The Tournament

By: Matthew Reilly

Narrated by: Katie Firth

“A complete success…action fans and PBS types can share their enthusiasm” (Booklist, starred review) when a young Queen Elizabeth I is thrust into a gripping game of deception and lust at the height of the Ottoman Empire in this edge-of-your-seat historical thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Great Zoo of China and Temple.

The year is 1546, and Suleiman the Magnificent, the feared Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, issues an invitation to every king in Europe: You are invited to send your finest player to compete in a chess tournament to determine the champion of the known world.

Thousands converge on Constantinople, including the English court’s champion and his guide, the esteemed scholar Roger Ascham. Seeing a chance to enlighten the mind of a student, Ascham brings along Elizabeth Tudor, a brilliant young woman not yet consumed by royal duties in Henry VIII’s court.

Yet on the opening night of the tournament, a powerful guest of the Sultan is murdered. Soon, barbaric deaths, diplomatic corruption, and unimaginable depravity—sexual and otherwise—unfold before Elizabeth’s and Ascham’s eyes. The pair soon realizes that the real chess game is being played within the court itself…and its most treacherous element is that a stranger in a strange land is only as safe as her host is gracious.

This story has all marks of a Masterpiece!

This is an historical novel that offers intrigue, suspense, mystery, betrayal, redemption and loyalty. It depicts an era where truth and honor are contrasted with debauchery and deceit. As always, the truth does prevail!

Great Narration

Fun and engaging mystery but extremely well read by the narrator. I believe it's a better book as an audible.

Meh

Not a bad story but not what I'd expect from Matthew Reilly. If you read his books because you love the scarecrow series I would pass this one up especially if your short on credits. Reader was good just didn't really like the book

One of the Best books this year!

I really enjoyed listening to The Tournament by Matthew Reilly! The plot and the setting of the story is wonderful and I had hard time restraining myself to finish the book versus listening to a little bit every day ! This is the first book from Matthew Reilly that I have listened to so I am anxious to read his other books in the hope that they are just as great!

The Tournament

Keeps the reader in the edge of their seat. Never a dull moment. Can't wait to read more of this writers books.