Dorothy Dunnett was a Scottish historical novelist known for her intricate storytelling and rich characters. She is best known for her series, The Lymond Chronicles and The House of Niccolò, which together include a total of 14 books. Dunnett’s works are characterized by their meticulously researched historical details and intricate plots, making her a beloved author among fans of historical fiction.
Dorothy Dunnett Books in Order
- The Game of Kings (The Lymond Chronicles, #1)
- Queens’ Play (The Lymond Chronicles, #2)
- Niccolò Rising (The House of Niccolò, #1)
- The Disorderly Knights (The Lymond Chronicles, #3)
- Pawn in Frankincense (The Lymond Chronicles, #4)
- Checkmate (The Lymond Chronicles, #6)
- The Ringed Castle (The Lymond Chronicles, #5)
- The Spring of the Ram (The House of Niccolo, #2)
- Race of Scorpions (The House of Niccolo, #3)
- Scales of Gold (The House of Niccolo, #4)
Summary of Dorothy Dunnett Books in Order
The Game of Kings (The Lymond Chronicles, #1)
“The Game of Kings” is the first book in the Lymond Chronicles series, written by Dorothy Dunnett. Set in sixteenth-century Scotland, the story follows the adventures of Francis Crawford of Lymond, a charismatic and enigmatic nobleman. Lymond is a complex character, known for his intelligence and martial skills, but also for his reckless behavior and mysterious past. As he becomes embroiled in political intrigue and personal vendettas, Lymond must navigate a dangerous game of power and betrayal.
The novel is rich in historical detail, capturing the tumultuous and treacherous atmosphere of the Scottish court during this period. The plot is filled with twists and turns, as Lymond is drawn into a web of conspiracies and conflicts, testing his wit and courage at every turn. Through vivid descriptions and compelling characters, Dunnett paints a vivid portrait of a society rife with ambition, deceit, and honor, as Lymond strives to protect his family and reputation while facing formidable adversaries.
“The Game of Kings” is a sweeping tale of adventure, romance, and political intrigue, blending elements of historical fiction, mystery, and swashbuckling adventure. With its intricate plot and dynamic characters, the novel has captivated readers with its gripping storytelling and intricate world-building. As the first installment in a beloved series, it sets the stage for an epic saga of love and betrayal, loyalty and treachery, and the enduring struggle for power and redemption.
Queens’ Play (The Lymond Chronicles, #2)
“Queens’ Play” is the second book in the Lymond Chronicles series by Dorothy Dunnett. Set in the 16th century, the novel follows the adventures of Francis Crawford of Lymond, a charismatic and enigmatic Scottish nobleman who becomes embroiled in political intrigue and espionage. In this installment, Lymond is tasked with infiltrating the French court in order to protect the young Mary, Queen of Scots, and thwart the nefarious plots of her enemies.
As Lymond navigates the treacherous world of court politics, he faces a variety of challenges, from navigating complex alliances to outwitting his enemies. Along the way, he is aided by a colorful cast of allies, including his brother Richard and the clever Jerott Blyth. The novel is rich in historical detail and features vivid descriptions of the opulent settings and colorful characters of the French court.
As the story unfolds, Lymond’s loyalty and cunning are put to the test as he works to protect the young queen and uncover the foreign powers conspiring against her. “Queens’ Play” is a gripping tale of adventure, romance, and political intrigue that will captivate fans of historical fiction and espionage thrillers. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, the novel offers an immersive and compelling reading experience.
Niccolò Rising (The House of Niccolò, #1)
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The Disorderly Knights (The Lymond Chronicles, #3)
“The Disorderly Knights” is the third installment in Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles, a historical fiction series set in the 16th century. The book follows the adventures of Francis Crawford of Lymond, a charismatic and enigmatic Scottish nobleman, as he navigates political intrigue, international espionage, and personal challenges. In this installment, Lymond finds himself in Malta, where he becomes embroiled in a battle against the Knights of St. John and the Ottoman Empire.
The story is filled with action, romance, and intricate plot twists as Lymond struggles to maintain his secrets and fulfill his mission in the face of formidable foes. The novel is known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, vivid character development, and complex storytelling. As Lymond navigates the treacherous political landscape of 16th-century Europe, he faces personal and professional challenges that test his wit, courage, and loyalty.
“The Disorderly Knights” is a compelling and immersive historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Dorothy Dunnett’s meticulous research and rich prose bring the tumultuous world of 16th-century Europe to life, offering readers a captivating and thought-provoking literary journey.
Pawn in Frankincense (The Lymond Chronicles, #4)
In “Pawn in Frankincense,” the fourth installment of the Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett, the story continues to follow the adventures of Francis Crawford of Lymond, a charismatic and enigmatic protagonist. Set in the 16th century, the novel takes readers on a thrilling journey across the Mediterranean as Lymond navigates political intrigue, treachery, and personal vendettas. As Lymond becomes embroiled in a web of conspiracy and betrayal, he must rely on his wits and cunning to survive.
The plot of “Pawn in Frankincense” is filled with twists and turns as Lymond encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. The stakes are high as Lymond grapples with questions of loyalty and identity, and as he seeks to unravel the mysteries of his own past. The novel is a rich tapestry of historical detail, blending complex characters and fast-paced action against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in European history.
Dunnett’s masterful storytelling and vivid prose bring the world of the Renaissance to life, creating a gripping tale of adventure, betrayal, and redemption. “Pawn in Frankincense” is a compelling continuation of the Lymond Chronicles, showcasing the author’s talent for crafting intricate plots and compelling characters in a rich historical setting.
Checkmate (The Lymond Chronicles, #6)
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The Ringed Castle (The Lymond Chronicles, #5)
“The Ringed Castle” is the fifth book in the Lymond Chronicles series by Dorothy Dunnett. Set in 16th century Europe, the story follows the adventures of Francis Crawford of Lymond, a charismatic and enigmatic Scottish nobleman. In this installment, Lymond is sent on a diplomatic mission to Russia by Queen Elizabeth I of England. As he navigates the treacherous political landscape of the time, he must also contend with personal challenges, including the search for his lost son and the complexities of his relationships with various women.
The novel is rich in historical detail and vividly portrays the diverse cultures and societies of the era. Dunnett’s intricate plotting and complex characters make for a compelling and immersive reading experience. “The Ringed Castle” delves into themes of power, love, and loyalty, as Lymond grapples with the dilemmas of his own ambitions and allegiances. The book culminates in a dramatic and intense climax that raises the stakes for Lymond and sets the stage for the next installment in the series.
With its mix of historical intrigue, political maneuvering, and personal drama, “The Ringed Castle” is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and adventure. Dorothy Dunnett’s masterful storytelling and meticulous research bring the world of 16th century Europe to life, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience for fans of the genre.
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The Spring of the Ram (The House of Niccolo, #2)
“The Spring of the Ram” is the second book in the House of Niccolo series by Dorothy Dunnett. Set in the 15th century, the story follows the adventures of Nicholas de Fleury, a talented and ambitious merchant. In this installment, Nicholas travels to the Mediterranean to expand his trading empire, encountering political intrigue, treacherous enemies, and unexpected alliances along the way. As he navigates the dangerous waters of business and politics, Nicholas also grapples with personal challenges and relationships.
The novel is rich in historical detail and vividly brings to life the bustling cities and opulent courts of Renaissance Europe. Dunnett expertly weaves together complex plotlines, intricate character relationships, and multifaceted themes of ambition, power, and morality. Readers are drawn into the captivating world of trade, diplomacy, and warfare, where Nicholas’s shrewd mind and daring actions have far-reaching consequences.
Overall, “The Spring of the Ram” is a compelling historical fiction that combines gripping storytelling with profound insights into human nature and the dynamics of power. Through the trials and triumphs of Nicholas de Fleury, the novel offers a mesmerizing journey through an era of grandeur, greed, and grand ambitions.
Note: As of my training cut-off in September 2021, this is the only information available for “The Spring of the Ram (The House of Niccolo, #2)” by Dorothy Dunnett.
Race of Scorpions (The House of Niccolo, #3)
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Scales of Gold (The House of Niccolo, #4)
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Biography Dorothy Dunnett
Dorothy Dunnett OBE was a celebrated Scottish historical novelist, renowned for her captivating series of novels that include The Lymond Chronicles and The House of Niccolò. She also delved into mystery novels, including a novel about the real Macbeth titled King Hereafter, and a series centered on the character Johnson Johnson, a portrait painter and spy. Her legacy continues to be celebrated by the Dorothy Dunnett Society and fansite.
In conclusion, the works of Dorothy Dunnett offer a rich and complex exploration of history, culture, and humanity. Her meticulously researched novels provide an immersive and captivating experience for readers, while also conveying profound insights into themes of power, ambition, love, and honor. Through her compelling characters and intricate plots, Dunnett’s writing invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human nature and the enduring impact of historical events. Her books not only entertain, but also challenge readers to engage with the ideological lessons woven throughout her narratives, making her work a valuable and thought-provoking contribution to literature.
FAQs about author Dorothy Dunnett
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