If you liked the DaVinci Code, than think of The Eight as a better written, better researched novel of the same genre, with a more complex plot. I couldn't put it down. I really liked the way Neville brought the past to life, and tied it to the modern narrative. Some parts are so jarringly real they are hard to read, but they drive the intensity of the book.

A great adventure / mystery read!

This took me forever to get through! I'm not sure why, since I enjoyed it, but it just seemed to get longer and longer as I went along. Well, up to page 400 or so, when things really started to take off!

Now, what to say about the story without giving too much away.... For most of the book, I found myself enjoying the modern storyline a bit more than the one in 18th century, although every now and again that would switch around. I think that was mainly because I enjoyed Catherine Velis's sense of humor, and you didn't see much like that in the earlier time period. The book is rich with details and appearances by famous figures, which, along with the plot, make it both fun and a bit overblown. The bits about the beginning of OPEC were very interesting to read, especially with the way fuel prices are once again a major issue. And all the little bits and pieces of information about the many locations in the story were fabulous! Perhaps that's why the book took me so long to read -- I didn't want to miss any of the nifty little details, and there's hardly a page without them!

Overall, a very good book. Not quite as great as I had heard -- and I figured out several of the twists in advance -- but a book that holds my attention for 600 pages with a plot based around a board game (blah!) has to be pretty great!

I've read this book twice, something I rarely do - and this book was equally satisfying both times. Katherine Neville does a great job of immersing the reader into both the 18th century and 20th century plotlines. There are rich characters, wonderful exotic locations, international intrigue and romance...what more could you ask for in a novel? A must-read in my opinion.

This has to be one of my all time favorite books. Even before the DaVinci Code, this book was very thought provoking. I think I've read it at least five times!

Awesome book - fast paced action, definetely a page-turner!

Similar to Da Vinci Code (although it came first), it centers around the mystical chess set of King Charlamagne. The story follows two storylines in different time periods. Although somewhat slow in the middle, it's a very good read.

This is in my top five favorite books. Fascinating, engrossing mystery, hard to put down. Past and present events, puzzles, codes, chess and more.

A reasonably good book, if you don't mind maintaining a major suspension of disbelief throughout, and can handle the writer's somewhat limited style. Purple prose, often clunky transitions from one scene to the next, and some rather predictable events (except when things happened for no apparent reason other than that the plot needed some excitement)--I often had to grit my teeth to get through. And the name dropping! I lost count of the historical figures hijacked to appear in roles major and minor. At least the story, as it wandered between past and present, was easy enough to follow, and showed some evidence of underlying research. I enjoy this sub-genre, but didn't find this to be a particularly good example of it.

Fascinating story! This book was very hard to come by - maybe some kind of cult favorite?

I liked this book a lot. It switches from the present to the 1790's and back. Learned a lot about the French revolution. It's a thriller!

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I read this book because I heard,

"...if you liked The Da Vinci Code, you'll like this book"

Turned out to be very true. I liked it every bit as much. So...

--------If you liked The Da Vinci Code, you'll like this book.----------

Well it was okay at best. I think if you are a chess player you will enjoy this book better than I did. The historical part set in early 1800s was quite interesting, but modern day story I found quite boring.

The book takes place in two times - present day (1970's) and the 18th century during the French Revolution. Those interested in the occult will love this book - I didn't because it was too far out there for me.

New York City, 1972—Catherine Velis is a computer expert for a Big Eight accounting firm. Before heading off to an assignment in Algeria, Cat is approached by an antiques dealer with a mysterious offer: His anonymous client is trying to collect the pieces of an ancient chess service, purported to be in Algeria. If Cat can bring them back, there will be a generous reward.
The South of France, 1790—France is aflame with revolution, and two young novices- Mireille de Remy and her cousin Valentine- burn to rebel against their constricted convent life at Montglane Abbey. Now their means of escape is at hand. Buried deep within the abbey are the pieces of a chess service once owned by Charlemagne. Whoever has all the pieces can play a game of unlimited power. But to keep the Game a secret from those who would abuse it, the pieces must be scattered throughout the world.

Not bad - a little dated but overall good.

I got a little lost with this book. A little too much intrigue for me.

Excellent!

This book as a pretty interesting fast paced story. Personally I felt the ending was a bit of a let down, but overall it was a fun read.

From the Boston Herald --
"The female counterpart to Unberto Eco's 'The Name of the Rose' ... Impossible to put down."

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