Today I have a review of The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett available now from Vintage Anchor/Doubleday Books. I was sent complimentary copies of the entire series (huge thanks!). The newly designed covers are so pretty and distinctive, and I’ll already tell you, I was thrilled with my first venture into 1500s Scotland.
My Thoughts:
Francis Crawford of Lymond stands accused of many crimes, including deceit, drunkenness, murder, and treason. It’s 1547 when he returns to his native Scotland, just as it is threatened by an English invasion.
Lymond leads a group of outlaws and dissidents to defend his land, as well as his name. Lymond is the second son, and second in line for any inheritance.
Classical literature references abound, always testing me and adding fun when I actually knew one. Characters also abound, and we are on pins and needles as we wait to find out if Lymond is guilty or innocent.
Lymond is in a fight to end all fights with his brother, and the outcome will determine if Lymond dies or is welcomed back into the fold of his family.
Mary Queen of Scots is here, too, but too young to truly lead, which is why Lymond and men like him have to join up and join in to make sure Scotland remains a kingdom.
There are true-to-history characters mixed in with fictional ones. Lymond is a main character to champion: complex, foolhardy, passionate, clever, impressive.
The writing is rich and intricately detailed and is rather sumptuous overall. I’m so grateful there is a series to continue on with because I can’t wait to read Lymond’s next adventure, where he escorts Mary Queen of Scots to France. I’m so grateful this book and series was put on my radar because I have lots of adventure ahead of me!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
In this first book in the legendary Lymond Chronicles, Francis Crawford of Lymond, traitor, murderer, nobleman, returns to Scotland to redeem his reputation and save his home.
It is 1547 and 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 on a man who stands accused of treason. He is Francis Crawford of Lymond, a scapgrace nobleman of crooked felicities and murderous talents, posessed of a scholar’s erudition and a tongue as wicked as a rapier. In The Game of Kings, this extraordinary antihero returns to the country that has outlawed him to redeem his reputations even at the risk of his life.
Have you read The Game of Kings, or is it on your TBR? Have your read the Lymond Chronicles? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
This is the pinnacle of historical fiction! I love it when it features factual characters (Sebastian St. Cyr is like that). And, I love the setting. Wonderful review, Jennifer💜 You’re so fortunate to have the entire series.
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Thanks, Jonetta! Have you tried these yet? It’s such an amazing series. They are standing the test of time. I love the setting, too. I’ve read a few books about Mary Queen of Scots, and it’s fascinating to hear about her from a different viewpoint. ♥️
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I’ve not heard of them but they just sound delicious.
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I think you’d love them! ♥️
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Congratulations on getting an entire series to read, Jennifer! Sounds like a wonderful dive into historical fiction 🧡
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Thanks, Kris! It really was a wonderful start to the series! I am definitely ready for more! ♥️
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Lovely picture and great review, Jennifer! I added this historical fiction collection to my tbr list. Cannot wait to read about Scotland. Happy weekend and enjoy reading and the weather.
🌹🌹❤️📚🌷🌷😊😘
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Thanks so much, Virginia! I think you’d enjoy this, too! Happy weekend to you! The weather is gorgeous! ♥️
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That’s so nice you were sent the entire series, and they look beautiful together. Hope you continue to enjoy this series, Jennifer!
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Thanks so much, Tammy! I’m really impressed with this series so far and am grateful to have a chance to read more. ♥️
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Wow! A Saturday post from Jen??😂Crazy!
Wonderful review and how lucky to get the whole series! Happy reading my friend and have an awesome weekend!☕🌞🙋💜
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I’m here to surprise you every now and then! 😂 I’m even considering posting tomorrow?!
Thanks so much, Sus! This is such an epic series, and I’m so grateful to have more of these pretties to read! I hope you have the best weekend with this lovely weather we are having! ♥️
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That’s amazing that you scored the entire series! Happy reading! 👍😍
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Thanks so much, Carol! I loved the first book! ♥️
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I did a project on Mary Queen of Scots at school and have been fascinated by her ever since. The fact that she features in this series makes me want to read it! I hope you enjoy all of the series. 🙂 Fab review!
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Thanks, Hayley! I’m so fascinated by her, too! This is definitely an intriguing angle on her life!
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Wow, so fortunate to have received this series. Hope you enjoy them all! I am super jealous. 😉
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Thanks so much, Marialyce! Have you read any of them? This was so epic, and I definitely can’t wait to read more!
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Ooh, lucky you! This one is on my Classics Club list so I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed it so much. Now I just need to find time to read it!
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I was SO hoping you’d see this, FF! I thought of you during this read set in your beloved Scotland. I hope you find time to read it soon. Don’t let me get to book two before you read book one! 😉 ♥️
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Haha! I’ll do my best but you know what my ever-expanding list is like! I’m so jealous of your new edition – they don’t seem to be bringing it out over here, though I like the covers of the old existing edition too.
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I love the muted colors they chose! I totally understand— no rush. It’s a lengthy read, and you need the time to enjoy it too.
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Ahh I like that this mixes both true historical figures + fictional characters! I don’t think I’ve ever read any books that have been set in Scotland, so I’ll have to check this out!!
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It was such an epic read, LP! This author was a standout at what she did for certain. I hope you get a chance to check them out!
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I hadn’t come across this series before but its just my kind. Must add it to my shopping list. The editions you’ve shared look lovely.
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Thanks so much, Mallika! I think you’d enjoy them, too!
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It does sound like you’ve got some amazing reading ahead of you! Enjoy! 🙂
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Thanks, Chrissi! These are definitely classics!
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