Book Description
The birthplace of chess is shrouded in mystery. Some say India or China. Others attribute it to Persia or Greece. Another legend maintains that the game was created in the court of King Solomon about 3,000 years ago…
This charming, enthralling, and suspenseful story takes place in the ancient kingdom of Persia. The hero, an impoverished teenager named Bijan, is a horse trainer who helps a wise old traveler… and rediscovers the game of chess. Ultimately, King Cyrus is so impressed by the game that he rewards Bijan with any single request.
Join Bijan on his incredible journey — and watch his unique request take on a life of its own, ultimately altering the course of history. The ensuing events catapult both the king and the stable boy on an adventurous and bizarre global quest that is limited only by the reader’s imagination.
Diane –
Royal Challenge blends historical fact and fiction with a gentle touch. In so doing it keeps the reader engrossed to learn of the exploits of the main character and others in the book. There is a warmhearted feel to the story but yet the reader is always excited to learn what comes next and retains an eagerness to turn the the page. The information about the history of chess and how it is woven into the story is also nicely done. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a sweet story with a historical backdrop.
sage –
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Royal Challenge. It is very engaging and a page turner. Yitzhak Salomon is a talented storyteller, weaving together heartfelt characters with intriguing circumstances. Clearly a student of history at the end of the short fiction, Salomon explains the historical facts of the story and where he departed from them, giving the reader insight into artistic liberty. Likewise he also gives the historical account of what is known about the true origins of chess.
schreib3 –
A great read for ages 9 – 90. It’s a well written piece story about the history of chess placed against the historical background of ancient Persia. It flows smoothly from chapter to chapter and once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down.
Chaya L –
The Royal Challenge, as others have said, is a book for all ages. My 10 yo son was so captivated, he read into the night until he not only completed the main story, but finished all the footnotes and addendums! If only students could learn history in such an intriguing manner… The author should seriously consider contributing to school curricula to make the subject of history more appealing. I myself enjoyed the detailed story as well as the how the characters were developed. Looking forward to the sequel!
K. Stricker –
The Royal Challenge is not only interesting for chess players, but also those who enjoy Biblical history. The author craftily weaves together the excitement of a historical novel together with facts to present a riveting story that maintains the reader’s interest throughout. The author provides expert opinions and evidence from leading scholars and academicians where there are conflicts of historical events which allows the reader to form their own opinions of actual events during the height of the Babylonian and Persian empires. This story would certainly make a compelling and suspenseful movie!
D Miller –
This delightful adventure of historical fiction is beautifully couched in the atmosphere of ancient Persia. The author treats us to a depiction of the life of a sensitive stable boy who stumbles upon the game of chess, and his encounters with the majesty of the king’s court. Along the way we are enthralled with great battles, based on actual historical events, and a remarkable promise that the king must keep.
Anyone, young and old, who enjoys a good story, with an unusual plot and well developed characters, enacted in a realistic historical setting, will love this book.