The Game of Kings

Book One in the Legendary Lymond Chronicles

By: Dorothy Dunnett

Narrated by: David Monteath

In this first book in the legendary Lymond Chronicles, Francis Crawford of Lymond, traitor, murderer, nobleman, returns to Scotland to redeem his reputation and save his home.

It is 1547, and Scotland has been humiliated by an English invasion and is threatened by machinations elsewhere beyond its borders, but it is still free. Paradoxically, her freedom may depend on a man who stands accused of treason. He is Francis Crawford of Lymond, a scapegrace nobleman of crooked felicities and murderous talents, possessed of a scholar's erudition and a tongue as wicked as a rapier. In The Game of Kings, this extraordinary antihero returns to the country that has outlawed him to redeem his reputations even at the risk of his life.

©2010 Dorothy Dunnett (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“[Lymond] is arguably the perfect romantic hero.” (The Guardian)

“Vivid, engaging, densely plotted.... Dunnett is a master of suspense and misdirection.” (The New York Times)

“Ingenious and exceptional...its effect brilliant, its pace swift and colorful and its multi-linear plot spirited and absorbing.” (Boston Herald)

old friend

i have loved this book for decades. What pleasure to hear it read so vibrantly .

Perfect narrator for a classic story

I've loved these books for years and thought I'd "reread" them again but this time via audiobook. David Monteath is fantastic. He does a great job with the characters and accents, but also with parsing out a complicated story. Will probably listen over and over again.

For those who aren't previous fans of the series - this book is a tough nut to crack, but SO worth it in the end.

Outstanding!

Dorothy Dunnett has been a favorite author of mine for many years, and this audiobook version does justice to her exceptional command of language and character. Mr. Monteath’s reading brings Ms. Dunnett’s world of 16th C Scotland to life as he moves seamlessly among the characters’ various accents and multiple languages. It’s a joy to hear the Scots pronunciations and expressions trip so naturally from his tongue. If you haven’t read Dunnett before, you are in for a real treat with both the Lymond Chronicles and The House of Niccolo Series. Personally, I can’t wait to listen to the Audible versions of rest of this series that I have greatly enjoyed reading in the past.

Enjoyable

Nice story. on to the next book. hope it is as entertaining as this one

Dunnett is the best

Although written nearly 60 years ago, this series is infinitely readable. I highly recommended it.

Amazing Story

I read the series back in the early 2000s. I was delighted to find Game of Kings on Audiobooks. I hope all the volumes will appear. For some
Of the complicated dialog about the political platting I actually had the book open and followed along as the reader progressed. There are also the Dunnett companion volumes that help.

Brilliant writing, sparkling wit

Pace, characters, plots and subplots, action, history, poetry: Dunnett was the 'Master' of the story.

One of the best novels of all time brilliantly performed

Nothing you will ever read will compare with Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles, and David Monteath is a performer worthy of Lady Dunnett’s writing.

Elegant and exciting

A turn of phrase unequalled wrapped around the core of a twists and turns that make this an exciting ride

Scottish Historical Novel

Riveting story, complex characters, and surprising plot twists. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series