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The Game #2
The Ringmaster's Gambit
Emilian's Finest is an old-style circus put together with a purpose. This isn't their shows.
Our sarcastic storyteller from The Book of the Forsaken hides in the circus and awaits for the rest of them to make their move.
"Jaelle the Fortuneteller and Emilian the Ringmaster are the ones guarding the circus from anyone who's not being nice. The Bringers of Death want to kill. The Magi want to know. The Upyri want to kill and then know. They all suspect I'm in there, hiding, scheming, mocking them. They are coming for the book, for the ones who sleep; they are coming for me. Let's see what happens."
Our sarcastic storyteller from The Book of the Forsaken hides in the circus and awaits for the rest of them to make their move.
"Jaelle the Fortuneteller and Emilian the Ringmaster are the ones guarding the circus from anyone who's not being nice. The Bringers of Death want to kill. The Magi want to know. The Upyri want to kill and then know. They all suspect I'm in there, hiding, scheming, mocking them. They are coming for the book, for the ones who sleep; they are coming for me. Let's see what happens."
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2013
337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 21, 2013
In the second novel of the Game series, we carry on with the story where we left off in The Book of the Forsaken. It's not apparent from the start, but if you glance back at the ending of book 1 you'll find your pace and will be sucked in the action that opens book 2 right away. And it's an intriguing opening, it's an action scene with a multi-POV, some parts are repeated as seen from different POVs. I found it exciting to see the different sides of that opening scene. I was hooked and that was it.
I don't think I can do justice to the book, because I can feel different sides of it as the days go by and I think of various scenes. It's a book with depth.
Mystery, melancholy, magic, harsh reality, morality, action, legends, history. It's a powerful mix. But one needs to pay attention and probably has to already have read book 1.
NEW characters. Apart from the Bringers of Death of course: Mr. Crow has grown on me dangerously, slowly becoming an all-time favorite. But the new characters are the ones that set up the lustrious carpet for the dark and magical story to go off.
THE mysterious and kind Ringmaster of his circus, Jaelle the Fortune-teller who guards the circus' premises. Kendra the Beast tamer, Pesha the circus' gaffer. Weebit and Finnegan, the two ticket-grabbers. They all 'look' normal, but they all are creatures of the 'other side', as they're dubbed in the Game series, supernatural creatures of myths and legends. (spoiler coming up!) A dragon, a naga queen, fairies, satyrs, leprechauns.. they are the ones running the circus where the storyteller hides from the magi and the vampire that hunt him. they protect him as best they can, until the inevitable end.
Each individual character in the story is its own sidestory, and it's amazing how each one's thread affects the threads of other sidestories, without the characters meeting. I'm still thinking about stuff that went on. And I think I'll have to read the 3rd one in order to find out where the plan of the storyteller will take things.
Frustration, frustration, frustration. Ah, what the hell. It's worth it.
Recommended to readers of contemporary fantasy who don't mind the extra mystery or the fact that they might have to put some thought to what they read.
I don't think I can do justice to the book, because I can feel different sides of it as the days go by and I think of various scenes. It's a book with depth.
Mystery, melancholy, magic, harsh reality, morality, action, legends, history. It's a powerful mix. But one needs to pay attention and probably has to already have read book 1.
NEW characters. Apart from the Bringers of Death of course: Mr. Crow has grown on me dangerously, slowly becoming an all-time favorite. But the new characters are the ones that set up the lustrious carpet for the dark and magical story to go off.
THE mysterious and kind Ringmaster of his circus, Jaelle the Fortune-teller who guards the circus' premises. Kendra the Beast tamer, Pesha the circus' gaffer. Weebit and Finnegan, the two ticket-grabbers. They all 'look' normal, but they all are creatures of the 'other side', as they're dubbed in the Game series, supernatural creatures of myths and legends. (spoiler coming up!) A dragon, a naga queen, fairies, satyrs, leprechauns.. they are the ones running the circus where the storyteller hides from the magi and the vampire that hunt him. they protect him as best they can, until the inevitable end.
Each individual character in the story is its own sidestory, and it's amazing how each one's thread affects the threads of other sidestories, without the characters meeting. I'm still thinking about stuff that went on. And I think I'll have to read the 3rd one in order to find out where the plan of the storyteller will take things.
Frustration, frustration, frustration. Ah, what the hell. It's worth it.
Recommended to readers of contemporary fantasy who don't mind the extra mystery or the fact that they might have to put some thought to what they read.
January 3, 2015
This review also appears on my blog, The Bookworm Experiment.
First off, I want to express my huge thanks to the author, who provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Ringmaster’s Gambit is the second book in The Game series, and, at first, you may think it’s not the sequel to The Book of the Forsaken, where we were first introduced to the three puppets – Robert, Daniel and Igor. It presents new characters and a change of scenery: Emilian’s circus and Forsaken races under its protection, while roaming Vienna in search for the Moon’s favorite – a person they’ll need for the coming fourth Game. Meanwhile, Mr. Crow and Mr. Scales, two Bringers of Death, try to get to the elusive Mr. Emerald, the third – or rather, the first – of their kind. And there's also the Magi, who have their own dark agenda.
The main characters, this time, would be Emilian, Jaelle, the Bringers of Death, and, of course, the storyteller himself. The three main characters from the first book do appear later on, although they don't play an active role like they did before – still, we get to understand the reason why they have those powers even though they’re not Forsaken themselves. A thing I missed is the storyteller’s sarcasm, which was subdued – he admits that himself and explains the reason for the change of tone.
To sum up, this sequel shows the reasons behind most of things left unanswered in the first book, giving us more glimpses into the big and carefully woven picture. This is something I’m particularly fond of: whereas most books have it all laid so crystal clear that I can guess what's going on and how the story's going to end about halfway through, The Game series is different, with layers of intertwined mysterious reasons and intents.
I liked the suspense and found I was racing against myself, trying to unravel the plot before the ending, and was finally pleasantly surprised to see the pieces clicking together after the clues delivered throughout the book, along with a peek into the other characters' schemes. If anything, that makes me more curious to read the rest of the series, for it’s an intriguing, unique and, more importantly, a greatly enjoyable read.
September 3, 2013
A circus like none you have seen or read about ever before. Much like a circus this book is something to behold. If you are looking for the sequel to the first book, you have found it, but it will be hard to recognize. There are few clues to the fist book, but they are there. There are much fewer funny moments in this sequel as well. Gone are the funny little footnotes. That's okay though, because this book is full of action and no fluff. The author does a great job telling the story of the forsaken running this circus and those trying to destroy it while all of them trying to get a hold of the Book. Wonderful characters that will intrigue you: The Bringers of Death, the Ringmaster, multiple were-creatures, magi, vampires and many more. They kept me intrigued all the way to the end. The author sets you up for something big and I am looking forward to see where it goes from here. Be sure to buy a ticket to this circus especially if you read the first book. You won't want to miss what happens.
August 26, 2013
Ebook copy provided from the author himself
I found this book to be quite compelling between the storyline and the characters. The story itself was interesting but rather at times, slow and confusing. Ha! It got me thinking how this book was associated with its first one, The Book of The Forsaken. It really didn't have much connection but it was fresh face, if you know what I mean.
I think the characters were rather interesting with magical creatures to demons roaming in the dark. The main characters were just about everywhere! It made me feel confused and also I thought about who was who since well, there are many characters! But overall, the characters were described very detail and each held up their own descriptions.
I think of this story creative and secretive and with the following context that describes a creature who calls himself 'The Ringmaster'... I still wonder about each character but mostly the ones closest to The Ringmaster.
Overall I think this book had its funny, sarcastic moments to a serious, twisting plot.
Slow but enjoyable.
Unusual fantasy, twisting plots and seductive characters - who knows what's in store for the next part of the book? Karatsioris (the author) has written a imaginative story with highly detailed characters and a brilliant twisting storyline that seems to be hitting every part of the story.
I found this book to be quite compelling between the storyline and the characters. The story itself was interesting but rather at times, slow and confusing. Ha! It got me thinking how this book was associated with its first one, The Book of The Forsaken. It really didn't have much connection but it was fresh face, if you know what I mean.
I think the characters were rather interesting with magical creatures to demons roaming in the dark. The main characters were just about everywhere! It made me feel confused and also I thought about who was who since well, there are many characters! But overall, the characters were described very detail and each held up their own descriptions.
I think of this story creative and secretive and with the following context that describes a creature who calls himself 'The Ringmaster'... I still wonder about each character but mostly the ones closest to The Ringmaster.
Overall I think this book had its funny, sarcastic moments to a serious, twisting plot.
Slow but enjoyable.
Unusual fantasy, twisting plots and seductive characters - who knows what's in store for the next part of the book? Karatsioris (the author) has written a imaginative story with highly detailed characters and a brilliant twisting storyline that seems to be hitting every part of the story.
November 25, 2014
The Ringmaster's Gambit (The Game, #2) by Yannis Karatsioris
Emilian the Ringmaster and Jaelle the Fortune teller are protecting the circus from evil. The Bringers of Death and Upyri want to kill people, and there is a Magi wanting answers. They are all looking for the Book. Who if anyone will get the book? Who will live, who will die? It's all really just a game and only the strongest will survive.
A fantastic story of mystery, adventure and secrets. Brilliantly told, each chapter starts with a passage from the infamous book. Each chapter is devoted to one character. Some are likable others are not. We meet a lot of new (Characters) and are reunited with some (favorites) from book one.
I really liked the writing style, we get to know each one on a intimate basis, the vivid details are so gripping it pulls the reader into the story as if you were there. I really liked that.
Each page brings adventure and suspense. I feel that lovers of fantasy/adventure will enjoy The Ringmaster's Gambit. Great as a stand alone, but I do suggest book one in the series The Book of the Forsaken
Emilian the Ringmaster and Jaelle the Fortune teller are protecting the circus from evil. The Bringers of Death and Upyri want to kill people, and there is a Magi wanting answers. They are all looking for the Book. Who if anyone will get the book? Who will live, who will die? It's all really just a game and only the strongest will survive.
A fantastic story of mystery, adventure and secrets. Brilliantly told, each chapter starts with a passage from the infamous book. Each chapter is devoted to one character. Some are likable others are not. We meet a lot of new (Characters) and are reunited with some (favorites) from book one.
I really liked the writing style, we get to know each one on a intimate basis, the vivid details are so gripping it pulls the reader into the story as if you were there. I really liked that.
Each page brings adventure and suspense. I feel that lovers of fantasy/adventure will enjoy The Ringmaster's Gambit. Great as a stand alone, but I do suggest book one in the series The Book of the Forsaken
August 30, 2013
So Mr. Karatsioris did manage to create an even greater book than The Book of the Forsaken (TBotF)! The Ringmaster’s Gambit is Book 2 in The Game Series, and it’s a really well-written book. I really enjoy Yannis’ manner of writing. The author is great at creating original, memorable characters. I was hoping to see more of the characters from TBotF, after I’ve built a connection with Daniel, Cassidy and Igor, but in TRG Yannis decided to focus his attention on the Game and introduced a new cast of bright characters.
The ceremonies before for the Game and the performances were really entertaining to read (well, here I feel Bulgakov’s influence the most, but I also see it in Mr. Karatsioris’ characters, which is really cool IMHO). I was really intrigued by the Moon’s Favorite and wished to know who it would be. I’m not going to spoil the fun revealing his (or her) identity as that would be unfair to the future readers of this book.
What I loved more about The Ringmaster’s Gambit than about TBotF is the sarcastic storyteller’s voice (I mean, I loved it in Book 1, but it was even greater in Book 2). It seemed to me that he’d become more mature than in the first book. If in TBotF it has been overdone in a few places, here the storyteller’s voice worked great.
The author introduces a thread about relics here, which IMO is a great hook, although it’s unfinished in this book and I’m intrigued how it’s going to be dealt with in the final book of the series. Can’t say much yet except that I enjoyed reading about the memories of those historical figures.
Overall, The Ringmaster’s Gambit is a book that deserves to get into the top lists of Urban/Contemporary Fantasy books. Watch out for that series. You won’t regret it if you grab of copy of TRG when it’s available on Amazon.
The ceremonies before for the Game and the performances were really entertaining to read (well, here I feel Bulgakov’s influence the most, but I also see it in Mr. Karatsioris’ characters, which is really cool IMHO). I was really intrigued by the Moon’s Favorite and wished to know who it would be. I’m not going to spoil the fun revealing his (or her) identity as that would be unfair to the future readers of this book.
What I loved more about The Ringmaster’s Gambit than about TBotF is the sarcastic storyteller’s voice (I mean, I loved it in Book 1, but it was even greater in Book 2). It seemed to me that he’d become more mature than in the first book. If in TBotF it has been overdone in a few places, here the storyteller’s voice worked great.
The author introduces a thread about relics here, which IMO is a great hook, although it’s unfinished in this book and I’m intrigued how it’s going to be dealt with in the final book of the series. Can’t say much yet except that I enjoyed reading about the memories of those historical figures.
Overall, The Ringmaster’s Gambit is a book that deserves to get into the top lists of Urban/Contemporary Fantasy books. Watch out for that series. You won’t regret it if you grab of copy of TRG when it’s available on Amazon.
August 28, 2013
Finished the ARC last night! A great read, a magical setting right there at the outskirts of Vienna. A circus quite unlike any other. Formed by supernatural creatures who serve the will of the narrator, although that will is not completely understood by them, which causes fractions between their leader and them. The pressure grows as the order of the dragon pushes the circus' limits and the stake is not only their lives, also their souls as the Bringers of Death add their malevolent effect on the circus.
It's Emilian the Ringmaster and Jaelle the Fortuneteller who will play the key parts in the narrator's scheme at this point. What will their decisions be? And who are they in reality?
An intriguing read, far from the atmosphere of the 1st book, with a switch in the narrator's voice, which shows the mastery of the author regarding storytelling techniques.
The catch is that I'll have to wait at least a year for the last part of this plotline (I contacted the author about it :/ sadly, I'll have to wait at least that long).
It's Emilian the Ringmaster and Jaelle the Fortuneteller who will play the key parts in the narrator's scheme at this point. What will their decisions be? And who are they in reality?
An intriguing read, far from the atmosphere of the 1st book, with a switch in the narrator's voice, which shows the mastery of the author regarding storytelling techniques.
The catch is that I'll have to wait at least a year for the last part of this plotline (I contacted the author about it :/ sadly, I'll have to wait at least that long).
January 21, 2014
“I’m about to start book 2 of that series.” - Me
“There’s more than one?? MUST HAVE. O.O” - My friend.
This was the Facebook conversation with my friend when I told her I was reading The Ringmaster’s Gambit. This is the same friend whom I gave The Book of the Forsaken as a birthday present last year. As you can imagine, I went into the book with very high expectations.
The Ringmaster’s Gambit is a very different book than The Book of the Forsaken. The characters in this book have a different relationship with the sometimes snide narrator of Book 1. I do miss his short sarcastic asides, although I’m hopeful it will make sense for them to return in Book 3. However, these new characters will give you plenty to think about as you attempt to decipher their motives and plans. While I have a better grasp of what The Game is about, the goals of each side are still rather fuzzy. And I look forward to finding out where some of these new threads lead in Book 3.
There are plenty of great reveals along the way. I made such a fuss about one of them that my husband in the other room thought that some sort of epic drama must have erupted on my friend’s Facebook page again. While there were some areas where I thought the editing was a bit rough, I can’t hold that against an author who is infinitely better at English than I am at Greek. A very solid “five”, and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys the urban fantasy genre.
“There’s more than one?? MUST HAVE. O.O” - My friend.
This was the Facebook conversation with my friend when I told her I was reading The Ringmaster’s Gambit. This is the same friend whom I gave The Book of the Forsaken as a birthday present last year. As you can imagine, I went into the book with very high expectations.
The Ringmaster’s Gambit is a very different book than The Book of the Forsaken. The characters in this book have a different relationship with the sometimes snide narrator of Book 1. I do miss his short sarcastic asides, although I’m hopeful it will make sense for them to return in Book 3. However, these new characters will give you plenty to think about as you attempt to decipher their motives and plans. While I have a better grasp of what The Game is about, the goals of each side are still rather fuzzy. And I look forward to finding out where some of these new threads lead in Book 3.
There are plenty of great reveals along the way. I made such a fuss about one of them that my husband in the other room thought that some sort of epic drama must have erupted on my friend’s Facebook page again. While there were some areas where I thought the editing was a bit rough, I can’t hold that against an author who is infinitely better at English than I am at Greek. A very solid “five”, and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys the urban fantasy genre.
December 17, 2014
I loved this second installment of "The Game" series, sequel to "The book of the Forsaken." The book has a myriad of supernatural characters, skillfully described and each having a specific role to play in the overall plot of this ingenious story. It's one of those books you can't put down, full of adventure, action and mysteries. Thumbs up for Karatsioris for great imagination and story telling! This book was even better than the first and I can't wait to read further into the series.
August 22, 2013
I was in the lucky position to have read the first book in this series less than a month ago. Having said that, this book does not feel at all like a sequel but more like a completely new book in the same world.
The book takes a more somber and serious tone, leaving aside almost all the fun and sarcasm of the storyteller. The story still has its fun moments, but as were the first book could be seen as a journey, this one is more like a big staging for something else.
It almost completely rescinds of the characters developed in the first part of the series. Thus a whole new set of characters are introduced comprised, mostly, by the magii and the forsaken races which were mentioned in the prequel. Unfortunately, I was not able to care about any of the new characters, but with the sporadic exception of the Ringmaster itself.
Overall, it felt less confusing than the prequel, but it might be because I was more used. On the other hand it gets more complex as the factions playing the game are uncovered. It delivers a more intriguing plot, leaving the loose ends from the sequel almost untied and creating a whole bunch of new ones. That said, it also delivers an interesting account of some lore about the game and the players involved together with their intentions.
The whole saga is an ambitious project. I hope to be able to read the third part, sooner than later, and get closure on all the threads going on.
The book takes a more somber and serious tone, leaving aside almost all the fun and sarcasm of the storyteller. The story still has its fun moments, but as were the first book could be seen as a journey, this one is more like a big staging for something else.
It almost completely rescinds of the characters developed in the first part of the series. Thus a whole new set of characters are introduced comprised, mostly, by the magii and the forsaken races which were mentioned in the prequel. Unfortunately, I was not able to care about any of the new characters, but with the sporadic exception of the Ringmaster itself.
Overall, it felt less confusing than the prequel, but it might be because I was more used. On the other hand it gets more complex as the factions playing the game are uncovered. It delivers a more intriguing plot, leaving the loose ends from the sequel almost untied and creating a whole bunch of new ones. That said, it also delivers an interesting account of some lore about the game and the players involved together with their intentions.
The whole saga is an ambitious project. I hope to be able to read the third part, sooner than later, and get closure on all the threads going on.
October 7, 2013
This is the sequel to The Book of the Forsaken and second book in "The Game" series.
Here I'm focusing my camera onto the creatures of 'the other side' (as the supernatural creatures have come to be named in the series). I've already attempted to introduce a new concept about how these creatures came to be, and in THE RINGMASTER'S GAMBIT I'm *showing* how they get by in our reality. All the while, I also carry on with the plot that unfolded in book 1 from where I left it off:
Hermes Trismegistus hides in a circus that he put together centuries ago and is comprised by rare supernatural creatures. There, the ringer tightens by the magi and the Upyr, as they're too eager to find out what the demigod Hermes is planning/has planned for the coming Game that takes place on the Moon every five centuries. They assume the answers are in the Book of the Forsaken and in the three colorful characters from the 1st book, who are now kept safe somewhere within the circus' bowels...
Here I'm focusing my camera onto the creatures of 'the other side' (as the supernatural creatures have come to be named in the series). I've already attempted to introduce a new concept about how these creatures came to be, and in THE RINGMASTER'S GAMBIT I'm *showing* how they get by in our reality. All the while, I also carry on with the plot that unfolded in book 1 from where I left it off:
Hermes Trismegistus hides in a circus that he put together centuries ago and is comprised by rare supernatural creatures. There, the ringer tightens by the magi and the Upyr, as they're too eager to find out what the demigod Hermes is planning/has planned for the coming Game that takes place on the Moon every five centuries. They assume the answers are in the Book of the Forsaken and in the three colorful characters from the 1st book, who are now kept safe somewhere within the circus' bowels...
March 3, 2015
The Ring master Emilian and the Fortune teller Jaelle are protecting the Circus from evil. The bringers of death and Upyri want to kill people, and the Magi is wanting answers. They are all looking for the book. Who will get the book? Who will die? Who will live? It's all just a game whch only the strongest will survive. A fantastic story of adventure, mystery and secrets. Each chapter is devoted to one character and each chapter starts with a passage from the book. Some Characters are likeable some are not. We meet some new (characters) and we are reunited with some from Book one. Fans of fantasy/ adventure will enjoy this book. I highly recommend you buy Book 1 the book of the forsaken so you understand what is happening in the Ring Master's Gambit.
June 30, 2014
So I finished this second part about a week ago! And although my time is precious lately, I really wanted to do this review, the author has earned it ;-).
Although someone can say that this book cannot be easily connected to the first part, I actually find that as an advantage! Eventhough I read the first book about a year ago, I didn't need to remember much so as to follow the story! A whole new world in front of me, great!
I especially liked the quotations. Nicely said, like there is no doubt about what is said... and that suits to the style of the story-teller!
I can't wait for the third part!!!
Although someone can say that this book cannot be easily connected to the first part, I actually find that as an advantage! Eventhough I read the first book about a year ago, I didn't need to remember much so as to follow the story! A whole new world in front of me, great!
I especially liked the quotations. Nicely said, like there is no doubt about what is said... and that suits to the style of the story-teller!
I can't wait for the third part!!!
October 7, 2013
This is the sequel to The Book of the Forsaken and second book in "The Game" series.
Here I'm focusing my camera onto the creatures of 'the other side' (as the supernatural creatures have come to be named in the series). I've already attempted to introduce a new concept about how these creatures came to be, and in THE RINGMASTER'S GAMBIT I'm *showing* how they get by in our reality. All the while, I also carry on with the plot that unfolded in book 1 from where I left it off:
Hermes Trismegistus hides in a circus that he put together centuries ago and is comprised by rare supernatural creatures. There, the ringer tightens by the magi and the Upyr, as they're too eager to find out what the demigod Hermes is planning/has planned for the coming Game that takes place on the Moon every five centuries. They assume the answers are in the Book of the Forsaken and in the three colorful characters from the 1st book, who are now kept safe somewhere within the circus' bowels...
Here I'm focusing my camera onto the creatures of 'the other side' (as the supernatural creatures have come to be named in the series). I've already attempted to introduce a new concept about how these creatures came to be, and in THE RINGMASTER'S GAMBIT I'm *showing* how they get by in our reality. All the while, I also carry on with the plot that unfolded in book 1 from where I left it off:
Hermes Trismegistus hides in a circus that he put together centuries ago and is comprised by rare supernatural creatures. There, the ringer tightens by the magi and the Upyr, as they're too eager to find out what the demigod Hermes is planning/has planned for the coming Game that takes place on the Moon every five centuries. They assume the answers are in the Book of the Forsaken and in the three colorful characters from the 1st book, who are now kept safe somewhere within the circus' bowels...
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