Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Plume (2006), Paperback, 288 pages
Description
Fiction. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML:The second swashbuckling adventure in the internationally acclaimed Captain Alatriste seriesCaptain Alatriste, Madrid�s most charismatic swashbuckler, returns in Perez-Reverte�s acclaimed international bestseller. The fearless Alatriste is hired to infiltrate a convent and rescue a young girl forced to serve as a powerful priest�s concubine. The girl�s father is barred from legal recourse as the priest threatens to reveal that the man�s family is �not of pure blood� and is, in fact, of Jewish descent�which will all but destroy the family name. As Alatriste struggles to save the young hostage from being burned at the stake, he soon finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into a conspiracy that leads all the way to the heart of the Spanish Inquisition. A literary thriller that delivers adventure and rich historical detail, Purity of Blood captivates to the final page.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member dfullmer
This book reminded me of the Shadow of the Wind. I enjoyed it very much, and am looking forward to reading his other stuff.
LibraryThing member teaperson
Quite the swashbuckling tale. But it tends to bog down in bits of Spanish history. I think one might be better served to read the first one in the series first (I did not).
LibraryThing member neurodrew
The second of the novels about Captain Alatriste, a Spanish swordsman in the Madrid of Phillip the Fourth in 17th century Spain, and his complex adventures. He is involved this time in a failed plot to rescue a nun held against her will; his ward, the narrator of the novel, is captured and held by
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the Inquistion. Alatriste and his allies find that their main opponent is not as pure of blood as he seems, and uses that to secure the release of Alatriste’s ward. Exceptional detail and color in the novel, good plot, very well written Show Less
LibraryThing member kalobo
Brought up on Zorro, the Three Musketeers and the Scarlet Pimpernel, I was hooked on the Spanish Captain Alatriste by page two and eagerly await each new installment. Perez-Reverte writes with an intelligence often lacking in great adventures like these.
LibraryThing member dougwood57
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Auto de Fe, Anyone?, October 5, 2007
'Purity of Blood' is the second in the Captain Alatriste series. Pereze-Reverte once again takes the reader to 17th century Spain and the rule of Philip IV and the Spanish Inquisition. Monty Python may not have
The story is fairly straightforward. Alatriste's poet friend the don Francisco Quevedo (an historical figure) seeks the swordfighter's help in freeing a family friend from an "unpleasant" life in a convent. Mayhem ensues and our narrator young Inigo Balboa finds himself in the tender clutches of the Inquisition.
A good story, but Perez-Rverte's real strength is putting the reader inside the skin of a 17th century hidalgo as well as the fears of living in a society where the Inquisition holds sway. The presentation of an auto de fe through the eyes of one its, umm, participants is fascinating. I highly recommend reading Captain Alatriste first. You will understand and enjoy the book much more.
Auto de Fe, Anyone?, October 5, 2007
'Purity of Blood' is the second in the Captain Alatriste series. Pereze-Reverte once again takes the reader to 17th century Spain and the rule of Philip IV and the Spanish Inquisition. Monty Python may not have
Show More
expected it, but the Spanish Inquisition is at the heart of this tale. The story is fairly straightforward. Alatriste's poet friend the don Francisco Quevedo (an historical figure) seeks the swordfighter's help in freeing a family friend from an "unpleasant" life in a convent. Mayhem ensues and our narrator young Inigo Balboa finds himself in the tender clutches of the Inquisition.
A good story, but Perez-Rverte's real strength is putting the reader inside the skin of a 17th century hidalgo as well as the fears of living in a society where the Inquisition holds sway. The presentation of an auto de fe through the eyes of one its, umm, participants is fascinating. I highly recommend reading Captain Alatriste first. You will understand and enjoy the book much more.
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LibraryThing member bhowell
One reviewer mentioned "Auto de Fe". if this is a reference to the book by Elias Canetti which I have read I don't think this book is for me.
LibraryThing member Harrietthespy
This is the second book in the Captain Alatriste series.
LibraryThing member picardyrose
Too much emphasis on the sidekick; not enough Capitan.
LibraryThing member TadAD
This is the second in Pérez-Reverte's series about Diego Alatriste, a sword-for-hire in 17th century Spain. Moving from the intrigues with England of the first book, this story brings the characters up against the Spanish Inquisition, as Alatriste and Iñigo are betrayed in an attempt to extract a
The plot line of the book is not overly strong. Nothing unexpected happens to surprise the reader. However, the pacing is well done and the book is a quick and pleasant read. In the balance, I'd have to say I enjoyed this slightly less than Captain Alatriste, but will not hesitate to read the third. As with the first book, fans of Dumas' musketeer books will likely enjoy this one, though I continue in my belief that the books are not as similar as many make out—the persective of gallant, somewhat naïve d'Artagnan gives us a far different world than that of the cynical, brutal, somewhat amoral Alatriste.
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young girl from a convent. These are not sugar-coated historical romances. The author has no hesitation over populating the story with fanatic priests who will torture major characters, with corrupt political figures who do not scruple to burn innocents at the stake in order to score a political "point" over an opponent. Nor does he attempt to make his main characters more sympathetic by imbuing them with 21st century mentalities.The plot line of the book is not overly strong. Nothing unexpected happens to surprise the reader. However, the pacing is well done and the book is a quick and pleasant read. In the balance, I'd have to say I enjoyed this slightly less than Captain Alatriste, but will not hesitate to read the third. As with the first book, fans of Dumas' musketeer books will likely enjoy this one, though I continue in my belief that the books are not as similar as many make out—the persective of gallant, somewhat naïve d'Artagnan gives us a far different world than that of the cynical, brutal, somewhat amoral Alatriste.
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LibraryThing member kristenn
Not quite as engaging as the first book in the series. The plot is just as dour, but lacks the grand significance. The Inquisition is involved but never at risk of being affected. And the narrator is getting annoying with his constant vague references to what came before and what will eventually
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happen later in his own life. He's not half as interesting as his master. The convoluted local politics required more of a refresher course than was given; we're not all reading the series without pause. Swashbuckling action sequences remain well done and the culture is vivid, if tragic. Show Less
LibraryThing member iftyzaidi
The second book of the adventures of Captain Alatriste. What I really enjoy about this series is how well it seems to capture the flavour of a time and place that is no more (17th century Hapsburg Spain). An engrossing work of swashbuckling historical fiction.
LibraryThing member Neilsantos
Well this is the second one, it's still told in flashback, and the conflict is still entered and resolved by someone other than the main characters. Exactly as the first. I skipped the last 15 pages or so once it was obvious that the characters weren't actually going to act, but knew everything
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would work out (again, the hazard of flashbacks). Show Less
LibraryThing member Ronrose1
This is a good old fashioned swashbuckler. Speaking for one who hasn't bucked their swash in a long time, I really enjoyed this book. Steeped in the ambiente of Spain in the merciless grip of the Inquisition, the book takes us back to an age when a few misspoken words could result in death from the
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edge of a fine Castilian blade. Captain Alatriste is the hero of this fast paced tale. He is as quick with his wits as he is with his sword. Captain Alariste is a veteran of many battles under the banner of his ruler, the King of Spain. He has also pledged his sword to fight many more battles under the rule of the golden escudo. In the current book, he has taken the job of rescuing a novice nun from a convent where she, and possibly others, are reputedly being sexually abused by the head priest. Of course no good turn goes unpunished and Alatriste finds himself and his friends knee deep in trouble with the leaders of the Inquisition. This is the second in a fine series of books that started with, Captain Alatriste. Published by Plume, a member of the Penguin Group. Show Less
LibraryThing member BooksForDinner
This was probably better than the first Captain Alatriste story... I don't love these books but for some reason I read the second one after thinking the first one was just ok. I don't like the narrator, I guess that's it. It's strange: the boy Inigo narrates, looking back at his life, but he
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describes scenes in great detail in which he was not present and gives no explanations as to how he came across the info. Too convenient. Show Less
LibraryThing member AHS-Wolfy
The 2nd in the Captain Alatriste series picks up the story not long after the the 1st with our heroic Spanish captain contemplating re-enlisting to avoid possible repercussions from his earlier adventure. But before he can his friend don Francisco de Quevedo, poet, swordsman and highly celebrated
This tale is again narrated by Inigo Balboa, son of a dead wartime companion currently being cared for by Alatriste, and continues to be beset by the same problems as the earlier book. Told from after the event and including reference to future times any possible suspense to the outcome is rendered obsolete. Even when Inigo falls prey to the Inquisition you know that nothing too serious will happen to him otherwise he would be unable to fight in future battles that he recounts. The major plus continues to be the scene-setting where cultural excess is balanced by political disaster which will lead to Spain's downfall. I won't be averse to continuing the series but it's not one that I will go out of my way to pick up.
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wit at court, requests his aid in another dangerous escapade. An acquaintance of Quevedo's has asked his help in rescuing his daughter from a convent where illicit practices are being performed by the priests. A daring rescue plan is set in motion but no sooner do they storm the convent but soldiers and agents of the Inquisition appear and it seems as though they have walked directly into a trap.This tale is again narrated by Inigo Balboa, son of a dead wartime companion currently being cared for by Alatriste, and continues to be beset by the same problems as the earlier book. Told from after the event and including reference to future times any possible suspense to the outcome is rendered obsolete. Even when Inigo falls prey to the Inquisition you know that nothing too serious will happen to him otherwise he would be unable to fight in future battles that he recounts. The major plus continues to be the scene-setting where cultural excess is balanced by political disaster which will lead to Spain's downfall. I won't be averse to continuing the series but it's not one that I will go out of my way to pick up.
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LibraryThing member thorold
Fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope ... Yes, you've guessed it, this second instalment of the Alatriste memoirs introduces the one element of Spanish history that no-one expects!
Good fun, but our narrator Inigo really needs to make his mind up whether he's
Good fun, but our narrator Inigo really needs to make his mind up whether he's
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Jim Hawkins the cabin boy, the young d'Artagnan, or a 20th century history professor. He can't be all three at once, however much Pérez-Reverte obviously wants him to be. Show Less
LibraryThing member dbsovereign
Something like 'Zorro' in Spain with a young sidekick who gets thrown into the hands of the Inquisition. The historical background tends to be a bit labored and the characters too stereotypical.
LibraryThing member TheIdleWoman
Thoroughly enjoyable swashbuckling romp, set in the Spain of Velazquez and Philip IV. Captain Alatriste, a hired sword and man of honour, is a suitably noble hero in a corrupt and inglorious age. His page, Inigo, narrates a tale full of plots, intrigues and honour. If you enjoy Dumas, or Cyrano de
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Bergerac, or Zorro, then I recommend this. Show Less
LibraryThing member setnahkt
Purity of Blood is the next adventure of Captain Diego Alatriste and his ward, Inigo Balboa. Written in 1997 but just translated last year - I suspect Perez-Reverte, or his publisher, is parceling the books out to ensure a steady audience. The beginning and denouement are a little dodgy, but
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there’s plenty of action, several of the previous novel’s villains reappear and are suitably thwarted by The Captain, and the breathtakingly beautiful but heartbreakingly evil Angélica de Alquézar continues to captivate Inigo. And, of course, there’s The Spanish Inquisition, which nobody expects. The “purity of blood” refers not to what leaks out when Alatriste perforates somebody with his rapier, but instead to the need to demonstrate that your family was not Jewish converts in order to achieve or maintain any sort of position in Spain. I like this novel better than the previous one - a little more atmospheric, perhaps. Show Less
LibraryThing member graeme.bell3
If I could give a minus rating I would. Coming to this from a Sharpe/Aubry reading background I expected better. Alatriste has a pistol (never used) , stabs his enemies, is attacked by a woman (belt her in the mouth already!). Like Cornwall's Uthred novels organized religion has WAY TOO MUCH power
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and ,in Britain, the Spanish inquisition has Monty Python overtones. I hope it gets better (higher body count would help). Show Less
LibraryThing member quondame
What strength this book musters, comes about from the conflict between portraying the soldier of fortune as much admired while simultaneously deploring his actions and the society which motivates those actions. Otherwise it is a pretty straight violent series of inadequately prepared blundering
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about redeemed by a last minute help of friends. All very macho and male gaze. Show Less
Original publication date
1997
Physical description
288 p.; 8.02 inches
ISBN
0452287987 / 9780452287983