Who Would Like This Book:
If you’re a fan of intricate historical fiction with a dose of adventure, political intrigue, and complex, memorable characters, this one’s for you. The Game of Kings plunges you right into 16th century Scotland, with lush prose and a dazzlingly witty (if often infuriating) antihero, Francis Crawford of Lymond. Lovers of rich historical detail, twisty plots, razor-sharp dialogue, and literary allusions will find endless treasures here. If you’ve ever wished for a mashup of Dumas’ swashbuckling adventures and the labyrinthine politics of Game of Thrones - with a soupçon of dry wit - consider this your next bookish obsession.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Those looking for a light, breezy read, beware! This novel can be a steep climb at first: the language is dense, filled with non-English phrases, and the cast is enormous. The opening can feel disorienting, with scant explanation of who’s who and what’s really going on - plus, you might find yourself reaching for a dictionary (or a companion guide) now and then. Some found the pacing slow or the prose overly ornate, especially if you prefer minimalism, and Lymond’s enigmatic personality isn’t for everyone. If you like your historical fiction straightforward and accessible, this might not be your cup of tea.
About:
'The Game of Kings' by Dorothy Dunnett is a historical fiction novel set in the 16th century, primarily focusing on the adventures of the complex and enigmatic protagonist, Francis Crawford of Lymond. The book introduces readers to a world filled with war, betrayal, romance, and adventure, set against the backdrop of a meticulously researched historical setting. Through intricate plot threads and rich wordplay, the author paints a vivid picture of a Renaissance world where characters navigate through real stakes, dangers, and intricate political intrigues.
The narrative style of 'The Game of Kings' is described as dense, packed with classical and time-specific references, vernacular, and 16th-century wordplay. The story unfolds with elements of mystery and crime, as readers follow Lymond's journey to clear his tarnished reputation while encountering a diverse cast of characters and engaging in witty and erudite dialogues. Despite the initial challenges in getting into the book, readers find themselves immersed in a world filled with action, intrigue, and well-developed characters that keep them engaged throughout the story.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of treason, violence, and betrayal, with historical context that may depict harsh realities of the period.
From The Publisher:
Combining all the political intrigue of Game of Thrones with the sweeping romanticism of Outlander, Dorothy Dunnett's legendary Lymond Chronicles have enthralled readers for decades and amassed legions of devoted fans. The first book in the series introduces Dunnett's unforgettable antihero as he returns to Scotland with a wild plan to redeem his reputation and save his home.
The year is 1547. Scotland is clinging to independence after a humiliating English invasion. Paradoxically, the country's freedom may depend on a man who stands accused of treason. He is Francis Crawford of Lymond, a scapegrace nobleman of crooked felicities and murderous talents, with a scholar's erudition and a wicked tongue. Clawing his way back into a country that has outlawed him, and to a family that has turned its back on him, Lymond will prove that he has both the will and the cunning to clear his name and defend his people-no matter the cost.
Ratings (12)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (2) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (86):
Read It (13) | |
Want To Read (48) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (23) |
2 comment(s)
Will return to it.
One of my Top Five anticipated reads of the year! This was one of the largest books on my TBR for this year, so somehow getting the audiobook felt like cheating....
It came so highly recommended that I didn’t even know for sure
what the book was about. Turns out it’s historical fiction. Who knew?
The narrator was fantastic, even if I was a little confused until I adjusted to his accent. The plot was engaging, and I’m so ignorant regarding this period of history that immersion was never broken by my brain trying to reconcile fact with fiction. (I need to brush up on my history....) The characters were immediately charming, especially the ostentatious rogue Lymond, and I could see right off why people who like Gen would be drawn to him. I will say the large cast got a little unwieldy at times. This may be another case of “it would be easier to keep them all straight if I was actually reading it”.
It was a bit of a slog getting through the opening chapters and into what makes this story appealing, but it. was. worth it. I think this technically does fit the bill for a “historical epic”, not only in size but in scope. But I will need to read it again (probably twice) to really understand exactly what happened. And I’m going to have to gather a considerable store of unction if I am ever to dive into the sequels.
What can you read after
The Game of Kings?
About the Author:
Dorothy Dunnett was born in Dunfermline, Scotland. She is the author of the Lymond Chronicles; the House of Niccolò novels; seven mysteries; King Hereafter, an epic novel about Macbeth; and the text of The Scottish Highlands, a book of photographs by David Paterson,…
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