I came across a review of this book online which made me think I might have an enjoyable read. So, I went ahead and ordered it. When the book arrived in the mail, I noticed that the cover blurb stated something along the lines of, "If you loved the Da Vinci Code, you'll love The Eight."

"OH NO," I exclaimed. Because I definitely did not have a liking for the Da Vinci Code (even though it is, admittedly, the best among Dan Brown's novels that are poorly researched and badly written.)

Despite this initial misgiving, I decided to read the book anyway as cover blurbs aren't always accurate. Sadly, in this case, it was spot on. The writing style and content were very similar to Dan Brown's.

If you have a penchant for unlikely and absurd conspiracy theories that don't hold up under even a modicum of logical thinking and have a lot of free time to kill, then this book might be for you.

(My issue is that I truly enjoy novels that involve conspiracies, but I have zero patience for conspiracy theories that lack credibility.)

The story begins with Catherine Velis, a supposed computer expert at the pinnacle of her field (yet, throughout the extremely long book, she never does anything or even thinks in a way that would suggest she has any knowledge of computers). She is sent on an assignment to Algeria. Her friend, who deals in antiques, seizes this opportunity to ask her to acquire some rare chess pieces while she is there.

Meanwhile, back in the 18th century, two young novice nuns (yes, this serves as an excuse for some unnecessary yet oddly understated trashiness) are requested by their abbess to participate in hiding the very same chess pieces that everyone is after. This is because the chess pieces are said to be imbued with magical powers that will enable the owner of the entire chess set to take over the world.

The book is poorly written, with characters whose attributes seem to be randomly assigned. It is also historically inaccurate, needlessly long, and trashy without being titillating enough. The fantasy elements are unconvincing, and the plot elements don't withstand any form of analysis. In short, it's a boring read.

Lectura de hace muchos años (en 1996) durante un verano, que recuerdo haberla disfrutado mucho. Me sumergí completamente en la trama del libro, viviéndola al máximo. Era un libro que, si lo leyera actualmente, no sé cuál sería mi opinión. Pero en aquel momento, era un libro muy, muy bueno. La he recomendado muchas veces a mis amigos y familiares. Me acuerdo de cómo me enganchó desde el primer capítulo y no pude dejarlo hasta terminarlo. La historia era tan interesante y envolvente que me hizo sentir como si estuviera presente en cada escena. Aunque han pasado muchos años, todavía recuerdo aquel libro con mucha nostalgia. Seguramente, es un clásico que merece ser leído y disfrutado por muchas generaciones más.

This book is a bit complex and confusing.

It has a large number of characters, which can make it difficult to keep track of who is who and what their relationships are.

Moreover, there are many significant facts presented throughout the book, which can be overwhelming at times.

However, despite these challenges, it is still a nice book.

The story is engaging and well-written, and the author does a good job of presenting the complex ideas and events in a way that is understandable.

The characters are also well-developed, and their actions and decisions add depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, while this book may not be for everyone, those who are willing to put in the effort to understand it will be rewarded with a rich and engaging reading experience.

A classic thriller that seems everyone has read. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I give it a 7.5. The story is related to Charlemagne's chess, which I found a bit convoluted. The plot is able to maintain the interest until the end and is resolved correctly. However, for my taste, there are too many pages and it felt a bit long.

Maybe it's because I'm not a big fan of overly complicated plots. But still, the author did a good job in creating an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. The characters are well-developed and the descriptions are vivid. I can imagine the scenes clearly in my mind as I read.

Overall, it's a good book, but not a great one for me. If you like thrillers and don't mind a bit of a complex plot, then you might enjoy this book more than I did.

I read The Eight a long time ago and was truly enamored with it. This isn't the first time it's happened with Open Road books on Netgalley. I have a penchant for requesting books I'm familiar with to give their reissue a bit of a push. It's also comforting to know that I'm likely to enjoy a book right from the start, rather than taking the typical gamble that a Netgalley book often presents.

However, this time around, it didn't quite pan out as well. The first half or so was an exciting and engaging ride, smart, fun, and utterly fascinating. I couldn't help but think that this was what The DaVinci Code so desperately wanted to be. But somewhere along the line, I started to cringe every time I turned the page and saw a new chapter set in the 18th century. The 1970s portion still held my interest, but the tale of Mireille and her pantheon of 18th-century French and American greats just left me cold this time. It was such a parade of notables from that era... Even Ben Franklin and Alexander Hamilton got a mention. (Yes, I too now have that \\"Alexander Hamilton\\" tune stuck in my head.)

And the digressions within the backward jumps were painful. \\"There’s a tale that goes with it\\", someone would say, and I would quietly whimper.

It wasn't the writing; that was always solid and clear. The characterization was rather magnificent. In fact, in just one line, Neville said more about Lily than most writers could manage in a full chapter. (\\"Lily was the Josephine Baker of chess. She had everything but the ocelot and the bananas.\\") The only character who seemed to get short shrift was the 20th-century first-person narrator, Cat; she didn't seem as well-rounded.

The story didn't have a simple linear beginning, middle, and end. It more resembled a Celtic knot or one of those flourishes an 18th-century notable might have added under their signature to (if I remember correctly) prevent forgery. Maybe it's because I don't have the large blocks of time to devote to a book like I did when I first read this, but it made me tired.

And it was a bit frustrating that, with guns blazing and bodies dropping all around, Cat and Lily just kept going on their own.

\\"I still think we should go to the police. After all, we have two bullet holes to prove our point.\\"

\\"Never,\\" cried Lily in agitation, \\"will I admit that I’m not up to solving this mystery on my own. Strategy is my middle name.\\"

Argh.

Of course, it's all very dated - or rather, period, I suppose. This was written long before 9/11, so traveling between countries was easier, and security at events and in buildings was much lighter. And a cell phone here and there would have made a huge difference in the more modern plot.

But I have to say, something I usually complain about, the dreaded recap, is skillfully avoided in this book. Katherine Neville is excellent at keeping the reader afloat in a vast and sometimes choppy sea of plot.

I'm not much of a chess player; I won a game once, but I'm pretty sure my opponent wasn't paying attention. But the trappings and history of chess are wonderful to read about, and happily, The Eight doesn't rely on a reader's chess prowess to work. And it does work. It really is everything the DaVinci Code longed to be but failed miserably at.

Quote I want to see turned into a painting:

On the fourth of April in the year 782, a wondrous festival was held at the Oriental Palace at Aachen to honor the fortieth birthday of the great King Charlemagne. He had called forth all the nobles of his empire. The central court with its mosaic dome and tiered circular staircases and balconies was filled with imported palms and festooned with flower garlands. Harps and lutes were played in the large halls amid gold and silver lanterns. The courtiers, decked in purple, crimson, and gold, moved through a fairyland of jugglers, jesters, and puppet shows. Wild bears, lions, giraffes, and cages of doves were brought into the courtyard. All was merriment for weeks in anticipation of the king’s birthday. It needs a Pre-Raphaelite painter, I think.

I have to admit that I took great geeky pleasure in the etymologies scattered throughout the book, from the obvious (how did I forget \\"Vermont\\"?) to the huh! (The Rooks, or Castles, were called Rukhkh, the Arabic word for \\"chariot\\") and the \\"aha!\\" (\\"Islam\\" comes from the same root as \\"shalom\\"). (One more: \\"Venice was founded by the Phoenicians—whence we derive our name\\".) And the chapter heading quotes (there's a name for those, isn't there?) were terrific. (\\"Skeletons of mice are often to be found in coconuts, for it is easier to get in, slim and greedy, than to get out, appeased but fat.\\" —Chess Is My Life: Viktor Korchnoi (Russian GM); \\"Tactics is knowing what to do when there is something to do. Strategy is knowing what to do when there is nothing to do.\\" —Savielly Tartakover (Polish GM))

Note of worthless trivia: my high school French teacher christened me Mireille for her class. I hated it because no one (including me) could pronounce that \\"R\\". So this was kind of weird.

Something that was probably intended as comic relief but which made me uncomfortable and then a little angry was the way Lily's little dog Carioca was treated throughout. That poor little fuzzball was thrown, dropped, kicked, dunked, squashed, and who knows what else. I really didn't like it.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review. Thank you!

In the game of life, the pawns are the soul of the chessboard. Even a humble pawn can change its attire. Someone you love can change the course of things. The woman who returns it to the rail will sever the known ties and cause the predicted end.

This amazing piece is on my favorite list! I have recommended and lent it among my friends.

Katherine Neville gifts us a story that spans between 1790 and 1970. It features a legendary and cursed chess set carved in gold, silver, and diamonds by the Moors as a gift for Emperor Charlemagne, serving as the backdrop for the protagonists' movements.

"El ocho" is a novel that combines fantasy and history, a lot of history. It is very well set, very well narrated, and has an exquisite level of detail of the places where it unfolds. Narrated between two timelines, the present and the past of two female protagonists that the author has managed to intertwine perfectly with real events (used according to convenience and need). It turns out to be an engaging book. I consider this form of narration a success for such a dense historical book. By making jumps in time, it is much less burdensome to assimilate the large number of characters, as all of them have relevant importance in the story and their deeds lead it in a transcendental way.
100% recommended.

Sinceramente, me ha encantado!

This simple expression holds a world of meaning. It implies a deep sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.

When I say "Sinceramente, me ha encantado!", it means that I have truly loved or been charmed by something.

It could be a beautiful place, a wonderful experience, a great book, or a kind gesture from someone.

This phrase allows me to convey my genuine emotions and share my enthusiasm with others.

It is a way to express my appreciation and let the world know that I have been touched by something special.

Whether it is a small moment of joy or a life-changing event, "Sinceramente, me ha encantado!" captures the essence of my feelings.

It is a phrase that I will continue to use to express my love and gratitude for all the wonderful things in my life.

A Grand Adventure


Embark on a truly remarkable journey with "A Grand Adventure". It offers a complex ride that will constantly keep you on the edge of your toes. This isn't just any ordinary experience; it's a thrilling quest that takes you across a significant portion of the world. It's a thinking man's game, challenging your intellect and problem-solving skills at every turn. As you traverse through different landscapes and encounter various obstacles, you'll find yourself fully immersed in this captivating adventure. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a novice looking for an unforgettable experience, "A Grand Adventure" has something for everyone. So, gear up and get ready to embark on a journey that will test your limits and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Probably about 3.5 stars, actually.

The story has a very strong plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. It's full of twists and turns that make it impossible to put down. However, the characterization could have been better. The characters felt a bit one-dimensional and didn't really develop much throughout the story.

Despite this, the plot was so good that it made up for the lack of depth in the characters. It was a real page-turner and I found myself constantly wondering what was going to happen next.

Overall, I would say that this is a good book with a great plot, but it could have been even better if the author had spent more time developing the characters. I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller.

I first read The Eight approximately 15 years ago, and at that time, I absolutely adored it.

The thing that charmed me was that the plot was not only original but also complex, and I took great pleasure in reading the two parallel stories.

Recently, I happened to come across a copy of the book and made up my mind to read it once more. Well, I have to confess that I was rather disappointed.

The story still flows smoothly and is quite exciting, yet there are certain aspects of the book that I found extremely annoying.

For instance, historical figures keep popping up throughout the book. By the time Napoleon showed up, I just felt like yelling "enough!"

The main character is always hinting at future situations and constantly saying things like "I would soon find out how dangerous he really was".

There are also unbelievable coincidences and ridiculous romance bits. Finally, I thought the book was far too long and really deserved a significant amount of editing.

It is still a fairly fun read, but it's not the type of book that I enjoy reading these days. I'll give it three stars just for old times' sake. :)

Katherine Neville's "The Eight" (Ballantine, 1988) has attained an almost cult-like status in certain circles. Many regard it as one of the finest adventure novels ever penned. It serves as a useful means to divide the people you know into two distinct categories: those more intrigued by the plot and those more interested in the writing.

The plot, to be honest, is rather excellent. The novel unfolds in two parallel timelines. The first is set in 1972, and the second during and after the French Revolution. Both plot lines revolve around the search for a mystical chess set and the attempts to uncover the human counterparts to the various pieces. (The hero and villain in each time line are the Black and White Queens, respectively – a very nice little twist.) The board, once complete, is said to bestow unlimited power upon its possessor. Thus, leaders from Marat and Catherine the Great to Muammar Khaddafi make appearances throughout the book, vying to get their hands on it. The pace is brisk, with the action almost nonstop. (The present-day time line is faster-paced and far more compelling, but the past is not too shabby either.)

However, the writing, in some places, is nearly excruciating. Neville descends into the realm of clichés at least once per chapter, and at times, more than once per page. Clumsy attempts at foreshadowing are more common here than in an entire shelf of novels by Bulwer-Lytton. It's possible that Ms. Neville took the nineteenth-century definition of a "romance novel" a bit too seriously for a twentieth-century writer. And in that regard, it is certainly a unique experience; a classic nineteenth-century romance novel often written like a Harlequin from circa 1985.

All things considered, it is a fun little book that requires a great suspension of disbelief. I would have awarded it another star if part of my suspension of disbelief didn't have to be in the author's writing ability.

I discovered this book in the 90's in hard copy and I'm so excited that it is being released as an e-book.

This story is truly captivating as it spans centuries and the world. It follows two teams in their search for chess pieces that were buried and separated in the 1700's. The purpose was to safeguard the secret of eternal life from power hungry invaders.

Over time, the composition of the black and white teams changes. In the 1970's, the black team has managed to accumulate a significant number of the pieces. Naturally, the white team is determined to do whatever it takes to steal them.

The story weaves together elements of espionage, murder, detente, and love, creating a thrilling read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Adding to the allure, there is a follow up book titled The Fire, which no doubt continues the exciting adventure and further explores the captivating world created in the first book.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, adventure, or a story that combines multiple genres in a seamless and engaging way.