Official Review: Playing Chess with God

MsTri · Post by **MsTri** » 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.

Beatus · Post by **Beatus** » 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.

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 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.

Roger Glasgow · Post by **Julius_** » 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.

rusyalana · Post by **rusyalana** » 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!

Msred325 · Post by **Msred325** » 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.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 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?

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 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.

Astro1505 · Post by **Astro1505** » 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.

Theresa Ammons Pinkston · Post by **Theresa Ammons Pinkston** » 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.?

aacodreanu · Post by **aacodreanu** » 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.

Nkoo · Post by **Nkoo** » 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.

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 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.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 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!

EvaDar · Post by **EvaDar** » 19 Jan 2020, 15:05

What more could a reader want? Good writing and editing, humor, suspense, and a little history. If it was my genre, I would check it out. Thanks for the great review.