Katherine Neville – The Eight.

The Eight is a wonderful novel that tells us two stories, both related with the Montglane Abbey’s chess which is related with the freemasonry and alchemy. The first story tells us all about what Valentine and Mireille are going to live. They’re two novices who had received the task of caring for some of the chess’ pieces. They will have to abandon the abbey and go to live with their uncle Jacques-Louis David. Their life occurs during the French Revolution, so they will meet a lot of historical characters. The second story tells us how Catherine Velis, a computer expert, will get involved in the search of the chess, without knowing it, and how she will experience a lot of dangerous situations. In this story, there’s a mysterious chess player named Alexander Solarin. He will help Catherine with her protection and her quest.

The Eight uses, in a perfect way, the history and all the historical characters that are interested in the chess. It has ambition, murders, plots, bravery, manipulations, injustice and love. I love the way in which both stories are related. Each one has exciting moments and a lot of suspense, depending on the time when they’re happening.

As I was reading this book, I was transported to all the places where the stories took place and I loved it. I think that this is one of the best novels I’ve ever read. It’s one of my favorites.