About this ebook
The bestselling historical mystery from Australia's favourite novelist, author of the Scarecrow series and the Jack West Jr series with new novel Mr Einstein's Secretary out now.
"Reilly's concoction makes for a cracking read." Sun Herald
"a fast-paced and exhilarating romp" Weekend Australian
"... the best novel that Reilly has written" The Age
Even a pawn can become a queen.
The year is 1546. Suleiman the Magnificent, the powerful and feared Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, issues an invitation to every king in Europe:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR FINEST PLAYER TO COMPETE IN A CHESS TOURNAMENT TO DETERMINE THE CHAMPION OF THE KNOWN WORLD.
The English delegation - led by esteemed scholar Roger Ascham - journeys to the glittering city of Constantinople. Accompanying Ascham is his pupil, Bess, who is about to bear witness to events she never thought possible.
For on the first night of the tournament, a powerful guest of the Sultan is murdered, and against the backdrop of the historic event, Ascham is tasked with finding the killer.
Barbaric deaths, unimaginable depravity and diplomatic treachery unfold before Bess's eyes, indelibly shaping her character and determining how she will perform her future role...as Queen Elizabeth I.
Shortlisted for the ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year 2014
MORE ROGER ASCHAM IN: ROGER ASCHAM AND THE KING'S LOST GIRL
"Reilly's concoction makes for a cracking read." Sun Herald
"a fast-paced and exhilarating romp" Weekend Australian
"... the best novel that Reilly has written" The Age
Even a pawn can become a queen.
The year is 1546. Suleiman the Magnificent, the powerful and feared Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, issues an invitation to every king in Europe:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR FINEST PLAYER TO COMPETE IN A CHESS TOURNAMENT TO DETERMINE THE CHAMPION OF THE KNOWN WORLD.
The English delegation - led by esteemed scholar Roger Ascham - journeys to the glittering city of Constantinople. Accompanying Ascham is his pupil, Bess, who is about to bear witness to events she never thought possible.
For on the first night of the tournament, a powerful guest of the Sultan is murdered, and against the backdrop of the historic event, Ascham is tasked with finding the killer.
Barbaric deaths, unimaginable depravity and diplomatic treachery unfold before Bess's eyes, indelibly shaping her character and determining how she will perform her future role...as Queen Elizabeth I.
Shortlisted for the ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year 2014
MORE ROGER ASCHAM IN: ROGER ASCHAM AND THE KING'S LOST GIRL
Ratings and reviews
4.3
234 reviews
James S
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December 22, 2013
Gone are the explosions, maghooks and the thrilling countdowns. This is replaced by a murder mystery which plays out in front of you that is reasonably paced but is sadly not that compelling. The heroes are one dimensional and never actually in danger. There is no 'aha' moment either. The ending is bland. I could forgive this except honestly all the characters are offensive. All priests are child molesters. All Arabs oppress women. 'loose' morals lead to rape. the tournament ends, and the heroes leave.
2 people found this review helpful
michael moore
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August 9, 2014
I enjoyed the story. The mystery and its uravelling. a no holds barred portrayal of Christianity and Moslem faith is interwoven into the plot and its cringeworthy although true to history.
1 person found this review helpful
Stephen Yeomans
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October 22, 2017
Another great Reilly action novel. A brief departure from the usual action with the inclusion of sex scenes (the absence of which would not detract from the book).
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Matthew Reilly is the international bestselling author of eleven novels: Contest, Ice Station, Temple, Area 7, Scarecrow, Hover Car Racer, Hell Island, Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors and Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves. His books are published in over 20 languages, with worldwide sales exceeding 4 million copies.
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