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CAPTAIN ALATRISTE
--KIRKUS REVIEWS [April 1, 2005]
The first of a projected five historicals from Perez-Reverte [Queen of the South 2004, etc] about the dashing fighter and gallant Alatriste. When he's 13, in 1620 or so, Inigo Balboa goes to live for good with Captain Alatriste, Inigo's own father being dead [he'd been a comrade in arms with Alatriste] and it being Alatriste's honor to care for the boy. Having achieved high fame as a soldier, Alatriste now earns his living as a hired killer in the dangerous streets and Byzantine politics of imperial Madrid.
A pleasure of swash, buckle and atmosphere, along with tidy infomercials on topics such as the poetry, theatre and the traditions of the day. (Film rights to director Agustin Diaz Yanes and Estudios Piccaso/Origen Producciones Cinematograficos S.A, with Viggo Mortensen starring in the Spanish-language film)
LIBRARY JOURNAL [April 1, 2005] Starred Review
This is as gripping as any swashbuckler, with Spain's Golden Age tellingly resurrected, but it is a much more sobering tale of honor, responsibility, and political machination. Captain Alatriste's powerful personality fairly radiates from the page. Highly recommended.
-Barbara Hoffert
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