Victory was only the beginning. The real test is what comes next.

Rich Witz has defeated his Nemesis, Mallory… or at least, he thought he had.

After a near-disaster in the deadly maze known as the Corridor of Keys, Rich realizes he is not ready for what lies ahead. If he wants any chance of rescuing his father, he will need more than courage. He will need power.

That means training.

Over the course of a high-stakes summer, Rich must complete a new series of quests to earn the rank of Rook, unlocking abilities that could change the game entirely. But every victory comes with a cost, and every step forward draws new attention.

Because Mallory is not gone.

As Rich grows stronger, so does she. And this time, she is not holding back. With the stakes rising and the distance between him and his father shrinking, Rich is running out of time to get it right.

One mistake could cost him everything.

In this action-packed continuation of the Chess Quest series, the world expands, the danger deepens, and the line between victory and defeat becomes harder to see.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Middle grade fantasy with fast-paced action
• Chess-inspired magic systems and strategy
• Training arcs, power progression, and epic quests
• Clean adventure for ages 10–14

For fans of Percy Jackson, The Unwanteds, and coming-of-age fantasy with real stakes.

He leveled up. So did his enemy. Now the rematch is coming.