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Let's begin with my frequent caveat. I know and like the writer. And I received a free copy of the book as an Advanced Reader's Edition.
I will also apologize that I didn't post a review sooner!

Garth Nix has never disappointed me. He writes solid stories, with imaginative systems for magic and plots that are not a rehashing of old familiar tales.

This book stands very well on its own. I have no idea if he intends to write more tales in this world, but if you are hesitant to pick up a nice fat book because you fear that at the end of all those pages you'll be left dangling off a cliff, well . . . No need to fear1

Dedications in books always intrigue me, and this one was no exception. Dedicated to Alexandre Dumas? Author of the Three Musketeers, and all those sequels! I loved those books! And then it goes on to mention the 1973-74 movies, The Three Musketeers and the Four Musketeers. Movies that I truly enjoyed as well.

The setting for this lovely tale is a very alternative France. There are, indeed, four friends who are drawn together to be our heroes. There is a Cardinal. There is a Milady. But as mentioned above, Garth Nix does not rehash old plots. Yes, there is a youngster intent on following in her mother's footsteps as a Musketeer. Yes, there are rivalries between the King's Guard, the Queen's Musketeers and the Cardinal's Pursuivants. Of course there is romance! And magic such as I haven't seen before.

Angels. Why, of course there are angels!

Will you enjoy this book if you've never read Dumas, and don't care for Museketeers in any media? I believe you will. If you do love Dumas and Musketeers, I suspect your pleasure in the story will be a bit keener.

Recommended!