The Puzzler’s War
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?
The series
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 full series description
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.
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