This second book in the legendary Lymond Chronicles follows Francis Crawford of Lymond who has been abruptly called into the service of Mary Queen of Scots.Though she is only a little girl, the Queen is already the object of malicious intrigues that extend from her native country to the court of France. It is to France that Lymond must travel, exercising his sword hand and his agile wit while … sword hand and his agile wit while also undertaking the most unlikely of masquerades, all to make sure that his charge’s royal person stays intact.
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Dorothy Dunnet filled her Lymond series with real historical information seamlessly blended with her fictional characters. This is a densely packed book (not a light historical romance) and those who love this historical time period and poetry will be enthralled by Dunnet’s series.
Fantastic sequal to Game of Kings in the Lymond Chronicles. Unputdownable!
I’m on record as loving Dorothy Dunnett. But when I think of her novels, this isn’t the first one to spring to mind. Having just re-read it, I’m damned if I can figure out why. It’s got a terrific plot, an amazing descent into hedonism, dire-filled events, a set of dastardly villains, a child in danger, arrogance and nobility in equal measure, and …
Great vocabulary used in book
This entire series is fabulous!
Beautifully written. Very interesting and intellectual reading
I love Dorothy Dunnett. Very detailed and complex.
Painful, with far too much endless detail most of which doesn’t add to the story line.
The sequel to The Game of Kings is a delight to read. Dunnett treats us to some new characters who enter Lymond’s world. Lymond is on a mission to keep the Princess Mary safe, but being Lymond, he’s going to do it his way. There are many stories woven together in this book and the story of Robin Stewart is one that will stay with you after you’ve …
There is no greater writer of historical fiction than Dorothy Dunnett. There is no more enigmatic, compelling, witty, brilliant, gorgeous and mesmerizing hero than Francis Crawford of Lymond. He is considered one of the greatest romantic heroes ever written in many reader polls. Queens Play is not Lymond at his most romantic, however. Here, …
Dunnett creates dazzling characters and gripping plot lines to bring little-known eras of history to life. Queen’s Play helps us understand Scotland when Mary Queen of Scots was a child-bride of the French Dauphin. Francis Crawford is a real swashbuckler!
After reading the first book in the Lyman series, I bought them ALL! I read the Nicolai series as well. Dame Dorothy Dunnett was a brilliant writer. If you love history and adventure, you’ll love her books!
Book 2 of the 6-book lymond chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett, my absolute favorite author.
Dorothy dunnett is a superb author. The main character in Queens play is a man by the name of Lymond and he’s very multi-layered character. There were times when I definitely did not understand his motivationas and his explanation sometimes weren’t complete but he was a fascinating character. I can’t wait to finish the series of these books.
Best historical fiction I have ever read (next to House of Niccolo – her second series). Her attention to detail and the fictional characters she creates and inserts into the real world are extraordinary.
I had an impossible time trying to read this book. The form in which it was written made it a chore. I really gave it my best thinking I would get a grip on the style of language used but finally gave up.
Love the whole series.
Dorothy Dunnett’s historical fiction is without peer. This is the second book in the Lymond Chronicles, which started with Game of Kings. Exceptional in every way.
This book comes early in the remarkable tale describing the life of Francis Crawford of Lymond as told by Dorothy Dunnett in the 6-volume ‘Lymond Chronicle’. Reading it is to realize there are as-yet unplumbed depths to the character of Francis Crawford, while reveling in the gifts, talent and quirks already revealed, and yearning to encounter …
Although none of the keywords are appropriate, this is the second volume of my favorite series. Great story, amazing characters but especially incredible writing. Start with The Game of Kings and enjoy the ride!