July 2005. In the Pyrenees mountains near Carcassonne, Alice, a volunteer at an archaeological dig, stumbles into a cave and makes a startling discovery-two crumbling skeletons, strange writings on the walls, and the pattern of a labyrinth. Eight hundred years earlier, on the eve of a brutal crusade that will rip apart southern France, a young woman named Alais is given a ring and a mysterious … mysterious book for safekeeping by her father. The book, he says, contains the secret of the true Grail, and the ring, inscribed with a labyrinth, will identify a guardian of the Grail. Now, as crusading armies gather outside the city walls of Carcassonne, it will take a tremendous sacrifice to keep the secret of the labyrinth safe.
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3.5 of 5 stars to Labyrinth, the first book in a three part series entitled “Languedoc,” written in 2005 by Kate Mosse. I enjoyed this book. Many people felt it was a bit boring and inconsistent. It was one of the earlier books I read in the adventure genre, around the time I got hooked on the Da Vinci code book and series. Ultimately, I love this genre… when you go back and forth in time periods, cover adventures, try to connect ancient peoples to someone current, find devastating secrets, a little bit of romance… all works for me. What appealed here was the French backdrop and the labyrinth puzzles. I quickly moved on to book two and recently learned of the third book, which I purchased and plan to read in June. I liked the main character, though she was a little distant at times… Enjoyed the descriptions and scenery. It had a bit of a fantasy / ghost appeal to it, too. Felt like it had a bit of everything for me. Not top notch in the genre, but still strong to me.
Loved this book. It is a thick one, one to savor and enjoy. In true Mosse style, you will feel, hear, see and smell everything. Historical fiction fans would love this!
Imagine a religious thriller like “The Da Vinci Code” set in the Middle Ages, and you’d have “Labyrinth” by Kate Mosse. Like Dan Brown’s famous thriller, Labyrinth concerns a quest for the Holy Grail, and once again, the Grail is something very different than the cup of Christ. The mystery unfolds through two parallel stories, one set in 2005 and the other in 1209 during the Cathar Crusade in southern France. Both concern a hidden cave with two skeletons, a labyrinth symbol, and a missing book – all tied to the secret of the Grail. I could have enjoyed the story immensely had it stayed in the 13th century, but the parallel storytelling works here to deliver a satisfying mystery/thriller with a touch of magic. If you like historical fiction but also enjoy religious thrillers like “The Da Vinci Code,” “Labyrinth” may be the perfect book for you.
One of my favorite books ever
Love stories with historical value. Didn’t want the story to end. Love, love, love this author!
Good read but a little verbose.
fabulous time weaving tale of two women. I have read this several times and each time I find something new. This isn’t a simple read but a wonderfully complex tapestry.
Started out interested but ended with a whimper.