I truly adored this book. In fact, it probably deserves a rating of 4.5. It is significantly better than the second book in the series and offers a more fulfilling reading experience.

The characters in this book are extremely well-developed. Each one has their own unique personality, motives, and flaws, which makes them feel like real people. The plot is also very engaging, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I found that the story was easier to follow compared to the previous book.

I think Dunnett took great care in helping the reader to become fully immersed in the journey. She provides detailed descriptions of the background machinations and the characters' thinking processes, which gives the reader a deeper understanding of the story.

Overall, I am very impressed with this book and I can't wait to start the next one in the series. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction novel.

Gotta say, I did not love this book, and that's unusual for me and Dunnett. She remains my all-time favorite author. However, on the whole, I'm finding the House of Niccolo books to be really strange when it comes to sex.

Every sex scene, or love interest, is completely transactional, and it's honestly a little bit uncomfortable. Spoilers follow. I find it really disappointing that Katelina's entire story arc was about Nicholas. Whether she wanted desperately to sleep with him, wanted desperately to kill him, or wanted desperately to sleep with him again, she lived her entire life (in these books) revolving around him, which I'm not sure he deserved.

And then there's Primaflora, who of course is a high-class prostitute and turns out to be evil and manipulative. Or there is David (in Trebizond) and Jacob (in Cyprus), both of whom want to sleep with Nicholas, and the books treat both of them like monsters for it. It's just uncomfortable to read.

Additionally, while the plot of this book should have been right up my alley with the plotting and the betrayal and the sieges, halfway through the book stops to be about how the sugar business runs again, and it's boring. I don't care about Nicholas's trade dealings or playing the Genoese against the Venetians against the Portuguese. It's too complicated to be interesting and too pedestrian to be the plot of a sprawling novel like this.

I also think this book is entirely too fond of elliptical conversations that imply vaguely about plotting that's going on. I'm tired of meaningful exchanges and knowing looks that don't actually tell the reader what's going on. I'm going to take a reading break before I try the next book because right now, despite the beautiful writing, I am not really enjoying this series.

Yup, I'm reading this AGAIN. It's truly amazing how every time I pick up this piece, there's always something new to learn. It's like a never-ending source of knowledge and inspiration.

The date, 10.7.12, holds a certain significance for me. It marks the day when I first discovered the value of this material. Since then, I've found myself coming back to it time and time again.

Each reading reveals a different perspective, a hidden detail that I might have missed before. It's as if the words on the page are constantly evolving, adapting to my changing understanding.

I can't help but wonder what new insights I'll gain from this latest reading. Will there be a particular passage that strikes a chord? Or perhaps a concept that suddenly clicks into place.

One thing is for sure, I'm excited to find out. And I know that no matter what, this reading will leave me with something to think about and apply to my life.

So far, this is my favorite of the series. Nicholas has truly evolved. He is becoming tougher and more independent of his motherly companions, who were really starting to grate on my nerves. He is now trusting his own abilities and developing strong leadership skills.

I absolutely adored the setting of Cyprus. The author's beautiful descriptions of the fertile lands, the lush olive groves, the vibrant vineyards, the vast sea, and the breathtaking sunsets were simply magical. The legends, especially Aphrodite floating around throughout the story, added an enchanting touch. And of course, the theme of love, or rather the quest for love, was central and captivating.

I found this book to be extremely sensual. There is a palpable sexual tension that builds up from the moment Nicholas meets Zacco and continues to develop with Primaflora. It is quite explicit for Dunnett and lingers throughout most of the book. The tension reaches a boiling point until there is a tremendous scene with millions of moths. This attack was so violent that it sent my heart rate skyrocketing. I was so nervous that I couldn't sit still. I think I even had to cover my face, feeling as if the moths were getting into my nose! And then, finally, release. Dunnett is a master at creating such intense tension and anxiety, making it almost unbearable until you just want to give up. And then, the release comes, often unexpectedly.

I knew that K was in love with Nicholas, but her surrender was completely unexpected. He struggles with being deeply loved again when he is unable to love back. It's like Marian all over again. He mourns Marian as his mother, and it is truly heart-breaking when he confesses this to a dying Katelina. I used to dream of bringing to her the girl I'd marry. Katelina feels relieved of her jealousy, but perhaps she didn't realize that, although Nicholas had a great sexual attraction to her and respected and cared for her as his son's mother, he didn't love her.

I loved Zacco. He was so charismatic, charming, and attractive! At one point, I was certain that he and Nicholas would share a bed!

However, after a very fast-paced book, the ending felt somewhat flat. All that was said to Primaflora, I had guessed beforehand. Their marriage is annulled, and Nicholas is single again.

In 1989, I finally managed to get my hands on the third book in the series of "The House of Niccolo", and let me tell you, it was truly worth the wait. I have to admit, though, that at times I found myself thinking that the story was going nowhere. But then, out of the blue, the plot would veer off onto another unexpected tangent, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

"Some way off, a donkey brayed; frogs were croaking, and the bushes around him were ghostly with moths." This vivid description really brought the scene to life and added to the overall atmosphere of the story. For a young man, Niccolo has certainly had his fair share of adventures. His journey is filled with excitement, danger, and intrigue, making it a truly timeless story.

Kyrenia also features heavily in the book, adding another layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. The author does a wonderful job of描绘 this ancient city and bringing its history and culture to life. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a good adventure story. It's a must-read for fans of the series and a great introduction for those who are new to it.

Compelling - addictive - intriguing - bewildering.

These are just some of the words that come to mind when describing this remarkable piece of work. The characters and settings are truly to die for, with a Byzantine plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The attention to detail is simply gorgeous, making you feel as if you have been transported into a whole new world.

And let's not forget about the writing style. You just have to love it! The dialogue is fabulous, filled with wit and charm that will make you laugh out loud one moment and gasp in surprise the next.

This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that will keep them entertained and engaged from beginning to end.

I'm sure there have been societies more deeply rooted in betrayal than war-torn 1460s Cyprus, but it's truly hard to fathom. Nicholas desires to have nothing to do with the civil war raging between the Lusignan brother and sister. However, he is kidnapped and unceremoniously thrust into the very heart of it. Both Lusignans believe they can purchase Nicholas's services, but what emerges is a sadist who awakens Nicholas's rare inclination to kill.

Pursued by the malicious Simon's family, Nicholas endeavors to safeguard all his vulnerable dependents while simultaneously devising strategies to amass greater wealth. On a moonlit night on Cape Gatto, the initial enchantment transforms into a horror so dreadful that I have no trouble empathizing with Nicholas's unwavering determination to exact punishment on the Mameluke emir who is supposed to be his ally. Dunnett immerses readers in Nicholas's life with such effectiveness that at times, I find it challenging to confront this book.

The story unfolds with a complex web of emotions, betrayals, and power struggles, making it a captivating and often disturbing read.

Enigmatic. Fascinating...

In "Race of Scorpions", set in Cyprus, the story unfolds with a captivating blend of mystery and drama. “Beneath the prettiness, the chivalry, the conceits and scratchings of miniature war, the older gods were still there, threads in the earth, still brooding, still to be pacified.” The conflict between Queen Carlotta and James de Lusignan, two royal siblings vying for the crown of Cyprus, also extends to their争夺 Nicholas’ services, disrupting his mourning pilgrimage. It's rather astonishing how they both seem so eager for his assistance. How do they know of him? Why are they so impressed? Maybe it's the 15th century equivalent of LinkedIn!

Despite the need for a certain suspension of disbelief, the novel is a masterclass in storytelling. The intricate plots, intense battles, amazing writing, emotional scenes, sharp dialogue, and sudden reveals keep the reader hooked from start to finish. We get a bit more insight into Nicholas’ mind than in the first two books, with Dunnett teasing us with glimpses of his true self. Or is it just the self he wants us to see? Nicholas’ penchant for playing games is more evident here. ”Nicholas couldn’t feel entirely happy, in any case, until he knew the last piece of his plan was in place. He produced an expression which he hoped combined simplicity, dignity, and reliability with a hint, maybe of penitence.”

The book is not without its darkness and trauma, especially for Nicholas and those around him. The siege of Famagusta is a particularly harrowing event that I won't soon forget. Katelina, unfortunately, was a bit of a letdown for most of the book. Her obsessive hatred for Nicholas and the other plot lines involving her seemed rather unconvincing. I kept wondering what had happened to the interesting character I liked so much in the first book. However, the conclusion of her character arc was quite riveting. ”…had formed out of her obstinacy, it seemed, a frail steely courage that endured where others succumbed.”

I still have a soft spot for Astorre, the best book mercenary I've ever encountered in my reading, and Loppe, who seems to have an uncanny ability to know and see everything. And despite Tobie's constant nagging, I can't help but like him. His moments of humanity, like ”He found he was smiling, and stopped. He was a doctor. A man lay dead behind at this moment. To want to hunt down his killers was natural. One should not, however, start to enjoy it.”, make him endearing. But then there's also ”When about to wring Tobie’s neck, Nicholas always had to remember what a good doctor he was.”

And then there's Primaflora. Wow. She's quite the character. I'm still trying to figure out her character arc. I think she deserves a book of her own. Maybe she could write a book titled “A Courtesan’s Guide to Survival in 15th century Europe”. The last twenty percent of the book was so engaging and emotional that I couldn't put it down. I'm eager for more. Thank you, Melindam, Nastya, Roman Clodia, Ryan, for this wonderful buddy read and the journey through this book.

P.S. While reading, I took copious notes and accumulated four A4 pages of quotes. I'm disappointed that I couldn't include them all in this review.

Dorothy Dunnett is a master when it comes to creating complex plots.

She doesn't hold back and demands a great deal of effort from her readers.

However, it is always worth it.

Her works take you on a real swashbuckling adventure across the lesser known parts of 15th Century history.

You will be immersed in a world of intrigue, danger, and excitement.

The characters are vividly drawn and the storylines are full of twists and turns.

Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a great read, Dorothy Dunnett's books are sure to satisfy.

So, don't be afraid to put in the effort and embark on this thrilling journey through time.

I find myself having an even greater affinity for the House of Niccolo than for the Lymond Chronicles.

The portrayal of the ascent of a merchant during the early Renaissance is truly delightful.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into a world of trade, politics, and intrigue.

The characters are complex and engaging, and the story unfolds with a captivating blend of adventure and drama.

As I read, I am drawn into the web of relationships and power struggles that define this era.

The author's vivid descriptions bring the settings and events to life, making it easy to imagine oneself in that time and place.

Whether it's the bustling markets of Bruges or the courts of Europe, every scene is richly detailed and full of atmosphere.

Overall, the House of Niccolo is a remarkable series that continues to charm and enthrall me with each new installment.

The ways in which Zacco seduces/doesn't quite seduce Niccolo are utterly delicious.

It's a captivating dance of charm and restraint. Zacco's every move seems calculated to both draw Niccolo in and keep him on the edge of anticipation.

And then there's the effect Zacco has on others, like Tobie. The man is so damn attractive that people actually lose control of their bodies in his presence.

Tobie's reactions are a testament to Zacco's allure. It's as if Zacco has some kind of magical power that makes those around him unable to resist his charm.

This dynamic between Zacco and the people in his orbit adds an extra layer of excitement and drama to the story. It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.

Will Zacco finally succeed in seducing Niccolo? Or will Niccolo be able to resist his charms? And what about the other people who are affected by Zacco's attractiveness? Only time will tell.

The third book in this captivating series takes readers on an exciting new adventure.

The plot begins to thicken, drawing us deeper into the complex web of events.

Niccolo, the protagonist, finds himself in the beautiful and mysterious land of Cyprus.

Here, he faces new challenges and encounters unexpected characters.

The story unfolds with Niccolo navigating through the unfamiliar terrain, trying to uncover the secrets that lie hidden within the island.

As he delves deeper, the danger mounts, and Niccolo must use all his skills and wits to survive.

The vivid descriptions of Cyprus add a rich and immersive element to the story, making readers feel as if they are right there with Niccolo.

With each turn of the page, the anticipation builds, leaving us eager to discover what will happen next in Niccolo's thrilling journey.