Reign of Pawns: Book1 - The Parieur's Play

by V. S. EDWÁR

Five strangers from wildly different walks of life awaken chained to beds in a shadowy basement, their memories of how they arrived stolen. Aarno, a billionaire heir who despises his wealth; Darren, a hot-tempered, country-raised brawler; Ojoré, a cunning rebel scarred by his past; Diego, a charismatic soccer prodigy; and Liang, a brilliant con artist with a genius IQ, are bound by a mystery that pulses with an otherworldly strangeness.

Why are they held? Who—or what—is responsible for their situation? And what ancient force weaves their fates together? As they grapple for answers, they're drawn into a haunting labyrinth where whispers of magic crackle in the air and cryptic myths seem to guide their path. Every clue pulls them deeper into a realm of enchantment and peril, where unseen powers stir. If they fail to unravel the truth, a doom steeped in ancient mystery awaits.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2025

Reviews

[Viking Jam · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was going nowhere fast. I gave up at the 50 percent mark. I guess you can wait for some big reveal, but following each prisoner with their own speshul chapter with inserted non-sensical chapters about British politics....I dunno. The character builds were weak and not believable.

DNF

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first installment of Reign of Paws, starts with a detailed introduction of the 5 main players in this story. This slow and deliberate structure, makes the further story more interesting and intense.

The author has enough patience to build up a strong storyline and great suspense.

Mythological revelations, ancient mysteries are all part of this story.

This book is definitely worth your time and when you’ll read the end, you’ll want to know how the story continues!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yoder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I received advance review copy of The Parieur's Play.

The Parieur's Play is slog of a book that relies on a vague curiousness to pull you through an story that thinks it's deeper than it is.

First off, this book is incredibly slow and on top of that it really made me feel as if nothing of real consequence happens throughout the entire story. Despite the lack of driving force there is a hint of something bigger in the background of the story, thought we never get that payoff leaving the reader (or at least me), feeling cheated.

The idea behind the story is solid in my honest opinion, but all of the background information is so strung out that I got to more story I really didn't care much. Then the characters are the same way, they're stretched out so much through the writing that they all just become one note characters that I could not find myself rooting for.

While I cannot recommend this book to anyone, I can say that there is something intriguing here. If the writing is cleaned up (a lot), then future installments could be far more entertaining.

There is promise of a good story here, but no payoff.

[☆Laura☆]

Cinco hombres de distintos continentes despiertan encadenados en un lúgubre sótano, incapaces de mover su cuerpo y sin memoria clara de cómo llegaron allí. Ojoré, Aarno, Liang, Diego y Darren no tienen nada en común… o eso creen hasta que comienzan a relatar sus historias. Cada uno fue arrancado de su vida de manera inexplicable, precedido por visiones de luces, burbujas brillantes o sucesos que desafían la lógica.

Mientras intentan entender quién los capturó y con qué propósito, también presenciamos los eventos que los llevaron hasta ese momento: estafas turísticas que salen mal, rivalidades futbolísticas que terminan en tragedia y brillantes científicos envueltos en misterios imposibles. Paralelamente, desde algún rincón remoto del mundo, una misteriosa figura conocida como el Fantasma Blanco despierta después de siglos, marcando el inicio de un plan tan antiguo como peligroso.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Nidhi P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me with how gracefully it moves from a realistic political environment into a narrative filled with hidden connections and ancient undertones. The writing style is elegant and avoids unnecessary complexity. However, the same might be a deal-breaker for those who prefer fast-paced, action-packed sequences rather than the patient waiting game for things to unfold and happen... Well, it is, let me say, a subjective matter... reader by reader.
What stands out most is the character work. Each individual brings emotional weight and cultural nuance to the story. As their journeys progress, subtle mythological hints appear, and these moments feel both surprising and meaningful. The descriptive passages, especially the scenes in India and Europe, are immersive. This is a story that grows in scale without losing its human core. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy thoughtful cross-genre fiction.

[Sanjan Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can manage reading slow-unfolding fiction... This novel captured my attention with its slow-burning suspense and richly developed characters. The early focus on newsrooms, political ceremonies, and everyday life made the later mythological suggestions even more striking. The surprises are subtle but impactful. They encourage readers to reflect on the connection between modern lives and older, forgotten narratives. The connections to the ancient era of the Mahabharata war should be encouraging and enticing for many readers... the lore of yonder days is, to me personally, is always welcome...
The writing style is polished and deliberate. The story is not rushed, and this makes the emotional developments more satisfying. I appreciated how the author respects readers by avoiding shortcuts. This is a rewarding book for anyone who enjoys stories that grow in significance with every chapter.

[Lakhan Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

In short:
It keeps you wanting and waiting for more.... excitement might be a slow burner here, but it does exist in patches to keep you invested.

Now the details:
As a reader who followed the story to the end, I found the shift from modern political commentary to ancient resonance fascinating. The London broadcast sets a calm tone, but by the time the plot reaches Konark, the scope is entirely different. The cyclone scene, where Ushvatthama and Aroon appear inside the eye of the storm, connects beautifully with the revelations the captives hear in Europe. Darren’s gradual recognition that his near-death in a tornado was not an isolated event adds tension. Liang’s sharp observations about the mythic parallels give the group direction. Ojoré’s earlier rescue by a river spirit suddenly becomes meaningful. These revelations make the ending feel like the beginning of something much larger.

[Chitra Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Konark chapters confirm that the mythic world is not symbolic but active. The ending pulls all the threads together and lays the groundwork for something even larger.

I appreciated the novel’s structure much more after completing this instalment of what was supposed to be a series. The broadcast in London, the Houston Rodeo abduction, the French prison infiltration, and the European basement captivity all lead to the emotional turning point where the captives see themselves reflected in the mythological stories. Darren’s confrontational reaction contrasts with Liang’s thoughtful acceptance. Diego’s discomfort grows with every chapter. Aarno retreats inward as if remembering something he cannot articulate. Ojoré realises that his past experiences were not ordinary. These reactions make the mythological revelations more believable. Readers might find it complex at first, as many things happen in the parallel world. However, once they see the various end, the story does entice.

[Sylvie Ashbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only just started the book, but there’s already one scene that grabbed me and refused to let go. The moment the five strangers, each from a different continent, wake up restrained in that cold, unfamiliar room is pure tension. You can almost feel the silence pressing down on them as Liang tries to make sense of the situation, only for everything to freeze when the metal door squeaks open.

The arrival of the man in the white coat was the part that really got under my skin. The way he walks straight to Ojoré, pulls out that little wooden reflex hammer, and examines him like an object instead of a person… especially noticing the detail of Ojoré’s sun-darkened thumb… it’s unsettling in the best way. The whole scene has this creeping sense that something bigger and much stranger—is unfolding behind the clinical façade.

If the rest of the book keeps up the same atmospheric suspense and sharp detail, I’m in for a wild ride. Excited to keep going.

[Sima Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Reign of Pawns to be an engaging and mature fantasy thriller that balances character-driven drama with a sense of global intrigue. The early chapters establish a modern world that feels authentic and recognisable, but as the plot progresses, slight hints suggest something far older at work in the background. This tension between the familiar and the mysterious kept me reading with curiosity. Well, the length of this novel might well be overwhelming for a few readers... who are not accustomed to reading build-ups...
Critically, the characters are well-crafted, especially the five central figures, whose past experiences seem to cast strange shadows. The mythological touches appear subtly at first, then introduce surprising shifts in tone and scale. The writing style is smooth, thoughtful, and cinematic. It is definitely worth reading for its ambition and emotional impact.

[Adarsh Jha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Pawns offers a refreshing and sophisticated reading experience. The narrative begins with realistic detail, then gradually incorporates layers of mystery, suspense, and myth. I appreciated how the characters are all flawed in believable ways. Their pasts influence their present dilemmas, and certain strange encounters hint at deeper meanings. I found myself intrigued by how mythology appears gently in the background at first, then grows in significance. These surprises made the story feel expansive. The global settings are written with authenticity, and the tension never feels exaggerated. Readers who value depth, culture, and imagination will enjoy this compelling story.
And the best part, let me tell you, is that the book appeals to readers in India and outside... almost similarly!

[Priyanka Kumari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel surprised me with how delicately it introduces Indian mythological threads. At first, it feels like a modern thriller, but soon, the narrator begins recounting stories from the Mahabharata, and the connections become irresistible. The five characters experience strange events in their pasts that resemble the journeys of legendary figures. It almost feels as if echoes of the ancient world are shaping their modern predicaments. The writing is emotionally honest, and the characters feel like people struggling against something much larger than themselves. By the time the myths begin to align with the present narrative, the reader is already deeply invested. This is a story that rewards curiosity and reflection.
I am sure the next part of this novel will bring more excitement to readers... recommended to all!

[Rahul Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most was the way the novel moves from the London newsroom to the criminal world of France. The scenes where the Parieur visits Drágosláv in La Santé prison are filled with quiet menace. The Parieur brings a mysterious book that triggers old memories in Drágosláv, and their conversation hints that these two men have lived lives shaped by more than crime. The planning of the prison break, with coordination between mafias in multiple countries, adds a sharp thriller element. Meanwhile, the five captives in the basement try to understand why they were brought together. The plot never stalls, and each revelation deepens the intrigue. And I believe readers will like it as the plot intertwines ancient Indian myth with contemporary characters from different parts of the world brought together...

[Vinod Manas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It will always be fascinating to me how cleverly the book uses parallel narratives. The political commentary in London, the mafia operations in Paris and Ukraine, and the mystical events in India all point toward a larger hidden structure. The captives react differently as this structure becomes clearer. Aarno starts questioning his entire life. Diego tries to dismiss the mythological parallels but fails. Liang embraces the analytical challenge. Darren grows more determined to escape. Ojoré becomes increasingly emotional as memories disturb him. Their reactions during Sánchez’s narration of Shantanu and Satyavati show that these stories are not merely background material. They echo the characters’ lives in unsettling ways.
If you love perplexingly woven plots, striking notes of suspense and thrill, you are in for a treat!

[Ash Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reign of Pawns presents you with the challenge of connecting multiple seemingly unrelated characters together. Slowly throughout the book you start to piece together their connections and their destinies. You begin to be intrigued and invested in each and every character even if there’s a little confusion along the way (which I do think was intentional).Concluding in the start of their task and deciding which path to take this time around.

The character development and history telling were very detailed and well done although a little slow. The whole book focuses on the build up of the world and its players. I don’t believe the actual action involving all the characters will begin until book two, which I will be curious to read: So in conclusion if you can be patient throughout the first book and focus on the details I think we will be rewarded with the books to come.

[Anand Shiv Jha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Pawns impressed me with its ability to shift from political tension in London to mysteries that stretch far beyond the visible world. I admired how the story begins with a grounded, realistic tone and slowly opens into something richer and more layered. The characters are written with emotional precision, and the author takes time to develop their individual histories. I found myself unexpectedly moved by the sense of destiny that hovers around them. The book carries a quiet pulse that keeps building until the final chapters. There are hints of ancient mythological elements, and their restrained unveiling surprised me. Readers who enjoy intelligent fantasy with global settings will find this novel engaging and memorable.

[Shankar Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like travelling across continents, timelines, and worlds of thought. The author’s descriptions of London are vivid, and the shift to intense emotional scenes in other locations creates a compelling rhythm. What held my attention most was the interplay between personal struggles and a mysterious thread that seems to connect everything. The pace is thoughtful rather than hurried, and this choice pays off when the story begins to reveal deeper layers rooted in ancient myth. These moments surprised me in the best possible way, expanding the narrative’s scale without overwhelming it. This is a book for readers who appreciate refined storytelling, with character depth and atmospheric detail.

[Kumar Ashwini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out because of its careful attention to atmosphere and pacing. The broadcast scenes are remarkably detailed, creating a strong foundation before the story takes a turn toward what feels like ancient echoes resurfacing. I liked how the author builds suspense without resorting to obvious tricks. Instead, the tension grows naturally from the characters’ confusion and the unusual events that unfold around them. I was genuinely surprised by how mythology is woven through the narrative. It feels neither forced nor decorative. Instead, it shapes the emotional core of the book. The characters carry unseen burdens, and the story gradually reveals why. Readers who appreciate a slow burn that leads to profound surprises will enjoy this journey.

[Anuya Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about Reign of Pawns was its layered narrative. It begins like a global thriller, then transitions into something deeper that touches on identity and unseen history. The characters feel like real individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances, and their emotional responses make the story feel authentic. The ancient mythological aspects emerge slowly and tease readers with possibilities rather than heavy explanations. This approach kept me turning pages late into the night. The writing is elegant, and the locations are described with a strong sense of place. I appreciated the balance between action and introspection. This is a novel for readers who enjoy complexity and stories that reward patient attention.

[Gaurav Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author delivers a surprisingly intricate novel that blends modern events with hints of something ancient. The first chapters feel grounded in political realism, which makes the later tonal shifts more striking. I particularly liked how each character comes from a distinct cultural background, yet all find themselves bound by circumstances that seem beyond chance. The suspense grows steadily, and the mythological turns are introduced with great care. While nothing is overstated, the reader senses the gravity of what lies beneath their experiences. The result is a sophisticated tale that maintains emotional clarity even as the stakes rise. The story left me wanting to continue the series and uncover the larger design shaping this world.

[Vidyananda Jha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book surprised me with how confidently it navigates between different genres. It begins as a contemporary narrative with realistic political commentary, then gradually shifts toward mystery and suspense, and finally touches the realm of myth. These transitions feel smooth and purposeful. The characters are believable and vulnerable, which gives weight to their experiences. I liked how the author hints at ancient mythological influences without revealing everything outright. The subtle approach heightens curiosity. The settings are richly detailed, and the pacing is controlled, keeping the reader immersed. This is a novel for readers who appreciate complexity, emotional depth, and international scope.

[Amit Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Pawns is an intricate and carefully crafted novel that blends political tension, global travel, personal trauma, and ancient echoes. The characters feel well-developed, and their interactions carry emotional authenticity. I enjoyed how their histories gradually reveal details that hint at deeper forces shaping their lives. The book keeps its mythological undercurrents subtle until the right moment, and these surprises elevate the narrative significantly. The writing style is precise, polished, and atmospheric. The author clearly understands how to create suspense without sacrificing character development. Readers who enjoy stories that evolve from realism into something more epic will find this book especially satisfying.

[Nishant Anirudh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel offers a refreshing departure from conventional fantasy. Instead of diving directly into mystical themes, the author patiently builds a world grounded in contemporary realities. This makes the later mythological suggestions more powerful and unexpected. I enjoyed the global scope and the attention to cultural detail. Every location feels lived in. The characters’ emotional journeys deepen the reading experience and highlight the story’s central question about destiny. There are several intriguing moments when ancient echoes seem to intersect with modern lives, and these moments are handled with subtlety. The book is ideal for readers who prefer gradual revelations and thoughtful character-driven storytelling.

[Chandan Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the strong narrative structure of Reign of Pawns. Each chapter feels purposeful, and the gradual shifting of tone from political realism to mysterious tension is beautifully executed. The mythological hints surprised me because they appear in unexpected places and challenge the reader to rethink earlier scenes. The characters carry secrets they have not yet understood about themselves, and this emotional layering makes their journeys compelling. The prose flows smoothly and avoids unnecessary embellishment. This book respects the reader’s intelligence and invites them to piece together its buried meanings. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys global settings and stories that unfold like a puzzle.

[Madhav M · Rating 5 out of 5]

From its opening chapters, the book presents a world filled with political tension and broadcast precision. Yet soon, readers begin to feel the presence of something hidden beneath the surface. This underlying tension becomes stronger as the story unfolds. I found the characters complex and believable, shaped by struggles that later seem strangely interconnected. The mythological elements surprised me with their subtle entry, offering a new dimension to the narrative without overshadowing its modern core. The writing is highly visual, allowing each scene to stand out. This is an engaging novel for readers who enjoy stories that slowly unfold into deeper mysteries and broader thematic frameworks.

[Kundan Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I finished the book in 2 or say 2.5 days... it was engaging and always kept me anticipating the following events to unfold...

I found the book deeply engaging because of its unique approach to blending modern scenes with ancient resonance. It begins in a world that feels familiar and grounded. Then slowly, small details appear that hint at something mysterious. These mythological touches surprised me, and they made the story feel much larger in scope. The characters are written with sincerity, and their emotional conflicts feel real. The story also moves confidently across continents. The pacing is steady, allowing the mystery to unfold naturally. This novel is a great choice for readers who want a fantasy experience rooted in realism but elevated by ancient depth.

[Ravi Upadhyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how Reign of Pawns begins with controlled realism and slowly reveals an ancient pulse beneath the characters’ lives. The author excels at portraying emotional depth, especially in moments when the characters confront memories they cannot fully understand. There are mythological surprises that appear at just the right moments, broadening the narrative in intriguing ways. The descriptive writing is beautiful without being excessive. I loved the book’s global scale and the way each location adds meaning to the unfolding mystery. This is an impressive beginning to a series that promises even greater revelations.

PS: Indian readers will relate to it conveniently as the book takes readers into the days of the Mahabharata... the war, the politics and the gigantic characters!

[Rajveer Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having finished Reign of Pawns, I can say that the emotional weight of the story truly reveals itself once all the pieces fall into place. The opening broadcast from London felt like a distant memory by the time Darren, Aarno, Liang, Diego, and Ojoré finally understood why Drágosláv brought them together. Their reactions to Sánchez’s detailed Mahabharata stories were powerful. Darren struggled with disbelief, Liang approached it analytically, and Ojoré recognised echoes of his own supernatural encounters. The moment the captives realised that their past experiences mirrored the ancient tales was a turning point. By the end, the hints about their deeper connection made the earlier tension feel purposeful and intense.

[Kritika Mini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the entire novel made me appreciate how carefully the author builds toward the revelations delivered by Sánchez. The long retellings of Ganga, Shantanu, Satyavati, Pandu, and Karna take on new meaning as the captives begin to respond to them. Aarno grows quiet and reflective, Diego becomes visibly unsettled, and Liang starts making connections none of them want to admit. The scene where Drágosláv invites all their families to the underground dining room becomes even more disturbing once we understand his desperation. His actions are driven by fragments of memory awakened earlier in the prison with the Parieur. The final chapters hint that the five men are not completely unfamiliar to one another, and that implication stays with you long after the book ends.

[Rahul Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time I reached the final chapters, the narrative threads had merged beautifully. The early scenes in Houston, where Darren is sedated repeatedly because of his unusual strength, made more sense once the mythological context was revealed. His confusion in the basement turns to frustration and then to fear as Sánchez’s stories begin to match parts of his own life. Ojoré’s memory of the supernatural rescuer in the river is especially striking once Sánchez describes similar events in the Mahabharata. Diego’s growing discomfort shows how deeply he is affected. The plot does not force any conclusions, but the parallels are strong enough that the men cannot ignore them. This made the ending incredibly satisfying.