Hardback – 432 pages 

ISBN 9789083488233

• Historical chess-espionage thriller set in the late Cold War Soviet Union, it follows
  Armenian chess prodigy Yasha Basmajian as he navigates intrigue, manipulation,
  and ideological clashes en route to top-tier international competition.
• Described as a compelling crossover for fans of The Queen’s Gambit, mixing tactical
  drama, Cold War politics, and espionage.

Early Acclaim and Expert Praise

The novel has attracted strong endorsements even before release:

• Gert Devreese (De Standaard): “A sublime blend of chess… nasty intrigues…
  simply irresistible.”
• Tom Piceu (IM Master & coach): “It unfolds like a game of chess … truly
  captivating!”
• Daniel Fernandez (Grandmaster): “I found myself immersed… empathizing
  with him as a brother in arms.”
• Dr Chris Tilling (research/literature academic): “A gripping journey…
  elegantly crafted… deeply absorbing.”
• Mary Mackey (NYT bestselling author): Praised its “life-and-death thrills… a
  personal quest that… enchant your heart.”

Such strong advance blurbs from chess professionals, academics, and literary figures suggest
the novel strikes a rare balance of technical authenticity and narrative energy.