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The Clockwork Queen

A gripping tale of chess, courage, and family bonds

Peter Bunzl author Lia Visirin illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:2nd Jun '22

Should be back in stock very soon

The Clockwork Queen cover

In a race against time, Sophie must embody the Clockwork Queen to save her father from the clutches of Empress Catherine the Great in The Clockwork Queen.

In The Clockwork Queen, Sophie Peshka is thrust into a perilous adventure as she takes on the role of the Clockwork Queen to rescue her chess grandmaster father. Imprisoned by the formidable Empress Catherine the Great in the dungeons of the Winter Palace, Sophie must rely on her wits and strategic prowess to orchestrate a daring escape. Inspired by a true story, this historical narrative captures the essence of courage and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

As a chess prodigy, Sophie has inherited her father's passion for the game, and now she must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with danger and deception. Central to her plan is an extraordinary automaton, the Clockwork Queen, which she hopes will outsmart the Empress in a high-stakes chess match. The tension mounts as Sophie faces the ultimate challenge: can she outmaneuver a ruler known for her cunning and ruthlessness?

The Clockwork Queen is not just a tale of adventure; it also explores themes of family, loyalty, and the power of intellect. Suitable for readers aged 9 and up, this dyslexia-friendly book invites young audiences to engage with a gripping story that intertwines historical elements with the timeless game of chess. As Sophie fights for her father's freedom, readers will be captivated by her determination and resourcefulness.

"This rollercoaster adventure is a thrill ride not to be missed … Full of all the visual drama and rich imagination that have brought [Peter Bunzl] such success" – Lancashire Evening Post

“Imaginative, captivating and heart-warming … Sophie is a character that readers will take into their hearts” – Books for Topics

“An absolute cracker … Intrigue and mystery hang firmly in the air and exciting story-telling ensure a genuine page-turner … A superb piece of historical fiction” – A Word About Books

"Exciting and moves with pace. The language used by Peter Bunzl is accessible but challenging … When the action moves to St. Petersburg there is a brooding atmosphere of wealth and danger" – Just Imagine

“Eighteenth century Russia, Catherine the Great, high-stakes chess and Trojan horse style intrigue combine to create a gripping story you won’t be able to put down” – Scope for the Imagination

  • Long-listed for Our Best Book 2023

ISBN: 9781800900806

Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 14mm

Weight: 220g

128 pages