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voyagez_avec_livres's review
5.0
André Louis returns, once more a royalist. Yet again, he encounters adventure after adventure in the heart of revolutionary Paris with his daring associate, the Baron de Batz. This exhilarating, action-packed novel combines history, romance and fiction!
I really recommend this, but Scaramouche is even better!
I really recommend this, but Scaramouche is even better!
bookitwithbecca's review
5.0
This sequel was both what I expected it to be and what I did not expect it to be. Where the first took place over many years, this book is concerned with the events of a shorter period â no more than two years, I believe, without going back to check dates. This period includes the Reign of Terror, during which our protagonist strives to whip the frenzy higher still and precipitate the end of the bloody revolution.
Some reviews (and the narrator himself) have said that the André of this book is a bitter, colder version than we saw previously. Iâm not sure I agree. In my mind, André-Louis has always served his own purposes, often regardless of the effect on others, unless he bears them particular affection. Ever Scaramouche, if you will.
It is true, however, that in The King-Maker, André is at last honest about his selfish pursuits. After sacrificing his political career and growing disillusioned with the course of the revolution which he himself once championed, he now serves the French Regent with the one aim of being able to marry Aline after the conflictâs end. He isnât spurred by any idealistic convictions now, and never having truly believed he was before, I find this honesty about his motivations an interesting turn, as it signals Andréâs disillusionment, as well as a greater self-knowledge. And, of course, Iâve always enjoyed André in the role of intriguer, so watching him scheme and manipulate entertained me immensely!
Conversely, I also found this André softer and more sympathetic. Zoomed in on a shorter (and particularly intense) time period, weâre free to linger and examine his emotions more closely. If I was entertained by Andréâs callous theatricality before, I was at last in true sympathy here, in his hours of fervent hope and crushing despair.
Returning to the observations of an increased darkness here, itâs true that the book itself has more sinister undertones than its predecessor. It is just as intense and engrossing, but there is less comedy (however dark) and swashbuckling adventure to alleviate its more cynical points. Much as I love the first (itâs among my top five favorite novels), the change doesnât bother me. It offers a new kind of adventure, while also reflecting the changes in our protagonist.
Whether heâs laughing at the follies of humanity or studying its more sordid aspects, Sabatini can spin a yarn like few others, and I was utterly enthralled throughout. Adding a new intensity to the elements I already loved in the first novel (as well as some new favorite characters), The King-Maker is an instant favorite that I look forward to revisiting often in coming years.
Some reviews (and the narrator himself) have said that the André of this book is a bitter, colder version than we saw previously. Iâm not sure I agree. In my mind, André-Louis has always served his own purposes, often regardless of the effect on others, unless he bears them particular affection. Ever Scaramouche, if you will.
It is true, however, that in The King-Maker, André is at last honest about his selfish pursuits. After sacrificing his political career and growing disillusioned with the course of the revolution which he himself once championed, he now serves the French Regent with the one aim of being able to marry Aline after the conflictâs end. He isnât spurred by any idealistic convictions now, and never having truly believed he was before, I find this honesty about his motivations an interesting turn, as it signals Andréâs disillusionment, as well as a greater self-knowledge. And, of course, Iâve always enjoyed André in the role of intriguer, so watching him scheme and manipulate entertained me immensely!
Conversely, I also found this André softer and more sympathetic. Zoomed in on a shorter (and particularly intense) time period, weâre free to linger and examine his emotions more closely. If I was entertained by Andréâs callous theatricality before, I was at last in true sympathy here, in his hours of fervent hope and crushing despair.
Returning to the observations of an increased darkness here, itâs true that the book itself has more sinister undertones than its predecessor. It is just as intense and engrossing, but there is less comedy (however dark) and swashbuckling adventure to alleviate its more cynical points. Much as I love the first (itâs among my top five favorite novels), the change doesnât bother me. It offers a new kind of adventure, while also reflecting the changes in our protagonist.
Whether heâs laughing at the follies of humanity or studying its more sordid aspects, Sabatini can spin a yarn like few others, and I was utterly enthralled throughout. Adding a new intensity to the elements I already loved in the first novel (as well as some new favorite characters), The King-Maker is an instant favorite that I look forward to revisiting often in coming years.
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