Queens' Play: Second in the Legendary Lymond Chronicles (original 1964; edition 1997)

Two years after the events of "The Game of Kings", this second book in the Lymond Chronicles moves the action to France. Mary of Guise requests Lymond's presence as she travels to Henri II's court to visit her daughter Mary, Queen of Scots. She fears for Mary's life, as the child is all that stands between the throne of Scotland and the ambitions of a number of powerful people; and Lymond is charged to uncover any plots that he can again the little Queen. Lymond does indeed come to France, but rather than keep discreetly in the shadows, he flings himself into the centre of attention, hidden in full view, to lure the plotters into the open.

I was impressed by the escalating scale of this novel, as compared to its predecessor: the stakes are higher - kingdoms rather than reputations - the villains of the piece are of higher station and well-protected by the king's affections, and even the set-pieces become grander. The ceremonial entry to Rouen was a dazzling scene, but even that was dwarfed by the energy and drama of the moonlit steeplechase in Blois (I don't want to say too much here so as not to spoil it for those who haven't read it). I've grown more used to Dunnett's language, which startled me with its elaboration in "The Game of Kings", and here I really begin to admire her ability to write different kinds of scenes with equal skill - comedy, tragedy, and high drama are all equally convincing.

Lymond's talents were on full display in this book and he proves to be a consummate juggler, not only of balls and clubs, but also of political situations. Ringed about by all the factions of north-west Europe - Scotland, France, England and now Ireland, too, in the form of the enigmatic Oonagh O'Dwyer and her aunt - Lymond has put himself in an increasingly dangerous position, as he draws the plotters' attention to himself. The pleasure is seeing how he draws on his reserves of skill, and some very useful old friendships, to play the game and protect the fate of Scotland through that of one little girl.

It's another dazzling and occasionally baffling book, but I'm beginning to get into my stride now and I have the next in the series ready to hand. For a longer review, including some slight spoilers, please visit my blog at:
http://theidlewoman.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/queens-play-dorothy-dunnett.html ( )

In many ways the most difficult book, 'what is Lymond doing here' - Paris this time. The plot is actually simpler than most of the rest of the series but where is Lymond's head at? This a much debated question.
We meet Archie for the first time, yeah. We meet Mary Queen of Scots again.We meet Robin Stewart.
In many ways this book is another stand alone like Kings is but in reality the seeds are sown for all the plot lines to follow. I did not become addicted until the middle of this book, quite late, but after the race across the rooftops I couldn't read fast enough. The first book and a half took a week or so the following 2,100 pages took three sittings basically until my eyes could no longer see the page. ( )

See my review of The Game of Kings. ( )

Lymond, Lymond, Francis Crawford of Lymond... Eh.Compelling read for the political machinations, even if I don't quite believe in the protagonist. It's the superhero aspect I can't identify with. Brilliant fencer, wrestler, best musician ever heard, linguist, lover, leader, strategist, charismatic, gorgeous... It's all a bit much, understand? In the first novel there was enough of a temper of error and self-doubt, and his best-at-everythingness wasn't so much on stage.And yet I suppose there were such people. The proverbial renaissance man: Henry VIII was a musician and athlete, before he went to fat, it's said. Others... I suppose someone has to be the best.I have the same problem with the Miles Vorkosigan books. He's a bit much... I think it's the charisma again. I suppose that sort of overwhelming personal magnetism doesn'tt penetrate the book-brain barrier for me very well.Maybe it's inadequacy: I'm not charismatic, brilliant, or good at most things, so reading about someone who is makes me feel deficient. The arrogance bothered me, too. "Making him into a leader of men." "I made him mine." Having sex with Oonagh, to teach her self-knowledge... Guh. ( )

It is two years since the close of The Game of Kings and someone is planning the murder of young Mary Queen of Scots, and Mary of Guise summons Francis Crawford of Lymond to France to stop the murderous plot. Francis comes in disguise as a member of the entourage of a Prince of Ireland, and the game is on. Thady Boy Ballagh nee' Lymond charms the decadent French court with his wit, sarcasm and music as Dunnett slowly unpeels the layers of her tale with plot twists and surprise turns around every corner. No one is what they appears to be at first glance, even Francis. Is Thady Boy really a drunken sot or is someone trying to poison him? Someone is trying to kill O'LiamRoe but is it because they think he is Lymond in disguise? Does the young Archer Robin Stewart who befriends Thady Boy have another motive than friendship?

While the book is slow at times, this story unfolds amidst the decadence of the French Court, it's hard drinking, partying courtiers, scheming noblemen, a race atop the roofs and steeples of Paris (brilliant!!), and ending in a nail biting finish as the plot to murder Mary comes full circle and Francis' efforts to save Mary include some members of the King's menagerie -- a couple of elephants, a roaring lion and even the chimpanzees get in the act.

Throughout, Francis Crawford is a fascinating hero, and is as suave, debonair, flawed and fascinating as only a 16th Century version of James Bond could be. This is a complicated tale, and one that a reader has to pay close attention to, if you let your mind wander you may have to back track occasionally as I did. However, if you enjoy a complicated, action packed, surprise around every corner type of novel ala Dumas, you will probably find this series to be right up your alley. Five stars and now on to book #3 The Disorderly Knights. ( )