The Beginning

Dark Paladin Series, Book 1

By: Vasily Mahanenko

Narrated by: Kevin Kraft

Is it easy to survive in the game world? You could say yes, if you didn't know what the additional conditions were. They are unusual: it's the real world in which you have lived all your life. The enemy, craving to destroy you. Your own class who couldn't care less about you. Are you still sure that survival is easy? Then welcome to The Game! It will prove you wrong.

©2017 V. Mahanenko; English translation copyright 2017 by Alexandra Tussing (P)2017 Tantor

Good Framework, Confusing Execution

What made the experience of listening to The Beginning the most enjoyable?

The opening chapters were total sensory overload. Too much raw information and very little story. There was no progression of events - the reader was just bombarded with info. No narrative/no exposition.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Beginning?

The dude with fireballs for hands made tanks fly. This made me sit up and take notice. Finally!

Which scene was your favorite?

When he met Nana.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I needed to put it down, consider what I read, and then go back for more. There's too much to absorb to read it straight through.

interesting game world and premise.

Overall a fun book to listen to, performed well. I particularly enjoy the idiosyncracies of the translation to English, which may not be as entertaining to others.

fantastic litrpg...starts bad but one of the best!

One of the very best LITRPGs...Pleasereadthisbook...nottraditionalbutasgoodas playtolive and chaos seed. READ start to finish...No Regrets

Very hard to get started

The book is very hard to get into, but if you can make it past the first few chapters and get into the main location of the story, you will enjoy this book.

Kevin Kraft did a great job.

As the book ends, I am looking forward to the next two books.

Good story flow

Wasn’t the best but definitely not the worst book, a good listen. Everyone should give it a try

Solid LitRPG

Interesting story takes a different approach than the standard litrpg. Well worth the credit. Moves fast for a longer book.

weirdly misogynistic

The Way of the Shaman series was great, and this is ok, but marred by bizarre misogynistic chunks. The series has regular bits like "she should have a day in what is made for dinner or what the children are named, but not matters of import." weird.

Enjoyable!

I found liking this book and looking forward to finishing this series! The plot alone had me wrap me in interest and had me on the edge of my seat! On ward to the next book!

The Beginning: Dark Paladin

Introduction:
Greetings from the icy realm of HowlStrom, where the winter season stretches for a century and magic is as tangible as the frost in the air. I am Kiba Snowpaw, an alpha male Ice Wolf with a penchant for gaming. Today, I shall share my thoughts on "The Beginning," the first installment in the Dark Paladin series by Vasily Mahanenko.

Basic Plot Summary:
The story plunges us into a game world, but not just any game world. This is a realm where the lines between reality and the virtual blur, where survival is as treacherous as the biting winds of HowlStrom. The protagonist finds himself battling not just external foes, but also the apathy of his own class and the treachery of those he once trusted. The stakes? Not just game points, but life itself.

Analysis/Evaluation:
Mahanenko crafts a narrative that is both intriguing and challenging. The concept of a game world merging with reality is not new, but the author adds layers of complexity with the protagonist's internal and external struggles. However, the story does suffer from pacing issues, with some sections feeling overly drawn out.

Characters:
The characters are a mixed bag. While some are well-developed and relatable, others come off as one-dimensional. The protagonist's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, from triumph to betrayal, making him the most fleshed-out character in the narrative.

Structure:
The story's structure is somewhat fragmented, with the initial chapters bombarding the reader with information. This can be disorienting, but as the narrative progresses, the pieces start to fall into place.

Impact:
"The Beginning" leaves a lasting impression, not just because of its unique premise but also due to its exploration of human nature and the lengths one would go to survive.

Hook and Thesis:
The hook is the game world's merger with reality, a tantalizing concept that promises high stakes and intense action. The thesis revolves around survival, trust, and the blurred lines between the virtual and the real.

Praise and Critique:
Mahanenko's world-building is commendable, and the stakes he sets up are genuinely high. However, the pacing and some character developments could use refinement. The narrative would benefit from a more streamlined approach, cutting down on unnecessary details.

Comparison:
Compared to other LitRPGs, "The Beginning" stands out due to its unique premise. While it shares similarities with other titles in the genre, its exploration of human nature sets it apart.

Conclusion:
In the cold expanse of HowlStrom, where every decision can mean life or death, "The Beginning" resonates deeply. It's a tale of survival, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and the virtual. While it has its flaws, it's a journey worth embarking on. As Kiba Snowpaw, I appreciate a good challenge, and this book certainly provides that. Dive in, if you dare, and may the frosty winds of HowlStrom guide your path.

Gets better

Not sure if its technical editing or just the reader but I found myself pulled out of the story many times by odd tempos "speaking to fast without pauses or long pauses that didn't make sense.
also it seemed like the voices would get mixed up. This improved later in the book and I'm looking forward to the next one.