Fortunes of France: The Brethren (Fortune de France #1)

Final Rating: 4.4/5

An earthy tale that is only the beginning of 16th-century discord of church, crown and one family in France

   The Brethren Fortunes of France: Volume 1, captures the violent 16th century with a narrator that is perfect to share his unsettled and conflicted world with his readers. Born of a Catholic (Papist) and a Protestant (Huguenot) Pierre de Siorac is our guide into the many bloody conflicts and the first bleak outcomes of church, crown and even his own familial discord. Nothing is certain in this era as Pierre opens his personal history to us and tells us about daily occurrences, continual fears of attack from inside and outside high chateau walls and shows us the battles that rage from personal interests. A little different from other works readers may have encountered or may expect about this era being a commoner's voice is used to recreate this fascinating era versus a strictly royal perspective of the conflicting religious opinions and views. Brief appearances of French Royalty are made but only mentioned in the occasional conversation with travelers so the reader learns information as our narrator first and continually hears about the danger that is being stoked by intolerance and political gain and there is still much to come. Being the first of thirteen novels in this series more details are shared with the reader than they may bargain for and it is assured something will be learned by the last page.

   In the end, I will be the first to admit I was skeptical about this title. I usually prefer the royal immersion and treatment of fiction and I can never resist when I see a crown or ornamental trinket on the cover and I quickly find the time to cast out reality and slip deep into my indulgences. I'll admit it; I want the glitter of history and sometimes overlook the earthy side of the past especially when it comes to French history. I love to be proven wrong in situations like these. For me this novel was a thundering and enthralling adventure that had all the details that I always hope to encounter in fiction: a new portion of history to look further into, multifaceted characters, a believable atmospheric story and of course an entertaining balance between historic facts with creative fiction. Perhaps a little paced at the beginning as the foundation was set but once this story gathered speed it became hard to put down, something a little different and well worth the time. I look forward to City of Wisdom and Blood: Fortunes of France: Volume 2

*I would like to thank NetGalley and Steerforth Press for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Brethren: Fortunes of France: Volume 1

Next in this Series:

 City of Wisdom and Blood: Fortunes of France: Volume 2 by Robert Merle

+ 12 more titles but due to translation versus publication I can't say for certain what the name of the other titles will be. I will update this page as those titles become available.