Dunnett is highly acclaimed for her two historical fiction series–the six-book Lymond Chronicles, set in the late 16th century and the eight-book House of Niccolo set in the 15th century But their sheer length can make especially daunting, so the stand alone King Hereafter with Dunnett's own theory about the identity of the 11th century King MacBeth, familiar to most of us only through the Shakespeare play, is great introduction to Dunnett's sweeping, intricate, convincing depiction of of the life and politics of the eras of her settings.
In this case the story is full of action in settings as various as the Orkney Islands, Scandinavia, England, Ireland and Rome and the cast of characters ranging from the Holy Roman Emperor to popes, Lady Godiva, and of course, Lady MacBeth. Great battles on land and seas, political intrigue, friendship and (naturally) betrayal, keep the pages turning in this epic and heartbreaking tale that may convince you to embark on one of the longer journeys through history that Dunnett left us.
by econoquist