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96th out of 3,145 books
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13,788 voters
The Game of Kings (The Lymond Chronicles #1)
For the first time Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles are available in the United States in quality paperback editions.
The first book in the legendary Lymond Chronicles, Game of Kings takes place in 1547. Scotland has been humiliated by an English invasion and is threatened by machinations elsewhere beyond its borders, but it is still free. Paradoxically, her freedom may depend o...more
The first book in the legendary Lymond Chronicles, Game of Kings takes place in 1547. Scotland has been humiliated by an English invasion and is threatened by machinations elsewhere beyond its borders, but it is still free. Paradoxically, her freedom may depend o...more
Paperback, 543 pages
Published
April 29th 1997
by Vintage
(first published 1961)
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“I despised men who accepted their fate. I shaped mine twenty times and had it broken twenty times in my hands.”
Bold words from a bold man.
Francis Crawford of Lymond has been accused of the most nefarious things: deceit, treachery, rape, drunkenness, murder,and just so he will for sure hang...treason. He has the same problem as Prince Harry of Wales does today. He is the spare son, the second son. The one that will have to make his own way while the grand Crawford estate goes to his older broth...more
Bold words from a bold man.
Francis Crawford of Lymond has been accused of the most nefarious things: deceit, treachery, rape, drunkenness, murder,and just so he will for sure hang...treason. He has the same problem as Prince Harry of Wales does today. He is the spare son, the second son. The one that will have to make his own way while the grand Crawford estate goes to his older broth...more
Attention: Please ignore the word romance in the goodreads description. I would argue that classification.
I spent years trying to get anyone I knew to read this book just so I could talk about it with someone other than myself. I've even given it as a gift half a dozen times or so. Useless. They all whine it’s too hard to follow with the classical references, obscure poetry, and French quotes. I say the story stands on its own without the reader being as well-read as dear Dorothy. Or you could l...more
I spent years trying to get anyone I knew to read this book just so I could talk about it with someone other than myself. I've even given it as a gift half a dozen times or so. Useless. They all whine it’s too hard to follow with the classical references, obscure poetry, and French quotes. I say the story stands on its own without the reader being as well-read as dear Dorothy. Or you could l...more
88 likes · like · see review
This book, and how I feeeeeel about this book. They demand flights of eloquence and rhetorical brilliance that I just don’t have right now. Or probably ever, if I’m honest, not for this.
It’s only the second time I’ve read this cover-to-cover. But pieces of this book are graven into me. Particular turns of phrase from scenes I’ve read over again – “I despised men who accepted their fate. I shaped mine twenty times and had it broken twenty times in my hands.” And more fundamental things. I remembe...more
It’s only the second time I’ve read this cover-to-cover. But pieces of this book are graven into me. Particular turns of phrase from scenes I’ve read over again – “I despised men who accepted their fate. I shaped mine twenty times and had it broken twenty times in my hands.” And more fundamental things. I remembe...more
27 likes · like · see review
Listen. I'm not going to say much here and I'm going to refer the other books in the series to this review. This is my all time favorite series of books (it goes with the Niccolo series) and I don't think anything will ever even come close to topping it. It's historical fiction at its best--accurate, well drawn, witty, intelligent, perfectly researched, and intricately designed. If you have ever wanted to live in a different time period, this is as close as you're going to get. These are not bea...more
The only reason why I hesitate giving this five stars is because I am a dunce! Seriously. At least when it comes to the period of history this book is set in, the 1540s in Scotland, because I knew absolutely nothing of it when I started and I was quite lost, quite lost, even when I enjoyed reading this very much. The wit! The intrigue! The utter perfectness of Lymond! (Though sometimes I felt like strangling him.)
I'll admit to struggling with this book at the start. It's not an easy book to get...more
I'll admit to struggling with this book at the start. It's not an easy book to get...more
Re-read 8/3/08. Historical novel set in 16th century Scotland and England (later books in the series range farther afield). Francis Crawford of Lymond returns to Scotland in despite a charge of treason hanging over his head and sets up a band of outlaws that causes havoc for forces on both sides of the English-Scottish war. The first 100 pages or so are a bit slow, though things get much better after that. Like Lymond himself, the book is witty, complex, and occasionally hilariously caught up in...more
I have to confess that at the very beginning of this novel, I was less than impressed. The true nature of the conflict and the motivations of the characters were well-hidden, and the reader was left somewhat puzzled as to where this story was going. This confusion was complicated by the multiple names/titles each individual had. At times the same character would be referred to by his given name, by his family name, by the name of his manor, or by his title.
After this slow start, however, the re...more
After this slow start, however, the re...more
I haven't quite finished, but feel the need to write some thoughts down. Will finish later. At first, I didn't quite know what to make of this book. It's written in a sort of antique English brogue with frequent French and old English spellings that are hard to read. I have mostly skimmed the parts I don't understand, being basically lazy, but when something was necessary for me to understand what was being said, I used Google, the ubiquitous explainer without which I could not live. I frequentl...more
6 likes · like · see review
Dunnett's accurate historical research is legendary and the books are like their protagonist: intelligent, highly complex, witty, confusing and irresistable.
They are not for reading "on the by", but those readers, who commit to Francis Crawford of Lymond, enjoy surprising plot twists and invest some concentration will be oh so richly rewarded.
Finishing The Game of Kings, I pressed the book to my chest, sighing. :)
Afterwards I took a 10 months break of the intensity that is Lymond, then picked up...more
They are not for reading "on the by", but those readers, who commit to Francis Crawford of Lymond, enjoy surprising plot twists and invest some concentration will be oh so richly rewarded.
Finishing The Game of Kings, I pressed the book to my chest, sighing. :)
Afterwards I took a 10 months break of the intensity that is Lymond, then picked up...more
Ever love a series of books so much that it is hard to describe just why you love them?
I love Lymond. He is my all-time favorite hero. He’s a 16th century polyglot scholar, soldier-for-hire, poet, musician, nobleman, and treasonous outlaw. He’s trying to clear his name (as a traitor to Scotland – his homeland), and yet his methods are so convoluted and often counter-productive that everything he does is a muddle. He is fascinating.
I love the language that Dunnett uses to make Lymond and the rest...more
I love Lymond. He is my all-time favorite hero. He’s a 16th century polyglot scholar, soldier-for-hire, poet, musician, nobleman, and treasonous outlaw. He’s trying to clear his name (as a traitor to Scotland – his homeland), and yet his methods are so convoluted and often counter-productive that everything he does is a muddle. He is fascinating.
I love the language that Dunnett uses to make Lymond and the rest...more
12 likes · like · see review
THE GAME OF KINGS (Historical Novel – non-mystery) – Ex
Dorothy Dunnett – 1st of series
In 1547 Francis Crawford of Lymond returns to his native Scotland, which is threatened by an English invasion and the bloody rivalries of its nobles. Accused of treason, hunted by friend and enemy alike, he leads a company of outlaws in a desperate race to redeem his reputation, even at the cost of his life.
***This is a superb series filled with action, intrigue, humor, tragedy, war, romance and, yes, a bit of...more
Dorothy Dunnett – 1st of series
In 1547 Francis Crawford of Lymond returns to his native Scotland, which is threatened by an English invasion and the bloody rivalries of its nobles. Accused of treason, hunted by friend and enemy alike, he leads a company of outlaws in a desperate race to redeem his reputation, even at the cost of his life.
***This is a superb series filled with action, intrigue, humor, tragedy, war, romance and, yes, a bit of...more
6 likes · like · see review
I read Dunnett's 6 book series every February to commemorate my first encounter with her brilliant creation. The Game of Kings is the first book of the Lymond Chronicles, named after her anti-hero Frances Crawford of Lymond. With consummate skill, Dunnett has created a fiercely intelligent, complex, passionate adventure that is such thrilling and addictive fun. The exploits of Lymond are larger than life, always vivid, and as hilarious as they are heartbreaking. Spanning the countries of Scotlan...more
Jul 10, 2007
Adam
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who appreciates amazing characters and chess.
Shelves:
literature
The first book of the Lymond Chronicles. Francis Crawford Lymond himself is perhaps the most intriguing character of any I've encountered in the realm of fiction. Dunnett weaves exciting tales of his adventures in 16th century Europe, bringing to life fictional and historical characters in a set of six novels that led me to ignore the real world for a period of time while I lived in Lymond's. The second set of novels, the House of Niccolo, are also enjoyable, but run too long and become somewhat...more
Excellent historical fiction and a fun read. The mixing of then-current poetry and verse adds to the sense of period. Managed to create an anti-hero who the reader has no trouble loathing, then hinting that there may be more to him. By the time the big reveal happens, the reader is convinced long before those condemning the protagonist.
The ending failed to satisfy because it was too "neat" and because the protagonist was mostly the passive recipient of the actions of others.
Quibbles: Distances c...more
The ending failed to satisfy because it was too "neat" and because the protagonist was mostly the passive recipient of the actions of others.
Quibbles: Distances c...more
Feb 11, 2013
Peter
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
favourites
I need to repeat what others say about this book, the romance classification is not correct, at least of if you use the modern, steamy meaning of that term.
Oftentimes difficult to read, this book looks deceptively shallow but carries great depth. It explains little and often gives only partial information, causing the read to be frustrating, but it also challenges the reader to think. The book's main character, Francis Crawford is an enigma for most of the story but turns out to be an excellentl...more
Oftentimes difficult to read, this book looks deceptively shallow but carries great depth. It explains little and often gives only partial information, causing the read to be frustrating, but it also challenges the reader to think. The book's main character, Francis Crawford is an enigma for most of the story but turns out to be an excellentl...more
Francis Crawford of Lymond, 16C's James Bond? What fun! Its 1547, Henry VIII is dead and his young son Edward VII sits on the throne, as does a very young Mary sit on the throne of Scotland. Negotiations were made and broken to betroth young Mary to Edward and cement the two countries - or will the Scots marry her off to the dauphin of France instead? Francis Crawford of Lymond, a disgraced nobleman accused of treason sneaks back into Scotland and thus the game begins (to clear his name? is he w...more
8 likes · like · see review
May 09, 2007
Sarah Heffern
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
lovers of history
Shelves:
favorites,
historical-fiction
The Lymond Chronicles books are quite possibly my all-time favorite books, or at least as an adult. There are six thoroughly-researched novels in the series, and each outdoes its predecessor in weaving historic details, compelling characters, and gripping plot twists.
The story follow Francis Crawford of Lymond, a minor Scottish nobleman, through adventures that take him from his native land to England, France, Malta, Greece, North Africa, Russia, and finally back home to Scotland. Along the way...more
The story follow Francis Crawford of Lymond, a minor Scottish nobleman, through adventures that take him from his native land to England, France, Malta, Greece, North Africa, Russia, and finally back home to Scotland. Along the way...more
Ok, I don't say this lightly but if one can make it through these books it will change your life. I won't try to explain a series of 6 books with this review. It is an amazing historical fiction set during the 14th-15th century. What I can say is the effect it had on me.
The build up and release with the sixth book broke my heart. I am not a cryier. I don't cry very much, and if a movie or book brings a tear to my eye I consider it pretty moving. When I finished the last book, I lost it. I mean c...more
The build up and release with the sixth book broke my heart. I am not a cryier. I don't cry very much, and if a movie or book brings a tear to my eye I consider it pretty moving. When I finished the last book, I lost it. I mean c...more
Oct 28, 2008
Erika
added it
I really tried to like this book, but it was really hard to understand. The author is good, but I think a little too good. It was like reading jibberish. I love anything scottish, but could not understand a word they were saying in this book. There's a lot of French too, and I studied French for 2 years, and still couldn't understand what in the heck they were saying. There are so many characters thrown at you at the very beginning, that it's really hard to remember who's who. Lymond talked real...more
1 like · like · see review
Once in awhile, you come across a book that truly makes you dream about the different possibilities and ways in which you might live your life. This book and the 5 others in this series (called, 'Lymond Chronicles') are such books. I was totally blown away by the breadth of historical knowledge Dunnett has...her characterization, the way she captured the very language and intonation of 16th century speech, the richness of detail, the ingenuity of her hero... I can't stop raving about Dunnett's b...more
May 16, 2007
Stephen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
just about anyone
Shelves:
forfun
In this first book of the Lymond Chronicles, Dorothy Dunnett introduces us to our hero, setting the stage for what is probably the greatest series in Historical Fiction (I don't want to take any crap about saying that from rabid Patrick O'Brian fans).
Her stories are deeply researched, her characters are extremely complex, and the plot grabs you from the start. Dame Dunnett's penchant for historical, literary, and (especially) arcane occult allusion can be frustrating if you don't have the benefi...more
Her stories are deeply researched, her characters are extremely complex, and the plot grabs you from the start. Dame Dunnett's penchant for historical, literary, and (especially) arcane occult allusion can be frustrating if you don't have the benefi...more
I started The Game of Kings twice and put it down despite repeated recommendations from trusted sources. The third time, I made it past the first 200 pages of Dunnett's dense, tangled language sprouting with obscure, opaque references, and found myself caught up in what has become my favorite series of books. The Game of Kings is possibly the weakest of the six books following a 16th century nobleman named Francis of Lymond, and the book requires substantial patience on the part of the reader un...more
I'm finally getting around to tackling The Lymond Chronicles. I've already read Dorothy Dunnett's far more massive series, The House of Niccolo. It takes a little while to get into the rhythm of Dunnett's style. She throws in a lot of archaic expressions and bits of other languages (which she doesn't translate for those of us less literate). However, I have no doubt that I will enjoy this series. Lymond is such a scoundrel! I'm particularly fascinated by the Tudor and Stuart dynasties too.
One of my all time favorite novels. I recently reread it and remembered why I like it so much. It's set in 1547. The hero, Francis Crawford, is a fascinating pain in the neck--a disgraced younger son, wanted in Scotland for treason and murder, he seems to be bent on antagonizing his upright older brother and living a debauched life with his band of mercenaries. We see Crawford as others see him, only from the outside, with incomplete information and filtered through preconceptions, so that his a...more
This is a return to my all-time FAVORITE series!! I've lost count how many times I've read the Lymond Chronicles! This is the first time, however, that I've read the book in ebook format. Dunnett's literary vocabulary is incredible and, frankly, a dictionary nearby is very helpful. With the ebook, you can tap the screen and get a definition on SOME of the words. (Some words are a bit archaic, even for Websters!) Then, of course, there's loads of 16th century poetry in French, Spanish and Latin w...more
Die Geschichte spielt in Schottland in der Mitte des 16. Jahrhunderts. Vor dem Hintergrund erbitterter Auseinandersetzungen zwischen England und Schottland erzählt sie die Abenteuer des (fiktiven) Landadeligen Francis Crawford of Lymond. Das Buch ist der erste Band einer sechsteiligen Serie.
Ein richtig guter "Mantel-und-Degen"-Roman, in dem mit Worten mindestens ebenso leidenschaftlich gekämpft wird wie mit dem Schwert. Gut, nach meinem Geschmack gab es in der ersten Hälfte des Buches einige Dia...more
Ein richtig guter "Mantel-und-Degen"-Roman, in dem mit Worten mindestens ebenso leidenschaftlich gekämpft wird wie mit dem Schwert. Gut, nach meinem Geschmack gab es in der ersten Hälfte des Buches einige Dia...more
Francis Crawford of Lymond, scholar, soldier, musician, minor nobleman and accused outlaw - returns to 16th century Scotland after five years exile. He assembles a band of rough mercenaries and proceeds to hire out his services whilst pursuing his own agenda - an agenda largely kept hidden from the reader. It's a very slow reveal - almost too slow at times. Dunnett keeps Lymond's intentions hidden from her readers - at times with little subtlety - avoiding showing us too much of Lymond's point o...more
I first read this book in 1970, and I've reread all the Lymond Chronicles several times since then. It is probably my favorite series, although the second book is, in my opinion, the best of the bunch. I realize that some people are put off by the erudite vocabulary, but frankly, I loved that. "Chatoyant", "oriflamme"--what great words. And the multiple references to medieval and pre-Renaissance songs and literature made Lymond's education and intelligence almost tangible. Dorothy Dunnett defini...more
Oh, my. Dorothy Dunnett's book, The Game of Kings, is thrillingly well-written. It was lent to me by my colleague, to whom I wondered, early on, if by the end of the book I was going to discover that the hero was a loveable rogue or a horribly attractive sociopath. Well, by the end of the book I was convinced that the hero, Francis Crawford of Lymond, Master of Culter, is a brilliant and silver-tongued man of principle. In fact, he reminds me in many ways of the man I most wish existed in real l...more
This recommendation came from the awesome Max Gladstone, who called this series the best historical fiction he'd ever read.
The book has some serious barriers to entry. For one, it's obviously a first novel, and one that had to be cut for publication to boot: Much of the writing and pacing is clunky, especially near the beginning. The setting, Scotland 1542, is just unfamiliar enough (to me at least) that I often felt details escaping me. The lead character speaks six or seven European languages,...more
The book has some serious barriers to entry. For one, it's obviously a first novel, and one that had to be cut for publication to boot: Much of the writing and pacing is clunky, especially near the beginning. The setting, Scotland 1542, is just unfamiliar enough (to me at least) that I often felt details escaping me. The lead character speaks six or seven European languages,...more
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| reading for Joy: historical fiction (and why not fantasy too) | 1 | 13 | 31 jan. 09:40 |
Dorothy 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 (1982), and a series of mystery novels centred around Johnson Johnson, a portrait painter/spy.
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“I wish to God,” said Gideon with mild exasperation, “that you’d talk—just once—in prose like other people.”
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17 people liked it
“Versatility is one of the few human traits which are universally intolerable. You may be good at Greek and good at painting and be popular. You may be good at Greek and good at sport, and be wildly popular. But try all three and you’re a mountebank. Nothing arouses suspicion quicker than genuine, all-round proficiency.”
Kate thought. “It needs an extra gift for human relationships, of course; but that can be developed. It’s got to be, because stultified talent is surely the ultimate crime against mankind. Tell your paragons to develop it: with all those gifts it’s only right they should have one hurdle to cross.”
“But that kind of thing needs co-operation from the other side,” said Lymond pleasantly. “No. Like Paris, they have three choices.” And he struck a gently derisive chord between each. “To be accomplished but ingratiating. To be accomplished but resented. Or to hide behind the more outré of their pursuits and be considered erratic but harmless.”
—
9 people liked it
More quotes…
Kate thought. “It needs an extra gift for human relationships, of course; but that can be developed. It’s got to be, because stultified talent is surely the ultimate crime against mankind. Tell your paragons to develop it: with all those gifts it’s only right they should have one hurdle to cross.”
“But that kind of thing needs co-operation from the other side,” said Lymond pleasantly. “No. Like Paris, they have three choices.” And he struck a gently derisive chord between each. “To be accomplished but ingratiating. To be accomplished but resented. Or to hide behind the more outré of their pursuits and be considered erratic but harmless.”
03 mai 06:07
Really, who feels secure about that? One of the joys of reading and reviewing these...more
03 mai 06:15