Books matching: chess matches
12 result(s)
- #1
Save:Chess Story by Stefan Zweig is a psychological novella that delves into the themes of obsession, trauma, and the power of the human mind. The story follows a chess match between two masters, one a world champion and the other a former Nazi prisoner who learned to play chess in isolation. As the match progresses, the narrative explores the psychological warfare and tension between the characters, culminating in a gripping and thought-provoking climax. Zweig's writing style is described as captivating, with intricate character sketches and a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
THE LARGE STEAMSHIP leaving New York for Buenos Aires at midnight was caught up in the usual bustle and commotion of the hour before sailing. Visitors from shore pressed past one another to take leave... - #2
Save:The Terminal Beach by J.G. Ballard is a collection of early stories that showcase the author's surrealistic approach to science fiction. The stories range from delirious visits to nuclear testing islands to the discovery of a giant carcass on a shore, each presenting a unique and thought-provoking scenario. Ballard's writing style is described as cool and precise, with detailed descriptions that often reveal dark and disturbing hypothetical scenarios of a world falling apart in a fascinating and strangely beautiful way. The collection explores themes of metamorphosis, societal concerns, and the internal landscapes of the characters' minds, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
- #3
Save:In `The Tournament` by Matthew Reilly, the story unfolds in 1546, as Suleiman the Magnificent invites chess players from across Europe to Constantinople for a world championship. The English delegation, led by Roger Ascham and accompanied by 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth Tudor, finds themselves embroiled in a murder mystery amidst the backdrop of a chess tournament. The book combines historical figures with fictional characters, offering a mix of intrigue, political intrigue, and education for the young Bess.
The narrative style of `The Tournament` is a departure from Matthew Reilly's usual fast-paced thrillers, leaning more towards a mystery novel. The plot unfolds in Constantinople, where a murder investigation ensues, leading to unexpected twists and turns, all while exploring the relationship between Elizabeth and her tutor Roger Ascham. Despite some deviations from historical accuracy and graphic content, the book offers a unique blend of historical fiction, murder mystery, and political intrigue set in the 16th century.
How she carried herself so well in this chaotic world, I shall never know. In a life lived in a maelstrom of courtiers, bishops and commanders, she always got her way. This she achieved oftentimes thr... - #4
Save:The Flanders Panel by Arturo Perez-Reverte is a murder mystery novel intertwined with the world of art and chess. The story follows Julia, an art restorer, who uncovers a hidden inscription on a 15th-century painting, leading to a complex puzzle involving a chess game depicted in the artwork. As Julia delves deeper into the painting's history, she becomes entangled in a contemporary murder mystery, where the past and present collide in a suspenseful and intricate plot. The narrative style combines elements of mystery, art history, chess, and psychological analysis, creating a multi-layered and engaging story that keeps readers guessing until the end.
A SEALED ENVELOPE is an enigma containing further enigmas. This particular one was of the large, bulky manila variety with the name of the laboratory stamped in the lower left-hand corner. And, as she... - #5
Save:In "Duchess By Night" by Eloisa James, the widowed Duchess Harriet decides to attend a scandalous house party disguised as a man, seeking excitement and freedom from societal expectations. There, she meets Lord Strange and the two engage in manly activities like fencing and riding astride, leading to a friendship that turns romantic. The book explores themes of gender swapping, scandal, and game-playing in a light and predictable yet enjoyable manner, with a focus on the primary couple's relationship development.
N ursery tales are full of fascinating widows, although they aren’t always the nicest characters. Cinderella’s stepmother likely put on a dazzling gown for the prince’s ball, even if her daughters did...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Desperate Duchesses ) - #6
Save:In 'Desperate Duchesses' by Eloisa James, the story revolves around Lady Roberta St. Giles, a woman determined to marry the Duke of Villiers, despite her cousin Damon's attempts to win her affections. Set in Georgian England, the book delves into complex relationships, witty banter, and a touch of scandal. With a focus on chess matches, romantic entanglements, and intricate character dynamics, the novel weaves together a tale of love, ambition, and societal expectations in a decadent era.
“I n Paris, a married lady must have a lover or she is an unknown. And she may be pardoned two.” The door to the drawing room swung open, but the young woman sitting with her back to the door took no... - #7
Save:'The Fire' by Katherine Neville is a sequel to 'The Eight', following the story of Alexandra, a former child chess prodigy who is drawn into a dangerous game involving the legendary Montglane Chess Service. The plot intertwines historical references, puzzles, and mysteries, spanning different eras and locations. features a complex and continuously unfolding plot, with alternating chapters focusing on different characters and their roles in the ancient Game.
In AD 782, the emperor Charlemagne received a fabulous gift from Ibn al-Arabi, the Moorish governor of Barcelona: a gold and silver, bejeweled chess set that today we know as the Montglane Service. Th...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Eight ) - #8
Save:In "Only You", the third book in the Duke of Rutland series by Elizabeth St. Michel, readers are taken on a thrilling journey of love, survival, and mystery. The story follows Lady Alexandra Sutherland and Lord Nicholas Rutland, who find themselves shipwrecked on an island in the Caribbean. As they navigate the challenges of their circumstances, their budding attraction blossoms into a deep and believable love, all while facing dangerous antagonists and uncovering secrets of their pasts. The author's vivid writing style immerses readers in the lush setting of the island, making them feel the emotions and experiences of the characters as they fight to survive and ultimately find each other.
Nicholas Rutland, heir apparent of thefourth Duke of Rutland shook his head to erase a thick fog thatcrowded his brain. Where was he? He eased his aching body into aseated position where rough wood, g... - #9
Save:Red 1-2-3 by John Katzenbach is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of three women who are being pursued by a killer known as the Big Bad Wolf. The killer, an author of murder mysteries, plans to commit the perfect murder by targeting the three redheads on the same day. As the women receive letters from the Wolf, they must come together and find a way to fight back against this terrifying threat. The book is written from the perspectives of both the killer and the women, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The author, John Katzenbach, carefully paces out the tale, alternating between the perspectives of the Wolf and the three Reds, gradually revealing more information about the characters and the unfolding plot. The book explores themes of fear, trauma, and the complexities of human nature as the characters navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the killer. With a unique storyline and well-developed characters, Red 1-2-3 is a thrilling read that delves into the minds of both the victims and the perpetrator, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
He was a year shy of his sixty-fifth birthday and he did not expect to see many more. The realist within reminded him that despite his excellent overall fitness, true longevity was not in his family g... - #10
Save:The Arm of the Stone is a fantasy novel by Victoria Strauss that delves into a world governed by a conservative religious elite who control the Domain of the Mind and suppress any mechanical innovation in the Domain of the Hand. The storyline follows the journey of a young boy, the last remaining caretaker of a magical artifact known as the 'Stone,' as he seeks to reclaim it and seek revenge against those who stole it centuries ago. The plot twists and turns, surprising readers with its intricate and powerful narrative that explores themes of prophecy, hatred, and the clash between magic and technology.
