[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• I'm going to take this inside as it's spoiler material>>>> -- celtgirl (Cindy), 14:14:03 11/09/11 Wed
  • You have no idea how much I want to look at this, but since I've only read the first two books of the Niccolo series, it would probably be a mistake. Right? (NT) -- Denise, 09:23:38 11/17/11 Thu

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Welcome, Idilia. Our book discussions are on the Book Discussion Board, see the link above. Unfortunately, all of the Lymond discussions have rotated off into the ether and I don't have archives of them. Sorry you missed them, but feel free to post your thoughts or questions here! (NT) -- PeggyB, 21:43:54 09/06/11 Tue

Last edited by author: Tue August 30, 2011 12:39:33   Edited 1 time.

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• I'm close to finishing 'Niccolo Rising' too and realize I've forgotten soooo much. I'll start the next book and slowly muddle my way through it, and maybe even continue with the third book. Quite a wonderful change from all the paranormal stuff I've been recently reading! (NT) -- Denise, 21:58:34 05/11/11 Wed
  • I had trouble in the beginning, because of trying to second-guess Dunnett, LOL. I need to just let the story flow the first time through without trying to figure out what the plot twists are going to be, LOL. (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:11:50 05/12/11 Thu
    • It will be easier than the Lymond Chronicles, though more complex than most, if not all, other authors! (NT) -- Denise, 20:45:10 05/13/11 Fri
• Nicholas is a more straightforward read than the LC, but that being said, I've read it three times and keep picking up stuff that I totally missed before. I love Nicholas, he's a very complex and wonderful man. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:04:24 06/08/11 Wed
  • I would just add that 'Race of Scorpions' has some of the best prose in it that I have ever read in my life. Close to pure poetry, yet she never misses a beat. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:48:00 06/08/11 Wed
• Finished! I just knew she'd pull one over on me, LOL. (NT) -- PeggyB, 15:41:16 07/02/11 Sat

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• I love Nicholas, too. Warts and all. At some point I was able to forgive you-know-who, can't remember which book. They are both capable of ruthless behavior; that must be their magnet. Not condoning, just sayin'. (NT) -- E, 05:48:57 11/25/10 Thu
• I love him too- sometimes I think I love him more than Lymond. I feel Nicholas had two loves and so it worked out for him- he is a complex man and I think he required a very complex woman. I've never gotten warm and fuzzy over her, and don't find her as fun and appealing as Philippa but I think I am used to her. (NT) -- cg, 15:41:34 12/19/10 Sun

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Katelina question>>> -- susiej, 07:09:17 11/10/10 Wed
  • I think the knife point is double in a sense>>> -- celtgirl, 07:21:19 11/10/10 Wed
  • Good question! I like what Cindy said. >>> -- E, 15:38:29 11/11/10 Thu
    • Interesting>>>> -- susiej, 13:04:37 11/12/10 Fri
      • Both sisters eventually grew up, one when it was far too late. (NT) -- E, 16:13:10 11/12/10 Fri

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• I read something I didn't understand, last night SPOILER>>>> -- susiej, 08:54:12 07/14/10 Wed
  • Susie>>> -- celtgirl, 11:17:24 07/18/10 Sun
• Last time I read 'Race of Scorpions' I was stopped cold by how gorgeous much of the prose in that book is, I re-read several passages just to savour. She is the only writer that I can read over and over like that and get something so new from it each time. It's amazing really. I just printed off so much of the archives from the Marzipan group and the Game of Kings and Claes groups and am seeing the books in another light as a result- layers and layers. I'm happy if I've got two or three in my own work. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:19:28 07/18/10 Sun
  • Thinking this over in the shower (and I just re-read the first three books a few months ago) I can't think who the fifth person is, unless it's one of those infamous Dunnett red herrings that actually refers to something that we don't know about until later books- if that makes sense. :) And if so, I think I know who the fifth person might be. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:03:35 07/18/10 Sun
    • Thanks, Cindy. I haven't read the last 2 books. I got so mad in Lions I quit, but I'm hoping to be able to move on this time around (smile). So if that's the case- and i can totally see Dunnett doing that- then I wouldn't know 4 and 5. I also know that like lymond, Nicholas blames himself when he isn't always to blame or actually, they blames themselves for not being able to prevent, which would be the case with F of course.. (NT) -- susiej, 10:36:34 07/19/10 Mon
• Haven't read the HofN series yet, but wanted to pop in and say HI to Susie! I think Dunant's books qualify for desert island status. (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:59:06 07/19/10 Mon
  • And a hi back to you Peggy. You'd like Nicholas. He's much more approachable, more silly fun. He's younger- that helps. But he likes older women- that's good too. ; ) (NT) -- susiej, 15:30:21 07/19/10 Mon
    • I started the first book when it was being discussed, but I wasn't in a proper frame of mind for Dunnett. I'll get back to it. Apologies for mispelling DD's name above, I get confused between Dorothy Dunnett and Sarah Dunant (the name spelling, not the books *g*) (NT) -- PeggyB, 20:09:52 07/19/10 Mon

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Eileen, Welcome!!! I just got your email. Yes you can post messages here. This board has not been very active lately, but I'll let the "regulars" know there is a new post!!! Check back soon. (NT) -- PeggyB (), 17:34:07 06/14/10 Mon
• No they have not ever been filmed. I've seen many of the picks for a virtual casting though- the young Peter O'Toole is a favourite of many. The actor that comes closest for me is a young Cary Elwes- the way he was in 'The Princess Bride'- not really exactly how I picture Lymond in my head, but close enough. Welcome!! (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:35:12 06/14/10 Mon
• Welcome Eileen!! Lymond is one of those characters that's hard to put a face to....so many facets to his personality that I think it would be hard to find someone who could do his character justice. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 19:07:44 06/14/10 Mon
• Hi Eileen! I haven't got an actor in mind for the part of Lymond, I tend to have a morphing visual of characters anyway. I think the script would have to be 'dumbed' down for general viewing, since a typical audience wouldn't have knowledge of several languages, let alone all the Old English/Scottish dialogue. Would be fun for the fans of DD though! (NT) -- Denise, 21:06:59 06/14/10 Mon
  • Hmm, maybe the BBC could do it successfully, as a miniseries (well, each book would have to be it's own miniseries). (NT) -- PeggyB, 21:20:41 06/14/10 Mon
    • I think that's the only way to do them justice! (NT) -- FranS, 22:12:34 06/16/10 Wed
    • Absolutely - nobody but the BBC. (NT) -- Elaine, 05:50:28 06/18/10 Fri
• Lymond series film -- Eileen Adams, 17:22:39 06/15/10 Tue
  • Hiya, Eileen. Glad you've found us! Ooh, I love the idea of a young Natalie Wood for Philippa! I've always and only seen young Peter O'Toole as Lymond, even though he'd be too tall. (NT) -- E, 16:24:56 06/16/10 Wed
    • filming Lymond Chronicles -- Eileen Adams (grannyO), 15:08:36 06/17/10 Thu
      • Yes, Errol Flynn could have handled it for sure, especially the swordplay and swashbuckling parts. (NT) -- Elaine, 05:50:02 06/18/10 Fri
• Checkmate -- Eileen Adams, 08:37:58 06/18/10 Fri
  • Yes to all you said. Poor Lymond, he understands it all so well. What an amazing character Dunnett created. (NT) -- Elaine, 07:35:44 06/19/10 Sat
    • Lymond series -- Eileen Adams, 17:02:46 06/21/10 Mon
      • How exciting that you actually got the books in Sc]}otland. Have you read any of her mystery series? I have them the series, and have only started one of them, but like all her writing, it was rather intense and involved, and at the time I didn't have the patience. Was hoping to try again this summer if personal things ever settle down. I had also read about Francis being modeled after her husband. That's interesting. Another one of my favorite authors, Winston Graham, apparently modeled his character, Demelza (my favorite female fictional character), after his Cornish wife. (NT) -- Elaine, 06:22:38 06/25/10 Fri
        • Sorry about the typos above. Tried to remove some schmutz off the keyboard, and look what happened in the process. (NT) -- Elaine, 06:24:51 06/25/10 Fri
• lymond -- sue, 13:12:58 09/12/10 Sun
• lymond chronicles filmed -- sue, 14:17:04 09/25/10 Sat
• lymond casting -- sue, 10:18:55 10/27/10 Wed

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Welcome! This board has been very quiet lately, glad you found us!! (NT) -- PeggyB, 17:35:16 06/14/10 Mon
• Welcome!! I discovered Lymond in '94 and I lived and breathed with the books for several months. I had two wee girls at the time so my reading was limited- I still remember the afternoon I read the 'chess scene'. I had to wait on the last few Niccolo books and spent an entire weekend hiding from my family to read 'Gemini'. Yes, DD was a genius, once you've read Lymond and Niccolo there's no going back! (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:37:23 06/14/10 Mon
• Hello! I only came upon the Lymond series and the first in the Niccolo series because of the ladies here (so just in the past few years). I was slow to get into Lymond's books, but once I found my groove I was done for. :-) Have the remaining books of the Niccolo series on my To Be Read list...hope to get to them this year! (NT) -- Lil, 19:05:20 06/14/10 Mon
  • Ditto for me! It was difficult to get into 'Game of Kings', but once I got into the characters, I was totally consumed! Like Lil, I have only read 'Niccolo Rising', but the rest of the books are happily waiting on my shelf. (NT) -- Denise, 21:09:55 06/14/10 Mon
    • Don't put them off! There are jaw-dropping scenes awaiting you and they're easier to read than Lymond. (NT) -- FranS, 22:11:37 06/16/10 Wed
• We've been so quiet over here lately. We go through spells of reading DD, but right now we're on hiatus. I'm glad you've discovered these books (and sincerely hope you check in soon to see that we've responded to your post). These series are great adventures. (NT) -- Elaine, 16:26:51 06/16/10 Wed
• game of kings CD -- sue monk, 13:11:33 10/15/10 Fri
  • Game of kings cd -- Kay, 17:03:04 03/07/12 Wed

• First thing I thought of when I heard about it, and knew I wouldn't be alone! (NT) -- Elaine, 21:21:12 04/17/10 Sat

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Unfortunately that is the one book of Dunnett's that I do not own- so I'm not sure. I'll let Sallie know about your question though, Jessica and see if she knows. Nancy Wright's family tree is a pretty good map for those connections though. Sallie kindly gifted me a copy, but I think you can Google Nancy Wright and find it that way. (NT) -- celtgirl, 22:03:43 03/27/10 Sat
• It does not actually connect the dots as one might think it would, or should. It contains additional information on the characters and locations found in the HoN, basically. Now, if you're looking for a list of those exact connections between the LC and HoN, Elaine Thompson has compiled a pretty lengthy document, about 10 pages and nicely annotated with page references. She produced her document in 2000, and I believe I learned about her through the Marzipan yahoo group, iirc. Inside for an email address >>>> -- Elaine, 15:44:13 03/28/10 Sun

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• The discussion of Niccolo Rising has begun over on the Book Discussion Board. (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:45:40 02/01/10 Mon

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Sue, this is the closest I can find to an explanation, found on page 498 of the Vintage edition of The Ringed Castle. >>>>>> -- Sallie, 15:14:38 11/17/09 Tue
  • yunitsa -- sue monk, 11:35:05 11/18/09 Wed
    • Jumping in, I just searched RC on Amazon, it came up with 2 hits for "yunitsa" (pages 475 and 498 of the Vintage edition). On page 499 is a partial "explanation" come inside >>>>>>>>> -- PeggyB, 11:27:43 11/30/09 Mon
• Yunitsa is an old Ukranian term of endearment. Pretty sure I learned this through one of the Lymond/DD yahoo groups a couple of years ago. It was a reply from a Ukranian or Russian fan of DD's. You could try searching for it at the Marzipan yahoo group; that's probably where it came from. (NT) -- Elaine, 12:43:02 12/18/09 Fri
• Sue, just in case you happen to drop by and see this ... if you are a member of the marzipan yahoo group, you will find a very detailed .pdf in the files section describing the background of yunitsa. Apparently some of the confusion occurs due to spelling. (NT) -- E, 06:22:50 02/23/10 Tue

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Sue, I don't recall the meaning of 'Yunitsa' being explained in the Ringed Castle, but rather implied. I learned the particulars of its meaning in Elspeth Morrison's The Dorothy Dunnett Companion, Vol II. (NT) -- Sallie, 13:30:41 11/16/09 Mon

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Not weird at all, unless I'm weird too *grin.* I haven't been able to finish Niccolo- still mad at Dunnett, but beginning to get over it. (NT) -- susiej, 12:40:55 10/13/09 Tue
  • What book did you stop at? Right after N and G get married? (NT) -- Jessica, 13:39:33 10/13/09 Tue
    • After lions >>>> -- susiej, 13:15:59 10/20/09 Tue

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Inside>>> -- susiej, 10:45:43 09/29/09 Tue
  • Good questions, susie! I'm glad to know that you, too, sympathize with Oonagh. She was used and abused, and Lymond truly understood her position. I had no such sympathy for Guzel, whose motivation was never veiled. (NT) -- E, 05:18:13 10/07/09 Wed
    • this actually got answered at the very end- Nicholas the cartographer explains it to Jerrot. (NT) -- susiej, 11:07:44 10/07/09 Wed

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Oh, good for you, Fran! I know Cindy's read it, and it certainly is on my list, but with the way things are right now in my household, it will be awhile. I need a quieter atmosphere to fully appreciate DD, and this house is *far* from quiet these days. In fact, tonight I just want to run away. But that's a story for another time. I'm glad you enjoyed it. What a lovely way to remember your time in Colorado, too. (NT) -- Elaine, 16:56:17 08/07/09 Fri
• Thanks for posting Fran. I need to get this. (NT) -- susiej, 12:06:01 08/15/09 Sat

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• -----> -- Jessica M., 22:48:03 07/24/09 Fri
  • You are certainly not alone in your feelings, Jessica! (NT) -- Elaine, 08:30:11 07/25/09 Sat
    • Not alone at all. She's right up there with Margaret Douglas for worst b@tch ever . Worse, I think, because he truly loved her and was finally happy. (NT) -- susiej, 12:05:56 07/28/09 Tue
  • ---> -- Tess, 13:13:31 07/28/09 Tue
    • ----> -- Jessica M., 19:35:14 08/04/09 Tue

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Inside >>> -- Tess, 18:22:06 07/16/09 Thu
  • I believe Lymond was heterosexual, but would use his body with men when the situation benefited from such activity (ie. Agha Morat). I'm not sure about his time as Thady Boy. Again, he may have been using his body for his own purposes. I haven't read the Niccolo series yet so can't comment there. (NT) -- Denise, 13:04:52 07/21/09 Tue
    • I agree with Denise. Nicholas does the same thing, but to me, it seems to affect him more or Lymond seems more tolerant of it anyway>>> -- susiej, 19:41:11 07/21/09 Tue
      • -----> -- Jessica M., 22:02:17 07/21/09 Tue
        • >>>> -- Tess, 10:31:20 07/22/09 Wed
          • Tess---> -- Jessica M., 14:40:41 07/22/09 Wed
            • About Nicholas and David >>> -- Elaine, 21:30:34 07/24/09 Fri
              • Ah, OK....thanks Elaine. I'm really going to have to go back & re-read the series soon...and pay close attention to this particular relationship. (NT) -- Tess, 06:24:58 07/27/09 Mon
      • You're absolutely right about the costume of Thady Boy being a total block to intimate behaviour! (unless the person is 'in' on the guise) (NT) -- Denise, 17:52:22 07/22/09 Wed

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Thanks again, Peggy! (NT) -- Elaine, 10:41:30 07/13/09 Mon

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Spoilers and questions ---> -- Jessica M., 01:07:52 07/07/09 Tue
  • Hi, Jessica. You raise some tough questions, and my memory is so poor. The Nick/Katelina relationship is hard to figure. >>> -- Elaine, 06:45:08 07/07/09 Tue
    • When I started reading NR ---> -- Jessica M., 09:13:14 07/08/09 Wed
      • --->>> -- Tess, 10:35:29 07/08/09 Wed
        • So I finished ---> -- Jessica M, 09:22:04 07/10/09 Fri
          • The first two, yes, >>> -- Elaine, 18:24:21 07/11/09 Sat
      • Keep reading!! (NT) -- E, 15:17:42 07/08/09 Wed
  • I've read the series once so far.... -- Tess, 10:32:09 07/07/09 Tue
    • Good point about K not being logical. So true. She really wanted to hurt N. (NT) -- E, 17:33:38 07/07/09 Tue
      • no logic at all, because she totally went after him. I think those Van Borselen girls were just so used to getting their way they can't understand it when the don't and have to blame it on someone else. Ah, big sigh, I so loved N at this point in the series! (NT) -- susiej, 18:21:15 07/13/09 Mon
• Book Number 4 is here, so looks like I'm off to the races again! (NT) -- Jessica M., 15:08:33 07/14/09 Tue
• One more thing though ----> -- Jessica M., 15:12:21 07/14/09 Tue
  • I don't think Nicholas told anyone anything about Primaflora. I think he let her hang herself with her own noose. Sometimes living well is the best revenge. (NT) -- Tess, 18:08:48 07/16/09 Thu

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Hi Susie, so sorry to hear about your mom, my condolences to you. My mother broke her pelvis bone recently and it has certainly put to light her frailty and age. Aging parents are a huge concern. Someone posted a site years ago and I reposted it within the last 6 months (?) where a person wrote how the Lymond Chronicles was the book or series she would want with them on a desert island, among other things. She writes that it helped her through a difficult pregnancy, but also it would be the book(s) she chose to await a birth or a death. If you have't seen the article, I'll post the info inside>>> -- Denise, 09:30:39 07/06/09 Mon
• My condolences to you, susie. You've really been through the wringer recently. I think the private types (and I'm one of them) are always the ones upon whom others share their pain. It tends to heap up on us, and becomes almost unbearable, but due to our nature, we simply cannot grieve until we are alone with our own thoughts. I'm so sorry that you have been burdened so. Anyway, I always felt a certain sympathy to Oonagh, even when she rejected her child (and other readers resented her). Oonagh's situation is beyond our comprehension, I feel. Thank God women have made some strides in the last 100 years or so! (NT) -- Elaine, 06:50:17 07/07/09 Tue
  • yes, I always felt that she just gave up- but having experienced true grief, I understand a little better the obstacle of depression, seeing one's life fall apart, all her dreams, etc. And she knew L didn't love her, that she would always be an obligation and supposed he'd see the child that way too. She'd never really known a good man. (barring Phelim and she let him go for his own sake) (NT) -- susiej, 18:25:59 07/13/09 Mon
• Susie -- Tess, 11:39:33 07/07/09 Tue
• I'm so sorry for your loss Susie. It's interesting how our lives we are living affect the way we read books and how books seem different depending what is happening in our lives. I know when I get to to a reread of the Lymond series lots of things will make more sense. (NT) -- Lynne, 08:51:28 07/09/09 Thu

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• I've been a member for a over a year. It's made up of a lot of the same folks who belong to marzipan and game of kings groups. I just told them I was a fan of Dorothy Dunnett's and really loved Nicholas/Claes. They're really nice people, but I don't typically post there as they know a lot more about these series than I do. Please don't hesitate to join up, Lynne. As with the other groups, it can be fascinating at times and I've learned a lot. (NT) -- Elaine, 15:40:31 05/06/09 Wed
  • Thanks Elaine! It threw me when I had to give a reason...I didn't want to blow it. I've been lurking on Marzipan in attempts to learn. I'm on the second book of the Nicolo books, so if they are doing a reread I need to hop to it. Thanks! (NT) -- Lynne, 18:48:30 05/06/09 Wed
• I ust said I loved the books and wanted to learn more. Better jump in, they're on a reread and the messages are flying! (NT) -- FranS, 17:36:20 05/06/09 Wed
  • Thanks Fran! I wasn't sure what kind of info they were looking for. I'd love to learn more. If they are doing a reread it sounds like a great time to join them. (NT) -- Lynne, 18:50:31 05/06/09 Wed
    • I just reread your original post Lynne. That's a standard thing with the sign-up for any Yahoo group. I think it allows the group owner to know it isn't some robotic sign up thing. Not to worry. Sorry it didn't register with me before. (NT) -- PeggyB, 20:17:47 05/06/09 Wed
      • Oh, I didn't know. I don't remember having to do anything like that for the Marzipan group...so it caught me off guard. It's a good thing if it keeps the real 'yahoos' out. There's a pun in that....LOL. Thanks again!!! (NT) -- Lynne, 04:16:00 05/07/09 Thu
        • It may differ depending on whether you receive an invitation from the group owner vs. requesting to join. It's been a while since I've sent out or received requests/invitations...the memory gets fuzzy. *g* (NT) -- PeggyB, 07:51:39 05/07/09 Thu

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• I wonder if it contains raspberry extract that will make people want to lick you, or make people like Lymond want to lick you? If so I am all in...:) (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:27:53 04/05/09 Sun
  • LOL! I love that line where he says that. BTW...If that cream can attrack a Lymond like guy I'd but a jar. (NT) -- Lymond, 05:05:00 04/09/09 Thu
  • I second that Cindy! Thanks for sharing Sallie! (NT) -- susiej, 09:26:19 04/10/09 Fri
• Oh that's wonderful! I took some Lymond-related quiz to see which character you are. I was Kate, and it couldn't have pleased me more! (NT) -- Elaine, 09:55:02 04/12/09 Sun
  • I took that quiz too (or at least I'm guessing it's the same) and I was Lymond! Not sure what that means about me...but I was flattered. (NT) -- Lynne, 04:38:26 04/15/09 Wed

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Hi sommervillegirl! It is always nice to meet another Dunnett fan. :) We've just started a discussion of Checkmate over on the Book Discussion Board. I hope you'll be able to join in. The link for the Marzipan yahoo group is posted inside. >>> -- Sallie, 10:00:14 03/29/09 Sun
• Welcome somervillegirl! You might also look into Marzipan but if you haven't read House of Niccolo and plan to you should wait because you will get spoilers. (NT) -- susiej, 09:33:55 04/10/09 Fri

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Jessica, your question reminded me of a response I posted some time ago. With a quick search, I was able to find it and have re-posted parts of it inside. >>>> -- Sallie, 10:52:42 03/11/09 Wed
  • >>> -- Jessica M., 13:34:33 03/11/09 Wed
    • Jessica (edited to say I think you may be right regarding Margaret's age) >>>> -- Sallie (), 08:20:18 03/12/09 Thu
      • That is easier to understand. I admired her ability to stay out of it. I would have found it hard not to meddle, even with good intentions! (NT) -- Jessica M., 10:44:40 03/12/09 Thu
      • >>> -- Jessica M., 19:02:54 03/12/09 Thu
        • Jessica >>> -- Sallie, 20:43:22 03/12/09 Thu
  • I wish I remembered enough about this book to comment, but sweet little Dorothy can really write a wicked rejoinder, can't she !! I shudder sometimes at the things her characters say, especially Lymond. (NT) -- FranS, 14:33:54 03/11/09 Wed
• I loved Margaret Erskine and wish we'd heard more of her in later books- it was so sad that Tom died before they had a chance to really be together. Being one of the queen's ladies was one of those honors you really hated to get! Bu I liked how the Erskine's both came to really see who Lymond was and admire him. (NT) -- susiej, 07:50:21 03/12/09 Thu
  • It really upset me when Tom died like that. I respected Margaret a lot. Maybe because I often seem to feel as she did - comfortable to be out of the limelight. ;-) Even if it means I am invisible at times. (NT) -- E, 16:43:13 03/12/09 Thu
• I am about to start DK and am dreading his death. Tom especially is one of my favorite characters because of his role in GoK. How he overcame strong emotions regarding Christian in order to see justice served in Lymonds case. He was willing to risk his life for the boy who had just caused him so much pain. (NT) -- Jessica M., 18:59:21 03/12/09 Thu
• *HIJACK* I finished Checkmate last night >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- PeggyB, 08:16:44 03/24/09 Tue
  • BTW, I don't recall a book driving me literally to tears, but dang I was on the verge while finishing this one! (NT) -- PeggyB, 11:06:25 03/24/09 Tue
    • Good for you! I am ready for the discussion too! (NT) -- Jessica M., 13:07:48 03/24/09 Tue
    • yep- I just couldn't believe it . I literally screamed NO! and then, with her, I could believe it>>>>> -- susiej, 16:12:27 03/24/09 Tue
    • It's an amazing journey, isn't it? I'm looking forward to the discussion. (NT) -- Sallie, 11:38:03 03/25/09 Wed
    • Something drew me to this board this morning. I was going to email you to see if you had finished yet. Oh yeah, big-time tension in this book, right up to the last few pages. I stayed up all night reading, until I couldn't keep my eyes open any more. I slept for an hour then I was back at it at around 5:30am because I HAD to know the ending. My stomach was in knots, and I'm sure I did cry! What a writer! (NT) -- Denise, 11:20:58 03/26/09 Thu
      • Probably shouldn't post this but wtf.....you realize I do most of my reading in bed. Well, puir DH was really hoping to distract me with a different bedtime activity, and here I am nearly in tears, mad at Dunnett for the direction things were heading; told DH I absolutely HAD to finish the book, so leave me alone!!! Poor guy. (NT) -- PeggyB, 12:07:02 03/26/09 Thu
        • LOL! that happens a lot around my house too. Its actually a good thing that I haven't picked up a new book for the last week. What guy can compete with likes of Lymond, Jamie and Casey? And my dark circles are nearly gone. (NT) -- susiej, 11:01:10 03/27/09 Fri
        • I've got a Black Dagger Brotherhood book (sexy stuff) from the library but had to put the reading of that on hold while working on the Checkmate summaries. DH was also expecting better results than he was getting! (NT) -- Denise, 11:19:29 03/27/09 Fri

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• Ah, that's funny, Peggy. I wouldn't mind having the exquisite Mr. Crawford purring in my ear. The scary part for me is when my characters start talking while I'm sitting at a red light and I know how long I've sat there until someone honks. (NT) -- susiej, 12:21:05 03/04/09 Wed
• I wish I knew more about how Ms Dunnett wrote. I just finished Niccolo Rising last night and I was completely in awe how everything came together….plots and twists I didn’t even realize were there were suddenly spread out before me and put together beautifully. All this within the last four chapters! (I had to stay up after midnight to finish…I just had to finish!!!) How did she write such complex scenarios? How did her brain deal with it all. Lymond and Claes are such ‘smart’ characters, meaning they seem to be five steps ahead of everyone else in the books I can’t imagine writing such characters. I don’t feel smart enough. (NT) -- Lynne, 12:53:30 03/04/09 Wed
• DD said that Lymond was her husband Alastair- now he must have been an interesting man! I feel mine either talk to me, or in the case of Bridget in this newest work, flow right through me. I think DD was fiercely intellectual, she said she read 200-400 research books for each book she wrote. (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:10:06 03/04/09 Wed
  • What line of work was her husband in? Hard to imagine a real-life contemporary man inspiring the character of Francis Crawford! (NT) -- PeggyB, 14:14:45 03/04/09 Wed
    • Here's the Wiki page for Alastair Dunnett>>> -- celtgirl, 14:20:00 03/04/09 Wed
      • The two of them collaborated on some book about Scotland, I believe I read that somewhere. (NT) -- E, 13:00:09 03/05/09 Thu

• very long, in here>>> -- susiej, 07:14:18 03/03/09 Tue
  • Inside>>>> -- Annabel, 04:54:32 03/04/09 Wed
• I think it would be a shame to not finish the series, Susie, but obviously that's up to you. Maybe give yourself a couple of months and see if you feel like finishing them out then. No, Gelis is not likeable really, but she gets better, at least IMHO>>>> -- celtgirl, 14:18:29 03/04/09 Wed
  • There's a character named "Gelis"??? Wow, I'm seeing more and more connections between DD's books and DG's all the time! (NT) -- PeggyB, 15:01:25 03/04/09 Wed
  • I think Lymond and Nicholas are ruthless in different ways. Lymond will use violence and his cutting tongue- Nicholas hits at the purse only. And only when very upset gives a cutting remark and he usually apologizes even when the remark is very well deserved. I think he endured a much harsher childhood than Lymond and>>>> -- susiej, 07:24:42 03/05/09 Thu
    • Well, I think we'll have to agree to disagree here, Susie, because I don't see these books in the same light as you do- and truly did enjoy the last two books of this series. But as I said, everyone brings their own eyes to a story and views it in a different way, which is all good, because we love different books for different reasons. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 07:48:16 03/05/09 Thu
    • Oh Susie, I'm so sorry to hear you feel this way. >>> -- Elaine, 07:10:39 03/06/09 Fri
      • It wasn't that I saw Kathi>>>> -- celtgirl, 08:46:00 03/06/09 Fri
        • But the fortune teller in France spelled out>>>>> -- susiej, 10:00:46 03/06/09 Fri
          • >>> -- E, 11:34:50 03/06/09 Fri
        • I think I understand. Yes indeed >>> -- E, 11:38:24 03/06/09 Fri
• Wow, I thought I was mad at Gelis ! The next book is the mirror of Lymond's trip to Russia and G is not much of a player. Like Elaine says, she kind of drops to the background in the last two books. Maybe DD got tired of the battle too ! My mind is such a sieve that I remember that there is something tricky about the name "Robin", but I don't remember what it is! It made sense at the time. Evidently Kathi and the Adornes were real people and DD found information about the real Kathi after she started writing about her and had to change the direction of her character. I agree with Elaine, that you will be glad if you finish the last two books. N got caught up in his plans and took revenge on Simon and Scotland, but he is redeemed and you don't want to miss that. Plus there are some jaw droppers in the each of the next two that I did not see coming at all. Take a breath, read some chick-lit and give it another go !! (NT) -- FranS, 20:38:52 03/09/09 Mon
  • I reread the bit about Robin and it broke my heart further >>> -- susiej, 12:19:04 03/10/09 Tue
    • Don't forget that there's another Austin in the LC, but certainly this terrible sadness could be his response to (spoiler)>>>>>>> -- FranS, 14:31:56 03/11/09 Wed
      • Austin? Do you mean Robin? I'm talking about the Robin in HoN >>> -- susiej (), 07:48:28 03/12/09 Thu
        • I'm sorry, I'm such a nitwit lately as I'm distracted by my medical mysteries (appt. at Baylor tomorrow with a gynocologic oncology surgeon). Just ignore me, but isn't there another Robin somewhere? (NT) -- FranS, 08:31:40 03/12/09 Thu
        • Regarding that indefinable sorrow >>> -- E, 09:18:29 03/12/09 Thu

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]

Replies:

• I see Ringed Castle as a metaphor for Lymond, with his defences up and not letting anyone inside. That's my guess. (NT) -- Lynne, 12:29:25 02/27/09 Fri
  • That's the only thing I came up with too. To me, a "ringed Castle" brings to mind either a castle with a moat (layer of protection) around it or a castle that is surrounded and under siege. I guess Lymond would fit either imagery. Thanks. (NT) -- PeggyB, 12:31:34 02/27/09 Fri
• I think I remember someone...maybe Fran?....posting about this exact question. I'll see if I can find it on the BDB and post here. (NT) -- Lil, 19:52:23 02/28/09 Sat
• Basically my thoughts are the same as Peggy's and Lynne's. It sort of summed up Lymond's state of mind, that he was as solitary and intimidating as a lone castle, strong and powerful and surrounded by a protective wall (or moat) that kept him safely removed from everyone else who meant anything to him in his life, and kept them at a safe distance from the monster he perceives himself to be. (NT) -- E, 05:53:59 03/01/09 Sun
  • Although I did think of Lymond as the "Ringed Castle", the other titles (with the possible exception of Checkmate, which I haven't finished) don't seem to refer directly to Lymond, which is why I was wondering if there were other ideas out there. (NT) -- PeggyB, 17:53:04 03/01/09 Sun
    • Yes - I always thought of Lymond as the king on the chess board, no matter what the circumstances. And yet here I think he really is the castle - the only piece on the board that isn't human; an austere, cold and almost impenetrable structure. (NT) -- Elaine, 16:00:01 03/02/09 Mon
      • Oooooo, I never thought of that! (NT) -- PeggyB, 19:12:39 03/02/09 Mon