The most shocking thing about reading this book: almost all the dialogue in the book is in the Netflix miniseries (and vice versa). The mini-series is an incredibly faithful adaptation and the few (I'd say 3 or 4) minor changes are subtle and understandable. Basically: if you want to feel like you're re-watching the adaptation, pick up this book. It's fun, fast-paced, and subtly touches on the darker parts without losing focus. The book remains primarily about chess, and secondarily as a satisfying redemption arc.