France in the 16th century - the religious war between Catholics and Huguenots rages on. Christians from both sides happily slaughter one another: it is so difficult to tolerate the faith of the other. Even in the small world of the Mespech Castle in Périgord, young Pierre de Siorac feels the rift that runs through the land. His father, the Baron, is a follower of the Reformed religion and forces the children as well as the servants to convert as well. The mother remains a Papist, a constant source of conflict. And yet, for Pierre, the castle is the place where he feels safe. Here he learns to fence, ride, love, and develops the talents that he will one day lend to the good King Henri Quatre in the following volumes of the novel series. "Fortune de France" - the fate of France - is an entertaining and well-researched historical novel.