The Fire by Katherine Neville
Oookay, I’m not totally sure what to say about “The Fire.”
This is a sequel to Neville’s earlier book “The Eight,” which I have not read and which I definitely SHOULD have read before attempting “The Fire.” The storyline of both books centers on The Game, in which real people are analagous to chess players as they attempt to discover the missing pieces of a mystical ancient chess set which once belonged to Charlemagne and is imbued with ancient Middle Eastern wisdom.
The story line was very engaging, but at the same time almost totally lost me. I was also a bit annoyed by the main character, Alexandra. She had no foreknowledge of The Game at all, even the fact that it existed, until the beginning of the book. This kept her from being able to figure out what on earth was going on without a good deal of help, but she seemed to leap to realizations suddenly and with undue ease.
That being said, I think that part of my issue was not having read “The Eight” yet and I’m not sure I can give “The Fire” a completely fair review. I have requested “The Eight” from someone on Bookmooch and, when I get a chance, I’ll read both books and perhaps even re-review this one.
Please don’t read this until you have read “The Eight.” I hear “The Eight” is terrific though, so perhaps you can join me in a read of both books!
I understand about reading a book in the series and feeling lost !!
Both books sound interesting, but I hate reading a series book out of sequence.
I have an ARC of this on my bookshelf right now, and I’ve read some good things and some not-so-good things about it. I haven’t read The Eight, so I’m thinking that maybe I should try it first before reading The Fire.
I picked up both of the books yesterday when our Random House rep dropped by. Not sure when I’ll get to them (if hubs doesn’t grab them first), but I’m glad to know I should definitely read them in order.
I’d love to see what you think of The Fire after reading The Eight. I’ve read The Eight, but it was so long ago that I was completely lost!
Jen, I think I’ll head your advice and try to read The Eight first.
I can see where this would be better if read in order.
Yes, please read The Eight first! I reviewed this recently too, and I was disapointed that The Fire didn’t bring much “added value” to the story.
Jen,
?
It is time for Read-a-thon! So are you ready to participate and have fun? in the most happening reading-event in the blogging world
See you on Oct 18th!
For Read-a-thon
My BLOG