Alma And The Dark Dominion, Judit Berg, Quality Chess

[Andrew Zigmond]

I picked up this book at the 2019 4NCL Hull Congress but only got around to reading it earlier this year. I can't find any prior reference to it on this forum.

The author, Judit Berg, is a Hungarian children's author (the book is translated into English by Ralf Berkin) and features contributions by Judit Polgar. The plot is that four children are spirited away into a fantasy world where they have to rely on their wits and natural abilities to escape dangers and find their way home. Among the children is Alma, a young chess genius who ultimately emerges as their leader as they confront Lord Dharma in his mysterious castle.

The novel could be enjoyed by children from about age 9 upwards depending on reading ability and is probably best pitched at 11-14 year olds. It's nothing wildly original (and a bit pedestrian in places for the adult reader) but an enjoyable fantasy romp readers can immerse themselves in. The book culminates in a battle where the extensive cast of characters all take the role of a chess piece and the game follows Polgar vs Anand, Dos Hermanas, 1999 - the full game score appears as an appendix together with an explanation of the other chess puzzles and motifs throughout the book.

The book will appeal to both young readers, whether or not they already play chess. Those that do will enjoy the chess elements as part of the story while it might encourage non players to give the game a try. The book currently retails at a relatively cheap £8.04 at Amazon so could make a useful prize or learning aid for chess coaches.

The chess playing heroine of the novel is female which of course provides both inspiration and representation for girls in chess; however the two supporting boy characters also make for engaging heroes.