Perhaps nobody expected the Spanish Inquisition, but here it is in all its fiery glory complete with an auto-da-fe and plenty of noisome dungeons. But Perez-Reverte is not going to give us the usual tired old clichés and if you are expecting inquisitors gloating over racked victims and lots of blood and gore you might be disappointed. But we are adult readers, and instead we are treated to a more restrained picture of Spain teetering on the edge of collapse and the forces that destroyed it, all relayed by youthful narrator Inigo. Comparing these novels to the works of Sabatini and Dumas is not being very accurate, since if you are hoping for Boy's Own stuff where right always triumphs over might and the hero gets his reward, then you are in the wrong century and reading the wrong book. This is a much grittier, darker and more factual portrayal of Spain in the early 17th century but still filled with excitement, and with plenty of reminders about what actually constitutes this sort of heart-stopping action. In short, this is an adventure story for 21st century grownups.