In a post-apocalyptic world, a scribe embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the fate of a boy with the power to unlock ancient technology. The story weaves between past and present, exploring themes of survival, power struggles, and the quest for salvation in a society on the brink of extinction.

Reader Review Summary

"The Lost Puzzler" is a wildly imaginative and gripping post-apocalyptic novel that draws you into its vividly rendered world from the first pages. Eyal Kless has created a richly detailed setting filled with riveting characters and mind-bending concepts.

One of the book's biggest strengths is its sense of mystery and the careful way information about this strange new world is unveiled. We begin by following a historian known only as the Scribe who is tasked with tracking down the truth about a young man named Rafik who disappeared over a decade ago. This framing device allows the story of Rafik, a rare "Puzzler" capable of unlocking powerful ancient technology, to unfold in mesmerizing fashion through the recollections of those who knew him.

The worldbuilding is simply astonishing, blending science fiction, fantasy, and brutally grounded dystopian elements. Kless immerses you in the cruel realities of a civilization struggling to survive after an apocalyptic "Catastrophe" by salvaging the wonders of the fallen Tarakan Empire. From the gritty City of Towers to roving biker gangs, genetically altered monstrosities, and rogue guilds descending into deadly ruins, the setting pulses with grim atmospheric life.

Many of the standout scenes electrifyingly depict young Rafik's harrowing coming-of-age as his rare tattooed abilities make him a hunted commodity passed from master to master. Few writers can make you feel the heartbreaking loss of innocence as viscerally as Kless does here. The novel is relentless in its forward momentum, constantly propelling you into new unexpected territory.

The diverse cast of characters is unforgettable, from the coarse mercenary Galinak to the hard-bitten Vincha whose drug-addled mind may hold the key to Rafik's fate. Even minor players like the charismatic trucker Captain Sam make immense impressions in their brief appearances. Kless has a true gift for investing each denizen of this unforgiving world with authenticity and moral ambiguity.

While the labyrinthine plot gets slightly convoluted in the final act, "The Lost Puzzler" overall delivers an absorbing tale of adventure, trauma, and what it means to be human in the face of dehumanizing circumstances. Bursting with imagination and intensity, this is masterful world-building that instantly establishes Eyal Kless as a significant new voice in speculative fiction. The only disappointment is having to wait to rejoin these characters in the upcoming sequel.