The Game of Kings

By Dorothy Dunnet

Reviewed by Sharma Krauskopf and rated

Dorothy Dunnet is a very popular writer of historic fiction. Her books fall into the same category, as Nigel Tranter's but the approach is totally different. Nigel Tranter takes historic facts and characters and develops stories with them. Dorothy Dunnet develops fictional main characters and sets them in a part of Scottish history surrounded by real historic figures.

The Game of Kings published in 1961 was her first of many books and opened her world famous Lymond Chronicles which are set in the 16 century history of Scotland. The main character is Francis Crawford of Lymond, Master of Culter. He is a 16^th century version of Batman. He is suave, good looking, mysterious, a master swordsman, and a brilliant tactician. The author presents his various activities with warmth and a gentle touch of humour.

The biggest riddle in this first novel of the series is whether the Master of Culter is a true villain or a Scottish Robin Hood. The plot centres on Francis Crawford's search for three men and is so well developed you have no idea why he is searching until almost the end. The protagonist seems to be guilty of many illegal activities including trying to kill his brother, wife and their unborn child. He is constantly going on extended drunks. He is no saint. One of the exciting things about this book is swinging from thinking the Master is horrible to maybe he is a good person after all.

The strength of this book above all else is the exceptional characters, which surround the Master of Culter from the band of roughnecks, which follow him to the nobles of 16^th century Scotland including Mary Queen of Scots. Two of my favourite characters were complete opposites. Will Scott, who is a rebellious young man who joins the Master only to betray him to his enemies. His struggle for survival and desire to bring down the Master's is brilliantly developed. When he finally works up the courage to betray the Master he is ridden with the guilt. Desperately he tries to reverse what he has done. The second character is Lady Christina Stewart; a beautiful self assured young lady whom has been blind from birth. Her courage and devotion to the Master makes this novel shine with the glorious light of love. Christina like Will Scott is not justly rewarded for her efforts. The pages of my book were stained with my tears over Christina's reward.

I loved this book. It is rich in plot, characters, history, humour, sadness and love. I can hardly wait to read the next one in the series.