Rating: 
Summary: overzealous and disappointing
Review: I had high hopes for this book given the rave reviews, but was sadly disappointed by an author who tries so hard to mesh too many historical characters in such a cursory fashion. Add in the fantasy/mystical angle for the plot, and the book leaves you with the sense that absolutely nothing is authentic. The references to historical figures actually becomes tedious. In other "semi-historical" books the characters are fictional and the time period pseudo-accurate (e.g., the Alienist, Angels & Demons). Or the characters are as close to what one would imagine (e.g., The Great Train Robbery). In this case neither is true. Finally, I won't spoil the ending, but the resolution of the plot is horribly disappointing. The whole 600 pages talks about discovering a formula. Well? Overall, the writing style isn't bad, and the author has a way of keeping you reading. But, too many times I'd put the book down and say to myself, "oh no, here comes another misused historical figure".
Rating: 
Summary: A fascinating book
Review: Wow. Amazing. You know, sometimes I put stuff on my wishlist and then later forget why I decided to put it on. When I got this book in the mail, I couldn't specifically remember why I wanted to read it, but as soon as I flipped it over and saw the words 'France, Spring 1790,' I was hooked. And with good reason. There was so much in this book, I don't even know if I can begin to give a proper synopsis. The plot was very Lord of the Rings-esque. You know, one chess board to rule them all...and all that. The whole story was very dense. I had a lot of distractions over the week or so that I was reading it, so I know I didn't glean everything from the story that I could have, because there was just so much packed in. There were many characters and details that sometimes it was hard to keep up with everything going on. I think I will have to buy another copy to re-read and share. While reading reviews for this book, I read a lot of stuff about how the author wove history into the story, and it's true. And it was quite clever. But there were so many historical characters that popped up or were mentioned, that by the end, that technique almost because a caricature of itself, I thought. I compared it to Forrest Gump in that way. Somehow he manages to bump into almost every historically important person in his lifetime. Definitely a book worth reading. My advice is, give it plenty of time. So fascinating. On to the next Katherine Neville...
Rating:
Summary: Neville spins an incredible plot.....
Review: I loved "The Eight". That comment alone causes readers who appreciate fiction writing for the writing caliber, as opposed to the plot, to groan aloud. "The Eight" is an oversized (500+ pages) novel, a first time effort for author Katherine Neville, whose later works are far less popular. "The Eight" on the other hand, is much beloved and widely read. Neville's prose is typical of first time authors. Characterization can be thin, dialogue can be unrealistic, the romance altogether too passionate to be believable. What distinguishes this work, and what has given the book its cult following is the plot, the plot, the plot, the PLOT! The premise takes two parallel events, in two different timeframes (the '70's and the late 18th century) and weaves the stories together. Both are quests for the mystical Montglane chess set, an Indian relic, once a gift to Charlemagne. Neville's got an imagination that knows no bounds, and she draws dozens of historical figures into the plot mix, both in this century and that. Catherine the Great plays a role, as does modern-day despot Muhammar Khaddafi. The Montglane chess set, like Tolkien's "The One Ring", has mystical powers, and must be prevented, by an innocent, from falling into the hands of those who represent evil and anarchy. Part fairy tale, part romance, part historical fiction, part suspense novel, "The Eight" is unforgettable for its complexity and the peek into the mind of a great storyteller. You won't soon forget it!
Rating: 
Summary: Trying a little too hard to be smart
Review: After reading Katherine Neville's bio on the inside back cover, it became immediately clear that the author holds herself in high regard. This perspective was reinforced by "The Eight" in which one of the two main characters (Catherine) not only shares the author's name but, apparently, many of her experiences and talents as well. Overall, I did enjoy "The Eight", but it did not meet the expectations that had been set by reading other reviews. While connoisseurs of Dan Brown and Umberto Eco will probably enjoy this book, it falls well short of the suspense of "The Da Vinci Code" or the historical/intellectual rigor of "Foucault's Pendulum". At times, this book seems like an exercise by Ms. Neville to see how many famous 20th-century politicians, philosophers, painters, composers, mathematicians and soldiers she could squeeze into a historical fiction. By the time I encountered a young French officer named Bonaparte, I had grown weary of the game. Ms. Neville stretches the limits of credibility from time to time (IMHO, the most notable example being a convertible Rolls Royce driving 1000 miles across the desert). Also, I found the first-person narrative (of the Catherine Velis story) to be a bit tedious. But maybe that is just a personal preference. Finally, after plowing through 600 pages, I was disappointed by an ending that failed to achieve true closure. Of course, more enthusiastic fans will be excited by this excuse to write a sequel (which I hear is actually in the works, 15+ years after "The Eight").
Rating:
Summary: Wow! What a fun adventure!
Review: I read several reviews of Katherine Neville's story "The Eight" years ago. All reviews I read recommended it. Saying it was a fresh, well-written story, with good plotting and character development. I hunted years to find this book. When finally reading "The Eight" I found that all those other reviewer were right! This is an excellent story. Ms. Neville's story alternated between the time of the French revolution and 1973. Both periods are fun to read about under this author's guidance. I won't bore you with a recap of the plot. This book is packed full of action, adventure, romance and intrigues. Lots of villains and heroes are used to tell this mysterious, complex, interesting tale of lost wealth over many centuries. With so many characters and plot, some authors will loose their reader. Not Ms. Neville, she does a fantastic job of telling this story so that the reader will find it easy to follow. I will say that you don't have to be a history bluff to enjoy "The Eight". I am but the story of these people through time is more interesting than the historical facts. "The Eight" is a masterful blend of historical facts and characters with modern times. My hat is off to Katherine Neville and "The Eight". She gave me a wonderful time reading her book. I look forward to future books by her. Thanks Ms. Neville for so much fun. I join those other reviews in highly recommending this book. So what are you wanting for get out and get this book!
Rating:
Summary: Impressive and thrilling ride
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed The Eight. I found I couldn't put it down. The story kept me captivated to the very end. The concept of the chess set and its powers was intriguing, the story was well-crafted and suspenseful, and the way the characters are connected with each other is quite a shock. My only problem is that I'd have preferred a different ending, but the book is good in that it keeps you reading till the very last page and there are no excess bits that could have been dropped. This book has something for everyone, and the writing style can be quite humorous. There's history, mystery, romance, adventure, the supernatural-it's because the book is so well-rounded that it has such appeal. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Neville spins an incredible plot.....
Review: I loved "The Eight". That comment alone causes readers who appreciate fiction writing for the writing caliber, as opposed to the plot, to groan aloud. "The Eight" is an oversized (500+ pages) novel, a first time effort for author Katherine Neville, whose later works are far less popular. "The Eight" on the other hand, is much beloved and widely read. Neville's prose is typical of first time authors. Characterization can be thin, dialogue can be unrealistic, the romance altogether too passionate to be believable. What distinguishes this work, and what has given the book its cult following is the plot, the plot, the plot, the PLOT! The premise takes two parallel events, in two different timeframes (the '70's and the late 18th century) and weaves the stories together. Both are quests for the mystical Montglane chess set, an Indian relic, once a gift to Charlemagne. Neville's got an imagination that knows no bounds, and she draws dozens of historical figures into the plot mix, both in this century and that. Catherine the Great plays a role, as does modern-day despot Muhammar Khaddafi. The Montglane chess set, like Tolkien's "The One Ring", has mystical powers, and must be prevented, by an innocent, from falling into the hands of those who represent evil and anarchy. Part fairy tale, part romance, part historical fiction, part suspense novel, "The Eight" is unforgettable for its complexity and the peek into the mind of a great storyteller. You won't soon forget it!
Rating:
Summary: BRILLIANT
Review: A book I couldn't put down. Highly recommend!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely loved it!
Review: For me, this book was like a cross between an Indiana Jones movie and some of the more detailed and thought-provoking literature (think Brown's DA VINCI CODE or Jackson McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD). I absolutely loved the characters and plot and was completely caught off guard by some of Neville's twists and turns. This book does not disappoint--do youself a favor: buy it, and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: A prejudgment person who should have to eat her words
Review: I am normally not a reader of books by females...sorry, and not when it comes to this type of book, but let me tell you after seeing it recommended for Dan Brown's books, I purchased it and what a wonderful suprise and good read...I told a local bookstore owner to recommend this book for those asking for similar books as Angels & Demons, etc...now if I could find someone like me to recommend a book like this....
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