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Playing Chess with God: A Novel
VOTED ONLINE BOOK CLUB'S 2019 BOOK OF THE YEAR! Henning Dietzel, at the urging of a Chilean prostitute named Encinas, investigates rumors of gold in California prior to the 1849 rush. Intrigued he heads to the Gold Country to stake his claim. When others flee a brutal winter, Henning perseveres, and by the time the Forty-Niners arrive, he’s already a wealthy young man. His saga is a sweeping tale of fortune and misfortune, discovery and tragedy, love and loss. From the backwaters and boardrooms of early San Francisco to malaria infested jungles and a guano island off the coast of Peru, Henning’s search for meaning and purpose eventually brings him to realize that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.
- GenresFiction
326 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2018
14 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Verne R. Albright
6 books8 followersVerne R. Albright - Biography
“My earliest memory,” six foot, nine inch Verne Albright remembers, “is of an English class where the teacher assigned a one-page story. The other students’ reaction was summed up by a boy who exclaimed, ‘how will I ever write a whole page!’ I however, wrote twenty and in the process discovered my life’s first passion.”
At twenty-one, Verne traveled to Peru and was enchanted by the country and its people. During that first visit he, his wife, and their year-old daughter traveled by jeep in the Andes Mountains of four nations. Over the next half-century he returned to Peru sixty-four times and imported over two hundred of its Paso horses—including a pair he took overland to California, a nine-month trek of over five thousand miles in eleven nations. Riding much of the way, he came face-to-face with killer deserts, witch doctors, bandits, avalanches, poisonous reptiles, vampire bats, and a violent revolution. His next book The Ultimate Trail Ride, is a rewrite for general audiences of his Best-Seller about that journey.
“Finding a true calling is a miracle experienced by few,” he once said, “and Peru provided me with two. I promoted its Paso horses world-wide for over fifty years and more recently began writing historical fiction set in its fascinating past and rich culture.”
Verne is a master story teller and his novels are so well written that they’ve already begun appearing on Best-Seller Lists. And why not? He has lived adventures at least as exciting as the ones about which he writes.
Albright makes his home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with wife Laurie and five dogs.
“My earliest memory,” six foot, nine inch Verne Albright remembers, “is of an English class where the teacher assigned a one-page story. The other students’ reaction was summed up by a boy who exclaimed, ‘how will I ever write a whole page!’ I however, wrote twenty and in the process discovered my life’s first passion.”
At twenty-one, Verne traveled to Peru and was enchanted by the country and its people. During that first visit he, his wife, and their year-old daughter traveled by jeep in the Andes Mountains of four nations. Over the next half-century he returned to Peru sixty-four times and imported over two hundred of its Paso horses—including a pair he took overland to California, a nine-month trek of over five thousand miles in eleven nations. Riding much of the way, he came face-to-face with killer deserts, witch doctors, bandits, avalanches, poisonous reptiles, vampire bats, and a violent revolution. His next book The Ultimate Trail Ride, is a rewrite for general audiences of his Best-Seller about that journey.
“Finding a true calling is a miracle experienced by few,” he once said, “and Peru provided me with two. I promoted its Paso horses world-wide for over fifty years and more recently began writing historical fiction set in its fascinating past and rich culture.”
Verne is a master story teller and his novels are so well written that they’ve already begun appearing on Best-Seller Lists. And why not? He has lived adventures at least as exciting as the ones about which he writes.
Albright makes his home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with wife Laurie and five dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 13, 2019
I have just finished reading Playing Chess with God for the first time since I finished writing it and can honestly say I'm extremely proud of this story. My profound gratitude goes all all who helped with their suggestions and support. - Verne R. Albright
B. Brugger of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, wrote the following review, but couldn't manage to post it and asked me to do it for him:
The epic adventures of Henning Dietzel
Henning is an 18 year old German embracing a life of adventures in 19th century California. He joins the first gold rush of 1848, overcomes some serious challenges and very early propels himself to success and wealth. He then moves to Chili and continues on the path of business ventures and success on the strength of his creative genius and strong character. However natural disasters, war and ferocious competition nearly destroy his achievements. Thanks to his tenacity and talent he rebuilds his empire. The fascinating quality of this young man is that throughout the ups and downs of his business life he manages to lead a very ethical and good life, which makes him a very endearing person. Overall a very amazing story set against the epic historical background of California but also Chili and Peru, whose development is largely ignored in North America. Suspenseful and spiritually uplifting.
B. Brugger of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, wrote the following review, but couldn't manage to post it and asked me to do it for him:
The epic adventures of Henning Dietzel
Henning is an 18 year old German embracing a life of adventures in 19th century California. He joins the first gold rush of 1848, overcomes some serious challenges and very early propels himself to success and wealth. He then moves to Chili and continues on the path of business ventures and success on the strength of his creative genius and strong character. However natural disasters, war and ferocious competition nearly destroy his achievements. Thanks to his tenacity and talent he rebuilds his empire. The fascinating quality of this young man is that throughout the ups and downs of his business life he manages to lead a very ethical and good life, which makes him a very endearing person. Overall a very amazing story set against the epic historical background of California but also Chili and Peru, whose development is largely ignored in North America. Suspenseful and spiritually uplifting.
March 13, 2019
I was given a print copy of Playing Chess with God by author Verne R. Albright for review.
Set in California's gold rush era, Albright has crafted an immensely entertaining saga of one man's quest for riches. Encouraged to seek his fortune in the California gold fields, by none other than a Chilean prostitute. he does just that.
Our hero Henning Dietzel is a man of great personal integrity which he maintains throughout his experiences prospecting for gold. He endures highs and lows, tragedy and success, love and loss. He carries his feelings for his Chilean lover with him, longing for their reunion. He meets and becomes involved with several colorful characters along the way.
A case could be made that there is an undercurrent of social commentary throughout the story, but I choose to read it as just confirmation of our hero's character make up. He refuses to mistreat anyone. There is some sex, more violence and adventure spanning the far western reaches of both North and South America. Characters are well realized and the descriptions of the country and the people inhabiting it are easy to picture in the mind's eye.
I particularly like the quote from which the title is taken (nope, not gonna tell ya. You have to read the book). I don't know if it is the creation of the author or a quote which can be attributed to some historic person but it is great. Fair warning to Mr. Albright: I am going to use it (but I will attribute it to your book).
An engrossing, sweeping historical novel rich with detail of the wild and tumultuous times early in our history. Should such stories appeal to you, you really need to read Playing Chess with God by Verne R. Albright. Enjoy!
Set in California's gold rush era, Albright has crafted an immensely entertaining saga of one man's quest for riches. Encouraged to seek his fortune in the California gold fields, by none other than a Chilean prostitute. he does just that.
Our hero Henning Dietzel is a man of great personal integrity which he maintains throughout his experiences prospecting for gold. He endures highs and lows, tragedy and success, love and loss. He carries his feelings for his Chilean lover with him, longing for their reunion. He meets and becomes involved with several colorful characters along the way.
A case could be made that there is an undercurrent of social commentary throughout the story, but I choose to read it as just confirmation of our hero's character make up. He refuses to mistreat anyone. There is some sex, more violence and adventure spanning the far western reaches of both North and South America. Characters are well realized and the descriptions of the country and the people inhabiting it are easy to picture in the mind's eye.
I particularly like the quote from which the title is taken (nope, not gonna tell ya. You have to read the book). I don't know if it is the creation of the author or a quote which can be attributed to some historic person but it is great. Fair warning to Mr. Albright: I am going to use it (but I will attribute it to your book).
An engrossing, sweeping historical novel rich with detail of the wild and tumultuous times early in our history. Should such stories appeal to you, you really need to read Playing Chess with God by Verne R. Albright. Enjoy!
May 7, 2019
I loved reading "Playing Chess with God" by Verne R. Albright. It's a very well written, informative, meaty book about an 18 year old Prussian man, Henning Dietzel's beginning in Talcahuano, Chile, prospecting for gold on the onset of the California gold rush and his business adventures during the heights of the California gold rush, guano and nitrate businesses in Atacama, Peru. I've read quite a few historical novels on California's gold rush of people coming from the east coast to California and just a little by way of South America, but never the business aspect between Chili, Peru and California. This story's historical insight was all new to me and a bit much, but good. It covered a lot of territory I didn't know before. (Before I wrote my review, I briefly checked online to see how much is historically true. What I read, matches the author's story, but I'm not sure on all the dates.) However, now that I'm more aware, it has open my eyes to a better understanding of the history between South America and California. The author's love of Peru, its people and including its downside shows his passion through and through. Below are my thoughts on Henning and is a spoiler. If you haven't read the book, definitely don't read the last couple of sentences.
Growing up poor and lonely and not having the love of his life with him, making money became Henning's passion. However, making money never overpowered Henning's good judgement, honesty, scruples and compassion toward his fellow man. Henning isn't a religious man, but he does live a life that I believe God would want. Henning doesn't rely on God, either because he doesn't believe in Him or doesn't care for Him. As it's pointed out in the book early on: "Prospecting is like playing chess with God. ...You can't win unless He lets you, and you don't know if He will until you try." (I love that wording!) I think Henning understood the meaning, but didn't like it. At the end, he was even more angry with God and as a youth never found comfort in "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away." Nothing was written about, "When God closes a door, He opens another." But, I believe that's what happened. Henning was never a quitter and because he was honest, he earned respect and love of his friends and probably of his enemies too. It's too bad that there aren't more real businessmen and women people like him.
Growing up poor and lonely and not having the love of his life with him, making money became Henning's passion. However, making money never overpowered Henning's good judgement, honesty, scruples and compassion toward his fellow man. Henning isn't a religious man, but he does live a life that I believe God would want. Henning doesn't rely on God, either because he doesn't believe in Him or doesn't care for Him. As it's pointed out in the book early on: "Prospecting is like playing chess with God. ...You can't win unless He lets you, and you don't know if He will until you try." (I love that wording!) I think Henning understood the meaning, but didn't like it. At the end, he was even more angry with God and as a youth never found comfort in "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away." Nothing was written about, "When God closes a door, He opens another." But, I believe that's what happened. Henning was never a quitter and because he was honest, he earned respect and love of his friends and probably of his enemies too. It's too bad that there aren't more real businessmen and women people like him.
April 21, 2020
The details throughout the novel was impeccable, it’s a story of fiction that dances back & forth across the line of truth. The middle marathon was quite graceful saving the best part for the end. Well-Written that I picked up @ The Mechanic’s Institute in San Francisco,when I joined their chess club. I thought this book was gonna be about the game of chess. Like the board game but it really was about chess, the life game.
December 8, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘Playing Chess with God’ by Verne R. Albright
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on December 5, 2018
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $4.99 on Kindle | $15.95 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Henning Dietzel falls in love with a Chilean prostitute named Encinas. Encinas urges him to travel to California as there have been rumors of gold found there. Hesitant but intrigued, Henning goes to California in search of gold to fund his dream of becoming a merchant.
There, he meets a vibrant cast of characters and faces many tribulations including a brutal winter and murderous bandits. But by the time the Forty-Niners arrive, Henning is already a wealthy man.
His saga is a sweeping tale of fortune and misfortune, discovery and tragedy, love and loss. From the backwaters and boardrooms of early San Francisco to malaria infested jungles and a guano island off the coast of Peru, Henning’s search for meaning and purpose eventually brings him to realize that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.
MY REVIEW:
Historical fiction is not typically a genre I enjoy very much. I’m not really sure why, as I like history, but I’ve found that a great many historical fiction novels fail to hold my attention. They are often bogged down with facts and dates, and it just cuts through the story for me.
That was not the case with Albright’s ‘Playing Chess with God’. It’s deeply rooted in history, but the story of the life of Henning Dietzel is compelling enough to have kept my attention. Albright has done a phenomenal job of balancing the facts with a well-crafted story.
‘Playing Chess with God’ is a coming of age tale set during and after the California gold rush. We see Henning grow from a shy young man to a capable and kind one. He has a natural knack for business but lacks the cold heart of many like him. He cares about the people he comes in contact with and refuses to hurt other people for his own benefit. He’s a delightful character.
I particularly liked that he is a “foreigner”. This reality helps to put in perspective just how difficult it was (is) for folks to get ahead in a new country. It’s been my experience with a lot of novels in this genre that the main character is often born in the USA, and while they often have some sort of rags-to-riches sort of tale — a tale of the American dream — they don’t have to face the challenges that someone not born in America does.
A great majority of the story takes place in South America, and Albright does not shy from shining a light on the injustices there either.
Through it all, though, Henning sees every man as equal making him an oddity of the time. This doesn’t deter him, though. He is excellent at following his instinct, both when it comes to business and to his fellow man.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I felt like the ending was perfectly balanced with the rest of the plot. Albright’s writing is a pleasure to read, and I hope to read more of his work in the future.
‘Playing Chess with God’ by Verne R. Albright
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on December 5, 2018
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $4.99 on Kindle | $15.95 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Henning Dietzel falls in love with a Chilean prostitute named Encinas. Encinas urges him to travel to California as there have been rumors of gold found there. Hesitant but intrigued, Henning goes to California in search of gold to fund his dream of becoming a merchant.
There, he meets a vibrant cast of characters and faces many tribulations including a brutal winter and murderous bandits. But by the time the Forty-Niners arrive, Henning is already a wealthy man.
His saga is a sweeping tale of fortune and misfortune, discovery and tragedy, love and loss. From the backwaters and boardrooms of early San Francisco to malaria infested jungles and a guano island off the coast of Peru, Henning’s search for meaning and purpose eventually brings him to realize that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.
MY REVIEW:
Historical fiction is not typically a genre I enjoy very much. I’m not really sure why, as I like history, but I’ve found that a great many historical fiction novels fail to hold my attention. They are often bogged down with facts and dates, and it just cuts through the story for me.
That was not the case with Albright’s ‘Playing Chess with God’. It’s deeply rooted in history, but the story of the life of Henning Dietzel is compelling enough to have kept my attention. Albright has done a phenomenal job of balancing the facts with a well-crafted story.
‘Playing Chess with God’ is a coming of age tale set during and after the California gold rush. We see Henning grow from a shy young man to a capable and kind one. He has a natural knack for business but lacks the cold heart of many like him. He cares about the people he comes in contact with and refuses to hurt other people for his own benefit. He’s a delightful character.
I particularly liked that he is a “foreigner”. This reality helps to put in perspective just how difficult it was (is) for folks to get ahead in a new country. It’s been my experience with a lot of novels in this genre that the main character is often born in the USA, and while they often have some sort of rags-to-riches sort of tale — a tale of the American dream — they don’t have to face the challenges that someone not born in America does.
A great majority of the story takes place in South America, and Albright does not shy from shining a light on the injustices there either.
Through it all, though, Henning sees every man as equal making him an oddity of the time. This doesn’t deter him, though. He is excellent at following his instinct, both when it comes to business and to his fellow man.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I felt like the ending was perfectly balanced with the rest of the plot. Albright’s writing is a pleasure to read, and I hope to read more of his work in the future.
March 1, 2019
It's been quite a while since I've had the pleasure of reading a historical fiction novel, and when author Verne R. Albright brought me Playing Chess with God in exchange for an honest review, I knew that it would be a good idea to accept. And I was right! Focused on the California Gold Rush of 1848 and 1849, Playing Chess with God follows a humble young man through thick and thin in his own personal adventure of seeking fortune and finding himself--and I loved every page!
To see my full review complete with a list of pros and cons on the novel, visit my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: https://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/20...
I can honestly say that Playing Chess with God was undoubtedly the best historical fiction novel I've read since An Inconvenient Romance last January. The novel is so moving and exciting, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction or books surrounding the history of California, the California Gold Rush, or America in its pre-Wild West days. Mr. Albright, thank you for giving me the opportunity to review your work. I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
To see my full review complete with a list of pros and cons on the novel, visit my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: https://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/20...
I can honestly say that Playing Chess with God was undoubtedly the best historical fiction novel I've read since An Inconvenient Romance last January. The novel is so moving and exciting, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction or books surrounding the history of California, the California Gold Rush, or America in its pre-Wild West days. Mr. Albright, thank you for giving me the opportunity to review your work. I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
May 30, 2019
Verne Albright
4:32 PM (42 minutes ago)
to me
“PLAYING CHESS WITH GOD” begins after Henning Dietzel has left his grandfather’s farm in Germany and gone to sea. In Chile he becomes involved with a beautiful and intelligent prostitute named Encinas.
She has heard about the discovery of gold in California a year before the gold rush and recommends he go there. From that point on you won’t be to put the book down.
Author Verne Albright has a unique talent for blending his characters with dramatic historical events. As you read the exciting results you’ll feel like part of the unfolding story. One night I read until 4:00 a.m. and had a hard time stopping even then.
“Playing Chess with God” is the skillfully crafted work of a Master Story Teller, and as a bonus its sequel “The Wrath of God” continues from where it ends and takes the reader through more spellbinding adventures to a final conclusion.
4:32 PM (42 minutes ago)
to me
“PLAYING CHESS WITH GOD” begins after Henning Dietzel has left his grandfather’s farm in Germany and gone to sea. In Chile he becomes involved with a beautiful and intelligent prostitute named Encinas.
She has heard about the discovery of gold in California a year before the gold rush and recommends he go there. From that point on you won’t be to put the book down.
Author Verne Albright has a unique talent for blending his characters with dramatic historical events. As you read the exciting results you’ll feel like part of the unfolding story. One night I read until 4:00 a.m. and had a hard time stopping even then.
“Playing Chess with God” is the skillfully crafted work of a Master Story Teller, and as a bonus its sequel “The Wrath of God” continues from where it ends and takes the reader through more spellbinding adventures to a final conclusion.
November 17, 2019
Christmas is just around the corner and I highly recommend 2 books, Playing Chess With God and The Wrath of God by Verne R. Albright, as gifts.
If you like historical novels that are real page turners, these set in mid-1800s San Francisco and California’s Gold Country—as well as Peru and Chile—will more than satisfy the avid reader in you. I love books where characters become so real that I can’t stop thinking about them. I actually became angry with Henning, the protagonist, and told Verne. Why not? Authors should know how readers feel.
Henning never has a dull moment during his business ventures, friendships, and romances. You'll be amazed by his tenacity and inventiveness and you'll learn a lot too. And guess what. He’s the antithesis of a con man and would be as deeply admired in our world as he was in his.
Before doling out these gifts, please read them yourself and let me and Verne know how you liked them.
If you like historical novels that are real page turners, these set in mid-1800s San Francisco and California’s Gold Country—as well as Peru and Chile—will more than satisfy the avid reader in you. I love books where characters become so real that I can’t stop thinking about them. I actually became angry with Henning, the protagonist, and told Verne. Why not? Authors should know how readers feel.
Henning never has a dull moment during his business ventures, friendships, and romances. You'll be amazed by his tenacity and inventiveness and you'll learn a lot too. And guess what. He’s the antithesis of a con man and would be as deeply admired in our world as he was in his.
Before doling out these gifts, please read them yourself and let me and Verne know how you liked them.
February 23, 2019
A prequel to The Wrath of God-
I offer the same highly recommended review as for The Wrath of God.--
Throughout life I have been a voracious reader, more so in my younger years than recently. I'm also a very picky reader, if it's not good I can't get into it and have dropped many books after trying 50 pages or so.
No such temptation here. Albright brought the time time period alive, the story is interesting with many twists and turns all coordinated with actual historical events and activities.
The setting for the book is the west coast of the Americas from California to Chile during the last half of the 19th century. It's a naturally interesting time period with dramatic advances and modernization in agriculture and industry.
An intriguing story topped off with excellent character development, there isn't a slow page in the book!
A highly recommended read.
I offer the same highly recommended review as for The Wrath of God.--
Throughout life I have been a voracious reader, more so in my younger years than recently. I'm also a very picky reader, if it's not good I can't get into it and have dropped many books after trying 50 pages or so.
No such temptation here. Albright brought the time time period alive, the story is interesting with many twists and turns all coordinated with actual historical events and activities.
The setting for the book is the west coast of the Americas from California to Chile during the last half of the 19th century. It's a naturally interesting time period with dramatic advances and modernization in agriculture and industry.
An intriguing story topped off with excellent character development, there isn't a slow page in the book!
A highly recommended read.
November 6, 2018
This was an excellent novel that tied the California Gold Rush to the main character, Henning Dietzel who left Peru to pursue business opportunities in San Francisco. He is a savvy young man with grit and determination to make something of himself. His adventures keep the reader intrigued as to what he might do next. There is suspense and romance combined with in-depth descriptions of not only the settings in California but also of the Lima Peru landscape. The history of that time period is woven into the action taking place through Dietzel’s escapades.
This novel is definitely an entertaining, enjoyable read. Albright’s personal knowledge of both settings add to the authenticity of his writing.
I highly recommend this book.
This novel is definitely an entertaining, enjoyable read. Albright’s personal knowledge of both settings add to the authenticity of his writing.
I highly recommend this book.
October 26, 2018
AN EXCITING READ!!
Fast-paced, great variety of geographical locations and historical details, excellent dialogue. The places, particularly California and Peru, were experienced at first-hand by the author, who at the age of nineteen journeyed to Peru and brought back two Peruvian Paso horses to California, riding them much of the way. This adventure and his enterprise did much to establish the Paso as a popular horse in the USA. This journey was described in his earlier book “The Long Way to Los Gatos”, which is also thoroughly recommended. A few new, signed copies of this book are available from tarabooksandframing@gmail.com .
Highly recommended!
Fast-paced, great variety of geographical locations and historical details, excellent dialogue. The places, particularly California and Peru, were experienced at first-hand by the author, who at the age of nineteen journeyed to Peru and brought back two Peruvian Paso horses to California, riding them much of the way. This adventure and his enterprise did much to establish the Paso as a popular horse in the USA. This journey was described in his earlier book “The Long Way to Los Gatos”, which is also thoroughly recommended. A few new, signed copies of this book are available from tarabooksandframing@gmail.com .
Highly recommended!
January 7, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. When deciding to read this novel I thought I know a lot about the gold rush, but this book put a little different spin on that history. Henning is a pleasant and enjoying MC. I like that little bit of romance. This is one of those tales that will pull at your heart and soul a little bit. I found myself falling into the story and getting lost in his life. The good and the bad and it made me really pull for him. If you want to find out what happens you are going to have to read it for yourselves. I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
October 29, 2018
Extraordinary!
This unique and fascinating historical novel is about a time and place rarely written about in English, and offers not only an exciting new perspective on California and the Andean nations, but also a clever and unusual young protagonist with an unexpected history and a personal perspective that sends his life off into unexpected directions. Also, as there must be, a little romance. Read this book! It is well worth your time!
This unique and fascinating historical novel is about a time and place rarely written about in English, and offers not only an exciting new perspective on California and the Andean nations, but also a clever and unusual young protagonist with an unexpected history and a personal perspective that sends his life off into unexpected directions. Also, as there must be, a little romance. Read this book! It is well worth your time!
November 6, 2018
Historical Fiction is my favourite genre, and this book amazed me. The detail captured by the author is incredible and the characters are unforgettable. It's also fascinating to realise how much has changed over the last 200 years, and how much has stayed the same. This book has stayed with me and I look forward to reading it again.
November 6, 2018
I've read Playing Chess with God, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I really like the tall, intelligent, very capable Henning Dietzel. Henning finds all kinds of money making opportunities, despite many hardships, in the California gold rush in 1848, and later in Peru. His intrapreneurship, and his personal life, make very interesting reading
November 9, 2018
I’ve enjoyed reading Verne’s first novel many years ago and it was great to see he hasn’t lost his writing flair. While I enjoy mysteries and historical novels this one ranks as one of the best I’ve ever read. Great moral fiber and wonderful examples of how to treat your friends and your employees. I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
November 9, 2018
Damn this is really good. I got it as a filler and I stayed up half the night reading it. Lots if interesting facts about the California gold tush and many twists and turns. Fun, interesting read!
January 9, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. I enjoyed the historical information for the time period the book covers. The author has interesting characters and I understand they continue on in his next book, "The Wrath of God." I would recommend this book for everybody to read.
November 6, 2018
This book has it all - great story that grabs and holds you and a fascinating look at history in a variety of areas of the world. I highly recommend it.
November 9, 2018
Fantastic, easy read that keeps you from putting it down.
February 27, 2019
Damn, this was really good! I got it as a filler book and it kept me up half the night. Enjoyed Henning’s pluck. Fun read!
November 16, 2018
A thoroughly entertaining read. Genuine character development, exciting storyline. Rich detail and wonderful storytelling make this a must read!
November 24, 2018
A heady adventure worthy of your time. The push and pull throughout the book is purposeful, enlightening, and entertaining. Simply a pleasure to read!
February 28, 2019
When I started reading Playing Chess with God I was quickly drawn in by the goals and ambitions of Henning and the time in which he was starting off on his adventure. A truly rare era where money was lying on the ground to be picked up, and those who had a plan to build a future had to only go digging in the dirt and wading in the water to make it happen.
I quickly noticed another aspect to this story that I found captivating the more I read, it was like an RPG. Here was our young hero with stars in his eyes and a raw skill set off to challenge the world. He had to mind his inventory, or die. He had to get stronger, or die. He had to learn to survive in wilderness without help, or die. He had to have combat skills, or die. He had to make allies or die without ever reaching his goals. His quest was his life and every day he took steps toward his own happy ending. As an avid gamer I saw so clearly how this story could be made into an enthralling video game, letting us guide Henning and see his story through our own eyes.
Go check it out for yourself!
I quickly noticed another aspect to this story that I found captivating the more I read, it was like an RPG. Here was our young hero with stars in his eyes and a raw skill set off to challenge the world. He had to mind his inventory, or die. He had to get stronger, or die. He had to learn to survive in wilderness without help, or die. He had to have combat skills, or die. He had to make allies or die without ever reaching his goals. His quest was his life and every day he took steps toward his own happy ending. As an avid gamer I saw so clearly how this story could be made into an enthralling video game, letting us guide Henning and see his story through our own eyes.
Go check it out for yourself!
Currently reading
November 9, 2018I just finished playing chess with God and I enjoyed the book and found it a good read, the author did a lot of research in several places and brought them together through the main character, the book was easy and interesting
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews