Althea M. (althea) reviewed on 9/11/2008 + 774 more book reviews

This was initially published nearly 10 years ago, but has just been released for the first time in an english-language edition.
An intentional homage to Alexandre Dumas, the action takes place in 17th century Spain, centering on the titular 'captain' - a down-on-his luck mercenary swordsman (who may seem slightly familiar to those who've read Perez-Reverte's later novel, The Fencing Master, although he's not the same character.)
A commission goes bad (when do they not?) and the Inquisition and even royalty may be involved...
Told from the perspective of the Captain's young ward, the story sets up the atmosphere and characters well - but it's actually a very very short book - even shorter if one discounts all the lengthy 'asides' from the narrator - which add to the authentic style of the writing, but detract from the progression of events.

There are four sequels to this book, which they are planning on releasing annually, through 2009. As the person who lent me this book said, it would have been much more satisfying if they had published them all together as one big volume!

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