Official Review: Playing Chess with God

godly02 · Post by **godly02** » 20 Jan 2020, 17:41

Thank you, for the well written review with a clear explanation of what I can expect to read. This review has encouraged me to place this book on my shelf.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:08

MsTri wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:31 Thanks for the review, but I dislike historical fiction and I don't want to read a "saga [that] is a sweeping tale of fortune and misfortune, discovery and tragedy, love and loss", especially since it's minus a real villain.

I appreciate your time.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:11

Beatus wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:32 I believe when one acts in good faith negativity will disappear like smoke in the air. The real obstacle of righteousness can be borne inside the self. Good book. Good review.

I couldn't agree more. Thanks for passing by, Beatus.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:13

Everydayadventure15 wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:34 Historical fiction is not always my first choice in fiction, but I do like fast-paced page-turners. I might have to check this one out the next time I’m craving some history from the gold rush era.

Hope you have an opportunity to read this book at some point, Everydayadventure15. Many thanks.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:16

Julius_ wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:35 The fact that the plot of the book is based on real events makes it unique and adorable. Thanks for the review.

You are definitely right. I owe you one, Julius. Thanks a lot.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:20

rusyalana wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:37 Historical fiction is not the genre I would choose for reading but I've read the review and it sounds pretty enthusiastic. It will be interesting to read about people who crave the riches motivated by a noble purpose not by greed for a change. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

No doubt about it. The protagonist helps several people and despises all the rich secondary characters who exploit his employees. Thanks for passing by, rusyalana.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:24

Msred325 wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:38 What??? No villains? How can there be a gold rush without villains? Good review. I think we need to add another category on our bookshelves that says, might read. That is where I would put this one for me.

They are minor villains that end up being easily defeated. Thanks for your feedback.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:29

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:39 Knowing this book is 2019 book of the year more than sells it to me. I am raring to read about Henning's gold digging. Will he and Encinas get back together?

Henning is almost a selfless monk who only thinks about work. In the end, however, his love life ends up being successful.
Henning is almost a selfless monk who only thinks about work. In the end, however, his love life ends on a happy note. Thank you for your time, Miriam Molina.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:33

AntonelaMaria wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:40 What a great name for a book...I love it!! Too bad that some villain characters are missing. I love good greyish characters the best. Great review. I might be on the lookout for this book.

That's exactly how I feel. The title of the book is great. Thank you for everything, AntonelaMaria. I appreciate it.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:34

Astro1505 wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:43 I just read the sample on Amazon and my attention was immediately caught! Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and the plot already seems very interesting just from the few pages I read. I would definitely read the book, especially to see what happens with Henning and Encinas.

Go ahead, Astro1505. I'm sure you will enjoy it. Many thanks.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:36

Sunflower_Mom wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:47 Your review encourages me to read this book, as did the sample. I'm betting Henning fights unfair employment practices more than he does any person. Maybe that is his villain.?

I hadn't thought of it that way. Maybe you're right, Sunflower_Mom.

Thanks a lot for passing by.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:38

aacodreanu wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:57 It seems the main flaw of this book is that it is too good to be true. But then, isn't it what fiction is about?
Obviously, fighting and surmounting difficulties and bad guys would have increased the value of the heroes.
But I have always enjoyed fairy tales, it seems this is a modern version of such one.

This is an interesting point of view. Thanks for the feedback, aacodreanu.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:39

Nkoo wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 14:59 A well-written historical fiction novel that revolves around the California gold rush with a dash of humor will certainly be interesting. Lovers of this genre may enjoy reading it. I enjoyed reading your review, thanks. Congratulations to the author.

You are too kind. Thank you.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:43

Mounce574 wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 15:00 I didn't find the story to be very entertaining because of the lack of opposition to the main character. I generally do not tend to enjoy historical fiction but your description does leave me open to changing my opinion and expanding my taste in genres that I read.

You are right, but the protagonist has to overcome several problems until he becomes quite wealthy. Thanks for your time, Mounce574.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Jan 2020, 12:45

Prisallen wrote: ↑19 Jan 2020, 15:04 I appreciate historical fiction when it is well written, and this book sounds intriguing. I'm sure I would enjoy it. Thanks for the wonderful review!

How thoughtful of you, my dear friend. Thank you very much.