The Spring of the Ram

In narrating this saga, Christopher Kay displays not only exceptional vocal talent, but also sheer perseverance. The second in Dunnett's ambitious House of Niccolo series features hero, Niccolo, and a plethora of characters, from noble seductresses to hardened sailors to potentates, and always the mercantile nobles who battle, sometimes metaphorically, sometimes literally, for trade, wealth, and power. Kay employs a multitude of Italian accents and vocal nuances and captures the complex interplay of human reactions. His narration is a cool one, never overloading events with excess passion. This rich historical novel will be enjoyed by those curious about the banking world of the fifteenth century and those who love sea yarns. D.L.G. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine