A Game of Blind

A Game of Blind is a compelling and intellectually charged novel that delves into the nature of perception, choice, and the unseen forces that shape human existence. Andrew V. Kudin crafts a narrative that is both philosophical and gripping, blending psychological depth with existential inquiry.

Plot and Themes
The novel centers on a metaphorical “game” where characters navigate blurred realities, challenging the reader to question free will, deception, and the boundaries of control. The title itself—A Game of Blind—aptly captures the tension between knowledge and ignorance that drives the story. Kudin’s exploration of these themes is profound, though at times abstract, demanding careful engagement from the reader.

Writing Style and Structure
Kudin’s prose is elegant and precise, balancing introspective musings with sharp, engaging dialogue. The structure alternates between reflective passages and tense exchanges, mirroring the uncertainty of the characters’ predicaments. While the philosophical depth enriches the narrative, some may find certain sections overly dense.

Character Development
The protagonist and key supporting characters are well-drawn, each embodying different facets of the novel’s central questions. Their development feels organic, though a few secondary figures could benefit from more exploration. The psychological realism is strong, making their struggles resonate.

Originality and Impact
The novel stands out for its bold fusion of literary fiction and existential philosophy. It evokes comparisons to thinkers like Camus or Kafka but maintains a distinct, modern voice. Its intellectual ambition ensures it lingers in the mind long after reading.

— Sarah Jensen

Not only has Mr. Kudin updated this book, he rewrote it. I had the absolute honor of working closely with him on this. He told me his translation was terrible, and even if I read this book and loved it in its first copy, he has somehow improved on it. English is not his first language, but with how it is now, I doubt you would know that. If you read this two months ago or even a year ago, please pick it up and reread it as it is now. You will not be disappointed.
A Game of Blind, written by Andrew V. Kudin is a dramatic and suspenseful novel about chess. It starts off with a prologue with not much information, but enough to hook you into the story. In the world of chess, there’s only one company competing with itself to improve the players around the world. Only one company owns all the sites to play chess on, offering services for a small fee… including a computer program to show you all the possible outcomes. All seems to be going well for Henry, the CEO of World of Chess, Inc., until Henry loses to a new up and comer on his very own website. Henry is okay losing… but not twice… and certainly not to a novice. Who is this mysterious player, and why does Henry have a bad feeling about them?
I love the characters, the backstories, and the development of the plot. Eddie is certainly my favorite character, and all those who read will know why. I finished this in one sitting. A full 4 hours and I enjoyed it immensely. I had a feeling I knew what would happen, but wasn’t entirely certain. I didn’t figure it out until about midway, closer to the last third.. and even then I had doubts. The way everything fit together like a puzzle was incredible. Mr. Kudin definitely has a talent for storytelling! It’s a story I can see myself reading over again. I almost wish I could read it for the first time again just to go through all the pieces again! I have quite a few quotations from this book, and it sat with me for quite awhile.

— Eliza Svihra