Rating: Summary: Interesting, keeps your attention throughout the whole story Review: I liked the story a lot, it runs from 18th century France, to the 20th century, taking you to the most exotic locations in the world. I don't know if the author can be compared to Umberto Eco, but she sure knows her share of mysticism and history. The story line gets too incredible at times making the plot fragile but that didn't stop me from buying her most recent book which I am about to start reading this evening
Rating: Summary: Breathless Review: I couldn't stop. This is perhaps one of the best novels of current history. I haven't ventured upon a novel of its stature. It is wonderful. I couldn't put it down. Three thumbs up to Katherine Neville. The plot was unique and refreshingly new. The characterization was terrific (despite what the uncultured MAY say). I loved it...from beginning to end.
Rating: Summary: GREAT ADVENTURE YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT DOWN. Review: ONE OF THE GREATEST MYSTERIES EVER PUT ON PAPER. WELL THOUGHT OUT AND WRITTEN. THE INTERTWINING BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT CENTURIES AND HISTORICAL FIGURES WILL KEEP YOU GOING. THE FAMILIARITY OF THE NON FICTION CHARACTERS TAKEN FROM HISTORY AND PLACES IN EXISTANCE KEEPS YOU COMFORTABLE AND THE MYSTERIOUS FICTIONAL TURN OF EVENTS KEEP YOU CURIOUS AND HIGHLY AMUSED. GREAT GIFT. DISCUSSIONS WILL ARISE AT GATHERINGS.
Rating: Summary: More like playing Carmen Sandiego than reading a novel. Review: Intriguing, intricate, and boring. This book fails to live up to its high promise, and comes off more like a complex game of Carmen Sandiego than an engrossing novel. I found its plot to be a kind of connect-the-dots across countries (Where in the world is the Montglane service?) and centuries (Where in time is the Montglane service?) without any real character development or human interest. Despite the clever weaving into the story of countless historical figures, I never felt I got to understand any of their personalities or motivations, and felt the intricacies of the plot drove the book so hard that even the central heroine character lacked emotional depth. The relentless pace of the book combined with its breathless, sometimes hysterical, prose left me feeling bludgeoned by factoids, convoluted hypotheses, and strained juxtipositions of circumstances, without real meaning. There was plenty of mystery, curious coincidence, and frequently manufactured danger -- but never any resolution of the profound questions at the storys core. This book has lots of energy, but no soul.
Rating: Summary: THE BEST FICTION NOVEL OF MY GENERATION Review: I was talked into reading this novel by my girlfriend and am forever in her debt. Nothing I have read has the sweeping scope of THE EIGHT. "Cat" is a heroine for all time. What a masterpiece of "history" and storytelling. The book that solidified mt love for the written word.
Rating: Summary: excellent Review: the novel was excellent reading. obviously sound historical research, and clever altering of history to "fit" characters into it, eg the french revolution.
Rating: Summary: A ripping good yarn!!! Review: I am not of a mathematical or musical disposition; I do not play chess, but I love reading and was absolutely captivated by The Eight! In fact, I could not stop reading last night until I reached "the game's end;" then I was so exhilarated I could not sleep! Now I am utterly depressed; what can I read as a follow-up? For anyone who loves mystery, historical fiction, and adventure, get a copy of The Eight and find yourself obsessed!!
Rating: Summary: Rollicking great fun from start to finish Review: It's difficult to apply a 10 to a mystery, but I had the greatest time reading this book. Twin tracks with great heroines, an intricate, fascinating historic tale, more cameo appearances by the historically rich and famous that one can count, amusing and colorful supporting cast and a delightful ride of a mystery. What's not to like?
Rating: Summary: Disillusioned Review: Eager to settle into a piece so highly recommended, now uncertain why. Found the characters neither believeable or likeable. Figures ripped from history for oblique cameo appearances that too often were unnecessary. Potentially fantastic premise that fades into banality. Opportunity off-line, too bad.
Rating: Summary: One of my all time favorite books! Review: I was first given this book by my sister to read on my way to Spain. I finished it during the flight -- I couldn't STOP reading it. It is very well written and fascinating. I love the fact that it ties in so many facets of life. Both my sister and I have bought the book several times -- why? because we both enjoyed it so much, we keep sharing it with friends and family, who then share it with other friends and family - so we need to buy it again in order to be able to have it at home. I, myself, have read it about 6 or 8 times and each time I read it, I find something new. I wish Ms. Neville's subsequent books had been as good as this one. I'm giving it to my neice to take with her on her trip to Europe -- She will be in Paris among other places, so I really think she will enjoy it.
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