Le Capitaine Alatriste

The story is rich with the politics and conflicts of 17th-century Spain, but I wonder how much the actual history shaped his decisions and character.

The action was intense, but some of the political and diplomatic parts felt slower. Was that intentional to build tension or a personal reading experience?

Alatriste's loyalty and honor are compelling but also complicated. I’m curious about what led Arturo Pérez-Reverte to craft a protagonist with such shades of gray.