A few days ago, I read a very interesting book. I really liked it. It is highly recommended for killing time. I would rate it 9 out of 10.

The book had a captivating storyline that kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters were well-developed and the writing style was easy to follow. I found myself completely immersed in the world created by the author.

One of the things I liked most about the book was its ability to make me think. It presented some thought-provoking ideas and concepts that really got my brain working. I also appreciated the author's attention to detail, which added an extra layer of depth to the story.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a good book to read, I would highly recommend this one. It's a great choice for anyone who enjoys a good story and wants to spend some quality time lost in a book.

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually prefer a Dan Brown book to this one. With every sluggish page I turned, I found myself longing for the familiar presence of old Robert Langdon.

It seems that if I wanted a comprehensive list of every important historical figure, I would have simply picked up a history book. Moreover, the Montglane service was hardly a secret. It was common knowledge that everyone and their dog was searching for it, and if they weren't already aware, they were quickly informed in great detail. So, I have to wonder why they didn't just infiltrate or outright destroy the Montglane Abbey (considering several of them were monarchs or held significant positions in their own right) until they found the thing. Maybe they were too lazy to do the digging themselves.

I also wonder why OPEC was involved in this whole affair. And with all the research that Cat did, I'm left wondering where exactly that research was put to use. She didn't really need to be a computer expert since she didn't do much with the computer anyway, even with all the chess-related stuff going on. Additionally, I'm curious about what it is that Black intends to do with the service that is supposedly better than what White has. Mireille, the Black queen, seemed rather unhinged in her pursuit of the thing. On the other hand, Catherine Grand, the White Queen, was content to hand over her hard-won pieces to Talleyrand. What exactly is this book trying to convey? I wonder, but not a whole lot. Definitely not enough to make me want to bother reading the next book.

While this book may offer some occasional entertainment, overall, it can only be truly enjoyed by those who are willing to completely turn off their minds and refrain from asking any questions about the story being presented.

The general premise of the book is rather straightforward. There is an ancient chess set, with its parts scattered across the globe, that holds the secret to vast power. Over the course of many centuries, two teams engage in a race to assemble the set and uncover its mystery.

Regrettably, the author falls short in explaining several crucial aspects of the story. For example, aside from some rather vague allusions to the concept of good versus evil, there is no clear explanation as to why two distinct teams are vying for the chess set. We are repeatedly informed that the "black" team is composed of the "good guys," but other than the fact that all the main characters belong to this team, it remains unclear why their intentions are any more noble than those of the "white" team. In fact, what exactly the "white" team would do with the secret is never even discussed. Additionally, we are told repeatedly that the lead character has an 8-shaped mark in the palm of her hand, formed by the various lines used for fortune-telling, and that her birth on April 4th is significant. However, these themes are never resolved. Is the 8 mark a sign from a higher power? Or perhaps a sign of a particular lineage?

If you have even a remotely inquisitive mind, it would be advisable to avoid this book.

This book presented a truly captivating plot that had the potential to be a literary masterpiece. It centered around Cat Velis, a highly skilled computer expert in the 70s. Due to her refusal to engage in underhanded activities at work, she was assigned to Algeria as a form of punishment. Before her departure, she attended a New Year's party where she encountered a fortune teller. The fortune teller gave her a mysterious riddle related to her date of birth and "the eight". As Cat delved deeper, she discovered that the riddle was connected to Charlemagne's renowned chess set, the Montglane service, which was said to hold a powerful formula capable of transforming the world.

The narrative then shifted to the 1700s in France, following Mireille, a convent girl who was suddenly entrusted with the crucial task of hiding the chess pieces across the globe. This was to prevent the formula from being misused, as its consequences would be catastrophic.

I was truly enthralled by the book's unique blend of chess, mathematics, physics, and history. It巧妙地incorporated figures such as Catherine the Great, Newton, Blake, and numerous other significant historical personalities. However, I couldn't help but feel that the execution left much to be desired. Despite its considerable length, the book often felt rather shallow, particularly in terms of character development. It seemed as if important information was sometimes hastily dumped on the reader, rather than being gradually revealed and explored. Perhaps this story would have been better suited as a series, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the characters and their motivations.

To make matters worse, my copy of the book was marred by numerous annoying typos in the beginning. Words like "botel" instead of "hotel" and incorrect usage of capital "I" instead of lowercase "l" were prevalent, sometimes even within the same word. Fortunately, these issues were confined to the initial part of the book, but they almost deterred me from continuing altogether. It was evident that whoever was responsible for editing and publishing this edition had been extremely negligent.

Actual rating: 1.5

Do I regret reading this book? YES! Will I read the second one? NO WAY!

The description made it seem much more interesting than it actually is. I mean, come on. I expected something good, maybe like The Da Vinci Code. But it wasn't. All I can say for this book is that it was such a huge disappointment. The main idea had perspectives, but it just didn't work. I didn't like the writing style, and the plot was too confusing at some points. There were quite many cringe parts too. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger, but I had no agony to find out what's next. The "plot twists" were so predictable that they ended up boring.

Now, let's talk about the characters. Cat is the protagonist, but what's wrong with her? Why does she judge Lily just because of her weight? I was really mad when Cat had critical thoughts about Lily's weight or the way she ate. She reminded me of a Mary Sue character, which is really annoying. Lily is probably the only character I liked a little. She seems to be a little logical and has at least a few brain cells. I was annoyed with Cat's behavior towards her. Solarin is a creepy guy who appears and disappears all the time. He always says something with a supposed deeper meaning, but what? And why does Cat trust him? Harry is just a guy who tries to be funny but ends up annoying. Nim, I don't have much to say about him. Valentine is responsible for most of the cringe and boring parts of the book. Mireille bored me to death. Moris (or Morris) was disgusting and cringe.

The ending was pointless. It seems like we just ended where we began. These characters have no sense of responsibility. They just say, "Let's let the next generations clear things up." What?

As a final thought for this book, I would not recommend it to anyone.

This is one of those books that I don't even recall purchasing. There was something in the blurb that seemed enticing, and then it vanished into the black hole of my bookshelf. Now, since I am currently making a conscious effort to read what is already on my shelves, I turned my attention to this familiar cover.

There are two parallel plots. One is set in the nineteen seventies, and the other in seventeen nineties. A long-lost set of chess that allegedly belonged to Karle Magne and is far more than just a chessboard and a set of figures.

I must admit that I quickly became immersed in the fast-paced story. In one storyline, the nuns from the convent of Montglane, against the backdrop of the partly French Revolution and partly the Saharian landscapes of north Africa, do their utmost to ensure that the powerful objects don't fall into the wrong hands. In the other, a computer programmer in near-current times becomes involved in the same seemingly endless chess game of finding and gathering the desired objects.

I do have a few, or perhaps even more than a few, doubts about the likelihood of the events described. However, I have enjoyed this book in the same way that I enjoy Bond and Indiana Jones movies. After a while, the logic and probability don't really matter that much, and I can simply relax and enjoy the ride. It's a perfect read for troubled times.

I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could.

The plot that Katherine Neville created with The Eight is truly incredible. It is intertwined with history, myth, and science in the most fascinating way.

Her characters are wonderful, each with their own unique personalities and motives. She does a great job of keeping us on the edge of our seats, wondering until the very end who is really on the "good" side.

As a writer myself, I am truly stunned by the intricacy of this plot. The way she weaves together different elements and storylines is masterful.

Anyone who enjoyed The Da Vinci Code should definitely give The Eight a try. In my opinion, it is an even better book. It is a must-read, especially for writers who are looking to learn more about the craft of writing.

The Eight is a captivating and engaging novel that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

The Eight achieves what Da Vinci Code endeavors to do - a comprehensive, quasi-religious cooperation among historical, supernatural, and scientific elements. The novel delves into the history of chess and employs the game as a kind of allegory for the modern (as well as ancient and postmodern) world. Although not overly believable in terms of the plot, it is still a captivating page-turner. It takes the reader on a wild journey through history and mystery, starting from the desert of Algeria and ending in the cobblestone courtyards of Paris.

One can't help but be drawn into the story, despite its somewhat far-fetched nature. The author's vivid descriptions bring the different settings to life, making the reader feel as if they are actually there. The combination of historical facts and fictional elements creates an interesting and engaging narrative. Whether you are a fan of history, mystery, or simply a good read, The Eight is sure to satisfy.

Overall, The Eight is a unique and entertaining novel that offers a different perspective on the world. It challenges the reader's imagination and makes them think about the connections between the past, present, and future. While it may not be a literary masterpiece, it is definitely a book that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

This was truly epic! It was like a Davinci Code kind of tale, and yet it was written before Davinci Code even existed.

If you have a passion for history, then this adventure is an absolute delight. At the forefront is Charlemagne's famous chess service, which adds an element of mystery and intrigue. It's not just about the chess service, though. The story is also an ode to the French Revolution and the love of chess.

As we shift back and forth between 1790 and 1972, both the French Revolution and Russian history take center stage. The past brings together historical characters who are involved in hiding a powerful chess service for security reasons.

The characters in this story are richly developed, and the plot is extremely engaging. Despite its length, it manages to maintain a high level of fascination throughout.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying both Catherine and Mirielle, as well as the forays into Algeria. Solarin was also one of my favorite characters.

One of the things I really loved about this book was the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. They added an extra layer of depth and set the tone for what was to come.

Overall, I would rate this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5! It's a must-read for anyone who loves history, mystery, and adventure.

I would like to give 4 stars to Katherine Neville's The Eight.

I happened to come across this book after hearing about the release of book #2 in the series, and I decided to start from the beginning. I'm truly glad that I made that choice.

The characters in this book are extremely well developed. Each one has their own unique personality and backstory, which makes them feel real and relatable.

The plot is highly intricate, filled with numerous twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The author does an excellent job of weaving together different elements such as Russian history, clever moves and alliances, family connections, and politics.

The suspense is spot-on, constantly building and keeping you engaged throughout the entire story. The story-telling and narration are also very rich, adding depth and detail to the overall experience.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Eight. It's a captivating and thought-provoking novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or historical fiction. I'm really looking forward to reading the third book in the series!

A legendary chess that belonged to Charlemagne, a story on horseback between 1790 and 1970, and a magical secret that will put at stake the lives of all those who approach it.

Catherine Velis witnesses how her monotonous life crumbles while she is involved in the search for a mysterious chess. A game that was buried for centuries in a French abbey and that the 1790 revolution took out of its hiding place and distributed its pieces far and wide across the world, setting in motion a dangerous game between the white team and the black team.

"The Eight" is a magnificent story that mixes fictional characters with historical figures such as Napoleon, Robespierre, Casanova, Voltaire, Newton, or Catherine the Great. An exciting action novel, of betrayals, strategy, alliances, survival, power, and love that continues in the second installment, "The Fire".

✔️ Strengths: addictive reading, simple language, the author's narrative style, the action and twists, the plot, the tension, the characters, the historical documentation.

❤ You will like it if: you are looking for a reading that combines action and history, that hooks easily from the beginning, or if you like the author's personal style.

Muses had a way of killing those whom they inspired.

A missing chess set; An ancient game; a journey throughout history.

Kathrine Neville's The Eight is a historical fiction that combines mystery and fantasy elements. I remember watching my mother read this book when I was a child, and then I enjoyed it myself as an adolescent. The story is fast-paced, the writing is brilliant, and the characters are well-developed. Even though it has been a while since I read it, it still sticks in my mind. Although I don't remember much of the prose, I think the ability to draw on real-life facts and create a unique story is truly admirable, especially considering it was written before the popularity of The Da Vinci Code. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in more mature reads, along with its sequel, The Fire.

This book takes readers on a thrilling adventure through different time periods and cultures, all centered around the mystery of a missing chess set. The characters are complex and engaging, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy.