This is the second installment in a series of books that I have delved into by Arturo Perez-Reverte. The central character is Captain Alatriste, a 17th-century Spanish soldier who earns his living as a hired swordsman.

These books are set in Madrid and offer highly enjoyable and entertaining reading experiences. For some inexplicable reason, the New York Times has bestowed great reviews upon Perez-Reverte's works.

They make for a good choice to pass the time during a flight or a train journey. However, they are not truly spectacular. There is a certain charm and appeal to the stories, but they don't quite reach the level of being outstanding literary masterpieces.

Nonetheless, if you're looking for an engaging and light read, these books featuring Captain Alatriste can be a worthy option.

The rescue of a maiden from the clutches of a perverse abbot turns into a terrible trap for Captain Alatriste and his young protege. However, even the fearsome Inquisition of the 17th century cannot oppose the mischief and political games of the Spanish court.

Pérez-Reverte reaffirms himself as a great author in the second chapter of this saga. If possible, the unmerciful portrayal of a great power in decline is even more fascinating. The characters are splendidly sketched and the plot, although a bit lacking in the adventurous part, is very engaging.

"Purity of Blood" is a lively historical novel, beautifully written and capable of perfectly reproducing the atmosphere of a memorable historical period.

It takes the reader on a journey through a world filled with political intrigues, religious fanaticism, and the struggles of ordinary people. The detailed descriptions of the settings and the characters' emotions make the story come alive, allowing the reader to experience the events as if they were happening in front of their eyes.

Overall, "Purity of Blood" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in exploring the complex and fascinating history of Spain.

No hay mejor manera de explorar los años oscuros en los que España era todavía un imperio sobre el cual pendía la espada de Damocles de las intrigas palaciegas y la Santa Inquisición. Íñigo cuenta los hechos a través de las aventuras de Don Diego, el capitán Alatriste. Como su nombre indica, este personaje recorre tristemente la historia de España y Europa. No solo conoce a duques, condes y válidos, sino también a escritores y pintores.

Entre ellos está Diego Velázquez. En la película "Alatriste", inspirada libremente en la obra de Arturo Pérez Reverte, se muestra el cuadro "La Rendición de Breda". El director Agustín Díaz Yanes ha yuxtapuesto hábilmente este cuadro con la realidad de los hechos históricos.

Esta era la intención primordial del escritor español. Ofrecer a adultos y jóvenes un retrato de la historia de los siglos dorados y oscuros de la España imperial. Y lo hizo sin olvidarse de ensalzar a los hombres de bien y los principios que deberían regir el mundo. De esta manera, la obra de Arturo Pérez Reverte nos permite sumergirnos en un mundo lleno de intriga, acción y personajes fascinantes, y comprender mejor la historia de España en aquel tiempo.

Maybe it was slightly slower than the first one. However, once it got going, it was truly great.

At first, it seemed to be moving at a somewhat sluggish pace, causing a bit of anticipation and perhaps a touch of impatience. But then, as if a switch had been flipped, it suddenly picked up speed and began to perform magnificently.

The transformation was remarkable. What had started as a potentially lackluster experience quickly turned into something truly outstanding. It showed that sometimes, even if something begins slowly, it has the potential to shine brightly and leave a lasting impression.

We should not judge too quickly based on the initial stages, but rather give things a chance to unfold and reveal their true potential. And in this case, that patience was definitely rewarded with a great performance.

Leo las aventuras de Alatriste de manera esporádica. Sin embargo, una vez que el relato se pone bueno, es imposible soltar el libro. Y vaya aventura que me dio Reverte en esta ocasión.

“Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!” Ciertamente no Iñigo. Que susto le han dado. Él es mi narrador y estaba consciente de que tenía que salir vivo del asunto. Pero se la pusieron difícil a Alatriste.

Este libro estuvo muy bueno. Me gusta que cada historia cierre por completo. Esto es más fácil cuando se lee a destiempos, sin tener que llevar el hilo de una trama muy cerrada como sucede en otras series. De esta manera, puedo disfrutar de cada aventura por separado y no me preocupo por perder la conexión con la trama principal. Además, la escritura de Reverte es muy atractiva y me mantiene enganchado desde el principio hasta el final.

I did not read book#1.

The story is told from the Captain's protege's (Inigo) perspective. This unique point of view allows the reader to see the events unfold through the eyes of a young and impressionable character, adding an element of naivete and wonder to the narrative.

The depiction of Captain Alatriste is truly great. He is a hero who is not perfect in deeds nor intent. However, he is a good, brave, and capable mercenary who has honor. His flaws make him a more relatable and human character, and his actions inspire respect and admiration.

This book also depicts the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition, which was started in 1478. The first royal decree was in 1492, but this book is set around 1620. It is interesting to read about the public morality run amok, where everyone is scared. The author does a great job of creating a sense of fear and paranoia, making the reader feel as if they are living in that time period.

The author includes short poems embedded into the book's story. However, they didn't work for me. I prefer fiction in the prose form. The poems seemed out of place and disrupted the flow of the narrative. Nevertheless, this is a minor criticism of an otherwise excellent book.

Captain Alatriste manages to get himself into an even bigger mess than before. The Inquisition has by no means forgotten him, and a favor for a friend leads to serious tests for his thirteen-year-old page, Inigo.

This part I liked even more than the first one, and Pérez-Reverte still perfectly and convincingly describes 17th-century Spain and immerses the reader up to the neck (at least) in the atmosphere of the era. The action is fast-paced and the plot is good - what more can a reader ask for from an adventure novel?

The characters are well-developed, especially Captain Alatriste and Inigo. Their relationship evolves throughout the story, and we see both their strengths and weaknesses. The author does a great job of showing the harsh realities of life in that time period, as well as the courage and determination of those who try to survive and make a name for themselves.

Overall, this is a great continuation of the series, and I can't wait to read the next installment.

The adventures of Captain Alatriste and his loyal Inigo continue.

The encounter with the Holy Inquisition is cruel and merciless, with no useful outcome, and the past is almost impossible, and yet, as long as a man breathes - there is hope!

Quotes:

"... every true man can choose how and where to die, but no one chooses the things he remembers."

"I am not an adherent of giving advice - on someone else's grave and a hundred misfortunes are few, - but here's one for free: let your honors not have faith in a man who reads only one book."

The story of Captain Alatriste and Inigo is one filled with excitement and danger. Their battles against the Holy Inquisition are intense and the odds seem stacked against them. However, their unwavering spirit and determination keep them going. The quotes add depth and meaning to their journey, highlighting the importance of choice and the value of knowledge. The image provides a visual representation of the characters, adding to the overall atmosphere of the story. As the adventures continue, readers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to see what lies ahead for these two brave souls.

Another highly literary historical novel awaits, one that seamlessly continues the thrilling adventures of Captain Alatriste and his loyal friends.

This is not just any series; it is of utmost importance to read it in order. The events that unfold in this installment are directly connected to those in Book 1, and even the motives of the antagonists are carried forward.

As you delve into the pages of this novel, you will be transported to a world filled with action, drama, and intrigue. The vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, making you feel as if you are right there alongside Captain Alatriste and his comrades.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy a well-written adventure story, this novel is sure to captivate your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

In this exciting installment of the Alatriste series, our protagonist, Diego Alatriste, is contemplating leaving Madrid and returning to serve in the king's army, taking along his young narrator, Íñigo. However, their plans are thrown into chaos when don Francisco de Quevedo requests Alatriste's assistance in a matter involving a friend of the poet. The friend's daughter is a novice in a convent where the chaplain appears to be overly familiar with the nuns. They decide to rescue her by force, but unfortunately, Íñigo is captured by Gualterio Malatesta, who is revealed to be working for the Inquisition in this chapter.

Despite the fact that Íñigo is telling the story as an adult and we already know about the battle in which Alatriste will die (at Rocroi), the reader is still in for an exciting adventure. This time, we fear for the safety of the young squire, who at only thirteen years old, is being tortured by the guardians of the faith, whom even the powerful feared. However, Íñigo remains steadfast and refuses to betray his master. We spend several hours immersed in a world of bonfires, charred heretics, and bribes for an impeccable certificate of being an old Christian, which seems to have been the daily reality in that empire that is becoming increasingly miserable with each passing day.

Special mention must be made of Malatesta, the villain and anti-hero who is really just a reflection of Diego Alatriste, although not entirely, as his code of honor is governed by different rules. As Alatriste says, "I would very much appreciate it if you would try to grab the pistol or that sword." It seems that for now, we will be leaving Madrid and heading to Flanders, and I can't wait to accompany the captain on this new adventure.

This is the second book in the Alatriste series and is perfect for those who want to witness the decline of the world's largest empire (Spain, of course) alongside our captain Alatriste. Before making a decision about rejoining the army, Alatriste is asked by don Francisco de Quevedo to help rescue a nun from a nunnery where the chaplain is not following his vow of celibacy. However, the rescue mission goes awry when the Inquisition and the villainous Gualterio Malatesta appear. In the resulting fight, Íñigo is captured and taken to the Inquisition prison in Toledo, where his fate hangs in the balance.

In this part of the series, Pérez-Reverte shows us the dark side of the Inquisition, which is willing to torture a 13-year-old boy simply because of his suspected Jewish surname or because he doesn't seem to be an old Christian. Even the most powerful people are powerless against the Holy Office. I didn't expect Íñigo to be the central character in this book, but he is a fascinating protagonist who manages to hold his own in the face of great danger. From the beginning of the series, we know that Íñigo is telling us the story as an adult, which gives us some hope for his survival.
Just like the first book in the series, this one has a gripping story and an excellent narrative style. If you're looking for a book with a great cast of characters, exciting sword fights, and a truly evil villain, then you won't be disappointed with our captain Alatriste. See you in the next book in Flanders!

In the life that Diego Alatriste had to live, he was as much of a scoundrel as anyone else; but he was one of those scoundrels who play by certain rules. Another five stars that Alatriste gets, and a well-deserved vote to God. I didn't feel it as a second book or a continuation, but as if everything followed the same line. The previous book was last week, and this one is the next, so to speak. Then there is no kind of slump at least from my point of view, neither at a narrative level, which is beyond any doubt, nor at a plot or character level. In fact, all the adventures progress like the characters, becoming bigger and more important. By God, if I have enjoyed it, to his esteemed mercies who doubt my word, there is nothing left but to applaud.

"Limpieza de Sangre" not only recreates the atmosphere, but also the rhythm of the stylized speech of the time, the Spain of the early 17th century. An impeccable work, not only with the dialogue, but also with the poetry that is spread throughout the book. "There is nothing more despicable, nor more dangerous, than a villain who goes to sleep every night with a clear conscience." Pérez-Reverte has an enormous knowledge of the period he writes about and has well captured every point of the corruption, hypocrisy, and also the honor and kindness of the time. A dark era, a Spain in decline, those who govern it are venal and selfish at best, but Captain Diego Alatriste and his friends still behave according to their code of honor. Alatriste may be a sharp and deadly sword with a price, but he is a sword with a conscience.

"Spain, turbulent, ruined and proud. Truly, pride was the only thing we had left in our pocket. No one picked up a word carelessly thrown, and even intimate friends were capable of stabbing each other for a bad word or a lie." One of the things I most liked to read with the wonderful and sublime hand of Reverte was the description of the Spanish Inquisition, which is enlightening, and it is very likely that it does not do justice to the horrors suffered by the poor souls trapped in its claws. These poor wretches fell for various reasons. For example, having just one ancestor who was Jewish - clean blood - was what was sought, and it was more than enough to send them to the stake after being tortured to confess what the torturers wanted them to confess. All done in the name of protecting the only faith and ambitions. "Afterwards, with time, I learned that although all men are capable of good and evil, the worst are always those who, when they administer evil, do so under the pretext of the authority of others, under the pretext of the orders received."
An important theme to be treated in this second installment is that of blood purity, that of not having Jewish ancestors in past generations. Of course, with money, the antecedents could well be washed or erased. While the story has its share of action, swordplay, conspiracy and courage, it is Iñigo, the boy adopted by Alatriste, who tells us everything, including his struggles as a prisoner of the inquisition, which has the most emotional weight. Pérez-Reverte is categorical in his exposition of how bad life was in Spain, for everyone except a few, at this moment. With its good things, which are related to literature and art, or the honor and compassion that some show following a code. "Because the God of Alatriste was neither appeased with praises nor offended with oaths. He was a powerful and impassive being."
The setting and how Reverte transports us to where and how he wants. All the dialogues are priceless, the quotes unforgettable. The plot is very entertaining and full of action. What stands out the most is a very conscientious portrait of a society. A society that was forced to seek its livelihood and bread as best it could in the midst of misery. A portrait in which its discourse is beautifully adorned by very memorable quotes. Reverte successfully recreates this subject in the book, thus airing the miseries of a Spain in decline, in which anyone could denounce another to the inquisition and without any proof of not being an old Christian. In which the maravedís buy everything. Power is always the same, and power is power. "Inside you will often frequent the confessions with the beautiful servants of God, and you will treat them as wives, caressing them as honorable with the pretext that they are possessed."
It also teaches us in an illustrative way the ins and outs of the process of denunciation to the holy office, the methods of torture of the inquisition, what an act of faith consisted of, giving you a huge quality class on a very feared Spanish inquisition. I praise the use of the language of this time, from expressions to vocabulary, all perfectly integrated on each page. "On the eighth or ninth attempt, Saldaña, Alatriste, Copons, my father and other veterans of the old third of Cartagena managed to get inside the wall by pure eggs." I don't see or can put a but to this second installment. I think it is written in a sublime way like the previous one, very agile, pedagogical. I liked it so much that I had to put on the brakes and not start "El sol de Breda". I want to ration this saga a little because there is only one first time and it is really a saga and an author (whom I am going to read almost everything) who now occupy an important place on my bookshelf. "In a venal world, made of hypocrisy and false manners, the powerful, the greedy vultures, the envious, the cowards and the scoundrels usually cover each other."

Don Diego Alatriste y Pérez Reverte en estado puro

Don Diego Alatriste is a fictional character created by Spanish author Arturo Pérez-Reverte. He is a complex and fascinating figure, existing in a state of purity within the fictional world. Alatriste is a veteran of the Spanish military, a man who has seen his share of war and violence. He is tough, yet he also has a code of honor and a sense of loyalty that guides his actions. In his pure state, he is unwavering in his beliefs and committed to doing what he believes is right. His story is one of adventure, love, and loss, as he navigates the dangerous and often unforgiving world of 17th-century Spain. Pérez-Reverte brings this character to life with vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, making Don Diego Alatriste a memorable and beloved figure in Spanish literature.