The d'Artagnan Romances, Vol 2: Twenty Years After (version 2)


Read by John Van Stan

(4.8 stars; 111 reviews)

Volume 2 of The d'Artagnan Romances begins twenty years after "The Three Musketeers." Since then, d'Artagnan's career has stagnated, he’s lost touch with his friends, and the high favor earned with Queen Anne has been forgotten. His misfortune mirrors that of France, now ruled by an ineffective miser, Cardinal Mazarin, who’s avarice (among other vices) fuels a rebellion. Moreover, England is mired in civil war! Can d’Artagnan do the seemingly impossible: reunite “The Inseparables,” save the Queen and young Louis XIV from an uprising, and aid the English monarchy, all while avoiding the evil Mordaunt, son of a personal enemy long-believed to be neutralized? Well, according to d'Artagnan, "Great people only thank you for doing the impossible; what’s possible, they say, they can effect themselves." (jvanstan) (24 hr 10 min)

Chapters

The Shade of Cardinal Richelieu 24:33 Read by John Van Stan
A Nightly Patrol 22:10 Read by John Van Stan
Dead Animosities 36:27 Read by John Van Stan
Anne of Austria at the Age of 46 24:55 Read by John Van Stan
The Gascon and the Italian 13:20 Read by John Van Stan
D'Artagnan in his 40th Year 30:25 Read by John Van Stan
Touches upon the Strange Effects a Half-pistole may have 15:01 Read by John Van Stan
D'Artagnan, Going to a Distance to Discover Aramis 16:32 Read by John Van Stan
The Abbe D'Herblay 41:55 Read by John Van Stan
Monsieur Porthos du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds 13:19 Read by John Van Stan
Wealth does not Necessarily Produce Happiness 22:33 Read by John Van Stan
Porthos was Discontented with his Condition 13:05 Read by John Van Stan
Two Angelic Faces 15:45 Read by John Van Stan
The Castle of Bragelonne 14:41 Read by John Van Stan
Athos as a Diplomatist 20:30 Read by John Van Stan
The Duc de Beaufort 13:20 Read by John Van Stan
Duc de Beaufort amused his Leisure Hours in the Donjon of Vincennes 17:15 Read by John Van Stan
Grimaud begins his Functions 21:21 Read by John Van Stan
Pates made by the Successor of Father Marteau are described 18:35 Read by John Van Stan
One of Marie Michon's Adventures 27:16 Read by John Van Stan
The Abbe Scarron 24:47 Read by John Van Stan
Saint Denis 16:51 Read by John Van Stan
One of the Forty Methods of Escape of the Duc de Beaufort 23:33 Read by John Van Stan
The timely Arrival of D'Artagnan in Paris 17:50 Read by John Van Stan
An Adventure on the High Road 13:46 Read by John Van Stan
The Rencontre 18:25 Read by John Van Stan
The 4 old Friends prepare to meet again 19:45 Read by John Van Stan
The Place Royale 13:48 Read by John Van Stan
The Ferry across the Oise 21:10 Read by John Van Stan
Skirmishing 13:45 Read by John Van Stan
The Monk 23:42 Read by John Van Stan
The Absolution 15:40 Read by John Van Stan
Grimaud Speaks 12:30 Read by John Van Stan
On the Eve of Battle 23:56 Read by John Van Stan
A Dinner in the Old Style 17:57 Read by John Van Stan
A Letter from Charles the First 13:00 Read by John Van Stan
Cromwell's Letter 17:40 Read by John Van Stan
Henrietta Maria and Mazarin 14:45 Read by John Van Stan
How, sometimes, the Unhappy mistake Chance for Providence 18:15 Read by John Van Stan
Uncle and Nephew 10:35 Read by John Van Stan
Paternal Affection 18:50 Read by John Van Stan
Another Queen in Want of Help 27:45 Read by John Van Stan
In which it is proved that first Impulses are oftentimes the best 16:10 Read by John Van Stan
Te Deum for the Victory of Lens 34:45 Read by John Van Stan
The Beggar of St. Eustache 25:50 Read by John Van Stan
The Tower of St. Jacques de la Boucherie 14:55 Read by John Van Stan
The Riot 16:49 Read by John Van Stan
The Riot becomes a Revolution 29:10 Read by John Van Stan
Misfortune refreshes the Memory 15:05 Read by John Van Stan
The Interview 14:20 Read by John Van Stan
The Flight 24:24 Read by John Van Stan
The Carriage of Monsieur le Coadjuteur 30:06 Read by John Van Stan
How D'Artagnan and Porthos earned by selling Straw 19:25 Read by John Van Stan
In which we hear Tidings of Aramis 22:55 Read by John Van Stan
The Scotchman 19:25 Read by John Van Stan
The Avenger 19:05 Read by John Van Stan
Oliver Cromwell 12:23 Read by John Van Stan
Jesus Seigneur 28:55 Read by John Van Stan
Noble Natures never lose Courage, nor good Stomachs their Appetites 18:55 Read by John Van Stan
Respect to Fallen Majesty 16:35 Read by John Van Stan
D'Artagnan hits on a Plan 32:55 Read by John Van Stan
London 12:10 Read by John Van Stan
The Trial 18:05 Read by John Van Stan
Whitehall 18:25 Read by John Van Stan
The Workmen 13:53 Read by John Van Stan
Remember! 11:35 Read by John Van Stan
The Man in the Mask 17:26 Read by John Van Stan
Cromwell's House 13:36 Read by John Van Stan
Conversational 15:15 Read by John Van Stan
The Skiff "Lightening" 20:00 Read by John Van Stan
Port Wine 17:55 Read by John Van Stan
End of the Port Wine Mystery 9:20 Read by John Van Stan
Fatality 15:05 Read by John Van Stan
How Mousqueton had a Narrow Escape of being eaten 15:30 Read by John Van Stan
The Return 13:35 Read by John Van Stan
The Ambassadors 15:55 Read by John Van Stan
The 3 Lieutenants of the Generalissimo 22:05 Read by John Van Stan
The Battle of Charenton 16:10 Read by John Van Stan
The Road to Picardy 15:40 Read by John Van Stan
The Gratitude of Anne of Austria 10:40 Read by John Van Stan
Cardinal Mazarin as King 11:01 Read by John Van Stan
Precautions 12:20 Read by John Van Stan
Strength and Sagacity 21:00 Read by John Van Stan
Strength and Sagacity--Continued 18:25 Read by John Van Stan
The Oubliettes of Cardinal Mazarin 8:49 Read by John Van Stan
Conferences 12:55 Read by John Van Stan
Thinking that Porthos will be at last a Baron, and D'Artagnan a Captain 20:10 Read by John Van Stan
Shows how with Threat and Pen more is effected than by the Sword 31:55 Read by John Van Stan
Difficult for Kings to return to the Capitals of their Kingdoms 22:35 Read by John Van Stan
Conclusion 5:50 Read by John Van Stan

Reviews

True classic by Dumas


(4.5 stars)

I don’t have all that much to say about the reading quality… Just that it is absolutely phenomenal! Great job by Mr. Van Stan to read this incredible story so well. I do have a query, however… Does anybody know if Mr. Van Stan will ever read Volume 3 Part 2? I haven’t been able to find a recording of that book on LibriVox. Anyhow, I would recommend this for ages 12+, it is not a story that caters to reluctant readers…

JUST AS GOOD AS VOL. 1


(5 stars)

Second volumes are seldom equal to the first, but this one is. The first adventure was somewhat morecarefree, as befits the heroes as young men. This one, having added twenty years to their ages. is properly a bit deeper. Here we see the deep friendship which binds them, and we are immersed in their true love and respect for each other. Of course, the storyline is exciting, and the reader is as good as they come. ENJOY!!

Incredible Narration, Gripping Story


(5 stars)

I didn’t think The Three Musketeers would get any better, but then it did. Plus, John van Stan is a phenomenal narrator who gives it his all for every character’s voice. Cannot recommend this audio book enough!

the boys are back in town


(5 stars)

D'Artagnan gets the band back together for a reunion tour in the second part of the epic sextet. More political intrigue, more twists and turns and of course more running baddies through with a particularly sharp blade. We are treated to a single reader and John van Stan does a sterling job with different voices for the characters. I was initially irritated by the comedy Italian accent given to the cardinal, but on reflection this probably suited the character very well. A particular treat was that John has recruited his showbiz pal Clint Eastwood to provide the guest voice for Grimald. Made my day.

excellent!!


(5 stars)

such a great story and reading! the three musketeers was a good book but had lots of stale chapters. this story was not stop trials and tribulations and was hard to turn off. the reader did a great job, read very swiftly and his many voices really have it an extra flair. can't wait to start part 3!!!

Thanks for taking this on!


(5 stars)

Exciting continuation of the three musketeers. Well read, this complex plot with many characters can still be followed without difficulty. Thanks, and looking forward to the next installment.


(4 stars)

The plot was perhaps superior to the first volume, however I enjoyed the first more as it was more witty. Worth a read nonetheless, very enjoyable and great reader.


(5 stars)

I loved the way the reader read Porthos" voice! I have it in my head now and it makes me smile.