New York City, 1972—A dabbler in mathematics and chess, Catherine Velis is also a computer expert for a Big Eight accounting firm. Before heading off to a new assignment in Algeria, Cat has her palm read by a fortune-teller. The woman warns Cat of danger. Then an antiques dealer approaches Cat with a mysterious offer: He has an anonymous client who is trying to collect the pieces of an ancient chess service, purported to be in Algeria. If Cat can bring the pieces back, there will be a generous reward. The South of France, 1790—Mireille de Remy and her cousin Valentine are young novices at the fortresslike Montglane Abbey. With France aflame in revolution, the two girls burn to rebel against constricted convent life—and their means of escape is at hand. Buried deep within the abbey are pieces of the Montglane Chess Service, once owned by Charlemagne. Whoever reassembles the pieces can play a game of unlimited power. But to keep the Game a secret from those who would abuse it, the two young women must scatter the pieces throughout the world. . . .
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"For the lovers of chess, this book will be a great read. I loved how the characters are the peaces of the chess game and how they are manipulated. While trying to solve the mystery we get also the history of the chess, and how it is incorporated in today events. Great read." — Christiane (5 out of 5 stars)
"For the lovers of chess, this book will be a great read. I loved how the characters are the peaces of the chess game and how they are manipulated. While trying to solve the mystery we get also the history of the chess, and how it is incorporated in today events. Great read."
" This has long been one of my favorite books and I re-read it every few years. I just re-read it in anticipation of next reading the sequel, The Fire. "
" I loved it the first time I read it. That was before I read more. I liked how it wove real history into the story and made it more believable- this chess set. However reading it again 2009 I felt it was a little unbelievable. Still it's a fun read. "
" Though maybe not the page turner it claimed to be, I did find it highly engaging. There appear to be sequels which I'm sure will be an interesting read, but I'm not in a rush to buy them. "
" Ehhhhh, ....it was almost kind of sort of a good book. I'll have a review discussing how "meh" it was sometime soon. "
" Prequel to The Fire. Perfect for reading in the hospital. Very enjoyable. "
" One of my most recommended books. "
" My best friend in high school insisted this was her favorite book of all time. I couldn't even get past the first chapter. Ugh! Thank goodness her other recommendations later were better (she was the first to turn me onto Harry Potter). "
" I love this book. Each time I read it (with a gap of a few years) I learn something new. And what an excellent thriller even if ur not into the maths and chess aspects of it "
" One of my all time favorite books "
" One of my favorites of all time. I read and reread this book. I loved that you kept moving from century to century and the characters just came off the page! Wonderful!! A+ "
" Best Book I ever read...a historic page turner that will keep you entralled "
" Good afternoon read, but nothing great. Easy read, relatively easy story, kinda weird. "
" it was okay. Hard to get through, took me a couple of years to actually read it. "
" When I want comfort I read Austen but when I want brain exercise I read Neville. This is a sophisticated and erudite experience not to be missed. "
" Really excellent book I read when younger, can't remember the details but it is a global adventure and mystery, likeable protagonist, want to read it again to see if it was as good as I remembered it. "
" This is the best. More interesting than Dan Brown's books. The author is my favorite. "
" This probably deserves more stars - it's well written, moves quickly, and has a relatively tight plot. It does get a little far-fetched, which doesn't work well with most of the story. That is why I didn't give it 4 stars. I would definitely read another book by Neville. "
" I've read this book several times and always enjoy it, though never get the shiver down my spine as all is revealed like the first read. This book turned my husband into a reader at the tender age of 35 and he hasn't looked back. "
" It is the best book i've ever read !!!!! <3 "
" Supercheese! My husband loves this book, and I love to tease him that it has all of his favorite things: chess, sailing, nuns, priests, European history, and woman programmers. "
" This is combines some of my FAVORITE themes...1. time travel, 2. a mystery, 3. a chess game, 4. a love story. I think I've read this book at least 4 times. This is some of my favorite brain candy. "
" I really enjoyed this book. Several times! "
" One of my most favorite books of all time "
" The Da Vinci code for grown ups. "
" Fascinating Historical Romance/Mystery. LOVED how so many famous figures/heroes/organizations from our past were linked together. Then, after you read Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol...it is even more intriguing. "
" This was a great book. It was a little long, at 600 pages and I found myself skipping the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I did stay interested in the story and look forward to reading the next book. "
Susan Denaker is an actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator. Her extensive theater credits include numerous plays in the West End of London, national tours, many English rep companies, including a season with Alan Ayckbourn’s company in Scarborough. In the US, she has appeared in Our Town and Sweet Bird of Youth at the La Jolla Playhouse and Breaking Legs at the Westport Playhouse.
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