Customer Reviews

Niccolò Rising: The First Book of The House of Niccolò

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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!

I have to admit from the start that I love Dorothy Dunnetts books. In my opinion, based on what historical fiction I've read, there is nothing comparable. That said, I certainly understand the point of view of her detractors. To say that the stories are complicated is an understatement. That there are many characters, some of which seem superfluous, cannot be denied. However, for the reader that can stick with it (and this is a big commitment), I guarantee an experience like no other. Virtually all of the characters come into play at some point in the story but this is difficult to see if one only reads 20 pages and hangs it up.

So, if you like the following:

- a challenging yet extremely entertaining read
- meticulous historical research
- historic characters skillfully blended with fully realized fictional characters
- complicated plots worked out over many, many books,

you should love the House of Niccolo.

In response to those who say she is no Sharon Kay Penman; I agree, she is far, far better!

From the opening line: "From Venice to Cathay, from Seville to the Gold Coast of Africa, men anchored their ships and opened their ledgers . . . as if nothing would ever change," you know you're in for a treat. And you won't be disappointed, if you have the stamina! NICCOLO RISING, Book I in the House of Niccolo series, is an intense, mind-bending and intricate novel that introduces us to the alleged idiot savant, Nicholas, and documents his manipulative rise to power in 13th century Bruges. The book is filled with minute details of the time, and evocative imagery and scenes, such as an attempt on Nicholas' life involving fire and a barrel. We also meet the women who will overshadow his life, the beautiful uncertain Katerina and wilful child Gelis, as well as a host of memorable characters. Dunnett thoughtfully provides a cast of characters with asteriks to indicate who is real and who isn't; but in truth, once you sink into this overwhelming riot of Europe in the Middle Ages, Dunnett's acute grasp of her subject matter sweeps you away. You come up for air several hundred pages later, a little bewildered, yes, and certainly in need of a breather; yet also longing for more. Fortunately, there are eight more books to satisfy your appetite. Not for the faint-hearted, or those who like their historical fiction "watered down," NICCOLO RISING is a superb introduction to a superb series, an astounding medley of history and fiction that is equaled by none other than perhaps a recent debut novel I read titled THE SECRET LION by C.W. Gortner. As the Italians might say, aboondanza!

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.

The late Dorothy Dunnett was a great scholar and highly erudite. Yet, this great novel, like those in the Lymond series, is muscular and plot-driven. Those who find much of modern fiction--with its skinny, literary-lite approach--like eating field greens with no dressing, should read this book. Dunnett can be ambiguous and highly literary when it suits both her and the demands of the plot, but her work is a feast of meat and potatoes--not mundane, poorly cooked meat and potatoes, but gourmet meat and potatoes.

I read the Lymond Chronicles over a year ago, found them to be fantastic, then turned my attention to the novels of Patrick O'Brian, which are very different from Dunnett's novels, but equally good. (I find the debate as to whether Dunnett or O'Brian is the greatest to be a waste of time--they're jointly the greatest historical novelists of the 20th Century, both come highly recommended, both are brilliant, and both satisfy and transport the reader--they have a joint tenancy on the celestial realm among historical fiction writers. O'Brian and Dunnett, both of whom have died recently, have probably had a few laughs together in the next world about this silly and pointless debate).

Having just finished Niccolo Rising, I feel strongly that this series will rival the Lymond series in characterization and plot. If the last 200 pages of Niccolo Rising is any indication, it will be just as satisfying to the reader. Dunnett can be maddeningly enigmatic at times, but in the end the plot pulls you in and won't let you go until you read the last page. And I can assure you it isn't because you understand everything the first time through. Reading Dunnett is work, often hard work--but it's always satisfying work.

Indeed, one of the great things about Dunnett's novels is the realization that you can read them again and feel just as satisfied the second time through. Why? Because of their depth, breadth and above all their love affair with the great variations of human experience. While Dunnett focuses much attention on a single character (Nicholas), she does so on vast canvas.

In addition to the rise of Nicholas (Claes), we meet other complex and human characters: Marian de Cheretty, Katelina, the evil Simon, the even more evil Riberac, and so on.

This is a novel worthy of a reader willing to put some skin the game and who is willing to be taken to another place and time.

I belatedly stumbled across these little gems. I have not so throughly enjoyed a book in "ages." The characters are disarmingly human and I found comparisons for them among people around me. You find yourself cheering for the hero, booing the villains and breathless with desire to see Nicolo succeed and surpass. The only draw back is that the plot is rather complicated and the omniscent style is sometimes difficult to follow. I did not like it when a character CLEARLY figured out something that we were left in the dark over. It was sort of like Scooby Doo and his friends solving a mystery with clues we had never seen, Jinkies. Regardless, for lovers of history it is a delightful tale and I look forward to reading all the sequels.

I bought this book on a whim at an airport bookstore, and soon regretted it when I cracked it on the plane. The first fifty pages or so are a struggle, but once I become acclimated to the style, I was hooked. I'm not a big fiction reader, but I read the series all the way through as it is so enthralling. I stronlgy recommend King Hereafter as well, especially if you wish to sample Dunnett before committing to a lengthy series. NIccolo Rising can stand alone, but the character development over the complete series, along with the action in exotic and historically accurate locales, makes this series a great investment of time.

I just finished this book today, and am greatly looking forward to reading the next seven books in the series! Having just been introduced to Dorothy Dunnet in the past several months, I can honestly say that I am truly amazed at her writing ability. She packs so much into every one of her books- intrigue, mystery, romance, adventure, dastardly villains, swashbuckling heroes- that it makes one's head spin. But what a ride! Niccolo Rising is exactly this- a wonderful, whirlwind ride through a Europe rising from the Dark Ages and ready to enter the Renaissance. And leading the foray is Claes vander Poele.

Along with Claes, the dyer's apprentice turned entrepreneur extraordinaire, there is a smorgasbord of secondary characters that, however short their appearance, make their unforgettable presences felt: the vile Simon Kilmirren and his grossly fat father, Jordan. Katelina, whose pride causes so many problems in the book. Marian de Charetty and her children, who are Claes' closest thing to family. Julian, Tobias, Loppe- the list goes on, and all of them have some significant part to play. Knowing Dunnett, they'll continue to play such important roles throughout the entire series.

Be warned: Dunnett's books are nothing if not dense and PACKED with detail. This isn't light reading- it requires thought and concentration. But if you have the time to see them through, they're a true delight. Niccolo Rising is the start of a long series of eight books. I feel sure it will be worth the commitment to see them through to the end :-)

Dorothy Dunnett is just incredible. Nicholas is one of the most infuriating, enigmatic characters I've ever met, and he was completely REAL. I could not get enough of his pure genius and frequent nastiness, the politics, and the intrigue. The characters surrounding him were so well developed I felt I was part of the company, and I felt their pride and horror as Nicholas set in motion his various plots. This series made me a Dunnett junkie, and I can't wait to dive into the Lymond Chronicles.