The Disorderly Knights: Book Three in the Legendary Lymond Chronicles

This third book in the series book pits Francis Crawford of Lymond against an adversary worthy of his steel - Graham Reid Malett, a gorgeous, gifted, lying, scheming, corrupt and captivating giant of a man possessed (in more ways than one) of the adoration of almost everyone who meets him, not to mention the most beautiful sister in the world. Can Francis survive the encounter? Like all good writers, Mrs.Dunnett respects her villain too much to make him easy meat, and the conflict between these two gives the book real tension and pace. The Somerville women and the enigmatic Sibylla develop in unexpected and interesting ways, Lymond's male companions reveal why he rates them high or low, and the author gives us not just a rattling good yarn but a great cast of characters and a quick tour of the philosophy and politics of the time into the bargain. The book would be worth reading just for Lymond and Malett, but it offers much more. And it couldn't be filmed, because the actors who could step into these two pairs of shoes simply don't exist. I leave the debate over whether Dorothy Dunnett is a 'great' writer or merely a 'good' one to others. She's a hugely enjoyable writer, and I'd rather spend the time enjoying than making needless comparisons. This is a well plotted, well paced, well structured book with characters you won't forget in a hurry. Just read it.

The Disorderly Knights, 3rd in the Lymond Chronicles, must be one of the most thrilling adventure stories ever written. From the initial Borderland skirmishes to the intrigue on Malta, from the cryptic dueling at St. Mary's to the Edinburgh climax, the thunderbolt narrative never ceases to twist, turn, and surprise. Lymond himself seems almost to transcend the existing literature -- a genuinely original romantic hero.I'd argue that Lymond Chronicles are actually underrated, as no one I know seems to have heard of them. Having at this point read the first three, its hard to think of anything with which to compare them. The dazzling, larger than life characters, the gleaming wit and razor-sharp dialogue, the breathless action and labyrinthian plotting all combine to create nearly perfect novels: rollercoaster, thinking person's adventure tales.If the first volume has the advantage of surprise and the second is distinguished by its French Court setting and intrigue, I'd make the (arguable) argument that this third is even better, having the advantage of a more serpentine plot, genuinely shocking final quarter revelations, and a villain of spectacular stature.If you love to read, dig into these masterpieces at earliest opportunity -- but start with the first, Game of Kings. They're confusing enough as it is...

If you've made it to this, book number three in the series, you are no doubt an Lymond addict like me. This book was yet another incredible "fix" in my terrible, obsessive craving for more of Lymond and his heart stopping adventures. I am an impatient soul by nature. And because my time is limited, I loathe the thought of seeing a movie twice and it has never crossed my mind to re-read any book, no matter how good. This all ended when I discovered the Lymond Chronicles. I not only (happily) read and reread passages of each book (often by necessity to puzzle out the complex plots) as I am reading it but as soon as I finish a book in the series I want to start rereading it, and the entire series, right away. These books are like a drug. I cannot get enough of them. They are the most wondrous, satisfying reading experience I have ever had.Disorderly Knights made me laugh so hard, especially Lymond's early escapade with not a small number of sheep. Knights made me cringe during Lymond's terrible beating (particularly since he had known this torture as a galley slave). And, Knights took my breath away with its exciting, brilliantly staged climax with Gabriel.

Dorothy Dunnett continues to impress me. I'm a big fan of Dumas and his trilogies. Dunnett comes darn close to his writing. Her books are engrossing, weave a great story, and draw me in more each time I read another book. This is the third in the Lymond Chronicles series. It is very well written. I enjoy how the story stands on its own but also weaves into the first two books. If you have the time, read the entire series from start to finish. I'm looking forward to reading the next one! I also can't wait to get into her House of Niccolo series. This book, and series, is well worth a read!

The third in the Lymond series sees Lymond fight in Malta and then return home to some surprises in Scotland. Dunnett weaves an intricate plot that sets the stage for the next three books. While the first two books pretty much stand on their own, the last four weave a continuous story that sees Lymond travel all over Europe searching for answers to his most personal questions. Do not miss this series; it is the best historical fiction I have ever read.