What do you think?
Rate this book
The House of Niccolò #3
Race of Scorpions
With the bravura storytelling and pungent authenticity of detail she brought to her acclaimed Lymond Chronicles, Dorothy Dunnett presents The House of Niccolò series. The time is the 15th century, when intrepid merchants became the new knighthood of Europe. Among them, none is bolder or more cunning than Nicholas vander Poele of Bruges, the good-natured dyer's apprentice who schemes and swashbuckles his way to the helm of a mercantile empire.
In 1462, Nicholas is a wealthy 21-year-old. His beloved wife has died. His stepchildren have locked him out of the family business. He and his private army are the target of multiple conspiracies. And both contenders for the throne of Cyprus, the brilliant Queen Carlotta and her charismatic, sexually ambivalent brother James, are demanding his support. Walking a tightrope of intrigue, Dunnett's hero juggles adversaries and allies, from the delectable courtesan Primaflora to the Mameluke commander Tzani-Bey al Ablak, a man of undiluted evil. Masterfully paced, alive with sensual delights, Race of Scorpions confirms Dorothy Dunnett as the grande dame of the genre.
In 1462, Nicholas is a wealthy 21-year-old. His beloved wife has died. His stepchildren have locked him out of the family business. He and his private army are the target of multiple conspiracies. And both contenders for the throne of Cyprus, the brilliant Queen Carlotta and her charismatic, sexually ambivalent brother James, are demanding his support. Walking a tightrope of intrigue, Dunnett's hero juggles adversaries and allies, from the delectable courtesan Primaflora to the Mameluke commander Tzani-Bey al Ablak, a man of undiluted evil. Masterfully paced, alive with sensual delights, Race of Scorpions confirms Dorothy Dunnett as the grande dame of the genre.
534 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
61 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Dunnett
35 books858 followersDorothy Dunnett OBE was a Scottish historical novelist. She is best known for her six-part series about Francis Crawford of Lymond, The Lymond Chronicles, which she followed with the eight-part prequel The House of Niccolò. She also wrote a novel about the real Macbeth called King Hereafter and a series of mystery novels centered on Johnson Johnson, a portrait painter/spy.
Her New York times obituary is here.
Dorothy Dunnett Society: http://dorothydunnett.org
Fansite: http://www.dorothydunnett.co.uk/
Her New York times obituary is here.
Dorothy Dunnett Society: http://dorothydunnett.org
Fansite: http://www.dorothydunnett.co.uk/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 26, 2025
Folks, alum is so passe, these days hip kids are into sugar. And Cyprus is exactly the place to grow it. It so happens that Cyprus is a battlefield between two royal half-siblings who both want Niccolo's help in getting the throne (but why?). Oh and Genoese and Venetians are continuing weaving their intrigues, fighting for trade dominance in the Mediterranean sea.
(There might be comparisons to Lymond chronicles in this review, forgive me, just let us make a drinking game out of it.)
So this book. Confusing and convoluted? Yes, perhaps also a bit anticlimactic in the end. Yet much more engaging than its predecessor (update: wrong!). Is it because the evil seductress of her foster son is not present? To think of it, I might be just ecstatic not having to read anything about that annoying family Nicholas left in Bruges. Nicholas is smart, young and finally free.
Nicholas, our hero, finally coming into his own out of the shade of the magnificent Lymond (Take a shot!). I’m starting to enjoy this lad! (update: meh) Is he playing 4d chess? Sure! Is it frustrating to follow the main character who’s always 10 steps ahead of the reader? You betcha! Mostly my engagement with the story suffers. Yet I feel I get him better, not fully, because apparently he developed real feelings for Primaflora? When? (update: was shocked by this plot point once again!) Ok…
Primaflora, the courtesan with erect nipples… Is it me or does this series have more bodice-rippery scenes than Lymond ever did? (Take a shot!) Not being prudish here, just surprising. And much more jealousy. That leads me to Katelina, a waste of a heroine with potential.
The spunky Katelina of the first book, where did you go? Did you fall victim to Niccolo’s irresistible penis? The feminist in me sighs with disappointment. Ok, girl, get into that fridge already. But seriously, did anyone else buy her reasons for her illogical hate towards Nick? Me neither.
Now let's talk about sexual assault as a plot device. At least if that's what it was because Dunnett went suddenly cryptic for no reason. So if it was what I thought it was, the dealing with the aftermath was… it was not dealt with at all. The personal reason for revenge, that’s what it all amounted to. But for a writer who milked the trauma for the whole Checkmate? (Take a shot!) Is it because the victim here is a man? Or I just dreamed it?
I’m 1500 pages in and I just finally am getting curious and mildly engaged and started liking the hero (update: giiiirl, don't be giddy, the next book will punish you). There’s 3500 more left (update: oh lord Cthulhu, give me strength!). At least I'll pick up the next book and we'll see then (update: *sigh*).
(There might be comparisons to Lymond chronicles in this review, forgive me, just let us make a drinking game out of it.)
So this book. Confusing and convoluted? Yes, perhaps also a bit anticlimactic in the end. Yet much more engaging than its predecessor (update: wrong!). Is it because the evil seductress of her foster son is not present? To think of it, I might be just ecstatic not having to read anything about that annoying family Nicholas left in Bruges. Nicholas is smart, young and finally free.
Nicholas, our hero, finally coming into his own out of the shade of the magnificent Lymond (Take a shot!). I’m starting to enjoy this lad! (update: meh) Is he playing 4d chess? Sure! Is it frustrating to follow the main character who’s always 10 steps ahead of the reader? You betcha! Mostly my engagement with the story suffers. Yet I feel I get him better, not fully, because apparently he developed real feelings for Primaflora? When? (update: was shocked by this plot point once again!) Ok…
Primaflora, the courtesan with erect nipples… Is it me or does this series have more bodice-rippery scenes than Lymond ever did? (Take a shot!) Not being prudish here, just surprising. And much more jealousy. That leads me to Katelina, a waste of a heroine with potential.
The spunky Katelina of the first book, where did you go? Did you fall victim to Niccolo’s irresistible penis? The feminist in me sighs with disappointment. Ok, girl, get into that fridge already. But seriously, did anyone else buy her reasons for her illogical hate towards Nick? Me neither.
Now let's talk about sexual assault as a plot device. At least if that's what it was because Dunnett went suddenly cryptic for no reason. So if it was what I thought it was, the dealing with the aftermath was… it was not dealt with at all. The personal reason for revenge, that’s what it all amounted to. But for a writer who milked the trauma for the whole Checkmate? (Take a shot!) Is it because the victim here is a man? Or I just dreamed it?
I’m 1500 pages in and I just finally am getting curious and mildly engaged and started liking the hero (update: giiiirl, don't be giddy, the next book will punish you). There’s 3500 more left (update: oh lord Cthulhu, give me strength!). At least I'll pick up the next book and we'll see then (update: *sigh*).
March 3, 2025
3,5 stars rounded up
After listening to and loving The Spring of the Ram, I had high hopes for Race of Scorpions, so I guess this was bound to happen.
I liked this the least among the 3 books I've read so far from The House of Niccolò series. However, don't let my previoys words mislead you. Dorothy Dunnett at her "worst" (and this book isn't bad at all, on the contrary! It is full of historical-political-economic intrigue, renaissance warfare and human relationships) is still a thousand times better than anybody else (except Hilary Mantel) I've read so far (OK, I still have some authors to discover, of course). Dunnett is in her own very special league. She's like the sun to a bunch of candles among writers of Historical Fiction.
Yet, she severely tried my patience with her complicating the plot of Race of Scorpions to a level where it was just exasperating. Her asking me to believe that her hero, Niccolo was single-handedly managing the geopolitical and economic upheavals of the Levante, Terbizond, Burgundy and Portugal with his devious mind was too big an ask.
For God's sake, Dorothy dear, I just managed to buy into the basic Niccolò package 1.0 (minus the "he's so hawt that everyone gets their renaissance equivalent of underwear/chainmail knickers in a twist over him") and you are already pushing me to purchase an upgrade?
- Melinda, while you are at it, can I tempt you to Niccolò 2.5?
- No, you can't, my dear, sorry. But I'm totally buying into the secondary cast (Astorre, John Le Grant, Tobie, Crackbene, Loppe and even Fra Ludovico) and your flair for historic details, politics, scenery, atmosphere and the development of Niccolo's company with its trading and banking have me in their thrall.
I was lucky enough to have visited Rhodes & Cyprus a few years ago and was very glad I could relate to the places/events of the book.
Narrator John Banks is fantastic, as always.
After listening to and loving The Spring of the Ram, I had high hopes for Race of Scorpions, so I guess this was bound to happen.
I liked this the least among the 3 books I've read so far from The House of Niccolò series. However, don't let my previoys words mislead you. Dorothy Dunnett at her "worst" (and this book isn't bad at all, on the contrary! It is full of historical-political-economic intrigue, renaissance warfare and human relationships) is still a thousand times better than anybody else (except Hilary Mantel) I've read so far (OK, I still have some authors to discover, of course). Dunnett is in her own very special league. She's like the sun to a bunch of candles among writers of Historical Fiction.
Yet, she severely tried my patience with her complicating the plot of Race of Scorpions to a level where it was just exasperating. Her asking me to believe that her hero, Niccolo was single-handedly managing the geopolitical and economic upheavals of the Levante, Terbizond, Burgundy and Portugal with his devious mind was too big an ask.
For God's sake, Dorothy dear, I just managed to buy into the basic Niccolò package 1.0 (minus the "he's so hawt that everyone gets their renaissance equivalent of underwear/chainmail knickers in a twist over him") and you are already pushing me to purchase an upgrade?
- Melinda, while you are at it, can I tempt you to Niccolò 2.5?
- No, you can't, my dear, sorry. But I'm totally buying into the secondary cast (Astorre, John Le Grant, Tobie, Crackbene, Loppe and even Fra Ludovico) and your flair for historic details, politics, scenery, atmosphere and the development of Niccolo's company with its trading and banking have me in their thrall.
I was lucky enough to have visited Rhodes & Cyprus a few years ago and was very glad I could relate to the places/events of the book.
Narrator John Banks is fantastic, as always.
February 28, 2025
3.5 stars
Re-reading this, I continue to find Nicholas a difficult 'hero' because he's so enigmatic that as a reader I'm trailing along whining 'who? what? what just happened?' Dunnett deliberately writes in a way that is supposed to intrigue but she gives us so few clues as to what Nicholas and some of the other characters are doing, thinking, feeling that it's frustrating rather than stimulating.
I still love the solid period reconstruction and the complex history, politics and trade narrative, and there are some standout scenes, not least set in the siege of Famagusta. There are careful pointers to the next book where Nicholas travels to Africa but I'm really hoping that some of the enigma trope lightens.
_____________________
This is the 3rd in the House of Niccolo series (the first two being Niccolo Rising and Spring of the Ram), and Nicholas/Claes is now both an adult and yet also tempted back into the irresponsibility of his miss-spent youth. Free of his company and previous emotional entanglements, he tries to join his mercenary army fighting for control of Naples but instead finds himself being enticed, seduced and enforced to take sides in the deadly struggle between the Lusignan siblings for control of Cyprus. But every time he thinks he has left his past behind, it rears back up to trap him, even in Cyprus; and even emotional closures, however incomplete, cannot leave him at peace.
If you haven't read Dunnett before then you really do need to start at the beginning of the series, but this is a far stretch from the average `historical' (Chadwick, Gregory etc.). The plot is compelling, intricate and twisted and nothing is ever quite what it seems. Nicholas is both a charismatic hero and yet also an enigmatic one, and the over-arching plot arc of the series is as much about exploring the depths of one man as it is about his world. And that world is a fully-realised C15th one, where empires are being built as well as industries (banking, commodities trading), and where people eschew the sentimentality and politically-correct C21st mores of so much `historical' fiction and instead live the harsh, violent reality of a Europe (in this book) emerging out of its medieval roots and into what will later be known as the Renaissance.
Re-reading this, I continue to find Nicholas a difficult 'hero' because he's so enigmatic that as a reader I'm trailing along whining 'who? what? what just happened?' Dunnett deliberately writes in a way that is supposed to intrigue but she gives us so few clues as to what Nicholas and some of the other characters are doing, thinking, feeling that it's frustrating rather than stimulating.
I still love the solid period reconstruction and the complex history, politics and trade narrative, and there are some standout scenes, not least set in the siege of Famagusta. There are careful pointers to the next book where Nicholas travels to Africa but I'm really hoping that some of the enigma trope lightens.
_____________________
This is the 3rd in the House of Niccolo series (the first two being Niccolo Rising and Spring of the Ram), and Nicholas/Claes is now both an adult and yet also tempted back into the irresponsibility of his miss-spent youth. Free of his company and previous emotional entanglements, he tries to join his mercenary army fighting for control of Naples but instead finds himself being enticed, seduced and enforced to take sides in the deadly struggle between the Lusignan siblings for control of Cyprus. But every time he thinks he has left his past behind, it rears back up to trap him, even in Cyprus; and even emotional closures, however incomplete, cannot leave him at peace.
If you haven't read Dunnett before then you really do need to start at the beginning of the series, but this is a far stretch from the average `historical' (Chadwick, Gregory etc.). The plot is compelling, intricate and twisted and nothing is ever quite what it seems. Nicholas is both a charismatic hero and yet also an enigmatic one, and the over-arching plot arc of the series is as much about exploring the depths of one man as it is about his world. And that world is a fully-realised C15th one, where empires are being built as well as industries (banking, commodities trading), and where people eschew the sentimentality and politically-correct C21st mores of so much `historical' fiction and instead live the harsh, violent reality of a Europe (in this book) emerging out of its medieval roots and into what will later be known as the Renaissance.
January 17, 2010
People who are devoted Dorothy Dunnett readers generally fall into two camps: the Lymond Lovers (her first series) and the Niccolo folk. I'm in the second camp. I like Lymond, but I love the House of Niccolo series.
The thing is, I can't pick up any of the Niccolo books without wanting to read the whole series again. And given the complexity and demanding nature of these novels, that's like saying you're just rarin' to swim the Atlantic one more time.
So here I am, in the middle of re-reading the series again. I'm on the third volume, A Race of Scorpions, and almost finished with it. This must be my seventh or eighth reading, and things don't get any easier, I have to say. Is this a streak of masochism in me? Or is there some other reason I go back and read these books again and again?
Clearly, the story has me hooked. More clear still is the fact that I just don't understand some of what goes on in this novel, and every time I read it I am determined to figure it out. This third novel is set primarily on the island of Cyprus, in a time when Christian and Muslem powers were locked in one bloody war after another: for souls, for trade monopolies, for land.
Niccolo is one of those extremely intelligent, extremely devious, utterly charming characters. He has reason to be devious and he certainly has reason to hold a grudge, and in fact he is a formidable foe. But Dunnett is so dedicated to keeping the reader guessing that she rarely lets us inside Niccolo's head, and so we readers are likely to end up as confused as some of the characters who find themselves in the middle of Niccolo's plans for (if not world, then trade) domination. The first two novels in the series are demanding, but this one takes it up a couple notches. Who is scheming against which King or Queen, Greeks and Mamalukes, Portugese and Knights of the Order, the Pope, the Sultan, the Genoese and the Venetians -- the next time somebody complains I've got too many characters, I'm going to hand them Dorothy Dunnett. Who is, according to the New York Times, the best writer of historical fiction, ever. Which reminds me: my publisher says that sales of historical novels are down across the board. Can that be true, given the following Dunnett has for these anything-but-fluff deeply written, very detailed novels?
Should you read this book? Do you like a really good historical novel wrapped in many layers of complexity? Are you willing to read the first two novels first, and to read slowly? If so, you will be rewarded. Otherwise, you'd be better off with less demanding fare.
The thing is, I can't pick up any of the Niccolo books without wanting to read the whole series again. And given the complexity and demanding nature of these novels, that's like saying you're just rarin' to swim the Atlantic one more time.
So here I am, in the middle of re-reading the series again. I'm on the third volume, A Race of Scorpions, and almost finished with it. This must be my seventh or eighth reading, and things don't get any easier, I have to say. Is this a streak of masochism in me? Or is there some other reason I go back and read these books again and again?
Clearly, the story has me hooked. More clear still is the fact that I just don't understand some of what goes on in this novel, and every time I read it I am determined to figure it out. This third novel is set primarily on the island of Cyprus, in a time when Christian and Muslem powers were locked in one bloody war after another: for souls, for trade monopolies, for land.
Niccolo is one of those extremely intelligent, extremely devious, utterly charming characters. He has reason to be devious and he certainly has reason to hold a grudge, and in fact he is a formidable foe. But Dunnett is so dedicated to keeping the reader guessing that she rarely lets us inside Niccolo's head, and so we readers are likely to end up as confused as some of the characters who find themselves in the middle of Niccolo's plans for (if not world, then trade) domination. The first two novels in the series are demanding, but this one takes it up a couple notches. Who is scheming against which King or Queen, Greeks and Mamalukes, Portugese and Knights of the Order, the Pope, the Sultan, the Genoese and the Venetians -- the next time somebody complains I've got too many characters, I'm going to hand them Dorothy Dunnett. Who is, according to the New York Times, the best writer of historical fiction, ever. Which reminds me: my publisher says that sales of historical novels are down across the board. Can that be true, given the following Dunnett has for these anything-but-fluff deeply written, very detailed novels?
Should you read this book? Do you like a really good historical novel wrapped in many layers of complexity? Are you willing to read the first two novels first, and to read slowly? If so, you will be rewarded. Otherwise, you'd be better off with less demanding fare.
July 12, 2015
Oh Dorothy...why am I so attracted to your novels when all they do is confuse me?
I kid (mostly), but if the plotting of any book deserves to be called "byzantine", this is certainly it. Even with the semi-explanation given at the end, this could definitely do with a reread (or two, or three) to try and suss out who did what for what reason.
This is my second readthrough, but it might as well have been the first considering that the first time was almost two years ago, I think, and I remembered little except that Zacco & Carlotta were wrestling over Cyprus and Nicholas was helping Zacco for which he was rewarded with sugar estates.
Dunnett definitely likes to Impress The Reader with Niccolo's intelligence, but it's so opaque in this novel as to beggar belief and make you feel like a fool. I know Niccolo's up to something but heck if I know what it is, most of the time. And of course, everyone else has got their own wheels-in-wheels going too, which complicates things. I gather that it IS possible to figure it out, courtesy of the always-fantastic Marzipan yahoogroup who've analyzed these books to death, and maybe that's why I keep going back and rereading -- Niccolo challenges me to be as smart as he is.
I loved Primaflora, and I hope we see more of her later. One thing I didn't like :
.
I wish I could give this a 4.5 but the stars don't allow it and the current rating is under a 4.5 so I give 5 to try and drag it over to what I think it should be.
I kid (mostly), but if the plotting of any book deserves to be called "byzantine", this is certainly it. Even with the semi-explanation given at the end, this could definitely do with a reread (or two, or three) to try and suss out who did what for what reason.
This is my second readthrough, but it might as well have been the first considering that the first time was almost two years ago, I think, and I remembered little except that Zacco & Carlotta were wrestling over Cyprus and Nicholas was helping Zacco for which he was rewarded with sugar estates.
Dunnett definitely likes to Impress The Reader with Niccolo's intelligence, but it's so opaque in this novel as to beggar belief and make you feel like a fool. I know Niccolo's up to something but heck if I know what it is, most of the time. And of course, everyone else has got their own wheels-in-wheels going too, which complicates things. I gather that it IS possible to figure it out, courtesy of the always-fantastic Marzipan yahoogroup who've analyzed these books to death, and maybe that's why I keep going back and rereading -- Niccolo challenges me to be as smart as he is.
I loved Primaflora, and I hope we see more of her later. One thing I didn't like :
.
I wish I could give this a 4.5 but the stars don't allow it and the current rating is under a 4.5 so I give 5 to try and drag it over to what I think it should be.
April 14, 2024
4th read maybe? (I've been re-reading this series for decades now.) This is not at all my favorite of this astounding 8-book saga, but is still a resounding 5-star read.
Niccolo is spirited off to Cyprus to fight/finagle for James (II, the Usurper) against his sister, Carlotta. Niccolo leads us through dye-yards and sugar production, bribing and plotting Venetians and Genoese. He takes the usual beatings, and is sorely used by the head of the Mamelukes working for King James.
And he has a truly gorgeous scene with the fine lady, Katelina van Borselen, on Rhodes in the butterfly valley. Here many of Niccolo's company are in play, but major characters - Gelis, Julius, Simon - and my favorite Kathi Sersanders - do not appear. There is, maybe maybe, a little bit of spinning pages for time.
This time was a buddy read with my son, who, reading it a second time 10 years later, didn't remember what an amazing historian, plotter and writer the Great Dame Dunnett was. But he knows now.
Niccolo is spirited off to Cyprus to fight/finagle for James (II, the Usurper) against his sister, Carlotta. Niccolo leads us through dye-yards and sugar production, bribing and plotting Venetians and Genoese. He takes the usual beatings, and is sorely used by the head of the Mamelukes working for King James.
And he has a truly gorgeous scene with the fine lady, Katelina van Borselen, on Rhodes in the butterfly valley. Here many of Niccolo's company are in play, but major characters - Gelis, Julius, Simon - and my favorite Kathi Sersanders - do not appear. There is, maybe maybe, a little bit of spinning pages for time.
This time was a buddy read with my son, who, reading it a second time 10 years later, didn't remember what an amazing historian, plotter and writer the Great Dame Dunnett was. But he knows now.
February 5, 2011
Race of Scorpions is set in many places, but mainly takes us to mid-15th century Cyprus, where the bastard son of the dead King (James/Zacco of Lusignan) is vying with his sister (Queen Carlotta) for the crown. Niccolo and his crew are shanghaied by Carlotta to join in the fight, but ends up on the side of Zacco...though also, not by choice. As always, there is a woman involved (the duplicitous courtesan, Primaflora), who fights for one side, then the other...we are confused by her but in the end, Niccolo is not.
Niccolo's brilliance in playing the chess game that is his life is further illuminated in this novel. He survives the political machinations of all those involved, as well as the distractions involved when his family relationships interfere with his plans.
As I read these novels, a much fuller picture of life in the time that crossed the boundaries between the Middle Ages and the budding Renaissance is revealed. We see the economic issues (sugar this time is the issue, last time it was alum), the political problems, the rise of international trade, the rise of the artist...all magnificently, but smoothly written into this series which I consider true adventure novels.
Dorothy Dunnett has been called the greatest writer of historical fiction and I couldn't agree more.
Niccolo's brilliance in playing the chess game that is his life is further illuminated in this novel. He survives the political machinations of all those involved, as well as the distractions involved when his family relationships interfere with his plans.
As I read these novels, a much fuller picture of life in the time that crossed the boundaries between the Middle Ages and the budding Renaissance is revealed. We see the economic issues (sugar this time is the issue, last time it was alum), the political problems, the rise of international trade, the rise of the artist...all magnificently, but smoothly written into this series which I consider true adventure novels.
Dorothy Dunnett has been called the greatest writer of historical fiction and I couldn't agree more.
Read
August 1, 2016So, on the one hand, here we see Dunnett's utter mastery of her craft. The writing is stronger than ever, the twists masterfully executed, the detail picture-perfect. Individual scenes burn. Some particular moments—the valley of the moths, and the bit where Nicholas wonders how much it cost to dye the sunrise—take my breath away merely to remember, and I don't think the memory's due to fade soon.
Also, I have a hard time remembering the last time I saw a male character driven to avenge his own sexual assault. (Entirely possible another example's slipping my mind.) It's carefully treated, and well-handled, I think.
On the other hand... Well, it's not just that Tzani-bey's characterization is very cardboard "evil foreigner." I'm as awed by Dunnett's technique as ever, but I find myself wondering the why of it all. With Lymond I was always on the edge of my seat as to whether he'd prove to be the jerk everyone thought he was; I don't have the same suspense with Nicholas, which saps some of the moral and thematic energy and makes the books feel more like mental exercise.
That said, man, can Dunnett introduce a villain. I'm really interested to see what's up with these Vatachino... So I'll probably keep rolling, however slow my pace.
Also, I have a hard time remembering the last time I saw a male character driven to avenge his own sexual assault. (Entirely possible another example's slipping my mind.) It's carefully treated, and well-handled, I think.
On the other hand... Well, it's not just that Tzani-bey's characterization is very cardboard "evil foreigner." I'm as awed by Dunnett's technique as ever, but I find myself wondering the why of it all. With Lymond I was always on the edge of my seat as to whether he'd prove to be the jerk everyone thought he was; I don't have the same suspense with Nicholas, which saps some of the moral and thematic energy and makes the books feel more like mental exercise.
That said, man, can Dunnett introduce a villain. I'm really interested to see what's up with these Vatachino... So I'll probably keep rolling, however slow my pace.
December 29, 2011
I really liked this book & it is probably a 4.5. Much better than the second book and a more satisfying read. The characters were well developed and the plot (and all the twists and turns) were easier to follow I thought Dunnett took more care in helping the reader to be part of the journey & to glimpse some of the background machinations and thinking processes. Looking forward to starting the next book in the series.
March 12, 2013
I remember the first time through reading the Lymond Chronicles, I occasionally had to take a break from Lymond. I couldn't read them back-to-back. I think that may be what's happening here. I have read these books before, but I don't remember them well. And about three-quarters of the way through this book I just really wanted a break from Niccolo. It's still a staggeringly well-written book, and usually a very fun one. But I think I'll take a breather from these for a bit.
July 20, 2011
Another exciting Niccolo tale, this time set in Cyprus. I'm not sure I can forgive Dunnett for killing off [spoiler omitted - you'll know who I mean if you have read this book] but feel reasonably compelled to keep reading the series nonetheless. Dunnett reminds me more and more of Dumas: good plotting, spiced with tragedy, but the characterization is somewhat anachronistic.
August 14, 2012
4.5 stars. Dorothy Dunnett is superb as always. My only issue with this book is actually rather silly. I so enjoyed certain characters- the electrifying James of Lusignan (Zacco) and his canny mother, the mutilated former royal mistress, Cropnose- that I was impatient and enjoyed other plots and characters less than I should have.
January 29, 2015
these two series by dorothy dunnett are my absolute favorite. nothing different to say about them; together, they will take you off the planet for a full summer and just might re-direct your life, as they did mine.
March 17, 2021
These are the most profoundly detailed historical novels--but the characters are unique and intriguing. Venice, Cyprus, Rhodes, Byzantium...a great window into the clash of cultures that preceded the Renaissance.
November 22, 2011
There are things about this series that intensely bother me -- like Dunnett's penchant for killing off female characters to give the male characters something to angst about -- but it's not going to stop me from reading everything she's ever written.
May 3, 2009
Plot twists! And crazy political machinations! I'm not entirely sure what happened here, but I couldn't stop reading.
On with the show!
On with the show!
March 4, 2012
I am, as ever, left speechless and flailing by Dunnett's skill and Niccolo. Niccolo gives me too many feelings. ;_________;
January 3, 2012
Great in every way that matters to me: gorgeous language, persuasive characters, historically interesting and moderately bodice-ripping. Fun.
March 21, 2014
This is not historic fiction done with broad strokes, but is one of many, many details.
November 16, 2022
These books keep getting better. Here, Nicholas is moping around, trying to find some purpose in his life. He returns to Bruges, but his stepdaughters despise him, and he is promptly ordered to leave. He decides to take an active role in his mercenary band during their campaign in Italy, but instead gets kidnapped and taken to Cyprus. Towards the journey's end, he is abused badly by an Egyptian against whom he vows revenge.
The main part of the book is then involved in the dispute over the rule of Cyprus between Queen Carlotta, who is the legitimate heir to the throne, and her bastard brother James (called Zacco), who has control over the island. Both sides want Nicholas' support, which he eventually throws over to James. In the meantime, Nicholas becomes involved with a courtesan/spy for Carlotta named Primaflora. He gets involved with a couple of Portuguese traders who are related to Simon (Nicholas' father). And Katerina (Simon's wife and the father of Nicholas' son) shows up on the island.
The book involves a mystery, a couple of sieges, a couple of duels, a fair helping of court politics, intrigue and betrayal. On the business side, Nicholas starts a trade in sugar and a dye works on the island. It has one of the simpler, but more emotionally compelling, endings of any of her books that I've read, which ends up being very satisfying and also doing an excellent job setting up for the next book.
Once again, I'm pretty well convinced that when I finish up this series I will start again on the Lymond books, which I had abandoned after two books several years ago. That might take a while, since this series has five more hefty books, and I'm currently involved with six (gulp!) other fairly long series.
The main part of the book is then involved in the dispute over the rule of Cyprus between Queen Carlotta, who is the legitimate heir to the throne, and her bastard brother James (called Zacco), who has control over the island. Both sides want Nicholas' support, which he eventually throws over to James. In the meantime, Nicholas becomes involved with a courtesan/spy for Carlotta named Primaflora. He gets involved with a couple of Portuguese traders who are related to Simon (Nicholas' father). And Katerina (Simon's wife and the father of Nicholas' son) shows up on the island.
The book involves a mystery, a couple of sieges, a couple of duels, a fair helping of court politics, intrigue and betrayal. On the business side, Nicholas starts a trade in sugar and a dye works on the island. It has one of the simpler, but more emotionally compelling, endings of any of her books that I've read, which ends up being very satisfying and also doing an excellent job setting up for the next book.
Once again, I'm pretty well convinced that when I finish up this series I will start again on the Lymond books, which I had abandoned after two books several years ago. That might take a while, since this series has five more hefty books, and I'm currently involved with six (gulp!) other fairly long series.
January 20, 2020
Nicholas needs to make plans that don't involve him nearly getting killed every 60 or so pages!!!
March 21, 2010
This is the third book in Dunnett's eight-book House of Niccolo series, which is about Europe and the Mediterranean in the late 15th century. I read the first two volumes years ago, but moving to Boston, going to grad school, and all sorts of other stuff kept me from picking the series back up. I decided that, since I was in the mood for a long historical epic anyway, I should read the remaining books before I forgot everything about the first two.
The Niccolo of the title is Nicholas vander Poele, a charming, clever, and very smart young man who has risen from a dyeworks apprentice to the head of his own merchant and banking house. In Race of Scorpions, Nicholas, along with various new and old friends and associates, gets drawn into the conflict between Carlotta and James Lusignan, half-siblings competing for the throne of Cyprus. Nicholas sides with James, and Nicholas and his bank's mercenary company get involved in both the military and political machinations necessary to secure James' throne while advancing Nicholas' business and personal ambitions.
This book was a truly enjoyable read. The plot is fairly intricate and allows for plenty of action and political intrigue. The characters are complex and interesting. The pacing is overall excellent - there are very few slow bits and no dull spots. I particularly liked the fact that the plot covered locations and events that seem to be less often addressed in historical fiction, especially since I knew next to nothing about Cyprus before reading the book.
The Niccolo of the title is Nicholas vander Poele, a charming, clever, and very smart young man who has risen from a dyeworks apprentice to the head of his own merchant and banking house. In Race of Scorpions, Nicholas, along with various new and old friends and associates, gets drawn into the conflict between Carlotta and James Lusignan, half-siblings competing for the throne of Cyprus. Nicholas sides with James, and Nicholas and his bank's mercenary company get involved in both the military and political machinations necessary to secure James' throne while advancing Nicholas' business and personal ambitions.
This book was a truly enjoyable read. The plot is fairly intricate and allows for plenty of action and political intrigue. The characters are complex and interesting. The pacing is overall excellent - there are very few slow bits and no dull spots. I particularly liked the fact that the plot covered locations and events that seem to be less often addressed in historical fiction, especially since I knew next to nothing about Cyprus before reading the book.
November 14, 2012
The Race of Scorpions, the third edge-of-your-seat volume in Dorothy Dunnett's The House of Niccolo epic, kept me spellbound for two days and nights, with very little time for sleep.
Here, the widowed Nicholas vander Poele, after pulling his life together, has joined with Capt Astorre in waging war in Bologna, then finds himself kidnapped and taken to Cyprus. With his mercenary army following his trail, he finds he must lead them in uniting the island under one ruler. But who will capture his services - the haughty Carlotta, or her bastard half-brother, James called Zacco, both contenders for the royal Lusignan throne of Cyprus?
You can feel the Mediterranean island around you as Dunnett's short, concise descriptive phrases tumble one after another across the page: Fragrant vineyards, the sugar fields, the restored dyeyards with blue-fingered workers. The ancient holy sites, the monesteries, the castles, round ships and galleys. A beautiful courtesan. Murder, espionage, traitors. The old battles of trade and heritage, and the familiar people involved in Nicholas' life: Katelina van Borselen, Simon, Jordan de St Pol, the Greek with the wooden leg, the Franciscan monk Ludovico da Bologna. All the faithful men of his army.
It will take all Nicholas' genius to put all the pieces together, if he can, without starving to death, being hacked to bits by a Mameluke Emir, or meeting unreadable blue eyes locked on his in love or hatred.
Maybe I should do the dishes, or laundry, before losing the rest of the week on Volume 4?
Or not. I can't wait!
Here, the widowed Nicholas vander Poele, after pulling his life together, has joined with Capt Astorre in waging war in Bologna, then finds himself kidnapped and taken to Cyprus. With his mercenary army following his trail, he finds he must lead them in uniting the island under one ruler. But who will capture his services - the haughty Carlotta, or her bastard half-brother, James called Zacco, both contenders for the royal Lusignan throne of Cyprus?
You can feel the Mediterranean island around you as Dunnett's short, concise descriptive phrases tumble one after another across the page: Fragrant vineyards, the sugar fields, the restored dyeyards with blue-fingered workers. The ancient holy sites, the monesteries, the castles, round ships and galleys. A beautiful courtesan. Murder, espionage, traitors. The old battles of trade and heritage, and the familiar people involved in Nicholas' life: Katelina van Borselen, Simon, Jordan de St Pol, the Greek with the wooden leg, the Franciscan monk Ludovico da Bologna. All the faithful men of his army.
It will take all Nicholas' genius to put all the pieces together, if he can, without starving to death, being hacked to bits by a Mameluke Emir, or meeting unreadable blue eyes locked on his in love or hatred.
Maybe I should do the dishes, or laundry, before losing the rest of the week on Volume 4?
Or not. I can't wait!
October 5, 2014
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2357757.html[return][return]Cyprus is partitioned between feuding rulers, one a proxy of distant Christian Europe, the other beholden to the more local Muslim regional power; the larger part of of the island is controlled by one faction, but the key cities of Famagusta and Kyrenia are in the hands of the minority.[return][return]However it's not 1974, or any year since, but 1463, and Dorothy Dunnett's Flemish hero Niccolo gets drawn into the dynastic dispute between the legitimate (but losing) heiress Carlotta, and her very handsome half-brother James. There are beautiful women and fierce battles, and terrific derring-do; there is a brilliant scene with chemically impregnated clothes and a valley filled with snakes; there is gut-wrenching, understated tragedy as Niccolo works through his own complex family back-story against the foreground of the Lusignan succession. It's brilliant stuff.[return][return]In addition, anyone who actually knows Cyprus will find it particularly attractive. For the same reason as Dunnett's hero, I have an affinity with the Gothic cathedral in Famagusta; much of the rest of the landscape, and a surprising amount of the architecture, is familiar even today - it may be that the same is true of the scenes in Burges or Rhodes, which I know rather less well. It's not essential to enjoying the book, but it adds some much appreciated colour.
April 10, 2011
I'm sure there have been societies more based on betrayal then war-torn 1460s Cyprus, but it's hard to imagine. Nicholas wants nothing to do with the civil war between Lusignan brother and sister, but he is kidnapped and pitchforked into the middle of it. Both Lusignans think they can buy Nicholas's services, but what it takes is a sadist who stirs up Nicholas's rare urge to kill. Trailed by the vicious Simon's family, Nicholas attempts to protect all his vulnerable dependants, and devise ways of getting richer at the same time.
On a moonlit night on Cape Gatto, enchantment turns to a horror that is so appalling to me that I have no difficulty sympathizing with Nicholas in his determination to punish the Mameluke emir who is required to be his ally. Dunnett immerses readers in Nicholas's life so effectively that sometimes I have difficulty facing this book.
On a moonlit night on Cape Gatto, enchantment turns to a horror that is so appalling to me that I have no difficulty sympathizing with Nicholas in his determination to punish the Mameluke emir who is required to be his ally. Dunnett immerses readers in Nicholas's life so effectively that sometimes I have difficulty facing this book.
February 14, 2014
Fantastic work. I enjoyed the beginning and then about 1/3 of the way through the book it grabbed me and I couldn't put it down until I had it done.
Niccolo (Nicholas, Nikko, Claes) is taken from war-torn Italy, where he has been employed trying to stay away from his step-daughters in Bruges, and ends up embroiled in a civil war in Cyprus between two claimants to the crown, Carlotta and James. He finds he must pick sides, but which one. To spice up the confusion is the political contest between Genoa and Venice, the conflict between himself and his interests and Simon (his father) and his interests in Portugal. Many plans are laid and come to fruition as the novel careens to its conclusion. I have to hand it to Dunnett, she is not at all afraid of killing people off. Not too many spoilers - but like her earlier novels - not everyone makes it to the last page.
Niccolo (Nicholas, Nikko, Claes) is taken from war-torn Italy, where he has been employed trying to stay away from his step-daughters in Bruges, and ends up embroiled in a civil war in Cyprus between two claimants to the crown, Carlotta and James. He finds he must pick sides, but which one. To spice up the confusion is the political contest between Genoa and Venice, the conflict between himself and his interests and Simon (his father) and his interests in Portugal. Many plans are laid and come to fruition as the novel careens to its conclusion. I have to hand it to Dunnett, she is not at all afraid of killing people off. Not too many spoilers - but like her earlier novels - not everyone makes it to the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2016
Our hero Niccolo', I believe, lives like a cat in that he has nine lives. Eight books in the series and in the first three, he has lost three lives. I suspect he and I will survive the series, though not without shared heart palpitations.
Onto book four I go. Scales of Gold
Onto book four I go. Scales of Gold
July 23, 2011
c1989. Finally caught up with the 3rd book in the seies of "The House of Niccolo" and it certainly was well worth the wait. I must admit though that I kept thinking it was going nowhere and then the plt would veer off onto another unexpected tangent. "Some way off, a donkey brayed; frogs were croaking , and the bushes around him ere ghostly with moths." For a young man, Niccolo has certainly had his share of adventures. Timeless story with Kyrenia featuring heavily.
August 7, 2013
A short observance of the third book in this series.
Set in the 1400s, this book continues to follow the life of its main character, Nicholas vander Poele, as this time he finds himself in Cyprus - a strategic island even then - in the eastern Mediterranean sea.
Read the first of the series - if you like it you'll follow through
Set in the 1400s, this book continues to follow the life of its main character, Nicholas vander Poele, as this time he finds himself in Cyprus - a strategic island even then - in the eastern Mediterranean sea.
Read the first of the series - if you like it you'll follow through
March 31, 2014
I must admit I am a Lymond fan and I haven't yet warmed to Nicholas. It took me a while to work my way through this novel and although I enjoyed it I am not rushing for the next volume like I did with the Lymond series.
It is a book I will have to read again whilst on holiday when I have hours of time to devote to it rather than reading it piecemeal over several weeks.
It is a book I will have to read again whilst on holiday when I have hours of time to devote to it rather than reading it piecemeal over several weeks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews