I’m extremely honoured to have been asked to join a blog tour for Barbara Henderson for a second time! She is a captivating individual and her latest book ‘The Chessmen Thief’ is equally so.
It was also shortlisted for the Historical Association’s Young Quills Award 2022 which recognises the best historical fiction for children!
We follow Kylan, a 12 year old who was taken from his home, the Scottish Isle of Lewis, during a viking raid… and if being kidnapped wasn’t bad enough – he was made a slave under the tutelage of Master Gunnar residing in Trondheim, Norway.
He must escape! But there’s the teeny tiny task of crossing the treacherous ocean back to Scotland. Well, he has no money, no friends, and no ship. Good luck Kylan 🙂
3 Things:
VIKINGS – And not just any vikings… blood thirsty vikings. These horrid Norse captors are the ones responsible for the snatching of Kylan when he was just a wee boy and taking him away from his mother.
CHESSMEN – The Chessmen featured are not just any Chessmen! They are Lewis Chessmen… carved from the walrus ivory and are extremely valuable. Kylan understands that these are his ticket out of the greedy despicable hands of his slavers. Kylan is not a thief, but he must go against his nature and judgement if he is to have any chance of escape.
FREEDOM – Kylan has just one wish, and that is to be reunited with his mother back in Lewis, Scotland. He must call upon his carving skills, wit and bravery if he is to stand even the slightest chance of navigating the perilous adventures that await across the sea.
The Chessmen Thief was inspired by the real-life ‘Lewis Chessmen’, intricately carved out of Walrus tusks. These chess pieces originated in Norway and somehow managed to make their way the Scotland and discovered in Lewis back in 1831. Who knows how they got there but I absolutely love the story that Barbara has attached to them – mixing the actual history with made up stuff. You have an interesting brain Barbara! I love it!
And much like the previous book by Barbara (The Siege of Caerlaverock), you are immediately immersed in the action and gripped by not only great storytelling, real passion as well. Barbara was taught to play chess by her father, who wasn’t just good… used to compete. It’s this warm and nostalgic attachment to the game and a love of history that gives you a real sense that Barbara has poured her heart into it.
This book is perfect if you’re a fan of vikings, chess, Scottish History and blood pumping action and adventure. And it’s even more perfect if you need some viking awesomeness for the classroom… Cranachan has provided some free resources to go along with this book and some other books as well. Get your Reflective Reading classroom packs.
You can also watch the official virtual book launch for ‘The Chessmen Thief’ organised by Anne of Cranachan and expertly hosted by Kirsty Crommie. Watch Book Launch.
Don’t forget to check out the other blogs on the tour as well for more raving reviews about The Chessmen Thief.
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