The Sun King By: Gaston Derreaux
In Gaston Derreaux's captivating novel, the reader is transported to the splendid courts of Versailles during the reign of King Louis XIV, commonly referred to as The Sun King. Through his expert storytelling, Derreaux has masterfully captured the grandeur and intrigue of this golden era in French history. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an opulent and decadent court, where power, politics, and rivalries abound. As the reader delves deeper into the lives of the characters, they are drawn into a web of ambition, love, and betrayal. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of numerous key figures, both real and fictional, creating a rich tapestry of intertwining plots that keeps the reader engrossed until the very last page. Derreaux's attention to detail is evident throughout the novel, as he vividly describes the lavish costumes, sumptuous banquets, and extravagant lifestyles of the aristocracy. His portrayal of King Louis XIV is particularly noteworthy, capturing not only the monarch's charisma and regal demeanor but also his insecurities and personal struggles. The reader gains a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth, as Louis navigates the complexities of court life and attempts to maintain his absolute power. One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed and multi-dimensional characters. From the spirited and intelligent Madame de Montespan to the enigmatic Cardinal Mazarin, each individual springs to life on the page, with their own motivations and desires. The author skillfully explores the relationships between these characters, delving into the complexities of love, loyalty, and betrayal with nuance and sensitivity. Furthermore, Derreaux paints a vivid picture of the political landscape of the time, shedding light on the intricate power dynamics and rivalries that characterized the court. Through his meticulous research, the author provides the reader with a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of history's most influential courts. While the novel primarily focuses on the court of Versailles, Derreaux also takes the reader beyond its gilded walls, providing glimpses into the lives of the common people who toiled under the Sun King's rule. This added dimension gives the story a sense of balance, illustrating both the splendor and the struggles of life in 17th-century France. Overall, The Sun King by Gaston Derreaux is a truly immersive and engaging read that transports the reader to a bygone era. With its rich historical detail, complex characters, and intricate plotting, it is a book that will delight both history enthusiasts and lovers of compelling storytelling. Derreaux's skillful prose and meticulous research make this novel a standout in the genre, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating his future works. First Page: The SUN KING By GASTON DERREAUX The people of Par'si'ya forgot their God, and worshipped only murder, and sin. But then the virgin Too che gave birth to a male child.... Before the flood, even before Egypt's greatness, the world was divided into three main countries, named Jaffeth, Shem and Arabin'ya. There were other less populated lands and places; Uropa in the west, Heleste in the north, and the two great lands of the far west, called North and South Guatama. Now, at the juncture of the borders of the three greatest countries, lay a mighty city, named Oas. It was the capital city of the Arabin'yan nation called Par'si'ya. Its Temple of Skulls was the greatest known to any traveler, but the temples built to the god, Mazda, and his son, Ihua'Mazda, were empty and unadorned the people had forgotten God. So qi, King of Oas, sent out his armies throughout Jaffeth (China), conquering and slaying, bringing back ever more skulls for the Golgotha temples, more gold and more slaves for the enriching of King So qi. His harem was the greatest of buildings of the mighty city, and his wives beyond man's ability to count. Too che was one of the finest ornaments of the city of Oas. Too che was slim, her breasts were two mounds of magic, her eyes were pools of mystic green depths, her legs were subtle, sinuous beauty... Continue reading book >>

The Sun King By: Gaston Derreaux

In Gaston Derreaux's captivating novel, the reader is transported to the splendid courts of Versailles during the reign of King Louis XIV, commonly referred to as The Sun King. Through his expert storytelling, Derreaux has masterfully captured the grandeur and intrigue of this golden era in French history.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an opulent and decadent court, where power, politics, and rivalries abound. As the reader delves deeper into the lives of the characters, they are drawn into a web of ambition, love, and betrayal. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of numerous key figures, both real and fictional, creating a rich tapestry of intertwining plots that keeps the reader engrossed until the very last page.

Derreaux's attention to detail is evident throughout the novel, as he vividly describes the lavish costumes, sumptuous banquets, and extravagant lifestyles of the aristocracy. His portrayal of King Louis XIV is particularly noteworthy, capturing not only the monarch's charisma and regal demeanor but also his insecurities and personal struggles. The reader gains a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth, as Louis navigates the complexities of court life and attempts to maintain his absolute power.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed and multi-dimensional characters. From the spirited and intelligent Madame de Montespan to the enigmatic Cardinal Mazarin, each individual springs to life on the page, with their own motivations and desires. The author skillfully explores the relationships between these characters, delving into the complexities of love, loyalty, and betrayal with nuance and sensitivity.

Furthermore, Derreaux paints a vivid picture of the political landscape of the time, shedding light on the intricate power dynamics and rivalries that characterized the court. Through his meticulous research, the author provides the reader with a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of history's most influential courts.

While the novel primarily focuses on the court of Versailles, Derreaux also takes the reader beyond its gilded walls, providing glimpses into the lives of the common people who toiled under the Sun King's rule. This added dimension gives the story a sense of balance, illustrating both the splendor and the struggles of life in 17th-century France.

Overall, The Sun King by Gaston Derreaux is a truly immersive and engaging read that transports the reader to a bygone era. With its rich historical detail, complex characters, and intricate plotting, it is a book that will delight both history enthusiasts and lovers of compelling storytelling. Derreaux's skillful prose and meticulous research make this novel a standout in the genre, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating his future works.

First Page:

The SUN KING

By GASTON DERREAUX

The people of Par'si'ya forgot their God, and worshipped only murder, and sin. But then the virgin Too che gave birth to a male child....

Before the flood, even before Egypt's greatness, the world was divided into three main countries, named Jaffeth, Shem and Arabin'ya. There were other less populated lands and places; Uropa in the west, Heleste in the north, and the two great lands of the far west, called North and South Guatama.

Now, at the juncture of the borders of the three greatest countries, lay a mighty city, named Oas. It was the capital city of the Arabin'yan nation called Par'si'ya.

Its Temple of Skulls was the greatest known to any traveler, but the temples built to the god, Mazda, and his son, Ihua'Mazda, were empty and unadorned the people had forgotten God.

So qi, King of Oas, sent out his armies throughout Jaffeth (China), conquering and slaying, bringing back ever more skulls for the Golgotha temples, more gold and more slaves for the enriching of King So qi. His harem was the greatest of buildings of the mighty city, and his wives beyond man's ability to count.

Too che was one of the finest ornaments of the city of Oas. Too che was slim, her breasts were two mounds of magic, her eyes were pools of mystic green depths, her legs were subtle, sinuous beauty... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Historical Fiction
History
Literature
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Gaston Derreaux
Wikipedia – The Sun King

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