Race of Scorpions (House of Niccolo)

Rating:
Summary: At Her Usual Stunning Best
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: At Her Usual Stunning Best
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Plot twists abound
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: my review
Review: On this, the third chapter in the Niccolo series, we fin Nicholas has been "kidnapped" by the 'presumptuous' King of Cyprus who is actually trying to recover his kingdom from his sister.

Nicholas is able to help the king and at the same time obtain franchises in his dye works and sugar fields. He meets with Katelina, the mother of his only child, only to lose her once more after they reconcile. Finally, once the island is secure to King Zacco, Nicholas is allowed to return to Venice, where he faces once more his rival family, the de St Pol and Riberac.

In this chapter of the story the author makes great use of description in her scenes and they are so vivid! the characters, the settings everything is so masterfully blended with reality and fiction.

I loved this book and I have already started the fourth chapter. Good!

Rating:
Summary: my review
Review: On this, the third chapter in the Niccolo series, we fin Nicholas has been "kidnapped" by the 'presumptuous' King of Cyprus who is actually trying to recover his kingdom from his sister.

Nicholas is able to help the king and at the same time obtain franchises in his dye works and sugar fields. He meets with Katelina, the mother of his only child, only to lose her once more after they reconcile. Finally, once the island is secure to King Zacco, Nicholas is allowed to return to Venice, where he faces once more his rival family, the de St Pol and Riberac.

In this chapter of the story the author makes great use of description in her scenes and they are so vivid! the characters, the settings everything is so masterfully blended with reality and fiction.

I loved this book and I have already started the fourth chapter. Good!

Rating:
Summary: Who is Niccolo?
Review: This book has all of the interesting aspects of the previous two, such as politics and fighting, plus there is more romance though still not quite enough. I am disappointed in that even after reading the first three books of the series I still don't feel like I know the main character. The only other complaint I have is the lack of explanation as to how Niccolo has survived all of his injures without the least problem. Perhaps there is some magic involved? Even with today's medicine, someone with Niccolo's injures would at least have some trouble with their arms or legs. The story is none-the-less quite engaging especially in seeing how Niccolo gets out of all his difficulties.

Rating:
Summary: Who is Niccolo?
Review: This book has all of the interesting aspects of the previous two, such as politics and fighting, plus there is more romance though still not quite enough. I am disappointed in that even after reading the first three books of the series I still don't feel like I know the main character. The only other complaint I have is the lack of explanation as to how Niccolo has survived all of his injures without the least problem. Perhaps there is some magic involved? Even with today's medicine, someone with Niccolo's injures would at least have some trouble with their arms or legs. The story is none-the-less quite engaging especially in seeing how Niccolo gets out of all his difficulties.