The Three Musketeers

First released in serial form in 1844, a year before Dumas' publication of <i>The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers</i> was an instant success, largely due to Dumas' transformation of the historical fiction genre. In <i>The Three Musketeers,</i> contrary to popular practice at the time, history acted as a backdrop for the story rather than the primary element, making it a fun and accessible read. The story follows young d'Artagnan and his friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis as they defend honor amidst the power struggles of 17th-century France. Still popular with readers today, this classic is now available in a chic and affordable edition as part of the <i>Word Cloud Classics</i> series.<br><br>Lexile score: 990L