Title: The Disorderly Knights
Author: Dorothy Dunnett
First published January 1, 1966
503 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780679777458 (ISBN10: 0679777458)
Rating: 4.59
Overview
The Disorderly Knights is the thrilling third installment in The Lymond Chronicles, the celebrated series of historical novels by Dorothy Dunnett. Set in the year 1551, the book follows the journey of Francis Crawford of Lymond as he travels to Malta to aid the Knights of Hospitallers in their fight against the Turks.
As he delves deeper into the mission, Crawford uncovers an internal strife brewing among the Knights, with multiple factions vying for power and control. With his sword at the ready and his intellect sharp, Crawford must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and power to ensure that the true enemy is defeated.
Full of action, suspense, and intrigue, The Disorderly Knights is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
About the Author
Dorothy Dunnett, an OBE-awarded historical novelist from Scotland, has made a name for herself through her captivating works. Among her repertoire, The Lymond Chronicles, a six-part series featuring Francis Crawford of Lymond, remains a fan favorite.
Following this, she published The House of Niccolò, an eight-part prequel. Dunnett also explored the life of Macbeth in her novel King Hereafter and produced a series of mystery novels that revolve around Johnson Johnson, a dual-career portrait painter and spy.
If you’re a fan of her works, check out the Dorothy Dunnett Society website, a fan site dedicated to her legacy.
Editoral Review
The Disorderly Knights by Dorothy Dunnett is the third novel in the famous Lymond Chronicles, a six-part historical fiction series set in sixteenth-century Europe. Dorothy Dunnett is known for her meticulous attention to historical detail and her ability to craft intricate and engaging plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel begins with Francis Lymond, a remarkable and complex protagonist, returning to Scotland after a long absence. The country is in peril, as rebellious factions threaten to tear apart the fragile political alliances that keep it together.
Lymond, a former nobleman-turned-outlaw, must navigate this treacherous landscape to save his country and his family from destruction. Along the way, he must confront personal demons and face difficult choices that will determine his fate.
Dunnett’s writing is masterful, drawing readers into the story with vivid descriptions and clever dialogue that brings the characters to life. The Disorderly Knights is a deeply immersive and engaging work of historical fiction that conveys a sense of the period with extraordinary detail.
Dunnett’s characterization is one of The Disorderly Knights’ most significant strengths. Francis Lymond is a deeply flawed, multi-dimensional character whose struggles and motivations feel real and relatable.
The novel’s supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each with their unique personalities and motivations that drive the story forward. The novel’s pacing is another major strength, as Dunnett keeps the story moving at a brisk pace without sacrificing depth or complexity.
The storyline is intricate and multi-layered, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged throughout. The Disorderly Knights’ historical significance is profound, as the novel is set during a period of turmoil in Scotland’s history.
Dunnett’s vivid portrayal of the political and social landscape of sixteenth-century Europe adds depth and rich historical context to the story. However, the novel’s complexity may be daunting to those who are unfamiliar with Dunnett’s writing style.
The book requires significant attention to detail and careful reading to appreciate fully. Additionally, some readers may find the period-specific jargon and complex political backdrop challenging to follow.
Despite these minor flaws, The Disorderly Knights is an impressive work of historical fiction that engages readers with its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and immersive historical context. Fans of the genre will find much to admire in Dunnett’s masterful storytelling and profound understanding of historical nuance.
Overall, I highly recommend The Disorderly Knights to anyone interested in historical fiction or classic adventure stories. The book offers a compelling and deeply immersive experience that readers are sure to enjoy.
I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
