The Marie Antoinette Romances, Vol 1: Balsamo, The Magician


Read by John Van Stan

(4.7 stars; 34 reviews)

This is the first volume of Dumas' Marie Antoinette Romances (also called "The Memoirs of a Physician"). This historical fiction chronicles the strange events surrounding the fall of the French monarchy (starting ~1770) and rise of revolutionaries so terrifying that the period is still called "The Reign of Terrors" (1793-1794). In this volume, a renowned magician, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (Balsamo), employs various occult tactics, like hypnotism and necromancy, to gain state secrets. Balsamo claims to be plotting against the Bourbons, but one must wonder whether this 3000 year old sorcerer has an ulterior motive... - Summary by jvanstan (10 hr 55 min)

Chapters

The Grand Master of the Secret Society 45:00 Read by John Van Stan
The Living-Wagon in the Storm 13:05 Read by John Van Stan
The Lovely Lorenza 4:55 Read by John Van Stan
Gilbert 12:01 Read by John Van Stan
Taverney and His Daughter 38:00 Read by John Van Stan
The Clairvoyant 9:30 Read by John Van Stan
The Maid and the Mistress 15:37 Read by John Van Stan
The Harbinger 8:27 Read by John Van Stan
The Knight of Redcastle 7:00 Read by John Van Stan
Marie Antoinette 11:25 Read by John Van Stan
A Marvel of Magic 14:05 Read by John Van Stan
Taverney's Prospects Brighten 5:55 Read by John Van Stan
Nicole's Dower 10:35 Read by John Van Stan
The Outcast's Luck 15:35 Read by John Van Stan
Taverney to the Rescue 10:05 Read by John Van Stan
The King's Favorite 17:30 Read by John Van Stan
The Royal Clock-Repairer 17:10 Read by John Van Stan
The Countess of Bearn 12:40 Read by John Van Stan
Chon Spoils All 11:07 Read by John Van Stan
Annoyance and Amusement 9:10 Read by John Van Stan
Countess Cut Countess 11:00 Read by John Van Stan
At a Loss for Everything 14:48 Read by John Van Stan
The Presentation 16:40 Read by John Van Stan
The Dauphiness' Reception 6:05 Read by John Van Stan
Gilbert Snaps Golden Chains 15:11 Read by John Van Stan
The Old Botanist 19:50 Read by John Van Stan
Master Jacques 11:25 Read by John Van Stan
In the Loft 9:05 Read by John Van Stan
Who Master Jacques Was 9:49 Read by John Van Stan
Old Patricians and New 14:50 Read by John Van Stan
The Magician's Wife 21:15 Read by John Van Stan
The Nun's Husband 24:40 Read by John Van Stan
Count and Cardinal 18:35 Read by John Van Stan
Near Neighbors 15:15 Read by John Van Stan
The Garden House 15:50 Read by John Van Stan
Balsamo at Home 6:14 Read by John Van Stan
The Double Existence 12:20 Read by John Van Stan
The Wakeful State 14:20 Read by John Van Stan
The Predicted Visit 5:25 Read by John Van Stan
The Art of Making Gold 21:53 Read by John Van Stan
The Water of Life 35:55 Read by John Van Stan
The King's New Amour 12:45 Read by John Van Stan
Two Birds with One Stone 5:41 Read by John Van Stan
The Plan of Action 6:18 Read by John Van Stan
Too Good a Teacher 5:00 Read by John Van Stan
A Terrible Wedding Night 16:05 Read by John Van Stan

Reviews


(5 stars)

Wonderfully read! Dumas is always entertaining and Mr. Van Stan brings such life to each character!


(5 stars)

grat reading.enjoid evry minte of it.thank you.

GRANDIOSE BEGINNING


(5 stars)

Not exactly what I expected from these chronicles, but interesting enough. Van Stan is at the top of his game. On to volume II.

Van Stan never Van Stammers!


(5 stars)

Excellent and a bit weird. As always, Van Stan does not Van Stammer (unless it’s written in the text)