Race Of Scorpions
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Product Description
This is the third book in the "House of Niccolo" series. Set in 15th-century Cyprus, this novel continues the saga of Nicholas van der Poel, international mercenary who started out as a dyer's apprentice, as he plays for the highest stakes with the greatest super-powers in Europe.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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 everytime 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.
This isn't an easy read but, as with all Dunnett's work, is a completely engrossing one. Very highly recommended.
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.
This isn't an easy read but, as with all Dunnett's work, is a completely engrossing one. Very highly recommended.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is the third volume in the Niccolo-series, and Niccolo is by now an accomplished merchant with his own private army. In "Race of Scorpions" we find him in Cyprus, caught between the ambitions of Queen Carlotta and her brother James, both of whom want to rule Cyprus. A deadly game of plot and counter-plot develops...
This is, once again, that most rare of things: an intelligent historical novel, with an intricate plot, impeccable research and fully-developed characters. One to read and re-read!
This is, once again, that most rare of things: an intelligent historical novel, with an intricate plot, impeccable research and fully-developed characters. One to read and re-read!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
8 reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Plot twists abound
23 Jan 2000
Format:Paperback
Dunnett keeps the plot turning and twisting all through this book; expect to mutter a number of amazed exclamations along the way. She does all without losing depth or compassion in her characters, and without a speck of lost credibility in the plotline. This is a fascinating journey through part of Christianity's most troubled history, and one has to wonder if the series' setting hinges on the events in this particular book. The fictional characters are so real and engrossing as to nearly outshadow the huge and wonderful historical setting. An engrossing, moving, unpredictable, and completely unforgettable book.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
At Her Usual Stunning Best
26 Feb 2001
Format:Paperback
Dorothy Dunnett never disappoints her faithful readers. This, third in the Niccolo series is a wonderful book that depicts the unsettledness of the Island of Cyprus. We learn that this tempestuous island has always been an important one because of its strategic location. I enjoyed this book, because we actually got to see some of the mask come off Nicolo in his encounter with his Katelina. In true Dunnett fashion, this encounter did not take place in a private and safe bedchamber, but in a place where nature abounded, as well as danger. The history that we find out in this book is also equally interesting and true to what actually happened. This is certainly another great series.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Discovering Niccolo
11 Jan 2008
Format:Paperback
This is the third book in the House of Niccolo series. We join Nicholas as he is trying to move to a new stage of his life after the tumultuous events of Trebizond. Alas, Nicholas and his skills are too well known and he is being courted by many while still being hunted by his enemies.
During this particular journey, Nicholas becomes involved in the battle for Cyprus between the Lusignan 'Scorpions' Carlotta and James. At the same time, Nicholas becomes involved in all manner of affairs and events and also discovers some truths along the way.
Highly recommended. Lady Dunnett brings the history of this period alive while at the same time continuing to develop an enigmatic hero whose skills and abilities (and possibly an occasional flaw) are magnificently showcased.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
During this particular journey, Nicholas becomes involved in the battle for Cyprus between the Lusignan 'Scorpions' Carlotta and James. At the same time, Nicholas becomes involved in all manner of affairs and events and also discovers some truths along the way.
Highly recommended. Lady Dunnett brings the history of this period alive while at the same time continuing to develop an enigmatic hero whose skills and abilities (and possibly an occasional flaw) are magnificently showcased.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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