What do you think?
Rate this book
Trilogie des Mousquetaires #3.15
Between Two Kings: Or, Ten Years Later
For years d’Artagnan shared his adventures with his three comrades - Athos, Porthos, and Aramis - but now, in
Between Two Kings,
the First Musketeer returns to the forefront. This is truly d’Artagnan’s novel, bringing to a dramatic climax the story that began when he first arrived in Paris 30 years earlier in
The Three Musketeers.
This brand new translation of Between Two Kings immediately picks up the story and themes of Blood Royal, where d’Artagnan tries to thwart destiny by saving England’s Charles I; now, he will be instrumental in the restoration of his son, Charles II, the first of the two kings of the title. Disappointed in the irresolution of young Louis XIV, d’Artagnan takes a leave of absence from the King’s Musketeers and ventures to England with a bold plan to hoist Charles II onto his throne, a swashbuckling escapade in which he is unwittingly assisted by his old comrade Athos. D’Artagnan returns triumphant to France, where he is recalled to service by the second king, Louis XIV, who is now finally ready to take full advantage of the extraordinary talents of his officer of musketeers.
This newly translated volume by Lawrence Ellsworth is the first volume of Alexandre Dumas’s mega-novel Le Vicomte de Bragelonne, the epic finale to the Musketeers Cycle, which will end with the justly famous The Man in the Iron Mask. This marks the first significant new English translation of this series of novels in over a century.
This brand new translation of Between Two Kings immediately picks up the story and themes of Blood Royal, where d’Artagnan tries to thwart destiny by saving England’s Charles I; now, he will be instrumental in the restoration of his son, Charles II, the first of the two kings of the title. Disappointed in the irresolution of young Louis XIV, d’Artagnan takes a leave of absence from the King’s Musketeers and ventures to England with a bold plan to hoist Charles II onto his throne, a swashbuckling escapade in which he is unwittingly assisted by his old comrade Athos. D’Artagnan returns triumphant to France, where he is recalled to service by the second king, Louis XIV, who is now finally ready to take full advantage of the extraordinary talents of his officer of musketeers.
This newly translated volume by Lawrence Ellsworth is the first volume of Alexandre Dumas’s mega-novel Le Vicomte de Bragelonne, the epic finale to the Musketeers Cycle, which will end with the justly famous The Man in the Iron Mask. This marks the first significant new English translation of this series of novels in over a century.
Audible Audio
First published October 1, 1847
12 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Alexandre Dumas
7,011 books12.3k followersThis note regards Alexandre Dumas, père, the father of Alexandre Dumas, fils (son). For the son, see Alexandre Dumas fils.
Alexandre Dumas père, born Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a towering figure of 19th-century French literature whose historical novels and adventure tales earned global renown. Best known for The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and other swashbuckling epics, Dumas crafted stories filled with daring heroes, dramatic twists, and vivid historical backdrops. His works, often serialized and immensely popular with the public, helped shape the modern adventure genre and remain enduring staples of world literature.
Dumas was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a celebrated general in Revolutionary France and the highest-ranking man of African descent in a European army at the time. His father’s early death left the family in poverty, but Dumas’s upbringing was nonetheless marked by strong personal ambition and a deep admiration for his father’s achievements. He moved to Paris as a young man and began his literary career writing for the theatre, quickly rising to prominence in the Romantic movement with successful plays like Henri III et sa cour and Antony.
In the 1840s, Dumas turned increasingly toward prose fiction, particularly serialized novels, which reached vast audiences through French newspapers. His collaboration with Auguste Maquet, a skilled plotter and historian, proved fruitful. While Maquet drafted outlines and conducted research, Dumas infused the narratives with flair, dialogue, and color. The result was a string of literary triumphs, including The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, both published in 1844. These novels exemplified Dumas’s flair for suspenseful pacing, memorable characters, and grand themes of justice, loyalty, and revenge.
The D’Artagnan Romances—The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte of Bragelonne—cemented his fame. They follow the adventures of the titular Gascon hero and his comrades Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, blending historical fact and fiction into richly imagined narratives. The Count of Monte Cristo offered a darker, more introspective tale of betrayal and retribution, with intricate plotting and a deeply philosophical core.
Dumas was also active in journalism and theater. He founded the Théâtre Historique in Paris, which staged dramatizations of his own novels. A prolific and energetic writer, he is estimated to have written or co-written over 100,000 pages of fiction, plays, memoirs, travel books, and essays. He also had a strong interest in food and published a massive culinary encyclopedia, Le Grand Dictionnaire de cuisine, filled with recipes, anecdotes, and reflections on gastronomy.
Despite his enormous success, Dumas was frequently plagued by financial troubles. He led a lavish lifestyle, building the ornate Château de Monte-Cristo near Paris, employing large staffs, and supporting many friends and relatives. His generosity and appetite for life often outpaced his income, leading to mounting debts. Still, his creative drive rarely waned.
Dumas’s mixed-race background was a source of both pride and tension in his life. He was outspoken about his heritage and used his platform to address race and injustice. In his novel Georges, he explored issues of colonialism and identity through a Creole protagonist. Though he encountered racism, he refused to be silenced, famously replying to a racial insult by pointing to his ancestry and achievements with dignity and wit.
Later in life, Dumas continued writing and traveling, spending time in Belgium, Italy, and Russia. He supported nationalist causes, particularly Italian unification, and even founded a newspaper to advocate for Giuseppe Garibaldi. Though his popularity waned somewhat in his final years, his literary legacy grew steadily. He wrote in a style that was accessible, entertaining, and emotionally reso
Alexandre Dumas père, born Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a towering figure of 19th-century French literature whose historical novels and adventure tales earned global renown. Best known for The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and other swashbuckling epics, Dumas crafted stories filled with daring heroes, dramatic twists, and vivid historical backdrops. His works, often serialized and immensely popular with the public, helped shape the modern adventure genre and remain enduring staples of world literature.
Dumas was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a celebrated general in Revolutionary France and the highest-ranking man of African descent in a European army at the time. His father’s early death left the family in poverty, but Dumas’s upbringing was nonetheless marked by strong personal ambition and a deep admiration for his father’s achievements. He moved to Paris as a young man and began his literary career writing for the theatre, quickly rising to prominence in the Romantic movement with successful plays like Henri III et sa cour and Antony.
In the 1840s, Dumas turned increasingly toward prose fiction, particularly serialized novels, which reached vast audiences through French newspapers. His collaboration with Auguste Maquet, a skilled plotter and historian, proved fruitful. While Maquet drafted outlines and conducted research, Dumas infused the narratives with flair, dialogue, and color. The result was a string of literary triumphs, including The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, both published in 1844. These novels exemplified Dumas’s flair for suspenseful pacing, memorable characters, and grand themes of justice, loyalty, and revenge.
The D’Artagnan Romances—The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte of Bragelonne—cemented his fame. They follow the adventures of the titular Gascon hero and his comrades Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, blending historical fact and fiction into richly imagined narratives. The Count of Monte Cristo offered a darker, more introspective tale of betrayal and retribution, with intricate plotting and a deeply philosophical core.
Dumas was also active in journalism and theater. He founded the Théâtre Historique in Paris, which staged dramatizations of his own novels. A prolific and energetic writer, he is estimated to have written or co-written over 100,000 pages of fiction, plays, memoirs, travel books, and essays. He also had a strong interest in food and published a massive culinary encyclopedia, Le Grand Dictionnaire de cuisine, filled with recipes, anecdotes, and reflections on gastronomy.
Despite his enormous success, Dumas was frequently plagued by financial troubles. He led a lavish lifestyle, building the ornate Château de Monte-Cristo near Paris, employing large staffs, and supporting many friends and relatives. His generosity and appetite for life often outpaced his income, leading to mounting debts. Still, his creative drive rarely waned.
Dumas’s mixed-race background was a source of both pride and tension in his life. He was outspoken about his heritage and used his platform to address race and injustice. In his novel Georges, he explored issues of colonialism and identity through a Creole protagonist. Though he encountered racism, he refused to be silenced, famously replying to a racial insult by pointing to his ancestry and achievements with dignity and wit.
Later in life, Dumas continued writing and traveling, spending time in Belgium, Italy, and Russia. He supported nationalist causes, particularly Italian unification, and even founded a newspaper to advocate for Giuseppe Garibaldi. Though his popularity waned somewhat in his final years, his literary legacy grew steadily. He wrote in a style that was accessible, entertaining, and emotionally reso
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book that picks up 19 years after the Three Musketeers adventures in the first book. In this sequel, we meet up with the Musketeers and they are embroiled in political intrigue between Louis XIV and Charles II. It was a fun read and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, dealing with royalty, or just a fun adventure book.
I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Edelweiss for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Edelweiss for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
July 14, 2021
When I was approached by the publisher to review the new “Between Two Kings” by Alexandre Dumas, I was both thrilled and stumped. What was this volume, purported to be a sequel to “The Three Musketeers”? Why hadn’t I heard of it? Of course, I was soon to discover that book editors often played fast and loose with titles, all the way back to the beginning. I had read this book, albeit forty years ago. It is the first volume of The Vicomte de Bragelonne. I have it in my 1910 Collier’s set of Dumas, and even then they changed “The Three Musketeers” to “The Three Guardsmen”. Who knows why? (Just for the record, the Collier titles run thus: THE THREE GUARDSMEN, TWENTY YEARS AFTER, THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONNE, TEN YEARS LATER, LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE, THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK.) The titles in this set are different: THE THREE MUSKETEERS, THE RED SPHINX, TWENTY YEARS AFTER, BLOOD ROYAL, BETWEEN TWO KINGS, and… we’ll see! I realize that there will be more than six, for this book ends in Chapter L and my Collier goes on to Chapter LXXV. I understand that the originals were released as a serial, so compiling them into books is also up to interpretation.
Of course, I wasn’t disappointed that this was not a missing book; it was time to revisit my old friends. Back in 1910, publishers couldn’t be bothered telling us who the translator was, but these days they are much more reasonable and credit is given to Lawrence Ellsworth, who did a very fine job, indeed. In fact, he translated all the other books in this series. I couldn’t resist comparing this new version with the old one, and I found the original French book on the internet, so I spread all three onto my lap. I’m happy to say that both translations were true to the original, and only differed with minor words and phrases. So I put the other two aside and read Ellsworth’s translation. For those of you who are a little rusty (like myself), this story takes place at the end of Cardinal Mazarin’s reign. I say reign, because he was more the king than Louis XIV who was largely ignored by the courtiers. The exiled Charles II has come begging for help from his “brother king”, but Mazarin persuaded Louis to turn him away, much to the young king’s chagrin. Our hero d’Artagnan, the king’s lieutenant, was equally chagrined—so much so that he quit the king’s service and concocted a plan to kidnap Charles’s enemy, General Monck, and turn him over to the refugee. Unbeknownst to d’Artagnan, Athos had also volunteered to help Charles II (in a previous book, the doomed Charles I told him where his treasure was buried—from the scaffold). Our two heroes were practically working against each other; luckily it didn’t hurt that their reputations preceded them and the English put two-and-two together:
“So, Monsieur d’Artagnan,” continued Charles, “here is what’s been interrupted: the Comte de La Fère, whom you know, I believe, had gone to Newcastle…”
“Athos?” cried d’Artagnan.
“Yes, I believe that’s his nom de guerre. The Comte de La Fère had gone to Newcastle in hopes of arranging a conference with me or my representative when you somewhat violently abbreviated the negotiation.”
“Mordioux!” replied d’Artagnan. “That must have been him I saw coming into the camp the same night I entered with my fishermen…”
Happily, our friends are united and Charles, of course, is restored to the throne. At first, d’Artagnan deemed him ungrateful—but no, the king remembered his service and made him a wealthy man (along with Planchet, who generously helped fund the venture). Then we go back to the French court and witness the demise of Mazarin and the rise of Louis XIV, aided by the up-and-coming Colbert. Interestingly, this is the first novel I encountered with footnotes. At first I was a little taken aback, but in truth many of the Dumas anecdotes are topical, and without reference to them my understanding would be slightly diminished. By the end I was grateful for the notes. Ellsworth also included a glossary of historical characters in the back (referenced by an asterisk). It’s good to be reminded just how different the 19th century novel reads to the 21st century enthusiast. Dumas himself never ceases to delight me, and I always come away a little more educated. I’m as happy reading this book today as I was forty years ago.
Of course, I wasn’t disappointed that this was not a missing book; it was time to revisit my old friends. Back in 1910, publishers couldn’t be bothered telling us who the translator was, but these days they are much more reasonable and credit is given to Lawrence Ellsworth, who did a very fine job, indeed. In fact, he translated all the other books in this series. I couldn’t resist comparing this new version with the old one, and I found the original French book on the internet, so I spread all three onto my lap. I’m happy to say that both translations were true to the original, and only differed with minor words and phrases. So I put the other two aside and read Ellsworth’s translation. For those of you who are a little rusty (like myself), this story takes place at the end of Cardinal Mazarin’s reign. I say reign, because he was more the king than Louis XIV who was largely ignored by the courtiers. The exiled Charles II has come begging for help from his “brother king”, but Mazarin persuaded Louis to turn him away, much to the young king’s chagrin. Our hero d’Artagnan, the king’s lieutenant, was equally chagrined—so much so that he quit the king’s service and concocted a plan to kidnap Charles’s enemy, General Monck, and turn him over to the refugee. Unbeknownst to d’Artagnan, Athos had also volunteered to help Charles II (in a previous book, the doomed Charles I told him where his treasure was buried—from the scaffold). Our two heroes were practically working against each other; luckily it didn’t hurt that their reputations preceded them and the English put two-and-two together:
“So, Monsieur d’Artagnan,” continued Charles, “here is what’s been interrupted: the Comte de La Fère, whom you know, I believe, had gone to Newcastle…”
“Athos?” cried d’Artagnan.
“Yes, I believe that’s his nom de guerre. The Comte de La Fère had gone to Newcastle in hopes of arranging a conference with me or my representative when you somewhat violently abbreviated the negotiation.”
“Mordioux!” replied d’Artagnan. “That must have been him I saw coming into the camp the same night I entered with my fishermen…”
Happily, our friends are united and Charles, of course, is restored to the throne. At first, d’Artagnan deemed him ungrateful—but no, the king remembered his service and made him a wealthy man (along with Planchet, who generously helped fund the venture). Then we go back to the French court and witness the demise of Mazarin and the rise of Louis XIV, aided by the up-and-coming Colbert. Interestingly, this is the first novel I encountered with footnotes. At first I was a little taken aback, but in truth many of the Dumas anecdotes are topical, and without reference to them my understanding would be slightly diminished. By the end I was grateful for the notes. Ellsworth also included a glossary of historical characters in the back (referenced by an asterisk). It’s good to be reminded just how different the 19th century novel reads to the 21st century enthusiast. Dumas himself never ceases to delight me, and I always come away a little more educated. I’m as happy reading this book today as I was forty years ago.
July 31, 2021
Whenever I think of the term ‘swashbuckler’ two images immediately come to mind. The first is of legendary actor Errol Flynn and the second is of the Three Musketeers and their young protégé, d’Artagnan. Ironically, Flynn portrayed Robin Hood and even Captain Blood, but never had the opportunity to play one of Dumas’ famous swordsmen.
With great thanks and much respect to translator Lawrence Ellsworth, a new era of readers have the privileged ability to relive the swashbuckling adventures of the Three Musketeers. Ellsworth has done something that has not been seen in nearly a century --- the continuation of Alexandre Dumas’ Three Musketeers series. With the release of BETWEEN TWO KINGS we now have the fifth novel in the series to enjoy. BETWEEN TWO KINGS is also the first title in what has been referred to as the Bragelonne saga.
Although a handful of characters throughout this saga are fictional creations of the author, the majority are actual historical figures. The result are works that speak to the time period, the mid 1600’s, and they have a significant stronghold on the political climate of the times --- specifically between France and England. This may be the first book in the Bragelonne saga, but the story clearly belongs to d’Artagnan. Raoul, Vicomte de Bragelonne, is a young viscount and the son of Musketeer, Athos. He is almost entirely a fictional creation from Dumas whose primary function is to hold down his part of the romantic triangle with Louise de La Valliere and King Louis XIV.
The two kings whom the novel’s title reference are young Louis XIV of France and Charles II of England. Plans are being made for King Charles to visit His Royal Highness, King Louis XIV, and the political and social machinations are all in full effect during a time when things appear to be copacetic between the two royal leaders. Monsieur Cromwell is dead, and Charles II wants from France what he did not receive from them when Cromwell was alive --- respect and allegiance. Since things are seemingly peaceful, d’Artagnan asks for his release from service of King Louis XIV --- and Louis happily grants it. Now, no longer having to carry the mantle as Lieutenant of the King’s Musketeers, he is free to travel as he sees fit.
Meanwhile, Athos, the Comte de La Fere, had given service to the late King Charles I and is seeking to now aid his son, Charles II, who had been both orphaned and driven from his palace initially at the passing of Charles I. Athos and the newly discharged Musketeer d’Artagnan, reunite as they venture to England to see Charles II as the principal characters quite literally travel between the two kings in this novel. The tides have turned in England as Charles II is back in leadership after having been usurped by a French grocer of the Rue des Lombards named Planchet. Those political rivalries still play a major role in this story.
BETWEEN TWO KINGS is a story more involved with relationships and allegiances and less swash-buckling than may have been found in the prior novels. The story closes with the first day of the reign of Louis XIV and sees Louis proclaiming, once again, that d’Artagnan is the person he expects to wield the sword during his reign --- which sets us up for the next story in the saga --- COURT OF DAGGERS. The translation here from Ellsworth also provides readers with a much-needed list of historical characters as well as notes on the text of BETWEEN TWO KINGS that sheds light on the people, places, and terms that breathe life into this classic work. The opportunity to hold a ‘new’ work from Alexandre Dumas in my hands and immerse myself once again in the stories of his beloved Musketeers is a joy and an honor and allows readers to pay homage to one of the pillars of classic European literature that is still so vital today.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
With great thanks and much respect to translator Lawrence Ellsworth, a new era of readers have the privileged ability to relive the swashbuckling adventures of the Three Musketeers. Ellsworth has done something that has not been seen in nearly a century --- the continuation of Alexandre Dumas’ Three Musketeers series. With the release of BETWEEN TWO KINGS we now have the fifth novel in the series to enjoy. BETWEEN TWO KINGS is also the first title in what has been referred to as the Bragelonne saga.
Although a handful of characters throughout this saga are fictional creations of the author, the majority are actual historical figures. The result are works that speak to the time period, the mid 1600’s, and they have a significant stronghold on the political climate of the times --- specifically between France and England. This may be the first book in the Bragelonne saga, but the story clearly belongs to d’Artagnan. Raoul, Vicomte de Bragelonne, is a young viscount and the son of Musketeer, Athos. He is almost entirely a fictional creation from Dumas whose primary function is to hold down his part of the romantic triangle with Louise de La Valliere and King Louis XIV.
The two kings whom the novel’s title reference are young Louis XIV of France and Charles II of England. Plans are being made for King Charles to visit His Royal Highness, King Louis XIV, and the political and social machinations are all in full effect during a time when things appear to be copacetic between the two royal leaders. Monsieur Cromwell is dead, and Charles II wants from France what he did not receive from them when Cromwell was alive --- respect and allegiance. Since things are seemingly peaceful, d’Artagnan asks for his release from service of King Louis XIV --- and Louis happily grants it. Now, no longer having to carry the mantle as Lieutenant of the King’s Musketeers, he is free to travel as he sees fit.
Meanwhile, Athos, the Comte de La Fere, had given service to the late King Charles I and is seeking to now aid his son, Charles II, who had been both orphaned and driven from his palace initially at the passing of Charles I. Athos and the newly discharged Musketeer d’Artagnan, reunite as they venture to England to see Charles II as the principal characters quite literally travel between the two kings in this novel. The tides have turned in England as Charles II is back in leadership after having been usurped by a French grocer of the Rue des Lombards named Planchet. Those political rivalries still play a major role in this story.
BETWEEN TWO KINGS is a story more involved with relationships and allegiances and less swash-buckling than may have been found in the prior novels. The story closes with the first day of the reign of Louis XIV and sees Louis proclaiming, once again, that d’Artagnan is the person he expects to wield the sword during his reign --- which sets us up for the next story in the saga --- COURT OF DAGGERS. The translation here from Ellsworth also provides readers with a much-needed list of historical characters as well as notes on the text of BETWEEN TWO KINGS that sheds light on the people, places, and terms that breathe life into this classic work. The opportunity to hold a ‘new’ work from Alexandre Dumas in my hands and immerse myself once again in the stories of his beloved Musketeers is a joy and an honor and allows readers to pay homage to one of the pillars of classic European literature that is still so vital today.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
September 12, 2024
This is my favorite Musketeers novel yet! D'Artagnan and Athos did not disappoint with their conspiracies, infamous dialogue (which is my favorite part of these books), and exciting and fast moving story.
I'm bummed that the next novel isn't available on audiobook but have already ordered the book on Amazon. Hoping the rest of the story maintains this high quality!
I will lastly state that Lawrence Ellsworth's translations have been a delight!
I'm bummed that the next novel isn't available on audiobook but have already ordered the book on Amazon. Hoping the rest of the story maintains this high quality!
I will lastly state that Lawrence Ellsworth's translations have been a delight!
August 1, 2021
Whenever I think of the term “swashbuckler,” two images immediately come to mind: legendary actor Errol Flynn and the Three Musketeers, with their young protégé, d’Artagnan. Ironically, Flynn portrayed Robin Hood and even Captain Blood, but never had the opportunity to play one of Dumas’ famous swordsmen.
With great thanks and much respect to translator Lawrence Ellsworth, a new generation of readers have the privilege of experiencing the swashbuckling adventures of the Three Musketeers. Although a handful of characters throughout the series are fictional creations of Dumas, the majority are actual historical figures. The result are works that speak to the time period, the mid-1600s, and have a significant stronghold on the political climate of the times --- specifically between France and England.
This may be the first book in the Bragelonne saga, but the story clearly belongs to d’Artagnan. Raoul de Bragelonne is a young viscount and the son of Athos, a Musketeer. His primary function is to hold down his part of the romantic triangle with Louise de La Vallière and King Louis XIV. Plans are being made for King Charles II to visit His Royal Highness, and the political and social machinations are in full effect during a time when the situation appears to be copacetic between the two royal leaders. Monsieur Cromwell is dead, and Charles II wants from France what he did not receive from them when Cromwell was alive --- respect and allegiance. D’Artagnan asks to be released from his service to King Louis XIV, who happily grants it. Now, no longer having to carry the mantle as Lieutenant of the King’s Musketeers, he is free to travel as he sees fit.
Meanwhile, Athos, the Count de la Fère, had given service to the late King Charles I and is now seeking to aid his son, who has been both orphaned and driven from his palace. Athos and the newly discharged d’Artagnan reunite as they venture to England to see Charles II. The tides have turned in England as he is back in leadership after having been usurped by Planchet, a French grocer of the Rue des Lombards. These political rivalries still play a major role in this story.
BETWEEN TWO KINGS focuses on relationships and allegiances, and there is not as much swashbuckling here as there were in prior novels. Ellsworth’s translation provides readers with a much-needed list of characters, as well as notes on the text that shed light on the people, places and terms that breathe life into this classic work. The opportunity to hold a “new” book from Alexandre Dumas in my hands and immerse myself once again in the stories of his beloved Musketeers is a joy and an honor, and allows readers to pay homage to one of the pillars of classic European literature who is still so vital today.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
With great thanks and much respect to translator Lawrence Ellsworth, a new generation of readers have the privilege of experiencing the swashbuckling adventures of the Three Musketeers. Although a handful of characters throughout the series are fictional creations of Dumas, the majority are actual historical figures. The result are works that speak to the time period, the mid-1600s, and have a significant stronghold on the political climate of the times --- specifically between France and England.
This may be the first book in the Bragelonne saga, but the story clearly belongs to d’Artagnan. Raoul de Bragelonne is a young viscount and the son of Athos, a Musketeer. His primary function is to hold down his part of the romantic triangle with Louise de La Vallière and King Louis XIV. Plans are being made for King Charles II to visit His Royal Highness, and the political and social machinations are in full effect during a time when the situation appears to be copacetic between the two royal leaders. Monsieur Cromwell is dead, and Charles II wants from France what he did not receive from them when Cromwell was alive --- respect and allegiance. D’Artagnan asks to be released from his service to King Louis XIV, who happily grants it. Now, no longer having to carry the mantle as Lieutenant of the King’s Musketeers, he is free to travel as he sees fit.
Meanwhile, Athos, the Count de la Fère, had given service to the late King Charles I and is now seeking to aid his son, who has been both orphaned and driven from his palace. Athos and the newly discharged d’Artagnan reunite as they venture to England to see Charles II. The tides have turned in England as he is back in leadership after having been usurped by Planchet, a French grocer of the Rue des Lombards. These political rivalries still play a major role in this story.
BETWEEN TWO KINGS focuses on relationships and allegiances, and there is not as much swashbuckling here as there were in prior novels. Ellsworth’s translation provides readers with a much-needed list of characters, as well as notes on the text that shed light on the people, places and terms that breathe life into this classic work. The opportunity to hold a “new” book from Alexandre Dumas in my hands and immerse myself once again in the stories of his beloved Musketeers is a joy and an honor, and allows readers to pay homage to one of the pillars of classic European literature who is still so vital today.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
April 7, 2021
Alexandre Dumas is a favorite of mine among classical authors. I find Dumas as exciting and entertaining as he was to 19th century readers. Yet translator Lawrence Ellsworth tells us that Alexandre Dumas didn't have any talent for creating titles. Between Two Kings was originally Ten Years Later which doesn't give the reader any specific idea of the content. Ellsworth's title, Between Two Kings, reflects that the book deals with two kings defining themselves and their rule. It shows us how Louis XIV and Charles II came out of the shadows where they had been relegated, and established themselves as monarchs.
Between Two Kings is actually a sequel to Blood Royal, another newly translated Dumas novel that deals with events that are central to this novel. If I had known about Blood Royal, I would have read it first.
I felt at one point that Dumas wasn't taking events in this novel seriously. For example, he refers to rebellion as a "hobby" at one point. I do have to say that I got more out of the notes appended to this book than the novel itself. The notes explained what Dumas left unclear. I found out from the notes that Dumas originally serialized these books as Dickens had done.
I thought it was interesting that three of the musketeers were real historical personages who Dumas gave personalities that were completely fictional.
Between Two Kings is actually a sequel to Blood Royal, another newly translated Dumas novel that deals with events that are central to this novel. If I had known about Blood Royal, I would have read it first.
I felt at one point that Dumas wasn't taking events in this novel seriously. For example, he refers to rebellion as a "hobby" at one point. I do have to say that I got more out of the notes appended to this book than the novel itself. The notes explained what Dumas left unclear. I found out from the notes that Dumas originally serialized these books as Dickens had done.
I thought it was interesting that three of the musketeers were real historical personages who Dumas gave personalities that were completely fictional.
January 13, 2024
This one felt like a movie! The chapters are short and engaging and you end up wanting more. Between Two Kings is part of the massive novel Le Vicomte de Bragelonne and it might be under a different name, depending on the publisher, as it's up to interpretation how the mega-novel should be divided. I chose this edition, as I enjoyed immensely the translation of Lawrence Ellsworth - I feel like it really does justice to the writing style of the author. But whatever publisher or translator you choose, take my advice and research if the rest of the sequel is available. After I finished this book, I realised the full series isn't available just yet. The good thing is, I can follow the real-time translation on Substack, so I won't be completely d’Artagnan-starved.
May 14, 2022
Dumas brings back D'artagnan -the most heroic and witty musketeer of all- in this exciting sequel. Before, D'artagnan would humbly place his own fortune and opportunity aside to serve king, queen, and country; but no more. This is his time to take fortune by the wheel and the change history of Europe forever.
It's easier to create a young and brash hero than a collected, wise-yet-vulnerable man past his prime, but Dumas characterizes his hero masterfully. He is no longer brash, but neither is he without compassion or loyalty. He learns to move on from old ways while holding fast to old friends. This next adventure is well worth reading.
It's easier to create a young and brash hero than a collected, wise-yet-vulnerable man past his prime, but Dumas characterizes his hero masterfully. He is no longer brash, but neither is he without compassion or loyalty. He learns to move on from old ways while holding fast to old friends. This next adventure is well worth reading.
November 20, 2024
wonderful tale as heroes are getting older.Loved it!
July 24, 2025
The most It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Musketeers book yet, which saying something
July 24, 2025
The start to the last Musketeers book was intense, lots of intrigue and deception and as usual the descriptions were amazing. I liked all the different POV in this and I felt like it made the introduction to this last volume interesting and builds up the stakes very well. Now, on to the next part...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews