read for me.
April 13, 2018
I am uncertain
I am honestly not sure if I enjoyed this series...aside from the fact that it doesn't flow like his other work (which I really enjoyed), there was just nothing that I really found myself rooting for in this series...nothing that I could identify with...as the author says in his ending note, this series is all about vices and I am not sure that is enough to create a book that I enjoy reading.
I am honestly not sure if I enjoyed this series...aside from the fact that it doesn't flow like his other work (which I really enjoyed), there was just nothing that I really found myself rooting for in this series...nothing that I could identify with...as the author says in his ending note, this series is all about vices and I am not sure that is enough to create a book that I enjoy reading.
October 5, 2018
Warning: do not read the epilogue.
I liked the whole ‘survival the fittist’ vs maintaining ones humanity theme of the series. It fits and consistent.
Then the epilogue came... telling me that all of the main character’s struggle was just a game. I already know that from book one, I dont need it slapped on my face.
This would have been a five star read but after reading the epilogue, the whole created world soured.
That is just my personal take - a non gamer - just a reader.
I liked the whole ‘survival the fittist’ vs maintaining ones humanity theme of the series. It fits and consistent.
Then the epilogue came... telling me that all of the main character’s struggle was just a game. I already know that from book one, I dont need it slapped on my face.
This would have been a five star read but after reading the epilogue, the whole created world soured.
That is just my personal take - a non gamer - just a reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2018
As someone who plays video games a great deal, I can relate so much with the content and characters and situations. I’ve become so invested in the story. My biggest issue is that I have to wait until the next one is out! The MC is finally starting to spread his wings a bit and we are catching glimpses of the social dynamics. Can’t wait for future books and to see how the different characters interact.
Amazing read.
Amazing read.
April 8, 2023
Book 3 of the Dark Paladin. This was the conclusion to the series. Several twists and turns but what I am surprised at was that there was very little focus on the levels. The restart was pretty good there were parts that felt lacking but overall I can see the basis on which his later founded. If you’re a fan, I recommend reading the whole series. This isn’t his best work but not horrible either.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
March 12, 2023
Málokedy sa mi stáva, že kniha "zabudne", akým žánrom vlastne pôvodne bola. Tento diel je všetko možné, len RPG nie. Hlavný hrdina spriada divotvorné akcie proti hocikomu, hra vyťahuje do diania nové a nové postavy, dáva im nezmyselné schopnosti a rozbíja aj to málo systematickosti, ktorá tu bola. Po Ceste šamana veľké sklamanie.
March 10, 2018
Good book
So this whole series has been kinda hit and miss with me. I chalk some of that up to translation and cultural differences. Over all though it’s a well written book and series.
So this whole series has been kinda hit and miss with me. I chalk some of that up to translation and cultural differences. Over all though it’s a well written book and series.
July 28, 2018
Enjoyed the first 2 in the series more. As with all Mahanenko series, the last one is the "big reveal" that reveals truths about the worldbuilding. Mostly, it was just annoying to follow all the character names. A subpar mystery book labeled as LitRPG. Stop at #2 on this one.
June 13, 2018
Loved this series. Very well written and an interesting take on the genre.
December 2, 2018
This book was very good but it was a bit confusing and a little too dark for my tastes.
April 12, 2021
Dark
Mixed feelings.
Is it ethical or even moral to kill an Npc?
When does an Npc become a living being? How sophisticated does a program need, in order to be alive?
Mixed feelings.
Is it ethical or even moral to kill an Npc?
When does an Npc become a living being? How sophisticated does a program need, in order to be alive?
July 4, 2025
Critical Review: Restart (Dark Paladin #3) by Vasily Mahanenko
Essential, Hook, and Thesis
Restart is the grim, head-spinning conclusion to Vasily Mahanenko’s Dark Paladin trilogy—a series that refuses to sugarcoat either its world or its protagonist. While many LitRPGs offer a playground for escapism, Mahanenko’s Game is a brutal reflection of humanity’s darkest impulses, pushing players (and readers) to ask: When survival is on the line, who are we really? And is it even worth making it to the next round if we lose ourselves along the way?
Basic Plot Summary
With the Game’s “Restart” looming—an apocalyptic reset in which only a small elite will survive—morality is crumbling. The last twenty percent will be the only ones to carry on; murder, betrayal, and manipulation have become business as usual. Yaropolk, the enigmatic protagonist known as the Dark Judge, stands at the center of this chaos. As he’s forced to choose between maintaining his ideals or becoming just another player, the fate of entire worlds—and what’s left of his own conscience—hang in the balance.
Praise and Critique
Relentless Atmosphere: Mahanenko leans into darkness, painting a dystopian vision of gaming and society where ethics are luxuries, not necessities. The worldbuilding is intricate, oppressive, and immersive—a rare LitRPG that asks the reader to wrestle with guilt, compromise, and the price of victory.
High-Stakes Narrative: The tension is ever-present: who will make it through Restart, and what will it cost? The novel’s structure mirrors a brutal game event, with alliances shifting and betrayals lurking around every corner. The survival-of-the-fittest themes land hard and keep the pages turning.
Bold, Flawed Protagonist: Yaropolk is not a traditional hero. His journey is one of moral ambiguity and hard choices. While this makes for a layered and sometimes deeply uncomfortable read, it’s also what sets the book apart. Readers wanting clean victories or noble sacrifices may be disappointed—here, even the “victory” is drenched in blood and compromise.
Critique—Rule Changes & Contradictions: Some will find fault with the way the narrative introduces new “rules” or twists that contradict previous lore. The book occasionally feels like it’s moving the goalposts to force drama, which can break immersion for genre veterans.
Critique—Darkness and Nihilism: The relentless grimness, the body count, and the bleak view of humanity can be overwhelming. This is not an escapist fantasy. The treatment of women, particularly in Madonna’s scenes, will rightfully trouble many readers, and the book sometimes confuses moral ambiguity for depth.
Critique—Series Payoff: Longtime fans may feel the series ends on a note that’s more existential than epic. The conclusion ties threads together, but it’s a cold comfort after a punishing journey. There’s little catharsis, but plenty of food for thought.
Evaluation
Restart is not a book for everyone. It’s the LitRPG for readers who want to be challenged rather than comforted. It offers a complex, unflinching exploration of power, corruption, and the collapse of idealism in a virtual (and all-too-human) world. But it stumbles with inconsistent rules, an exhausting parade of betrayals, and some tone-deaf character moments.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a dark, uncompromising LitRPG that pushes the genre beyond stats and dungeon crawls into existential, sometimes painful territory, Restart will deliver. Just know what you’re in for: the endgame is not about victory, but about what’s left of you after the game is over.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoyed the gritty realism of The Way of the Shaman, or who appreciate morally gray protagonists and themes of societal decay. Not for those seeking escapism, clear moral lines, or light-hearted adventures.
Essential, Hook, and Thesis
Restart is the grim, head-spinning conclusion to Vasily Mahanenko’s Dark Paladin trilogy—a series that refuses to sugarcoat either its world or its protagonist. While many LitRPGs offer a playground for escapism, Mahanenko’s Game is a brutal reflection of humanity’s darkest impulses, pushing players (and readers) to ask: When survival is on the line, who are we really? And is it even worth making it to the next round if we lose ourselves along the way?
Basic Plot Summary
With the Game’s “Restart” looming—an apocalyptic reset in which only a small elite will survive—morality is crumbling. The last twenty percent will be the only ones to carry on; murder, betrayal, and manipulation have become business as usual. Yaropolk, the enigmatic protagonist known as the Dark Judge, stands at the center of this chaos. As he’s forced to choose between maintaining his ideals or becoming just another player, the fate of entire worlds—and what’s left of his own conscience—hang in the balance.
Praise and Critique
Relentless Atmosphere: Mahanenko leans into darkness, painting a dystopian vision of gaming and society where ethics are luxuries, not necessities. The worldbuilding is intricate, oppressive, and immersive—a rare LitRPG that asks the reader to wrestle with guilt, compromise, and the price of victory.
High-Stakes Narrative: The tension is ever-present: who will make it through Restart, and what will it cost? The novel’s structure mirrors a brutal game event, with alliances shifting and betrayals lurking around every corner. The survival-of-the-fittest themes land hard and keep the pages turning.
Bold, Flawed Protagonist: Yaropolk is not a traditional hero. His journey is one of moral ambiguity and hard choices. While this makes for a layered and sometimes deeply uncomfortable read, it’s also what sets the book apart. Readers wanting clean victories or noble sacrifices may be disappointed—here, even the “victory” is drenched in blood and compromise.
Critique—Rule Changes & Contradictions: Some will find fault with the way the narrative introduces new “rules” or twists that contradict previous lore. The book occasionally feels like it’s moving the goalposts to force drama, which can break immersion for genre veterans.
Critique—Darkness and Nihilism: The relentless grimness, the body count, and the bleak view of humanity can be overwhelming. This is not an escapist fantasy. The treatment of women, particularly in Madonna’s scenes, will rightfully trouble many readers, and the book sometimes confuses moral ambiguity for depth.
Critique—Series Payoff: Longtime fans may feel the series ends on a note that’s more existential than epic. The conclusion ties threads together, but it’s a cold comfort after a punishing journey. There’s little catharsis, but plenty of food for thought.
Evaluation
Restart is not a book for everyone. It’s the LitRPG for readers who want to be challenged rather than comforted. It offers a complex, unflinching exploration of power, corruption, and the collapse of idealism in a virtual (and all-too-human) world. But it stumbles with inconsistent rules, an exhausting parade of betrayals, and some tone-deaf character moments.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a dark, uncompromising LitRPG that pushes the genre beyond stats and dungeon crawls into existential, sometimes painful territory, Restart will deliver. Just know what you’re in for: the endgame is not about victory, but about what’s left of you after the game is over.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoyed the gritty realism of The Way of the Shaman, or who appreciate morally gray protagonists and themes of societal decay. Not for those seeking escapism, clear moral lines, or light-hearted adventures.
June 6, 2019
I enjoyed it.
July 18, 2018
Thank god it's over. This is an absolutely miserable series. Mahanenko is kind of known for his downer worlds/story lines, but I mostly enjoyed his The Way of the Shaman Survival Quest series because it wasn't miserable all the time. Hell, Dark Paladin #1 wasn't miserable all the time. This though... -_-
Ok, so the primary plot of this book is to have the main character find Merlin, so he's sent to earth to accomplish this. Immediately the guy is drawn into an investigation about serial murders involving children who were mutilated and tortured for decades before finally being sacrificed. The first time was 4 next was 8, then 16 ext. Pretty awful right? Well, then the main character has to make the same sacrifices, only faster in a race. He starts out with terrible criminals but quickly decends into sacrificing anyone near by...
THIS IS THE HERO PEOPLE
It's not like Mahanenko treats what he does like it's abhorrent either. It's fine, they aren't players
It's not just the main character who's terrible, there is literally no likable character in this.
This was a punishing book to read and several times I considered abandoning the series but managed to old out to finish it. I would really not recommend this series to anyone.
Ok, so the primary plot of this book is to have the main character find Merlin, so he's sent to earth to accomplish this. Immediately the guy is drawn into an investigation about serial murders involving children who were mutilated and tortured for decades before finally being sacrificed. The first time was 4 next was 8, then 16 ext. Pretty awful right? Well, then the main character has to make the same sacrifices, only faster in a race. He starts out with terrible criminals but quickly decends into sacrificing anyone near by...
THIS IS THE HERO PEOPLE
It's not like Mahanenko treats what he does like it's abhorrent either. It's fine, they aren't players
It's not just the main character who's terrible, there is literally no likable character in this.
This was a punishing book to read and several times I considered abandoning the series but managed to old out to finish it. I would really not recommend this series to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews