Limpieza de Sangre

In this story, Alatriste finds himself embroiled in a rescue operation at a convent, which unfortunately leads to Iñigo being imprisoned by the Inquisition.

There are some really excellent action scenes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Additionally, Iñigo's character develops in terms of his loyalty to Alatriste, and vice versa. The relationship between the two characters adds depth and complexity to the story.

However, I did feel that the book was a bit short. Since I read it as an e-book, I'm not sure if this is because the actual book is short or if it just seemed that way because I was enjoying it so much. Despite its length, it still managed to pack a punch and left me wanting more.

Overall, I would rate this book 4 stars. It has great action, interesting characters, and a captivating storyline. I would definitely recommend it to fans of historical fiction and adventure.

Each one I like more than the previous one.

It is a stylistic beauty and a very stubborn story.

It is a genius.

This statement implies that there is a series of things or works that the speaker has encountered or experienced. Each successive one has managed to surpass the one before in terms of both its aesthetic appeal and the tenacity of its story.

The use of the word "genius" suggests that the speaker views these creations as being of extraordinary quality and perhaps even having a certain level of inspiration or innovation.

It could be that these are works of art, literature, music, or any other form of creative expression that has left a deep impression on the speaker.

The repetition of the phrase "cada uno me gusta más que el anterior" emphasizes the speaker's growing admiration and appreciation for each new addition to the series.

Overall, this short text conveys a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for the creative works that the speaker has discovered.

This was truly delightful. It encompassed a great deal of the dark and fascinating aspects of European history, particularly Spanish history. There were dungeons, torture, intense executions, and old monasteries. Essentially, it was about the Spanish Inquisition. So, yes, all the bloody and tragic elements that one isn't supposed to like. However, it also glorified the good side of Spain, the literature and art that emerged during this golden age. I appreciate that this purpose was achieved while also presenting Spain's atrocities instead of hiding them away.

I had to read this without first reading the first book as my library didn't have an e-audiobook for the first one. But I had already seen the ridiculously long movie and thought this would be a good start. Alatriste is a great character, although I wonder if it might not have been better to have him as the point of view. Maybe not, as part of his allure is seeing this stoic person and wondering what is going on inside. Although I liked it, not much really stood out as amazing or grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I did appreciate the audio, with Simon Vance getting the accent right, except for one occasion when he didn't. Someday, I hope to be able to read this in Spanish, the way it should be read.

The quotes in the book are also quite thought-provoking. For example, "Never trust a man who reads only one book." This makes one think about the importance of having a wide range of knowledge and not being limited by a single source. Another quote, "...the problem with words is that once spoken, they cannot find their way back to the speaker alone." It highlights the power and permanence of words. There are many other such quotes that add depth and meaning to the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more about Alatriste and his adventures. It has given me a new perspective on Spanish history and culture, and I can't wait to explore it further.

I don't usually read two books by the same author so closely. But after the guided tour of literary Madrid and the several mentions of the character created by Pérez Reverte, I decided to pick up the second book of the series many years after having read the first one.

I have had a great time reading it, especially because of the author's imitation of the language of the era and the description of the customs and the Spanish character. In addition, I have remembered some things about the Inquisition that I had already forgotten.

The story is full of adventure, mystery, and historical details that make it a very engaging read. The characters are well-developed and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or wants to learn more about Spanish history and culture.

Pure norms, characteristic height, and incisive character analysis. Among the hardest-to-find books since Patakis Editions have stopped its circulation, 'The Purity of Blood' is a possible historical drama that follows the journey of Captain Alatriste and his young follower, Íñigo Balboa (the story is told from his perspective) in a glorious Spain that is, however, declining.

Religious darkness, hypocrisy, wealth that buys consciences and privileges, a dissolute king, and the constant threat of paid assassins and despicable villains lurking in dark corners compose the framework of our story within which Captain Alatriste fights to save himself and his friends from a terrible conspiracy that endangers their lives.

The translation is quite good and conveys to a large extent the personal stamp of the author.

But that is the way of life, and that was but one of the first times.

It was a profound experience that taught me a useful lesson about how appearances can often trump truth, and how villains are adept at hiding their vices behind masks of piety, honor, and decency.

In Spain, priests are abusing their position of authority to influence novices at a convent. Captain Alitriste is engaged by a father and his sons to rescue his daughter from the heinous clutches of a particular chaplain. However, the story takes an unexpected turn and mutates into a mission to save Alitriste's ward from the Inquisition.

Although the book managed to find its rhythm quite easily, I couldn't help but feel that it never truly reached its full potential. For my tastes, the book was disappointingly short. This is one of my favorite authors, and I firmly believe that he could have crafted a truly outstanding tale with this premise.

Surprisingly, except for the initial discussion about the problem at the nunnery, it is never mentioned again. This topic seemed like a veritable treasure trove of ideas just waiting to be explored. Additionally, there is only one notable sword fight in the entire book.

As an outline or rough draft, this was indeed a great book. However, I just wish Perez-Reverte had delved deeper and done more to flesh out the story and its various elements.

This is a really childish story with little action and a lot of the experiences of the young hero.

Instead of fighting against the evil Malatest, all the adventures are filled with boring historical facts about the Inquisition and Judaism.

The girl Angelica, like many child heroes, evokes an incredible aversion, and the storyline with her brings a cosmic melancholy.

In general, let's see what's in the next book! It should all just be exciting before the serious battle! I crossed my fingers!

Reading "Alatriste" is like feeling at home. You know exactly what you're going to encounter: the style, the characters, the adventures, our Spanish history, the language, and the expressions of the author. It's a world that is so familiar and comforting, just like one's own home. The story unfolds in a way that draws you in and makes you feel as if you are a part of it. You become invested in the lives of the characters, their joys and sorrows, their victories and defeats. And just like one always wants to return to the warmth and security of home, you always want to come back to the pages of "Alatriste" and experience it all over again. It's a literary homecoming that never gets old.

Second delivery and I liked it more than the first one.

This shows promise. It seems that with each new installment, there is an improvement and a growing sense of anticipation.

Perhaps it's the development of the story, the characters becoming more fleshed out, or the introduction of new and exciting elements.

Whatever the reason, it's clear that this has the potential to be something really great.

I'm looking forward to seeing how it continues to evolve and what surprises it has in store for me in the future.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with this second delivery and can't wait for more.

Perez-Reverte penned many of the Captain Alatriste novels prior to achieving widespread readership in English. His other works, especially "The Queen of the South," are, in my opinion, far better written. The Alatriste series is just now being translated, I suspect due to the success of his other endeavors.

This volume not only recreates the atmosphere but also the rhythm of the stylized discourse of 17th-century Spain. I commend the translator for a job well done, not only with the dialogue but also with the poetry that is scattered throughout the book.

It is evident to me that Perez-Reverte has a great sense of the period he is writing about and has effectively captured the corruption, hypocrisy, and misdirected chivalry of the time. Spain is in decline, and those who rule her are at best venal and self-serving, yet the Captain and his friends continue to act in accordance with their code of honor. Alatriste may be a mercenary, but he is a mercenary with a conscience.

The description of the Inquisition is enlightening and most likely does not fully convey the horrors inflicted on the poor souls caught in its grip. Just having a Jewish ancestor was enough to send one to the stake after being tortured into confessing whatever the torturers desired. All of this was done in the name of protecting the one true faith.

This reminds me a little of the insistence by many Americans that public patriotism is an absolute necessity for our politicians if they wish to be elected. The Inquisition contributed to Spain's loss of preeminence. Could unquestioning patriotism and the Department of Homeland Security have the same effect on the U.S.?

While the story has its share of action, swordplay, conspiracy, and courage, it is Inigo, Alatriste's adopted charge, relating his struggles as a prisoner of the Inquisition that I remember most.

Perez-Reverte is unwavering in his exposure of how difficult life in Spain was for all but a few at this time. I recommend both the Alatriste books and his other works. I have never been disappointed with one of his novels.

I liked this one more than the first book in the series, but I still don't know if I will read the others.

Speaking first in a positive way: I like the description it gives of the era, especially of the daily situations, and I think it is a good way to delve in and start to learn about the fascinating (in my opinion) Golden Age, especially for the younger ones or those who don't know much about the topic. I also like that Quevedo is a character (although I don't completely share the characterization that is made of him) and some secondary characters, like the Count of Guadalmedina or Olivares, are very good.

Moving on to the more negative part: what I didn't like is that it seems to me that the author wants to give us lessons all the time, as if he were too insistent on making us know what is right and what is wrong (and he uses the character of Quevedo a lot for this). I understand that it is a juvenile work, and somewhat didactic, but that is something that I don't appreciate too much in any literary work. On the other hand, it has already been said that Reverte doesn't know how to create female characters and I think it is completely true. The few that appear in this book (Caridad la Lebrijana or Angélica de Alquézar) are a cliché that almost borders on the absurd.

In summary, the book suffers from the same defects that have been pointed out in Reverte's work, but it is informative and entertaining if one wants to introduce oneself to the era of Felipe IV.

I am a fan of the Alistair series.

It consists of some really pleasant books to read.

The stories in this series are engaging and full of adventure.

The characters are well-developed and interesting, which makes it easy for readers to get attached to them.

The plots are often filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you are a fan of fantasy, mystery, or adventure, there is something in the Alistair series for you.

The writing style is also very accessible, making it a great choice for both young and adult readers.

Overall, I highly recommend the Alistair series to anyone looking for a good read.