The Eight

A Novel

By: Katherine Neville

Narrated by: Susan Denaker

Length: 25 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Rémy and her cousin Valentine are young novices at the fortress-like 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....

And there's more to the story! Don't miss the sequel, The Fire.

©1988 Katherine Neville (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Even readers with no interest in chess will be swept up into this astonishing fantasy-adventure....destined to become a cult classic." (Publishers Weekly)

“With alchemical skill, Neville blends modern romance, historical fiction, and medieval mystery...and comes up with gold.” (People)

“A big, rich, two-tiered confection of a novel...a rousing, amusing game.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

"Readers thrilled by The Da Vinci Code will relish the multi-layered secrets of The Eight.” (Matthew Pearl, author of The Dante Club)

Absolutely amazing! She's better than Dan Brown!!

Kathrine Neville proved to be the master of cryptic thrillers, for me she beats Dan Brown!

not a bad reas

loved that the narrator did voices. story was interesting, a little too much "name dropping" as if she needed to add familiar names to make it more interesting when they really didnt add to the storyline. most memorable part was the prison scene
love Kayaoka and Lily.

Good story, but I think I should have read this.

Would you try another book from Katherine Neville and/or Susan Denaker?

It's a very good story, but I think that it would be better in print, rather than audio, not that the narrator was bad.

Would you be willing to try another book from Katherine Neville? Why or why not?

Yes, but I'd probably read it.

What about Susan Denaker’s performance did you like?

She did a good job, but as I said before, I think this story lends itsself to being read, rather than listened to.

Do you think The Eight needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

not really

Looking for a long book - here's your answer!!

I wanted something to tie me over until my new credits and pre-order arrived. So when I saw the length of this book, I was thrilled. I had never read anything by Katherine Neville, so part of me was a little hesitant. And then I started listening ...

I was quickly consumed by the Cat's and Mirelle's stories. I found myself listening when I should have been doing other things - working, studying, and sleeping. I even put in extra time at the gym because I was so engrossed.

Not being a chess player, I can't say I understood everything they spoke of - but it didn't matter. The historical references to time and place, made the entire story believable and "real" (much like Dan Brown can do).

Well worth the time and credit!!!

Great plot, well written

one of the best novels ever! couldn't wait to hear what would happen next

Excellent read

Do not let the negative reviews sway you away from this entertaining novel. The voice work done by the narrator is above par, giving a multi-layered performance with a large group of characters.

The novel itself is history, thriller, spy and quite a few other genres. If you are planning a long trip or just laying on a beach, this is the perfect novel to laze away hours enjoyably.

The sequel, The Fire, is a somewhat less novel, but should be listened to if not to revisit some old friends.

Disappointing

Both the antagonists and protagonists were weak and inept at best. The situations that they got in were ridiculously portrayed. How do you cross a desert in a convertible, get seriously sun blistered , be exposed to 140 degree temperatures and then miraculously be able wonder thru a labyrinth and then scale a 40 ft. wall? This really fell flat.

great story!

intriguing story, stayed up all night to finish! I can't wait to read the squeal!

Love, love, love this book.

This is one of my absolute favorite books and Susan Denaker does an outstanding job narrating‼️

love this. ❤️

I loved the whole thing. I will read the second. 🔥 I'm starting it already. So excited. 😊