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heddas_bookgems's review against another edition
3.0
Labyrinth by Kate Mosse is a novel that takes readers on a time-bending adventure between modern day France and the 13th century, with plenty of atmospheric charm. If you've ever wandered the streets of Carcassonne, or dreamt of doing so, Mosse's lush descriptions will transport you right back, like a historical vacation without the jet lag. The medieval chapters are especially vivid, bursting with so much detail that you can almost see the medieval streets, minus the cobblestones underfoot.
But the pacing? Let’s just say this book has two speeds: sprint and snail. One minute the plot’s racing ahead, leaving you flipping back to figure out what just happened, and the next it slows to a crawl, giving you ample time to ponder life’s big questions, like whether or not you should make a snack. It’s a bit like watching a thriller on fast forward and then suddenly hitting pause.
On top of that, Mosse sprinkles in a fair amount of untranslated French, which adds authenticity, sure, but unless you’ve brushed up on your French, you might be left nodding along and hoping you didn’t just miss something important. A quick translation would have gone a long way, though it does make you feel fancy while reading, even if you’re a little confused.
The mystery itself is gripping, but Mosse plays her cards so close to her chest that readers are left fumbling in the dark for clues. If you’re hoping to play detective, be warned, there are few breadcrumbs here. There are a couple of twists, but some are pretty easy to see coming. A big reveal about the Cathars, for example, feels more like confirmation of something you probably guessed earlier.
Still, Labyrinth makes for an enjoyable read, especially for the summer. It’s light, full of history, and an overall pleasant escape, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of literary greatness. You won’t be scaling any mountains here, but for a bit of time traveling escapism, it does the job nicely. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, just don’t expect it to change your life, or your French vocabulary.
But the pacing? Let’s just say this book has two speeds: sprint and snail. One minute the plot’s racing ahead, leaving you flipping back to figure out what just happened, and the next it slows to a crawl, giving you ample time to ponder life’s big questions, like whether or not you should make a snack. It’s a bit like watching a thriller on fast forward and then suddenly hitting pause.
On top of that, Mosse sprinkles in a fair amount of untranslated French, which adds authenticity, sure, but unless you’ve brushed up on your French, you might be left nodding along and hoping you didn’t just miss something important. A quick translation would have gone a long way, though it does make you feel fancy while reading, even if you’re a little confused.
The mystery itself is gripping, but Mosse plays her cards so close to her chest that readers are left fumbling in the dark for clues. If you’re hoping to play detective, be warned, there are few breadcrumbs here. There are a couple of twists, but some are pretty easy to see coming. A big reveal about the Cathars, for example, feels more like confirmation of something you probably guessed earlier.
Still, Labyrinth makes for an enjoyable read, especially for the summer. It’s light, full of history, and an overall pleasant escape, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of literary greatness. You won’t be scaling any mountains here, but for a bit of time traveling escapism, it does the job nicely. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, just don’t expect it to change your life, or your French vocabulary.
jenrkeeling's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
5.0
mamaduck9's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.5
mrsbooknerd's review
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with this novel. A level of 'fantasy' I suppose, given the role of the grail and the labyrinth etc, but I also hoped for a 'realistic' approach to this fantastical aspect. I actually really enjoyed the 'Alais' chapters but found the 'Alice' chapters so dull and yet overly-dramatic at the same time, that I decided to call it a day.
I can't tell you whether it is a bad novel for someone who enjoys this genre and style, but it wasn't for me personally.
I can't tell you whether it is a bad novel for someone who enjoys this genre and style, but it wasn't for me personally.
desibaker83's review against another edition
4.0
A pretty good book. It took me about 2/3 the way in to really get into it.
bookish_olga's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Labyrinth by Kate Mosse is an ambitious tale of dual timelines, mysticism, and ancient secrets. Set in both the 13th century and 2005 France, it follows the parallel journeys of Alais, a young woman caught in the chaos of the Cathar persecution, and Alice, a modern-day archaeologist. While the historical backdrop and grail-inspired quest are intriguing, does Labyrinth manage to weave all its elements seamlessly?
What I liked:
✅ Dual Timeline Intrigue – The concept of intertwining two storylines separated by centuries is fascinating. Mosse does a good job of linking Alais and Alice's stories, creating a sense of mystery that spans generations. There’s something captivating about watching these two women’s lives gradually converge, each unraveling pieces of the same ancient puzzle.
✅ Better Than Dan Brown – Let’s be honest: Labyrinth does have a bit of that Dan Brown vibe with its grail quest, secret societies, and sinister villains. But where Mosse succeeds is in the writing itself, which feels richer and more thoughtful. The prose is more polished, and the historical elements feel a touch more grounded.
✅ Well-Researched History – The historical sections, particularly the parts set during the Cathar persecution, are vividly written. You can tell Mosse put a lot of effort into bringing the medieval world to life, from the siege warfare to the religious tensions that shaped that era.
🆗 Too Ambitious – While the dual timeline structure is interesting, it often feels like the story is trying to juggle too many characters and plotlines. With so much going on, the focus on Alais and Alice gets diluted, and I found myself wishing Mosse had tightened the narrative to focus more on these two strong female leads.
🆗 Familiar Territory – As much as I enjoyed the story, it does feel a bit too familiar, especially if you’re well-versed in grail quests and archaeological mysteries. While Mosse certainly elevates the material with her writing, it doesn’t entirely escape the shadow of other similar books in the genre.
Labyrinth is a solid historical thriller with a mystical twist, but its ambition occasionally gets in the way of delivering a more focused story. If you're a fan of dual timelines and love a grail quest, you’ll enjoy the ride. Just be prepared for a bit of Dan Brown-esque territory, but written with a lot more finesse!
What I liked:
✅ Dual Timeline Intrigue – The concept of intertwining two storylines separated by centuries is fascinating. Mosse does a good job of linking Alais and Alice's stories, creating a sense of mystery that spans generations. There’s something captivating about watching these two women’s lives gradually converge, each unraveling pieces of the same ancient puzzle.
✅ Better Than Dan Brown – Let’s be honest: Labyrinth does have a bit of that Dan Brown vibe with its grail quest, secret societies, and sinister villains. But where Mosse succeeds is in the writing itself, which feels richer and more thoughtful. The prose is more polished, and the historical elements feel a touch more grounded.
✅ Well-Researched History – The historical sections, particularly the parts set during the Cathar persecution, are vividly written. You can tell Mosse put a lot of effort into bringing the medieval world to life, from the siege warfare to the religious tensions that shaped that era.
🆗 Too Ambitious – While the dual timeline structure is interesting, it often feels like the story is trying to juggle too many characters and plotlines. With so much going on, the focus on Alais and Alice gets diluted, and I found myself wishing Mosse had tightened the narrative to focus more on these two strong female leads.
🆗 Familiar Territory – As much as I enjoyed the story, it does feel a bit too familiar, especially if you’re well-versed in grail quests and archaeological mysteries. While Mosse certainly elevates the material with her writing, it doesn’t entirely escape the shadow of other similar books in the genre.
Labyrinth is a solid historical thriller with a mystical twist, but its ambition occasionally gets in the way of delivering a more focused story. If you're a fan of dual timelines and love a grail quest, you’ll enjoy the ride. Just be prepared for a bit of Dan Brown-esque territory, but written with a lot more finesse!
inhinessight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
cricketmac's review against another edition
4.0
Da Vinci code type story set in the Languedoc region of France. Fun story that centers on two women one from 1200s and the other in 2005. A little predictable, but holds together well.
jesspeachee's review against another edition
4.0
I’m finished! It was really good. More in depth later, maybe even a YouTube video.
threadandroses's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5