Checkmate

by Dorothy Dunnett Book 6 in the The Lymond Chronicles series.

First published 1975

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4.7(771)

In 1557, Lymond returns to French service during the final phase of the Italian Wars and helps the forces of Henry II recover Calais from England. Philippa continues searching for the truth of his parentage while both confront the emotional and legal consequences of their marriage. Military victory, court manipulation and long-hidden family evidence converge in the final resolution of Lymond’s identity and future.

The French court and battlefield story are inseparable from Philippa’s investigation, because Lymond’s public usefulness cannot resolve the questions governing his private life. Calais provides a final major military achievement, while discoveries about inheritance and identity determine whether he can imagine a future beyond service. The ending brings the series’ political and emotional puzzles to the same point of decision.

Historical Periods

Mary I and the Counter-Reformation1553–1558 CE Italian Wars1494–1559 CE Early Modern France1498–1789 CE

Historical people

Mary I1516–1558 Mary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 Henry II of France1519–1559 Catherine de’ Medici1519–1589 Francis II of France1544–1560 Francis, Duke of Guise1519–1563