" This book alternates between the perspective of two central characters: Irina is a young woman who faces the prospect of an possible inherited fatal illness, and Alekandr, a Russian champion chess player, who is entering the world of Russian politics. I found the chapters telling Irina's story engaging, sometimes haunting, but during the chapters surrounding Alekandr I found my mind wandering, and the story lost it's momentum. When the two are finally merged, my focus was intensified, the story much more enjoyable. "
— Janice, 1/26/2014