Sometimes you pick up a book and as you turn the pages, you find yourself secretly hoping that it will never reach its conclusion.

If that's the kind of experience you're after, well, this particular book might seem like a candidate at first glance. However, I have to admit that when I say I thought it'd never end, I don't mean it in a positive sense.

The book has been likened to the Da Vinci Code, but in my opinion, that's an rather unfortunate comparison. The narrative alternates between the 1970s and the late 1700s, with both time periods being connected through an individual's pursuit of lost ancient knowledge.

For me, the action sequences and the supposed dangers felt rather contrived, and the object of the search didn't seem all that compelling either.

If you're the kind of reader who can easily immerse yourself in pure fantasy and not worry too much about logic or believability, then perhaps you might find some enjoyment in this book. But if, like me, you prefer something that has a bit more substance and believability, it can be quite a challenge to stay engaged throughout this rather long tome.

I don't even know what to say about his book.

This book truly had so much potential. It presented an interesting concept with two female leads - Mireille, who lived in the 18th century and was a really cool character. Her story was engaging and had the makings of something great. However, there was also Catherine Velis, who lived in the 70s and was an extremely irritating character. I just couldn't bring myself to like her. My biggest issue with her was that she was a know-it-all. She would constantly say things like "Oh I don't know anything about Algeria but I know that..." or "Oh I don't know anything about chess but I know that...". Girl, you either know something or you know nothing, so just shut the hell up.

The story didn't improve as it went along. Instead, it just became more and more confusing. I really don't see the necessity of including so many historical people in the story, such as Napoleon, Voltaire, Katherine the Great, and so on. It felt like the author was trying to cram in as much history as possible without really considering how it fit into the overall narrative. The only character that I really, really liked was Charles Maurice de Talleyrand. He was the only person I got attached to during this entire book.

The ending left me with this feeling:



Mom, why did you recommend this to me? WHY?

This is an amazing book, especially in the end!

The last 100 pages were a real page-turner!!!! It had me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down. The story took so many unexpected twists and turns that I was completely hooked. The author did an excellent job of building up the tension and keeping the reader engaged until the very last page. I found myself completely immersed in the world of the book, experiencing every emotion along with the characters. It was truly a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller. You won't be disappointed!

One of my friends had grown tired of the so-called "serious" book clubs.

As a result, she decided to take matters into her own hands and started The Happy Fluffy Unicorn Book Club.

In this unique club, fluffy and steamy bodice-ripping books are finally given the attention they truly deserve.

This is especially significant during the summer months when light reading is not only a pleasure but also essential for relaxation.

The book chosen for the inaugural honor was an interesting read.

Overall, it was enjoyable, although there were parts that made me groan.

The author seemed to overuse the phrase "Little did she know" almost as frequently as the word "loins".

I attempted to overlook the lack of research, but it was hard to ignore certain details.

For example, who would have someone drinking "local beer" in Algeria?

The basic premise of the story involves a chess set that, when assembled, grants the owner ultimate power.

The difference between the author Neville and someone like Dan Brown is quite notable.

If you were to sit down and Google everything Dan Brown claims in his works, such as in The Da Vinci Code, a significant portion of it actually makes sense.

On the other hand, Neville makes up races and mythology to suit her own purposes.

I don't entirely fault her for this, but it does contribute to making the book even fluffier than it might have been otherwise.

Nevertheless, it still provided some entertainment value.

The reviews on this one are either one way or the other.

Some people absolutely love it, while others can't stand it. I had the pleasure of re-reading this during my vacation.

To be honest, it isn't what you would consider great literature. However, it is slightly better than most of the things Dan Brown has written.

I found myself really engaged in the story and also enjoyed learning a few interesting things about chess and history along the way.

If you approach this book without expecting literary excellence and simply allow yourself to get lost in the story, you might be surprised to realize that it was really original in its time.

And in the end, you'll likely find that the time you spent reading it was well worth it.

FLASH! The definition of the word "thriller" has undergone a significant change. Now, the term "thriller" can be considered to encompass slow-paced, overly convoluted stories that meander from one point to another with minimal actual plot development or, indeed, plot involvement!

Yes, we have yet another story in the vein of The Da Vinci Code. (I have been informed that this book was written in '88. I had initially stated that it was "apparently inspired by said Da Vinci Code". My mistake. That being said, it doesn't enhance the quality of the book.) Set in both the past and the future, it features "countless" number-based clues, cues, and proofs.

That's right, the number.....8! It figures prominently in the story, duh, duh, duh.

Beginning back in the time of Charlemagne (or perhaps even further back?), our story revolves around an ornate chess set that is imbued (or possibly endowed) with some great and (possibly) evil power.

So, a cunning abbess, in an attempt to break up the threat, dispatches some nuns, each carrying a single piece of the chess set. Well, except she also sends two novices who haven't taken their vows yet. They head to the big city and become nude models... an interesting career choice for would-be nuns, don't you think?

Anyway, we are also following events in the "present" as "powers" strive to locate the said chess set.

With all these plots, counterplots, and conspiracies unfolding, how can this be one of the most boring, slow-moving, and stultifying books I've picked up in weeks?

I have no idea. But it manages to be so.

I simply can't recommend this one.

First read in 2004. I gave it an eight (it's not a lie).

Read for the second time in 2013. It stayed at 6/10.

Well, that's it. Since I remembered that I had really liked it for the mystery and chess plot, it came up in a Reading Club and I reread it. Another failure in rereadings (And then you ask me why I don't reread!).

I'd better not say anything about the book (everyone already knows it) nor, of course, open its pages again. In case the grade keeps dropping.

Perhaps the initial charm and mystery that I felt in 2004 had worn off by 2013. Maybe my perspective had changed, or perhaps the book didn't hold up as well on a second reading. It's always interesting to see how our opinions of books can change over time. But in this case, it's a bit disappointing that the rereading didn't live up to my expectations. Oh well, there are plenty of other books out there to discover and enjoy.

The legendary chess game of Charlemagne is fascinating. A computer expert who was "deported" by her superior to Algiers delves into it completely. And at the end of the journey, it turns out that everything she thought and knew was completely different.

I have had this entire book sitting on the edge of my chair. It is definitely a recommended read!

This story seems to hold a great deal of mystery and excitement. The idea of a computer expert being sent to a foreign place and getting involved in a mysterious chess game is quite captivating. One can't help but wonder what kind of revelations and surprises await her at the end of her exploration.

The author's description of having the book on the edge of the chair also adds to the sense of anticipation and eagerness to find out what happens next. It makes the reader want to pick up the book and start reading immediately to discover the secrets hidden within its pages.

Overall, this seems like a book that would appeal to those who enjoy mystery, adventure, and a touch of the unexpected.

A truly addictive book, narrated in an exquisite manner. It presents two parallel stories that gradually blend together, ultimately blowing the reader's mind.

I have been completely fascinated by how the author is able to take us on a journey through so many countries. She skillfully links historical stories and characters with an incredible plot about chess pieces that possess more power than anyone could ever imagine.

Without a doubt, I am going to read the second book because I have no idea what else could happen! This book has left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the next installment. The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it impossible to put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or historical fiction.

This book holds a special place in literary history as it was the very first of its kind. Published in 1988, it combines elements of a historical thriller, a whodunnit, and a magical story.

In a sense, all the subsequent similar books, such as those by Dan Brown and Kostova's "The Historian," are treading in Neville's footsteps. When read today, it might seem rather unremarkable compared to these later works that have taken the genre Neville essentially created and elevated it to new heights.

Nevertheless, I am awarding it this rating because I vividly recall, more than two decades ago, my initial encounter with the book. It led to countless sleepless nights as I eagerly raced to complete it. The impact it had on me at that time was profound, and it still lingers in my memory, despite the advancements in the genre that have occurred since.

So, while it may not measure up to the modern standards set by its successors, this book will always have a special charm and significance for me.

Three weeks ago, I decided to hold a yard sale. As I was going through a box of books, which I had no recollection of buying or reading, I came across a particular book that caught my eye.

Of all the strange things that happened that day, one of the most surreal was when, right after reading the first page, a man on a bike rode past. He was either a well-groomed homeless man or a poorly groomed homed man. He looked over, and upon seeing the book titled "The Eight," he lurched off his bike, stumbled to my gate, and, with all the force and desperation of a kindergartener being left by mommy, he bellowed, "That book! Man! That book, man, is the biggest fucking mind trip. It's the best book you'll ever read. That woman [the author] used to be an executive at Bank of America until those Southern fuckers came in and they fired EVERY woman in the company. God damn mother fuckers! But man, she's beautiful too man, like a triple threat. And let me tell you something... it'll never NEVER be made into a movie. I won't tell you why. 2/3 into the book BAM! [he yelled] it's a fucking bomb on your brain! She just fucking drops that bomb on your brain and it'll NEVER be a fucking movie!"

After such an endorsement, how could I not read this book?

It turns out to be pretty typical of the genre. It's a collection of mostly tropes, including the mysterious and reclusive genius at the heart of the mystery, the untrustworthy character with a hidden agenda related to the heroine, the drunken socialite, the clueless petty bourgeoisie, the quirky but lovable math/computer whiz, the evil and menacing foreign intelligence agent, the surprisingly Western and enlightened foreign man, and the revelation that the Other is actually more welcoming than We. These tropes are interwoven into a story that touches on Charlemagne, OPEC, Chess, the French Revolution, and the rise of Napoleon, among other things. While it's mostly entertaining, it's also much too long.

The double narrative serves an obvious purpose but makes the book cumbersome and unnecessarily obtuse. When one story line is enthralling, Neville switches to the other, forcing the reader to reinvest, which can be a tiring exercise. It's a shame really, because both narratives on their own are interesting and could have been fun, if forgettable adventure books.

2/3 of the way through, the heroines of both narratives go to Algeria and meet tall, dark, handsome, and capable men who save them from the vile agents of the bad guys. There's also an Erich Von Daniken moment, which is probably what the lurcher was talking about. It was a mind bomb about as much as the turn in the new Indiana Jones movie.

Overall, I'm ambivalent about this book. I would have been more enthusiastic if it had focused on one story or emphasized one more than the other.

A unique book that combines history and the fantastic in a wonderful way! It reminds one quite a lot of Dan Brown, but it was published much earlier than Dan Brown's well-known books (Illuminati, The Da Vinci Code), so perhaps Dan Brown was inspired by Neville's book. What impressed me was the use of a female central character. If we cut and think about how many books feature women as protagonists, we will be amazed by their... absence.

What surprised me about "Ochtό" was that it tired me quite a bit in many parts and flirted with "abandonment". Nevertheless, it is an excellent choice for those who want a masterful story of adventure and fantasy.

The combination of historical elements and imaginative plotlines makes this book a captivating read. The female protagonist adds an interesting dimension, challenging the traditional male-dominated narrative.

Although there were moments when the pacing felt a bit slow and I was tempted to put the book down, overall, the engaging story and well-developed characters kept me hooked.

"Ochtό" is a book that offers both entertainment and food for thought, making it a great addition to any bookshelf.