Win. Lose. Survive. I was the boy with a plan. Now I am the boy with nothing. From the moment 12-year-old Kylan hatches a plan to escape from his Norse captors, and return to Scotland to find his mother, his life becomes a dangerous game. The precious Lewis Chessmen―which he helped carve―hold the key to his freedom, but he will need all his courage and wit to triumph against Sven Asleifsson, the cruellest Viking in the realm. One false move could cost him his life. Barbara Henderson has woven a thrilling origin story around the enduring mystery of the Lewis Chessmen, their creation in Norway, and how they ended up buried in the Hebrides before being discovered on Lewis in 1831.
I loved this book. Barbara is a superb writer, and the quality of her historical fiction is comparable to that of Rosemary Sutcliff. 12 year old Kylan's terrible situation, separated from his mother as a young child, and kept as a slave in a Viking workshop, with little possibility of ever seeing his home again, makes the reader immediately root for him, and his bravery and resourcefulness make young Kylan a really interesting and lively protagonist. The story is tense and exciting and the rich historical detail immerses the reader in the Viking period. Highly recommended.
I'm struggling to review this one, because I feel I don't have much to say about it.
It's fine. I mean, she manages to make the Lewis Chessmen much more exciting than they might otherwise be to a middle grade audience, and in that respect it is a very good book. Very good Viking sailing content, walrus tusk carving details, settlement descriptions (architecture, societal structure, clothing, food, the works), and I especially appreciated the "Lords of the Isles" and the display of the shifting allegiances island to island, as well as the complex interplay of Gaelic and Norse culture and language (especially relevant just recently, as the residents of Islay have been shown to be almost entirely Norwegian, genetically-speaking, and not the descendents of the Celtic/Scots/Gael as everyone expected!). It shows a good understanding of the nature of the Hebrides. Quite satisfactory as far as historical fiction content goes.
I found the characters to be somewhat... well, I can't say under-developed, or cliched... perhaps confused or confusing? The motivations were somewhat unexpected here and there, an action not necessarily ringing true to what I had mentally inserted as an emotional state of a given character. Maybe it's just me. There's a complex and convoluted love/hate relationship between the Jarl Magnuss and Kylan, for instance. It's meant to keep you guessing. It's just that Kylan's big move, which isn't too much of a spoiler, given the title, seems almost out of keeping with his character, loyalties and motivations up until that point. I expected him to be much more torn or conflicted internally, if he had always been leaning towards this action. And then this following complaint will have to be hidden by spoiler tags: . There was some considerable lack of cohesion here for me.
There was also loads about prayer and Christianity (Norse Christianity, Gaelic Christianity, the Crusades, the octagonal Norse cathedral, the dugout-cellar of a Chapel on Lewis, the humble and personal Christianity of the thrall Kylan), so much so that about a third of the way in, I was beginning to wonder if I had inadvertently stumbled into Christian fiction again (which, although as I am a Christian, I simply cannot abide! Unless, of course, C. S. Lewis or someone of comparable skill has written it). I think the thing that gets me is that instead of introducing a character with a Christian worldview and a great faith in the Lord once and then getting on with the plot and actions of this person, subtlety and skill are often cast aside in favour of gross repetition of overt restatement of the faith of said character. Established once, then reinforced by the character's development or plot-arc is sufficient. If I have to reread again and again that the character relied upon his faith in God, or stopped to praise God, or had to thank God for something, in the middle of the action, it can start to feel that the story is taking a major backseat to religious propaganda. There were times that this book read that way. And by the end, I'm still uncertain if it is my own psychology reading into it, or what the deal is. I know it's a middle grade book - it very well could be just trying to show that Christianity was very central to the lives of people at this time (stipulated). But in the absence of more complex internal dialogue and emotional content, it was hard to see it as anything but bald-faced repetition of a credo. And I always find that rather creepy, somehow.
It's got quite a lot of action, and I did really appreciate the effort put into the setting and details, but the characters, albeit interesting, really weren't fully fleshed out sufficiently in terms of their motives.
Give it a go if you're a big fan of middle grade historical fiction about Vikings, Hnefatafl (not played, but routinely referenced), chess and the outer Hebrides. Give it a miss if you need really deep characters with clearly defined thought processes.
If you're looking for books about the Lewis Chessman, this is a great supposal. I would compare it to a Rosemary Sutcliff book. Young slave with skill is recruited to help carve the pieces and then is taken on a journey where they are ultimately buried. It's a fun adventure.
(Of course, if you're looking for books about the Lewis Chessman, you can also check out mine. ;) A Light at the End of the Woods.)
Read out of pure curiosity: I'm writing a children's book on the very same subject right now! It's interesting to see how Barbara solved the same problems I have in other ways, and how she chose an important antagonist (and with that a specific timeframe) that I came across as well, but chose to put aside. I liked this story, but I also liked that my own is going to be quite different!
Barbara Henderson wastes no time in plunging her readers into a fast paced, action packed, thrilling story that had my heart beating fast even if I am half a century older than the target audience for The Chessmen Thief. With fights and fugitives, enslavement and escapes, this book is an absolute cracker of a read.
One of the aspects that always impresses me in a Barbara Henderson children’s book is the absolute authority of her writing, arising out of assiduous research, and her wonderful ability to present her narrative at the perfect pitch for her target audience without patronising them. The author is unafraid to include difficult issues like death but does so with such a deft touch that The Chessmen Thief feels organic and natural, allowing for consideration of feelings and emotions in a safe environment for young readers. I confess The Chessman Thief brought a tear to my eye as well as making my heart thump! The narrative voice is also perfect for the era and yet is simultaneously accessible so that there’s a vivid sense of history behind the story too.
The plot of The Chessmen Thief is so exciting. It races along, sweeping the reader with it, so that even the most reluctant young reader couldn’t fail to be entranced. With the Viking myths and legends underpinning the narrative, The Chessmen Thief deserves its place in the canon of storytelling every bit as much as those traditional tales. Much is often said about twist and turns in narratives, but there was a point in The Chessmen Thief when I was stopped in my tracks at an unexpected moment that matches any adult book I’ve read.
I loved meeting Kylan and watching his development. He is by no means perfect, as the title of the book might suggest, but my word he’s vivid, vibrant, realistic and multi-faceted. Through Kylan Barbara Henderson gives status to the young, the underdog and the oppressed, providing hope for those who feel similarly diminished in society making The Chessmen Thief an important as well as an entertaining book. It’s educational too, with a glossary of terms and author’s note so that the story could be used in all manner of ways to develop vocabulary, history, geography, research and literacy in a school or home environment. I envisage that the chess theme coupled with the smashing illustrations to begin each chapter will lead to an increased interest in playing the game amongst readers of all ages. Other characters are equally as compelling. I think middle grade children in particular would find immense enjoyment in acting out scenes from the book; in being Jarl Magnus or Asleifsson because they feel so real.
As well as discovering Kylan’s personality, I also loved the themes woven through The Chessmen Thief. Trust and betrayal, family and belonging, religion and corruption, violence and diplomacy, all provide depth and quality that is, quite frankly, astounding.
The Chessmen Thief is an absolutely excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed it because not only is it skilfully written, dramatic and compelling, it made me remember what it was like to be young again, to be completely captivated by reading and to find a childlike joy in a book. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kylan is a thrall - a slave - in the workshop of the master carver Gunnar in Trondheim, Norway, towards the end of the Viking age. As a small child he was taken, along with his mother, from his Lewis, in what we call the Outer Hebrides, but were known to the Norwegians as their Southern Isles, a vassal kingdom under the control of the Norwegian king.
He has just one wish - to find his way back to Lewis and be reunited with his mother, who was sent back to the Southern Isles with her mistress when he was still a small boy.
But how can a boy make it all the way across the sea, with no money, no allies, and most importantly, no ship? When the local Archbishop asks his master Gunnar to create presents to give to the local lords on his forthcoming trip to the Southern Isles, Kylan sees his chance. He has two skills - carving and the Gaelic tongue - and he sees a way to turn those into an opportunity to return home.
And so he forms a part of the story of the real-life Lewis Chessmen, a collection of gaming pieces, intricately carved from walrus tusks, which were discovered buried on Lewis in 1831 (and incidentally formed the inspiration for the look of Noggin the Nog).
On his journey, he faces sea battles, treacherous earls, berserkers, illness, danger, and unexpected kindness. Throughout, his antagonist and protector is the enigmatic Jarl Magnus, an inscrutable man of both great piety and tremendous prowess in battle, whom Kylan finds confusing and terrifying as much as admirable.
For fans of Vikings, Scottish history, chess, or just exciting adventure tales. Highly recommended.
The Chessmen Thief by Barbara Henderson takes as its starting point an almost 200-year-old mystery: the discovery in 1831 of a precious horde of richly carved chessmen hidden beneath the sand on an isolated beach on the Isle of Lewis. Kylan is a slave, captured by Norse raiders and brought to Trondheim to serve in the workshop of Gunnar, a master carver. When chance offers the faint possibility of a way back to his home on the Isle of Lewis, Kylan means to do everything he can to seize the opportunity. Gunnar’s chess pieces, carved as a gift from the new archbishop of Shetland, Orkney and the Southern Isles are the opportunity Kylan has been waiting for. With a combination of luck and determination, Kylan earns himself a place on the longship taking the archbishop to the islands. But this is a dangerous time and Kylan must draw on his unquenchable spirit to face pirates, battles and betrayals as he fights his way toward his goal. A thrilling adventure, drawing on the history and culture revealed in the Norse sagas to tell the tale of a young boy’s homecoming.
Our protagonist is a slave boy determined to return to his roots and find his mother. His ability to speak Gaelic and carve ivory into chess pieces convinces a prominent man to take him away from Norway on this journey to Scotland.
This books has Vikings, pirates and sea adventures. It also has plenty of heart: a young slave separated from his mother, seeking his freedom.
I love it that it this story was inspired by the famous 12th century Lewis chess pieces found on a Scottish beach. A must read for chess and history lovers.
If you are looking for middle-grade books with a chess theme, also check out Check Mates.
I have always been totally obsessed with the Lewis Chees pieces, so I approached this novel with some trepidation. Would it live up to the myths I've created in my own mind? Would it convey the magic and mystery of these unique works of art. , who In a word, yes.
This is a novel based on what may have inspired the design of the chess pieces, why they were being carried to the islands of Scotland, and why they may have been hidden on a remote beach in Lewis centuries ago.
I was totally caught up in Kylan's adventures as an intelligent, artistic and enterprising thrall - or slave - who earns the trust of powerful figures, but also the enmity of the cruel Viking Sven Asleifsson. I know have far more understanding of the times in which the chessmen were created, and possibly why.
Heroes and villains - although not always who you may think. This engrossing historical fiction, set in a Viking dominated Norway and Scotland, is fast-paced and exciting. With the humour and integrity characteristic of Barbara Henderson’s writing, the Lewisian slave boy, Kylan, hatches a plan to return to his native homeland. Jeopardy and adventure are the hallmarks of his journey.
The famous Lewis chessman are key players in the saga. Cleverly conjecture interwoven with historical facts and engaging, believable characters, make this tale everything you’d want a Viking drama to be.
I couldn't put this book down. As soon as you start reading the adventure grabs hold. The atmosphere is brilliantly captured and the pace is effortless. I kept trying to put it down, but had to read one more chapter each time until I ended up finishing it in a single day! The list of characters is great - full of individuals with their own agenda. A very satisfying ending too. Highly recommended. Check mate!
What a read! I read this in one sitting and was breathless at the end! It’s so evocative of time and place and yet completely accessible for the core target readership for this MG. Loved the pace and the characterisation. Makes me want to do a tour of Norway, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides! Would make a stunning class read, especially out loud (but the teacher may need to look up how to say Hnefatafl 😉)
I needed a moment to catch my breath before reviewing The Chessmen Thief. The story galloped along dragging me delightedly with it through an imagined but oh so believable history. I hope I don't end up relating the story of Kylan and Jarl Magnus as pure fact.
I've been wanting to visit Lewis for ages. Doubly so now. In the mean time, I will have to settle for the chessmen in the National Museum of Scotland. I may never look at a chess set the same again.
This is another brilliant book from Barbara Henderson: a thrilling tale of Vikings on the perilous North Sea, Scottish and Norwegian legends brought to life, baddies to overcome and a young hero to root for – everything you could possibly want in a story! A fantastic book not just for the target audience of 8-12 year olds, but one that adults will find hard to put down until they’ve turned the very last page.
Struggled to put it down. Fast-paced action (always to be expected in Barbara Henderson's historical fictipn for children). Remember those drama series we used to have in the 1960s and 70s for children? Couldn't wait till the following week for the next episode? BH's books are just made for episodic filming!
Took me back to children's books of yester year! Was thoroughly engaged with the slave boy's survival amidst blood thirsty vikings and loved the way relationships were forged between the characters. A tale worthy of any child's (& adult's!) time. Fast paced and simply enchanting.
Exciting stuff! I love the story that Barbara has envisioned on how those chess pieces became buried in the sand on the Isle of Lewis. Excellent peek into Viking life through the eyes of a thrall. Great story.
In 1831, someone unearthed exquisitely hand-carved treasure - the Lewis Chessmen. Add Barbara Henderson’s imagination, and you get this: a rip-roaring Viking adventure that will send you whizzing back in time. Historical fiction at its best. Check mate! 10+
Cheat read for work and also gift to nieces. An imagined story to how the Lewis Chessmen found their resting place on an Uig beach for 700 years. Wonderful weaving story with strong characters and smattering of real names and research to enjoy.
An exciting story right from the start, and made me want to keep turning the pages. As with all Barbara Henderson’s historical fiction, I also learned a lot!
An action packed middle grade adventure based on the Chessmen of Lewis. Henderson has created a wonderful tale that imagines how the Chessmen came to find themselves on the Isle of Lewis. We follow 12-year-old Kylan as he tries to escape his life as a slave in Trondheim, he has to hatch a plan as strategic as any game of chess. The historical research that has gone into this story is superb and Kylan will stay with you long after the last page has been turned. My only criticism is that the ending seemed rushed, having followed the characters for so far, I just wanted a bit more depth at the end. That aside, this is a fast paced tale that ages 8 to 13 will particularly enjoy, as will history lovers of any age.
2.75 stars, i read this for school and over a couple of weeks so i cant really give an honest review on it, but the days that i would read it i enjoyed it and found he story pretty interesting. Definetly something original but i love the idea.