a fascinating book. I didn't think I'd like it but somehow I got sucked in. I was worried originally by how big the book was but it went so quickly and the story was woven so well. a fun read. ( )

When I am wrong...Well, I am just wrong. I was so wrong about Kate Mosse's Labyrinth. I read it a few years ago and HATED it. I mean seriously hated it. The structure and almost everything else about it. But the plot brought me back. I am so glad it did. Before I get into the book I will admit that at times I will read several books one after the other to the point of delirium and I do not skim...I read every word and wear it on my sleeve. In return I may pick up a book and find myself absolutely disenchanted with the writing style. Rookie mistake for someone who reads so much. Well. I think I have learned my lesson with Labyrinth. What I found hard to give a star now gets four and has encouraged me to explore the remainder of the Mosse catalogue. Now onto the book.
Labyrinth is the story (actually two stories) woven around each other in a rather seamless manner. A rather original take on the not so humble beginnings of the Inquisition. In a time when the Crusades to the Middle East had all but fizzled out the Church decided to turn it's lances in the direction of its own people. Much of what takes place in the story is true and one can argue that because the Catholics could not defeat the Muslims and take their land they decided to take it from those under their own care. Mosse has taken this idea and tossed in a fresh take on the Grail, its origins and purpose. She connects it to a timeline well before Christianity and long after its establishment in the modern day. Reading this novel is like being tied to a boulder that is rolling down a hill. The author plays on an idea and lays out snares that the reader knows are in the way but is determined to step in regardless. Why? Because as readers we want to know what that rope around our ankle feels like. This story is tragic and heartfelt, at times you want to hold onto the characters and comfort them and at times you want to run away. Do not do as I did and run away from this book, pick it up and digest it. You might just enjoy it. This is a subject that is easy to make convoluted and watered down. There are so many novels about the Crusades, The Grail and multitudes of conspiracy theories abound and at times the subject just gets oversaturated by the media. Not in this case. It is nice to see a historical fiction book that does not start out with someone receiving a letter, finding a box from a dead uncle or having visions in a library. ( )

Harder to follow than Sepulchre, but this may be because I was listening on audiobook and thus not paying full attention. I do think, however, that Mosse had improved her storytelling by Sepulchre, not least because the connection between the long-ago and the present-day female leads was clearer in the second volume of the Languedoc series. ( )

(2005)Didn't finish this 262 pages of 512. Couldn't get into this although story was interesting, too many characters and soap opera aspects. Alice of 21st century archeologist connects with Alais of 13th century and their common search for the Grail in the form of three ancient books.

Many authors create a single character & ride that one character to the end, not Kate Mosse. She has created memorable characters that you get wrapped up & invested in. As much as her characters this is a complicated story that's rich in historical detail. If you like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series you'll love this book.
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