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Game Knight
Game Knight is a fast-paced novella of action and suspense by Andrew Mayne, ranked the fifth best-selling independent author of the year by Amazon UK and star of A&E’s Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne. The first time they came for Kevin he woke up in a forest on the edge of town with a sword and only seconds to save his life before a lunatic with a battle axe nearly split his skull. At first he thought it was a dream, then it became a living nightmare as he found himself night after night having to fight in abandoned shopping malls, dark alleys and swamps on the outskirts of civilization. The rules were simple; they could come for him anytime they wanted, and if he resisted, someone close to him would die. A twisted clash of Fight Club and Game of Thrones where the only way to survive is to never stop playing.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2015
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116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 14, 2021
Having discovered and enjoyed a number of Andrew Mayne’s other books, I thought that I would give this novella a chance. I had a gap in my reading schedule and needed something to tide me over for the day. This book, a thriller of sorts, takes the reader into the odd world of medieval knights and sword-wielding foes. A young man wakes up and is unsure what’s going on, as a man is trying to kill him. He takes the opportunity and slays the man, only to have all the evidence disappear. A few more events occur, in a similar vein, leaving him to wonder if this is a cruel joke or some sort of drugged out game that someone’s playing. It may be of interest to other Mayne readers, but I really could not connect.
Kevin Miller regains consciousness mere moments before axe-wielding man decapitates him. Dressed in chainmail and donning a sword, Kevin does all he can, killing his attacker, unsure of his identity or how things progressed to this point. After Kevin helps a woman free, she assaults him herself and flees. It is only later, when the police saw Kevin in his garb, that he admitted what happened, even though it sounded equally troubling.
With no body to speak of, Kevin has no idea what’s going on or who is behind it. Odd things happen on a few more occasion, in the same vein, leaving him to wonder if his new meds have been spiked or the whole thing is a sick joke. However, the injuries he has suffered are not fictitious and he cannot explain it. However, there is surely some puppet-master out there, somewhere.
As I mentioned above, I am truly a fan of Andrew Mayne and at least two of his series. However, when I chose to read this novella, I had to second guess whether it was Mayne who penned it. The depth, the intrigue, the nuances... all of them were gone and I was left with something less than enticing. Thankfully, I did not begin my Mayne reading adventure here, or I may not have discovered some of the true gems out there.
While the writing was decent and the story had promise, I could not connect. It might have been the Kevin Miller character, the premise of the novella, or the lack of magnetism towards the plot. Whatever it was, I was not a fan. Thankfully it was short and I can use it as a blip on the reading radar, as I prepare to dive into a full-length novel soon. All I can say is that this is not the Andrew Mayne that I have come to know, so don’t use this as a proper baseline.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for the attempt to push outside of your usual writing zone. It did not work for me, but others may really enjoy it.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Kevin Miller regains consciousness mere moments before axe-wielding man decapitates him. Dressed in chainmail and donning a sword, Kevin does all he can, killing his attacker, unsure of his identity or how things progressed to this point. After Kevin helps a woman free, she assaults him herself and flees. It is only later, when the police saw Kevin in his garb, that he admitted what happened, even though it sounded equally troubling.
With no body to speak of, Kevin has no idea what’s going on or who is behind it. Odd things happen on a few more occasion, in the same vein, leaving him to wonder if his new meds have been spiked or the whole thing is a sick joke. However, the injuries he has suffered are not fictitious and he cannot explain it. However, there is surely some puppet-master out there, somewhere.
As I mentioned above, I am truly a fan of Andrew Mayne and at least two of his series. However, when I chose to read this novella, I had to second guess whether it was Mayne who penned it. The depth, the intrigue, the nuances... all of them were gone and I was left with something less than enticing. Thankfully, I did not begin my Mayne reading adventure here, or I may not have discovered some of the true gems out there.
While the writing was decent and the story had promise, I could not connect. It might have been the Kevin Miller character, the premise of the novella, or the lack of magnetism towards the plot. Whatever it was, I was not a fan. Thankfully it was short and I can use it as a blip on the reading radar, as I prepare to dive into a full-length novel soon. All I can say is that this is not the Andrew Mayne that I have come to know, so don’t use this as a proper baseline.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for the attempt to push outside of your usual writing zone. It did not work for me, but others may really enjoy it.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 12, 2020
Crossfit and gay BJs.
This is my second experience with Maynes' work and i doubt I'll read anything else from him for the time being.
This "novella'' is chocked full of bad writing across many levels. The multiple Crossfit references contradict one another, there are MULTIPLE digs at women and alot of poorly placed references to gay blowjobs that just ARE NOT FUNNY. Jesus Christ the writing in this is cringy and very, very corny.
The protagonist in both books ive read by Mayne have always seemed to never fail at what they're doing and pull some outlandish/unbelievable stunt right at the right time to get their desired outcome. It makes for an interesting read if you're into that kindof thing but it leaves a gaping hole for those looking for actual suspense.
I don't think Mayne is a terrible writer and I'm sure as he matures, so will his writing style. Im not writing him off for good but after this book, i wont be reading anything else from him for a while.
This is my second experience with Maynes' work and i doubt I'll read anything else from him for the time being.
This "novella'' is chocked full of bad writing across many levels. The multiple Crossfit references contradict one another, there are MULTIPLE digs at women and alot of poorly placed references to gay blowjobs that just ARE NOT FUNNY. Jesus Christ the writing in this is cringy and very, very corny.
The protagonist in both books ive read by Mayne have always seemed to never fail at what they're doing and pull some outlandish/unbelievable stunt right at the right time to get their desired outcome. It makes for an interesting read if you're into that kindof thing but it leaves a gaping hole for those looking for actual suspense.
I don't think Mayne is a terrible writer and I'm sure as he matures, so will his writing style. Im not writing him off for good but after this book, i wont be reading anything else from him for a while.
June 16, 2018
Too different from the series about the time traveler
I really enjoyed the other series by mayne. But this was too graphic and violent. The concept is fine but the writing and action turned me off.
I really enjoyed the other series by mayne. But this was too graphic and violent. The concept is fine but the writing and action turned me off.
December 22, 2018
Wow
Game Knight is the sixth work I have read from Andrew Mayne and I must say that no other author I can.think of had such varying subject matter! Read this novella and tell me I am wrong.
Game Knight is the sixth work I have read from Andrew Mayne and I must say that no other author I can.think of had such varying subject matter! Read this novella and tell me I am wrong.
April 17, 2020
This is a YA adventure story
This is fun, but a lightweight read. The plot line is a little implausible and character development minimal. Not a waste of time, but not my favorite story.
This is fun, but a lightweight read. The plot line is a little implausible and character development minimal. Not a waste of time, but not my favorite story.
May 5, 2021
Too far out there
I have enjoyed other books by Mayne in the past. Especially the Naturalist series. However this book is too far outthere for me. I might read another just to see where it goes.
I have enjoyed other books by Mayne in the past. Especially the Naturalist series. However this book is too far outthere for me. I might read another just to see where it goes.
November 1, 2017
!!!!
All i have to say is. . . I AM SO SO SO MAD THAT THIS IS ONLY A NOVELLA!!!!! I WANT MORE
All i have to say is. . . I AM SO SO SO MAD THAT THIS IS ONLY A NOVELLA!!!!! I WANT MORE
December 6, 2017
Unusual and interesting concept for a novel - entertaining throughout.
February 5, 2020
Andrew Mayne writes fun, fast pace stories. I am working my way through them all.
May 18, 2020
Not for me
Why does it have to be so nasty? I miss the old style. I just don't get it or like it.
Why does it have to be so nasty? I miss the old style. I just don't get it or like it.
February 2, 2021
Entertaining read.
October 8, 2021
gamed
This author is always on the edge. Dragging the readers places unexpected. Hooked for another, let’s see where this leads.
This author is always on the edge. Dragging the readers places unexpected. Hooked for another, let’s see where this leads.
September 9, 2022
Pointless, filthy, meaningless, and probably one of Mayne's most useless works.
December 8, 2022
Interesting and disturbing
The main character is interesting, the story is disturbing, because it's plausible. But. It is also too short of a story. It ended without resolution.
The main character is interesting, the story is disturbing, because it's plausible. But. It is also too short of a story. It ended without resolution.
May 23, 2023
Glad this wasn't my first AndrewMayne book or I wouldn't have read a second book.
October 9, 2023
Bad choice.
Read the first few pages and quit. The story and the dialog were not for me. Think I'll pass on any more by Mayne.
Read the first few pages and quit. The story and the dialog were not for me. Think I'll pass on any more by Mayne.
February 18, 2025
somewhat grim short story
Scary dive into very demented folks - who probably do exist - but hopefully do not have the reach and resources laid out in this opus!
Scary dive into very demented folks - who probably do exist - but hopefully do not have the reach and resources laid out in this opus!
December 19, 2020
A disappointment would be too kind a word. The story begins with some intrigue but quickly devolves into Andrew Mayne’s most recent writing style: anything goes, no matter how improbable or ridiculous.
October 14, 2017
Pulled in to a fight for his life.
Kevin finds himself pulled into a Dungeon and Dragons type game set in suburbia where he must fight for his life in despatch after despatch all while still living his normal nine to five life. He battles with axes and swords to save not only himself but the girl as well. If you like the TV show Player, or books like a song of ice and fire (game of thrones) and fight club. Then you should give this book a read.
Kevin finds himself pulled into a Dungeon and Dragons type game set in suburbia where he must fight for his life in despatch after despatch all while still living his normal nine to five life. He battles with axes and swords to save not only himself but the girl as well. If you like the TV show Player, or books like a song of ice and fire (game of thrones) and fight club. Then you should give this book a read.
June 9, 2016
This was a good quick read. At first I didn't think I was going to like it, but it end up have it's funny moment's to break up all that was going on. The ending had a nice twist, wheather there will be more to this story we will see. The last chapter left it as either a good ending or possible of more latter.
February 24, 2016
Another fun read from Andrew Mayne
The style of this novella was a bit more edgy and for mature audiences than some of his other books, but one again Andrew Mayne sets the scene and gives insight to the characters, while never sacrificing the pace or content of the story.
The style of this novella was a bit more edgy and for mature audiences than some of his other books, but one again Andrew Mayne sets the scene and gives insight to the characters, while never sacrificing the pace or content of the story.
July 15, 2017
Quick, fun read
January 20, 2016
Andrew has done it again! Another great story that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
February 2, 2016
My first Andrew Mayne book and I'm pleasantly surprised. I expected to be bored, but it's actually a very good read. I look forward to more of him. Write on, Andrew.
October 4, 2018
Enjoyed this novella very much. Tight little story.
June 2, 2021
Scary, naughty, Funny, the language is not for every one, possibly for men only.
Fast paced fun
Fast paced fun
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews