Niccolò Rising: The First Book of The House of Niccolò

This is the first book in the series from this author. In this book we are introduced, not only to the main character, Claes or Nicholas, but also to everything that is going on in the middle of the 15th century. We learn about Bruges, the center of trade for all of northern Europe, of Milan, Geneva, and the way business and trade was done in those days.I grew up in Brussels, therefore I feel very close to the main setting of this book, as well as the history of the region. But also, the book just draws you into its plot. You cannot help it, but very soon you want to defend Claes and hope that he can vanquish his enemies and also you feel extremely happy when he is able to lift himself from being a simple servant to his present station.The places, people, history, everything is masterfully detailed by the author. If you love history, this book is just "what the doctor ordered".I hope everyone that reads this book enjoys it as I have done, and I am so looking forward to all the sequels.

I enjoyed the Lymond chronicles so much that I couldn't wait to begin the Niccolo series. Make no mistake about it. This hero is different entirely from the refined and genteel Lymond.It took me awhile to get used to that. Once I did I found I enjoyed the book. Again, it's not an easy read since Ms. Dunnett's plots are intricate and her characters are not what they appear on the outside. This character looks like he is going to be dangerous as well as extremely clever! I just hope that he's as entertaining as Lymond was.Who knows, maybe I may "like" him better as I found Lymond very difficult to "like". Ms. Dunnett peoples her book with her usual interesting and diverse characters, and the usual villains. A good start to a brand new series for me.

Complex characters, convoluted plots, and fascinating locations make the House Of Niccolo series of books a dream read for anyone who loves historical novels or adventure stories. Set during the Renaissance, the book's settings range from continental Europe to Asia Minor to Africa, Iceland, Russia and Scotland. The main character, Nicholas vander Poele, searches for his roots as he rises from apprentice dyeworker to banker and adviser to monarchs through a combination of intelligence, an engaging personality and ruthlessness. As the series progresses, he gathers to him a group of fascinating characters that are both drawn to his warmth and are repelled by his actions, as is the reader---he is exasperating, but we can always, always see his point of view. Dorothy Dunnett's muscular prose paints a man (and what a man!) and his world with colors that are by turns tender and bold, sensual and spiritual. I haven't read anything this good in this genre for ages. Lymond seems effete by comparison!

Those of you who have read the Lymond series need no introduction to DD's talents. When you read the first book in the House of Niccolo series I can only say: Pay attention! Little events have big consequences. Niccolo is not Lymond and - so much the better! DD has created another completely fascinating character and the other completely fascinating characters to go with him - to everywhere. Read, learn, enjoy. The Byzantine court, Cypress, Bruges, Scotland (of course!), Venice, Africa, France, etc. An airmchair traveler's dream. Romance, intrigue, politics, money, banking, the Medicis, love and betrayal. Sorrow, fever, Mamalukes, camels, sieges, Aphrodite, ships, games, Kings, cold, hot, wet, suicide, exhaustion, The subjects of this series are endless. Read it and revel.