The Clockwork Queen

In this page-turning historical adventure from Cogheart author Peter Bunzl, chess prodigy Sophie Peshka must use her strategic skill and cunning to help her father escape from the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg by playing the role of the Clockwork Queen.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Barrington Stoke Ltd

In this captivating historical adventure penned by the talented Peter Bunzl, chess prodigy Sophie Peshka embarks on a daring mission to rescue her father, who has been unjustly imprisoned in the dungeons of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg by the formidable Empress Catherine the Great. As part of her intricate plan, Sophie must utilize her strategic prowess and cunning to free her father from his captors.

One crucial aspect of Sophie's strategy involves the use of a remarkable chess-playing automaton known as the Clockwork Queen. This intricate machine, crafted with precision and ingenuity, holds the key to unlocking the Winter Palace's secrets and ultimately freeing Sophie's father. However, the task of outwitting the Empress in a game where the stakes are as high as life and death becomes increasingly daunting.

As Sophie delves deeper into the intricate world of chess and the Clockwork Queen, she discovers that the automaton is not just a mere piece on the board. It possesses a consciousness and a will of its own, driven by a mysterious force that defies explanation. With each move, the Queen becomes more unpredictable, challenging Sophie to think outside the box and employ her full range of skills to outmaneuver her opponent.

As the game unfolds, Sophie must navigate through a web of political intrigue, treachery, and hidden alliances. She must confront powerful adversaries, including the Empress's loyal henchmen, who will stop at nothing to protect their master's interests. But Sophie is not alone in her quest. She is aided by a group of loyal friends, including a young inventor who has created a device that can disrupt the Clockwork Queen's power.

With the clock ticking, Sophie must make difficult choices and face her deepest fears. She must confront the truth about her father's imprisonment and the true intentions of the Empress. In the end, Sophie must summon all her courage and determination to defeat the Empress and free her father from his unjust captivity.

This page-turning adventure, filled with suspense, intrigue, and heart-pounding chess matches, showcases Peter Bunzl's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to transport readers to a world of historical grandeur and danger. It is a must-read for anyone who loves chess, adventure, and the power of determination in the face of adversity.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800900806