The first in a magnificent series of historical novels from the acclaimed, bestselling author of "The Club Dumas" and "The Queen of the South" The novels of Arturo PA(c)rez-Reverte have captivated readers around the world and earned him a reputation as athe master of the intellectual thrillera ("Chicago Tribune"). His books have been published in fifty countries. Now, beginning with "Captain Alatriste," comes PA(c)rez- Reverteas most stunning creation to date: a riveting series featuring the adventures of an iconic hero. "Captain Alatriste" is the story of a fictional seventeenth-century Spanish soldier who lives as a swordsman-for-hire in Madrid. Needing gold to pay off his debts, Alatriste and another hired blade are paid to ambush two travelers, stage a robbery, and give the travelers a fright. aNo blood, a they are told. Then a mysterious stranger enters to clarify the job: he increases the pay, and tells Alatriste that, instead, he must murder the two travelers. When the attack unfolds, Alatriste realizes that these arenat ordinary travelers, and what happens next is only the first in a riveting series of twists and turns, with implications that will reverberate throughout the courts of Europe. aA twenty-first century literary phenomenon . . . The clash and dash are thrilling; the swordplay is a bonus. A-.aa"Entertainment Weekly" aWritten with courtly panache and contagious enthusiasm.aa"The New York Times" aA pleasure of swash, buckle, and atmosphere.a a"Kirkus Reviews" aA winning swashbuckler . . . Popular entertainment at its best.aa"Publishers Weekly"