The Tournament

By: Matthew Reilly

Narrated by: Lucy Gaskell

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 1546.

Europe lives in fear of the powerful Islamic empire to the East. Under its charismatic Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, it is an empire on the rise. It has defeated Christian fleets. It has conquered Christian cities.

Then the Sultan sends out an invitation to every king in Europe: send forth your champion to compete in a tournament unlike any other.

We follow the English delegation, selected by King Henry VIII himself, to the glittering city of Constantinople, where the most amazing tournament ever staged will take place.

But when the stakes are this high, not everyone plays fair, and for our team of plucky English heroes, winning may not be the primary goal. As a series of barbaric murders take place, a more immediate goal might simply be staying alive …

©2013 Karanadon Entertainment Pty Ltd. The moral right of the author has been asserted. (P)2013 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

History and Action, a winner

This is a surprising offering from Matthew Reilly, when you look at his previous books, which can be best described as "Die Hard" in book, this is a big change of pace where the focus in more on the intrigue rather than the action. Its a nice change, and one that Matthew achieves with ease.

Another significant change for Matthew Reilly fans is the absence of Sean Mangan doing the narration. However, with this book, Lucy Gaskell, is probably a better choice to tell the story of a young Queen Bess.

The story keeps you on your seat to the end and while based on a simple plot, combined with historic references it provides a wonderful journey of discovery.

I strongly recommend this book.

Another great book from Matthew Reilly

A different story compared to passed books. But I can say that it is slow to start but a great finish.

a departure from his usual style

Matthew Reilly has produced a book quite different form his usual action, action, action style. It is patient and detailed; reflecting the main device, chess. The game is less important than the moves in it.

Lucy Gaskell does a good job of narration. She matches the mood of the story very well.

Brilliant historical fiction

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elizabeth is my favourite character as she is brave and willing to learn about the realities of life in all its horror, and is not naive as Elsie was.

What about Lucy Gaskell’s performance did you like?

Lucy Gaskell did a wonderful job and I love her British accent.

Who was the most memorable character of The Tournament and why?

The most memorable character is Elsie, Bessie' s friend. Her naivete, the way she discusses her sexual relations with Bessie and the trouble she eventually finds herself in are all memorable moments in The Tournament.

You'll be disappointed, not like his other books.

What disappointed you about The Tournament?

Very very different book from his others. Very predictable. Boring historical rubbish.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Enders Shadow

What didn’t you like about Lucy Gaskell’s performance?

Lucy Gaskell did an awesome job, the book was not that good.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Lucy Gaskell

Any additional comments?

My review may be hard, but I'm a Matthew Reilly fan. Not a fan of boring historical made up rubbish. I want action action action.