3 Musketeers and Dot Com Are Back Together Again

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Start your review of 20 Years After

May 21, 2007 Bill Kerwin rated it it was astonishing

This sequel to The Three Musketeers is the "thinking man's" Blues Brothers, a "getting the band dorsum together" tale that is set where such stories should be set: amid friends in their forties and fifties, withal vigorous in refuse, constrained by the comforts and commitments of centre age. Hollywood, for the last quarter-century, has preferred "grumpy one-time _____" movies (fill in the bare, "astronauts," "spies," "mobsters," etc.), but such heroes in retirement offer few interesting challenges; l
This sequel to The Three Musketeers is the "thinking human's" Blues Brothers, a "getting the band dorsum together" tale that is set where such stories should be gear up: amid friends in their forties and fifties, yet vigorous in reject, constrained by the comforts and commitments of middle age. Hollywood, for the last quarter-century, has preferred "grumpy sometime _____" movies (fill in the blank, "astronauts," "spies," "mobsters," etc.), but such heroes in retirement offer few interesting challenges; like the crew of Tennyson's "Ulysses," it is natural for them to "sail beyond the sunset, and the baths/ Of all the western stars" because, close to expiry, they have little to promise for. Or lose.

Non so the four friends of Dumas' continuing saga. Lieutenant D'Artagnan (the only remaining Musketeer) longs for a promotion, the rich landowner Porthos (now a widower) dreams of being a baron, and these ambitions lead them to serve Mazarin, the extremely unpopular new key—an ignoble, miserly successor to their former antagonist, the old primal—who is attempting to solidify his control over the boy king. Meanwhile, revolution is in the air: the people of Paris, spurred on past sure aristocrats, try to oust this disagreeable human. D'Artagnan asks his other old friends to unite with him in supporting Mazarin, but these two proceed their ain counsel and reject: Aramis, devoted both to his mistress and to her political intrigues, has already joined the aloof conduce, and the now abstemious Athos appears to be completely domesticated, thoroughly devoted to the pedagogy of his "adopted" son Raoul. This time, it seems, it volition non exist "1 for all, and all for one."

All this of form is equally information technology should be. In midlife, when you choose a side, it is difficult to tell expert from bad and even harder to separate principles from self-interest. And later, when you are in demand of assistance, you lot may notice your once proficient friends disinterested or preoccupied with their own affairs. But then, if you lot are lucky, like Monsieur D'Artagnan, new events and quondam sentiments may conspire to bring true hearts together again.

Unlike The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After builds slowly. The two pairs of friends practice not fifty-fifty come up into conflict until almost one-3rd of the way through this long novel, and only succeed in "getting the ring back together" a third of the manner from its determination--beyond the sea, in another land, in the service of some other beleaguered king. But, as I said, this is the "thinking human's" Dejection Brothers. It may play fast and loose with history, simply, through the many twists and turns of its heady plot, it remains a convincing portrait of heroes in middle-age.

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Wow! Just wow! I loved The Three Musketeers, but - if anything - I retrieve that this was even better. Xx Years After is the second installment in the Musketeers' tale (one that continues into a 3rd part, 'Ten Years Later', which is unremarkably split itself into three, the concluding of which is The Human being in teh Iron Mask). That might be because I didn't' already know the story, just I think it was too because in that location'southward now a earth-weariness virtually the four heroes. All at present in their forties, they're almost Wow! Only wow! I loved The Three Musketeers, merely - if annihilation - I think that this was even better. Twenty Years Later is the 2d installment in the Musketeers' tale (one that continues into a third part, '10 Years Later', which is normally split itself into 3, the last of which is The Human being in teh Atomic number 26 Mask). That might be considering I didn't' already know the story, but I recall it was too considering in that location's now a world-weariness about the four heroes. All now in their forties, they're virtually anachronisms: shining beacons of valour, but surrounded past people interested simply in personal gain and coin. Key Mazarin is a pale shadow of Richelieu, whose evil is petty and base, almost managing to bring D'Artagnan downwards to his level. In fact for almost half of the book, the Musketeers are carve up in two warring factions, which adds enormous tension to the storyline. Overall, I recommend this book even higher than the first i - it'due south just also written (this is no hack work, which is what I felt with Scott'southward Ivanhoe), this is genuine literature. But literature told at super pace and with a nail-biting plot. Ach -just read it, yous won't regret it. ...more

I have merely ii enduring memories of this book.

The first is waiting at a supermarket, with the shopping on the belt, reaching into the pocket of my grey overcoat and discovering this book there, were I had plainly put it for safe keeping and and so forgot well-nigh information technology. It was a small library book, possibly an sometime Lowest edition, and luckily I was then still immature enough that I didn't have to pay library fines for late returned books. Then I was able to enjoy the pure joy of escaping the eternity of tw

I have simply ii indelible memories of this volume.

The first is waiting at a supermarket, with the shopping on the chugalug, reaching into the pocket of my gray overcoat and discovering this volume there, were I had plainly put it for safe keeping and so forgot virtually it. Information technology was a small library book, maybe an old Everyman edition, and luckily I was then even so immature enough that I didn't have to pay library fines for late returned books. So I was able to relish the pure joy of escaping the eternity of two or three long minutes of waiting for the shopping to pass before the cashier with an overdue library book.

The second is d'Artagnan, now in this volume - set during the Fronde under the rule of Cardinal Mazarin while Louis Fourteen is a modest - a captain, reflecting on the good quondam days of Cardinal Richelieu, when you may have been thrown into an oubliette, but at least information technology was an oubliette with a certain caste of grade and stardom. In that location'south nothing like the good old days.

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This book pales in comparison to The Three Musketeers only because Mordaunt is a much less interesting villain than his mother, Milady. Over again, information technology would non be too difficult to twist this story so that Mordaunt becomes no villain at all. His goal is simply to avenge the murder of his mother. To that cease he stabs a man who was already dying, he kills another of the murderers on a field of battle, and he tries to blow up the remaining four. In his mind, he's simply trying to get for himself the jus This book pales in comparison to The Iii Musketeers only because Mordaunt is a much less interesting villain than his female parent, Milady. Again, it would not be too difficult to twist this story so that Mordaunt becomes no villain at all. His goal is only to avenge the murder of his female parent. To that stop he stabs a homo who was already dying, he kills some other of the murderers on a field of boxing, and he tries to blow up the remaining four. In his mind, he'due south simply trying to get for himself the justice that the world denies him. That's non much different than what the Musketeers did to Milady at the finish of the first book. Only fifty-fifty with this moral ambiguity, Mordaunt is neither as interesting, nor as fun as Milady.

I loved the treatment of royalty in this volume. The Musketeers are violent royalists. Athos and Aramis accept learned to distinguish the office of royalty from the person wields the ability. Porthos is as well thick to really become the distinction. And D'Artagnan is learning. His main teachers are Anne and Mazarin, the new prime minister since the expiry of Richelieu. After his vivid service twenty years before, D'Artagnan has been largely ignored, and remains a lieutenant in the service of the Queen. She has shown no appreciation at all either for his extraordinary service to her, or for his remarkable loyalty and abilities.

During this book, there is an uprising in Paris which threatens the lives of Anne, Mazarin, and the immature King Louis Xiv. At their pleading, and their promises never to forget such a service, D'Artagnan uses tremendous audacity to salve the 3 of them, and to deliver them all to safe exterior of Paris. Without reward, he is then sent to England to evangelize a message to Cromwell. That is the extent of his orders, and he delivers the message. So, he goes outside the telescopic of his mission (but without actually violating whatsoever orders), and tries unsuccessfully to save the life of King Charles. When he returns to France, his service to Anne is of grade completely forgotten, and he's thrown in prison with the intention of letting him rot there forever. Such is the gratitude and loyalty of bodily monarchs.

The astonishing matter is that the Musketeers all remain fierce royalists in spite of all the bear witness. They are convinced that the only problem with the system is that the wrong ministers are advising the monarchs. Also, from what nosotros encounter in the book, it looks like the but alternatives available is the despotism of people similar Cromwell, or those even worse. Thus, even though everything ends upward pretty happily for our four heroes, I establish this to exist surprisingly bleak in its outlook. But withal, Dumas has a knack of being exciting and fun even when bleak. I'm looking forrard to the third installment of these books, simply its a monster, and volition probably accept me quite some time.

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3rd read:

Ah! Au revoir my musketeer friends! Until the side by side volume! Alas, we've lost some friends forth the manner!

With each re-read I proceeds and then much more from this serial, and I'm so in love with the characters, and the fashion Dumas writes them. It'due south absolutely fascinating to read about how four inseparable friends can be divided in opinion and yet nevertheless treat ane another so respectfully. Athos in particular is a god amongst men, and even among his friends he's astoundingly honourable. I love how muc

Third read:

Ah! Au revoir my musketeer friends! Until the next volume! Alas, nosotros've lost some friends along the style!

With each re-read I gain then much more from this serial, and I'm so in love with the characters, and the manner Dumas writes them. It's absolutely fascinating to read about how four inseparable friends tin can be divided in opinion and yet still care for one some other so respectfully. Athos in particular is a god among men, and even amid his friends he's astoundingly honourable. I honey how much respect he commands in this novel.

'And when I have signed, Messieurs, what volition be my security?'
'My word of accolade, Monsieur,' said Athos.
Mazarin started, turned towards the Comte de la Fere for a moment, scanned that loyal, noble countenance, and taking the pen, 'That's quite sufficient, Monsieur the Count,' said he, and he signed.

I cannot express how deeply I wish a person'southward discussion could be trusted the way that of Athos is.

D'Artagnan is nevertheless a hero with a keen heed, and he thinks of everything. He's also freaking hilarious and has the greatest insults ever. He's and then clever he verbally backhands people all the time. LOVE. Information technology. Aramis is rather politically minded and still quick to anger, only he'due south tempered by the at-home that is Athos. He even so has such an intriguing role, and of course he'south mixed up with another lady friend whom he's definitely non sleeping with *wink*

Porthos gets so much love from me in this novel because his devoutness but cannot be faulted. He may be a petty slow on the uptake, but he trusts his friends and then completely and information technology makes my heart wanna burst. Every unmarried time he says something like, 'I have no idea what you're talking about but merely tell me what to do' I feel my heart expand for him.

These four men are #friendshipgoals and I will never stop loving them, and wishing that modern men were more like these heroes. I guess it's my destiny to be constantly disappointed by men for the rest of my life. *cries*

Guest appearances from de Winter and Rochefort were delightful as I missed them only equally completely, and I dear that d'Artagnan and Rochefort are bffs subsequently constantly trying to kill i another in the first volume. Bless them. Anne is a total menace in this one and it makes me that much sadder for the loss of Buckingham. Mazarin is a douchebag and information technology'southward lamentable to see d'Artagnan and Porthos working for him. Bills, bills, bills, I guess. Raoul is a total sweetheart and I'm looking frontward to re-reading about him in The Vicomte de Bragelonne.

Honestly I could go on about this serial forever. My center is entirely devoted to these Musketeers.

If you lot don't go along with the serial subsequently The Iii Musketeers, yous are seriously missing out my friends.

***
Original review (after 2nd read):
It's certainly a longer story than The Three Musketeers, with complicated politics and a whole lot of new names that are easier to remember if you lot practice a petty research of the time and put some faces to names. At times, it's easy to lose the story in trying to remember who everyone is, and whose side they are on; information technology tin can be rather catchy to follow. That being said, I will never finish loving these characters. Taking place twenty years after the original novel, our Musketeer friends have aged well, and the first saga of the novel is dedicated to renewing old acquaintances and discovering what's happened in our absence. D'Artagnan is still our hero musketeer, though he has cemented his place as a brilliant soldier and his experience is evident in the way his new adventures are written. His bright mind is sharp as ever, and so many of my favourite moments in this novel come from his wit, confidence and natural ability to form a plan simply because 1 is called for. His closeness with Porthos is quite charming, and I love how much faith Porthos has in his friend even afterwards twenty years of separation. When it's revealed that the four friends are split up betwixt duties, I must say I felt quite unsettled, fifty-fifty knowing how the novel concludes (this being a re-read). Their friendship is the cornerstone of this entire series and to have those dynamics shifted makes for tense reading.
The introduction of the villainous Mordaunt sends shivers down the spine at how easily he commits evils, however in that location is still sympathy to exist found in the form of the musketeers' regrets of how the situation with Milady was handled in the erstwhile novel. He is written so as to be hated, but there is a depth to him that as well allows for pity. It'due south this masterful creation of characters that has me so in love with this series. I notice it easy to be caught up, and experience alongside those I'm reading about.
The inclusion of Mazarin and a Queen Anne of Republic of austria so different from the first novel was something to get used to, specially when the musketeers' hatred of Mazarin gave them such respect for the principal villain of the previous novel. This, too, shows the power of the decades that have passed. This is a sequel cleverly written, giving respect to time and how it gives wisdom through hindsight and maturation. It is also fascinating to read about the changes that take occurred between the 2 time periods.
All in all, it'southward everything you loved from The Three Musketeers, though complicated with politics, a long list of characters, and several different arcs that lengthen the novel quite drastically. Perhaps a little too heavy, and therefore easily avoided by fair-weather fans, but this is a must read for those who fell in love with The Three Musketeers the same way I did. The depth this novel carries is truly satisfying, and y'all will finish information technology with the sense that, over again, y'all accept said cheerio to quondam friends.

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The second and unfortunately often neglected story in the d'Artagnon cycle from Dumas is 20 Year Later on. This takes identify during the regency of Louis 14 (when the male monarch is too immature to take the throne - and here Louis is v when Louis XIII dies in 1643 and Richelieu rules in place of Queen Anne until Louis takes over in 1661) and with the background of Le Fronde (a failed coup d'état that haunted Louis 14 all his life and was i of the reasons for his paranoia and his concentration of power in t The second and unfortunately oft neglected story in the d'Artagnon cycle from Dumas is twenty Twelvemonth Later. This takes place during the regency of Louis XIV (when the king is too young to accept the throne - and hither Louis is v when Louis Xiii dies in 1643 and Richelieu rules in place of Queen Anne until Louis takes over in 1661) and with the background of Le Fronde (a failed putsch that haunted Louis Fourteen all his life and was ane of the reasons for his paranoia and his concentration of ability in the palace of Versailles). Against this properties, our 4 heroes who are split over political differences and alliances accept to eventually come up together and save the kingdom. It is a far more mature book than Three Musketeers and the character studies are absolutely stupendous. From being piddling more than cardboard cutouts, Dumas breathes life and realism and ambition and spirit into d'Artagnon, Porthos, Athos and Aramis and they go - for me - his most unforgettable characters (and some of the best ones ever in French literature IMHO). A must read. ...more

Feb 27, 2009 Dan Gladwell rated it really liked it

No one ever talks well-nigh Twenty Years After, and it'due south hard to find out it exists unless you're looking for more than data on the Three Musketeers. I think the chief reason behind this is but its bulk. It's a huge book, and it is pretty daunting thinking you will exist able to get through all those pages. Nevertheless, it is still paced very well, and at that place is a lot of activeness hither. Xx Years after is much more character driven than Iii Musketeers, and the emotional connection you feel to the char No one ever talks about Twenty Years After, and information technology's hard to find out information technology exists unless you lot're looking for more data on the Iii Musketeers. I think the main reason backside this is simply its bulk. It's a huge book, and it is pretty daunting thinking y'all volition be able to get through all those pages. Nonetheless, information technology is still paced very well, and in that location is a lot of action here. Xx Years subsequently is much more character driven than Iii Musketeers, and the emotional connection you feel to the characters and how they've grown and inverse is definitely the driving strength behind this book. The evolution of the characters from the Iii Musketeers is very touching and fun to watch as Dumas expands on the personal connectedness you experience with them and leads you to cheer for them to re-unite. While it's non as strong as 3 Musketeers (but what is?), I practise adopt Twenty Years After over Man in the Fe Mask.

The Musketeer Trilogy is my favorite literary story of all time. I can't count how many times I've read the collection, and it is rather daunting to go through the unabridged versions :). The pacing, plot and character development are all excellent. This is the absolute pinnacle of risk story telling, and is a must read for whatsoever run a risk fan.

This edition contains splendid footnotes, detailing both historical notes, plot notes, and notes from Dumas' own life.

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Oct xiv, 2009 Thou. rated it information technology was amazing

Recommends it for: adventure lovers

Better than "3 Musketeers." Characters are much more adult and fleshed out and mature. More than mature and thought-provoking themes. Loved reading every minute of it. Not one slow moment in all its 800+ pages. I love Dumas' sense of humor. d'Artagnan and Porthos actually stood out so much more in this 1, witty and truly humorous--I really enjoy laughing at true wit in a book. It makes me experience happy.

Dumas plays with history quite a chip and these can't be quite chosen "historical" in a true s

Better than "Three Musketeers." Characters are much more adult and fleshed out and mature. More mature and idea-provoking themes. Loved reading every minute of it. Not i irksome moment in all its 800+ pages. I beloved Dumas' humor. d'Artagnan and Porthos actually stood out so much more in this 1, witty and truly humorous--I really enjoy laughing at true wit in a book. It makes me feel happy.

Dumas plays with history quite a bit and these tin't be quite called "historical" in a true sense, but equally for a general picture, they are great. It's ever fascinating to visit history when told in such a fabled manner.

Some smashing lines:

Ahthos: "...This child has helped me recover all that I had lost. I take lived not for myself, but for him. Teaching is adept for a kid; but instance is worth more. This I have given him. The vices I had I have corrected. The virtues that I had not I take feigned to accept..." (pg 136)

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Athos: "Friendship throws out very deep roots into sincere hearts...it is only worthless people who deny that there is whatsoever friendship, because they do not comprehend it." (page 138)

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"...[so and and so:] was non a wizard, but a learned man, which is quite another thing. He did not foretell the futurity. He knew the past, which is sometimes much worse." (page 152)

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"My child," said the king to Aramis, "practise non grieve so. You ask what God is doing? God sees your devotion and my martyrdom, and believe me, both will be recompensed; then arraign men for what happens, and not God. Information technology is men who impale me; it is men who make you mourn." (page 592)

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Sep 17, 2007 Jessica rated it did non like it

I must admit, I didn't like this book at all. Non considering it wasn't well written, and not considering there was annihilation wrong with it (there wasn't, past the fashion), it's but that the characters in the book did not seem like my former "friends", the Four Musketeers! Yes, they were named "D'Argatan", "Athos", "Porthos" and "Aramis" but they didn't seem like the same characters to me.
Information technology's interesting though, if y'all wanted to observe out what happended to all the characters in "The Three Musketeers", but reall I must admit, I didn't like this book at all. Not considering it wasn't well written, and not considering there was anything wrong with information technology (in that location wasn't, by the mode), it's simply that the characters in the book did not seem similar my sometime "friends", the Four Musketeers! Yeah, they were named "D'Argatan", "Athos", "Porthos" and "Aramis" only they didn't seem similar the same characters to me.
It's interesting though, if you wanted to notice out what happended to all the characters in "The 3 Musketeers", merely really, I tin can't recommend it. ...more

In a room of the Palais-Primal which we already know, near a tabular array with silver gilded corners, loaded with papers and books, a human was sitting, his head resting in his hands.

Thus starts the musketeers' 2d take a chance, set 20 years subsequently their start, but outdoing information technology in terms of scope, political impact and effect: for this time both France and England are in the middle of populist revolts, the first Fronde in Paris, Cromwell's war confronting the monarchy in England.

Dumas does a wonderful job

In a room of the Palais-Cardinal which we already know, nearly a table with silver golden corners, loaded with papers and books, a human being was sitting, his caput resting in his hands.

Thus starts the musketeers' second hazard, set 20 years after their outset, but outdoing it in terms of scope, political bear on and effect: for this fourth dimension both France and England are in the centre of populist revolts, the get-go Fronde in Paris, Cromwell's state of war against the monarchy in England.

Dumas does a wonderful job of inserting our foursome into the known events of history and even though we know the outcomes, there are moments where we near believe things tin can exist different (view spoiler)[ such every bit the tense scenes where Charles I is so nearly rescued from the scaffold (hibernate spoiler)], a huge attestation to Dumas' grip on our imagination.

This time circular all the musketeers are twenty years older and their characters are given more than depth, especially those of the noble, gracious but world-weary Athos, and delirious, highly-strung Aramis. D'Artagnan is as cunning every bit ever and Porthos adds comic relief with his massive strength and ever-empty stomach!

The politics are possibly more complex here, putting the musketeers on contrary sides when the book opens. A new villain emerges, Mordaunt, the son of Milady; and Raoul, Athos' adopted son, allows Dumas to show a paternal side to the foursome.

This is superb story-telling and while the musketeers part at the end for their individual lives ( The 4 friends embraced with tears in their eyes. And then they separated, without knowing whether they should always meet once more), luckily we know they'll be dorsum in The Vicomte de Bragelonne.

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Dumas has to have been one of the greatest prose writers of the 19th century. One never tires of his sentences nor does he let his story drag. While I loved "3 Musketeers" when I read it as a teenager and became so excited as I turned nigh every page, I didn't go the aforementioned rise I expected out of "Twenty Years After" probably because I myself have become jaded and now know a niggling more than of what d'Artagnan felt as a youth in a coiffure of rough men, men perpetually in honey with a beautiful woman Dumas has to have been one of the greatest prose writers of the 19th century. I never tires of his sentences nor does he let his story drag. While I loved "Three Musketeers" when I read it equally a teenager and became and so excited as I turned well-nigh every page, I didn't become the same rise I expected out of "20 Years After" probably because I myself have become jaded and now know a little more of what d'Artagnan felt as a youth in a coiffure of crude men, men perpetually in love with a beautiful woman and brave and daring considering of it, which is the dream of every normal homo. Nevertheless, information technology is definitely worth anyone's time to read this ancient, throbbing classic. ...more

Jul 03, 2020 Haaze rated it really liked information technology

The novel was a pleasant continuation of the time warp to 17th century France initiated in "The Three Musketeers". Dumas has taken the four heroes and superimposed them on actual historical events. At times this was quite exhilarating, while it could also be a marathon slog of names referring to countesses, princes and other royal figures involved in these events. I do wish that Dumas had more of a psychological level in his writing, as the characters at times announced as two-dimensional stereotyp The novel was a pleasant continuation of the time warp to 17th century French republic initiated in "The Three Musketeers". Dumas has taken the four heroes and superimposed them on bodily historical events. At times this was quite exhilarating, while it could also be a marathon slog of names referring to countesses, princes and other majestic figures involved in these events. I do wish that Dumas had more of a psychological level in his writing, every bit the characters at times appear as two-dimensional stereotypes of lovable heroes. Accolade, valor and everlasting devotion to the Queen! Assuasive myself to condone this wish of "depth" was the cardinal to my enjoyment. Later on all, I was really intent on an chance with the musketeers and that is exactly what Dumas delivered in this thick behemoth of a novel. I did discover plenty of pleasance in traveling the clay roads and plotting against enemies in the company of our heroes. The sometime translation was also delightful with its intricate vocabulary and sentences. More than delight...

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I liked The Three Musketeers better, but this was no disappointment; I adore the characters. My only real frustration was that it took so long to get the 4 of them together.

I kept getting my princes mixed up, and and so Condi, Conte and Gondy, and it doesn't help that I read Queen Margot earlier this yr and the books have characters with the same family names. But proper name confusion on the reader's behalf is standard for Dumas, at least for me.

Ane of my favorite quotes was d'Artagnan's descriptio

I liked The Iii Musketeers better, but this was no disappointment; I adore the characters. My only existent frustration was that it took so long to go the four of them together.

I kept getting my princes mixed up, and then Condi, Conte and Gondy, and information technology doesn't help that I read Queen Margot earlier this year and the books have characters with the same family names. Simply name confusion on the reader's behalf is standard for Dumas, at to the lowest degree for me.

Ane of my favorite quotes was d'Artagnan's description of England, a place he detests, and not merely for the beer people drinkable instead of proper, gentlemanly wine:

". . . this blackguard country, where it is always cold, where fine weather is mist, mist is rain, the rain a deluge; where the sun resembles the moon, and the moon cheese à la crème."

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Mar 20, 2010 Caitlin rated it it was astonishing

This book was just every bit expert every bit the sequel....I am serious! I didnt recall it would exist as good equally the starting time one, because the three musketeers was seriously amazing, but this volume was just as good!! (perhaps meliorate??) So just to give y'all a heads up, my favorite character Comte de la Fere (Athos) did Non dice. Give thanks gorfo. But somebody else did....so scroll down to read it. recall-its a SPOILER!!!

Dear Charles I,
It is very unfortunate that you had to dice. It'southward not like anybody elected you to be rex

This book was but as good as the sequel....I am serious! I didnt think it would be equally good as the first i, because the three musketeers was seriously amazing, but this book was just as good!! (possibly ameliorate??) And then just to give y'all a heads upwards, my favorite character Comte de la Fere (Athos) did Not die. Thank gorfo. But somebody else did....and so coil down to read it. remember-its a SPOILER!!!

Beloved Charles I,
It is very unfortunate that you lot had to die. Information technology's not like anybody elected you to be king, maybe you could have washed a meliorate job at something else, or perchance yous were a pretty expert people, simply ruled during rough times and over rebellious subjects. It was very disrespectful for your people to kill you. Your their king! It's one of the rules in England that "the monarchy can practice no wrong". Plain you lot did something incorrect, but I can tell that you didnt mean information technology. You seemed like a really nice guy with adept intentions, but SOME people (*coughing* Oliver Cromwell *cough*) didnt seem to retrieve so. But so once again, fifty-fifty Ollie admitted that he would have rather not publicly exectuted you. (which at commencement made me like him more, so he went on to say that he would take rather told the people he shipped you to French republic and not tell them that he blew up your boat) Information technology was especially sad because you lot had young children! England had a ton of bad leaders, and you were definately not the worst. No where almost it really. I hateful Bloody Mary, Henry VIII, Henry IV...and and so many more than!!! You lot werent that bad, PLUS y'all were a practiced person. Firm religion, good priorities (at to the lowest degree in your personal life) and a noble spirit. I'm sure it must have been hard to walk upwards to the executioner and all the same carry yourself with grace and stature. And I think that is the difference between true royalty and just a title. I am and so deplorable that you died. And I'one thousand sure Athos, even if he hadn't been ordered to, would have tried to relieve yous. And Athos is a skillful gauge of character.
Honey,
Caitlin

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Dec 05, 2011 Ensiform rated information technology it was amazing

An first-class, entertaining, engrossing ballsy, a serial of elegantly bundled adventures and intrigues that actually drew me in. It was a rollicking good story, and the characters were brought to life with skill. At first, the situation in the book is a stupor: striking down the cherished tradition of "all for ane and 1 for all" in ane of the earth's great classics, the Musketeers are estranged and autonomously, and actually on dissimilar sides in the Cardinalist-Frondist conflict! Only this unfortunate tur An excellent, entertaining, engrossing ballsy, a series of elegantly arranged adventures and intrigues that really drew me in. It was a rollicking good story, and the characters were brought to life with skill. At get-go, the situation in the book is a daze: hit downward the cherished tradition of "all for ane and i for all" in one of the globe'south great classics, the Musketeers are estranged and apart, and actually on different sides in the Cardinalist-Frondist disharmonize! But this unfortunate turn of events is explained with ease and naturalness, and information technology makes it all the more exciting when D'Artagnan'south cunning and the sense of honor they all share bring them together over again. Once this happens, the high adventure never stops. The ending is satisfying, while leaving the door open to further adventures.
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Jul 19, 2013 Anirudh rated it it was ok

Turns out sequels were a bad thought fifty-fifty then. Twenty Years after is the novel that continues the life of D'Arthagnan and his three friends as they ride together in one case once more (of course along with their servants) to relieve their country. However, this fourth dimension they are older and not nearly as funny.

A lot of the book is missing the humour that made the first book one of my favourite reads. The comradeship does not actually begin for a hundred plus pages and even then, something seems to be missing.

The ch

Turns out sequels were a bad idea fifty-fifty then. Twenty Years after is the novel that continues the life of D'Arthagnan and his three friends as they ride together once again (of course along with their servants) to save their country. However, this time they are older and not near every bit funny.

A lot of the book is missing the humour that made the start book one of my favourite reads. The comradeship does not really brainstorm for a hundred plus pages and even then, something seems to be missing.

The characters are mostly the same as they are earlier except that they cannot make you laugh like they used to. The plot is zero particularly interesting and in that location are $.25 of stories dragging on for far besides long in betwixt.

Overall, a person who loved the kickoff book might not for the about part, like this 1 as much as he expected to.

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Changing my previous rating of 3 stars.

It took me a petty while to warm upward to this sequel to "The Three Musketeers" just it was worth perservering! Once over again, our 4 friends have become embroiled in courtroom politics, this time involving Richelieu'due south successor Primal Mazarin. I had a fiddling trouble identifying all the people as some of the historical characters were unknown to me all the same were presented with little or no explanation. Give thanks goodness for the internet!

Likewise a trivial puzzled well-nigh Porthos -

Changing my previous rating of 3 stars.

It took me a fiddling while to warm up to this sequel to "The 3 Musketeers" but it was worth perservering! One time once again, our 4 friends have become embroiled in court politics, this fourth dimension involving Richelieu's successor Cardinal Mazarin. I had a picayune trouble identifying all the people as some of the historical characters were unknown to me yet were presented with little or no explanation. Thank goodness for the internet!

Besides a picayune puzzled well-nigh Porthos -- I don't remember him being such a potent human being (he is virtually a Hercules or incredible Hulk in this book!).

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Nov 10, 2018 Elizabeth A rated it information technology was amazing

Book blurb: 20 Years Afterward (1845), the sequel to The Three Musketeers, is a supreme creation of suspense and heroic adventure.

'At this game, whoever does not kill is killed.'

Every bit usual I'k struggling with how to best review this book. This ever happens to me when I love a book as I'm filled with emotions that I don't have the skills to convey.

It's fantastic. See what I mean? What practice I say next? OK here goes. In this installment we pick upwards 20 years after the events at the terminate of The Three Mus

Book blurb: Twenty Years After (1845), the sequel to The Iii Musketeers, is a supreme creation of suspense and heroic adventure.

'At this game, whoever does non kill is killed.'

As usual I'yard struggling with how to best review this volume. This always happens to me when I dear a book as I'yard filled with emotions that I don't take the skills to convey.

It's fantastic. See what I hateful? What practice I say next? OK here goes. In this installment we choice up 20 years after the events at the terminate of The Three Musketeers. The quartet is back in action, and are once again chosen onto the world phase to protect, defend, and make their fortunes. Civil state of war is in the French winds, while across the sea in England Cromwell threatens to send Charles I to the scaffold. The Musketeers find themselves split forth political and geographical lines, and might very well be called upon to kill each other!

The writing is marvelous, the plot impeccably paced, the dialog fun, and in this installment, Dumas wonderfully fleshes out these characters so that I was totally engaged with their travails. For students of history, what happens to the real earth characters is non a surprise, but getting to that point is where all the drama and fun is. I practice have a quibble with how the women are portrayed, especially Anne of Republic of austria, only this was originally published in 1845 and is withal a wonderful read today, admitting not a particularly feminist one. Was I the but ane who missed Milady?

I listened to the audiobook which is superbly narrated by Frederick Davidson, and I look forward to the rest of the books in this series. Bravo Dumas!

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April 08, 2009 Jim rated it really liked it

Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas is the commencement sequel to the original The Three Musketeers, to be followed past two, three, or iv volumes -- based on the edition you have. D'Artagnan and his companions are now in eye age, but a new immature 'un takes the stage, Raoul, the Vicomte de Bragelonne, with Athos equally his guardian (and probable father).

The action is a bit confusing, considering Xx Years Afterward is set during he Wars of the Fronde, in which both the bourgeois classes and the nobility hav

Twenty Years Later by Alexandre Dumas is the offset sequel to the original The Three Musketeers, to be followed by two, three, or four volumes -- based on the edition you have. D'Artagnan and his companions are now in eye historic period, but a new young 'un takes the phase, Raoul, the Vicomte de Bragelonne, with Athos as his guardian (and likely father).

The action is a bit disruptive, considering Twenty Years Afterwards is fix during he Wars of the Fronde, in which both the bourgeois classes and the dignity have complaints confronting the Monarchy (finer controlled by Louis XIII's widow, Anne of Republic of austria, and Fundamental Mazarin). It's a rather disjointed affair with numerous leaders that was to concluding for several years beyond the compass of the book.

In this novel, the musketeers are initially split into two conflicting groups, with D'Artagnan and Porthos being of Mazarin's party and Athos and Aramis beingness Frondeurs. There is fifty-fifty a long sequence in which the musketeers travel to England to try to free Charles I from captivity and execution. Pitted against them is one Mordaunt, the son of Milady de Winter who is executed at the end of The 3 Musketeers. They fail and return to France just to get caught up in the whole Fronde defoliation, which they bring to a halt (for the time being) by capturing Mazarin and holding his anxiety to the burn.

All in all, the original novel was probably amend; but Dumas is never deterred past complication. Even if you lot don't sympathise the role of Yard. de Gondy aka the coadjutor, Mmes de Chevreuse and de Longueville, the Duc de Beaufort, the Comte de Rochefort, Councillor Broussel, et al ad infinitum, it isn't too difficult to follow the action -- and there is to be certain a lot of information technology.

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Nov 08, 2011 GoldGato rated it it was astonishing

Dumas was the master of truly getting the reader so involved in the narrative, that we forget we are long past the age of swordplay. As the 2d volume in the Musketeer collection, Dumas brings united states of america dorsum together with the main characters while focusing on La Fronde, the French Civil War that raged equally Louis XIV was coming of age. Athos, Porthos, and Aramis return, forth with D'Artagnan of course, and we also see where Dumas is going with the future, as Raoul is introduced.

While the original Thre

Dumas was the master of truly getting the reader so involved in the narrative, that we forget we are long past the age of swordplay. As the 2d volume in the Musketeer collection, Dumas brings us back together with the main characters while focusing on La Fronde, the French Civil War that raged equally Louis XIV was coming of age. Athos, Porthos, and Aramis return, forth with D'Artagnan of course, and we besides see where Dumas is going with the time to come, as Raoul is introduced.

While the original Three Musketeers volition always stand as Dumas's masterpiece, this is a rollicking skilful fourth dimension also and very instructive in leading up to the real-world absolute monarchy that the Sun King would create. I recall I can even so hear the sounds of blades slashing.

Book Season = Spring

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Feb 22, 2013 John rated information technology information technology was amazing

If he's non the greatest author that ever lived, he's in the top five. I've read iii of his books in the past year and all 3, The 3 Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo and now, Twenty Years After, are three of my favorite of all time (The Count is in my peak iii, if not the tiptop). Xx Years After takes place 20 years later on the end of The Iii Musketeers. Our 4 heroes are a bit older, but merely as heroic, faithful and downright fun to follow!!! Pick this up and I guarantee you won't put it downwards qu If he's not the greatest writer that ever lived, he's in the top v. I've read 3 of his books in the past yr and all 3, The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo and now, Twenty Years Afterward, are 3 of my favorite of all time (The Count is in my meridian 3, if non the top). Twenty Years After takes place 20 years after the end of The Three Musketeers. Our 4 heroes are a fleck older, merely just as heroic, true-blue and downright fun to follow!!! Choice this upwardly and I guarantee yous won't put it down quickly... ...more

Mar 04, 2015 Cyndi rated it actually liked information technology

Of course this book is well written, these are classics for a reason. Merely, as usual, its obvious there were no editors (lol). The exciting parts in this volume more than than made up for the irksome parts. You just have to hang on through them to become to the expert parts. The touches of history were really cool. Charles I... Wow!

I am super fan of The Three Musketeers and I take both The Three Musketeers and Twenty Years Afterwards indeluxe, vintage editions and I pride myself of it (I have the right, yep? ;) ); yet, to me, Xx Years After is amend! I highly recommend information technology!

When I finished "The Three Musketeers" terminal twelvemonth, I had no idea at that place was a sequel to it. Much less five sequels! So finding this book and being reunited with D'Artagnan, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis was quite a thrill. And this volume certainly didn't disappoint. While it's not the Three Musketeers(few books are) it's still a swashbuckling, action packed run a risk filled with diabolical villains and the at times ethically challenged Musketeers.
Dumas was a principal at creating these kind of characte When I finished "The Three Musketeers" last year, I had no idea there was a sequel to information technology. Much less five sequels! So finding this book and being reunited with D'Artagnan, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis was quite a thrill. And this volume certainly didn't disappoint. While it'due south not the Three Musketeers(few books are) it's still a swashbuckling, activeness packed risk filled with diabolical villains and the at times ethically challenged Musketeers.
Dumas was a master at creating these kind of characters with huge character flaws such as vanity, lust, greed, gluttony, or random senseless violence(a cornerstone of these four as you never know who is going to get cut down on a whim for no particular reason) and nevertheless yous still love them. As flawed as they are, they are every bit capable of honour, kindness, loyalty(specially to each other), and appreciation of good food(Porthos and his stomach...).
This existence my third Dumas novel and most likely non my last, I feel pretty confident in proverb that he is to this day probably the finest take chances author to have ever lived. Not many writers can brand you laugh and feel indignation in the span of ane paragraph or make 1000+ pages fly by but Dumas always does. If you've read The Three Musketeers, this is the book for you. If y'all oasis't read it yet... Zounds! What are you waiting for?! ...more

This is a wonderful story and only does justice to the original Three Musketeers story. This book is just non a sequel to the story but an splendid continuation of the story. The characters accept changed and nevertheless they accept remained the aforementioned. d'Artangan is still the confident Gascon who has an idea and ambition for everything, Athos is still the loyal, nobel and honest cornerstone of the grouping, Aramis the loveable playboy who finds himself at odds with his ambitions of the past and desires for the This is a wonderful story and just does justice to the original Three Musketeers story. This book is just not a sequel to the story only an fantabulous continuation of the story. The characters have inverse and yet they take remained the aforementioned. d'Artangan is nevertheless the confident Gascon who has an thought and appetite for everything, Athos is all the same the loyal, nobel and honest cornerstone of the group, Aramis the loveable playboy who finds himself at odds with his ambitions of the by and desires for the future, and Porthos the loveable and sometimes naive strong-arm. I absolutely loved the struggle that ensued when our heroes found themselves at odds during a Parisian struggle. Held my breath when they were bound together again every bit living proof of, 'All for one and one for all'. I've learned that abridge version of Dumas' piece of work is nothing more than some cheap and lazy explanation of a wonderful wokr. SO looking frontwards to reading 'The Human In the Ironmask"...after I buy an extened or rather fuller version. ...more than

The four musketeers ring together over again after 20 years apart for a second adventure. Set confronting the properties of England'south civil war this story reads and feels much similar the outset novel. A very good sequel that stands up well to the first novel. Like the kickoff one there are parts that drag due to the dated writing style. The storyline and characters are still very good. Recommended The four musketeers ring together once again after twenty years apart for a second adventure. Prepare confronting the backdrop of England'southward civil war this story reads and feels much similar the first novel. A very adept sequel that stands up well to the first novel. Like the starting time one there are parts that drag due to the dated writing style. The storyline and characters are still very good. Recommended ...more

Oct 17, 2019 Ayla rated information technology actually liked it

This review has been subconscious considering it contains spoilers. To view information technology, click here. Excellent frolic through the swashbuckling fourth dimension of the Musketeers. Here they are reunited twenty years later.
And a night presence is back to foil their lives!

Alexandre Dumas is a witty and funny author. Not only does he lead united states of america on a merry hunt but he keeps us entertained as well. Interspersed with a history of 1600 France .

Fun read!

Sep 26, 2021 MatthewS F1 rated information technology it was amazing

In this chiliad, lengthly story, Alexandre Dumas accounts the adventures of four not-so-young-men, as they go trying to thwart the plans of Central Mazarin, along with witnessing a civil war, saving comrades, and et-cetera. This would be the perfect read for anybody looking for something big to read over the weekend.

I chose to mind to a newer translation of Twenty Years Later that splits the novel in one-half, so the rating is only partial but I have little doubt the 2d one-half volition be merely as good!

This note regards Alexandre Dumas, père, the father of Alexandre Dumas, fils (son). For the son, encounter Alexandre Dumas fils.

Alexandre Dumas, père (French for "father", akin to Senior in English language), born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a French writer, best known for his numerous historical novels of loftier adventure which take fabricated him one of the near widely read French authors in the world. Many of h

This annotation regards Alexandre Dumas, père, the father of Alexandre Dumas, fils (son). For the son, run across Alexandre Dumas fils.

Alexandre Dumas, père (French for "father", akin to Senior in English language), born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a French writer, best known for his numerous historical novels of loftier adventure which have made him one of the most widely read French authors in the world. Many of his novels, including The Count of Monte Cristo, The Iii Musketeers, The Homo in the Atomic number 26 Mask, and The Vicomte de Bragelonne were serialized. Dumas too wrote plays and mag articles, and was a prolific correspondent.

Dumas was of Haitian descent and mixed-race. His begetter, Full general Thomas-Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was born in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (nowadays-twenty-four hour period Haiti) to Alexandre Antoine Davy de la Pailleterie, a French nobleman, and Marie-Cessette Dumas, a black slave. At historic period fourteen Thomas-Alexandre was taken by his father to France, where he was educated in a armed services academy and entered the military for what became an illustrious career.

Dumas's father'due south aristocratic rank helped immature Alexandre Dumas acquire piece of work with Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, then as a writer, finding early success. He became i of the leading authors of the French Romantic Movement, in Paris.

Excerpted from Wikipedia.

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