The Count of Monte Cristo (Manga adaptation) by Ena Moriyama

 The Count of Monte Cristo (Manga adaptation) by Ena Moriyama-274 pages

This is a Manga adaptation of the original novel by Alexandre Dumas. I have not read the novel, but I have seen the film of the same name (starring Jim Caviezel in the title role). The Manga has several differences from the film. One such difference is that Danglars is a banker in this Manga, but he is First Mate on the Pharaon in the film. Most of the differences are minor. I enjoyed reading the Manga, but I enjoyed the film much more. 

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
(The d'Artagnan Romances)
625 pages / 23 hrs

"This swashbuckling epic of chivalry, honor, and derring-do, set in France during the 1620s, is richly populated with romantic heroes, unattainable heroines, kings, queens, cavaliers, and criminals in a whirl of adventure, espionage, conspiracy, murder, vengeance, love, scandal, and suspense. Dumas transforms minor historical figures into larger-than-life characters: the Comte D'Artagnan, an impetuous young man in pursuit of glory; the beguilingly evil seductress "Milady"; the powerful and devious Cardinal Richelieu; the weak King Louis XIII and his unhappy queen--and, of course, the three musketeers themselves, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, whose motto "all for one, one for all" has come to epitomize devoted friendship. With a plot that delivers stolen diamonds, masked balls, purloined letters, and, of course, great bouts of swordplay, The Three Musketeers is eternally entertaining."  --from the publisher

Of course the story is well written and full of drama, but based on what I'd heard about the musketeers I expected them to be admirable, heroic characters.  In this I was disappointed. They are masters of swordplay and very cunning, but are rather selfish and have questionable morals. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.  I know my opinion is influenced by my preconceived ideas.

Black County: Glory,Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real County of Monte Cristo

The Black County: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and the Real Count of Monte Cristo

By Tom Reiss

414 pages

The Black Count is the story of a mixed race French general named Alexandre Dumas. The volume is rich in historical background of the French Revolution and the military expansion of the French Republic.  Alexandre was born to a French noble, Antonia de la Pailleterie, and a slave, Maria Dumas. He was born in the French colony which is now known as Haiti. His noble father favored his son and brought him to France when Alexandre was only fourteen. Dumas played an important role in the newly formed French Republic. He was a superb military strategist and logistics manager. His enemies called him the “Black Devil,” for he appeared to be unstoppable. However, he fell out of favor of Napoleon Bonaparte and everything changed. His son, also named Alexandre, became a novelist and wrote, the Three Musketeers, among other novels.