Storm Mage: Baron Balsamo (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Alexandre Dumas (French); Translated by Gao Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Louis XV, despite opposition from courtiers, held a grand entrance ceremony for his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, granting her a status superior to that of the Dauphine at Versailles. Louis XV also took a liking to the young girl Andre, who was serving as the Dauphine's companion. He sneaked into Andre's bedroom late at night, only to find that Andre was unconscious due to the magic of Balsamo. The original servant of Andre's family, Gilbert, deeply loved Andre but was despised by her, leading him to harbor a desire for revenge. He took advantage of the situation to rape Andre, who was still unconscious. As a result, Andre became pregnant. After giving birth, Gilbert stole the infant and then took a ship to the Americas. Unbeknownst to him, he encountered Andre's brother, Philip, who was tracking him during the journey.
The author uses the historical backdrop of the later court struggles of Louis XV to weave a complex and dramatic plot into a grand historical novel. It reflects the corruption of the French monarchy during Louis XV's reign, its impending downfall, and the impending storm of the French Revolution.