The “fascinating” #1 international bestseller of a quest across centuries by two intrepid women to reunite the pieces of a powerful, ancient chess set (Los Angeles Times Book Review). A fabulous, bejeweled chess set that belonged to Charlemagne has been buried in a Pyrenees abbey for a thousand years. As the bloody French Revolution rages in Paris, the nuns dig it up and scatter its pieces across … scatter its pieces across the globe because, when united, the set contains a secret power that could topple civilizations. To keep the set from falling into the wrong hands, two novices, Valentine and Mireille, embark on an adventure that begins in the streets of Paris and leads to Russia, Egypt, Corsica, and into the heart of the Algerian Sahara.
Two hundred years later, while on assignment in Algeria, computer expert Catherine Velis finds herself drawn unwillingly into the deadly “Game” still swirling around the legendary chess set—a game that will require her to risk her life and match wits with diabolical forces.
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Katherine Neville including rare images from her life and travels.
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Trying to get through this book! It’s enjoyable and interesting, but jumps around between eras (1970’s and 1790’s France). Hoping to finish it this week.
I really liked this book. I purchased it on clearance at a used book store quite a while ago, not really knowing who the author was, but wanting to read something new and unfamiliar. I loved how she wrote the book, it kept me interested until the very end and it was very entertaining. Even for how it kept going back and forth from the past to the present, I never got confused and knew what was going on in each part.
Also, the entire book relies heavily on the game of chess, and I have never played nor been a fan of chess, but that still didn’t deter me from enjoying the book. Neville writes in a way that makes you understand the game even for a novice like me who has never been interested in it.
4 stars to Katherine Neville’s The Eight. I stumbled upon this one by hearing about book #2’s release and had to start first from the beginning. I’m so glad I did.
Characters are well developed. Plot is intricate. Suspense is on target. Story-telling and narration are rich. I want a third book in the series!
It’s all about a chess match. In theory. But in reality. Russian history. Clever moves and alliances. Family connections. Politics. Strong motivation. Good, thought provoking suspense.
This is possibly one of the most original plots I have come across. I especially admire Ms. Neville’s use of the chess game not just as a backdrop, but as a central character. The heroine’s journey to claim her rightful place in this real-life game of chess is full of intrigue and surprises. Well done, Ms. Neville!
Interesting premise, but I quickly tired of it. The author name-dropped historical figures into the plot – everyone from Charlemagne to Benjamin Franklin. Very convoluted and difficult to follow. And, in the end, the big secret was pretty ho-hum.
I enjoyed this book (even if it was a little slow at times and I wondered when the plot would hurry along). The author did a great job tying together all of the different locations, past times, present times and the mystery.
Fabulous book
This book is one of those that are so captivatingly well written that you are positive the author could never top it. She blends historical elements into her fantastical elements so believably you would swear that is the way it all really happened!
Terrific writing and plot development.
Read this great story a few years ago and reread it again recently. Was really exciting and just as fun to read again. Strong female characters with lots of adventure. Beautiful historical backgrounds, past and present.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. Follow a chess set once owned by Charlemagne, the pieces spread out & hidden, that contains secret powers. Two hundred years later, Catherine Velis becomes part of the “game” to stop those that want to put the chess pieces together and unlock a deadly force. A great read for chess fans.
Wow. Very few novels do I wish to read twice. This is one of those. Read it and thank me later.
For people who love the game of chess this opens up a lot of the game’s history and the history of the times and conditions under which it developed. I felt that it got a little slow toward the end, but nevertheless it was a good read.
One of my favorite books!
Couldn’t put it down.
A must read!
Probably one of my favourite books, just loved it when I first read it with its mix of current events and history. I found it thrilling, but a friend of mine who read it when in labour said it was scary and she had nightmares….think it was the hormones!
One of the best books EVER!!
I really liked the mystery and would like to see it as a series
I liked this book starting out, but then it just became so long, parts of it dragged along. There were lots of characters to keep track of, too many for me. The author builds and builds upon this “secret” , so that I had to finish the book. I think the “secret” was a bit of a letdown for all the hours I invested in reading to get to it.
Read this a long time ag when it first came out & loved it. I’m looking forward to reading it again!