You’re in Game!

LitRPG Stories from Bestselling Authors

De: Vasily Mahanenko, Andrei Livadny, Michael Atamanov, Alexey Osadchuk, Pavel Kornev, Andrew Novak

Narrado por: Tim Campbell

This fast-paced collection of novellas and short stories from leading Russian LitRPG authors sheds new light on their signature worlds. You're in Game! features works by Vasily Mahanenko, Andrei Livadny, Alexey Osadchuk, Michael Atamanov, Pavel Kornev, and Andrew Novak. Expect your favorite heroes to play second fiddle to an array of new main characters, once-minor plot lines to lead you in unexpected directions, and familiar story events to take surprising new turns.

©2017 Vasily Mahanenko, Andrei Livadny, Michael Atamanov, Andrew Novak, Pavel Kornev, and Alexey Osadchuk; English translation copyright 2017 by Andrew Schmitt, Boris Smirnov, Krystal Diehl, Irene Woodhead, and Neil P. Mayhew (P)2017 Tantor

You’re in Game!

Introduction:
Hey there, fellow book enthusiasts and gamers of all kinds! I'm Kiba Snowpaw, the alpha lone male Ice Wolf from the frozen world of HowlStrom. I've spent 36+ winters harnessing the power of ice magic, but today, I'm diving into the world of LitRPG stories. "You're in Game! #1" is a collection of novellas by some renowned Russian LitRPG authors, promising a thrilling journey through virtual realms and intriguing adventures.

Basic Plot Summary:
This anthology takes you on a whirlwind tour of LitRPG universes created by six talented Russian authors. Each novella offers a unique glimpse into a different gaming world, featuring exciting quests, immersive experiences, and new characters to root for. Whether you're exploring virtual realms or battling AI foes, "You're in Game! #1" promises a rollercoaster ride through the world of LitRPG.

Analysis/Evaluation:

- Shamanic Rites by Vasily Mahanenko: Unfortunately, this novella didn't howl its way into my heart. It felt like a love-struck cub's daydream in a dull game, lacking the captivating elements I hoped for. Rating: 2 stars.

- Purgatory by Andrei Livadny: Now, this one showed some promise. A criminal's mind in a hyper-realistic VR world, where experimentation and danger lurk around every corner. It gave me a taste of Livadny's intriguing universe. Rating: 3.5 stars.

- Throne World by Michael Atamanov: This sci-fi LitRPG offered a mix of suspense and surprises, but it occasionally forgot to explain the LitRPG elements clearly. Still, a thrilling ride. Rating: 3.5 stars.

- The Best Quest by Andrew Novak: Novak nailed it with a story that smoothly introduced his fantasy realm. Combining the real world with the game world in a post-apocalyptic setting was a stroke of genius. Rating: 3.5 stars.

- Countdown by Pavel Kornev: This standalone story showcased the dark side of a VR police officer's job. It was a decent tale that piqued my interest in Kornev's other works. Rating: 3 stars.

- The Date by Marina and Alexey Osadchuk: This tale added an unexpected twist to the anthology, mixing YA romance with LitRPG elements. It may not have been what I anticipated, but it had its charm. Rating: 3 stars.

- The Story of a Raid by Vasily Mahanenko: Unfortunately, Mahanenko's second attempt didn't fare much better. The story lacked depth, and the ending left a bitter taste in my icy mouth. Rating: 1.5 stars.

Characters:
The characters in these novellas vary in complexity and relatability. Some are forgettable, while others manage to capture your attention and sympathy. Overall, character development could have been more consistent across the collection.

Structure:
The anthology follows a well-structured format, with each novella offering a distinct perspective on LitRPG gaming. It's easy to pick up and put down, making it a convenient choice for a quick gaming-inspired read.

Impact:
While not all the stories hit the mark, "You're in Game! #1" introduces readers to various LitRPG sub-genres and authors. It serves as a decent entry point into the Russian LitRPG scene, and some novellas may encourage readers to explore full series by the featured authors.

Hook and Thesis:
The hook here is the promise of exploring diverse LitRPG worlds through the eyes of talented Russian authors. The thesis is to entertain and immerse readers in the thrill of virtual adventures, showcasing the creativity of these writers.

Praise and Critique:
Praise goes to the anthology's ability to introduce readers to different LitRPG universes. It's like sampling various flavors of ice cream before choosing your favorite. However, the overall quality varies, and a few novellas fall short in terms of engaging storytelling.

Evaluation:
While "You're in Game! #1" has its highs and lows, it succeeds in providing a taste of Russian LitRPG literature. It's worth exploring for those curious about the genre, but be prepared for a mixed experience.

Comparison:
Compared to other LitRPG anthologies, this collection offers a diverse range of stories but may not have the same consistency or depth as some Western counterparts.

Conclusion:
So, fellow book wolves, if you're looking to dive into LitRPG and want a sneak peek into Russian LitRPG authors' creations, "You're in Game! #1" is a reasonable starting point. Just remember to keep your expectations as balanced as a snowball on a windy day.

Why must they go this!

Now that I've finished this book I'm going to have to read all the other books by the authors! All the short stories drug you in and now I need more!... So where to start my new reading adventurous?

Moderately entertaining short story collection

None of these stories blew me away, but they were all decent. I feel LitRPG novels would be more compelling than a collection of short stories, but this was still somewhat interesting. Note that all stories are translated from the original Russian.

Good short stories but horrible reader

I real liked most of the short stories, but was disappointed by the male reader who ignored the fact that most of the main characters were female and read their parts as if the main characters were men.

2 or 3 good short stories included...

There were 2 or 3 decent short stories in this collection, but even those felt like they weren't complete.
The very first story is very incomplete. It's about a girl trying to find her spirit animal I think, yet the narrator doesn't even attempt a female voice.
This narrator has very little range.
Listen if it's free on 1.5 speed but don't expect too much.