Chadurang

"In chess, power lies not in the strength of the pieces alone, but in the harmony of their moves."
- Shankar Subramanian, Author of Chadurang: The Cursed War Game

Chess just turned deadly-are you ready to play?

A cursed war game. A forgotten realm. A tournament that could save-or doom-both the immortal and the mortal worlds.
When sixteen-year-old Brendan Turner and his chess-loving friends stumble upon a mysterious chessboard in their Chicago club, they unknowingly awaken a forgotten curse. What begins as a casual game quickly spirals into an epic adventure as the teens are pulled into Mayastella, a mystical realm of illusion born from the ancient war game of the gods-Chadurang.

Guided by two knights, the group must decipher clues, outwit fearsome rakshasas, and overcome soulless creatures to win a war that started centuries ago. Brendan is joined by Sidney, a blind chess prodigy who sees what others cannot; Ro, a quick-thinking blitz player known for bold moves and sharp instincts; Max, whose courage is tested by his deepest fears; and Austin, a six-year-old whose boundless imagination holds the key to saving a dying queen, Suhela.
But this is no ordinary tournament. The fate of King Kumba, ruler of the underworld-and the survival of both worlds-hangs in the balance. From the Palace of Ruin and the perilous Plasma Layer to mythical beasts and forgotten secrets, every move on the chessboard shifts reality itself.

For Brendan, the real opponent may not be on the board-but within. As the final move approaches, Brendan must confront a deeper truth: What matters more-victory, or the journey that shaped him?

Blending the strategic thrill of chess with the mythic grandeur of Indian epics, Chadurang is a fast-paced fantasy filled with friendship, mystery, and heroic choices. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Jumanji, and readers who believe every mind is a battlefield-and every game, a journey.

"Think you've got a good move? Stop, take a breath, and find an even better one!"
- Shiva Maharaj, International FIDE Chess Coach.

"Believe in your moves. Trust your journey. Every game, win or lose, shapes you into a stronger player and a better thinker."
- Awonder Liang, American Chess Grandmaster