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Queen Sacrifice
10th Century Wales is a country divided, with the kingdom of the south becoming Saxon and the north violently defending the old ways. The inevitable civil war is brutal and savage in this tale of divided loyalty and revenge, treachery and love.
Kings and queens battle for control of the country, with wealth and glory for the victor and death and ruin for the loser. The bishops of Wales struggle to keep the faith while knights and war lords turn events to advantage and the lives of ordinary people are changed forever by the conflict.
Queen Sacrifice is also a legendary tactic in the ancient game of chess. Russian chess grand master Lakov Neishtadt describes the sacrifice of the queen for higher interests as “a source of continuing fascination for the chess novice and master alike.”
The narrative faithfully follows EVERY move in the queen sacrifice game, known as "The Game of the Century" between Donald Byrne and 13-year-old Bobby Fischer in New York City on October 17th, 1956.
Kings and queens battle for control of the country, with wealth and glory for the victor and death and ruin for the loser. The bishops of Wales struggle to keep the faith while knights and war lords turn events to advantage and the lives of ordinary people are changed forever by the conflict.
Queen Sacrifice is also a legendary tactic in the ancient game of chess. Russian chess grand master Lakov Neishtadt describes the sacrifice of the queen for higher interests as “a source of continuing fascination for the chess novice and master alike.”
The narrative faithfully follows EVERY move in the queen sacrifice game, known as "The Game of the Century" between Donald Byrne and 13-year-old Bobby Fischer in New York City on October 17th, 1956.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2012
71 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Tony Riches
27 books471 followersTony Riches is a full-time author from Pembrokeshire, West Wales, an area full of inspiration for his writing.
Best known for his Tudor Trilogy, Tony's other international best sellers include 'Mary - Tudor Princess, 'Brandon - Tudor Knight' and 'Katherine - Tudor Duchess'.
In his spare time Tony enjoys sailing and sea kayaking. Visit Tony's website at www.tonyriches.com, Tony Riches Author on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @tonyriches.
Best known for his Tudor Trilogy, Tony's other international best sellers include 'Mary - Tudor Princess, 'Brandon - Tudor Knight' and 'Katherine - Tudor Duchess'.
In his spare time Tony enjoys sailing and sea kayaking. Visit Tony's website at www.tonyriches.com, Tony Riches Author on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @tonyriches.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 17, 2012
What a brilliant idea! A very readable story giving insight into all of the main characters in the battle for survival of North and South Wales. I was enthralled from beginning to end.
Even though the story stands in its own right, I found an added dimension by following the events alongside the actual Fisher Game of 1956. I enjoyed alternating between the game and determining what action would take place next in the story.
You don't need to be able to understand Chess to follow the story, but it is interesting how one game can be envisaged as a human battle for supremacy.
Even though the story stands in its own right, I found an added dimension by following the events alongside the actual Fisher Game of 1956. I enjoyed alternating between the game and determining what action would take place next in the story.
You don't need to be able to understand Chess to follow the story, but it is interesting how one game can be envisaged as a human battle for supremacy.
February 19, 2013
I know nothing about chess. I’ve heard of Bobby Fischer only due to his firmly secured place in popular culture which led to his name being an answer to a Trivial Pursuit question. That said, if no one had told me that this novel starting with Chapter 8, followed the moves of a famous chess match it would not have been evident. Riches prefaces his novel well with his motivation and base in history so that the reader expects a point where the narrative turns to “this happened … and then this happened …. And then this happened.” In actual fact, the narrative flows evenly throughout the novel. Could it be that there’s more a story to chess than this humble reader could have ever imagined?
Let’s face it, the medieval genre is hot right now. Game of Thrones, Camelot, Merlin …. Queen Sacrifice fits into that market niche. There is a VAST cast of characters that Riches list as chess pieces on a board (He notes that when he wrote the novel to find that he had written only 2 women, he gave the Queens female companions to even the score a bit). The characters are all unique and Riches makes clear who we’re following so that despite the many voices, the narrative is very clear and the story is easy to follow and keep straight.
Queen Sacrifice has the feeling of an Arthurian legend. The characters engage in infidelity and intrigue. Some are self-absorbed and self-serving while others serve King and country. Riches action is well described and more like a dance than a tennis match. I am not a Welsh historian so don’t know if the history is based in fact (a quick Google search revealed nothing) but the story has that delicious feeling that it might have been. Riches narrative is plausible and feels like a well researched “based on a true story.” Queen Sacrifice smacks of hard work and careful craftsmanship for the enjoyment of the reader.
I have a feeling if you’re a chess fan and have knowledge of the game, this may just be the book for you. The chess player will nod knowingly with each step. I did not get the chess references or follow the moves as spectators did back in 1956 but I did enjoy the novel as someone who likes historically based narratives. I know a few people for whom this is a preferred genre and will be recommending the novel to them. Queen Sacrifice stands in quality and complexity with any novel of the genre. Look out George R.R. Martin, Tony Riches is coming for you!
Let’s face it, the medieval genre is hot right now. Game of Thrones, Camelot, Merlin …. Queen Sacrifice fits into that market niche. There is a VAST cast of characters that Riches list as chess pieces on a board (He notes that when he wrote the novel to find that he had written only 2 women, he gave the Queens female companions to even the score a bit). The characters are all unique and Riches makes clear who we’re following so that despite the many voices, the narrative is very clear and the story is easy to follow and keep straight.
Queen Sacrifice has the feeling of an Arthurian legend. The characters engage in infidelity and intrigue. Some are self-absorbed and self-serving while others serve King and country. Riches action is well described and more like a dance than a tennis match. I am not a Welsh historian so don’t know if the history is based in fact (a quick Google search revealed nothing) but the story has that delicious feeling that it might have been. Riches narrative is plausible and feels like a well researched “based on a true story.” Queen Sacrifice smacks of hard work and careful craftsmanship for the enjoyment of the reader.
I have a feeling if you’re a chess fan and have knowledge of the game, this may just be the book for you. The chess player will nod knowingly with each step. I did not get the chess references or follow the moves as spectators did back in 1956 but I did enjoy the novel as someone who likes historically based narratives. I know a few people for whom this is a preferred genre and will be recommending the novel to them. Queen Sacrifice stands in quality and complexity with any novel of the genre. Look out George R.R. Martin, Tony Riches is coming for you!
June 9, 2019
Excellent story
The writing is tight and to the point. It follows the match closely and Mr. Riches story telling style is top notch. Love his battle sequences.
The writing is tight and to the point. It follows the match closely and Mr. Riches story telling style is top notch. Love his battle sequences.
April 7, 2016
My memories of chess moves is very scant, however I soon figured out what was happening.
Although I used to read a great deal of Medieval history, this particular war is an event I knew little about. Still, the author soon captured my interest. Since I am not aware of the moves of the chess game this tale is based upon, I was caught up in the story, wondering who won.
A very cleverly written book, and one which suprised me with details I would not have expected from a male author (apologies Mr Riches). Those details made an interesting book easy to visualize.
Well done!
Although I used to read a great deal of Medieval history, this particular war is an event I knew little about. Still, the author soon captured my interest. Since I am not aware of the moves of the chess game this tale is based upon, I was caught up in the story, wondering who won.
A very cleverly written book, and one which suprised me with details I would not have expected from a male author (apologies Mr Riches). Those details made an interesting book easy to visualize.
Well done!
November 30, 2015
Very good read!
Part of history that I haven't read much about. Fast moving & very entertaining. Recommend to all historical fiction readers.
Part of history that I haven't read much about. Fast moving & very entertaining. Recommend to all historical fiction readers.
April 1, 2016
Fast paced adventure
This was a rollicking good read. While the characters dropped like flies it kept a good pace. I think it Riches best.
This was a rollicking good read. While the characters dropped like flies it kept a good pace. I think it Riches best.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews