The Spring of the Ram [Hardcover]

Dorothy Dunnett (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Michael Joseph (1975)
• ASIN: B000M62ZBE
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get Me on the Next Flight to Trabzond......, December 28, 1999

By 

steve estvanik (seattle, wa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spring of the Ram: The Second Book of The House of Niccolo (Paperback)

That was my reaction after reading this superb sequel to Niccolo Rising. Dunnett's blend of intricate plotting and historical depth is amazing. Here she concentrates on the little known period immediately after the conquest of Constantinople, when the Byzantine empire struggled to survive in a corner of the Black Sea. Their allies are possible more dangerous than their enemies, making a perfect setting for Niccolo's games. This past spring we were able to visit Trabzond as part of a 5 week trip to Turkey, and while the modern town is rather dreary, Dunnett's descriptions of past glories were still fresh in my mind. I'm finishing book 5 now, Unicorn Hunt, and she continues to capture the essence of each country that Niccolo explores. Her descriptions of Cairo can serve as a guide for modern travelers.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'Where better than Trebizond?', December 21, 2007

By 

J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spring of the Ram: The Second Book of The House of Niccolo (Paperback)

This is the second book in the House of Niccolo series, and sees our hero Nicholas journeying to the fabled city of Trebizond, the last outpost of the Byzantium empire.

Nicholas has become an influential trader and has the backing of the Medici. The Charetty company is becoming increasingly powerful, and Nicholas sees opportunities for trading with the East. As we travel with him we are treated to a first class ride through Renaissance trade, politics, espionage and intrigue.

The affairs of Nicholas are never straightforward and as he continues to grow more powerful he attracts more enemies. This is both a wonderful adventure story and a beautifully drawn fiction in an historical setting.

'Let all stand still, for the master of the house has come'

Highly recommended to those who love intricately plotted historical fiction and especially to those with an interest in this period of history.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dunnett never fails to disappoint, September 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spring of the Ram: The Second Book of The House of Niccolo (Paperback)

After being completely entranced by Dunnett's Lymond chronicles, I eagerly picked up her Niccolo books. This is book two, and is everything I could have hoped for, with plot twists, uncertain loyalties and a rich historical landscape. Encore!