Kings Blood Four (1983)

I read this book several times & liked it, but really wanted to find the rest of the series. I did finally find them & it was interesting. The second trilogy was a disappointment, though.

There are an interesting set of powers, social groups & areas that are based on chess. The plot is pretty standard, but the window dressing is fairly unique & well done. ( )

Very interesting concept for a society and fun to read. ( )

Compelling characters, a twisty plot that changes shape when you think you've got it pegged down, a novel concept of magic, spare but evocative writing—this is a very good fantasy tale.

This, Necromancer Nine and Wizard's Eleven form a trilogy that is fairly complete in itself, though the ending did leave some answers to questions a bit vague. There is a follow-on trilogy consisting of Jinian Footseer, Dervish Daughter and Jinian Star-eye that tells the story from the viewpoint of another character, Jinian. It overlaps the latter half of the True Game books in time, often recounting the same events with a completely different perspective and meaning, and then carries the story to a more complete conclusion.

There is a third trilogy...published second...which is chronologically first, telling the story of Peter's mother: The Song of Mavin Manyshaped, The Flight of Mavin Manyshaped and The Search of Mavin Manyshaped. Some say these must be read between the True Game and the Jinian series; I did not find this to be true. I actually preferred to read them third.

These books are less heavy-handed than later Tepper books in terms of social messages, if that's a factor for you. ( )

Peter is a student, trying to work out his place in the world of the
True Game, as player or as your average person. He gets caught up in
the machinations of the nobility around him, and some of his blood is
spilled.

He gets sent elsewhere to further his studies.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2006/12/kings-blood-four-sheri-s-tepper.html ( )