Scales of Gold: Book Four of the House of Niccolo

This is the fourth volume in the eight part House of Niccolo series. The House of Niccolo is definitely a series best read in order: the history, the intricate plotting and the characters develop throughout the series and the connections between the books can only be appreciated if read in sequence. In this volume (covering 1464 to 1468), Nicholas returns to Venice from Cyprus and is met by a watchful reception and an attack. Nicholas's company is threatened with bankruptcy and those for whom he cares are also in danger. Nicholas embarks on a mission of his own: he will journey to the heart of Africa, to the fabled land of Prester John in search of the River of Gold. Nicholas is accompanied by some of the characters we have met in earlier novels and his life is, of course, complicated by various events along the way. From Venice to Timbuktu and all manner of places in between, Nicholas is acquiring wealth in all its forms, but will it be enough? As is the case in earlier novels, the pages are action filled, the research is impeccable and the journey is fraught with danger and discovery. As a first time reader, reading these books as they were published, I agonised over the choices Nicholas had to make and wondered what would happen next. As a serial re-reader (I confess), I find new aspects to enjoy and admire in every read. Jennifer Cameron-Smith

First of all, let me encourage everyone reading this not to make the mistake of one of the other reviewers and read this book out of sequence! Dunnett's books are not like other books in a series where the order doesn't matter much. It does in this and the Lymond series. I loved this book. I stayed up half the night last night to finish it even though I have huge graduate school exams in 2 days. Although I have loved the previous 3 in this serious, I didn't feel that Niccolo grabbed me in the way Lymond did until this book. In it Nicholas travels from Europe to Africa in search of the riches that will restore business and prestige to his Bank, which has been hurt by the dogged persecution of a new, powerful rival. With him go his priest, Goldscalc, friend Loppe, cousin Diniz, enemy Gelis, sister to the dead Katelina, and Diniz's mother's companion Bel, who comes along to watch out for Gelis and Diniz. This book is about Nicholas finding himself and peace, without reference to his family ties (?) with de Riberac and St. Pol. Never for a moment think that this peace won't be interrupted. This is Dorothy Dunnett, after all. I, too, was shocked and felt cheated by the cliffhanger, seemingly inexplicable, and out-of-character ending. BUT, Dunnett thrives on those feelings, as do her true fans. I have complete faith in Ms. Dunnett's ability to weave the rest of the series in such a way as makes everything before and since this book come together tightly, as in one of the expertly woven Charrety cloths. Enjoy this book, the rest of the series, and read Lymond next if you haven't already!

I was hooked after the first book and have just finished Scales of Gold. The adventure, political intrige and lusty romance just gets better. The complex world of Niccolo is constantly changing as he creates his own destiny and changes the lives of his friends. Ms. Dunnett has brought her vast knowledge of history to our modern world and shows us people are the same regardless of the century. For all Niccolo's success, he still has not found the love he seeks.

Just when you think that Nicholas will finally find some degree of happiness ....... You will just have to read it to find out. Luckily I have the next book in the series ready to start tonight!

Warning: don't even think about attempting to finish "Scales of Gold" without having "Unicorn Hunt" sitting right next to you. Probably the most amazing cliffhanger ever written. As someone on a discussion list said, "I don't know how all of you who read the series as it was published survived two years without medication."