BKMT READING GUIDES



 
Adventurous,
Interesting,
Romantic

1 review

Eight
by Katherine Neville

Published: 1989-05-11
Hardcover : 512 pages
4 members reading this now
8 clubs reading this now
1 member has read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members
A fantasy novel from the author of A CALCULATED RISK. The secret of the Eight is a puzzle whose solution has challenged the most brilliant minds known to humanity. Catherine Velis is manipulated into using her unrivalled problem-solving skills to find and reassemble to legendary chess ...
No other editions available.
Add to Club Selections
Add to Possible Club Selections
Add to My Personal Queue
Jump to

Introduction

A fantasy novel from the author of A CALCULATED RISK. The secret of the Eight is a puzzle whose solution has challenged the most brilliant minds known to humanity. Catherine Velis is manipulated into using her unrivalled problem-solving skills to find and reassemble to legendary chess set.

Katherine Neville's debut novel is a postmodern thriller set in 1972 ... and 1790. In the 20th century, Catherine Velis is a computer expert with a flair for music, painting, and chess who, on her way to Algeria at the behest of the accounting firm where she is employed, is invited to take a mysterious moonlighting assignment: recover the pieces of an old chess set missing for centuries.

In the midst of the French Revolution, a young novice discovers that her abbey is the hiding place of a chess set, once owned by the great Charlemagne, which allows those who play it to tap into incredible powers beyond the imagination. She eventually comes into contact with the major historical figures of the day, from Robespierre to Napoleon, each of whom has an agenda.

The Eight is a non-stop ride that recalls the swashbuckling adventures of Indiana Jones as well as the historical puzzles of Umberto Eco which, since its first publication in 1988, has gone on to acquire a substantial cult following.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

What piece of the chess game was Catherine?
Name the characters on the white and black team.
What is the secret to "The Eight", and how is it revealed in the book?
by schultzmom (see profile) 06/06/09

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Our group gave ourselves a month to read this book, as it is 598 pages.
by schultzmom (see profile) 06/06/09
2 book is one (see review. Our hostess served a French dinner, and used a chess set as the centerpiece. It made for great conversation.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Katy S. (see profile) 03/18/17

 
  "French revolution mixed with events that happened in the 70's..."by Chary P. (see profile) 01/12/10

just a great plot, great historic investigation, plus great romantic stories of hate, love and treason. When you are done you want more...The Fire is there but not at the same level.

 
  "The Eight by Katherine Neville, International Bestselling Author"by cathy s. (see profile) 06/06/09

The book is written as 2 books, in one. The 2 books come together at the end, revealing the main connection between them. There are many historical characters throughout, which make the book fun, as... (read more)

 
  "Fantastic Read"by Bella F. (see profile) 04/09/09

After reading a summary about Katherine Neville’s The Fire, I decided to read its predecessor, her debut novel The Eight. What a debut it is! The Eight is a meaty, complex, heart stoppin... (read more)

 
  "A complex thriller taking place during French Revolution and current day"by Diane V. (see profile) 12/15/08

Charlemagne's chess set, once assembled, has an amazing amount of power that proves dangerous to the world. The pieces are well hidden but need to be dug up and scattered during the time of... (read more)

Rate this book
MEMBER LOGIN
Remember me
BECOME A MEMBER it's free

Book Club HQ to over 88,000+ book clubs and ready to welcome yours.

SEARCH OUR READING GUIDES Search
Search




FEATURED EVENTS
PAST AUTHOR CHATS
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Get free weekly updates on top club picks, book giveaways, author events and more
Please wait...