I ordered this paperback version specifically for release. I look forward to reading my own hardback version of this most covetted book.

I've decided to make this book a BookRing. Here's how you get added. MESSAGE ME! I'm starting with the list of people who wished for the book. I am messaging them to see if they want to be included. Once I hear back from them, they get added. Beyond that its first message first added. If you get a copy of the book and can't be bothered with passing this one, contact me to be removed from the list.

UPON RECEIVING THE BOOK: Please journal it as soon as you get it. Place it on the top of your TBR pile. Read it and pass it on. If you plan on holding the book for a while contact me or the next person and see if you can swap spots!

I've never done a bookring so I hope this one is successful. I'd love to see what happens. Thanks and happy bookcrossing!

UPDATE FEBRUARY 21, 2004
Bold writing below indicates the current reader of the book. Ghosted writing below indicates readers who have already recieved and passed on the book. The next person in line should be notified once the book is released or ready to release. Thanks!

1. Willow Springs MO, USA
2. MdniteCreepr CA, USA
3. mlbish in IL, USA
4. amymehta in TX, USA
5. Tyressia in ONTARIO, CANADA
6. suzen in SEINE SAINT-DENIS, FRANCE
7. loopy1 in HERNE BAY, ENGLAND UK
8. arugh48187 in MN, USA
9. Tyressia in ONTARIO, CANADA (No Answer)
10. SeekMyFace in NY, USA (No Answer)
11. Return to Skylerdragon in MO, USA

Released on Sunday, January 25, 2004 at Controlled Release to another BookCrosser in Festus, Missouri USA.

This book was sent to Willow Springs. When she is done with the book it will be headed for MdniteCreepr. Happy Reading BookRing Members and thanks for participating!

Thanks Skylerdragon! You are an angel! Thanks also for including the SASE for the next BookCrosser! You are a real sweetie! I will have this in the mail by Friday. Thank you!

Released on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at Controlled Release to Another BookCrosser in Willow Springs, Missouri USA.

I'm dropping this in the mail today! It is on its way to MdniteCreepr! Fantastic book! I've gotta buy my own copy now!

Just received in the mail yesterday. Very timely, I just finished my previous read that afternoon. This will move to the top of my TBR list so I can keep the ring moving.

Released on Monday, February 16, 2004 at Controlled Release to another BXer in Pomona, California USA.

I just finished this morning. I ultimately enjoyed the story, but found it difficult to follow at first. I had to force myself through the first half of the book before I got hooked by the story. I really enjoyed how the author wove history into the story lines, and was totally surprised by how one of the characters' story was resolved at the end.

I've already sent the book on to mlbish, enjoy!

Received today! Thanks--I'll get right on it.

Wow. Amazing. You know, sometimes I put stuff on my wishlist and then later forget why I decided to put it on. When I got this book in the mail, I couldn't specifically remember why I wanted to read it, but as soon as I flipped it over and saw the words 'France, Spring 1790,' I was hooked. And with good reason.

There was so much in this book, I don't even know if I can begin to give a proper synopsis. The plot was very Lord of the Rings-esque. You know, one chess board to rule them all...and all that. The whole story was very dense. I had a lot of distractions over the week or so that I was reading it, so I know I didn't glean everything from the story that I could have, because there was just so much packed in. There were many characters and details that sometimes it was hard to keep up with everything going on. I think I will have to buy another copy to re-read and share.

MdniteCreeper mentioned something about how the author wove history into the story, and it's true. And it was quite clever. But there were so many historical characters that popped up or were mentioned, that by the end, that technique almost because a caricature of itself, I thought. I compared it to Forrest Gump in that way. Somehow he manages to bump into almost every historically important person in his lifetime.

Well, I thank you, Skylerdragon, for sharing this excellent book. It was a roaring success!

I will pass it on to amymehta today.

I just received this book from Chicago - thanks mlbish! I look forward to reading it - it is now at the top of my tbr. I have to finish my current book, but should be starting it in the next day or so. It sounds so good, I can't wait to read it, and will add my opinion later!

Amy

I finally finished this book today! I enjoyed it somewhat, but it really dragged in parts. I don't really enjoy description, and there was a ton of it in this book! Overall I would say it's an average read, reminiscent to me of "The DaVinci Code" but not as absorbing. Maybe if I'd read this one first? Who knows. I will be sending it to the next person as soon as I have their address.

I have been unable to get ahold of Tyressia over the past couple of weeks, so I will contact suzen, the person after that.

I got it today. I'm in the middle of another book, but I'm pretty sure this one can be next. Thanks!

I'm sorry I've had this for so long. It took me a while to get through it, but I enjoyed it. I don't usually read historical fiction, but this is the second I've read thanks to Bookcrossing and I got drawn into both, so maybe it's time for me to add it to my list of genres! I'm planning to mail this off tomorrow or Tuesday.

The book arrived in a reasonably sunny Kent, England this morning, thanks.

I recently read The Flanders Panel, which was a chess game linked to historical events, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this one compares. I put it on my wishlist after reading discussions about it on bookcrossing.

Well I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I was drawn in right from the beginning - the story is told in two threads, one beginning in 1792 and the other in 1972, and of course action changes from one thread to another at the most exciting times :-)

I found it hard at times to keep track of the various characters, but that's probably just due to my reading habits. I took this book with me to the Unconvention in Birmingham at the weekend, and it kept me entertained on the coach there and back.

I did find it similar in some ways to the Flanders Panel, and also the Da Vinci Code. Thanks for sharing this. I'll be sending it on shortly.

Heading out today surface mail.

OOOOOOooooo! I have waited soooooo long to get this one, and now it's finally here! Hurrah!!! I can't wait to read it. Unfortunately, I have a few bookrings in front of it, but I am a fast reader and should get to it soon. You can keep track of my progess via my bookshelf.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I thought I would. The book is, of course, plot driven, so character development was somewhat lacking, but it was a fascinating read. I agree with some of the other reviewers in that it reminded me of The DaVinci Code. Interestingly enough, I thought the whole secret formula would have something to do with the world being dominated by men (freemasons, yada yada yada) and how to turn it around to be dominated by women, but alas I was mistaken. I think it interesting that the queen in chess has all the power and the king is virtually useless; a liability, even. Hmmm! Interesting! :>

Anyhow, I am sorry for keeping this one so long. I had a new baby in early October and sitting down and reading a book is not something he approves of. This will go out as soon as I get an address from somebody, and since I haven't heard back from Skylerdragon about the non-existance of SeekMyFace, I guess I will try and contact Tyressia.

Released on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at about 1:00:00 PM BX time (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) at Post Office at 153rd and Garrett in Apple Valley, Minnesota Controlled Releases.

RELEASE NOTES:

Sending back to Skylerdragon since SeekMyFace and Tyressia no longer exist.

The Eight finally made it home in one piece! Its been gone for little more than a year. The best thing about all this is that it has travelled so many places. Since this is my first bookring, and since it was successful to some degree, I think I will try another. Hope it is just as successful.

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent this book on to Oedipus1. Please register it when you get it!

I just started reading this book but it is interesting so far. Thanks to aspyngirl & Skylerdragon for sending it to me.