The Three Musketeers (and its sequels) are set in 17th-century France, a period in which nobility, honor, and chivalry reign supreme. The adventures of Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D’artagnan are told mostly through the eyes of D’artagnan, as they blaze their trail together and play an integral role in the course of French history.

The aforementioned sequels, which aren’t nearly as well known for some reason, are Twenty Years After, The Vicomte de Bragelonne, Ten Years Later, Louise de la Valliere, and The Man In The Iron Mask. Although the later books tend to get bogged down in court politics and romantic soap opera storylines, it never becomes dull or boring. Everything Dumas is communicating has a purpose and is part of a larger whole, which if you stick with it, always has a pay off.

This series has been incredibly engrossing and fun to read for the first time. It has action, adventure, humor, romance, intrigue, history, politics, and deep friendship all rolled together into tales that are masterfully told. It’s no wonder these stories, and these characters, have endured for as long as they have. If you’re curious, start with The Three Musketeers. If you like it, dive into the rest and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed. Absolute classics.