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Tamer: King of Dinosaurs #1
Tamer: King of Dinosaurs
Control dinosaurs.
Tame women.
Rule the world.
Victor Shelby ends each day wondering when his life is going to get better. His parents are dead, he struggles to pay rent, and his boss at the animal control shelter has him cleaning cages instead of working in the field. His dream of helping animals seems destined to end in a mop bucket.
Then Victor is abducted by aliens and deposited on a prehistoric world filled with hungry dinosaurs and beautiful alien women.
He doesn’t know why he is here or what his purpose is, but he finds himself fighting for survival. Most men would have been lizard kibble in a few moments, but Victor’s natural ability to empathize with animals has grown stronger, and he finds himself able to control the most docile of the terrible lizards.
Victor will have to use his taming powers to provide food, water, and shelter for the three women that he has sworn to protect. Success means they get to live another day, failure means a horrible death in the jaws of Earth’s most deadly predators.
Disclaimer: This book has ravaging dinosaurs, a lot of cursing, extreme violence, and a harem of exotic alien women. The novel is not meant for people under the age of 18.
Tame women.
Rule the world.
Victor Shelby ends each day wondering when his life is going to get better. His parents are dead, he struggles to pay rent, and his boss at the animal control shelter has him cleaning cages instead of working in the field. His dream of helping animals seems destined to end in a mop bucket.
Then Victor is abducted by aliens and deposited on a prehistoric world filled with hungry dinosaurs and beautiful alien women.
He doesn’t know why he is here or what his purpose is, but he finds himself fighting for survival. Most men would have been lizard kibble in a few moments, but Victor’s natural ability to empathize with animals has grown stronger, and he finds himself able to control the most docile of the terrible lizards.
Victor will have to use his taming powers to provide food, water, and shelter for the three women that he has sworn to protect. Success means they get to live another day, failure means a horrible death in the jaws of Earth’s most deadly predators.
Disclaimer: This book has ravaging dinosaurs, a lot of cursing, extreme violence, and a harem of exotic alien women. The novel is not meant for people under the age of 18.
19 pages, Audiobook
Published September 19, 2019
723 people are currently reading
1454 people want to read
About the author
Michael-Scott Earle
76 books1,590 followersNYT and USA Today bestseller of fiction. Top 100 Amazon best selling author.
You can buy my novels on my website. www.michaelscottearle.com
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You can buy my novels on my website. www.michaelscottearle.com
I DON'T ANSWER QUESTIONS ON GOODREADS ANYMORE. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP OR MAILING LIST.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15622...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
March 6, 2018
I'm really tired of running into these fetish books. This one was stealthy at first too, with a decent setup and what appeared to be interesting characters. Things very quickly descended into horrible harem territory though and some very fetishy character design. The story, interesting for about the first half, falls into simple survival game mechanics with focus on getting water, food, and managing fatigue while building a home. This is all just backdrop anyways as he plays with the harem.
Side note: For the love of god stop using 'the beautiful woman' 'the sexy woman' 'the gorgeous woman' ext -_- you can just use their name, or at the very least stop using 'THE [superficial descriptor] WOMAN' over and over and over. 'She' and 'Her' are options you know.
For all the fetishes he plays with, the book is remarkably free of actual sex. He's absurdly focused on showing just how good a guy he is, and just how much he respects the other group members (while constantly staring at bits of them and generally being brainless around them). The end result is like the set up for porn but without it ever actually getting there. So, if you watch porn for the story, you might like this.
Side note: For the love of god stop using 'the beautiful woman' 'the sexy woman' 'the gorgeous woman' ext -_- you can just use their name, or at the very least stop using 'THE [superficial descriptor] WOMAN' over and over and over. 'She' and 'Her' are options you know.
For all the fetishes he plays with, the book is remarkably free of actual sex. He's absurdly focused on showing just how good a guy he is, and just how much he respects the other group members (while constantly staring at bits of them and generally being brainless around them). The end result is like the set up for porn but without it ever actually getting there. So, if you watch porn for the story, you might like this.
November 29, 2017
LitRPG Monstergirl Harem story, without sex.
One dude, three "alien" women, a planet full of dinos. As a fun and dumb premise, that could be great.
Unfortunately, the authors feel the need to remind us, every three sentences, that the females are attractive, our (celibate) hero finds them attractive, our hero thinks of them possessively, and that we have to be told that the females are smart assets of survival. Tons of tell AND show.
Combine that with a setting that seemed lifted from a mediocre MMO survival video game, and I was unimpressed.
None of it felt real or authentic, and clearly the authors are trying to build a long series of these. A series I will be avoiding.
One dude, three "alien" women, a planet full of dinos. As a fun and dumb premise, that could be great.
Unfortunately, the authors feel the need to remind us, every three sentences, that the females are attractive, our (celibate) hero finds them attractive, our hero thinks of them possessively, and that we have to be told that the females are smart assets of survival. Tons of tell AND show.
Combine that with a setting that seemed lifted from a mediocre MMO survival video game, and I was unimpressed.
None of it felt real or authentic, and clearly the authors are trying to build a long series of these. A series I will be avoiding.
June 11, 2018
3.5 stars.
I'm really confused by this book. I'm not sure who the target audience is. Sure, ostensibly it should be a given....
But there are fleeting moments where this shows some true insight and depth, and seems to want to reach a broader audience....
Those few monents, unfortuntely, get lost way too quickly in the need to satiate the presumed audience.
While I liked this well enough, not sure I'm continuing the series. Anyone convince me to give Book 2 a try? Drop me a comment or a message.
I'm really confused by this book. I'm not sure who the target audience is. Sure, ostensibly it should be a given....
But there are fleeting moments where this shows some true insight and depth, and seems to want to reach a broader audience....
Those few monents, unfortuntely, get lost way too quickly in the need to satiate the presumed audience.
While I liked this well enough, not sure I'm continuing the series. Anyone convince me to give Book 2 a try? Drop me a comment or a message.
January 27, 2018
You know, sometimes you just need a bit of silliness and TAMER: KING OF DINOSAURS is just that. It's a story about a unlucky every dude from the Animal Control Department who gets transported to a LitRPG world based on Jurassic Park and Conan. There, he hooks up with three gorgeous alien women who fall in love with him for equal parts the fact he's a likable enough guy and the fact he's the only male sexual possibility for possibly a billion lightyears (our sight of the only other man on the planet indicates this a planet of raging misogynists so he has that going for him too).
There's a difference between male fantasy and misogyny, this being born of the fact it's perfectly okay to be a guy who likes sex and actively seeks it versus a guy who does it because he's really angry or dismissive of women. Surprisingly, Tamer: King of the Dinosaurs falls on the former path as our protagonist even calls out dudes who lie to their partners or cheat on them.
Yes, this is a book about our guy with the power to control dinosaurs winning over three women (a succubus, a woman of living rock, and a cheetah-woman so there's some questions about the physics involved on my part) but I don't see any problem with that. Fantasies are fantasies and certainly there's nothing harmful about it. I also like how each of the romance options has issues related to romance with one from a free love world, one from a matriarchy, and one from a patriarchy where she's already married.
Honestly, my least favorite part of the book is the fact a lot of time is spent on describing building a shelter in the jungle world like it's Robinson Crusoe. I could have done less with that as it occupies a huge chunk of the book.
8/10
There's a difference between male fantasy and misogyny, this being born of the fact it's perfectly okay to be a guy who likes sex and actively seeks it versus a guy who does it because he's really angry or dismissive of women. Surprisingly, Tamer: King of the Dinosaurs falls on the former path as our protagonist even calls out dudes who lie to their partners or cheat on them.
Yes, this is a book about our guy with the power to control dinosaurs winning over three women (a succubus, a woman of living rock, and a cheetah-woman so there's some questions about the physics involved on my part) but I don't see any problem with that. Fantasies are fantasies and certainly there's nothing harmful about it. I also like how each of the romance options has issues related to romance with one from a free love world, one from a matriarchy, and one from a patriarchy where she's already married.
Honestly, my least favorite part of the book is the fact a lot of time is spent on describing building a shelter in the jungle world like it's Robinson Crusoe. I could have done less with that as it occupies a huge chunk of the book.
8/10
August 10, 2019
The author is good at writing action, and the plans of building and survival are pretty good. Otherwise, this book is an exercise in frustration. The audiobook narrator did a good job.
I’ll start this by noting there is no sex in the book. Yet so much focus is on how hot the girls are, to the point that he lets you know he can feel a gurl’s Niiples when she hugs him, about the sweat constantly clinging, etc. As well there is constant sexual tension, then the last half of the book on a daily basis one girl offers sex and he main character says “not today” because he’s so focused on work he can’t take a single break, ever.
One character spends over half the novel being an absolute pain. She insults the main character and derides everything he does because he’s male. In a life or death survival situation they’re in, she doesn’t contribute except the occasional “no you’re wrong this is how it’s done”. No one confronts her on this, the main character just takes it, and while eventually she comes around, it is the credibly frustrating.
Every expression of frustration, surprise, fear or elation of the main character involves “fuck” or “shit”. So at least once a scene but often multiple times a scene he’s belting an “oh fuck” out. The littpg element is not used outside of giving the Latin name of dinosaurs.
If you think none of these are a problem, by all means read on, but if not, then
I’ll start this by noting there is no sex in the book. Yet so much focus is on how hot the girls are, to the point that he lets you know he can feel a gurl’s Niiples when she hugs him, about the sweat constantly clinging, etc. As well there is constant sexual tension, then the last half of the book on a daily basis one girl offers sex and he main character says “not today” because he’s so focused on work he can’t take a single break, ever.
One character spends over half the novel being an absolute pain. She insults the main character and derides everything he does because he’s male. In a life or death survival situation they’re in, she doesn’t contribute except the occasional “no you’re wrong this is how it’s done”. No one confronts her on this, the main character just takes it, and while eventually she comes around, it is the credibly frustrating.
Every expression of frustration, surprise, fear or elation of the main character involves “fuck” or “shit”. So at least once a scene but often multiple times a scene he’s belting an “oh fuck” out. The littpg element is not used outside of giving the Latin name of dinosaurs.
If you think none of these are a problem, by all means read on, but if not, then
January 8, 2018
This book makes me angry. it's a good book but claiming that it falls under Litrpg is a lie. it's science fiction aimed at an audience of litrpg fans that rabidly read everything that comes out under that label.
The author seriously needs a female editor to take a stab at rewriting the relationship scenes which seem to be written by a teen aged boy creating a fantasy sex setting.
As a science fiction. book I enjoyed it. I'll read book 2 but this could have been so much better than it is.
The author seriously needs a female editor to take a stab at rewriting the relationship scenes which seem to be written by a teen aged boy creating a fantasy sex setting.
As a science fiction. book I enjoyed it. I'll read book 2 but this could have been so much better than it is.
December 15, 2017
I'd never read a book quite like this one before. There was some pretty intense action and a lot of hilarity. It's good to have a good sense of humor while reading this book to appreciate the banter between the characters, but it's all in good fun. Definitely a nail biter finish with a nice setup for book #2. Looking forward to it.
February 26, 2018
This was pitched to me as a litrpg series, but I'd say it's more lit-strategy and then mostly lit. There are some game elements to the story, but you could take them away and have the book be mostly the same. However, I really liked this book and it was easy to visualize what was going on even in the fastest of action scenes.
I don't mind non-standard relationships (=not monogamy) and even though the women in the book started off as single-trait characters, they develop through the story. I accept that this is Victor's (maybe the author´s?) ideal fantasy women come to life and I don't see them being described as the only women that can be attractive. I guess that is why I don't mind reading stories with a harem in them (this is only the second series I've come across). Even if the first thought of a harem makes me cringe, it seems that if it is done correctly, it can be a fun way to explore that particular fantasy. I wonder if I'll ever stumble on one with a women as the MC with a lot of men around her or a mix of men, women, both and other in the harem? And still let it have a full, fleshed out story and not just a romance novel or erotica? (Nothing wrong with them, just not what I'm looking for atm.)
Anyway, I'm looking forward to more of Tamer!
I don't mind non-standard relationships (=not monogamy) and even though the women in the book started off as single-trait characters, they develop through the story. I accept that this is Victor's (maybe the author´s?) ideal fantasy women come to life and I don't see them being described as the only women that can be attractive. I guess that is why I don't mind reading stories with a harem in them (this is only the second series I've come across). Even if the first thought of a harem makes me cringe, it seems that if it is done correctly, it can be a fun way to explore that particular fantasy. I wonder if I'll ever stumble on one with a women as the MC with a lot of men around her or a mix of men, women, both and other in the harem? And still let it have a full, fleshed out story and not just a romance novel or erotica? (Nothing wrong with them, just not what I'm looking for atm.)
Anyway, I'm looking forward to more of Tamer!
November 20, 2017
Action, Dinosaurs, Action, Alien Beauties, Action, and Dinosaurs
This book is a delightful combination of LitRPG and a pulp-action “otherworld” novel worthy of L. Sprague DeCamp. It focuses very much on the action (!) but adds in nice touches of drama and relationship growth to spice things up. And Dinosaurs. It’s written and edited very well too - No textual gaffs at all.
All in all it’s a very fun romp, and recommended. I’ll be watching for the next book!
This book is a delightful combination of LitRPG and a pulp-action “otherworld” novel worthy of L. Sprague DeCamp. It focuses very much on the action (!) but adds in nice touches of drama and relationship growth to spice things up. And Dinosaurs. It’s written and edited very well too - No textual gaffs at all.
All in all it’s a very fun romp, and recommended. I’ll be watching for the next book!
December 13, 2017
Cheated
First I would like to say the general story is not bad. My problem is with the description of the story. It was said to be a harem story and rated “R” 18 and older only. At best it is a PG-13 and basically just tension between characters. I found it difficult to believe that the MC couldn’t find 15 minuets to relieve tension in a one month time span. I don’t care how busy you are.
Despite that, like I said still a good story.
First I would like to say the general story is not bad. My problem is with the description of the story. It was said to be a harem story and rated “R” 18 and older only. At best it is a PG-13 and basically just tension between characters. I found it difficult to believe that the MC couldn’t find 15 minuets to relieve tension in a one month time span. I don’t care how busy you are.
Despite that, like I said still a good story.
December 1, 2021
Dude needs to control his hormones
In a survival situation spending all your time drooling over females will get you, and possibly them killed.
15% of the way through the book and it seems most of it has been spent being a creep. God I hope this gets better.
I have given up on this book at 32%. This just isn't for me.
Others may enjoy this, but to me it reads like a teenagers wet dream.
Nobody should be that distracted by others looks when dumped on a strange and deadly new planet.
I'd have found it more believable if he had started noticing the girls more once a safe and secure location.
This doesn't mean completely oblivious but I wouldn't be tripping over my tongue like the MC.
In a survival situation spending all your time drooling over females will get you, and possibly them killed.
15% of the way through the book and it seems most of it has been spent being a creep. God I hope this gets better.
I have given up on this book at 32%. This just isn't for me.
Others may enjoy this, but to me it reads like a teenagers wet dream.
Nobody should be that distracted by others looks when dumped on a strange and deadly new planet.
I'd have found it more believable if he had started noticing the girls more once a safe and secure location.
This doesn't mean completely oblivious but I wouldn't be tripping over my tongue like the MC.
April 9, 2018
Lit RPG I can not only stand without plucking my hairs out, but actually enjoy. Recipe is pretty simple. Ancient like a bone broth. Instead of stats pages, this paleo man really prefers reading about female features. Lots of female features. Motherly attributes all around. Somebody finally got it right. Was it that hard? Now it is!
November 14, 2017
So this is the first LitRPG fantasy fiction I have read from these authors. I might read another one of these depending on when it is published and my current reading load. The authors should have published this book right after the last Jurassic Park movie released when interest in dinosaur stories was high.
I admit to reading this with some prejudice as I was disinclined to like LitRPG books, but by ignoring the game elements it is a decent story even with its ludicrous beginnings. I did not care for the game elements of this tale. The game elements disturbed the flow of action as the MC stops to check his stats.
I understand the authors were shooting for a '50s-ish nostalgia style monster and babes adventure, which they did with some limited success. I did find the classification of each dinosaur interesting. As a child I loved dinosaurs, and used to dream of digging a monstrous carnosaur in my backyard.
The book was ok, several good action scenes with battling dinosaurs, and the varied characters are interesting, with enough backstory for the reader to care about them. Was expecting some furry love in this book. There is no physical love between the furry character and the MC. Furry love aficionados will be disappointed.
The book drags a bit during the tedious parts of collecting water, food, and constant arguing with the stupid spider girl. The construction elements were interesting and well described.
I admit to reading this with some prejudice as I was disinclined to like LitRPG books, but by ignoring the game elements it is a decent story even with its ludicrous beginnings. I did not care for the game elements of this tale. The game elements disturbed the flow of action as the MC stops to check his stats.
I understand the authors were shooting for a '50s-ish nostalgia style monster and babes adventure, which they did with some limited success. I did find the classification of each dinosaur interesting. As a child I loved dinosaurs, and used to dream of digging a monstrous carnosaur in my backyard.
The book was ok, several good action scenes with battling dinosaurs, and the varied characters are interesting, with enough backstory for the reader to care about them. Was expecting some furry love in this book. There is no physical love between the furry character and the MC. Furry love aficionados will be disappointed.
The book drags a bit during the tedious parts of collecting water, food, and constant arguing with the stupid spider girl. The construction elements were interesting and well described.
November 28, 2017
ARK + fan service
If you've ever played ARK: Survival Evolved then you'll feel right at home in this story and the fan service is rather heavy, especially in the beginning.
It was an enjoyable book, for sure. Good length, great editing, few mistakes, and a fun story to boot.
I dropped a star for two reasons:
The fan service was a little much in a few places (namely the beginning) and there was some "the man can do it!" moments that felt just a little out of place. Also, there was a *slight* excess of swearing. Most of it was justifiable but not all of it.
All in all a fun book that I would happily read again. Excited to see what happens with the next book!
If you've ever played ARK: Survival Evolved then you'll feel right at home in this story and the fan service is rather heavy, especially in the beginning.
It was an enjoyable book, for sure. Good length, great editing, few mistakes, and a fun story to boot.
I dropped a star for two reasons:
The fan service was a little much in a few places (namely the beginning) and there was some "the man can do it!" moments that felt just a little out of place. Also, there was a *slight* excess of swearing. Most of it was justifiable but not all of it.
All in all a fun book that I would happily read again. Excited to see what happens with the next book!
February 9, 2018
It's a decent story. The main character is an childish imbecile, but that's fine because he maintains this persona reasonably well. Nothing done seemed too out of character/universe although the fantasy location gives the author quite a bit of leeway. I despise a certain pompous character met in a cave but I think this was intended and the MC didn't act how I would, but that is acceptable.
So overall it was a good book although it ends before anything really starts happening. Sure there are other books in the series, but that just seems to be an excuse to make more money if the individual books in the series don't actually have a complete story of their own.
So overall it was a good book although it ends before anything really starts happening. Sure there are other books in the series, but that just seems to be an excuse to make more money if the individual books in the series don't actually have a complete story of their own.
April 21, 2018
It didn't dawn on me until after I had finished reading this book that nearly the entire thing was just a story of 4 people building a fort. The entire story can be summed up as such... Man finds himself on strange dinosaur planet. Man meets 3 alien women. Man and alien women decide to build a fort. Oh, and there are a few dinosaur attacks that happen while that's going on... But that's it. That's the whole story. And somehow... it kept me glued to the narrative and fully entertained the entire time. That's impressive. I'm even excited to read the next one. I just hope the next book isn't 12 hours of them painting and decorating the fort now that they have it built...
November 21, 2017
Enjoyable to the Extreme
I liked this book, this felt a tad like prologue or like the first entry in a super hero movie where all the characters are getting to know each other, but it's the kind of story that'd probably get a sequel. I love the idea of taking dinosaurs and I eagerly await the next book.
I liked this book, this felt a tad like prologue or like the first entry in a super hero movie where all the characters are getting to know each other, but it's the kind of story that'd probably get a sequel. I love the idea of taking dinosaurs and I eagerly await the next book.
March 18, 2022
This book is the worst piece of literature I’ve ever laid my eyes on.
First of all, Victor. All this man did was fantasise over these woman and CONSTANTLY had something to say about their bodies. Like really?!! DID YOU HAVE TO BRING UP NIPPLES EVERY 3 PARAGRAPHS???????
Second of all. This book was definitely written by a man who clearly has a fetish towards alien-y woman (no hate. Just it’s a bit much). Third of all. Michael who hurt you so bad that you had to write Beatrice like that???? Like damn! Was that necessary??
Lastly. The book had to much detail. You could skip 5 pages of dialogue and they would still be talking about the SAME CLAY POTS THEY HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE WHOLE FUCKING BOOK.
Overall, do not waste your time with these books. (Unless you are into half woman half spider and cat and rock women who even though they are on a dinosaur planet. With no modern technology…..still manage to have “breasts so perky” and “taut ass’s).
I do have 1 question for the author. Have you ever seen a woman???? And if so….. were they actually real and not in your dreams???
First of all, Victor. All this man did was fantasise over these woman and CONSTANTLY had something to say about their bodies. Like really?!! DID YOU HAVE TO BRING UP NIPPLES EVERY 3 PARAGRAPHS???????
Second of all. This book was definitely written by a man who clearly has a fetish towards alien-y woman (no hate. Just it’s a bit much). Third of all. Michael who hurt you so bad that you had to write Beatrice like that???? Like damn! Was that necessary??
Lastly. The book had to much detail. You could skip 5 pages of dialogue and they would still be talking about the SAME CLAY POTS THEY HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE WHOLE FUCKING BOOK.
Overall, do not waste your time with these books. (Unless you are into half woman half spider and cat and rock women who even though they are on a dinosaur planet. With no modern technology…..still manage to have “breasts so perky” and “taut ass’s).
I do have 1 question for the author. Have you ever seen a woman???? And if so….. were they actually real and not in your dreams???
June 2, 2018
1 star, I put a book down. 2 stars, I wouldn't read again and won't pick up a sequel. 3 stars, I won't read again, but maybe the sequel would move forward.
So, part of my choices for picking up light reading material for flights across the Atlantic was based on an influx of light-hearted approaches to super-heroes and to this new genre of Lit-RPG. Tamer, seemed to be a bit of both. The book starts out with a setup that makes you empathize with the main character's situation, and even (probably non-intentially based on lack of references later in this or the sequel) seems like it is setting the ground for some various plot devices or sub-plots. Then, boom! Victor, our main character and hero is dropped into the main setting of trying to survive, learning of his new (or always existent but undiscovered) power, and meeting his companions for the series. OK, now we are into the story and let's see where it takes us.
The story itself, minus the harem/sexually referential subplot, and actual Lit-RPG mechanics is a light survival epic of a young man learning he has skills and outlook that can be improved to become an actual survivor in a hostile world. Think Jeremiah Johnson but with dinosaurs on an inhospitable tropical island. So what is wrong with that? Nothing, until you add the harem and the Lit-RPG mechanics. Let's start with the latter first.
Part of the attraction (I think?) of the Lit-RPG genre is either that it exposes to the reader the method and machinery that an author uses to create continuity and development of growing characters, apart from their emotional and personal maturity OR, it exposes a mechanic for the gamer-reader who wants to further understand and ponder how a semi-aware character might use their knowledge of being in an in-game situation to excel. In the case of Tamer, the MC understands that there is such a connection, considering he (and the other characters) are able to access a HUD with descriptive statistics and attributes that change based on their actions. The narrative even goes so far as to describe Victor as a frequent, if not avid, gamer who recognizes the similarities of his situation to the strategy games he often plays and that he can use this awareness to his benefit. Then he doesn't. He spends very little time investigating his HUD, questioning his companions in relation to theirs, or even considering the mechanics of his strategy except for some effort to start on a prioritize and build strategy. His companions each have specific and practical skills and attributes (based on what is revealed of their HUD details) that should be used to make the team successful. Then they are seldom referenced again, except to explain why the group wasn't doing very well earlier, and how Victor's organization skills and the ladies' (I didn't mention all his companions are beautiful alien ladies) fondness and confidence in him now make them willing to use them more effectively to be successful.
While we are on the other members of the team, let's talk harem and sexual reference. A significant number of male-centric Lit-RPG titles seem to be focused on the harem, and how the hero moves from being meh or even downright unpopular with women, to becoming the stud-muffin getting all the girls. How does this happen. Well in Victor's case (as with many other stories), he's the last (as far a anyone knows) male on the planet. Add to that his heroic deeds that save the women, and the fact that they are sexually liberated so that he can be virtuous, non-aggressive, and even clueless while still having someone moving the sexual tension along, and he's sure to have a bevy of adoring love interests to choose from in no time. But why choose? Why not just let the women be open minded about sharing? Except for the (slight spoiler here) one that you can tell that Victor really is going to fall for. She can't be as easy a hook-up (I won't say conquest, because the author Earle is careful to make Victor non-aggressive sexually because, you know, he's a nice guy.. So how to make her play hard to get? Well she could be written as having different values (from the sexual openness point of view) as the other women...or we could just give her a significant other and she won't be unfaithful....yet.
We'll stop there, because all this seems to be negative criticism. And it is, but only to point out that this book could be better. And maybe the subsequent novels will be. So if you like a plot that move forward well enough, have limited development and focus on the Lit-RPG mechanics, and don't mind limited development and depth of characters, just so you can have a good-guy hero with some tame sexual encounters that let him continue to be the nice-guy, you'll get through this novel and maybe even go after the sequel. I did.
So, part of my choices for picking up light reading material for flights across the Atlantic was based on an influx of light-hearted approaches to super-heroes and to this new genre of Lit-RPG. Tamer, seemed to be a bit of both. The book starts out with a setup that makes you empathize with the main character's situation, and even (probably non-intentially based on lack of references later in this or the sequel) seems like it is setting the ground for some various plot devices or sub-plots. Then, boom! Victor, our main character and hero is dropped into the main setting of trying to survive, learning of his new (or always existent but undiscovered) power, and meeting his companions for the series. OK, now we are into the story and let's see where it takes us.
The story itself, minus the harem/sexually referential subplot, and actual Lit-RPG mechanics is a light survival epic of a young man learning he has skills and outlook that can be improved to become an actual survivor in a hostile world. Think Jeremiah Johnson but with dinosaurs on an inhospitable tropical island. So what is wrong with that? Nothing, until you add the harem and the Lit-RPG mechanics. Let's start with the latter first.
Part of the attraction (I think?) of the Lit-RPG genre is either that it exposes to the reader the method and machinery that an author uses to create continuity and development of growing characters, apart from their emotional and personal maturity OR, it exposes a mechanic for the gamer-reader who wants to further understand and ponder how a semi-aware character might use their knowledge of being in an in-game situation to excel. In the case of Tamer, the MC understands that there is such a connection, considering he (and the other characters) are able to access a HUD with descriptive statistics and attributes that change based on their actions. The narrative even goes so far as to describe Victor as a frequent, if not avid, gamer who recognizes the similarities of his situation to the strategy games he often plays and that he can use this awareness to his benefit. Then he doesn't. He spends very little time investigating his HUD, questioning his companions in relation to theirs, or even considering the mechanics of his strategy except for some effort to start on a prioritize and build strategy. His companions each have specific and practical skills and attributes (based on what is revealed of their HUD details) that should be used to make the team successful. Then they are seldom referenced again, except to explain why the group wasn't doing very well earlier, and how Victor's organization skills and the ladies' (I didn't mention all his companions are beautiful alien ladies) fondness and confidence in him now make them willing to use them more effectively to be successful.
While we are on the other members of the team, let's talk harem and sexual reference. A significant number of male-centric Lit-RPG titles seem to be focused on the harem, and how the hero moves from being meh or even downright unpopular with women, to becoming the stud-muffin getting all the girls. How does this happen. Well in Victor's case (as with many other stories), he's the last (as far a anyone knows) male on the planet. Add to that his heroic deeds that save the women, and the fact that they are sexually liberated so that he can be virtuous, non-aggressive, and even clueless while still having someone moving the sexual tension along, and he's sure to have a bevy of adoring love interests to choose from in no time. But why choose? Why not just let the women be open minded about sharing? Except for the (slight spoiler here) one that you can tell that Victor really is going to fall for. She can't be as easy a hook-up (I won't say conquest, because the author Earle is careful to make Victor non-aggressive sexually because, you know, he's a nice guy.. So how to make her play hard to get? Well she could be written as having different values (from the sexual openness point of view) as the other women...or we could just give her a significant other and she won't be unfaithful....yet.
We'll stop there, because all this seems to be negative criticism. And it is, but only to point out that this book could be better. And maybe the subsequent novels will be. So if you like a plot that move forward well enough, have limited development and focus on the Lit-RPG mechanics, and don't mind limited development and depth of characters, just so you can have a good-guy hero with some tame sexual encounters that let him continue to be the nice-guy, you'll get through this novel and maybe even go after the sequel. I did.
April 19, 2018
This is the new start of anew series by Brian King and Michael-Scott Earle. Like all of M-S work it is a non stop far fetched adrenaline romp. One thing you will get is intense action. A far fetched storyline with phenomenal creation of characters...always quirky and snarky.
What I always love are his protagonists. The all are heroes just trying to survive against overwhelming odds. While the ladies seem to love reverse harem stuff. Our hero puts off The eroticism to stay alive in near hopeless situations.
Mr Earle written for real guys who have a spinal column and a pair of functional testes. I openly admit he produces the most enjoyable books coming to the public these days.
Guys need something to vicariously live through. UhhhhRahhh.
What I always love are his protagonists. The all are heroes just trying to survive against overwhelming odds. While the ladies seem to love reverse harem stuff. Our hero puts off The eroticism to stay alive in near hopeless situations.
Mr Earle written for real guys who have a spinal column and a pair of functional testes. I openly admit he produces the most enjoyable books coming to the public these days.
Guys need something to vicariously live through. UhhhhRahhh.
April 11, 2018
i like this book . victor pretty much gets shited on by everyone till he goes on a call.first it starts like a pethous letter the the dudes luck get worst. his truck i think is blown up and he is abducted by aliens had surgery and drop on a land filled with dinosaurs. he gets a small repre till everyone he meets dies and one monkey man betrays him to try and get away. well it didnt work and victor gets away.then he meets shella then he finds out that thier is a camp and victor begins a small journey to prove himself to the three women. and he finds out that he can tame the dinos to do what he wants then he builds a fort for him and the thre women to live in and right as they finished they are attacked and another abductie is drop out side of the fort doring a rapter attack
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable romp through dino-land
Very good pacing. Not in a rush to get to the next big moment. Lots of fun little moments and well woven tapestry of this lost land the characters find themselves in. And who hasn't wanted to live in the age of dinosaurs?
Aliens who, each in their own way, are truly alien and have interesting backstories.
Victor is an young man coming of age, who exhibits remarkable self discipline and drive. Its fun to see his interactions with Galmine, Trel-Idil-Iria, and Sheela.
Looking forward to next books in series.
Very good pacing. Not in a rush to get to the next big moment. Lots of fun little moments and well woven tapestry of this lost land the characters find themselves in. And who hasn't wanted to live in the age of dinosaurs?
Aliens who, each in their own way, are truly alien and have interesting backstories.
Victor is an young man coming of age, who exhibits remarkable self discipline and drive. Its fun to see his interactions with Galmine, Trel-Idil-Iria, and Sheela.
Looking forward to next books in series.
April 17, 2018
I listened to the audio-book for 7 hours in the hopes that it would improve. I was very disappointed that it didn't. It's disguised as a LiTRPG book but it's just not. Reality is that it falls more under light erotica book without actual sex in it. Every second sentence was how hot and sexy the girls where. If you want to know about the plot let me tell you there isn't one. There is a vague attempt on survival as a plot but it's hardly serious and it fails big time. I like some of the authors other series, but this has to be the worst one I've had the displeasure of encountering. So I DNF at around 70%. Harem + tsundere + the word sexy in every couple of sentences does not a good book make.
December 10, 2017
Shades of Conan-Doyle
M-SE has done it again. Robert Jordan and Conan Doyle join forces in this rip rollicking fantasy! Our hero, Victor, finds himself the only male survivor out of four when he is snatched from LA and stranded on an alien planet. Shortly after hebis found by a beautiful cat woman and taken to her camp where there are two other beautiful, but alien, women. I love the fact that three women managed to survive in this hostile world where the men don't! One reason is that cat woman, Sheela. I had to laugh at the fact that Victor thought that Sheela had an Australian accent and, in Australia, women used to be referred to as a Sheilagh!
Victor is a Tamer. i.e. he can tame dinosaurs, as long as they aren't predators. It will be interesting to see how far his ability takes him.
Good fun for anyone who likes an old fashioned adventure!
M-SE has done it again. Robert Jordan and Conan Doyle join forces in this rip rollicking fantasy! Our hero, Victor, finds himself the only male survivor out of four when he is snatched from LA and stranded on an alien planet. Shortly after hebis found by a beautiful cat woman and taken to her camp where there are two other beautiful, but alien, women. I love the fact that three women managed to survive in this hostile world where the men don't! One reason is that cat woman, Sheela. I had to laugh at the fact that Victor thought that Sheela had an Australian accent and, in Australia, women used to be referred to as a Sheilagh!
Victor is a Tamer. i.e. he can tame dinosaurs, as long as they aren't predators. It will be interesting to see how far his ability takes him.
Good fun for anyone who likes an old fashioned adventure!
February 7, 2021
This book definitely fits under the guilty pleasure category, but it gets a full 5 stars for just being so much fun. If you had to pick flaws with this book then you certainly could, but I'm not going to because I enjoyed the hell out of this book to the point where any flaws seemed inconsequential.
Be warned going into this book that it has some adult themes which isn't going to be to everyone's tastes. However, this is mainly a book about survival with the adult scenes scattered in to add some fun to the story. The survival aspect is really well thought out and kept the pages turning at a speedy pace.
Overall this is a full 5-star read from me just out of a sheer entertainment factor. Can't wait for the next one.
Be warned going into this book that it has some adult themes which isn't going to be to everyone's tastes. However, this is mainly a book about survival with the adult scenes scattered in to add some fun to the story. The survival aspect is really well thought out and kept the pages turning at a speedy pace.
Overall this is a full 5-star read from me just out of a sheer entertainment factor. Can't wait for the next one.
January 9, 2018
No Spoilers...
I loved this new series from Michael-Scott Earle. He never disappoints me with his wit and turn of phrase, and this latest series is no different.
With new characters, a new world, and new animals - and old to explore, this lastest series has immense possibilities and M-SE, being no slouch, is quick to explore them.
If you like variety, and something totally different, I’d definitely recommend reading Tamer.
I really enjoyed this one, and I’m totally looking forward to where he’s going to take this storyline with the next book.
I loved this new series from Michael-Scott Earle. He never disappoints me with his wit and turn of phrase, and this latest series is no different.
With new characters, a new world, and new animals - and old to explore, this lastest series has immense possibilities and M-SE, being no slouch, is quick to explore them.
If you like variety, and something totally different, I’d definitely recommend reading Tamer.
I really enjoyed this one, and I’m totally looking forward to where he’s going to take this storyline with the next book.
November 26, 2017
To much drama and to little Litrpg
First I should say that real taming doesn’t occur until your over half way through the book. Second I want to say that most of the book focused on the growing harem relationship type drama. And third, for all you people who were hoping for a legit litrpg this is not it. There may be some form of tech for the rpg window but honestly the story would have been better without it.
First I should say that real taming doesn’t occur until your over half way through the book. Second I want to say that most of the book focused on the growing harem relationship type drama. And third, for all you people who were hoping for a legit litrpg this is not it. There may be some form of tech for the rpg window but honestly the story would have been better without it.
June 4, 2022
Yes!
A good story and very entertaining. For me, the story started slow but eventually picked up, by the end I was eager for book two. I enjoyed that the relationships were awkward at first, so many fantasy books involving multiple women and one guy, everyone gets along wonderfully. The main character, Victor, is a little too chivalrous, but still believable. Just the right amount of detail and action. Good stuff!
A good story and very entertaining. For me, the story started slow but eventually picked up, by the end I was eager for book two. I enjoyed that the relationships were awkward at first, so many fantasy books involving multiple women and one guy, everyone gets along wonderfully. The main character, Victor, is a little too chivalrous, but still believable. Just the right amount of detail and action. Good stuff!
November 28, 2017
Great
Great book interesting premise. My only complaint is if you are going to ramp up the sexual tension the whole book don't do a fade to black sex scene its just wrong and feels disappointing, and frustrating. You were basically foreshadowing a sex scene the whole book the you give us a fade to black as a cliffhanger.
Great book interesting premise. My only complaint is if you are going to ramp up the sexual tension the whole book don't do a fade to black sex scene its just wrong and feels disappointing, and frustrating. You were basically foreshadowing a sex scene the whole book the you give us a fade to black as a cliffhanger.
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