Why You Must Read This Story!

* The cover threw me. I admit that more often then not I am drawn to a book more by a pretty cover then anything else. And while it is a beautiful cover, it reminded me more of a Japanese horror story then the MxM Romance it claimed to be. Fear not, it is indeed a what it claims to be, although there is a little action, adventure, and whit thrown in to keep things interesting.

* Ok, so let just get this out of the way, yes this is another book with the trope about a contest to win the perfect guy of your dreams (it's even royalty in this one). I've read/ listened to a lot of stories with the same plot. However, this one shocked me with how skilfully woven the plot became. The elements where a bit predictable most of the time but overall there was more then enough originality worked into the best parts of this trope to make it absolutely addictive. The characters (main and supporting) where all relatable and likeable. The world was exquisite and I really felt like I could get lost in the details. My only complaint is that I loved it all so much I wish there could have been more! I wish some events that where left out where actually told. And that some details where fleshed out a bit more. That probably would have doubled the length of the book, but I wouldn't have minded that one bit. In fact I know I'll be listening to this one over and over again. For some reason it hits that comfort read spot for me... Plus I have a great new author to keep an eye on!

*As to the narration Michael Stellman did a great job! He got me caught up in the story and wouldn't let me leave till it was done.

In my opinion it's worth whatever you can use to get it. Credit, whispersync, or sale. Just go listen to this awesomeness!

10 people found this helpful

Sexy and fun! Megan Derr does it again!!!

There's Abigail Roux, Kim Fielding, S E Jakes, BA Tortuga, and Andrew Grey for my go-to authors, but for fantasy m/m romance, no one is as consistently satisfying for me as Megan Derr. Tournament is a pleasure from start to end, and I didn't want it to end.

The MCs were immediately likeable, and I really enjoy her world-building and her supporting characters.

Having read the novel already, it took me a minute to get used to Michael Stellman's style, but I enjoyed his narration very much.

I don't see any obvious sequels here, but if she were to write one, I'd read it.

7 people found this helpful

Michael Stellman OUTDID HIMSELF!!!

Any additional comments?

Michael freakin' Stellman outdid his performance in this tale of hard knocks! And yeah, I absolutely fell head-over-heels with Rath.

You get so much more in this story than just a romance! You get adventure, friendship, kindness, charity, deception, violence, cruelty, and a wonderful message of humanity being more important than money.

I just loved this story. The best part of the story is being gay made no difference in this world. The world that Megan Derr created treated being gay the exact way as being straight is treated...no issue what so ever! And that was just awesome! And my heart was left wrapped in happiness. - happy sigh -

LOVED LOVED LOVED this story and Michael Stellman 💖

9 people found this helpful

original

Five stars all over the board!!! Tournament of losers is the most original m/m story I've listened to in a while. The storyline didn't lag once and Michael Stellmans narration was perfection. Without a doubt once of the best narrators I have had the pleasure to listen to.

4 people found this helpful

a masterpiece of fairytale story telling

Megan Deer and Michael Stellman are the perfect creative forces to create this masterpiece of a fairytale with the traditional theme of virtue and love winning out over all. Miss Derr created characters that are entertaining rascals in love who will entertain and endear. Fun. Funny. The story even uses traditional formulae while giving a modern feel in an old kingdom long ago once upon a time....

8 people found this helpful

Enjoyable, but...

Any additional comments?

While I was ultimately happy with who Rath ends up with, and I liked a lot of the story, I wasn't blown away by either the narration, by Michael Stellman, or the story.

There was too much action off page, and I'm not just referring to the sexy times. Pretty much anything of note occurs off page, which became increasingly more surprising as the story went on.

I wanted more than just kisses, I wanted more than just hearing that Rath'd made it through another challenge...I just wanted more.

So, yes, this was enjoyable, both to read and listen to...but it felt like it was missing a lot at the same time.

3 people found this helpful

This one's a winner!

I don't know how she does it, but I hope she just keeps on doing it. Megan Derr is magic. She never fails to surprise me and amaze me with every book of hers that I've listened to.

This one is another wonderfully written book by a master storyteller. The world-building is epic, the details, the history, the culture and the society where the story is set, it's exquisite, really. The main and supporting characters are fleshed out and likeable. They're very dynamic and although set in fantasy world, you can't help but relate to their plight.

While some aspects are predictable and you're thrilled to know you're right, it works well with the premise. I wish one of the challenge was more on page, it left me hanging and wanting to know what happened in the mountains.

Overall, I think this book should be longer because it's a world we can easily get hooked and lost in. The story is engaging and you're rooting for Rath from the get-go and you're cheering for him until the very end of the story. Michael Stellman's narration was incredible. This is truly a joy to listen to!

2 people found this helpful

Fantastic rags to riches story!

This is one of those stories, that I thought was one thing – but it’s really something else.

I chose it for a Paranormal story and there are some elements of that – but far and away – this is more an historical fantasy rather than anything else.

It has a romantic thread – to be sure – but it’s mostly about a young boy with no prospects finding his way to the top of the food chain simply because he’s such a good hearted person.

It’s fast paced (after the first 25%) and a page turner. Usually I’m disappointed when the romance isn’t the central part of the story, but in this case the story itself is so charming that I couldn’t be sad!

The narration is done very well by Michael Stellman and though he doesn’t go crazy with the accents, it’s always clear who is speaking and I felt very immersed in the time.

If you’re in the mood for a really uplifting story where the good guy gets what he deserves, this is it!

Highly Recommended!

(Not spooky at all!)


5 of 5 stars

1 person found this helpful

got to love megan derr

I'm a huge fan of megan derr so I do recommend any thing done by her if you want a good read this was a good story

1 person found this helpful

Absolutely wonderful

This story is totally different from the norm, and it is beautifully written. I was entranced from the beginning until the very end. It was truly a lovely story, but no sex at all, although truthfully there was little opportunity given the subject matter. I highly recommend, I loved it.

1 person found this helpful