The main theme of the second book in the series is the Inquisition in Spain.

The historical aspect of the narrative and Arturo Pérez-Reverte's reflections on the described times are still amazing, but this time he skimped on the plot.

Perhaps he was more focused on presenting the historical details and the atmosphere of that era, rather than creating a complex and engaging storyline.

However, this does not mean that the book is not worth reading. The descriptions of the Inquisition and the characters involved are vivid and detailed, allowing the reader to gain a better understanding of this dark period in Spanish history.

Overall, while the plot may not be as strong as in some of his other works, the historical content and Pérez-Reverte's writing style make this book an interesting and informative read.

Favorite line from this book: "Never trust a man who reads only one book."

Perez-Reverte's books are translated from Spanish into English. Just like most books penned by foreign authors, they possess a distinct feel compared to American literature. In this specific book, the narrator, a thirteen-year-old boy who is the ward of Captain Alatriste, becomes embroiled in the politics and the inquisition. This occurs due to a botched rescue of a girl from a convent overseen by a lascivious priest.

These are thrilling swashbuckling tales. However, they have an edge and a depth that stems from the author's connection to a country and a people who witnessed their own greatness ascend and then decline. As a result, they have few illusions yet still retain their sense of honor. The story unfolds with vivid descriptions and engaging plot twists that keep the reader hooked from start to finish. It offers a unique perspective on history and human nature, making it a captivating read for those interested in both adventure and deeper themes.

Dicen que segundas partes nunca fueron buenas. Sin embargo, afortunadamente, hay grandes excepciones y ésta es una de ellas. Pureza de Sangre es una extraordinaria segunda visita al mundo del Capitán Alatriste. Aunque la historia es un poco más acotada en comparación con la primera, el toque de intriga, estrategias ocultas, lances frustrados y vistazos breves a lo que vendrá más adelante hacen de esta entrega una lectura ágil y extremadamente entretenida.

Puntos extra, como siempre, al magnífico retrato de época que logra Pérez-Reverte. En especial, en este capítulo tan dedicado a la oscura Santa Inquisición. Se logra transmitir de manera magistral la atmósfera y el ambiente de aquel tiempo histórico. Me gusta estar en este mundo creado por Pérez-Reverte, donde se pueden sentir las emociones y las tensiones de los personajes en medio de una historia que combina acción, intriga y un profundo conocimiento de la época.

Another swashbuckling story in the style of the Three Musketeers, set in 1620s Spain. This is a separate tale from the first book in the series, although it does pick up on two plot threads started in _Captain Alatriste_. Once again, the narrator is Inigo Balboa, the "not yet fourteen" ward of the great swordsman for hire, Captain don Diego Alatriste.

In this second novel, Alatriste is hired to infiltrate a convent and rescue a young girl who is ostensibly a nun but is actually being used as a concubine by a corrupt and powerful priest. The girl's two brothers, worried about her safety, cannot seek legal recourse because they are not of "pure blood" and have some Jewish ancestry. In "that turbulent, ruined, but still proud Spain," this makes life complex, if not deadly.

When they attempt the rescue, things go horribly wrong for everyone in the book, including Inigo, who was only supposed to have a minor role in the mission. Saying more would be spoiler territory.

I liked the author's continued excellent use of the setting, with the way Spanish society viewed those of Jewish blood, corrupt priests, and the Inquisition all being vital components of the novel. It reads quickly and is fairly short, almost novella-length. There is Three Musketeers-style action, including daring escapes, hand-to-hand combat, meeting an archnemesis, and foes who use political machinations or prefer to fight with a blade.

It's a darker tale than the first book, and I'm curious to see where the two plot threads from the first novel and continued in the second will lead.

Madrid, in the 17th century. Queen Felipe IV and Captain Alatriste have returned home and are sharing their adventures with Don Francisco de Quevedo.

In an atmosphere filled with the witch hunt by the Inquisition, with troubles, picaresque elements, and courtiers, the good will find its way amidst great difficulties.

The city of Madrid during this time is a place of mystery and danger. The Inquisition's activities cast a dark shadow over the lives of the people.

Captain Alatriste, a seasoned warrior, has many tales to tell. His adventures have taken him to far-off places and have exposed him to various challenges.

Don Francisco de Quevedo, a renowned writer and intellectual, listens intently to the captain's stories. He is fascinated by the captain's experiences and uses them as inspiration for his works.

Together, they discuss the events of the day and try to make sense of the chaos around them.

Despite the difficulties, they remain hopeful that good will prevail in the end.

The adventures of Captain Alatriste continue, still viewed through the prism of his apprentice and involuntary chronicler - the thirteen-year-old boy Iñigo Balboa. Arturo Pérez-Reverte skillfully weaves real historical characters into the narrative, adding a touch of authenticity to the breathless fable and demonstrating the usual in-depth knowledge that has long won me over as a reader.

The story unfolds with Captain Alatriste facing new challenges and encounters. Iñigo Balboa, his young protege, tags along, observing and learning from the captain's every move.

Pérez-Reverte's vivid descriptions bring the characters and the historical setting to life. We can almost see the bustling streets of 17th-century Spain, the clashes between the soldiers, and the intrigues that unfold behind the scenes.

As the story progresses, we become more invested in the fate of Captain Alatriste and Iñigo Balboa. We root for them as they navigate through the dangerous world of war and politics.

Overall, the continuation of Captain Alatriste's adventures is a captivating read that combines history, adventure, and drama in a seamless blend.

Purity of Blood is the second installment in the adventures of Captain Alatriste, the Spanish veteran soldier, as recounted by Inigo, his foster son.

This time, the story zeroes in on the Spanish Inquisition, revealing just how perilous it had become and how its power permeated the entire land. The King's Chief Minister, the influential, reform-minded, and conniving Olivares, is cautious about taking it on, despite being the ultimate target of its machinations.

All the characters from the first book, 'Captain Alatriste', make an appearance in this one. This includes Alatriste's nemesis, the Italian Gualterio Malatesta, and, of course, Bocanegra, the Spanish Inquisitor.

The characters are, without a doubt, the central focus of the story. They are expertly crafted and complex. The plotting, while not overly convoluted, does meander in certain areas. Set in 17th-century Madrid, the setting feels incredibly realistic. The atmosphere created makes you feel as if you're not reading a book at all. The pacing is perfect, and the story builds up to a climactic ending. There are, of course, nods and homages to Dumas’s Muskateer adventures. Inigo’s infatuation with Angélica de Alquézar is just as dangerous as Milady, and the scheming Gualterio Malatesta character echoes the devious and dangerous Richelieu. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is full of panache and swashbuckling action, complete with vivid and exhilarating fight scenes. It's a good old-fashioned adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

A well-told tale of heroism and pride unfolds. I appreciate that the author has carved out a new niche in historical fiction set in Counter-Reformation Spain, which is roughly contemporary with Dumas' Musketeers. His writing style, initially uncertain to me, has grown on me, to the extent that I've even found myself exclaiming "S'blood!" in the past day or so. Just like Dumas, he delights in linking his fiction to real historical figures and weaving in snippets of poetry and references to various artists, poets, and playwrights of the era. This makes it an excellent entry point for those who find history to be a rather dry subject.

However, I must admit to a certain ambivalence regarding the fact that the chief villains in the piece are Dominican friars and the Spanish Inquisition. Despite the popular mythology that such individuals reveled in torturing lies out of people, the historical evidence of this period presents a far more complex picture. In fact, it was often the Church that sought to curb the excesses of the state and the mob. More than once, churches are referred to in this book as places of sanctuary, chiefly to give everyone the chance to cool off and consider their intended actions. But in our current time, the idea of religious fanaticism is regarded with particular suspicion, and so it is natural that these serve as the foil for the heroes we are currently creating.

I'm not entirely sure in what order these books are meant to be read or were written. I had thought this was the third, but it refers to The Sun over Breda in the future tense. In fact, it hasn't mattered greatly.

An intriguing plot line and some enigmatic characters make for an exciting story.

The story is set in Spain during the 1600s when the Inquisition and all manner of evil-doings, among rulers and opportunists, drove the culture.

Once I got into the story-line, I was completely hooked.

The struggle for me was that, as a translation loaded with references to people, places, and events of the time, keeping all the players and locations straight detracted from the flow and often my comprehension of what was going on.

However, once I set aside the need to remember the particulars, I found the pace and intricacies of the tale informative and great fun.

The author spares no detail about the horrors of torture, executions, sadism, and the ruthlessness of the times. This serves as a reminder of how debased mankind has been throughout history.

Greed and power are prominent themes not to be missed here. But there is also the demonstration of courage, loyalty, and the pursuit of fairness and good, even when that is a risky business.

Overall, it's a captivating read that offers a vivid portrayal of a dark and tumultuous era.

I absolutely adored this book from the very first page to the last. It is a magnificent swashbuckling story set in the golden age of Spain.

Surprisingly, it didn't unfold in the way I had anticipated. Instead, it took dark and unexpected twists and turns, revealing the corrupt and rotten underbelly of that seemingly glorious era.

Alatriste is a reluctant hero, yet a true one. In the first book, when I noticed his surname was Alatriste y Tenorio, I initially thought it couldn't be THAT Tenorio. But, lo and behold, it turns out he is related to Don Juan in some way.

This makes him the perfect candidate to undertake a daring raid on a convent that is as well-guarded as a citadel. Who else could possibly be a better choice for such a perilous task? Indeed, no one.

The story is filled with excitement, adventure, and complex characters, making it a truly captivating read. I can't wait to see what other adventures await Alatriste in the remaining books of the series.

I'm an extremely enthusiastic Perez-Reverte fan, as I have already read three of his contemporary novels. This time, it was my initial attempt at one of his historical novels.

I didn't read the first Capt. Alatrice novel, yet this one can be enjoyed independently without any issues. Inigo serves as a great contrast to the captain's cold exterior. It's fascinating to observe how Inigo views him as a role model and, in fact, transforms into him as an adult.

The mid-17th century Madrid is vividly portrayed.

I have a great affection for the interweaving of poetry throughout the story, with both real and fabricated verses from Spain's golden age. However, the setting is during her long and gradual decline. It was a colossal mistake to expel the Jews and conquer the Moors, Isabel!

There is definitely an element of suspense when Inigo is captured by the malevolent inhabitants of the Inquisition. I recently read a fictionalized biography of Elizabeth I, and the heretic burnings described here bear a resemblance to those of her era.

This story is not as entertaining as the first one, but it has a very particular charm that makes it engaging in its own way.

However, I wasn't a fan of those snippets of sonnets scattered here and there. Instead of feeling like an integral part of the narrative, they seemed more like filler, as if the author was using them just to reach a certain word count.

The story itself is concise and to the point, but that's about it. There isn't much depth or complexity to it. It's a straightforward tale that gets the job done, but it doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Overall, while it has its moments of entertainment, it falls short in several areas and doesn't quite measure up to what could have been a more engaging and memorable read.