[Horizons] Captain Alatriste (The Adventures of Captain Alatriste, #1) – Arturo Perez-Reverte - 4 stars

[Linda C]

The story is told through the eyes of 13 year old page, Inigo Balboa, but from the distance of time, often interjecting comments on characters and events that occur much later. He tells of an adventure that happens in 1623 when Diego Alatriste, sword for hire, is commissioned by 2 conflicting patrons to attack 2 English travelers coming to Madrid in disguise; one wanting a robbery of documents they carry, harassment but little personal damage; the other wanting their death. The ambush does not goes as intended with Alatriste backing off when he questions the agenda for these travelers. This sets up political, religious, and personal problems for Alatriste and a lot of delicate verbal footwork and swordplay to keep him from being killed himself.

Very intriguing look at Spain in the reign of Philip IV just after the defeat of the Armada and being at odds and/or battle with England, France and Holland. Also interesting is the rivalry between poets and satirists telling the events/news of the day.

[KateNZ]

I’m fond of this series - the tone reminds me a lot of the Three Musketeers. Neat characters and lots of buckling of swashes... or something...

[Theresa]

KateNZ wrote: "I’m fond of this series - the tone reminds me a lot of the Three Musketeers. Neat characters and lots of buckling of swashes... or something..."

The author referred to these Alatriste stories as very much like Dumas' 3 Musketeers. I met him several times on his promotional tours in US (I knew his simultaneous interpreter). I asked him if he had other books he had written being translated. He said only a series about a 17th Century Spaniard like one of the musketeers, but he did not expect them to ever be translated and marketed abroad because they were too steeped in 17th Century Spanish history, and not of universal appeal.

How wrong he was!

[Jgrace]

Maybe I should have tried this one. I'm floundering with The Flanders Panel

[Barbara M]

I'm thinking of picking this one up! I love history and it sounds fascinating. I've been lax in doing my Horizon this month. Nothing has hit me until this.

[Jason]

Theresa wrote: "KateNZ wrote: "I’m fond of this series - the tone reminds me a lot of the Three Musketeers. Neat characters and lots of buckling of swashes... or something..."

The author referred to these Alatris..."

This has convinced me to add to my TBR. Thanks for the back story. I mean that genuinely and sarcastically. My TBR is getting out of control.