The Contender Series by Taran Matharu is a gripping trilogy that follows the journey of a young boy named Cade Carter as he navigates his way through a treacherous world of gladiatorial combat. This series is a must-read for fans of action, adventure, and high-stakes competition.
Book 1: The Chosen
The first book in the Contender Series, The Chosen, introduces us to Cade Carter, a 13-year-old boy who lives with his aunt in a small town in England. One day, Cade discovers a mysterious invitation to compete in a top-secret gladiator tournament known as the Contender. Although Cade initially dismisses the invitation as a prank, he soon learns that it is all too real.
As Cade begins his training for the Contender, he discovers that he possesses a rare ability known as the Gift, which allows him to control the elements of earth, water, fire, and air. With this newfound power, Cade becomes a force to be reckoned with in the arena, but he quickly realizes that there are darker forces at work behind the scenes.
As he uncovers the truth about the Contender and the sinister organization that runs it, Cade must fight not only for his own survival but for the future of the tournament itself. With fast-paced action, high-stakes competition, and a cast of memorable characters, The Chosen sets the stage for an epic trilogy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Book 2: The Challenger
In The Challenger, the second book in the series, Cade has emerged victorious from the Contender and is now a rising star in the world of gladiatorial combat. But as he begins to enjoy his newfound fame and fortune, he realizes that the dangers he faced in the arena were only the beginning.
When a new challenger arrives on the scene, Cade is forced to confront his own limitations and push himself to new heights if he hopes to retain his title as the champion. But even as he trains for the next bout, Cade can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Contender, he discovers a conspiracy that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of the tournament.
With pulse-pounding action and high-stakes drama, The Challenger builds on the foundation laid in the first book and takes readers on a wild ride through a world of gladiators, conspiracies, and high-tech weaponry.
Book 3: The Champion
The final instalment in the Contender Series, The Champion, brings Cade's journey to a thrilling conclusion. As the reigning champion of the Contender, Cade has become a symbol of hope for the oppressed people of his world. But with the tournament's leaders closing in on him and his allies, Cade knows that his time as champion may be short-lived.
As he fights to uncover the truth behind the Contender and the organization that controls it, Cade must confront his own fears and weaknesses if he hopes to emerge victorious. With everything on the line, he must rally his friends and allies to take on the most dangerous challenge yet - a final showdown against the forces of evil that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.
With heart-stopping action, unforgettable characters, and a storyline that will keep readers guessing until the very end, The Champion is a worthy finale to a trilogy that has captured the imaginations of readers around the world.
Overall, the Contender Series by Taran Matharu is a must-read for anyone who loves action-packed adventure and high-stakes competition. With a cast of memorable characters, an intricate plot, and masterful storytelling, this series is a must-read.
Titles In This Set:
- The Chosen
- The Challenger
- The Champion
Description from the Publisher:
The Chosen
CADE CARTER IS LOST
Convicted of a crime he didn't commit, Cade is facing a year in reform school when he finds himself suddenly transported to another realm.
BUT THIS NEW WORLD IS NO ESCAPE
Populated by bloodthirsty prehistoric creatures and fierce warriors, Cade's surroundings are full of danger. Along with his fellow students, Cade is forced to become a contender in a deadly game of the highest stakes, controlled by invisible overlords.
Who are these brutal rulers, and why did they choose Cade? Before he can find answers, Cade must get ready to fight ...
The Challenger
CADE CARTER HAS BEEN CHOSEN
In a realm of monsters and warriors, Cade is an unwilling contender in a deadly tournament controlled by the brutal alien overlord Abaddon.
Cade may have won the first round but the fight isn't over yet. For his next battle, he must duel a seven-foot-tall, clawed monster - the reigning champion of an alien race.
LOSING WILL LEAD TO EARTH'S DESTRUCTION
Desperate for anything that may give him an advantage, Cade sets off on an expedition into the jungle to scavenge weaponry to help him win. But there he is captured by gladiators, and before he knows it he finds himself participating in a deadly new game where the prize is his freedom.
ROUND TWO IS ABOUT TO BEGIN ...
The Champion
CADE AND HIS FRIENDS ARE FIGHTING FOR EARTH
Cade has managed to survive the duel with the Hydra Alpha - barely. But the Games are far from over.
By order of the cruel and mysterious alien overlord, Abaddon, Cade and his friends are sent off to war against the Greys, a humanoid race who have far surpassed humans in technology on their home planet.
A GLIMMER OF HOPE?
This attempt to move up the leaderboard leads Cade to a game-changing revelation: The Pantheon - the millennia-old alien masterminds behind the Games - have a weakness.
With the right artefacts scavenged from the land of Acies and a heavy dose of courage and luck, Cade has exactly one chance to end their tyranny forever. But if he fails, for the lives of his friends and the survival of Earth, it will be ...
GAME OVER
About the Author:
Taran Matharu is a British author, known for his young adult fantasy series, The Summoner Trilogy, which has been translated into over 20 languages and sold over a million copies worldwide. Matharu was born on May 17, 1990, in London, England, to a family of Indian origin.
Growing up, Matharu was an avid reader of fantasy novels and comics, and he was particularly drawn to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling. He also had a passion for gaming and played various video games, including World of Warcraft, which served as a source of inspiration for his writing.
Matharu's writing style has been described as fast-paced, immersive, and cinematic. He often draws inspiration from his own experiences and interests, and he incorporates elements of mythology, history, and culture into his stories. He has also been vocal about the importance of diversity in literature and has included characters from different backgrounds and cultures in his books.
Taran Matharu is a talented author whose work has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. His unique blend of fantasy, mythology, and culture has earned him a loyal fan base, and his commitment to diversity and inclusion in literature is commendable. With several successful novels under his belt, Matharu is undoubtedly a rising star in the young adult fiction world, and his future works are eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.