Kraljev gambit / King's Gambit

King’s Gambit (2021) is the debut literary work by communications and public relations expert Dalibor Jakus. This unconventional and visually striking collection of micro-stories and short prose—published in a bilingual edition (Croatian and English)—presents an original blend of literature, pop culture, art, and social commentary. Borrowing its title from chess terminology—where a piece is sacrificed for a strategic advantage—the book metaphorically explores the risky moves, personal compromises, and internal struggles an individual faces in the modern world. The stories range from intimate diary-like entries and urban vignettes to fantastical and mythological motifs, all infused with subtle irony and humor. Through brisk, rhythmic, and associative prose, the author touches upon themes of loneliness, love, and transience, as well as the absurdity of modern everyday life. A distinctive feature of the collection is its fragmentary structure, which allows for an unpretentious and dynamic reading experience. King’s Gambit is an elegant literary mosaic that bridges the visual and the textual, offering a fresh, contemporary perspective on the challenges and emotions of life today.