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Immortal Game
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26In #1 New York Times bestseller Allison Saft’s enthralling new romantic fantasy, a chess grandmaster will go to any length to save the person she loves the most.
Six years ago, Shea Fury’s sister was whisked away by the High King of the Otherworld, the ruler of the treacherous land of fae. Although Shea has spent the years since dreaming of rescuing her sister from captivity, the Iron Veil that separates the human world from that of the fae has made it only a wish. That is, until an invitation to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime chess tournament in the Otherworld arrives on Shea’s doorstep. The winner of the tournament may ask the High King to grant one wish, and Shea is finally within reach of hers.
But entering the tournament and winning it are two different matters. Dark magic lurks around every corner in the Otherworld, and Shea’s cutthroat opponents are willing to bend the rules to make their own wishes come true. To make it to the end—and to find her sister—she is forced to strike an alliance with her longtime rival, the sharply beautiful fae princess, Ciara of Bri Leith. One wrong move, though, and Shea could lose more than just the She’d lose her sister, her dignity, and maybe even her life.
In Immortal Game, Allison Saft has written a high-stakes sapphic love story brimming with competitive tension set against a lush, Irish folklore-inspired fantasy world.
Six years ago, Shea Fury’s sister was whisked away by the High King of the Otherworld, the ruler of the treacherous land of fae. Although Shea has spent the years since dreaming of rescuing her sister from captivity, the Iron Veil that separates the human world from that of the fae has made it only a wish. That is, until an invitation to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime chess tournament in the Otherworld arrives on Shea’s doorstep. The winner of the tournament may ask the High King to grant one wish, and Shea is finally within reach of hers.
But entering the tournament and winning it are two different matters. Dark magic lurks around every corner in the Otherworld, and Shea’s cutthroat opponents are willing to bend the rules to make their own wishes come true. To make it to the end—and to find her sister—she is forced to strike an alliance with her longtime rival, the sharply beautiful fae princess, Ciara of Bri Leith. One wrong move, though, and Shea could lose more than just the She’d lose her sister, her dignity, and maybe even her life.
In Immortal Game, Allison Saft has written a high-stakes sapphic love story brimming with competitive tension set against a lush, Irish folklore-inspired fantasy world.
Audible Audio
Expected publication August 4, 2026
About the author
Allison Saft
11 books4,280 followersAllison Saft is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic and Down Comes the Night. After receiving her MA in English Literature from Tulane University, she moved from the Gulf Coast to the West Coast, where she spends her time rolling on eight wheels and practicing aerial silks. She lives with her partner and an Italian greyhound named Marzipan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
March 1, 2026
Allison Saft looked at current Fae stories and decided that they needed more lesbians playing chess in them, and I can only agree with that. Because after I found the beginning to be a bit rough, this turned out to be a great read for me. I didn't love how this book started out with dropping a lot of information onto the reader, not introducing anything properly. But it also made sense, because the protagonist, Shea Fury, doesn't need an introduction to anything. She has lived her whole life in a world that is separated from a Fae otherworld by a veil, and she already knows more about the Fae than she would like to anyway. As a chess grandmaster she plays regularly against the Fae who are weirdly obsessed with the game and mortal art in general. Humans on the other hand rarely cross the veil, although it's not uncommon that they are stolen away when the Fae take an interest in them. The same happened to Shea's sister Aideen, and Shea has been working her entire life to get the chance to face the Fae King who took her again. Her wish gets granted when she is invited to a famous chess tournament in the otherworld where she also meets the Fae Princess Ciara who happens to be an old chess rival of Shea's. It really does sound weird when I write it out like that, but something about this unusual mix of chess in the modern world and Fae fantasy really worked for me. Even though I can't confidently say that I understand the game. I don't play chess and all I know about it comes from the time when The Queen’s Gambit was popular and from that one class I took in university about European medieval chess literature (don't ask). Maybe chess nerds will get even more out of this book, but I didn't mind that I couldn't follow the games move by move. I was actually surprised that the author managed to make the games so intriguing anyway. The descriptions were less about every single move made and more about the overall feel of the game. How it's developing, who has the upper hand, who becomes more and more nervous during it. Sometimes there were very beautiful explanations even, describing how chess is a bridge between two souls, how it feels to get to know the opponent through their moves and reactions. Shea and Ciara's relationship really worked because of that too. They have a history and played many times before and while they always were rivals, their connection also felt intimate. Every character had good reasons to participate in the tournament whose winner will get whatever they wish for, and that led to such dramatic moments whenever two people I was rooting for faced each other in the tournament. I was living for that. The chess tournament ended up being way more exciting than I ever thought possible. Yes, they were mostly playing chess, but in the background there always was a bit of faerie magic or an unbreakable oath that made everything way more interesting. There were also other competitive activities between games and a lot of time to properly meet the characters. Overall, I ended up liking this a lot and I'm glad that it turned around early on. I haven't read everything by her yet, but Allison Saft remains a very solid author to me and I will happily continue to look forward to her books.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
October 15, 2025what a cover!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
HUGEEE thanks to NetGalley & St.Martin’s Press for a chance to review this arc!! You made a girl so happy 🥹
🎶 Untouchable, burning brighter than the sun
And when you're close, I feel like coming undone 🎶
Shea’s older sister Aideen was whisked away by the High King of the Otherworld and Shea spent the next 6 years blaming herself for not being able to save her sister.
Shea worked hard to become the best chest player ; hopelessly wishing to be invited to the Otherworld so she could have a chance to win against the High King and wish for her sister back.
Allison Saft has the kind of writing that is so addictive & romantic. The sisters background with the mentally unwell mother and what she was putting them through hit me right in the chest, as someone who went through similar things. The sisters bond was strong and relatable. This author always succeeds to hit me right in the chest ; when she writes difficult backgrounds for her characters. She always gets the emotional punch just right.
« We got dealt a bad hand. You were the only thing that made it bearable. I wouldn’t change that for anything. » (this made me cry. I sent it to my younger brothers).
We follow Shea through the difficulties of the Otherworld as she soon learns that everyone has a valid reason for wanting to win. I loved the found friendships, but what I loved most was the romance. I have chills just thinking about it. The sapphic romance was the best one I’ve read in a long time and I was so enamoured by all of it.
The ending was just perfect. I didn’t see some of it coming and I cried at some point because it was just so deeply touching.
I cannot wait to see what Allison Saft writes next! I’m so enchanted I got this arc.
🎶 Untouchable, burning brighter than the sun
And when you're close, I feel like coming undone 🎶
Shea’s older sister Aideen was whisked away by the High King of the Otherworld and Shea spent the next 6 years blaming herself for not being able to save her sister.
Shea worked hard to become the best chest player ; hopelessly wishing to be invited to the Otherworld so she could have a chance to win against the High King and wish for her sister back.
Allison Saft has the kind of writing that is so addictive & romantic. The sisters background with the mentally unwell mother and what she was putting them through hit me right in the chest, as someone who went through similar things. The sisters bond was strong and relatable. This author always succeeds to hit me right in the chest ; when she writes difficult backgrounds for her characters. She always gets the emotional punch just right.
« We got dealt a bad hand. You were the only thing that made it bearable. I wouldn’t change that for anything. » (this made me cry. I sent it to my younger brothers).
We follow Shea through the difficulties of the Otherworld as she soon learns that everyone has a valid reason for wanting to win. I loved the found friendships, but what I loved most was the romance. I have chills just thinking about it. The sapphic romance was the best one I’ve read in a long time and I was so enamoured by all of it.
The ending was just perfect. I didn’t see some of it coming and I cried at some point because it was just so deeply touching.
I cannot wait to see what Allison Saft writes next! I’m so enchanted I got this arc.
January 23, 2026
what if our chess rivalry was secretly a way for us to connect with each other while rediscovering a love for the game that had been tainted by a quest for revenge against a powerful fae king ? what then?
“Tell me I am delusional, or give me what I want”
more fae being little freaks who make deadly bargains and chase revenge for thousands of years please!!
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing me an advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
“Tell me I am delusional, or give me what I want”
more fae being little freaks who make deadly bargains and chase revenge for thousands of years please!!
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing me an advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
remind-me-once-out
October 14, 2025*GRABBY HANDS*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
˗ˏˋ ♟️ 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 ♟️ ˎˊ˗
ᯓ *ੈ✩‧₊˚♕ ɪᴍᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴀᴜɢᴜsᴛ 4, 2026!
⤿ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 4.25 sᴛᴀʀs!! ★★★★☆
⤿ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ: ғᴀᴇʀɪᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅs, sᴀᴘᴘʜɪᴄ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʀɪᴠᴀʟs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs!!
ᯓ♕ ᴘʀᴇᴍɪsᴇ:
⤿ Shea Fury is a grandmaster of chess and only has one more challenge left to conquer. She needs to win a chess tournament in the faerie’s realm against the High King of the Otherworld. Shea is trying to save her sister who was stolen from her by the High King. Along the way, Shea uncovers secrets and a darker past, forming an alliance with the charming Ciara of Bri Lift and tries to keep control over both the chess board and her life.
ᯓ♕ ᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
⤿ This is my third book by Allison Saft and it is definitely my favorite. The premise and characters are interesting, as well as the various twists and turns of plot.
I cannot say that world-building is unique, but it remains captivating all the same. Who does not love a story about trickster faeries and their bargains, their forbidden lands and their secrets? As soon as I began the book, it was so comforting to have a book that I knew would let me escape within its pages.
The pacing was nice and easy to read, it flowed consistently throughout the whole of the story. The plot was intriguing, I liked the idea of a high stakes chess tournament where the winner receives (almost) anything they wish for. However, Shea’s initial motivation to save her sister felt childlike and forced. I think that if Shea had been motivated through other means, it could have been a much more compelling story.
Additionally, this book touches on burnout - something common in many people. I appreciate the depiction of it, it is so realistic and like my own experiences. This really helped me sympathize with the main character, the feeling of falling out of love with the one thing that you have poured your entire soul into.
On a different note, I think that I would definitely be willing to watch more chess games if the stakes were very high and there was magic involved. I need to go play some (rather poor) games of chess very soon!
ᯓ ♕ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs:
⤷ Shea Fury. Arguably the best chess player in the world, the only challenge left is to beat the Faerie King at his own game.
⤷ Ciara of Bri Lift. An infuriatingly talented (and charming) faerie chess player, determined to win by any means possible.
Two chess masters (not in love) competing for the same thing and with only one winner, what could possibly go wrong?
ᯓ ♕ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
I quite liked this book, I found myself envelopped within the story like it was a warm hug. The characters were relatable and it certainly delivered everything promised to me. The cover is beautiful and I do require a copy for my bookshelf when it releases in August!
ᯓ ♕ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:
⤿ 4.25 stars ★★★★☆
ᯓ ♕ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
⤿ The Cruel Prince (Holly Black)
⤿ Wings of Starlight (Allison Saft)
Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰
♟️ || ᴘʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ:
₊⊹⁀➴ a fantasy book about chess and faeries?! count me in!!!
ᯓ *ੈ✩‧₊˚♕ ɪᴍᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴀᴜɢᴜsᴛ 4, 2026!
⤿ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 4.25 sᴛᴀʀs!! ★★★★☆
⤿ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ: ғᴀᴇʀɪᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅs, sᴀᴘᴘʜɪᴄ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʀɪᴠᴀʟs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs!!
ᯓ♕ ᴘʀᴇᴍɪsᴇ:
⤿ Shea Fury is a grandmaster of chess and only has one more challenge left to conquer. She needs to win a chess tournament in the faerie’s realm against the High King of the Otherworld. Shea is trying to save her sister who was stolen from her by the High King. Along the way, Shea uncovers secrets and a darker past, forming an alliance with the charming Ciara of Bri Lift and tries to keep control over both the chess board and her life.
ᯓ♕ ᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
⤿ This is my third book by Allison Saft and it is definitely my favorite. The premise and characters are interesting, as well as the various twists and turns of plot.
I cannot say that world-building is unique, but it remains captivating all the same. Who does not love a story about trickster faeries and their bargains, their forbidden lands and their secrets? As soon as I began the book, it was so comforting to have a book that I knew would let me escape within its pages.
The pacing was nice and easy to read, it flowed consistently throughout the whole of the story. The plot was intriguing, I liked the idea of a high stakes chess tournament where the winner receives (almost) anything they wish for. However, Shea’s initial motivation to save her sister felt childlike and forced. I think that if Shea had been motivated through other means, it could have been a much more compelling story.
Additionally, this book touches on burnout - something common in many people. I appreciate the depiction of it, it is so realistic and like my own experiences. This really helped me sympathize with the main character, the feeling of falling out of love with the one thing that you have poured your entire soul into.
On a different note, I think that I would definitely be willing to watch more chess games if the stakes were very high and there was magic involved. I need to go play some (rather poor) games of chess very soon!
ᯓ ♕ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs:
⤷ Shea Fury. Arguably the best chess player in the world, the only challenge left is to beat the Faerie King at his own game.
⤷ Ciara of Bri Lift. An infuriatingly talented (and charming) faerie chess player, determined to win by any means possible.
Two chess masters (not in love) competing for the same thing and with only one winner, what could possibly go wrong?
ᯓ ♕ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
I quite liked this book, I found myself envelopped within the story like it was a warm hug. The characters were relatable and it certainly delivered everything promised to me. The cover is beautiful and I do require a copy for my bookshelf when it releases in August!
ᯓ ♕ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:
⤿ 4.25 stars ★★★★☆
ᯓ ♕ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
⤿ The Cruel Prince (Holly Black)
⤿ Wings of Starlight (Allison Saft)
Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰
♟️ || ᴘʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ:
₊⊹⁀➴ a fantasy book about chess and faeries?! count me in!!!
March 11, 2026
meh.
i love allison saft and will read anything she writes, but that does come at the cost of knowing that her books are generally very slow moving and at times boring. this book fell under both categories, and while still being rich in description, characterization, and plot development, i didn't find myself excited to pick it up or reaching for it often. this could be my fault; i haven't been in a fantasy mood, nevertheless for YA fantasy, and the Fae stuff is just a tad overdone at this point (but i know, what else are you supposed to write about?).
the chess stuff was fun and a unique twist, andand i did like how saft built up everything with midir--that with his eye and all. i thoroughly enjoyed saft's angle on many of the fantasy elements. the romance was a bit lackluster and bland and didn't resonate with me in any special way. it was the weakest aspect of the novel.
still, it was a good book with many twists and turns, predictable fantasy-esque betrayals and motifs, that i would recommend to anybody wanting a lush read.
thank you wednesday books for the arc
i love allison saft and will read anything she writes, but that does come at the cost of knowing that her books are generally very slow moving and at times boring. this book fell under both categories, and while still being rich in description, characterization, and plot development, i didn't find myself excited to pick it up or reaching for it often. this could be my fault; i haven't been in a fantasy mood, nevertheless for YA fantasy, and the Fae stuff is just a tad overdone at this point (but i know, what else are you supposed to write about?).
the chess stuff was fun and a unique twist, andand i did like how saft built up everything with midir--that with his eye and all. i thoroughly enjoyed saft's angle on many of the fantasy elements. the romance was a bit lackluster and bland and didn't resonate with me in any special way. it was the weakest aspect of the novel.
still, it was a good book with many twists and turns, predictable fantasy-esque betrayals and motifs, that i would recommend to anybody wanting a lush read.
thank you wednesday books for the arc
Want to Read
February 17, 2026
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
The Cruel Prince meets The Queen’s Gambit!!!!
The Cruel Prince meets The Queen’s Gambit!!!!
March 3, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Rounded Up
Chess? Faes? Love? Loss?
What an incredible mixture of such unexpected pieces. I didn’t think I could be so into reading about chess. The author did an absolute incredible job of keeping the book interesting.
I thought it was a great little addition to add flashback chapters, this really pulls the story together because of the backstory given. A chess tournament? With a possibility of getting one wish with no restrictions? What a surprise.
It took me a second to get into it, mainly because I was lost for probably the first 20% of the book. Once everything clicked I was long for the ride. Seriously, I kept trying to guess what on earth was going to happen next, and I was wrong every time. It was impressive the twists and turns that came every round.
Ciara was so charming yet cocky? It worked so well for her. Shea grew so much and gained so much confidence, I’m so proud of her. I must admit, Daniil was a surprise favorite for me, he became such a solid character. Of course so many things could’ve been resolved from the jump with a little communication, but what’s the fun in that?
This was such an original concept, I’ve never read anything like this. If a book can surprise me with its story, it’s a winner to me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Chess? Faes? Love? Loss?
What an incredible mixture of such unexpected pieces. I didn’t think I could be so into reading about chess. The author did an absolute incredible job of keeping the book interesting.
I thought it was a great little addition to add flashback chapters, this really pulls the story together because of the backstory given. A chess tournament? With a possibility of getting one wish with no restrictions? What a surprise.
It took me a second to get into it, mainly because I was lost for probably the first 20% of the book. Once everything clicked I was long for the ride. Seriously, I kept trying to guess what on earth was going to happen next, and I was wrong every time. It was impressive the twists and turns that came every round.
Ciara was so charming yet cocky? It worked so well for her. Shea grew so much and gained so much confidence, I’m so proud of her. I must admit, Daniil was a surprise favorite for me, he became such a solid character. Of course so many things could’ve been resolved from the jump with a little communication, but what’s the fun in that?
This was such an original concept, I’ve never read anything like this. If a book can surprise me with its story, it’s a winner to me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went in expecting part tournament, part murder mystery. Why else would the blurb say “players start to drop dead at their boards”? Turns out it’s just the King killing players caught cheating, and everyone just shrugs and moves on. It felt like a cheap hook to grab my attention, and it did the rest of the story a real disservice.
As for the rest:
The female lead was incredibly hard to root for. Her entire personality is built around rescuing a sister who chose to leave for the fae realm six years ago.
The romance felt disappointingly flat. I didn’t care about the couple at all.
The only character that I actually liked was Daniil.
The tournament was the highlight for the first half of the book, but after the 5th time reading about it play-by-play it becomes pretty grating.
The ending wraps up nicely, but also by that point I didn’t care what happened to any of them.
A Far Wilder Magic was also a let down for me, so I think I just don’t vibe with this author’s writing and characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
As for the rest:
The female lead was incredibly hard to root for. Her entire personality is built around rescuing a sister who chose to leave for the fae realm six years ago.
The romance felt disappointingly flat. I didn’t care about the couple at all.
The only character that I actually liked was Daniil.
The tournament was the highlight for the first half of the book, but after the 5th time reading about it play-by-play it becomes pretty grating.
The ending wraps up nicely, but also by that point I didn’t care what happened to any of them.
A Far Wilder Magic was also a let down for me, so I think I just don’t vibe with this author’s writing and characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I need Saft to write an adult fantasy with a darker, grittier atmosphere. I think she would excel at it and most of my problems with her books would go away.
I like the competition aspect, I don't care much for chess but the book made me weirdly invested. The characters are a little flat and the romance even more so. The ending was a little too perfect, too fairytale perhaps is the right way to put it. Both the writing and overall vibe of the story was very good, but it lacked something which is why I made that remark at the beginning.
If you like holly black you would give it a try.
Thank you Netgalley and SMP/Wednesday books for the ARC.
I like the competition aspect, I don't care much for chess but the book made me weirdly invested. The characters are a little flat and the romance even more so. The ending was a little too perfect, too fairytale perhaps is the right way to put it. Both the writing and overall vibe of the story was very good, but it lacked something which is why I made that remark at the beginning.
If you like holly black you would give it a try.
Thank you Netgalley and SMP/Wednesday books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
the chess elements on this book was good that even me, a non-chess player nor enjoyer still can appreciate how much allison saft did her research and understands chess. however! there's so many things that just don't work. the romance was bland and so lacking chemistry that it can be used to induced sleep. there's nothing believable about their attraction. the ending was too fairytale-esque happy ending like fuckkkk being merciful and all that bullshit KILL THAT DISRUPTIVE KILLER! also the characters... mind u everyone is somehow still more likeable or at least fascinating than the fmc (except her mom ig). i usually can like stubborn, reckless characters, but shea crosses the line from that to stupidity to an archaic level. ciara may not find joy in seeing shea's suffering, but i do! serves you right you hot-headed, idiotic, selfish, self-centered girl. saying this book is pike the cruel prince meets the queen's gambit is a disservice tbh jude duarte and beth harmon would grind shea into insignificant dust in 5 seconds
Want to Read
March 6, 2026i am a simple gal. i see a new allison saft book announced, i add it to my tbr.
this sounds really good!
update 10/14/2025 - COVER REVEAL!!!!!! SHES GORG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
update 3/6/2026 - advanced copy sent to my email????? i didn't even have to request it i'm so happy thank you publishers for this GIFT I am soooooooo excited
this sounds really good!
update 10/14/2025 - COVER REVEAL!!!!!! SHES GORG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
update 3/6/2026 - advanced copy sent to my email????? i didn't even have to request it i'm so happy thank you publishers for this GIFT I am soooooooo excited
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked this novel a lot, other than one little thing that bothered me. Hah. Seriously though, this was a good novel. I was drawn in quickly and then it never lagged or had any issue maintaining my attention. I liked the characters, and the plot was simple enough to easily follow yet intricate enough to have layers.
This novel read somewhat like a sports book in my opinion, in a way that I intend as complimentary. I do not particularly care about sports or chess. The author thankfully did a great job of showing the action without getting bogged down in the details of the actual chess games, which I would have found boring. A chess lover would certainly appreciate some elements of this novel, but I think that anyone else would be able to enjoy it as well.
If you are looking for romance, its present in this novel but relatively weak; that’s not the main focus. Just FYI.
There was one thing that bothered me and I need to vent about, though it wasn’t awful. Without giving spoilers…… basically there was a rather important topic that was very important to the plot and a short discussion on this topic would have essentially resolved the entire story immediately; I was low-key frustrated for the entire novel that no one ever brought it up despite it being a natural topic to discuss in my opinion. That barely made sense but eh, this is just for me. I don’t enjoy plot-logic!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
This novel read somewhat like a sports book in my opinion, in a way that I intend as complimentary. I do not particularly care about sports or chess. The author thankfully did a great job of showing the action without getting bogged down in the details of the actual chess games, which I would have found boring. A chess lover would certainly appreciate some elements of this novel, but I think that anyone else would be able to enjoy it as well.
If you are looking for romance, its present in this novel but relatively weak; that’s not the main focus. Just FYI.
There was one thing that bothered me and I need to vent about, though it wasn’t awful. Without giving spoilers…… basically there was a rather important topic that was very important to the plot and a short discussion on this topic would have essentially resolved the entire story immediately; I was low-key frustrated for the entire novel that no one ever brought it up despite it being a natural topic to discuss in my opinion. That barely made sense but eh, this is just for me. I don’t enjoy plot-logic!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Want to Read
September 1, 2025Are you kidding me I need this
Want to Read
May 28, 2025allison saft feeding us sapphic excellence again in 2026. we have never been so back.
Want to Read
November 28, 2025WHAT IS THIS BEAUTY THAT I SEE BEFORE ME
anticipated-releases
October 15, 2025if you ever wonder how much I adore Allison Saft, I am learning how to play chess for this book.
Want to Read
November 20, 2025this is suuuch a unique concept
June 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Immense thanks to Wednesday books who (despite me missing out at Yallfest) told me to email them, and then sent me an amazing manuscript of the book!! I will forever cherish the experience!
Allisons Saft’s new novel was a really good IDEA. I loved the chess x fae x FxF romance imbedded with Irish culture. And, while I was so hype about all of these ideas merging, I think the execution was a bit lackluster for me.
I’m sure many people will enjoy this much more than I did, but I feel like for me the middle dragged a bit. I got a tiny bit detached to Shea and Ciara and the chess matches until about 75% of the way through when I feel like things really picked back up. Also I eventually grew frustrated with Shea’s DEEP NEED to go after her sister, considering her sister’s actual feelings on the matter.
I think what really kept me going was the developing romance between Shea and Ciara, which despite not being the best one I ever read, was intriguing enough to keep me coming back. I needed to know how their story wrapped up.
Overall I liked the book, but I’m not obsessed with it in the way I thought I’d be—the way I wanted to be. But I will always be a fan of the vibes of this book! The concept is super irresistible!
Immense thanks to Wednesday books who (despite me missing out at Yallfest) told me to email them, and then sent me an amazing manuscript of the book!! I will forever cherish the experience!
Allisons Saft’s new novel was a really good IDEA. I loved the chess x fae x FxF romance imbedded with Irish culture. And, while I was so hype about all of these ideas merging, I think the execution was a bit lackluster for me.
I’m sure many people will enjoy this much more than I did, but I feel like for me the middle dragged a bit. I got a tiny bit detached to Shea and Ciara and the chess matches until about 75% of the way through when I feel like things really picked back up. Also I eventually grew frustrated with Shea’s DEEP NEED to go after her sister, considering her sister’s actual feelings on the matter.
I think what really kept me going was the developing romance between Shea and Ciara, which despite not being the best one I ever read, was intriguing enough to keep me coming back. I needed to know how their story wrapped up.
Overall I liked the book, but I’m not obsessed with it in the way I thought I’d be—the way I wanted to be. But I will always be a fan of the vibes of this book! The concept is super irresistible!
April 1, 2026
| rating: 3.75 ★
fairies x chess is a combination i never thought i’d see.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books/Macmillan Publishers for the e-ARC!
fairies x chess is a combination i never thought i’d see.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books/Macmillan Publishers for the e-ARC!
November 30, 2025
like 3.5 (added 0.5 for all the chess references) this was actually so fun 😭 maybe i would feel more indifferent about hadn’t it been for the chess but you can see allison saft KNOWS chess lore and it was so satisfying coming across these mentions here and there from a niche topic i obsess over and know a lot about
Read
May 27, 20264 ⭐️
Huge thank you to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book.
What a fun, cozy standalone romantasy this was! It was sooo refreshing to read something new and novel. I really did not expect to like a fantasy book about a chess tournament but this such a nice change of pace.
I know absolutely nothing about chess but the author made it so I wasn’t confused or lost at any part. I imagine that anyone who enjoys playing chess would really have a great time reading this, relating to all of the history and theory the author talks about.
Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy or a different and refreshing standalone.
Huge thank you to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book.
What a fun, cozy standalone romantasy this was! It was sooo refreshing to read something new and novel. I really did not expect to like a fantasy book about a chess tournament but this such a nice change of pace.
I know absolutely nothing about chess but the author made it so I wasn’t confused or lost at any part. I imagine that anyone who enjoys playing chess would really have a great time reading this, relating to all of the history and theory the author talks about.
Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy or a different and refreshing standalone.
February 28, 2026
Never in my life did I think fae stories needed more chess but this was so great actually!! I saw the Cruel Prince comparisons and knew I needed to read this as soon as humanly possible and I’m sooooo glad to report it delivered. The start was a little rough and I was a little skeptical about the chess part (also because I am extremely bad at the game) but it pulled me in and wouldn’t let me go. The character development tugged at my heart and I loved watching the relationships grow. Shae and Ciara you have my heart foreverrrrrr. I loved this and I’m excited to see its release this August as I will definitely pick up a physical copy. More lesbian chess playing nerds please!!
Massive thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
Massive thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 16, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Immortal Game drew me in with the idea of a chess tournament in the fae realm (and yes it made me want to rewatch Queen’s Gambit) and it delivered.
Shea was an engaging character to follow. She’s a little prickly and has always been set apart from other girls her age. Her priorities have always been her sister and then chess. When her sister is taken to the Otherworld to marry the king, Shea never forgives herself. She dedicates herself to chess knowing one day she’ll get her rematch and get her sister back. It was a great premise and delivered exactly the kind of story I hoped for.
I really liked how Shea’s relationship to chess was altered and so intricately linked with the one game that ruined her. Shea holds onto something that isn’t hers and can only see her failure and not what her sister may or may not have wanted. It was a great driving motivator for Shea throughout the story.
The chess tournament aspect in the unpredictable fae realm was such a highlight for me. It was something I haven’t read before but blended really well the world of cruel, tricky fae and their ancient traditions and rules. The chess felt more like a battle of wits, or a general mustering troops against the enemy than a game. It felt intense and high stakes with how invested the characters were. They’re tacticians planning their loves ahead and preparing counter strikes rather than moving pieces in a game. And with the added difficulties of understanding the fae and the dangers of the land and outside threats, it felt fast paced and kept me invested.
The stakes rose as the story progressed as we get to know some of the other players and feel time ticking away. I really liked Ciara and how quintessentially fae she felt whilst also being relatable and sympathetic. I enjoyed her relationship dynamic with Shea and how dense Shea was about everything. Probably my favourite of Saft’s romances that I’ve read.
As it’s a standalone, it has a satisfying ending that’s a little open ended to offer possibilities for the future. And overall is was just a good ya fantasy. Great internal conflict to overcome and learn from, well rounded and interesting characters, a compelling premise and entertaining competition, some painful losses and betrayals and an ending that felt earned with a atmosphere that felt urgent and hopeful.
Immortal Game drew me in with the idea of a chess tournament in the fae realm (and yes it made me want to rewatch Queen’s Gambit) and it delivered.
Shea was an engaging character to follow. She’s a little prickly and has always been set apart from other girls her age. Her priorities have always been her sister and then chess. When her sister is taken to the Otherworld to marry the king, Shea never forgives herself. She dedicates herself to chess knowing one day she’ll get her rematch and get her sister back. It was a great premise and delivered exactly the kind of story I hoped for.
I really liked how Shea’s relationship to chess was altered and so intricately linked with the one game that ruined her. Shea holds onto something that isn’t hers and can only see her failure and not what her sister may or may not have wanted. It was a great driving motivator for Shea throughout the story.
The chess tournament aspect in the unpredictable fae realm was such a highlight for me. It was something I haven’t read before but blended really well the world of cruel, tricky fae and their ancient traditions and rules. The chess felt more like a battle of wits, or a general mustering troops against the enemy than a game. It felt intense and high stakes with how invested the characters were. They’re tacticians planning their loves ahead and preparing counter strikes rather than moving pieces in a game. And with the added difficulties of understanding the fae and the dangers of the land and outside threats, it felt fast paced and kept me invested.
The stakes rose as the story progressed as we get to know some of the other players and feel time ticking away. I really liked Ciara and how quintessentially fae she felt whilst also being relatable and sympathetic. I enjoyed her relationship dynamic with Shea and how dense Shea was about everything. Probably my favourite of Saft’s romances that I’ve read.
As it’s a standalone, it has a satisfying ending that’s a little open ended to offer possibilities for the future. And overall is was just a good ya fantasy. Great internal conflict to overcome and learn from, well rounded and interesting characters, a compelling premise and entertaining competition, some painful losses and betrayals and an ending that felt earned with a atmosphere that felt urgent and hopeful.
November 1, 2025
4.5 stars
I love you sapphic faerie chess book!!
I love you sapphic faerie chess book!!
Want to Read
March 25, 2026chess gays & fae!
February 23, 2026
4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for this advanced copy! You can pick up Immortal Game on August 4, 2026.
I've loved every book I've picked up by Allison Saft, and Immortal Game is no exception. She took two fantastic concepts (chess and fae) and wove them together into a cutthroat competition where only one can come out on top. And that one is NOT supposed to be 19-year-old human Shea Fury, a chess Grand Master who is hell-bent on winning the competition and freeing her sister from the King of the Otherworld, Midir.
So much of Shea's character is tied up in Midir and chess. He played against her when she was a child, and though it was a draw, Shea bears the scars from that game. For six years, she's annihilated her chess competitors for this one chance to face Midir again and right the mistakes she made in her previous game.
But standing in Shea's way are a number of exceptional chess players, including the flighty fae princess, Ciara. Can Shea overlook her gorgeous rival and keep her eyes focused on the prize?
By the end of the book, I was all in on Ciara and Shea's rivals-to-lovers relationship. We see them bond over the tournament, becoming more vulnerable and peeling back more layers as the stakes get higher. But I do wish we'd gotten more flashback scenes or visceral moments to help us understand how this rivalry made Shea feel leading up to the big competition. So much is told to us by Shea at the beginning, even though we do see flashbacks for other pivotal moments. Namely, moments involving Shea and her older sister, Aideen.
The relationship between these sisters is the true driving force of this story. We understand Shea's anger and fear at her sister's leaving, as well as the horrible circumstances Aideen found herself in, and how those influenced her choices. The ending had me emotional, and I do truly feel like both sisters healed each other in the only way they could.
The action and chess scenes were great, and I appreciated the relationships Shea cultivated with her other competitors in addition to Ciara. Sometimes it was hard to like or relate to Shea when she was in the throes of her anger and fear, but by the end, we empathize with her and see a future where she doesn't carry so much weight on her shoulders.
All in all, if you love the sapphic Queen's Gambit x Cruel Prince vibes this book gives off, I think it's perfect for you!
I've loved every book I've picked up by Allison Saft, and Immortal Game is no exception. She took two fantastic concepts (chess and fae) and wove them together into a cutthroat competition where only one can come out on top. And that one is NOT supposed to be 19-year-old human Shea Fury, a chess Grand Master who is hell-bent on winning the competition and freeing her sister from the King of the Otherworld, Midir.
So much of Shea's character is tied up in Midir and chess. He played against her when she was a child, and though it was a draw, Shea bears the scars from that game. For six years, she's annihilated her chess competitors for this one chance to face Midir again and right the mistakes she made in her previous game.
But standing in Shea's way are a number of exceptional chess players, including the flighty fae princess, Ciara. Can Shea overlook her gorgeous rival and keep her eyes focused on the prize?
By the end of the book, I was all in on Ciara and Shea's rivals-to-lovers relationship. We see them bond over the tournament, becoming more vulnerable and peeling back more layers as the stakes get higher. But I do wish we'd gotten more flashback scenes or visceral moments to help us understand how this rivalry made Shea feel leading up to the big competition. So much is told to us by Shea at the beginning, even though we do see flashbacks for other pivotal moments. Namely, moments involving Shea and her older sister, Aideen.
The relationship between these sisters is the true driving force of this story. We understand Shea's anger and fear at her sister's leaving, as well as the horrible circumstances Aideen found herself in, and how those influenced her choices. The ending had me emotional, and I do truly feel like both sisters healed each other in the only way they could.
The action and chess scenes were great, and I appreciated the relationships Shea cultivated with her other competitors in addition to Ciara. Sometimes it was hard to like or relate to Shea when she was in the throes of her anger and fear, but by the end, we empathize with her and see a future where she doesn't carry so much weight on her shoulders.
All in all, if you love the sapphic Queen's Gambit x Cruel Prince vibes this book gives off, I think it's perfect for you!
June 5, 2026
4.25 stars⭐️
I was immediately hooked from interlude and the writing style / prose was right up my alley for this. ‘Immortal Game’ is my first Allison Saft book and I enjoyed it, will definitely check out her other works.
Every hundred years a chess tournament takes place in one of the only Fae lands still open to mortals. It’s time for that tournament and Shea sees it as her only chance to save her sister.
Our main character, Shea, was just so well done. Hard-headed in her goals but also easy to relate to, is terrified of losing and has shut herself off. Our second lead, Ciara, seems on a different spectrum in terms of personalities and desires, yet the two girls had their similarities that allowed for their relationship to bloom (being rivals added some flavor to it as well).
I felt Shea’s want for revenge and also understood her complicated emotions towards chess. She was unbelievably realistic even at the times she grated on me (might have realized i’m a bit similar to her, lol) but by the end I adored her so much. In addition, I liked the dynamics the side characters added to the story, too. (Would marry Daniil Tsoi in a heartbeat)
The chess aspects of the game didn’t bog it down as someone who knows nothing about chess. I hadn’t been worried per say, but was intimidated as i’ve never been able to comprehend chess. While there’s chess terms used, the games focus more on the emotions taking place. So I didn’t need to understand moves made to know how the match was going or how Shea felt, it added a sense of suspense and some scenes really tugged on my heart strings.
I also found this well plotted, though the worldbuilding was nothing new, it didn’t need to be as that wasn’t the focus here. The story didn’t go in the exact direction I would have expected, and i was glad to be wrong in my expectations with how the conflicts unfolded. There were a few twists I had seen something, but overall I was easily immersed in this book and totally recommend giving it a chance!
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
I was immediately hooked from interlude and the writing style / prose was right up my alley for this. ‘Immortal Game’ is my first Allison Saft book and I enjoyed it, will definitely check out her other works.
Every hundred years a chess tournament takes place in one of the only Fae lands still open to mortals. It’s time for that tournament and Shea sees it as her only chance to save her sister.
Our main character, Shea, was just so well done. Hard-headed in her goals but also easy to relate to, is terrified of losing and has shut herself off. Our second lead, Ciara, seems on a different spectrum in terms of personalities and desires, yet the two girls had their similarities that allowed for their relationship to bloom (being rivals added some flavor to it as well).
I felt Shea’s want for revenge and also understood her complicated emotions towards chess. She was unbelievably realistic even at the times she grated on me (might have realized i’m a bit similar to her, lol) but by the end I adored her so much. In addition, I liked the dynamics the side characters added to the story, too. (Would marry Daniil Tsoi in a heartbeat)
The chess aspects of the game didn’t bog it down as someone who knows nothing about chess. I hadn’t been worried per say, but was intimidated as i’ve never been able to comprehend chess. While there’s chess terms used, the games focus more on the emotions taking place. So I didn’t need to understand moves made to know how the match was going or how Shea felt, it added a sense of suspense and some scenes really tugged on my heart strings.
I also found this well plotted, though the worldbuilding was nothing new, it didn’t need to be as that wasn’t the focus here. The story didn’t go in the exact direction I would have expected, and i was glad to be wrong in my expectations with how the conflicts unfolded. There were a few twists I had seen something, but overall I was easily immersed in this book and totally recommend giving it a chance!
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
June 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Allison Saft has taken the oversaturated faerie romance genre and managed to find an entirely unique fascinating story, full of Irish folklore and chess. I truly did not know how a book about chess was going to keep my attention for nearly eleven hours of listening, but there were so many twists with such a fresh take on the genre that the story flew by. As someone who is only a casual chess player, it was still readily accessible.
Six years after Shea's older sister, Aideen, was taken by the High King of the Fae Otherworld, Shea finally has her chance to win back her freedom. Invited to compete in a once-a-century chess tournament hosted in the Otherworld, winning would mean getting any wish she wants granted by the High King. But all of the competitors have something they're desperate to win for, including the beautiful (and frustrating) fae princess, Ciara of Bri Leith.
All of these characters are SO frustrating I just wanted to shake and hug them each in equal measure. Shea, who has grown up to be so entirely self-sufficient that she refuses to let anyone else in or find any enjoyment in life that might interfere with her chances of rescuing her sister. Ciara, who is both too charming and cunning for her own good. Between the two of them, they're only capable of communicating by butting heads 90% of the time - it's how they share the one brain cell not dedicated to chess. The slowburn romance is predictable but so much fun to watch develop. And, surprising favorite of the book is rival chess player Daniil, who is a raging Russian asshole as his way of showing affection. The found family relationship that develops between the three of them is genuinely one of the most precious things.
It all makes for such a fun, unique take on a worn out genre leading to an enjoyably unpredictable ending. The narrator is absolutely perfect for the book, with an amazing talent for the different accents and tones required and bringing each character to life distinctly.
Allison Saft has taken the oversaturated faerie romance genre and managed to find an entirely unique fascinating story, full of Irish folklore and chess. I truly did not know how a book about chess was going to keep my attention for nearly eleven hours of listening, but there were so many twists with such a fresh take on the genre that the story flew by. As someone who is only a casual chess player, it was still readily accessible.
Six years after Shea's older sister, Aideen, was taken by the High King of the Fae Otherworld, Shea finally has her chance to win back her freedom. Invited to compete in a once-a-century chess tournament hosted in the Otherworld, winning would mean getting any wish she wants granted by the High King. But all of the competitors have something they're desperate to win for, including the beautiful (and frustrating) fae princess, Ciara of Bri Leith.
All of these characters are SO frustrating I just wanted to shake and hug them each in equal measure. Shea, who has grown up to be so entirely self-sufficient that she refuses to let anyone else in or find any enjoyment in life that might interfere with her chances of rescuing her sister. Ciara, who is both too charming and cunning for her own good. Between the two of them, they're only capable of communicating by butting heads 90% of the time - it's how they share the one brain cell not dedicated to chess. The slowburn romance is predictable but so much fun to watch develop. And, surprising favorite of the book is rival chess player Daniil, who is a raging Russian asshole as his way of showing affection. The found family relationship that develops between the three of them is genuinely one of the most precious things.
It all makes for such a fun, unique take on a worn out genre leading to an enjoyably unpredictable ending. The narrator is absolutely perfect for the book, with an amazing talent for the different accents and tones required and bringing each character to life distinctly.
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