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Arturo Pérez-Reverte once again strikes with the second chapter of Captain Alatriste's adventures, “Purity of Blood.”

If the first novel introduced us to a Golden Age mired in mud and blood, this second act drives the knife even deeper into the shadows of 17th-century Spain, presenting us with an even darker and more unforgiving fresco.

The setting is extraordinarily vivid: Madrid is not just the stage for the events but a living organism, corrupt and pitiless, where the nobility and the clergy manipulate their plots, often to the detriment of those who lack the privilege of name or wealth. And among the latter is precisely Alatriste, a soldier without illusions, whose sword is the only tool for survival in a world where honor has a price and loyalty is a rare commodity.

Pérez-Reverte's narration is, as always, masterful: rich, intense, and steeped in that rough lyricism that makes his style unmistakable. “Purity of Blood” is even cruder than the first novel: the reader finds himself immersed in lethal intrigues, conspiracies, and fanaticisms, while the Inquisition looms as a menacing shadow capable of sweeping away anyone who dares to cross its path.

Diego Alatriste remains a character of extraordinary power: a disillusioned man but not yet completely defeated, who fights not for abstract ideals but for sheer survival. Beside him, the young Iñigo Balboa continues to grow, learning firsthand what it means to live in an era where honor is paid for with blood and the word “justice” has a very relative meaning.

A book that charms and wounds, that fascinates and disturbs. “Purity of Blood” is the confirmation that the Captain Alatriste saga is not just a great homage to adventure literature but also a journey into the darkest and most fascinating soul of Spanish history. If you loved the first one, this will keep you even more glued to the pages. Absolutely recommended.

Favorite new word from this novel: "desencuadernada" (the book without a binding), a euphemism for a deck of cards; ironically juxtaposed to the "men who read just one book" (the men of the Inquisition who constituted the novel's primary nemeses).

The second installment of the series is similar to the first, yet it takes a darker turn. Set in 1620s Spain, this darkness feels more realistic within the context of the story. When I say dark, it's not something that would overly shock a Harry Potter fan. That's quite impressive, especially considering that our narrator spends a significant portion of the novel as a prisoner of the Inquisition. Perez-Reverte keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout most of the novel, making us wonder how on earth the characters could possibly escape this seemingly impossible situation. As various levels of authority fail them in entirely plausible ways, it adds to the sense of tension and uncertainty. Moreover, this novel casts a considerably more critical eye than the first on the complex web of iniquities that accompanied Spain's long decline in the 17th century, including the monarchy, the Church, and even the gullible Spanish people themselves. Nevertheless, like the others in the series, it remains a romantic adventure, so there's no need to worry too much.

Continuación de las aventuras de Alatriste y apenas he notado que sea un segundo libro: mismo tono, atmósfera, personajes...

This time, we see how Alatriste and Iñigo de Balboa fall into the hands of the Inquisition. Thanks to Reverte's mastery of language, we are submerged in this era of the decline of the Spanish Empire.

And this is what is awakening the most interest in me in these books: how one of the greatest empires that have existed is collapsing due to greed, corruption, and violence, and yet there are still people with honor when it is easy to do the opposite.

Reverte does an excellent job of描绘 this complex and tumultuous period, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the midst of the action. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying this series and look forward to seeing what adventures await Alatriste and Iñigo in the next installment.