The Quest

Dark Paladin, Book 2

By: Vasily Mahanenko

Narrated by: Kevin Kraft

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Surviving in a tough situation is not always the best option; sometimes dying is much better than staying alive. The Academy showed Paladin Yaropolk what makes the world go round: pragmatism and personal gain. Restart was set in motion, but it only makes players more frantic. Now everyone plays only for themselves. Yaropolk faces the same dilemma: be like all of them, or keep his humanity and be known as an odd duck. Because there is only one rule in this world: kill or be killed....

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

Good story hindered by poor translation.

Not up to the standards set by Way of the shaman series when it comes to the translation but even despite that fact good if just barely. You will notice this wasn't originally written in English. I just feel there's so much lost even if I technically understand everything and because of that fact I stuggled to continue in places. Here's to hoping that the translation will be handed to someone else next book.

Good not Great

Better than the first but yet again the plot was not easy to follow. Alot of things do not make 100 sense.

Decent storyline

I bought these books because I really want to support Vasily. His shaman books are freaking awesome. These books are good but they could be better with a different narrator. He's really needs to slow down and be better with his inflection, and pauses in each sentence. I feel he is rushing the entire time and I am not sure why. Maybe he is trying to pump out as many book narrations as he can in a year. Vasily, you're still one of my favorite writers, keep em brotha!

Its decent but...

Overall this story is decent, but for some reason I haven't been able to figure out, the author decided to make the main character quite sexist. I didn't sense the same sexism in other stories by this author, but in this particular trilogy, the main character is so completely sexist, at times it wasn't comfortable.

aawesome

narrator takes a bit getting used to, but Beyond that the story is addictive, it's just a great read

Same interesting writer, same bad translator

I already reviewed the first volume of this series and this second one is no different. It is the kind of writing we expect from Mahanenko. A bit sloppy but inventive and in my opinion original and creative enough to be interesting and entertaining.

However, the translation is horrendous. This woman obviously has barely a grasp of basic English. It is clear that the fault lies in translation since time and time again the reader will hear better sentence structures and superior choice of phrasing in his or her own head while listening to this book.
I beg all publishers to encourage this "translator" to stick to disgracing her native language and leave English translation to the true professionals. Shame on her for defiling a writers work.

The Quest Dark Paladin

Introduction:
Greetings, fellow beings of HowlStrom. I am Kiba Snowpaw, an alpha male Ice Wolf with the power of ice magic, hailing from our icy realm. As someone who has been gaming all my life, I've ventured into the realm of audiobooks to experience stories in a different light. Today, I bring forth my thoughts on "The Quest - Dark Paladin, Book 2" by Vasily Mahanenko, narrated by Kevin Kraft.

Basic Plot Summary:
The world of Paladin Yaropolk is one of pragmatism and personal gain, as taught by the Academy. With the Restart set in motion, players have become more self-centered, playing solely for their own benefit. Yaropolk is faced with a choice: to become like the rest or to retain his humanity and stand out. In this world, it's either kill or be killed.

Analysis/Evaluation:
The story delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Paladin Yaropolk, as he grapples with the moral dilemmas of his world. The narrative is intense, and the stakes are high, making for a gripping listen.

Characters:
Yaropolk, our Paladin, is the heart of this tale. His internal struggles and the choices he makes are central to the story's progression. While some characters in the story might appear one-dimensional, Yaropolk's depth and development are commendable.

Structure:
The audiobook is structured well, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The pacing is consistent, ensuring that the listener remains engaged throughout.

Impact:
The story leaves a lasting impression, making one ponder the nature of humanity and the choices we make when faced with adversity.

Hook and Thesis:
The hook of the story lies in its unique premise and the moral dilemmas it presents. It's a tale that questions the very nature of humanity and what it means to retain one's soul in a world driven by selfish desires.

Praise and Critique:
The narrative is compelling, and the world-building is top-notch. However, several listeners have pointed out issues with the translation, feeling it could have been smoother. The narration by Kevin Kraft has received mixed reviews, with some appreciating his efforts while others felt he could have slowed down for better clarity.

Comparison:
Compared to Mahanenko's other works, especially the "Way of the Shaman" series, this book offers a darker tone and a more introspective look into its protagonist's psyche.

Conclusion:
"The Quest - Dark Paladin, Book 2" is a thought-provoking tale that delves deep into the moral choices one makes in a world driven by personal gain. While it has its flaws, especially in translation, it remains a worthy listen for those seeking a deeper narrative. As an Ice Wolf from HowlStrom, I appreciate tales that make one reflect, and this audiobook does just that. May your journeys be filled with adventure and introspection.

Review by Kiba Snowpaw of HowlStrom.

MC continues to be a pansy.

The main character continues to get beat up by a female character and going back for more. He is pretty much a punk through the whole book. Not a fighter I don't want to read a detective novel when I buy a litrpg paladin fantasy and that's how this reads. Thought it might get better after the first book but it doesent. Not at all what I was expecting from a Russian author but maybe he is into dominant chicks.

whaa?

i struggle to understand this steaming pile in need of an editor. mahanenko's shaman series is quite good, and i also have enjoyed his sci-fi lit rpg. this series is just odd. the narrator is not very good. the story is twisty...but not in an "oceans 11" way...more in a "spin the wheel and pick your plot point" kind of way. the final scenes were bizarre and almost redeemed the book, but didnt quite make it. the main character is a misogynistic pig w h o has embraced the dark side without really giving us much insight except for convenience. he has all the character development of a soggy graham cracker. i doubt that i will read any more in this series, and it has left such an icky taste in my mouth im not sure ill read anything else by mahanenko either.

translation and performance

this book is terrible. the translation is poor and the narrator is worse. skip this