Heretic Dawn: Fortunes of France 3 - Softcover

Merle, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1782275096 ISBN 13: 9781782275091

Publisher: Pushkin Press, 2018

Synopsis

"A master of the historical novel" Guardian

After a deadly duel with a jealous rival, Pierre de Siorac must travel to Paris, to seek his pardon from the King. In the capital city he finds a world of sweet words and fierce pride, where coquettish smiles hide behind fans, and murderous intents behind elegant bows. But the court's elaborate social graces mask a simmering tension that will soon explode to engulf the entire city.

When it does, Pierre faces the greatest challenge of his young existence - not merely to win a royal pardon, but to escape from Paris with his life, and the lives of his beloved companions, intact.

About this title

Review

'The best so far' -- Sunday Times Culture

'A powerfully accessible path of introspection and questioning of the present through the past' -- Bookanista

'This is the most absorbing of the series so far... each volume may be built like a mouse brick to look at but it's not at all brick like in the reading' -- The Bookbag

'If you remember reading and loving Alexandre Dumas then this continues in the same vein... sword-slashing action' -- The Connexion

'Merle's writing style is entertaining, easy to read and well-paced... thought-provoking yet thrilling swashbucklers - and immensely good fun' --Historical Novel Society

PRAISE FOR FORTUNES OF FRANCE

'Modern-day Dumas finally crosses the channel' -- Observer

'Swashbuckling historical fiction... For all its philosophical depth [The Brethren] is a hugely entertaining romp... The comparisons with Dumas seem both natural and deserved and the next 12 instalments [are] a thrilling prospect' -- Guardian

'A sprawling, earthy tale of peril, love, lust, death, dazzling philosophical debate and political intrigue... an engrossing saga' -- Gransnet

'Historical fiction at its very best... The fast paced and heady brew is colourfully leavened with love and sex and a great deal of humour and wit. The second instalment cannot be published too soon' -- We Love This Book

'A vivid novel by France's modern Dumas... [there is] plenty of evidence in the rich characterisation and vivid historical detail that a reader's long-term commitment will be amply rewarded' -- Sunday Times

'A master of the historical novel' -- Guardian

'Both wise and audacious, constantly nudging up against the extraordinary' -- The New York Times Book Review

'So rich in historical detail... the characters are engaging' --Sunday Express

'This is old-fashioned story-telling. It has swagger and vibrancy with big characters... A gripping story with humour and strength and real attention to historical detail' -- Mature Times

'Cleverly depicts France's epic religious wars through the intimate prism of one family's experience. It's beautifully written too' -- Metro

'The spectacular 13-volume evocation of 16th-17th century France' -- Independent

'A lively adventure... anyone keen on historical fiction [should] look forward to the next instalment' --Telegraph

About the Author

Robert Merle (1908-2004) was born in French Algeria, before moving to mainland France in 1918. Originally an English teacher, Merle served as an interpreter with British Expeditionary Force during the Second World War, and was captured by the German army at Dunkirk, the experience of which served as the basis for his Goncourt-prize-winning Weekend at Zuydcoote. He published the 13 volumes of his hugely popular Fortunes of France series over four decades, from 1977 to 2003, the final volume appearing just a year before his death in 2004.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pushkin Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1782275096
• ISBN 13: 9781782275091
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 608