The Brethren, City of Wisdom and Blood (Fortunes of France) - Robert Merle

Written by Robert Merle
Read by Andrew Wincott
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps

01. The Brethren

The Perigord of 16th-century France is a wild region on the edge of the reaches of royal authority - its steep, forested valleys roamed by bands of brigands and gypsies, its communities divided by conflict between Catholics and converts to the new Protestant faith, the Huguenots.

To this beautiful but dangerous country come two veterans of the French king’s wars, Jean de Siorac and Jean de Sauveterre, The Brethren - as fiercely loyal to the crown as they are to their Huguenot religion. They make their home in the formidable chateau of Mespech, and the community they found prospers, but they are far from secure - religious civil war looms on the horizon, famine and plague stalk the land, and The Brethren must use all their wits to protect those they love from the chaos that threatens to sweep them away.

Audible Studios, September 2014
14 hours and 44 minutes
First published: 1977

02. City of Wisdom and Blood

Montpellier in 1566 - only fools walk the streets at night unarmed while a profession of faith in the wrong company can lead to a knife in the back. Not even this proud city of philosophers is safe from the menaces that endanger the peace of France. The city militia are struggling to contend with the lawlessness and religious hatred that threaten to tear the whole country in two.

Now an adult, Pierre de Siorac must travel south on dangerous roads to the great university town, accompanied by his strapping but naive brother, Samson, and the crafty Miroul. Well armoured, with swords and pistols at their belts, the trio are confident of repelling any bandits who cross their path, but their new life away from the safety of their Perigord home will bring with it many new dangers and delights.

Audible Studios, October 2015
21 hours and 4 minutes
First published January 1979

(Unfortunately, only the first 4 books (out of a total of 13) were translated into English. And only the first 2 books have audiobook versions)