Book Review

[kenjari]

Gemini
by Dorothy Dunnett

This book finishes the eight volume House of Niccolo series. Dunnett wraps up all the threads and conflicts beautifully, often in surprising ways. Rather than get into the plot, though, I'm going to talk about some of my favorite characters.
Nicholas de Fleury: Dunnett's main character is utterly fascinating, thoroughly lifelike, and disarmingly likable. Even when I didn't like what he was doing or how he was behaving, I was still riveted to his story. It is the mysteries of his past and the resolution of his internal conflicts that drive the series.
Gelis van Borselen: I admired her terribly for her strength, intelligence, her courage, and her daring. Even when I didn't like what she was doing, either. She is both the perfect partner for Nicholas and a compelling individual in her own right. One of the things I liked best about Gemini was finally seeing her and Nicholas working together as the formidable team it was always clear they could be.
Anselm Adorne: One of the most honorable and competent people in Nicholas' world, Anselm is one of the pillars of both Nicholas' life and the series as a whole. The relationship between Anselm and Nicholas goes through many changes, but it is always one of respect. Adorne is a truly good and great man, and I think Nicholas learns a great deal from him.
Katelijne Sersanders: Adorne's intelligent, clever, energetic niece is another of Nicholas' best and truest friends. She is one of the few people who really understand him. She reminded me a lot of ladybird97 in a way - if this series were a LARP event, Katelijne is the person she would play.
Jordan St. Pol: He's more or less the villain of the piece, but Jordan is a great character. His motivations are complex and often hidden, he's clever and subtle, he's often cruel and ruthless, but his appearances are some of the best scenes in the series.

Comments

[ladybird97.livejournal.com]

Awwww :) Thank you!

Now I'm considering trying the Niccolo series again, so I can meet her :)

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Katelijne doesn't make her appearance until book 5 (The Unicorn Hunt). I really liked the series as a whole. Reading it is a time committment, though - eight books and none of them short or quick to read.

[ladybird97.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know. I think I conked out somewhere around the beginning of Book 3 - I was getting a little fed up with Niccolo as a character :) But I've been looking for something new to read, and don't mind a long series that will keep me busy for a while. I'll check it out!