Read everything by Patrick O'Brian? Looking for more historical fiction on the high seas? Intrigue, honor, war, and the sword are the subjects of Perez-Reverte's fast-paced "Captain Alatriste" novels, set in 17th century Spain.

posted Nov 7, 2008 at 11:08AM

Captain Alatriste is a soldier for a country that’s down on its luck. Spain’s unbeatable Armada has been beaten, and the Spanish Inquisition is under way. So Alatriste makes his living hiring out his hand and his sword. One such employment—coming just when it’s needed most, as Alatriste has just gotten out of debtor’s prison—has Alatriste and a fellow assassin quietly snuffing out the lives of two English travelers late one night. But something about the Englishmen, something noble and worthy, stays Alatriste’s hand. His sense of honor now re-awoken, Alatriste finds himself smack in the middle of a political intrigue involving the most powerful political forces in seventeenth century Spain and England. Narrated with acute observation by Alatriste’s young squire Iñigo and chock-full of rich historical detail, Captain Alatriste is an ideal swashbuckler. This is cloak-and-dagger action that highlights a thoughtful, elegant plot with a dashing hero who is worth following into any adventure. Captain Alatriste is the introductory title in a series about the heroic swordsman; every title has been a bestseller in author Arturo Pérez-Reverte’s Spanish homeland. Elegant new translations ensure that Alatriste will win hearts on this side of the ocean just as easily. The sequels, in order, are Purity of Blood, The Sun Over Breda, and The King’s Gold. Pérez-Reverte is a master of these literary historical thrillers; for more of his swashbuckling style, try The Fencing Master as well.

posted Jun 23, 2009 at 2:24PM

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