Some say titans are descended from giants. Others say they are risen from men. But there’s never any debate about where to find them. They will be in the center of a roaring crowd, beating the hell out of each other. From contenders like the Savage and Scott Flawless to pretenders like Richard the Living Portrait and Troll-Blooded Thom, a titan’s lot in life is the same: To wrestle for dominion and glory in the squared circle. Van, a quiet titan from the brewery town of Headwaters, wants no part in this. He’d prefer to be left alone with a beer. But destiny has him in a headlock, and it is prepared to drag him into battles that will shake the land and change his world forever. Step into the ring with this one-of-a-kind novel, brewed special for fans of epic fantasy, fans of professional wrestling from the Golden Era and beyond, or simply fans of a good tale. "Nonstop clashes among a vibrant cast of giants animate this enjoyable romp." - Kirkus Reviews "The world of pro-wrestling meets epic fantasy in this explosive genre mashup...Gately writes some fantastically punchable antagonists...a great job of taking an against-the-odds sports story and mixing it with the tropes and traits of high fantasy to create something thrilling and genuinely unique...Readers should pour themselves a cold beer, hold onto their seats, and prepare for the single most epic smackdown of all time." - Grimdark Magazine "The Headlock of Destiny is unique, and clever, and fun, and enjoyable, with a lovable cast of characters that draw you into a zany concept that ends up being more epic than you expect." - Calvin Park, Fantasy Book Review "I loved this book. Samuel Gately has an easy, fun voice that makes the text fly by at a breezy clip. The description of wrestling matches are fast-paced and exciting, with each one a spectacle of over-the-top action. But wrestling action aside, some of my favorite moments were outside the ring, like Van's quest to steal a barrel of beer, his antics at the tavern and casino between matches, or his awkward encounters with his former girlfriend. Much of the characters and interactions are refreshingly grounded and real, despite the story being set in a magical world with wrestling minotaurs and dragons used as passenger airlines. I think that's what really makes this work - a world with cartoonish wrestling action and fantasy trappings, it's really Gately's down-to-earth portrayal of Van that makes him seem real and relatable...Really great stuff." - C.D. Gallant-King, author of Hell Comes to Hogtown "If you enjoy light-hearted humorous fantasy with a focus on action and fights, you'd really enjoy this one...excellent dialogue, sharp and very enjoyable to read, chock-full of fine characterization...who could have imagined that beer and giant, sweaty men duking it out could be so much fun?" - The Fantasy Hive "This book is pure entertainment...Gately has created a colourful, memorable cast of characters...The Headlock of Destiny is proof that it's great to venture off the beaten path...A fabulous read for anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced read with lots of action and great characters. It doesn't matter if you know nothing about wrestling - I certainly don't - Gately pulls you into his story and world and dazzles you, and I'm looking forward to the next book." - Beneath a Thousand Skies "Gately has married fantasy and wrestling so well it's almost baffling that no one else had figured it out sooner...this was one of the most fun books I have ever read." - FanFiAddict "The Headlock of Destiny has the feel of a passion project and the author's excitement is palpable. This is what happens when someone writes the book they want to read, damn the naysayers, and it pays off immensely. And the ending had me buying the sequel right away." - Seanchalant's Highh Fantasy Book Reviews "I. FREAKING. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. In fact, dear reader, please meet my new favourite book - The Headlock of Destiny...it was just good, and so good, and it got better and better and better...and it was proper FUN! Most of you fantasy freaks have read Kings of the Wyld and you all know how much fun that was...well, The Headlock of Destiny delivers, naturally a bit differently, but a totally equal amount of fun!" - Cover to Cover "...a fabulous book...fast paced, clever, and just enjoyable...probably the most fun I've had reading a book all year." - Reddit Reading Champion Reviewer