Labyrinth by Kate MosseMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a long book. And I've marked it as historical as well as contemporary as two stories are told side by side. One of Alais in the 1200s and one of Alice in 2005.
The author at times probably delves too much into the history (I'm assuming it's correct, I know little of French history to my ignorance), and I felt myself reading, but not really worrying about taking it all in - which makes me wonder if it were necessary - it's nearly 700 pages long, and I do wonder if it could have been a lot shorter.
I did want to see how it ended, as it truly wasn't a bad read, but I could see how others would give up quickly, it being so long. The story is around the 'myths' of the Holy Grail, and takes a very interesting, unique side to it.
I found Alais's story the most interesting. And it was only to the end of the book I started to care more about the characters. (It wasn't one of those books that had my thinking about it while I wasn't reading it - if you know what I mean?). I did enjoy the ending. For me it satisfied me, and rounded it up nicely. I must say that.
There were a couple of frustrating bits where both women (who are linked through history) were more stupid than they should of been, to be convenient for the plot. Alice forgetting her bag (at one point), for one, just made me tut with frustration!
Not sure if I'll worry about reading the other two books in the trilogy though.
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This isn't the first book I've finished this year! I actually finished Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets with Ben last weekend! So this is my second book read so far for 2012. Glad I got it out of the way. Knowing it was so big, I thought I'd get it over and done with in January. Now for some Mills and Boon I think, to help me catch up and get back on Book Target.
I'd tut about the forgetting the bag as well. I'd no more forget my bag than forget my glasses. The only time I can recall ever forgetting and leaving it somewhere was at my mother's funeral - that's how distracted I'd have to be to do so.
ReplyDeleteI've just read quite a long one, 400 pages, but small type (yes, it was paper!) and it seemed to take ages, which always leaves me in the mood for short things. Novellas for me!
At the time, I thought there was something really important in her bag, but as it was there wasn't quite what I thought there was (which could have been a misunderstanding on my part). But considering the plot at that time, although she was hiding, I would have my bag strapped to me!
DeleteAnd Alais did something equally stupid with her cloak. lol!
But otherwise, although it took a while to get into it, I did enjoy the ending. So it got 3 stars. It was verging on 2 for a bit. lol!
I take your point about the bag but it's such a wonderful book, I can overlook it. I love anything by Kate Mosse. Have you read Sepulchre?
ReplyDeleteNo, this is the first book I've read of Kate Mosses'. If I see it in a charity shop or something, I might pick up the next one in the trilogy. But I've got piles of books here, so likely to not buy it. Is Sepulchre the next one? Have you read the rest of the trilogy. Is it worth carrying on?
DeleteSepulchre is the second one. It's a similar format to Labyrinth and, I think, just as good.
ReplyDeleteThe last one is 'Citadel' which isn't released yet.
I've also read and enjoyed Winter Ghosts which is a much shorter book.
Okay, thanks, Gail. I'll look out for it.
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