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The Eight

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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624 pages

Average rating: 8.2

10 RATINGS

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3 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

Kitabfanatic
Apr 01, 2024
10/10 stars
This is one of my all time faves. I’ve read it over and over again - part history, science, mythology, mystery and romance too. Just a good read.
RSanquiche
Jun 15, 2022
7/10 stars
RS gave 3 stars
crabbyabbe
Mar 11, 2022
8/10 stars
Incredibly fun read. I happily had to do lots of research on the French Revolution, Algiers, and chess! You do have to tremendously suspend your disbelief--but the fun read is worth it. Could definitely read again--just for the history alone. Favorite Quote: "Music has power to create a universe or to destroy a civilization."

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