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Tournament of Shadows
Tournament of Shadows by S.A. Meade
In a shadowy game where defeat can mean death, a deal with the enemy can change things forever.
In 1842, Captain Gabriel O'Riordan of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars is sent on a mission to Bukhara. His task—to try to free two of his compatriots from the clutches of a mentally unstable Emir. On his way, he encounters Valentin Yakolev, an officer in the Russian Army, who is also on a mission—to persuade the Emir that an alliance with Russia would be in his best interests. Gabriel, disguised as a holy man, is not happy to be the object of Yakolev's intense scrutiny. After all, he's working for the opposing team in the Great Game being played between their two nations. When Gabriel realises that his mission is little more than a forlorn hope, a game he has no chance of winning, he's desperate enough to turn to Valentin to help and offer him anything in return. What he doesn't expect is to have his plans to return to Calcutta scuppered by events.
Instead, he and Valentin flee north, fighting off bandits, their desire for each other and the hardship of desert travel. Their travails bring them closer together until a secret from Valentin's past tears them apart.
Can they set the past behind them and move on together?
S.A. Meade
About the
S.A. Meade has recently returned to England after 8 years in Arizona, where she learned to love air conditioners and realised that rain wasn't such a bad thing after all. She lives with her husband, son and two cats in one of the most beautiful villages in Wiltshire and is partial to gin and tonic with loads of ice and lemon.
In a shadowy game where defeat can mean death, a deal with the enemy can change things forever.
In 1842, Captain Gabriel O'Riordan of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars is sent on a mission to Bukhara. His task—to try to free two of his compatriots from the clutches of a mentally unstable Emir. On his way, he encounters Valentin Yakolev, an officer in the Russian Army, who is also on a mission—to persuade the Emir that an alliance with Russia would be in his best interests. Gabriel, disguised as a holy man, is not happy to be the object of Yakolev's intense scrutiny. After all, he's working for the opposing team in the Great Game being played between their two nations. When Gabriel realises that his mission is little more than a forlorn hope, a game he has no chance of winning, he's desperate enough to turn to Valentin to help and offer him anything in return. What he doesn't expect is to have his plans to return to Calcutta scuppered by events.
Instead, he and Valentin flee north, fighting off bandits, their desire for each other and the hardship of desert travel. Their travails bring them closer together until a secret from Valentin's past tears them apart.
Can they set the past behind them and move on together?
S.A. Meade
About the
S.A. Meade has recently returned to England after 8 years in Arizona, where she learned to love air conditioners and realised that rain wasn't such a bad thing after all. She lives with her husband, son and two cats in one of the most beautiful villages in Wiltshire and is partial to gin and tonic with loads of ice and lemon.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2014
2 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Meade
18 books113 followersI'm fairly new to this writing lark. Stolen Summer is my first published book, there's another, 'Orion Rising' which will be released in March 2012, by Total E Bound and my latest novel, an m/m contemporary, 'Mourning Jack' will be released by Total E Bound in May 2012. Stay tuned!
I love to write and my characters never leave me alone until their story is told.
To those of you who've taken the time to read Stolen Summer and review and/or rank it, thank you so much. I'm glad I've written a book that you like.
NOTE: If you are an author who (a) does not appear to read books in my genre and (b) is attempting to friend me just for the purpose of spamming, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Thank you.
I love to write and my characters never leave me alone until their story is told.
To those of you who've taken the time to read Stolen Summer and review and/or rank it, thank you so much. I'm glad I've written a book that you like.
NOTE: If you are an author who (a) does not appear to read books in my genre and (b) is attempting to friend me just for the purpose of spamming, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Thank you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 20, 2014
I really enjoy historical stories, and especially appreciate a setting and period that are not the usual British Regency. (Nothing against Regencies, mind you, but this was refreshing.) The characters are interesting - two less-than-perfect spies, one Irish, one Russian, who meet and are attracted to one another on a road through the desert, somewhere in the region of Afghanistan. When they arrive at their destination, they find that their business in Bukhara will pit each of them against a mentally unstable Emir, who has a tendency to throw captives into a foul prison pit on a whim.
I appreciated the realistic maneuvring of the MCs with their failures as well as successes. The romance is slow, the disagreements plausible. I missed a little intensity in both the arguments and the tenderness - a bit more depth and time spent on those moments (like Gabriel's emotions when he learned a hard truth and changed boats) would have been welcome. The romance felt a little uneven, and I'd have liked to be more pulled into the emotional component of it. The love scenes are well done and the level of description was close to perfect, and the author manages a plausible HEA in a time when that was hard for two men to come by.
I appreciated the realistic maneuvring of the MCs with their failures as well as successes. The romance is slow, the disagreements plausible. I missed a little intensity in both the arguments and the tenderness - a bit more depth and time spent on those moments (like Gabriel's emotions when he learned a hard truth and changed boats) would have been welcome. The romance felt a little uneven, and I'd have liked to be more pulled into the emotional component of it. The love scenes are well done and the level of description was close to perfect, and the author manages a plausible HEA in a time when that was hard for two men to come by.
June 28, 2014
It's so refreshing to find an author who's willing to tackle unusual historical periods. The Great Game! Spies, Afghanistan, the Great Powers in the first cold war...excellent. This book has really good local colour and detail, the author knows her stuff and it's vividly conveyed, including some of the horrors of the regime and the sense of disgust both spies feel at their work. And the rather Harry Palmer quality of the espionage, which suggests quite how much of it is poorly executed admin, is very interestingly done. I found the romance a bit oddly paced at points, including the falling out on the barge. I think the author could have trusted that with a bit more development time; I'd have been very happy to spend even more time dodging danger and resisting attraction in the East.
March 24, 2014
Two enemies sent on an impossible task…and neither are what they seem. Captain Gabriel O’Riordan is traveling to Bukhara under the disguise of Rashid, an Islamic scholar. His mission: to free two of his compatriots from the Pit of Emir. On his journey, he encounters Valentin Yakolev, a Russian officer sent to by the Tsar seeking an audience with Emir. Gabriel propositions Valentin to request the men’s release when Valentin speaks to Emir, in return, Gabriel will offer his body to Valentin for one night. Of course, nothing goes as planned and the two men soon find themselves desperate to escape Bukhara and journey home.
The Beginning: It was a bit slow to start, but I enjoyed the building attraction between Gabriel and Valentin. Both of the characters were intriguing and I really wanted to know ALL of their secrets. I also liked the unique setting: I haven’t come across many M/M historical romances set in Asia…or Russia (I think a map would have been extremely beneficial).
The Middle: It gets a bit intense there for a while when…ah, well I don’t want to spoiler it. But there are a few graphic scenes and nightmares. I liked the bits where Gabriel and Valentin were traveling together but I had some difficultly following the time lapses during their long journey.
The End: It does turn a bit angsty when some secrets come out, but doesn’t last for too long and the conflict is resolved (maybe a bit too easily). Loved the HEA.
Overall: This book has a sweet-love-story feel and bit of smexiness scattered throughout. Recommended for those looking for something a little different in a historical romance.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
The Beginning: It was a bit slow to start, but I enjoyed the building attraction between Gabriel and Valentin. Both of the characters were intriguing and I really wanted to know ALL of their secrets. I also liked the unique setting: I haven’t come across many M/M historical romances set in Asia…or Russia (I think a map would have been extremely beneficial).
The Middle: It gets a bit intense there for a while when…ah, well I don’t want to spoiler it. But there are a few graphic scenes and nightmares. I liked the bits where Gabriel and Valentin were traveling together but I had some difficultly following the time lapses during their long journey.
The End: It does turn a bit angsty when some secrets come out, but doesn’t last for too long and the conflict is resolved (maybe a bit too easily). Loved the HEA.
Overall: This book has a sweet-love-story feel and bit of smexiness scattered throughout. Recommended for those looking for something a little different in a historical romance.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
March 8, 2015
SA Meade is so very smart and so good with words. I love her writing style because I always feel like I get all the info I need without the typical need most historical writers have to blabber on and on. There's never a need to PROVE she's done the research and knows her shit with paragraph after paragraph of tedious recitations of historical info and overly specific setting up of scenes and atmosphere. It's just there in the writing and makes you feel you're a contemporary of the time and she is as well and she's just telling you a story same as any other. I love it.
And this one was fabulous. Not only was it a wonderful story with great characters and an extremely satisfying HEA, there was some action and fun along the way and spies and best of all... A very unique setting for a historical romance.
I'm ever in awe of SA Meade's skill. An autobuy whether contemporary or historical. Wonderful book.
And this one was fabulous. Not only was it a wonderful story with great characters and an extremely satisfying HEA, there was some action and fun along the way and spies and best of all... A very unique setting for a historical romance.
I'm ever in awe of SA Meade's skill. An autobuy whether contemporary or historical. Wonderful book.
March 30, 2014
Captain Gabriel O’Riordan and Valentin Yakolev meet in very unexpected circumstances with one offering his body to the other in return of a favour. Neither is who they first appear to be. Think undercover and stealthy, think sacrificing self for others, think hero...
Secrets, journeys, danger, misunderstanding, love, and some incredibly beautiful love scenes make this a seriously cool book. This is *historical fiction* but if you don't normally read that sub genre of MM don't be put off. This is a timeless love story with a perfect HEA and if it means anything to anyone reading this I seriously just sat and read the whole book in one sitting.
The writing is utterly gorgeous... SA has a lyrical way of writing that just transports me to the scene. I even got tired of the heroes having to eat rice... ROFL
Really recommended. Seriously.
Secrets, journeys, danger, misunderstanding, love, and some incredibly beautiful love scenes make this a seriously cool book. This is *historical fiction* but if you don't normally read that sub genre of MM don't be put off. This is a timeless love story with a perfect HEA and if it means anything to anyone reading this I seriously just sat and read the whole book in one sitting.
The writing is utterly gorgeous... SA has a lyrical way of writing that just transports me to the scene. I even got tired of the heroes having to eat rice... ROFL
Really recommended. Seriously.
December 1, 2014
I like unusual historical situations. Don't get me wrong, I can be a sucker for a well-done regency too, but generally speaking I like to be taken someplace new to entice me. Tournament of Shadows definitely does that. The setting: somewhere on the road to Bukhara (don't know where that is? Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan!). The players: an Irish spy masquerading as an Islamic religious scholar and a Russian diplomat, both of whom have a history in Kabul that doesn't bear thinking about. Yeah, still with me?
It had the potential to be so new, and full of backstory and politics, that it became a snoozefest, but no. This story was very engaging, the men were pragmatists with a side of romantic, the history was interesting, there were evil emirs and bandits and chases and camels and a Big Misunderstanding that fortunately got worked out...I'd rate it a solid 4.5*, and round up because damn it, originality counts in historical fiction.
It had the potential to be so new, and full of backstory and politics, that it became a snoozefest, but no. This story was very engaging, the men were pragmatists with a side of romantic, the history was interesting, there were evil emirs and bandits and chases and camels and a Big Misunderstanding that fortunately got worked out...I'd rate it a solid 4.5*, and round up because damn it, originality counts in historical fiction.
June 8, 2023
Sweeping novel of historical drama and impossible love!
S.A. Meade offers us here an inventive and dramatic story that completely strays from the beaten track. It was just like watching a old classic movie, one of those great unforgettable epic adventure that deals with honor, loyalty, true courage and love.
Everything about this novel is brilliant, from the characterization (I adore Gabriel and Valentin!) to the setting (very unusual) and the writing ( I love Ms. Meade's style). The author has built a captivating and exhilarating story that skillfully interweaves history with fiction. LOVED IT!!!!
S.A. Meade offers us here an inventive and dramatic story that completely strays from the beaten track. It was just like watching a old classic movie, one of those great unforgettable epic adventure that deals with honor, loyalty, true courage and love.
Everything about this novel is brilliant, from the characterization (I adore Gabriel and Valentin!) to the setting (very unusual) and the writing ( I love Ms. Meade's style). The author has built a captivating and exhilarating story that skillfully interweaves history with fiction. LOVED IT!!!!
September 2, 2016
Gabriel O'Riordan and Valentin Yakilev are spies! One Irish, one Russian. Right there you know you're in for some great characters! The way these two meet is HOT. One offering them self for a favor. But there's more to these characters than their instant lust connection.
This is an historical novel. I've said it before and I'll say it again, historicals are touch and go for me. I either love them or I just can't get into them. Tournament of Shadows is the former.
S.A. Meade is able to link the characters to the reader. It's like a click and you're fully invested. I was very empathetic to Gabriel and Valentin. They travel the desert to get to Bukahara. When they get there they are forced to turn on each other. The emotions that play out are spot on and it's felt from page to person.
I have no doubt that this author researched to the gills because I was beyond amazed at the details and facts. And her writing? WOW! Totally sucks you into the time. Like jumping into the book and looking around. You can smell the scents and feel the feels... but you also succumb to the emotion too.
Loved the story structure, loved how she fleshed these characters out, the flow was spot on, and it was entertaining and gripping!
Bravo!
This is an historical novel. I've said it before and I'll say it again, historicals are touch and go for me. I either love them or I just can't get into them. Tournament of Shadows is the former.
S.A. Meade is able to link the characters to the reader. It's like a click and you're fully invested. I was very empathetic to Gabriel and Valentin. They travel the desert to get to Bukahara. When they get there they are forced to turn on each other. The emotions that play out are spot on and it's felt from page to person.
I have no doubt that this author researched to the gills because I was beyond amazed at the details and facts. And her writing? WOW! Totally sucks you into the time. Like jumping into the book and looking around. You can smell the scents and feel the feels... but you also succumb to the emotion too.
Loved the story structure, loved how she fleshed these characters out, the flow was spot on, and it was entertaining and gripping!
Bravo!
February 17, 2019
Really enjoyed this. The characters, romance, and smut are all excellent, and I really appreciate the different historical setting. Sure, it's Victorian, but I'm pretty sure I've never run across another M/M romance primarily set in Uzbekistan. Definitely recommend.
September 1, 2016
Here's the thing. I was struggling with a reading slump for a while, over a few months. Each book I picked up either didn't sustain my attention enough to keep reading to the end or left me feeling meh when I struggled to the last page.
Well, that was until I picked up this book. Everything about this book attracted my attention--the cover and the blurb--and I was hoping it would be the book to break the spell I was under and revitalise my love for reading. It did.
Set in the backdrop of 19th century Asia/Middle East as Britain and Russia fight to get a foothold in defiant Afghanistan and surrounding nations, Gabriel and Valentin are both spies sent on differing missions by their respective governments to Bukhara.
Two British officers/spies have been detained and locked up in the Bukhara dungeon by the Emir and Gabriel has been sent to free them. The Emir is described as mentally unstable because he isn't pandering to imperialist Britain or Russia. I didn't have any sympathy for the men who were locked up or for their fates. I actually applauded the Emir for doing what he needed to do to protect his people and deter colonisers.
However, I was rooting for Gabriel and Valentin throughout. This is a sweeping tale and I was hooked right from the start from their first encounter at the oasis in the middle of the desert when Gabriel's horse was injured until they arrived in Russia.
What I loved most about this story is the author's ability to not just paint pictures with words but to pull you into each setting and make you experience the details whether it's the scorching heat of the desert, the sweet taste of honey, the sound of warbling birds or the scent of aromatic stew.
My only problem with this story was with the 'black moment'. I thought Gabriel's reaction to Valentin's role in Kabul was overdone. Don't get me wrong I understand him being upset. But what he did was kind of over the top dramatic considering they were both spies. Spies do things that can get their enemies killed. It's in the nature of the job.
So what's my verdict? I enjoyed this book. I have to thank the author for pulling me out of my reading slump with this wonderful story and taking me on a sensual and suspenseful journey with Gabriel and Valentin. This is an easy book to recommend to fans of MM Romance and historical fiction. Now I'm off to check out what else this author has to offer.
4.5 Lovebites
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well, that was until I picked up this book. Everything about this book attracted my attention--the cover and the blurb--and I was hoping it would be the book to break the spell I was under and revitalise my love for reading. It did.
Set in the backdrop of 19th century Asia/Middle East as Britain and Russia fight to get a foothold in defiant Afghanistan and surrounding nations, Gabriel and Valentin are both spies sent on differing missions by their respective governments to Bukhara.
Two British officers/spies have been detained and locked up in the Bukhara dungeon by the Emir and Gabriel has been sent to free them. The Emir is described as mentally unstable because he isn't pandering to imperialist Britain or Russia. I didn't have any sympathy for the men who were locked up or for their fates. I actually applauded the Emir for doing what he needed to do to protect his people and deter colonisers.
However, I was rooting for Gabriel and Valentin throughout. This is a sweeping tale and I was hooked right from the start from their first encounter at the oasis in the middle of the desert when Gabriel's horse was injured until they arrived in Russia.
What I loved most about this story is the author's ability to not just paint pictures with words but to pull you into each setting and make you experience the details whether it's the scorching heat of the desert, the sweet taste of honey, the sound of warbling birds or the scent of aromatic stew.
My only problem with this story was with the 'black moment'. I thought Gabriel's reaction to Valentin's role in Kabul was overdone. Don't get me wrong I understand him being upset. But what he did was kind of over the top dramatic considering they were both spies. Spies do things that can get their enemies killed. It's in the nature of the job.
So what's my verdict? I enjoyed this book. I have to thank the author for pulling me out of my reading slump with this wonderful story and taking me on a sensual and suspenseful journey with Gabriel and Valentin. This is an easy book to recommend to fans of MM Romance and historical fiction. Now I'm off to check out what else this author has to offer.
4.5 Lovebites
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2014
S.A. Meade, hands down, is one of my favorite authors. Period. So rarely do I see such agonizingly beautiful prose that just isn't elegant but is also flawless in its delivery.
"Tournament of Shadows" was like losing myself an epic cinematic gem on the screen. Big, bold, vivid color, such gorgeous description of everything from the dry, parched desert to the fluttering of a bird from a roof. The sights, smells, sounds. To read this novel---or any novel by Ms. Meade for that matter---is an adventure.
The characters. HER characters! They are all so memorable. And...oh, gods...Gabriel O'Riordan and Valentin Yakolev were certainly no exceptions! Their physical characteristics so perfectly described. Their emotional bond so beautifully painted. They hurt, I hurt. They smiled, I smiled. Their intimacy was sublime, and that is one of the aspects I love so about Ms. Meade's writing. The intimacy between her characters is so base and needful yet so gentle and feather soft. And SO extremely sensual and arousing.
This story---a tale of to men on very opposite sides of a war---kept me on the edge of my seat. The sense of a dark secret, one that could so easily shatter the delicate bond the men had developed, kept me turning the pages. And I never say that lightly about a book, never say it just to be saying it. I truly did read though quickly because I simply could not put it down.
A lush, deep, romantic mix of Dr. Zhivago-like beauty on the Russian landscape; the glorious beauty of a scorching desert with the drama of 'The English Patient' and Meade's sense of swaggering humor to throw in a bit of gallantry like 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
Sweeping. Sensual. Vibrant. Tender. Prose that is out of this world exquisite.
That is 'Tournament of Shadows'.
"Tournament of Shadows" was like losing myself an epic cinematic gem on the screen. Big, bold, vivid color, such gorgeous description of everything from the dry, parched desert to the fluttering of a bird from a roof. The sights, smells, sounds. To read this novel---or any novel by Ms. Meade for that matter---is an adventure.
The characters. HER characters! They are all so memorable. And...oh, gods...Gabriel O'Riordan and Valentin Yakolev were certainly no exceptions! Their physical characteristics so perfectly described. Their emotional bond so beautifully painted. They hurt, I hurt. They smiled, I smiled. Their intimacy was sublime, and that is one of the aspects I love so about Ms. Meade's writing. The intimacy between her characters is so base and needful yet so gentle and feather soft. And SO extremely sensual and arousing.
This story---a tale of to men on very opposite sides of a war---kept me on the edge of my seat. The sense of a dark secret, one that could so easily shatter the delicate bond the men had developed, kept me turning the pages. And I never say that lightly about a book, never say it just to be saying it. I truly did read though quickly because I simply could not put it down.
A lush, deep, romantic mix of Dr. Zhivago-like beauty on the Russian landscape; the glorious beauty of a scorching desert with the drama of 'The English Patient' and Meade's sense of swaggering humor to throw in a bit of gallantry like 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
Sweeping. Sensual. Vibrant. Tender. Prose that is out of this world exquisite.
That is 'Tournament of Shadows'.
February 8, 2015
WOW! I found this book to be completely mesmerizing. As I've said before, I've always been a history buff and as most people usually have, I have certain areas that are of interest to me over others. I can safely say that the time frame and area that is touched upon in Tournament of Shadows has never really piqued my interest. Most of my knowledge from this area comes from Hollywood and we all know how accurate they aren't. So I went into this book not sure how I would feel. I was so pleasantly surprised. It's a perfect blend of history, well written characters, serious plot development and light-hearted dialogue. You can almost taste the desert sand during Gabriel and Valentin's trek both to and out of Bukhara. Some might say it's cliche to have enemies become friends, lovers, and have to rely on each other to survive, and I guess in that description it is cliche. But it most definitely does not read as cliche, it's anything but that. What they find together is pretty much what we all want but will it be enough to overcome who they are? I guess you'll have to check it out for yourself, which I highly recommend doing.
February 15, 2015
I liked the book. But - as it has happened with a few books lately - I think this book could have really benefitted from being longer. It's nice enough but I missed a bit more - meat (and no, not what you are thinking). The romance works okay (though Gabriel needs a few slaps occasionally) but IMO it's a bit of a wasted opportunity to have the protagonists traipse around all those exotic places without giving the reader a feeling of those places. Also, well, I could have done with a bit more action. Again, it's not a bad book but IMHO it could have been a lot more.
July 28, 2019
I went looking for Tournament of Shadows because I met S. A. Meade at an Author Thing a couple of months ago. Published in 2014, this ticks all my ‘historical detail’ boxes. Set in the mid-nineteenth century in what is now Uzbekistan, it follows two minor characters in the Great Game played between world powers during that period. It has gay romance, political intrigue and journeying through locations I knew nothing about and had to research. A definite re-read.
August 16, 2016
What a great story. Fantastic sense of the world the two characters move against and a historical period which doesn't appear in romance fiction very often.
This was a gem and a treasure I am glad I discovered.
This was a gem and a treasure I am glad I discovered.
December 22, 2018
Unusual historical period, very hot romance and characters one grows to love!
What's not to like about this book!
What's not to like about this book!
September 9, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
I will admit that, at first, I wasn't too sure I was going to like this book, then slowly but surely, S.A. Meade's writing swept me away and transported me back in this timeless spy romance novel.
I loved both Valentin and Gabriel, even if there were a few times when I wanted to strangle Gabriel. While the book is told from Gabriel's POV, I have to give props to Ms. Meade for being able to make me feel as if I knew what kind of man Valentin was through Gabriel's eyes.
The setting of the story and the descriptions were amazing and the author gave us just enough detail on how life was back in 1842, without going overboard. The progression from strangers to friends to lovers was pretty good, and I loved seeing Valentin and Gabriel interact and get closer. There was angst, suspense and some romance, all wrapped up in a well-written, enthralling and believable package. All in all, a highly recommendable book!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
I will admit that, at first, I wasn't too sure I was going to like this book, then slowly but surely, S.A. Meade's writing swept me away and transported me back in this timeless spy romance novel.
I loved both Valentin and Gabriel, even if there were a few times when I wanted to strangle Gabriel. While the book is told from Gabriel's POV, I have to give props to Ms. Meade for being able to make me feel as if I knew what kind of man Valentin was through Gabriel's eyes.
The setting of the story and the descriptions were amazing and the author gave us just enough detail on how life was back in 1842, without going overboard. The progression from strangers to friends to lovers was pretty good, and I loved seeing Valentin and Gabriel interact and get closer. There was angst, suspense and some romance, all wrapped up in a well-written, enthralling and believable package. All in all, a highly recommendable book!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
March 12, 2015
*4.25 stars
I loved the setting!! I'm particularly fond of 19th century historical romances set on the Silk Road and in Russia. This one has so many images I love: picture Bukhara and its markets, horse and camel rides across a desert fighting off bandits, and troika rides across a snow-covered land, snuggled under furs.
I also really enjoyed the writing style and and I felt that Gabriel and Valentin were well-developed, likeable characters.
I recommend this one for those who love historical romance/adventure in this part of the world.
It fell a little short of 5 stars for me, but only because I didn't understood some of Gabriel's decisions and I felt that I needed to see more of Gabriel and Valentin's life together (perhaps a more fulsome epilogue) to fully appreciate their HEA.
I loved the setting!! I'm particularly fond of 19th century historical romances set on the Silk Road and in Russia. This one has so many images I love: picture Bukhara and its markets, horse and camel rides across a desert fighting off bandits, and troika rides across a snow-covered land, snuggled under furs.
I also really enjoyed the writing style and and I felt that Gabriel and Valentin were well-developed, likeable characters.
I recommend this one for those who love historical romance/adventure in this part of the world.
It fell a little short of 5 stars for me, but only because I didn't understood some of Gabriel's decisions and I felt that I needed to see more of Gabriel and Valentin's life together (perhaps a more fulsome epilogue) to fully appreciate their HEA.
December 30, 2015
Exceptionally Beautiful and Believable
This is a love story all MM historical enthusiasts should grab and cuddle with. Gabriel and Valentin are both believable and beautifully developed. The settings are as authentic and dangerous as any history book will confirm. The cultural divisions between the east and the west could not be better described. The adventures and the violence are right on.
And the love story is gripping, haunting, exhausting and in the end totally and completely viable.
There is a very sickening scene early on in the tale, but it is preceded by enough warning that you can skip those three or four paragraphs without losing a bit of what I consider to be a uniquely satisfying historical love story between two extremely masculine men.
This is a love story all MM historical enthusiasts should grab and cuddle with. Gabriel and Valentin are both believable and beautifully developed. The settings are as authentic and dangerous as any history book will confirm. The cultural divisions between the east and the west could not be better described. The adventures and the violence are right on.
And the love story is gripping, haunting, exhausting and in the end totally and completely viable.
There is a very sickening scene early on in the tale, but it is preceded by enough warning that you can skip those three or four paragraphs without losing a bit of what I consider to be a uniquely satisfying historical love story between two extremely masculine men.
March 21, 2014
A wonderful story beautifully written, what more could I ask for. Review coming soon. Tournament of Shadows is everything I wanted and more, the suspense never lets up. From the tension of Bukhura, to the snows of Moscow, it lived up to its promise. I can’t recommend it enough. For lovers of historical fiction it’s not to be missed.
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
August 17, 2016
Loved this book, the writing takes you to the desert, and the period in history is fascinating. For a relatively short book is has quite an large scope, and the romance is exactly that - romantic.
Full review on blog
Full review on blog
July 31, 2014
Fascinating information from Russian archives.
December 26, 2014
The writing was melodramatic and the language was oddly constructed but I loved the story and the two main characters. This was fun.
November 21, 2015
Book was okay, but lacked the edge declared in premise.
March 25, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Tournament of Shadows had so many good elements right off the bat. Both Gabriel and Valentin were shrouded in mystery and inexorably drawn to each other. In an era fraught with espionage and danger, these two men found themselves lusting after each other and more. Author S.A. Meade established the setting for her novel right away and was so very descriptive in her word choice that I felt myself transported to the desert along with Gabriel. The building relationship between these men was solid and believable. I never felt as though the pacing of the story was rushed until the last quarter of the novel where things began to unravel just a bit.
Up to the point where the two men escape Bukhara I was enthralled with the story. The threat of danger constantly hanging over them was palpable. However, once they made the decision to evade the Emir and run for their lives, I found the story became very disjointed. Each chapter leapt ahead in time and place, often leaving me confused as to how the men got where they were and exactly what significance the chapter had to the overall story. There was what seemed to be a real time discrepancy as well. First Gabriel reflects on his two and a half months travel to Russia. But when he and Valentin part over a seemingly insurmountable conflict, it is only three days travel to the next port. Then later on it is discussed again as so much time passing. I was truly confused by this and the leaping from one vignette to another in each chapter only encouraged the confusion.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Tournament of Shadows had so many good elements right off the bat. Both Gabriel and Valentin were shrouded in mystery and inexorably drawn to each other. In an era fraught with espionage and danger, these two men found themselves lusting after each other and more. Author S.A. Meade established the setting for her novel right away and was so very descriptive in her word choice that I felt myself transported to the desert along with Gabriel. The building relationship between these men was solid and believable. I never felt as though the pacing of the story was rushed until the last quarter of the novel where things began to unravel just a bit.
Up to the point where the two men escape Bukhara I was enthralled with the story. The threat of danger constantly hanging over them was palpable. However, once they made the decision to evade the Emir and run for their lives, I found the story became very disjointed. Each chapter leapt ahead in time and place, often leaving me confused as to how the men got where they were and exactly what significance the chapter had to the overall story. There was what seemed to be a real time discrepancy as well. First Gabriel reflects on his two and a half months travel to Russia. But when he and Valentin part over a seemingly insurmountable conflict, it is only three days travel to the next port. Then later on it is discussed again as so much time passing. I was truly confused by this and the leaping from one vignette to another in each chapter only encouraged the confusion.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
February 12, 2016
3,5*
I enjoyed reading this book, however, I have one complaint - it's... too ideal. Or how to put it. Unrealistically so. Especially compared to other historical m/m romance I have read, the fact that main heroes are spies on the opposite sides of war and have preference for men somehow... doesn't seem to be much of an issue. It all wraps up too neatly.
But that's probably just me and all in all, the book is well written and setting is interesting. I just kept expecting things to went much much worse then they went in the end. I guess I am just too paranoid or too used to books where people are assholes.
Oh well. Still a nice read.
I enjoyed reading this book, however, I have one complaint - it's... too ideal. Or how to put it. Unrealistically so. Especially compared to other historical m/m romance I have read, the fact that main heroes are spies on the opposite sides of war and have preference for men somehow... doesn't seem to be much of an issue. It all wraps up too neatly.
But that's probably just me and all in all, the book is well written and setting is interesting. I just kept expecting things to went much much worse then they went in the end. I guess I am just too paranoid or too used to books where people are assholes.
Oh well. Still a nice read.
August 26, 2016
Historical romance is nothing new or revolutionary; in fact it is one of the most popular subgenres under the romance umbrella. What is new and exciting is when an author takes a period of history not often used as the backdrop to their story. This is the case with Tournament of Shadows, a blend of romance, espionage and peril set during The Great Game of the 18th Century.
Full review here: http://www.imwithgeek.com/books/betwe...
Full review here: http://www.imwithgeek.com/books/betwe...
November 4, 2016
It started out well with a lot of potential for conflict and suspense, but kind of fizzled out halfway through. Perhaps this would work better for someone more into the historical elements and the Great Game, but it left me a bit bored towards the end.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
February 10, 2019
First person pov
When I read a romance, I expect it to be third person. Wouldn't have bought it if I'd known it wasn't. If you like first person pov, you might still enjoy it.
When I read a romance, I expect it to be third person. Wouldn't have bought it if I'd known it wasn't. If you like first person pov, you might still enjoy it.
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