The Hunt for The Red Cardinal

by Bradley H. Sinor, Susan P. Sinor

The West Virginians from Grantville have met many historical personages since the small town was flung back in time and into a new universe. But the down-timers have too. Cardinal Richelieu cannot decide whether he likes Charleton Heston or Tim Curry better as Cardinal Richelieu. So, when the King is murdered on the way to see his unborn son, and the Cardinal is gravely wounded, who else would the Cardinal’s friends call on but D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers! The dynamic foursome is charged with saving the Cardinal and getting him out of the reach of evil King Gaston. Even the Cardinal’s robe gets its share of adventures! Will D’Artagnan and his three friends win out and save the Cardinal?

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2018

Reviews

[Marijan Šiško · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several articles in the Grantville Gazette have added bits and pieces to the 1632: Ring of Fire stories dealing with France. The authors have expanded on the assassination of King Louis and the attack on Cardinal Richelieu. The characters from the Dumas books were not all real. D'Artagnan has been found though and is an agent of the Cardinal. The musketeers are located by chance or at least three to fill their roles and with D'Artagnan they set out to rescue Richelieu and get him to safety. The story plods along at times as these characters do not really know what they are doing or how to achieve their mission. Mistakes are made but luckily most of the agents sent by the usurper either die, get lost or distracted by the miss directions presented by the main characters. We are left with more possibilities for events in France to impact the main series.

On a sad note, the creator of the Ring of Fire series and main editor of all new material Eric Flint has passed away this month.

[Allen McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation with a twist

This novel is a direct sequel to "The Cardinal Virtues" but takes a much more light hearted approach by recruiting the historical characters used as the basis for A. Dumas Three Musketeer series of novels. Because Dumas' novels passed through the Ring of Fire Cardinal Richelieu became interested in the Musketeers and worked to recruit the oldest into of the four into his service. Because of their relations and skills eventually all four are working for the Cardinal in the interest of the crown of France who they believe is being usurped by the deceased Louis XIV's brother, Duke Gaston.

[Lorenc · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy the Ring of Fire universe and its amazing potential for such a wide range of stories. This volume contains three short stories and the title story (The Hunt for The Red Cardinal), which makes up more than 80% of the book. The first three are good. The title story could have been written in a third, perhaps even a quarter, of the words without losing anything of value.

The idea of following the "real" D’Artagnan and seeing how his life is affected by Duma's fictional D’Artagnan is brilliant. The execution of that idea? Not so much.

[Stephen Maguire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for a sideline story.

A generally satisfying addition to the side stories to the 1632 series. Main characters are the three musketeers (joined by D'Arctanion and a spy). It's missing the development in European politics started by the arrival of Grantville so it lost one point from the five. The other point on the pace - slow for my tastes. I'd definitely recommend to those who read the main stream and some of the side stories.

[Larry Loughlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

And arduous Journey

What I mean by arduous Journey is reading this book was arduous. The dialogue between characters bordered on childish. The four main characters 10 to conduct themselves more like pubescent boys then the professional soldiers that they are. If you were looking for a swashbuckling ramp across France full of Daring Do you ain't gunna find it in this book.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues the RoF saga and brings in the three musketeers, d'artagnan, and the red cardinal richeliu,
The cardinal is hurt in an assassination. D artagnan is ordered to bring him to a place os safety as he is pursued by the new king. Meeting with his fiends the musketeers this is the story of their attempt to save the cardinal. Interesting, fun read.

[Michael Annis · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting

A good premise but little to do with Grantville and sorry to say but I found the dialogue stilted and lacking in any character depth. It’s also repetitive, each seven in every inn is played out the same and the contrived ending is just silly. Sorry to be so negative as I have enjoyed the series.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more background regarding the Musketeers and more excitement.

[Randy Pursley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good premise but the storytelling was only OK. The characters were a little wooden in the way they acted and spoke throughout the story.

[Kevin K · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a three musketeer story, it wasn't bad....but I don't think I'd call it a "ring of fire" novel.

Passing mention of Grantville, nothing further.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the 1632 alternate history series, bringing in several of my favorite characters from Dumas, with a great twist.

[Carl Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cardinal escapes

Crowded with names placed factions and pilots. Plenty of bad guys and a fake bloodthirsty would be king. I liked it.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

dull and repetitive

[Dawson · Rating 1 out of 5]

A few years ago the "Cardinal Virtues" in the Ring of Fire series had some interesting ideas. I had expected the sequel to come quickly but it didn't. So when this came out I hoped it would complete the first book. It doesn't. As other reviewers said this is basically a pointless travelogue across France. The first few chapters which set up the Four Musketeers is worth the read. But it, in the end, I simply can't recommend this book. Sorry.