Antolin

About the Book

Antolín, a young man survives his town's plague and travels to the small town of Dolores to begin a new life. He wishes for a better life other than being a worker on Don Enrique's land and meets the town's priest, Father Caballero, who helps him with his dream by teaching him the art of sword fighting. Antolín eventually becomes a cavalier and meets two very different women - one a lady of status and the other a pirate princess, both cavaliers with one disguised as Luis, a male cavalier.

The town's castle is invaded by Bluebeard and his men, prompting the local ruffian's who always met at the Taverna to become known as The Taverna Force and protectors of the town and its citizens. Exciting sword fighting with Luis and Antolín as the leaders of The Force against Bluebeard and the pirates made them well known in the land and were honored to become cavaliers serving the Spanish King. Father Caballero, the priest with a colorful past, guides The Force. Antolín learns of Luis's disguise and becomes confused because of his love for Doña Isabel (Luis) until a battle with pirates brings Princess Fatma into Antolín's life.

More characters including other lady cavaliers, two princesses, two eunuchs, a Baron, a Prince and more pirates are interwoven to add to the plot. Sword fighting, romance, weddings bring excitement as both men and women cavaliers fight side by side together. Throughout the story, one is reminded of the adventurous days of long ago and the Spanish ife during the 1500's

About the Author

Jose M. Valdez, was born in Brownsville, Texas, and at the age 6 when his mother died, he and his brothers were sent to a boarding school in Mexico City, Mexico. It was there that he was introduced to much literature and many classical novels by the priest-teachers. He became an excellent student until the Mexican Revolutionary War of 1926 caused all the religious schools to be closed and his return along with his brothers to live with their father in Brownsville.

He graduated from Brownsville High School with honors, married, started a family, and volunteered into the U.S. Army when World War II broke out. After completing his tour of duty, he returned home where he continued his love of learning and education once more. He received degrees from Texas Southmost College, Texas A&M University and from North Texas State University. Besides teaching in those universities, he also worked for the Texas State Department of Education in Austin, Texas until his retirement.

Mr. Valdez, an avid reader and an entertaining storyteller sharing his life and many experiences, turned to writing poetry, songs and three novels. Antolín became his pleasure to share with the public.