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  • The Secret of the Dark Forest

  • Way of the Shaman Series, Book 3
  • By: Vasily Mahanenko
  • Narrated by: Jonathan Yen
  • Length: 19 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (375 ratings)
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The Secret of the Dark Forest cover art

The Secret of the Dark Forest

By: Vasily Mahanenko
Narrated by: Jonathan Yen
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Summary

The virtual world of Barliona is a place of rest and entertainment - but not for everyone. It has become a survival arena for Daniel Mahan after he was sentenced to eight years in its virtual jail. Mahan has been through it all: the back-breaking work in the mines, betrayal by other prisoners, and finally, the retrial which has released him into Barliona's common world. What more could one want? Mahan could have kept a low profile and enjoyed relative freedom while serving the rest of his time. But being a Shaman, he can't help himself. Soon he's a clan leader, taking 50 of the continent's top players to claim the secrets of the Dark Forest.

©2016 V. Mahanenko; English translation copyright 2016 by Natalia Nikitin (P)2016 Tantor

What listeners say about The Secret of the Dark Forest

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Story continues to grow well

Again this book needs to be read in order and is a good continuation of the story line. Characters are levelling up and it is good to see that whilst they need to level it is not poorly done. The author manages to stop it being too power levelly but equally allows development at a pace. Character story and world development continues to be really good and I like the development more and more. Roll on the next book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable listen

Good listen with no dull spots. The story progress and character development was good(maybe too good if I'm being honest)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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What a series!

What a great continuation of the series. The way the characters are developed and twisted into new and exciting people is amazing. Can't wait to continue the series.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Cringe inducing

To be honest I really enjoyed the first couple of books, but after listening to this one I am tempted to drop the rest of the series. In fairness there are some really great plot points in the story. However I think some details may have been lost in the translation, making parts of the story confusing.

But for me personally the story was completely overshadowed by the cringiness of the mc's personality, particularly related to the whole MC and Anastasia relationship aspect (it makes me question if the author has had an actual conversation with a woman). Overall the mc has started to give off the vibe of being a wannabe sigma chad but in reality he comes off as a complete twat.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Possible Spoiler

Guy pretty much saves the game world by creating a way to fight the new invulnerable enemy shadows and the emperor and dark lord still want to punish him? This series is awesome for crafting and combat etc. But I seriously want to punch the higher ups of the empire in the face!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Meh started ok but ran out of steam

I think I’ll stop listening to this series at book 3. It felt like listening to a ten-hour long video game cut-scene where there is only railroading and monologues.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Very nice book

I Wasen sure in the beginning.
I am happy to hear it to the end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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good listen

enjoying the series it hasn't lost momentum this might even be a re listen set of books

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very good LitRPG

This is my first LitRPG series and this book continues to deliver. I am loving the fantasy setting with raids, clans, auctions and other such mmorpg features. The story is still holding up very well and I am excited to see what is coming up next. Well worth the listen if you enjoyed the first two books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Better than Ready Player One

Good continuation of the series.If you like Ready Player One, then read this as it is better. Top notch narrator as well.

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