I liked this conclusion to the Lymond Chronicles, which is filled with plenty of adventure and plot twists. I especially liked how the relationship between Francis and Philippa evolved throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing literary cameos of some of my favorite historical figures - Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth Tudor, Mary Tudor, Margaret Douglass, Mary of Guise, etc. Overall, this book and the entire series made for good reading and I appreciated the author's deep research into this fascinating era. ( )

Lymond Chronicles 6

The Lymond Chronicles 6 ( )

If Lymond serves the King of France for a year in his wars, his marriage will be annulled.

I don’t like absolutely every detail in Checkmate nor do I think it’s the most impressive of the series -- Maybe that honour goes to The Disorderly Knights? -- but, oh! how I loved it! It was so satisfying to get progress on -- and then, resolution to -- longstanding problems and mysteries. In particular, to get more answers regarding what is going on in Lymond’s head and his heart -- these books have mostly allows its protagonist to keep his distance and his secrets, and more often referred to him as “Lymond” than by his given- or family-name. But here there are conversations like the one in which Lymond says:
“[...] You asked me a question, and I think we have come to the place where I must answer it. For one thing, you are being hurt. And for another… as you see… I seem to be losing the knack of concealing things from you.’”

Which brings me to what I loved the most -- how this book tackles a growing romantic relationship between two intelligent people who challenge and respect and and complement and care about each other, even when they have understandable reasons for keeping their distance. And by “keeping their distance”, I mean planning to annul their marriage of convenience. Two people who have the potential to build an equal partnership.

This the longest audiobook I’ve ever listened to, at 29 hours. I love David Monteath’s narration but at some point during the final section, I switched to the ebook because I was so desperate to find out what happened.

There are a few points where I was like “DOROTHY HOW DARE YOU” -- although one event turned out to be not as terrible as it first appeared, and for another, I appreciated how sensitively Dunnett (and the characters involved) handled the aftermath of trauma, so these moments didn’t outweigh everything else I loved.

“It’s my turn to beg your pardon. I only wanted to assure you that I have nothing to tender but friendship. But if you want it, there is a great deal of that, going cheaply.”
He slowed, with the intention perhaps of confronting her. But on second thoughts he said only, “Then the cost should not be beyond me. The pledge, without Latreia or Douleia, is simple friendship?” He had begun once again to walk briskly.
Rousing herself: “The pledge,” said Philippa, tartly, “is friendship. Simplicity is not, you will agree, one of your prominent attributes.” ( )

Full review, complete with famous Sideshow Bob scene, over at my blog. ( )