Tough Travelling: Chessmasters

The Thursday feature “Tough Traveling” is the brainchild of Nathan of Review Barn, who has come up with the excellent idea of making a new list each week based on the most common tropes in fantasy, as seen in The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynn Jones. Nathan has invited anyone who is interested to come play along, so be sure to check out the first link for more information.

This week’s tour topic is: Chessmasters

A true master knows where all the pieces are at all times.  Others may think they have taken control but alas, the master knew their last move before they played it.

Mogsy’s Picks:

This week is dedicated to all the lovely schemers!

Half the World by Joe Abercrombie

Prince Yarvi is now Father Yarvi, serving as minister to the king of Gettland. He may be royalty no longer, but his new position behind the scenes allows him to wield even more power. To broker political deals and form alliances, you have to plan well ahead and be able to predict the most likely outcomes.

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

The primary antagonist of the story, Melisande Shahrizai loves manipulation and playing games. This makes her a deadly opponent to anyone who challenges her. Fellow Unseen Guild member and constant rival Anafiel Delaunay learned that the hard way.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Fitchner, the proctor of House Mars, doesn’t appear to have much status among the Golds but he is a lot more than he seems (but no spoilers here!) During the academy war games, he plays the mentor and the trickster, being only helpful to Darrow when he asks the right questions, but in truth he knows more than he lets on.

The Emperor’s Blades by Brian Staveley

As kenarang, Ran il-Tornja may be Annur’s highest-ranking general, but his talents extend beyond the battlefield. He’s also suave and charismatic,  manipulating Adare Malkeenian while acting as regent in the wake of her father the Emperor’s death. As it turns out, there’s a big secret about him that gives him a huge advantage as a chessmaster.

Caliban’s War by James S.A. Corey

No list of chessmasters would be complete without Chrisjen Avasarala. As the United Nations Assistant Undersecretary of Executive Administration, she is privy to a lot of political secrets and intelligence. She also maintains a network of spies and is instrumental in the outcome of a lot of major events, including elections and important diplomatic negotiations.

 Wendy’s Picks

Acacia: The War with the Mein by David Anthony Durham 

Leodan Akaran thought he had everything going for him in his empire of Acacia, but perhaps it was his arrogance and his ignorance that allowed Hanish Mein to sneak in and take it all away. And Hanish just might get away with it too, if it isn’t for those pesky Akaran kids.

The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny

The princes of Amber vie for the throne their father left behind. The brothers scheme and manipulate each other and the very threads of Amber itself–but who’s really pulling the strings?

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Nope, not that conniving Voldemort. I’m talking about that jerk Dumbledore who has played Harry against Voldemort for all the years of his young life, honing the young boy through abuse and abandonment until he was ready to face down the ultimate evil.

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

How do you defeat an invincible epic? Well, David has seen Steelheart bleed once, and is determined to do just that, with the help of the Reckoners and his extensive research.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

Oh that Littlefinger. He’s so crafty that he can even predict people’s emotional reactions and thereby manipulate them into starting wars and getting their husband’s heads chopped off. There are many other chessmasters playing the Game of Thrones, but the one Littlefinger really needs to watch for is the Spider.