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The Sun King's Man
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2026
About the author
Carlo F. Sente
6 books17 followersCarlo F. Sente's literary journey began at the age of sixteen when he was honored with a prestigious literary prize by the French Embassy to Luxembourg. This early recognition ignited his passion for literature and art, which he further cultivated during his time at the Luxembourg Art School.
Primarily known as an expert in antiques and historic buildings, Carlo F. Sente has predominantly authored non-fiction works for esteemed institutions. However, his creative spark led him to venture into fiction with his trilogy "SWORD SHATTERERS." The trilogy commenced with the publication of "THE PLAGUE OF GOD" in 2017, followed by "THE SUNKING'S MAN", expected in 2026. Anticipation also surrounds the upcoming release of the final installment, "WINGS OF ANGST," expected in 2026.
Primarily known as an expert in antiques and historic buildings, Carlo F. Sente has predominantly authored non-fiction works for esteemed institutions. However, his creative spark led him to venture into fiction with his trilogy "SWORD SHATTERERS." The trilogy commenced with the publication of "THE PLAGUE OF GOD" in 2017, followed by "THE SUNKING'S MAN", expected in 2026. Anticipation also surrounds the upcoming release of the final installment, "WINGS OF ANGST," expected in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
Two men separated by centuries. One legendary treasure. A ruthless enemy willing to kill to claim it.
Baron Tim de St. Clere’s quest for his ancestor’s hidden treasure is no mere hunt for gold; it is a battle for redemption, family honor, and a fierce determination to right the wrongs of history. As he plunges into the depths of the past, Tim and his allies must confront not only the ghosts of yesteryear but also the ruthless ambition of Alain Lesczinsky, a man whose thirst for power threatens to consume them all.
Against the bloody backdrop of war-torn Europe lies the legacy of the courageous Quentin de St. Clere and his lifelong servant and confidant, Nicklaus Brenden. Their bond, forged in childhood and tempered in the fires of conflict, embodies an unwavering and relentless pursuit of justice. As Quentin fights to save their honor and their lives, Nicklaus stands firmly by his side, a testament to the power of loyalty in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In The Sun King’s Man (Part II of the Sword Shatterers Trilogy), the saga of the St. Cleres unfolds as a breathtaking epic woven through the centuries, resonating with the timeless echoes of honor and betrayal.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The scoobygroup reunites! I still think the modern timeline's not the most compelling one, though. I got more interest from the political dimension added by including Alain Lesczinsky's quest to become president of France in addition to the treasure-hunting for its own sake. (It makes little sense when viewed practically, but it's a thriller so roll with it.)
Tim's ancestor, Quentin, in this story is in service to the Sun King (Louis XIV) a man of very questionable morals by modern standards but one of the most powerful people in recorded history...funny how often those things go hand-in-hand. Quentin and his man Nicklaus felt like they were more intimate than master and servant are usually, so of course I enjoyed them through my own headcanon. Quentin's desire to curry favor with the perpetually strapped-for-cash Sun King by sending him a vast fortune in gauds and baubles to help fund his forever wars is very much something I was glad to see *not* come to pass.
I'm surprised by the level of buy-in I have with these characters in their history-inflected treasure hunts that end as usual with enough wiggle room for there to be more storues. Please, Author Sente, develop Tim without his inexplicable desire to be with the bland Julia. Pretty please?
Two men separated by centuries. One legendary treasure. A ruthless enemy willing to kill to claim it.
Baron Tim de St. Clere’s quest for his ancestor’s hidden treasure is no mere hunt for gold; it is a battle for redemption, family honor, and a fierce determination to right the wrongs of history. As he plunges into the depths of the past, Tim and his allies must confront not only the ghosts of yesteryear but also the ruthless ambition of Alain Lesczinsky, a man whose thirst for power threatens to consume them all.
Against the bloody backdrop of war-torn Europe lies the legacy of the courageous Quentin de St. Clere and his lifelong servant and confidant, Nicklaus Brenden. Their bond, forged in childhood and tempered in the fires of conflict, embodies an unwavering and relentless pursuit of justice. As Quentin fights to save their honor and their lives, Nicklaus stands firmly by his side, a testament to the power of loyalty in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In The Sun King’s Man (Part II of the Sword Shatterers Trilogy), the saga of the St. Cleres unfolds as a breathtaking epic woven through the centuries, resonating with the timeless echoes of honor and betrayal.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The scoobygroup reunites! I still think the modern timeline's not the most compelling one, though. I got more interest from the political dimension added by including Alain Lesczinsky's quest to become president of France in addition to the treasure-hunting for its own sake. (It makes little sense when viewed practically, but it's a thriller so roll with it.)
Tim's ancestor, Quentin, in this story is in service to the Sun King (Louis XIV) a man of very questionable morals by modern standards but one of the most powerful people in recorded history...funny how often those things go hand-in-hand. Quentin and his man Nicklaus felt like they were more intimate than master and servant are usually, so of course I enjoyed them through my own headcanon. Quentin's desire to curry favor with the perpetually strapped-for-cash Sun King by sending him a vast fortune in gauds and baubles to help fund his forever wars is very much something I was glad to see *not* come to pass.
I'm surprised by the level of buy-in I have with these characters in their history-inflected treasure hunts that end as usual with enough wiggle room for there to be more storues. Please, Author Sente, develop Tim without his inexplicable desire to be with the bland Julia. Pretty please?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
439 pages
4 stars
This is a dual timeline novel.
Any reader of this book will be left with some “truths.” They will have to respond to some philosophical questions. What is really important in a person’s life? Is it fame, riches or pride?
Mr. Sante says no. It is love.
Quentin de St. Clere and his valet Nicholas are embroiled in the “Sun King’s” war on his neighboring countries. King Louis XIV is set on conquering all adjacent lands. The death toll is great, the land turned to waste.
Quentin is devoted to honor and service to the King. Poor Nicholas must follow Quentin. He is a mere valet. In service as it were. He must follow his Baron. Nicholas does not see himself as brave. In fact he calls himself a coward in the book. But, he is committed.
When Quentin comes across a treasure in gold and diamonds, he means to take it to King Louis, for the honor and approbation it would bring him. But, the treasure is stolen on the way to the King. What follows is an adventure for Quentin and Nicholas as they follow the thief in an attempt to get the treasure back.
In present day Tim de St. Clare and his fiance Julia have become aware of a possible “hidden treasure.” It is supposedly the treasure that was found and lost by Tim’s ancestor. Quentin. Enter their nemesis, who wants to be president of France, Alain Lesczinsky. He has hired an evil woman to get the clues to the treasure by any means. Old friends Frank and Tamara are along for the adventure. Tim has the same issue his ancestor had. His honor is all encompassing to him. Above all else. The writing is very good. The plot is linear and action-filled. It is an easy and quick read. The characters are true to life from book to book. I feel like I am getting to know them very well. Interestingly enough, I have a problem with Tim’s “honor” issue. Perhaps he will outgrow it in the next book.
The denouement of this book is both heartwarming and so obviously sensible. I cannot say more without giving away too much. Suffice it to say it is very satisfying.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer for forwarding this book to me. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.
4 stars
This is a dual timeline novel.
Any reader of this book will be left with some “truths.” They will have to respond to some philosophical questions. What is really important in a person’s life? Is it fame, riches or pride?
Mr. Sante says no. It is love.
Quentin de St. Clere and his valet Nicholas are embroiled in the “Sun King’s” war on his neighboring countries. King Louis XIV is set on conquering all adjacent lands. The death toll is great, the land turned to waste.
Quentin is devoted to honor and service to the King. Poor Nicholas must follow Quentin. He is a mere valet. In service as it were. He must follow his Baron. Nicholas does not see himself as brave. In fact he calls himself a coward in the book. But, he is committed.
When Quentin comes across a treasure in gold and diamonds, he means to take it to King Louis, for the honor and approbation it would bring him. But, the treasure is stolen on the way to the King. What follows is an adventure for Quentin and Nicholas as they follow the thief in an attempt to get the treasure back.
In present day Tim de St. Clare and his fiance Julia have become aware of a possible “hidden treasure.” It is supposedly the treasure that was found and lost by Tim’s ancestor. Quentin. Enter their nemesis, who wants to be president of France, Alain Lesczinsky. He has hired an evil woman to get the clues to the treasure by any means. Old friends Frank and Tamara are along for the adventure. Tim has the same issue his ancestor had. His honor is all encompassing to him. Above all else. The writing is very good. The plot is linear and action-filled. It is an easy and quick read. The characters are true to life from book to book. I feel like I am getting to know them very well. Interestingly enough, I have a problem with Tim’s “honor” issue. Perhaps he will outgrow it in the next book.
The denouement of this book is both heartwarming and so obviously sensible. I cannot say more without giving away too much. Suffice it to say it is very satisfying.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer for forwarding this book to me. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.
April 29, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisper for sending me this book.
This is a duel timeline following members of the same family line. During the past (1689), Quentin has left for war but stumbles upon a treasure. In the present, Tim is still trying to clear his family name and prove Quentin did not steal the treasure.
This is well researched and written. You can tell how history actually influenced the story. The character growth from book 1 to book 2 can also be seen.
This is a duel timeline following members of the same family line. During the past (1689), Quentin has left for war but stumbles upon a treasure. In the present, Tim is still trying to clear his family name and prove Quentin did not steal the treasure.
This is well researched and written. You can tell how history actually influenced the story. The character growth from book 1 to book 2 can also be seen.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews