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Chandos #3
Blood Royal
At his chivalrous, rakish best in a story of mistaken identity, kidnapping, and old-world romance, Richard Chandos takes us on a romp through Europe in the company of a host of unforgettable characters. This fine thriller can be read alone or as part of a series with ‘Blind Corner’, ‘An Eye For a Tooth’, ‘Fire Below’ and ‘Perishable Goods’.
228 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1945
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Dornford Yates
89 books21 followersDornford Yates (real name Cecil William Mercer) was a popular British novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 11, 2025
Dornford Yates' take on the lost heir thriller plot, and it's one of his best books, still seeming to be as good as I remember it from first reading it thirty or so years ago. It clearly takes some inspiration from Anthony Hope's Zenda stories, and is not alone: there are George MacDonald Fraser (a parody of Hope) and Robert Heinlein novels which also reuse much of the same ideas.
It is set in Austria contemporary to the book's publication (1929). The Austria depicted in the book, of the Viennese aristocracy, would disappear in a few years, when Hitler became the head of the German state in 1933 followed by the annexation of Austria in 1938, never to return.
It is set in Austria contemporary to the book's publication (1929). The Austria depicted in the book, of the Viennese aristocracy, would disappear in a few years, when Hitler became the head of the German state in 1933 followed by the annexation of Austria in 1938, never to return.
March 16, 2016
The third of Dornford Yates' Chandos books, although this one lacks Jonathan "Jonah" Mansel. Not such a strong story as the two earlier volumes, but still good fun. Chandos and George Hanbury get involved in the succession of a tinpot king in an Austrian province. Their motivation is lacking as the Duke (next in line to the throne) is thoroughly dislikeable, although the set-up does provide Chandos with a love interest and eventually a bride.
October 28, 2014
What a treat! It seems our friends have found another cause lend their support. Soon after their involvement with an heir to the throne their lives take a dangerous turn when the heir's enemies challenge the throne with deadly force. Throw in a scandalous infatuation with the heir's lady and it makes for a double dose of trouble for our adventurous friends.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews