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| The Game of Kings (Lymond Chronicles, 1) | 
 enlarge | Author: Dorothy Dunnett
Publisher: Vintage Books
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy Used: $1.94
You Save: $15.01 (89%)
New (50) Used (113) Collectible (3) from $1.94
Avg. Customer Rating:  118 reviews
Sales Rank: 37335
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 543
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.1 x 1
ISBN: 0679777431
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN: 9780679777434
ASIN: 0679777431
Publication Date: April 29, 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Standard used condition.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Take the plunge into Dunnett's world October 9, 2006
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
It begins with: "Lymond is back." With that simple phrase of such tantalizing promise, one of the greatest stories begins. "Lymond is back" turns out to be not so simple an opening after all. It has great meaning in GoK. The Lymond Chronicles (LC) tell of the life of an adventurer, complete with vast, deep tragedies and soaring accomplishments. GoK sets the stage for a series of books with undertones of a (sometimes) cruel chess match (note the titles of the books). As for the reviews that say it is a slow start, I offer that it is not slow start, it is a fascinating and exacting start where Dunnett gives us glimpse into the world of Francis Crawford of Lymond and Sevigny. The dense writing mentioned in reviews comes mostly from the use of the somewhat distant third person point of view of the narrative. It's true that there are very few instances where the story is seen from Lymond's point of view. Pay close attention to every word and every nuance. The clues into his character (and past) are there. The best advice I found about LC overall was to re-read the books. Only through a second (and several) reads of the novels will the multi layers of the plot come to light. Read the Opening Gambit in Game of Kings. Then go back, and read it again. Dunnett's books are hard to compare to other works, but if you like historical fiction by Dumas and Costain, and fantasy such as a GRR Martin and JRR Tolkien, and have thought about taking the plunge, get ready for a great and a most satisfying read.
Fantastic September 26, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Although I have yet to read the rest of the books in this highly reccommended series, I absolutely adored the Game of Kings. Most of the reason for that is it's main character, Lymmond; charasmatic, witty, compelling, it's hard not to be drawn into his novel-long battle. Dunnet excellently establishes a stable beginning, bringing in a huge variety of characters, each well-drawn and well-written, larger than life and fully unique- it is, in fact, the characters that are the main reason this novel is so engrossing.
People have noted that the huge amount of secondary characters and political speeches throughout are at first confusing, something I wholeheartedly agree with; it is, perhaps, the only thing I disliked about the book. However, Dunnet introduces each character and event so well that after struggling through the first few chapters, each and every single one was firmly placed into my mind, and the rest of the book was an absolute joy to read.
The plotline was fantastic, a fully engrossing rollercoaster; although Lymmond was the lead, each character fought his or her own personal battle than inevitably became linked with everyone else's, nicely pulling everything together for the climax of the novel. The writing itself is beautiful; descriptive and lyrical without being boring, lifelike and witty without being cliched. While every character is absolutely unique, each has something completely human that makes it easy to relate to them, making it difficult to put the book down.
I am a critical reader, and I cannot reccommend this book highly enough. Every part of it is exemplary- writing, plotline, characterization, a feat especially impressive considering the wide range of characters and events Dunnet expertly wound together.
Excellent book September 13, 2005
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I really loved this. At first I thought it would be hard to follow, but stick with it through the first chapter and it picks up and is really very good. All the stories come together and the ending is completely satisfying.
A Very Rewarding Experience ... September 2, 2005
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
And, "experience" is an apt way to describe reading this book & becoming embroiled in the adventures of Lymond Crawford, Master of Culter and the other characters who bring this story to life.
More than once during the first 100 pages or so, I thought I would give up on it ... the subtleties and the intricacies of the tightly woven plot were difficult to follow at first. And, the references to ancient literature, ancient language, customs, etc. almost left me in despair of ever understanding.
But, then I would come across a sentence that is so perfectly written, so beautifully stated & that lends itself so completely to the flavor of the story that I literally had no choice but to reread it several times from sheer enjoyment and then continue on with renewed interest and enthusiasm.
The last 150 or so pages were enthralling ... sit on the edge of your seat ... read long after you should be preparing for bed, or work, or dinner, etc. Everything comes together in a way that leaves you simply counting the days until the sequel arrives & you can pick up where you left off!
So, I have decided that this book is something of a paradox. To really enjoy The Game of Kings, one must first know the characters. Unfortunately, the only way to get to know the characters is by reading The Game of Kings. I'm sure you see where I am heading: this book is one to be read, & reread with increasing enjoyment with each reading! After I finished reading it for the first time this morning, I immediately went back to the beginning of the book & reread some of the beginning scenes -this time with delight & full understanding of my hero!
Best advice: if this is a subject matter that interests you; if you are a true student of fine historical fiction, then by all means give this a try ... and don't give up!
Beyond compare. July 3, 2005
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
It is difficult to write about Dorothy Dunnett without surrendering to hyperbole, but I will try. This series has everything: intricate plots, character development that cuts wide and deep, and enfolding it all a dazzling panorama of 16th century Europe and Asia, from the highlands of Scotland to the sewers and palaces of the Ottoman Empire, and beyond. Every detail of the historical setting is handled with such thoroughness and confidence that it is difficult to believe that Dunnett did not actually live in that time period herself. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic--might as well give in--Dunnett's ability to convey the details of her historical settings and to weave plots that confound with their intricacy, scenes that are rich with nuance and enigma, render her almost superhuman as far as I am concerned. She simply does not seem to possess human limitations. Most authors who are coolly capable of weaving complex plots stumble with the emotional content of their books, but Dunnett's intellectual brilliance is equalled by her psychological adeptness in scenes that are as beautifully written as they are moving.
Of course there are flaws in this series, but it is difficult to care when so much has been accomplished. While the hero is perhaps a bit too capable, too flawless in his responses, Dunnett undermines this at times with flashes of insight into his vulnerabilities. The only time I would argue that Dunnett falters in her brilliance is in the last book, "Checkmate," in which she lapses somewhat into the conventions of romance novels (and romance lovers will of course feel that this is a positive development rather than a failing).
This is a tiny complaint for a vast series, and should not deter anyone from picking up what I feel is the best of the series, this first installment. "A Game of Kings" introduces the reader to Francis Lymond and explores his identity--among friends, family, and within himself. It is a virtuoso performance in every respect, from the intrigues to the naked revelations that leave one breathless. And Dunnett is at the top of her game here--literally, her game, as it becomes clear that the chess-related titles are no coincidence: every book plays out with technique similar to a chess game, with feints, gambits and misdirections so subtle that there is bound to be at least one surprise for even the most experienced reader.
A word of warning: the book is VERY slow to start, and may strike some readers as too dense. Stick with it, and you'll find that the last 300 pages will speed by in no time at all. Dorothy Dunnett's work is among the most complex and difficult out there, but the rewards exceed the required effort. For anyone who loves historicals, mysteries, complex plots, or simply a deeply satisfying story--this book is for you.
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