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mmalone's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
bpdd's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ofreena's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
moiram's review against another edition
3.0
The book jumps between the 1790s and the 1970s as it follows a quest for a semi-mythical chess set said to contain a great secret. In the parts taking place in the 1790's, the author has managed to bring in practically everyone of note during this time period as characters - Talleyrand, Robespierre, Marat, Charlotte Corday, Napoleon, the painter Jacques-Louis David, Voltaire, Rousseau, Sir Isaac Newton, Catherine the Great, Bach, Wordsworth, Blake, Boswell, even Benedict Arnold. In the modern section there are not so many actual historical figures, although Colonel Gaddafi and King Faisal of Saudi Arabia make cameo appearances. A very engrossing story, but it did go on just a bit too long for me to really enjoy.
ashmariekraus's review
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
christina72's review against another edition
5.0
I had this book for a long long time, I decided to just pick up and read it... and wow.. was just lost in the story. Sooo glad I bought it at a used bookshop.
jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition
3.0
I know this is supposed to be some sort of "cult classic," but I just never got into it. It took me forever to read it and it just kept dragging for me. It wasn't terrible, it just didn't capture my attention. Maybe that's because I don't play chess, or maybe it's because I was just coming off a book I absolutely loved, but it wasn't for me.
debs4jc's review against another edition
4.0
A complex plot that intertwines the past and the present with a treasure hunt of sorts makes this one fun read. It all centers around a chessboard and its pieces--pieces that seem to give those that hold them power, and then when all assembled could give even more. Two women, one in the past, one in the present are chosen as 'queens' to guard--or to find?--this great treasure. But they aren't the only players in the game.[return]This was a lot of fun to listen to, a great adventure tale with many twists and turns. I got amused at the number of historical figures that popped up. It is quite unbelievable, so take it all in fun and enjoy the ride as the story takes you across a chessboard that spans the globe.