The Chessmen Thief

A thrilling adventure of a Viking slave's escape, The Chessmen Thief intertwines history with a gripping quest for freedom.

In The Chessmen Thief, we follow the harrowing journey of 12-year-old Kylan, a Viking slave yearning for freedom. Captured and taken from his homeland, Kylan dreams of returning to the Hebrides to reunite with his mother. His only hope lies in the Lewis Chessmen, intricate pieces he helped carve, which symbolize his connection to home and the possibility of escape. As he devises a daring plan, Kylan's life transforms into a perilous game of survival against the backdrop of Viking brutality.

The stakes are high for Kylan as he navigates the treacherous world of Norse captors, particularly the ruthless Sven Asleifsson, the most feared Viking in the realm. Each move he makes could lead to freedom or fatal consequences. The Lewis Chessmen are not just artifacts; they represent Kylan's courage and determination to reclaim his life. The tension builds as he uses his wits and bravery to outsmart his captors, all while the threat of danger looms ever closer.

Author Barbara Henderson masterfully intertwines Kylan's gripping escape story with the rich history of the Lewis Chessmen, exploring their origins in Norway and the mystery surrounding their eventual burial in the Hebrides. The Chessmen Thief is not just a tale of survival; it is a poignant reminder of the bonds of family and the lengths one will go to find freedom.