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The Game Of Kings

The Lymond Chronicles Book One

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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett, read by David Monteath.

It is 1547 and, after five years imprisonment and exile far from his homeland, Francis Crawford of Lymond - scholar, soldier, rebel, nobleman, outlaw - has at last come back to Edinburgh.

But for many in an already divided Scotland, where conspiracies swarm around the infant Queen Mary like clouds of midges, he is not welcome.

Lymond is wanted for treason and murder, and he is accompanied by a band of killers and ruffians who will only bring further violence and strife.

Is he back to foment rebellion?
Does he seek revenge on those who banished him?
Or has he returned to clear his name?

No one but the enigmatic Lymond himself knows the truth - and no one will discover it until he is ready . . .

 Action & Adventure Europe Great Britain Historical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Thriller & Suspense World Literature Scotland Royalty Fiction Suspense

Critic reviews

Praise for Dorothy Dunnett
A storyteller who could teach Scheherazade a thing or two about pace, suspense and imaginative invention
Marvellous, breathtaking
A masterpiece of historical fiction
One of the greatest tale-spinners since Dumas
Lashings of excitement, colour and subtlety
Vivid, engaging, densely plotted - are almost certainly destined to be counted among the classics of popular fiction
All stars
Most relevant
First read this in paper form many years ago. together with the others in series. my favourite books. have them all on my shelf. having them in this format means I can enjoy whilst taking care of all the rest of the the things I need to. wonderful.

loved it

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I have read all the Dorothy Dunnett books so was concerned that an Audible version might not live up to expectations. I was not sure to start with but the more I listened the more I was drawn into the story again. Brilliant narration and I am looking forward to listening to book 2 Queens Play.

I Love Dorothy Dunnett

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I read this series over 35 years ago, it was,and is, the best I have ever read. No book I have read since then comes close. In particular, Lymond's stirring speech on patriotism is enhanced in the audible version.
This is the first book and essential to the series, a banquet of literary writing awaits you upon reading this series.

Incomparable

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This is a beautifully written story. It is interesting and thoroughly entertaining. But the true magic of this audio book is the narration. Truly exceptional. The best of any audiobook I’ve experienced. The story comes to life under the narration. Highly recommended.

Fantastic audio book

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Brilliant book. Best I’ve ever read.
Probably the best Historical Fiction there is. Ignore the poor reviews - some people just don’t “get” Lymond. Which is such a shame. He’s brilliant, shining, talented, loyal and flawed.
Persevere - he’s worth it.
The audible was good but I found it a little difficult at times to distinguish who was actually speaking.

You either “Get” Lymond or you don’t

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