I think I am going to run out of good words to describe this amazing novel.

Genoa, Venice, Cyprus - just the names of the places where this novel is set are enough to start the juices flowing.

The author has masterfully created a world filled with mystery and intrigue.

As the story unfolds, the intrigues just get deeper and more complex.

We are drawn into the lives of the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows, their loves and betrayals.

The descriptions of the settings are so vivid that we can almost smell the sea air and feel the cobblestones beneath our feet.

This novel is a true masterpiece, one that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery or historical fiction.

Still exceptional, although perhaps not quite as much so as the first two books in the series.

I was least familiar with the historical events in this third book compared to the other two, which may have had something to do with it.

A few plot points were obscurely enough described (or I didn't read them closely enough) that I had to check a synopsis at the end to make sure I'd interpreted them correctly.

One can't make it through a Dunnett book without a hefty dose of tragedy, but this one wrenched the heart even more than usual.

Also, cat lovers out there, beware. Yeesh... The story took some unexpected turns that left me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were well-developed and their relationships complex.

Despite the tragic elements, there were also moments of hope and redemption.

Overall, it was a great read that I would highly recommend to fans of historical fiction.

Race of Scorpions is set in numerous locations, yet it mainly transports us to mid-15th century Cyprus. There, the bastard son of the deceased King (James/Zacco of Lusignan) is engaged in a fierce struggle with his sister (Queen Carlotta) for the crown. Niccolo and his crew are forcefully enlisted by Carlotta to participate in the fight, but ultimately find themselves on the side of Zacco... albeit not by choice. As is often the case, there is a woman involved, the deceitful courtesan, Primaflora, who switches allegiances from one side to the other. We are left confused by her actions, but in the end, Niccolo sees through her.

Niccolo's remarkable ability to navigate the complex chess game that is his life is further showcased in this novel. He manages to survive the intricate political maneuvers of all those involved, as well as the distractions that arise when his family relationships disrupt his plans.

As I peruse these novels, a more comprehensive and vivid picture of life during the era that straddled the Middle Ages and the nascent Renaissance is unveiled. We witness the economic issues (this time, sugar takes center stage, while last time it was alum), the political turmoil, the emergence of international trade, and the rise of the artist. All of these elements are masterfully and seamlessly integrated into this series, which I consider to be true adventure novels.

Dorothy Dunnett has rightfully been lauded as the greatest writer of historical fiction, and I wholeheartedly concur.

I didn't remember this one as much as the first in the series.

It was filled with lots of twists and turns, and the loyalties kept changing.

And it was so sad.

How could I forget Famagusta?

This installment had a complex plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The unexpected turns made it difficult to predict what would happen next.

The changing loyalties of the characters added another layer of intrigue.

As for Famagusta, it was a place that held so much significance and yet I had forgotten about it.

Maybe it was because the story was so engaging that I overlooked this important detail.

But now that I think about it, Famagusta plays a crucial role in the overall narrative.

I will definitely have to go back and re-read this part to fully understand its importance.

Overall, this was a great read, even if I didn't remember it as well as the first in the series.

People who are dedicated Dorothy Dunnett readers typically fall into two distinct camps: the Lymond Lovers, who are enthusiasts of her first series, and the Niccolo folk, to which I belong. I do have an appreciation for Lymond, but my true love lies with the House of Niccolo series.

The fact is, whenever I pick up any of the Niccolo books, I immediately feel the urge to reread the entire series. Given the intricate and challenging nature of these novels, it's as if I'm eager to take on the task of swimming the Atlantic all over again.

Here I am, in the midst of yet another reread of the series. I'm currently on the third volume, A Race of Scorpions, and almost done with it. This must be my seventh or eighth time reading, and I have to admit that it doesn't get any easier. Is there a streak of masochism in me? Or is there some other reason why I keep coming back to these books?

Clearly, the story has a hold on me. What's even more evident is that I still don't fully understand some of the events that unfold in this novel, and each time I read it, I'm determined to figure it out. This third novel is mainly set on the island of Cyprus, during a time when Christian and Muslim powers were engaged in a series of bloody wars, fighting for souls, trade monopolies, and land.

Niccolo is one of those highly intelligent, extremely devious, and utterly charming characters. He has his reasons for being devious and holding grudges, and in fact, he makes a formidable adversary. However, Dunnett is so committed to keeping the reader guessing that she rarely allows us to peek inside Niccolo's mind. As a result, we readers often end up just as confused as some of the characters who find themselves caught in the middle of Niccolo's plans for (if not world, then trade) domination. The first two novels in the series are demanding, but this one takes it to a whole new level. With so many characters scheming against each other - Greeks and Mamalukes, Portuguese and Knights of the Order, the Pope, the Sultan, the Genoese, and the Venetians - the next time someone complains that I have too many characters in my writing, I'm going to direct them to Dorothy Dunnett. According to the New York Times, she is the best writer of historical fiction, ever. Which reminds me: my publisher says that sales of historical novels are declining across the board. Can this be true, considering the following Dunnett has for these deeply written, highly detailed novels that are anything but fluff?

So, should you read this book? Do you enjoy a really good historical novel that is wrapped in multiple layers of complexity? Are you willing to read the first two novels first and take your time? If so, you will be richly rewarded. Otherwise, you might be better off with something less demanding.

This series is truly remarkable. Each time I pick it up and read, I am constantly amazed by the wealth of detail it contains. It's as if I discover something new and wonderful with every turn of the page. And I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the Yahoo Groups in the late 90s. The Dunnett boards were like a virtual haven for readers, a place where we could come together and share our love for these books.

This time around, I'm listening to the audio version. I find that it has a unique charm of its own. It forces me to pay closer attention to the details, to really soak in the language and notice the nuances of word choices. However, there is a slight drawback. When I want to go back and draw a connection, it can be a bit difficult since I can't simply flip through the pages as easily as I can when reading. But overall, the added advantage of being immersed in the language makes it all worthwhile.

One thing I must mention, though, is the voices. For some reason, the audible recordings switched voice talent for this book compared to the previous two. And our new narrator is really trying hard to differentiate the characters by using different voices and accents. While I appreciate the effort, it's really hard to get used to, especially in the initial scenes in Bruges. Tilda and Catherine's voices are particularly offensive, and Kat-el-EEEEN-a von Bor-SAY-Len is not a pronunciation that I enjoy.

Still, despite these minor flaws, any experience with Dunnett's works is a good one. I would just like to forewarn others about the voice interpretation before they embark on this audio journey.

I initially despised Nicholas at the beginning of the first book. However, as I delved deeper into the story, my feelings towards him gradually changed. I started to like him a little. But as the narrative progressed further, I found myself not really caring about him anymore.

Nonetheless, I continue to have a great enjoyment for these books. There is something about them that keeps pulling me in. Maybe if I were to read this particular book a second time, I might be inclined to give it a full 5 stars. It truly is that kind of a book, one that has the potential to grow on you with each successive reading and reveal new layers and aspects that you might have missed the first time around.

It makes me wonder what other surprises and revelations might await me if I were to explore these books again.

Cypress, a tree with a long history and unique charm, has often been associated with intrigue and mystery.

These tall and slender trees, with their evergreen foliage and graceful appearance, have stood witness to countless stories and secrets throughout the ages.

In ancient times, cypress was considered a sacred tree in many cultures, believed to have spiritual powers and connections to the afterlife.

It was often planted in cemeteries and places of worship, adding an air of solemnity and mystery.

Even today, the sight of a cypress tree can evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, making us wonder what hidden tales it might hold.

Perhaps there are forgotten love affairs, lost treasures, or ancient curses associated with these majestic trees.

The intrigue surrounding cypress continues to fascinate us, drawing us into a world of mystery and imagination.

Whether it's in literature, art, or our own minds, the cypress tree remains a symbol of the unknown and the alluring.

Still excellent, compelling and moving at the fourth reading.

This work truly stands the test of time. With each successive reading, new layers of its brilliance are revealed. The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, unable to put it down. The characters are so vividly drawn that they seem to come to life off the page.

The themes explored are universal and deeply resonate with the human experience. It makes you think, feel, and reflect on your own life. The writing is masterful, with beautiful prose and a seamless flow.

Whether you're a first-time reader or someone who has revisited this work multiple times, it never fails to disappoint. It's a literary gem that will continue to be cherished and enjoyed for generations to come.

Angst! Angst! ANGST! It's a feeling that pervades every aspect of our lives. And then there are the endless machinations, the complex webs of actions and strategies that we weave.

But within this turmoil lies such wonderful symbolism and layers. Take, for example, the concepts of commodity and polity. Commodity represents the tangible goods and services that drive our economy, while polity refers to the systems and structures of governance. These two elements are intertwined, influencing and shaping each other in ways that are both profound and often overlooked.

And let's not forget about family. The family unit is the foundation of our society, yet it too is filled with its own set of angsts and machinations. The relationships within a family can be both a source of great joy and deep pain.

In conclusion, the themes of angst, machinations, commodity, polity, and family are all interconnected, forming a rich tapestry of human experience. By exploring these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

3.5 stars.

It really felt a bit disjointed, much like the third Lymond book.

There was more emphasis on laying the groundwork for the overall series storyline rather than having a fully developed story on its own.

It seemed as if the author was more focused on setting the stage for future events rather than providing a satisfying narrative in this particular installment.

The various plotlines and subplots felt a bit scattered and not as tightly woven together as they could have been.

While there were some interesting moments and character developments, they were somewhat overshadowed by the sense of being in a transitional phase of the series.

Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't quite live up to the potential that the series had shown in previous books.

It left me with a bit of a mixed feeling, both curious to see how the story will unfold in the future and a bit disappointed with the lack of a more engaging and complete story in this one.

The Niccolo series is truly a magnificent and elaborate work. It presents a rich banquet of political machinations, manipulation, and a plethora of world events. The story weaves its intricate path from the charming city of Bruges, all the way to the mysterious Timbuktu, then on to the icy landscapes of Iceland and the rugged beauty of Scotland, with numerous captivating points in between.

The characters within this series, both fictional and real, possess the bright spark of authentic light. They seem to leap off the page, coming alive in the reader's imagination. From the thrilling and rip-roaring fight scenes that get the heart pounding, to the deeply emotional and thought-provoking dialogue that tugs at the heartstrings, Dorothy Dunnett's House of Niccolo has it all. It is a literary masterpiece that takes the reader on an unforgettable journey through time and across the globe, filled with adventure, drama, and intrigue.