Race of Scorpions (Paperback)

~ (Author) "THAT NOVEMBER, God sent snow to north Italy, to the inconvenience of all who had to travel on horseback..." (more)
Key Phrases: lord emir, round ship, sugar business, Queen Carlotta, Abul Ismail, Grand Commander (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author of Niccol o Rising and The Spring of the Ram continues the bold adventures of Niccolo (Nicholas vanderok Poele) in this deftly drawn, complex novel of 15th-century intrigue. When Niccolo's wealthy older wife dies in Bruges, he finds himself--at age 21--in the dual role of prosperous merchant and sought-after military strategist. Niccolo's powerful private army is coveted by two warring rulers: steely Carlotta, Queen of Jerusalem, Cyprus and Armenia; and her lethally charming, illegitimate brother, James, who is determined to wrest the kingdom from his detested sister. Niccolo's suave demeanor and physical prowess, his ability to turn a profit as well as a battle, attracts dangerous lovers. The beautiful courtesan Primaflora and the vengeful Katerina--married to a nobleman but the mother of Niccolo's son (whose paternity is a secret)--both disguise their intentions. Through precisely rendered scenes, whether depicting a battle on the high seas, the operations of a dye works, a cleverly plotted ambush (using insects) or the gruesome tactics employed to destroy a proud city under siege, Dunnett furnishes fascinating images while spinning her admirable narrative web.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Dunnett's exhaustively researched 15th-century characters and settings prove excitingly real. . . .Fabulous fare for all lovers of historical intrigue." --Kirkus Reviews

"Barbed with wit, elegant and sensuous . . . . The book yields many of the delights we've come to expect from Dunnett."  --The Washington Post Book World

"The finest living writer of historical fiction"--The Washington Post Book World -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 1st THUS edition (March 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375704795
• ISBN-13: 978-0375704796
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #345,435 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 3 in The House of Niccolo Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plot twists abound, January 22, 2000

By	Charles G. Fry "cgfry" (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dunnett keeps the plot turning and twisting all through this book; expect to mutter a number of amazed exclamations along the way. She does all without losing depth or compassion in her characters, and without a speck of lost credibility in the plotline. This is a fascinating journey through part of Christianity's most troubled history, and one has to wonder if the series' setting hinges on the events in this particular book. The fictional characters are so real and engrossing as to nearly outshadow the huge and wonderful historical setting. An engrossing, moving, unpredictable, and completely unforgettable book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At Her Usual Stunning Best, February 25, 2001

By	S. Schwartz "romonko" (alberta canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Dorothy Dunnett never disappoints her faithful readers. This, third in the Niccolo series is a wonderful book that depicts the unsettledness of the Island of Cyprus. We learn that this tempestuous island has always been an important one because of its strategic location. I enjoyed this book, because we actually got to see some of the mask come off Nicolo in his encounter with his Katelina. In true Dunnett fashion, this encounter did not take place in a private and safe bedchamber, but in a place where nature abounded, as well as danger. The history that we find out in this book is also equally interesting and true to what actually happened. This is certainly another great series.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who is Niccolo?, March 2, 2000

By	"nick__" (Asheville, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This book has all of the interesting aspects of the previous two, such as politics and fighting, plus there is more romance though still not quite enough. I am disappointed in that even after reading the first three books of the series I still don't feel like I know the main character. The only other complaint I have is the lack of explanation as to how Niccolo has survived all of his injures without the least problem. Perhaps there is some magic involved? Even with today's medicine, someone with Niccolo's injures would at least have some trouble with their arms or legs. The story is none-the-less quite engaging especially in seeing how Niccolo gets out of all his difficulties.