Today, I review S.G. Rogers' Tournament of Chance as a part of its blog tour by I Am A Reader.
Read my thoughts and then learn how you can win $25 Amazon/PayPal cash.
Title: Tournament of Chance
Author: S.G. Rogers
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Purchase Links:
When a beautiful commoner enters the Tournament of Chance archery competition, her thwarted victory sparks a revolution in the oppressive kingdom of Destiny. Although Heather never believed the legends about the restoration of Ormaria, after three shape-shifting Ormarian wizards awaken from a long magical slumber, she joins their perilous quest to regain the throne. Heather battles vicious predators and angry trolls to free the wizards’ magic, but at a horrendous cost. She is unexpectedly torn from the arms of the man she loves and hurled back in time to fulfill a prophecy not yet written. The ensuing maelstrom tests Heather’s survival skills, wits, and endurance. Will she become an unwritten footnote in history, or can she trust the magic to lead her back to her one true love?
Originally from Southern California, S.G. Rogers has lived in Asheville, North Carolina and Laurel, Mississippi. She earned her first black belt in taekwondo from martial arts champion Billy Blanks. Later on, she earned black belts in taekwondo and hapkido from Master Myung Kim. Currently residing in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, S.G. Rogers writes fantasy and romantic fantasy stories. She’s owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer and the occasional gator. Although she’s most often drawn to speculative fiction, she’s been known to break away to write other genres. Tab is her beverage of choice, but when she imbibes, a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss.
Connect with S.G.:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
This review may contain slight spoilers. The reviewer ensures that any first reading experience is not intended to be diminished.
With just a cursory glance at this book's cover, I could not resist the opportunity to read and review it. I was most intrigued by the fantastical element of dragons, which to me are not as popular as they used to be with the prominence of vampires, shapeshifters, and werewolves in literary works today. When books have such an refreshing outtake I am more inclined to read them, so thanks S.G. Rogers for standing apart from the norm.
What I enjoyed most about Tournament of Chance is its presence of a strong heroine - Heather. Though her boldness and sharp tongue could be translated as impertinence, Heather proves to be an admirable character. At times, I wish she let her guard down a bit, but her cleverness, dexterity, and toughness, reminded me of why a girl like Heather is the way she is. Heather, like Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice, challenges the conventions of society. When she is cheated of an archery tournament hosted by the conniving King Chance because of her "commoner" status, Heather ignites a revolution - one that will put her and her friends in danger.
What really propels her development (and the overall plot) are the sparks that fly between her and Dane - and I mean both antagonistic and romantic sparks. Dane is a Prince of the ancient, magical dynasty, the Ormvalders. He and two other Ormvalders are reawakened into the present, and they plan to restore the power of the rest of the Ormvalders so that they may be strengthened before they too re-awake. It is obvious that Heather and Dane share a mutual attraction, but it is Heather's hardheadedness, and Dane's initial smugness that cause their early conflicts. If you are into romance, Dane and Heather will have you chuckling, rolling your eyes, and eventually sighing.
The plot of Tournament of Chance is also enjoyable. It is extremely fast-paced. There is so much going on, and sometimes I felt a bit overwhelmed. Despite that, I was still interested in reading more. Readers will love the dynamics of the various plot-lines, and the twists that occur. I think the atmospheres could have been described better, but the plot is so engrossing at some instances that I did not really care for a strong buildup of the characters' emotions and surroundings. Also, the inclusion of exclusive creatures and lands remind me of how unique and expansive fantasy can be. Rogers' creativity really shined throughout this book, and I am sure many will appreciate it.
My biggest problem with the novel is its good writing style Note, I said good. I really wish the writing was more outstanding. That would have made Tournament of Chance an even better book. With such a unique cast of characters and plot, I think it deserved more eloquence. I found the writing to be rudimentary at times, and this greatly disappointed me. I think it needed a little more oomph, but it was okay.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
With just a cursory glance at this book's cover, I could not resist the opportunity to read and review it. I was most intrigued by the fantastical element of dragons, which to me are not as popular as they used to be with the prominence of vampires, shapeshifters, and werewolves in literary works today. When books have such an refreshing outtake I am more inclined to read them, so thanks S.G. Rogers for standing apart from the norm.
What I enjoyed most about Tournament of Chance is its presence of a strong heroine - Heather. Though her boldness and sharp tongue could be translated as impertinence, Heather proves to be an admirable character. At times, I wish she let her guard down a bit, but her cleverness, dexterity, and toughness, reminded me of why a girl like Heather is the way she is. Heather, like Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice, challenges the conventions of society. When she is cheated of an archery tournament hosted by the conniving King Chance because of her "commoner" status, Heather ignites a revolution - one that will put her and her friends in danger.
What really propels her development (and the overall plot) are the sparks that fly between her and Dane - and I mean both antagonistic and romantic sparks. Dane is a Prince of the ancient, magical dynasty, the Ormvalders. He and two other Ormvalders are reawakened into the present, and they plan to restore the power of the rest of the Ormvalders so that they may be strengthened before they too re-awake. It is obvious that Heather and Dane share a mutual attraction, but it is Heather's hardheadedness, and Dane's initial smugness that cause their early conflicts. If you are into romance, Dane and Heather will have you chuckling, rolling your eyes, and eventually sighing.
The plot of Tournament of Chance is also enjoyable. It is extremely fast-paced. There is so much going on, and sometimes I felt a bit overwhelmed. Despite that, I was still interested in reading more. Readers will love the dynamics of the various plot-lines, and the twists that occur. I think the atmospheres could have been described better, but the plot is so engrossing at some instances that I did not really care for a strong buildup of the characters' emotions and surroundings. Also, the inclusion of exclusive creatures and lands remind me of how unique and expansive fantasy can be. Rogers' creativity really shined throughout this book, and I am sure many will appreciate it.
My biggest problem with the novel is its good writing style Note, I said good. I really wish the writing was more outstanding. That would have made Tournament of Chance an even better book. With such a unique cast of characters and plot, I think it deserved more eloquence. I found the writing to be rudimentary at times, and this greatly disappointed me. I think it needed a little more oomph, but it was okay.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
If you call yourself an avid reader of Young Adult Fantasy, do not let Tournament of Chance slip past you, especially if you are yearning for a break from vampires. Even if you do not like Fantasy, the adventurous plot is sure to entertain.
4/5
(I still need to work on a graphical rating scale. Oopsie!)
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/23/12
GIVEAWAY ELIGIBILITY & RULES
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Thanks to Book Blasts and Blog Tours (by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer) for organizing this event!
Thank you for reading my book, Christine!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
Delete