The Game of Kings (Lymond Chronicles, 1)

One of the best historical novels I've read, read all the six books, they're sure worth it.

I found this to be a great read. Story is strong and writing is a level above! I was tempted to read with the dictionary near by but a friend recommended I take it all "in context" so as not to slow down the rhythm of the read. At one point I thought 'gee, my reading skills are seriously lacking' but now I know she's just THAT good. ...I'm still lacking tho!

All her novels are superb . .

As the first book in a series of six (Lymond Chronicles) this is not really the type of book that I would normally be drawn to, but I am glad to have followed through on this as recommended reading. Assumes much of the reader (at times I felt lacking an education in the Classics) but this author was clearly an accomplished scholar of history, rhetoric, poetry, literature and the...more

As the first book in a series of six (Lymond Chronicles) this is not really the type of book that I would normally be drawn to, but I am glad to have followed through on this as recommended reading. Assumes much of the reader (at times I felt lacking an education in the Classics) but this author was clearly an accomplished scholar of history, rhetoric, poetry, literature and the arts and manages to mould an action character who combines gifts of knowledge, humour and intellect with daring and physical prowess with bow, sword and fist. This fascinating character, Lymond, is reversed skillfully through very fine prose and well crafted characters (his mother deserves a special mention for her considerable gifts) on a journey set in 16th Century Scotland from villain to anti-hero and ultimately to maverick hero.   hide

Completely addictive and like nothing else.

Once you pick up a book by Dame Dunnett you are forever a fan - and so thrilled to have found her. At the same time you're sad because she passed away in '07, so there will be no new treasures written by this amazing author. Her writing is incomparable to any of today's popular authors. I know she has a cult following, many college teachers use her books for a two term study...more

Once you pick up a book by Dame Dunnett you are forever a fan - and so thrilled to have found her. At the same time you're sad because she passed away in '07, so there will be no new treasures written by this amazing author. Her writing is incomparable to any of today's popular authors. I know she has a cult following, many college teachers use her books for a two term study in English Lit. But I'd love it if more people were in on our secret - think Alexander Dumas and you've barely scatched the surface of her genius. Her best books are written in groups - each may be enjoyed without reading the previous, but if read in order they are nothing less than addicting. My favorites are The Lymond Chronicles - a series of 6 books, the first one set in Scotland, the remainder set in various lushly described exotic countries all over the world. The time, the reign of Elizabeth I. They follow history through the eyes of an aristocratic Scottish family who's youngest son, Francis Crawford of Lymond, is our main character. Hero is not a word one would ever use to describe Francis, prhaps anti-hero is more apt. He is a clever, tortured, talented, funny, beautiful patriot, soldier, linguist, and musician, who will do absolutely anything to protect his country and his family, often to his own deteriment. His exploits are eye popping and often cringe worthy, and his ability to morph into whom ever and whatever the situation calls for is hilarious and breath taking. He's part Indiana Jones, part Robin Hood and part Jack Nicholson. The first book in the series, Game of Kings, sets up the whole series, and can be slightly tedius because these books are so character heavy. But, I beg you to hang in there through the first one and by the end you'll be hungering for the next installment.   hide

Of the genre, none better.

Oh, what a joy. I want to grab a horse and a sword and become a rogue in Scotland hundreds of years ago. Then I want to transport back to my hot shower and curl up with this book under a blanket, over and over. Fabulous.

Once you get past page 50, the entire series is riveting