The third book in the House of Niccolo series is a captivating read.

It is set mainly in Cyprus, where Queen Carlotta and her half-brother, Zacco, are engaged in a fierce battle to gain control over the island. Cyprus is a land abundant in natural resources highly sought after for trade, such as sugar, alum, and fruits. Its ports and trading centers also make it a desirable country to rule.

Nicholas becomes the object of contention between Carlotta and Zacco due to his army and his expertise in business management, including sugar production and dyeing, as well as finance. The presence of the Vasquez family, into which Simon's sister is married, and Katerina Van Borselen further adds to the tension.

The book provides incredibly detailed descriptions of the daily life on the island, encompassing everything from dress and food to furnishings and leisure activities, as well as the warring activities. We witness Nicholas, along with a small group of his colleagues, trying to deal with the treacherous and dangerous competing rulers.

Nicholas is constantly being manipulated or exploited and is forced into an uneasy relationship with Dinaz Vasquez, the 16-year-old son of Simon's sister and Katerina. This relationship culminates in a shared experience during the siege of Famagusta.

Suffering from disease, hunger, and constant assault, Katerina and Nicholas finally come to an understanding of their relationship and resolve their differences. However, tragedy strikes when Katerina dies from starvation and injury.

Nicholas experiences some success from his forced support of Zacco, but as usual, he also loses much of it at the hands of Zacco, whose royal favor is granted and withdrawn based on expediency among his other allies or enemies.

In this book, we also see the Vattacino emerging as a subtle, dangerous, and vindictive rival to Nicholas in commerce ventures. The amazing and complex narrative, along with the consistently strong character development and rich historical events, make this a fascinating and heartbreaking part of the series.

These are the most profoundly detailed historical novels.

They offer an in-depth exploration of the past, with every page filled with rich descriptions and vivid imagery.

What sets these novels apart, however, is the uniqueness and intrigue of the characters.

Each character is fully developed, with their own motives, desires, and flaws, making them feel like real people rather than mere fictional creations.

The settings of the novels are also a major draw.

Venice, Cyprus, Rhodes, Byzantium... these are all places that are steeped in history and culture.

Through the eyes of the characters, we get to experience the beauty and grandeur of these cities, as well as the conflicts and tensions that existed within them.

Overall, these historical novels provide a great window into the clash of cultures that preceded the Renaissance.

They offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that is long gone, but whose influence can still be felt today.

A short observance of the third book in this series.

Set in the 1400s, this captivating book continues to follow the life of its main character, Nicholas vander Poele. This time, he finds himself in Cyprus, a strategic island even then, located in the eastern Mediterranean sea.

The story unfolds with Nicholas facing new challenges and adventures in this foreign land. The rich historical backdrop of the 1400s adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

If you haven't read the first book in the series, it is highly recommended. Once you start, you'll likely be hooked and follow through to discover the entire journey of Nicholas vander Poele.

The author's vivid descriptions and engaging writing style make this series a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

So, pick up the first book and embark on this exciting literary adventure.

I am really glad that I have finally tackled the Niccolo series. This time, Nicholas finds himself in Cyprus. The island is divided, and he plays a crucial role in determining who will ultimately gain control. There is a monastery filled with cats, which creates a unique and charming atmosphere. The grotto covered in moths is another vivid image that lingers in the mind. Additionally, there is a trial by combat with a Mameluke, adding an element of excitement and drama. The series is filled with such rich and detailed events and images that it truly brings the story to life. It's a captivating read that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.

This book is truly great in every aspect that holds significance for me.

The language employed within its pages is simply gorgeous, flowing like a river of beautiful words that captivate the reader from the very first sentence.

The characters are not only persuasive but also incredibly well-developed, making it easy to become fully invested in their stories and emotions.

Furthermore, the historical backdrop adds an extra layer of interest, transporting the reader to a different time and place.

And let's not forget the moderately bodice-ripping elements that add a touch of excitement and passion.

Overall, it's a truly fun read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an engaging and enjoyable book.

It has all the elements that make a great story - beautiful language, compelling characters, an interesting historical setting, and a bit of excitement thrown in for good measure.

I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

I'm currently engaged in leading a reread of Dorothy Dunnett's 'House of Niccolo' series together with an online group.

It's a truly exciting endeavor as we embark on this literary journey once again.

The anticipation is palpable as we approach the start date of 3/3/2008 for reading 'RoS' (presumably a specific installment in the series).

Each member of the group brings their own unique perspective and enthusiasm, which enriches the overall experience.

We look forward to delving deep into the complex characters, intricate plotlines, and rich historical settings that Dorothy Dunnett has so masterfully crafted.

This reread promises to be a captivating exploration, uncovering new details and interpretations that we may have missed during our initial readings.

It's a wonderful opportunity to share our love for this remarkable series with like-minded individuals and engage in lively discussions along the way.

"The Spring of the Ram", originally titled "Niccolò Rising", is a novel by Scottish writer Dorothy Dunnett, published in 1986. It is the first novel in the Niccolò series, which consists of eight books.

The Niccolò series is a set of eight historical novels by Dorothy Dunnett set in the middle of the 15th century, during the height of the European Renaissance. The protagonist of the series is Nicholas de Fleury (Niccolò, Nicholas van der Poele, or Claes), a poor and of uncertain birth, who will achieve wealth through his abilities in the European banking markets and international political intrigues. The settings of this series are very fascinating and geographically extensive, taking the reader to admire the important urban centers of Bruges, Venice, Florence, Geneva and the Hanseatic League, Burgundy, Flanders, Poland, Iceland; the Iberian Peninsula and Madeira, the Black Sea cities of Trebizond and Caffa, Persia and the Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Rhodes, Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, ending with West Africa and the city of Timbuktu.

The eight volumes of the saga are part of what the author has seen as a great work of fourteen volumes, which includes the six novels of the "Lymond Chronicles". The latter was written before the Niccolò series, but chronologically occurs later, telling the story of the descendants of the characters in the first series, in the following century. There are significant differences in the narrative approach and writing style between the series, which in part reflects the different personal path taken by the central character in each book.

The character of Niccolò, or Claes, is an eighteen-year-old apprentice always cheerful, native of Dyer, of unfortunate birth, was taken in by his mother's relatives after her death; soon it becomes evident that Claes is an eclectic and polyglot, and is transforming into a great leader and player of great games. He loves to create and solve all kinds of puzzles, is very good at math, and applies himself to learning as much as possible (languages, engineering, combat, courtly customs, philosophy), both for practical purposes and for the sake of learning. From apprentice, he will climb the hierarchical ladder to merchant, then banker, warlord, and finally king's advisor. Nicholas believes he is the legitimate son of the handsome Simon de St. Pol of Kilmirren, a Scottish lord, medieval tournament champion and merchant. Simon denies it, maintaining that Claes is a bastard born to his first wife. Nicholas' desire for acceptance and paternal recognition will guide much of the series.

The plot in brief (although it is very complex) of this first book: In 1462, Nicola is a wealthy twenty-one-year-old man. His beloved wife has died. His stepchildren have shut him out of the family business. He and his private army are the target of multiple conspiracies. And both contenders for the throne of Cyprus, the brilliant Queen Carlotta, ask for his support. With his feet on the razor's edge of intrigues and conspiracies, the hero Niccolò maneuvers between enemies and allies, from the courtesan Primaflora to the Mamluk commander Tzani-Bey to the ablak, a man with a dark evil.

The books of the Niccolò saga, each more beautiful than the last, for those who love historical books this cycle should be a must-have without any hesitation. The author is very good at describing life, places, characters, complex plots in the Renaissance where she places all her characters. The writing is rich in descriptions, it seems almost to paint a historical fresco that the more you observe and learn about it, the more you are drawn into it. The characters are complex, ambiguous and move perfectly within the whole book. You will also know Claes, the humble apprentice, become merchant, mercenary, adventurer... wonderful.

Passionate. The first word that comes to my mind when I think of this wonderful series of books. Once you start reading, you will not be able to easily put them down. Recommended to everyone but especially to those who love historical settings.

An extraordinary historical fresco.

I found this book to be significantly more engrossing than the second installment in the series. It is extremely well-written, featuring wonderful and vivid characters that truly bring the story to life.

This particular book is the third in a series of 15th century historical, or perhaps more accurately, semi-historical novels. The author has done an excellent job of creating a captivating narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of history and fiction.

The detailed descriptions of the settings, the complex relationships between the characters, and the thrilling plot all contribute to making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

Whether you are already familiar with the series or are new to it, this book is sure to draw you in and keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Our hero Niccolo', in my opinion, lives much like a cat with his nine lives. There are eight books in the series and in the first three, he has already lost three lives. I have a hunch that both he and I will make it through the series, although it won't be without experiencing shared heart palpitations.

Now, I'm moving on to book four. It's called Scales of Gold. \\n  \\n I'm really looking forward to seeing what adventures and challenges Niccolo' will face in this installment. Will he lose another life or will he manage to overcome the obstacles and come out stronger? Only time will tell as I delve deeper into the story. I'm excited to see how the plot unfolds and how Niccolo's character develops further.

I hope that as I continue reading this series, I'll be able to fully immerse myself in the world that Dorothy Dunnett has created and experience all the emotions and thrills that come with it.

Arguably, this installment is my least favorite of the series (so far). However, given that it is written by Dunnett, it is still really fucking good. The story, despite not topping my personal preferences within the series, still manages to captivate and engage. Dunnett's writing style is as masterful as ever, with vivid descriptions and complex characters that draw the reader in. Even in this less favored entry, there are moments of brilliance that shine through. The plot weaves and turns, keeping the reader on their toes and eager to see what comes next. While it may not be my absolute favorite, it is still a worthy addition to the series and a testament to Dunnett's talent as a writer.

This is the 3rd book in the series. I have had the pleasure of reading the entire House of Niccol0 series, which consists of eight captivating books. What I have found truly remarkable about these books is the depth and richness of the characters. They are not perfect; they have their flaws, make mistakes, and face the consequences. However, most of them are "bigger than life" in the sense that they possess extraordinary intelligence. They are able to learn multiple languages, foresee events, and plan for every possible outcome.

In each book, the author takes us to several different settings, each with its own unique set of characters. She pays great attention to detail when describing what it is like to live in these places on a daily basis. For example, she vividly describes the grand event of Carnival in Venice. She also takes the time to provide rich details about the time period, the settings, and the backgrounds for her plots. Her research is impeccable and second to none.

But it's not just the author's attention to detail and research that makes her work so great. What she does best is tell a truly engaging story. Her stories are filled with action, adventure, daring successes, and devastating setbacks, all set against the backdrop of the late 1500s, a time when the Middle Ages were giving way to the Renaissance. The new discoveries and strong trade among a wide variety of countries, from the Mediterranean to Iceland and Scotland, provide the characters with countless opportunities to make and lose fortunes. Dorothy Dunnett's books draw you in and keep you hooked, like a powerful river that sweeps you along over rocks and rapids, as well as thundering waterfalls of action and emotion. Her books truly stand the test of time, because great writing and storytelling will never go out of style.

It's not an easy read,

yet it remains an absorbing and intricate one.

The detailed and meticulously researched history is interwoven with amazing writers and fallible characters.

You're never sure if you want them to succeed.

It's easy to get lost, and I'm certain there are some details that I miss, patterns and ironies that I didn't see.

Thus, at times the characters can feel under-developed.

However, it's still a journey well worth going on, especially if you have a fondness for history.

This volume was set in Cyprus, with the European source of sugar under dispute before the discovery of the Americas.

The pull of trade, religion, and personality creates such a rich background that at times you forget there's a story, perhaps a tragedy, unfolding.

Until the situations are once again brought into the micro, and we are reminded that more than anything, this was an era when an individual, whether a monarch, general, or trader, could and did make a difference, but the personal cost was often high and paid without thinking.

It's a captivating exploration of a bygone era that leaves a lasting impression.