The Lost Puzzler

The Tarakan Chronicles

By: Eyal Kless

Narrated by: Michael David Axtell

A brilliantly written and ritiving post-dystopian debut from Eyal Kless, about a society hoping to salvage the technology of a lost generation, a mysterious missing boy who can open doors no one else can, and a scribe who must piece together the past to determine humanity’s future.

More than a hundred years have passed since the Catastrophe brought humanity to the brink of extinction. Those who survived are changed. The Wildeners have reverted to the old ways—but with new Gods—while others place their faith in the technology that once powered their lost civilization.

In the mysterious City of Towers, the center of the destroyed Tarakan empire, a lowly scribe of the Guild of Historians is charged with a dangerous assignment. He must venture into the wilds beyond the glass and steel towers to discover the fate of a child who mysteriously disappeared more than a decade before. Born of a rare breed of marked people, the child, Rafik—known as “The Key”—was one of a special few with the power to restore this lost civilization to glory once again.

In a world riven by fear and violence, where tattooed mutants, manic truckers, warring guilds and greedy mercenaries battle for survival, this one boy may have singlehandedly destroyed humanity’s only chance for salvation—unless the scribe can figure out what happened to him.

Awesome listen to an awesome book

Loved every moment. Science fiction at it's finest. The characters are interesting and round, the story thrilling and engaging. Can't wait for a sequel!

Walking on the borderline between sci-fi & fantasy

Surprisingly enjoyable book with a satisfyingly strange premise.

Long after a technologically superior empire, known as the Tarakans, collapsed in a devastating war, humanity has since scientifically regressed and now fights for Tarakan remnants and resources. Many rumors encircle, who and what the Tarakans were, and how and why their civilization collapsed in the war. Many groups are sending expeditions into the central Tarakan city to retrieve valuable technology. However, access requires puzzle solvers, typically reviled as cursed individuals, yet are uniquely gifted with the ability to unlock Tarakan resources. And, these expeditions must fight off deadly creatures guarding its remains. A few are working to unravel the Tarakan mystery, and to learn whether this fallen empire will be mankind's final downfall, or is the key to humanity's rejuvenation.

A D&D story under futuristic setting.

The author is, and he’s been horrible dungeon, master, and if you read the story with that mindset, it is much more enjoyable.

didn't end

they was no ending. the book just stopped without any real conclusion. I felt robbed.

Fun Story!

It was a fun story to follow along with. The characters were well done, and all the different accents were great to listen too. The narrator did a fantastic job! I would recommend this book!