(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

The year is 1546, and 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.
Thousands converge on Constantinople, including the English court’s champion and his guide, the esteemed scholar Roger Ascham. Seeing a chance to enlighten the mind of a student, Ascham brings along Elizabeth Tudor, a brilliant young woman not yet thrust into royal duties.
Yet on the opening night of the tournament a powerful guest of the Sultan is murdered. Soon, barbaric deaths, diplomatic treachery, and unimaginable depravity—sexual and otherwise—unfold before Elizabeth and Ascham’s eyes. The pair soon realizes that the real chess game is being played within the court itself…and its most treacherous element is that a stranger in a strange land is only as safe as her host is gracious.

Please note: this is only a two-star review as I don't like to leave 1-star...

Have been a fan of Matt Reilly since reading Ice Station quite a few years back. The stories of Scarecrow and Jack West Jr. have been favourites for a while. The action, thrills and adventure are all hallmarks of these novels.

This book had none of that. It was a historical murder mystery. Nothing wrong with that. Except the clichés, dire plot and poor characters.

I acknowledge the author wanting to take a chance on writing something different. For me, it just failed on a number of lessons and is disappointing as I know he is so much better than this.


Paul
ARH