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  • Eyal Kless
  • The Tarakan Chronicles
  • The Puzzler’s War

The Puzzler’s War

The Tarakan Chronicles #2 / 3
by Eyal Kless
The Puzzler’s War (The Tarakan Chronicles #2) by Eyal Kless
Unrated

The intriguing futuristic dystopian story begun with The Lost Puzzler continues in this expansive speculative science fiction adventure.

There is nothing out of the ordinary in waking up... unless you’re dead.

Sent on a dangerous mission with little hope of succeeding, the man known as “Twinkle Eyes” has beaten the odds and found the key that could save civilization: Rafik, a teenage boy with the power to unlock the invaluable Tarakan technology that can restart their world. But the world might not be ready for what is unleashed, and now Twinkle Eyes must find a needle in a haystack in order to save himself... and perhaps the world.

This time, though, he will not go it alone. And while his companions — from the fiery Vincha to the laconic Galinak — have their own motivations, each will be vital in solving the last grand puzzle. One that could bring prosperity and progress to the world or destroy humanity’s last hope for ascension.

Now, a lone assassin from another era, two old friends, a dead man, a ruthless rogue mercenary, and a vicious warlord are all hunting for the ultimate prize. But what will happen when the final secret is unlocked, and technology long since buried once again finds its way into the hands of mankind?

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Science Fiction
Release date: January 23, 2020

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Eyal Kless

Eyal Kless

Eyal Kless writes like a man who’s seen the edges of structured beauty and dared to sketch beyond them. A classically trained violinist turned speculative fiction author, he brings an almost architectural complexity to his storytelling—stories that pulse with rhythm, tension, and philosophical bite.

Born in Israel and raised by music—his father, Yair Kless, is a renowned violinist—Eyal’s early life was defined by discipline, harmony, and the sharp focus of performance. He studied in Vienna, shared concert stages across Europe, and taught at respected music institutions. But somewhere between rehearsals and recitals, another creative force began to assert itself—one that wasn’t bound by notes or tempo.

Read more ...

That force materialized first in Rocca’s Violin, a Hebrew-language novel that hinted at the imaginative restlessness behind his refined exterior. But it was The Lost Puzzler that truly marked Kless’s transition from composer of melodies to architect of worlds. Set in a post-apocalyptic society struggling to piece itself back together, the novel deftly blends fantasy, science fiction, and mystery into a world where memory is power and secrets can reshape civilization. Its sequel, The Puzzler’s War, continued to explore the aftermath of collapse and the fragile scaffolding of truth in a society built on forgotten technology and fractured history.

Kless writes with the precision of a musician and the curiosity of a philosopher. His narratives often orbit themes of control, identity, and the cost of knowledge—inviting readers to question not only his imagined societies but their own. Characters like the wandering scribe Twinkle Eyes or the fierce Vincha aren’t just plot movers; they’re mirrors, reflecting the struggle to make sense of chaos and find meaning in fragmented legacies.

When he’s not writing or teaching at the Vienna Music University, Eyal balances an eclectic array of passions—martial arts, gaming, political discourse—and time with his daughter, all of which feed into the texture of his work.

Though he may not be a widely known name in mainstream fantasy yet, readers who stumble into his world often find themselves lingering, caught in stories that don’t just entertain, but ask to be unraveled—one layer at a time.

The Tarakan Chronicles

In a world shattered by a long-forgotten cataclysm, The Tarakan Chronicles weaves an intricate tale of survival, lost knowledge, and the complex dance between progress and power. Set in a post-dystopian future, the series explores a society desperately trying to rebuild itself, where ancient technology is revered as both a path to salvation and a dangerous weapon. But when the key to unlocking that power is a young boy with an extraordinary gift, the stakes reach unimaginable heights.

Read more ...

Rafik, a seemingly ordinary child, holds the ability to access and activate the forbidden technology of the past—a secret many would kill to control. His sudden disappearance sends ripples through the remnants of humanity, sparking a desperate search led by an unlikely hero: a historian from the Guild of Historians. Their journey becomes more than a quest for knowledge—it’s a race against factions, mutants, and mercenaries, all determined to either protect or destroy what Rafik represents.

The world-building in The Tarakan Chronicles is as much a character as the humans and creatures that populate it. Eyal Kless crafts a setting where ancient ruins and lost cities stand as eerie reminders of a once-great civilization. The contrast between the mysticism of old-world religions and the allure of forbidden science creates a rich, atmospheric backdrop that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With each turn of the page, the lines between ancient gods and cutting-edge technology blur, leaving readers to wonder what role history plays in shaping the future.

The characters are no less compelling. Rafik, with his mysterious abilities, is more than just a pawn in a larger game—he represents the fragile hope of a broken world. Alongside him, the diverse cast of explorers, historians, and adversaries brings a dynamic energy to the narrative, each with their own motivations, flaws, and desires. These characters grow, falter, and evolve in ways that echo the fractured world they inhabit.

The Tarakan Chronicles is a rare blend of adventure, mystery, and speculative fiction, offering a deep dive into the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology, faith, and survival. It's a series that challenges its readers to question the price of knowledge and the lengths we’ll go to secure our place in a rapidly changing world. For those who love intricate plots, atmospheric settings, and characters whose choices matter, this series provides a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.


The Tarakan Chronicles consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Lost Puzzler (The Tarakan Chronicles #1)
Unrated
The Puzzler’s War (The Tarakan Chronicles #2)
Unrated
The Tarakan Chronicles Book 3 (The Tarakan Chronicles #3)
⧗ 8.66 / 3


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