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Languedoc #3
Citadel
1942. Occupied France. A time of courage, betrayal, loyalty - and love.
An epic wartime novel from the No.1 bestselling author of LABYRINTH and THE MISTLETOE BRIDE.
1942, Nazi-occupied France. Sandrine, a spirited and courageous nineteen-year-old, finds herself drawn into a Resistance group in Carcassonne - codenamed 'Citadel' - made up of ordinary women who are prepared to risk everything for what is right.
And when she meets Raoul, they discover a shared passion for the cause, for their homeland, and for each other.
But in a world where the enemy now lies in every shadow - where neighbour informs on neighbour; where friends disappear without warning and often without trace - love can demand the highest price of all.
An epic wartime novel from the No.1 bestselling author of LABYRINTH and THE MISTLETOE BRIDE.
1942, Nazi-occupied France. Sandrine, a spirited and courageous nineteen-year-old, finds herself drawn into a Resistance group in Carcassonne - codenamed 'Citadel' - made up of ordinary women who are prepared to risk everything for what is right.
And when she meets Raoul, they discover a shared passion for the cause, for their homeland, and for each other.
But in a world where the enemy now lies in every shadow - where neighbour informs on neighbour; where friends disappear without warning and often without trace - love can demand the highest price of all.
976 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
1003 people are currently reading
13429 people want to read
About the author
Kate Mosse
91 books3,362 followersKate Mosse is an international bestselling author with sales of more than five million copies in 42 languages. Her fiction includes the novels Labyrinth (2005), Sepulchre (2007), The Winter Ghosts (2009), and Citadel (2012), as well as an acclaimed collection of short stories, The Mistletoe Bride & Other Haunting Tales (2013). Kate’s new novel, The Taxidermist’s Daughter is out now.
Kate is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction (previously the Orange Prize) and in June 2013, was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to literature. She lives in Sussex.
Kate is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction (previously the Orange Prize) and in June 2013, was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to literature. She lives in Sussex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 965 reviews
August 2, 2022
3.5 stars to Citadel, the third book in the Languedoc trilogy, written by Kate Mosse in 2011. I read the first two books in the series many years ago and loved them both. I hadn't been aware of this one until three years ago when I found a copy at a discount sale. I quickly bought it but it sat on my shelf for over a year until I finally read it this month. I struggled at first to get into the story, but the intrigue got better as the book progressed. Unfortunately, it was probably 200 pages too long and had a couple of side-stories that didn't make a whole lot of sense. For those reasons, I'd rate this as my least favorite in the series and given it had only a very small connection to the previous two, it isn't a must-read.
At times, the language and imagery was quite beautiful. At times, it was repetitive and confusing. There were too many characters without fully fleshed out personalities or descriptions, so it seemed a bit tedious. That said, the battle scenes and the dialog were strong. I often found myself skimming a few too many times within the same hour-long reading period and not feeling the urgent need to pick up the book each night when bedtime arrived. I was glad I'd finished it, but I also felt it started to get much stronger around the 7o-80 percent mark and wished some of that beauty was present earlier on. Ultimately, I was puzzled over the entire point of the story as the ending felt very much 'let's just wrap this up' which is sad.
While I seem to be focusing on the negative aspects of the book, there were many positive ones. Sandrine is a fantastically drawn beacon of strength in a time that was quite horrific for many people. What she suffered through and how she supported others was a tribute to the many women who led the pack to protect their families, friends, and even strangers in their towns during the Nazi invasion of France in the 1930s and 1940s. The book wisely left out the details of what happened in the Jewish camps (for the most part) and astutely focused on the impact on the families left behind when someone was taken from them. The worry. The questions. The unknown. So much to understand about this period in history.
Now that I'm done with this series, I'll give some thought about what else of Mosse's books I want to read.
At times, the language and imagery was quite beautiful. At times, it was repetitive and confusing. There were too many characters without fully fleshed out personalities or descriptions, so it seemed a bit tedious. That said, the battle scenes and the dialog were strong. I often found myself skimming a few too many times within the same hour-long reading period and not feeling the urgent need to pick up the book each night when bedtime arrived. I was glad I'd finished it, but I also felt it started to get much stronger around the 7o-80 percent mark and wished some of that beauty was present earlier on. Ultimately, I was puzzled over the entire point of the story as the ending felt very much 'let's just wrap this up' which is sad.
While I seem to be focusing on the negative aspects of the book, there were many positive ones. Sandrine is a fantastically drawn beacon of strength in a time that was quite horrific for many people. What she suffered through and how she supported others was a tribute to the many women who led the pack to protect their families, friends, and even strangers in their towns during the Nazi invasion of France in the 1930s and 1940s. The book wisely left out the details of what happened in the Jewish camps (for the most part) and astutely focused on the impact on the families left behind when someone was taken from them. The worry. The questions. The unknown. So much to understand about this period in history.
Now that I'm done with this series, I'll give some thought about what else of Mosse's books I want to read.
July 2, 2025
CITADEL is the final book in the Languedoc series. Languedoc, is a region in southern France that is currently under German occupation during World War II in 1942.
Through a set of troubling circumstances, Sandrine finds herself unwittingly pulled into a group of women who are doing their part to cause chaos for the opposition.
The name of her Resistance group…”Citadel”.
I’ve read all of the books in this trilogy and find author Mosse to be an excellent storyteller and crafter of characters. CITADEL brought all the “feels” to the story as it should with the subject matter.
If you like historical fiction and women fighting for their country during WWII then this might be a read for you.
Through a set of troubling circumstances, Sandrine finds herself unwittingly pulled into a group of women who are doing their part to cause chaos for the opposition.
The name of her Resistance group…”Citadel”.
I’ve read all of the books in this trilogy and find author Mosse to be an excellent storyteller and crafter of characters. CITADEL brought all the “feels” to the story as it should with the subject matter.
If you like historical fiction and women fighting for their country during WWII then this might be a read for you.
January 14, 2013
I really loved both ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘Sepulchre’, which brought together elements of my favourite genres – history, suspense, romance, with a twist of the supernatural. So I was very excited to get Kate Mosse’s new book, ‘Citadel’, which is a lovely, big, thick thwack of a book. You wouldn’t want to drop it on your toe, or have to carry it around in your handbag.
Even though it is very heavy and hard to hold while reading in bed, ‘Citadel’ was a swift and pleasurable read. Most nights I stayed up later than I should have, unable to put it down. I love books set in France (I’m such a Francophile!), I love books set during the Second World War, and I love books that have a parallel narrative, set in two different time periods – and so ‘Citadel’ ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Unlike ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘Sepulchre’, there is no contemporary narrative in this book. Instead the story set during the Second World War is interwoven with a tale of a Dark Ages monk who is seeking to protect a mysterious scroll called the Codex. This secondary thread is only a minor part of the book, which concentrates on the primary story of the struggles of a group of women Resistance fighters trying to help people escape Nazi-occupied France. Really, the book could have done without the Codex - the story of the brave women Resistance fighters is strong enough to stand on its own. However, with this second narrative thread, Kate Mosse is able to have the same twist of the supernatural that worked so well in her earlier two books, plus tie all three books together at the climax.
I’m actually rather sad to know that this is the end of Kate Mosse’s Carcassone books – I hope she writes some more!
Even though it is very heavy and hard to hold while reading in bed, ‘Citadel’ was a swift and pleasurable read. Most nights I stayed up later than I should have, unable to put it down. I love books set in France (I’m such a Francophile!), I love books set during the Second World War, and I love books that have a parallel narrative, set in two different time periods – and so ‘Citadel’ ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Unlike ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘Sepulchre’, there is no contemporary narrative in this book. Instead the story set during the Second World War is interwoven with a tale of a Dark Ages monk who is seeking to protect a mysterious scroll called the Codex. This secondary thread is only a minor part of the book, which concentrates on the primary story of the struggles of a group of women Resistance fighters trying to help people escape Nazi-occupied France. Really, the book could have done without the Codex - the story of the brave women Resistance fighters is strong enough to stand on its own. However, with this second narrative thread, Kate Mosse is able to have the same twist of the supernatural that worked so well in her earlier two books, plus tie all three books together at the climax.
I’m actually rather sad to know that this is the end of Kate Mosse’s Carcassone books – I hope she writes some more!
April 14, 2013
Citadel is the final instalment in the Languedoc trilogy. I haven’t read Labyrinth and Sepulchre, and after struggling through Citadel I have no intention of doing so.
Set during the Second World, the storyline follows a group of women Resistance fighters who are trying to help people escape the Nazis in France. We meet Sandrine and her network known by the codename Citadel.
Then we meet a Dark Ages monk who is protecting a scroll known as the Codex. This secondary plot should have been left out of the book. It distracted me. It takes too much away from what could have been a great story of courageous female resistance fighters. Apparently Kate Mosse always includes a supernatural twist to her novels and this is why she had to force this storyline in for the trilogy to make sense. It’s a pity because it ruins the novel.
The book is also too long and the characters are forgettable. I was desperate for it to end. 700 pages is a serious commitment and it requires an outstanding book. Citadel is mediocre at best.
Set during the Second World, the storyline follows a group of women Resistance fighters who are trying to help people escape the Nazis in France. We meet Sandrine and her network known by the codename Citadel.
Then we meet a Dark Ages monk who is protecting a scroll known as the Codex. This secondary plot should have been left out of the book. It distracted me. It takes too much away from what could have been a great story of courageous female resistance fighters. Apparently Kate Mosse always includes a supernatural twist to her novels and this is why she had to force this storyline in for the trilogy to make sense. It’s a pity because it ruins the novel.
The book is also too long and the characters are forgettable. I was desperate for it to end. 700 pages is a serious commitment and it requires an outstanding book. Citadel is mediocre at best.
March 1, 2014
Kate Mosse has been on the periphery of my literary radar for a while now. Hers were books that would show up on recommendation lists based on books I had like. They would appear at my friends’ houses, imposing yet reassuring with their bulk and sleek, simple cover art. I was vaguely aware that she wrote historical fiction, and that was it.
Citadel confronted me from the stack of just-returned books at the library one afternoon. It eyed me up, and finding me worthy, told me I was taking it out that very afternoon. I was somewhat taken aback by its forwardness, but I acquiesced. It was only later that I discovered it lied about its age—it’s actually the third book in a trilogy. Fortunately, age isn’t so much an issue for me, at least not with the type of trilogies where the books are loosely connected as they are with Languedoc.
Alas, it’s fair to say that Citadel and I did not hit it off. Ours was a date best described by words like “tepid” and “mediocre”. Citadel likes to talk about itself, and boy, it had certainly had its share of adventure sto relate. But I kept wondering when the real story would start and when I would actually learn something about what kind of book this was. Instead, it kept referencing new people and events in its life. And the worst, by far, was Arinius.
The Arinius storyline just never came together for me. Partly this is because his chapters are comparatively short and infrequent. I question whether their presence actually adds anything to the overall narrative. For the majority of the book, Arinius’ chapters are little more than descriptions of his travels through Gaul. It’s not until the very end that he experiences any sort of conflict, and as such, his story is quite boring.
The 1942 storyline at least presents its share of obstacles for its characters. Sandrine certainly grows and changes as she matures from an unsure, impulsive girl into a clever and courageous woman. Although I found the simplistic way in which Mosse presents their decisions somewhat irritating, I really enjoyed how various characters, like Luce, rationalized their collaboration. In this respect, Citadel allows the reader to sympathize with what the ordinary citizens of these villages and towns must have felt as the Nazi occupation deepened. It’s all well and good to say that one would stand and fight against such an invader in theory. When it’s actually happening, it is a different thing entirely, more pernicious and less overtly easy to throw off.
So for its depiction of the struggles of occupied Languedoc, Citadel earns some respect. Mosse evinces both passion and planning in her presentation of this story, enough that I can understand what makes her so beloved of some readers. Yet if the Languedoc people managed to rise up and drive out the Nazis anyway, why did they need ghost soldiers? For this reason, I found Citadel’s eleventh hour dip into the realm of fantasy perplexing more than anything else. Up until that point, the hunt for Arinius’ Codex had been pleasantly archaeological, reminding me of the conspiratorial tones of Eco and Ruiz Zafón. The actual resolution after all that feels more deflating than rewarding.
Mosse emphasizes dialogue over description, so despite Citadel’s generous endowments, I found myself speeding through it. But I just kept thinking, “When is the story going to begin?” I guess it happened somewhere along the way, but I’m not sure where. After slightly more than 900 pages, I emerge wondering what I have to show for my time and effort. I don’t feel particularly enlightened about that time period or place during the Second World War—I enjoyed the story and characters, yes, but Mosse leaves most of the context up to the reader’s devices. And I didn’t get much from the spiritual storyline that attempts to unite Arinius’ experience with that of Sandrine and her contemporaries.
Perhaps those who caught the first two instalments would find something of value here, but for newcomers like myself, Citadel is definitely not the place to begin with Mosse. We were not well matched to each other, and after I turned the last page, we parted amicably without so much as exchanging numbers. I’m optimistic that it might have a younger, more attractive sibling for me to meet a few months or years hence—perhaps over a good cup of tea somewhere. Until then, we’ll say hi at parties, but we’ll just stay friends.
Citadel confronted me from the stack of just-returned books at the library one afternoon. It eyed me up, and finding me worthy, told me I was taking it out that very afternoon. I was somewhat taken aback by its forwardness, but I acquiesced. It was only later that I discovered it lied about its age—it’s actually the third book in a trilogy. Fortunately, age isn’t so much an issue for me, at least not with the type of trilogies where the books are loosely connected as they are with Languedoc.
Alas, it’s fair to say that Citadel and I did not hit it off. Ours was a date best described by words like “tepid” and “mediocre”. Citadel likes to talk about itself, and boy, it had certainly had its share of adventure sto relate. But I kept wondering when the real story would start and when I would actually learn something about what kind of book this was. Instead, it kept referencing new people and events in its life. And the worst, by far, was Arinius.
The Arinius storyline just never came together for me. Partly this is because his chapters are comparatively short and infrequent. I question whether their presence actually adds anything to the overall narrative. For the majority of the book, Arinius’ chapters are little more than descriptions of his travels through Gaul. It’s not until the very end that he experiences any sort of conflict, and as such, his story is quite boring.
The 1942 storyline at least presents its share of obstacles for its characters. Sandrine certainly grows and changes as she matures from an unsure, impulsive girl into a clever and courageous woman. Although I found the simplistic way in which Mosse presents their decisions somewhat irritating, I really enjoyed how various characters, like Luce, rationalized their collaboration. In this respect, Citadel allows the reader to sympathize with what the ordinary citizens of these villages and towns must have felt as the Nazi occupation deepened. It’s all well and good to say that one would stand and fight against such an invader in theory. When it’s actually happening, it is a different thing entirely, more pernicious and less overtly easy to throw off.
So for its depiction of the struggles of occupied Languedoc, Citadel earns some respect. Mosse evinces both passion and planning in her presentation of this story, enough that I can understand what makes her so beloved of some readers. Yet if the Languedoc people managed to rise up and drive out the Nazis anyway, why did they need ghost soldiers? For this reason, I found Citadel’s eleventh hour dip into the realm of fantasy perplexing more than anything else. Up until that point, the hunt for Arinius’ Codex had been pleasantly archaeological, reminding me of the conspiratorial tones of Eco and Ruiz Zafón. The actual resolution after all that feels more deflating than rewarding.
Mosse emphasizes dialogue over description, so despite Citadel’s generous endowments, I found myself speeding through it. But I just kept thinking, “When is the story going to begin?” I guess it happened somewhere along the way, but I’m not sure where. After slightly more than 900 pages, I emerge wondering what I have to show for my time and effort. I don’t feel particularly enlightened about that time period or place during the Second World War—I enjoyed the story and characters, yes, but Mosse leaves most of the context up to the reader’s devices. And I didn’t get much from the spiritual storyline that attempts to unite Arinius’ experience with that of Sandrine and her contemporaries.
Perhaps those who caught the first two instalments would find something of value here, but for newcomers like myself, Citadel is definitely not the place to begin with Mosse. We were not well matched to each other, and after I turned the last page, we parted amicably without so much as exchanging numbers. I’m optimistic that it might have a younger, more attractive sibling for me to meet a few months or years hence—perhaps over a good cup of tea somewhere. Until then, we’ll say hi at parties, but we’ll just stay friends.
January 27, 2014
I found this book very taxing. The characters did not seem real to me. They came across as being one dimensional, probably because the author focused on their collective responsibility towards the resistance. It is almost as if they had no lives beyond the war and while war does tend to do that most books that I have read with world war 2 backgrounds usually provide characters with more holistic lives. I failed to be moved by the love story because to me it seemed to have been put together in haste, as if the author suddenly realized she needed to have a romance thrown in. I could find nothing to justify the manner in which the two fell in love. Having said all this I found the bad guy to be the most believable character in the whole book. It was easy for me to get a grip on him and what he was all about; wicked to the bone and dangerously religious. He too however, seemed to have a one dimensional life.
The ending was of course tragic but given that I could not empathize with the characters I found that I did not care one way or the other.
I don't think the book should have been as long as it was. There is of course the parallel story of the codex going on but I found it irrelevant. The whole codex thing is something I wont even get into.
The ending was of course tragic but given that I could not empathize with the characters I found that I did not care one way or the other.
I don't think the book should have been as long as it was. There is of course the parallel story of the codex going on but I found it irrelevant. The whole codex thing is something I wont even get into.
November 14, 2012
Wow, Im an emotional wreck after that!! Absolutely brilliant. I love how Kate Mosse can transport you back in time and really emmerse you in the French landacape. Loved Labyrinth and Sepulchre, and Citadel blew me away, combining some familiar and loved characters and introducing new generations too. I love how Mosse draws us in and weaves these exciting tales through French history. Struggled to put it down and am picking up Labyrinth again to reread right now!!
February 20, 2013
Think I was slightly disappointed. Found the previous two books real page turners; this one was a slightly more laborious read and I'm not sure why.Excellent subject matter-the courage of the resistance fighters and the cruelty of their captors was vividly described.I did not find the characters strong enough although the love story was very tender and I did find myself welling up in the end!Somehow the parallel narrative did not work as well.Aurelius' journey was not particularly exciting and the hokum about the ghost army was particularly unconvincing.Equally unconvincing was Authie's motivation for obtaining the Codex and I got completely confused about Laval's role in it all.I did think Authie was the strongest character but probably too evil to be true?! I found Lucie's way of talking very irritating.Surely women did not talk in that pseudo American way in provincial France.Yet again loved her description of the country and the book intensified my desire to visit that region of France.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2016
I absolutely love Kate Mosse! I wish she'd write more often, but I suppose her books are SO good because she does such GREAT research into her subject.
I read the first two books of the trilogy and really wasn't sure where she'd go next. I only knew there would be a lot of Languedoc stuff in it. Really, I have no desire to see France, but I'd love to visit the Languedoc region!
This book had ancient secrets, the supernatural, love, death, and -- Nazis! It had a great pace and kept my attention. I loved it.
I read the first two books of the trilogy and really wasn't sure where she'd go next. I only knew there would be a lot of Languedoc stuff in it. Really, I have no desire to see France, but I'd love to visit the Languedoc region!
This book had ancient secrets, the supernatural, love, death, and -- Nazis! It had a great pace and kept my attention. I loved it.
November 28, 2013
Congratulations! Well done! Fantastic! Amazing! ME!! Why? For making it through this terrible tomb of tremendous drivel. I have read over a hundred books in the past eighteenth months or so and this is by far the worst! The very fact I made it through all 900 pages plus of such utter codswallop is a minor miracle. Why did I bother I hear you ask? Well, I had read 'Labyrinth' which I really enjoyed and 'Sepulcher,' which was also relatively enjoyable as far as light holiday reads go. So as 'Citadel' was billed as the third in the series, I thought that having just read a series of fairly weighty literary poetry collections, I would delve into the third Mosse offering. I had even bought the book myself (rather than boring it from my wonderful school library) and had excitedly saved it for such a moment as this. Oh Lord was I disappointed. I made myself finish it as a matter of principle, but really gained absolutely nothing from it except a slow sense of crippling ennui and a desire to stick pins in my own eyes on a regular basis (which I couldn't help but repeatedly roll after each ridiculous cliche that I read).
So why was it so terrible?
In fact, the whole novel felt like further evidence of the horror of the three book deal. It seems too many authors are offered the promise of future publication based on the success of one novel. Sadly, publishers know that if one novel is a success (as 'Labyrinth' was) they have a willing and vulnerable market ready and waiting to buy another novel from the same author. Sadly, they are right and it is for this reason that regardless of any reviews, I pre-ordered Citadel (you fool!) on the basis that I had enjoyed the first novel. There is no sense of discrimination from an industry that is nowadays entirely driven by money rather than literary worth or producing novels that are worthy at least in terms of enjoyment. Rather, they see the pound sign and are willing to flog any old pile of crap even if the author does not truly have a novel in them. This is certainly the case with 'Citadel'!
In short, making it to the end, felt like a Herculanean struggle and one which I would not inflict on anyone. Moreover, I have no intention to attempt another Mosse novel again - my Year 11 narrative writings were more interesting and original!
I'm giving this one cat/ star on the basis that there is no option to give it a O!
So why was it so terrible?
In fact, the whole novel felt like further evidence of the horror of the three book deal. It seems too many authors are offered the promise of future publication based on the success of one novel. Sadly, publishers know that if one novel is a success (as 'Labyrinth' was) they have a willing and vulnerable market ready and waiting to buy another novel from the same author. Sadly, they are right and it is for this reason that regardless of any reviews, I pre-ordered Citadel (you fool!) on the basis that I had enjoyed the first novel. There is no sense of discrimination from an industry that is nowadays entirely driven by money rather than literary worth or producing novels that are worthy at least in terms of enjoyment. Rather, they see the pound sign and are willing to flog any old pile of crap even if the author does not truly have a novel in them. This is certainly the case with 'Citadel'!
In short, making it to the end, felt like a Herculanean struggle and one which I would not inflict on anyone. Moreover, I have no intention to attempt another Mosse novel again - my Year 11 narrative writings were more interesting and original!
I'm giving this one cat/ star on the basis that there is no option to give it a O!
September 28, 2014
I loved how she wove recent history with the distant past in this story about the French resistance in the Languedoc. She tells a tale well, without flinching from the painful parts.
I want to reread all her books on this area.
I want to reread all her books on this area.
May 15, 2014
This was my first Kate Mosse book, and I will probably not read another. I am a fan of historical fiction, and the story line of the female resistance fighters in France was intriguing. I would have liked to see more attention paid to their exploits and less to the search for the Codex. The depth of Mosse's descriptions of the plight of the French during the German occupation evoked sympathy and a level of outrage. That said, the climax, which required a supernatural occurrence, was very disappointing and rather anticlimactic. Mosse's use of French words without translation or context also detracted from the story.
January 9, 2015
Really this was a little below 4 - only because some of the characterisation got a little "box-ticking" towards the very end. This relates to the heroine's sister really and was entirely unnecessary.
Other than that, it was a great book. Good story, based more in the present than her previous books but still with links to the history of the Languedoc. As always with her books, it has strengthened my wish to visit the area and soak up some of the history for myself.
Other than that, it was a great book. Good story, based more in the present than her previous books but still with links to the history of the Languedoc. As always with her books, it has strengthened my wish to visit the area and soak up some of the history for myself.
January 1, 2013
At last, I got my mitts on a copy of the final part of Kate Mosse's Languedoc trilogy. Citadel was published by Orion in October, it's been a long 5 year wait for this one. Historical fiction has never been my first love, and I'll admit that the first of the series; Labyrinth, sat on my shelf for a long time before I actually read it. I was amazed by the writing, by the story and how Mosse manages to captivate the reader with her complex plots and engaging characters. Labyrinth was followed by Sepulchre in 2007, and again, I loved it and have anticipated the release of Citadel for such a long time.
Citadel is probably best described as a 'time-slip' story, with the main part of the novel set in France during the German occupation in 1942 - 1944. Also featuring is Arinius, a monk living in 342 AD. Arininus is desperately trying to find a hiding place for the forbidden 'Codex', which is said to have the power to raise a 'sleeping army of ghosts'.
In Nazi occupied France the Citadel are a group of all-women freedom fighters - part of the Resistance, and determined to outwit both the Germans and the evil French collaborators. Led by 18 year old Sandrine Vidal, her sister and their friends, these woman show courage and daring, never knowing who is watching them or who will betray them to the authorities.
Citadel is a huge tome of a book, almost 700 pages and although it dragged a tiny bit in the middle, on the whole, it is a fast-paced, if complex story that will grip the reader. As with the previous two novels of the trilogy, there is an element of the supernatural in the story, with some familiar characters turning up along the way.
Packed with some terrifyingly realistic action scenes, portraying the horrors of war and the evil that men can do to each other, it is also at times, gentle and down-to-earth - portraying the small French town and it's folk with incredible realism. The day to day struggles of ordinary people during the Occupation, the blossoming romances, the fear, the hardships and sometimes the joys are all captured beautifully here.
After such a long wait for this instalment, I was not disappointed in the least. A triumphant end to what has been a fabulous series.
Citadel is probably best described as a 'time-slip' story, with the main part of the novel set in France during the German occupation in 1942 - 1944. Also featuring is Arinius, a monk living in 342 AD. Arininus is desperately trying to find a hiding place for the forbidden 'Codex', which is said to have the power to raise a 'sleeping army of ghosts'.
In Nazi occupied France the Citadel are a group of all-women freedom fighters - part of the Resistance, and determined to outwit both the Germans and the evil French collaborators. Led by 18 year old Sandrine Vidal, her sister and their friends, these woman show courage and daring, never knowing who is watching them or who will betray them to the authorities.
Citadel is a huge tome of a book, almost 700 pages and although it dragged a tiny bit in the middle, on the whole, it is a fast-paced, if complex story that will grip the reader. As with the previous two novels of the trilogy, there is an element of the supernatural in the story, with some familiar characters turning up along the way.
Packed with some terrifyingly realistic action scenes, portraying the horrors of war and the evil that men can do to each other, it is also at times, gentle and down-to-earth - portraying the small French town and it's folk with incredible realism. The day to day struggles of ordinary people during the Occupation, the blossoming romances, the fear, the hardships and sometimes the joys are all captured beautifully here.
After such a long wait for this instalment, I was not disappointed in the least. A triumphant end to what has been a fabulous series.
March 24, 2013
Finally finished. The culminating 'supernatural' aspect could have been so much 'more' - it all happened in a few pages of the final 60 pages and was over as soon as it began, which was a bit of a let-down after the drip-feeding of all 4 books, hence 4 not 5 stars. Brilliant set of books, Mosse doesn't 'cop out' when it comes to the fate of her major characters,and the sense of history is so real & brought to life as she 'writes' her story against the backdrop of true life events.
I am glad the series is finished - just hope she comes up with something just as amazing next!
I am glad the series is finished - just hope she comes up with something just as amazing next!
October 3, 2013
Loved it. I've really enjoyed all Kate Mosse's books. They are true stories to get lost in.
Wish I had another of her's on hand to read.
Wish I had another of her's on hand to read.
February 19, 2014
I had not read any other of Kate Mosse's work prior to reading Citadel so I was unsure of what I was getting into. After reading this novel, which I ended up enjoying at the very end, I do not think I will continue to read her novels.
For the first 30-something chapters, it felt like work to read. Every time I put it down, I did not want to pick it back up. I found it to be quite slow-moving and I felt no connection with the characters. That started to change around chapter 37, when the major love story started to develop and Sandrine begins to grow up and understand the harsher truths about the war. From then on I found the novel more interesting, but was still not completely drawn in until the very end, several chapters before the Epilogue, when I could not put the book down until I discovered how to characters' stories would end.
(Spoiler alert!)
The secondary story involving the Codex was essential to the main plot and a major driving force behind it, but I did not like its fantastical nature. I felt that it's implementation was almost an anti-climax. While I am not typically a fantasy reader, the "ghost army" felt like more of a list of names and not a forceful presence to be reckoned with. While it was emotional at times, I felt that it was too little for all the build up. Or it could have been written with no fantasy element, which I would have enjoyed even more.
(Spoiler done!)
I did not like the Epilogue. I felt that it took away the impact of the last chapter (mainly that last paragraph) and seemed rather unnecessary; however, it may have done something to tie in the rest of the books in this series.
Overall, I did get enjoyment out of the novel and the character development was done very well. I enjoyed reading about Carcassonne and greatly enjoyed the history involved in the creation of the novel.
I rated it 3 stars because I really did not like that I had to push myself to keep reading at the beginning and some of the elements I found disappointing, as previously noted.
For the first 30-something chapters, it felt like work to read. Every time I put it down, I did not want to pick it back up. I found it to be quite slow-moving and I felt no connection with the characters. That started to change around chapter 37, when the major love story started to develop and Sandrine begins to grow up and understand the harsher truths about the war. From then on I found the novel more interesting, but was still not completely drawn in until the very end, several chapters before the Epilogue, when I could not put the book down until I discovered how to characters' stories would end.
(Spoiler alert!)
The secondary story involving the Codex was essential to the main plot and a major driving force behind it, but I did not like its fantastical nature. I felt that it's implementation was almost an anti-climax. While I am not typically a fantasy reader, the "ghost army" felt like more of a list of names and not a forceful presence to be reckoned with. While it was emotional at times, I felt that it was too little for all the build up. Or it could have been written with no fantasy element, which I would have enjoyed even more.
(Spoiler done!)
I did not like the Epilogue. I felt that it took away the impact of the last chapter (mainly that last paragraph) and seemed rather unnecessary; however, it may have done something to tie in the rest of the books in this series.
Overall, I did get enjoyment out of the novel and the character development was done very well. I enjoyed reading about Carcassonne and greatly enjoyed the history involved in the creation of the novel.
I rated it 3 stars because I really did not like that I had to push myself to keep reading at the beginning and some of the elements I found disappointing, as previously noted.
April 15, 2018
This is the end of the fantastic trilogy Languedoc.
As in the previous books it's told in 2 time lines the 4th century and 1942-1944 when the Germans occupied the Midi (France)
It was a super emotive book, not only due to what was happening, the Nazi occupation, the deportations to the camps, the isolation, but also the unity and loyalty of people, their bravery to fight not only the Nazi but their own government accepting Hitler's regime and also the way that the author linked these characters to the ones in the previous two books in the series.
Audric Billiard (Sahjë) summons them literally with an ancient text from their graves to help once more where you can see the heroines and heroes from the other books, Alaïs Pelletier, Guilehm Du Mas, Bertrand Pelletier, Esclaremonde, Leonie Vernier, Raymond-Roger Trencavel and so many others call back to fight to free their land.
And new heroes and heroines, Raoul, Sandrine, Lucie, Marianne, too many to name all related somehow to the story of the characters of the previous book like a cycle.
On the other side the past is the story of a Monk by the same of Arinius who risks his life to find the same text that's used later on to summon everyone who's have ever fallen in the Midi "so others could live"to fight again for the cause, his story is much shorter than the other ones from the previous books but the present time requires so much that it was appropriated to make it this way.
I recommend this trilogy to all History Fiction fans, all Katherine Neville or Dan Brown fans or to anyone who hasn't read it yet :)
As in the previous books it's told in 2 time lines the 4th century and 1942-1944 when the Germans occupied the Midi (France)
It was a super emotive book, not only due to what was happening, the Nazi occupation, the deportations to the camps, the isolation, but also the unity and loyalty of people, their bravery to fight not only the Nazi but their own government accepting Hitler's regime and also the way that the author linked these characters to the ones in the previous two books in the series.
Audric Billiard (Sahjë) summons them literally with an ancient text from their graves to help once more where you can see the heroines and heroes from the other books, Alaïs Pelletier, Guilehm Du Mas, Bertrand Pelletier, Esclaremonde, Leonie Vernier, Raymond-Roger Trencavel and so many others call back to fight to free their land.
And new heroes and heroines, Raoul, Sandrine, Lucie, Marianne, too many to name all related somehow to the story of the characters of the previous book like a cycle.
On the other side the past is the story of a Monk by the same of Arinius who risks his life to find the same text that's used later on to summon everyone who's have ever fallen in the Midi "so others could live"to fight again for the cause, his story is much shorter than the other ones from the previous books but the present time requires so much that it was appropriated to make it this way.
I recommend this trilogy to all History Fiction fans, all Katherine Neville or Dan Brown fans or to anyone who hasn't read it yet :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2012
I enjoyed Labyrinth and Sepulchre enormously and was overjoyed when I heard Kate had written the final book in the Languedoc trilogy (after the disappointment of the dreadful Winter Ghosts) and was expecting this to be more on the lines of the previous two books, namely the supernatural elements, but this is nothing like the other two at all. Yes Audric Baillard features quite heavily throughout, but it really took me until 300 pages to start to thoroughly enjoy the book.
It starts off very slowly with the character building etc, and at times I wondered where it was actually going. I then realised this is actually a book about the French Resistance in WW2, but I am so glad I stuck with it. Yes, it's overlong but thoroughly enjoyable. As I say, I loved the second half of the book and couldn't put my Kindle down and was utterly heartbroken at the conclusion; tears of joy and sadness. Sandrine is a worthy heroine but I loved the hero, Raoul.
I have heard that filming has started of Labyrinth and I hope the film does the book justice. I also sincerely hope they film the other two in the trilogy as, especially this book, would make a cracking film.
It starts off very slowly with the character building etc, and at times I wondered where it was actually going. I then realised this is actually a book about the French Resistance in WW2, but I am so glad I stuck with it. Yes, it's overlong but thoroughly enjoyable. As I say, I loved the second half of the book and couldn't put my Kindle down and was utterly heartbroken at the conclusion; tears of joy and sadness. Sandrine is a worthy heroine but I loved the hero, Raoul.
I have heard that filming has started of Labyrinth and I hope the film does the book justice. I also sincerely hope they film the other two in the trilogy as, especially this book, would make a cracking film.
November 1, 2012
I had reservations about starting this book. Mainly because I loved Labyrinth but wasn't too keen on Sepulchre. But once again I was drawn quickly into the tale and the location, which Mosse paints so beautifully with her words. Drawing the characters from the first two books in the trilogy together. The over riding message for me was one of love and fighting for what you believe in, the truth.
A delight to read, evoking a mix of emotions.
A delight to read, evoking a mix of emotions.
August 16, 2013
I enjoyed this, but nowhere near as much as her other books. It is very long, coming in at just short of a thousand pages and in my opinion it is far too long. The supernatural thread rather peters out - I was hoping for a big denouement but the book unfortunately didn't deliver. In fact the ending overall was a bit of a let down given the lengthy build up.
I felt the parallel story set in the 4th C was rather dull and repetitive, it was there purely to serve the main story and that showed.
I think this would make a good holiday read - well apart from when the Gestapo are involved - it is pacy and made me question again what I would do if my country was invaded as France was, and how I would respond to torture, but in my opinion it isn't quite as good as her other work, perhaps because instead of telling a more straightforward tale of the resistance, Mosse attempted to press the story into the same shape as the first two Languedoc novels.
I felt the parallel story set in the 4th C was rather dull and repetitive, it was there purely to serve the main story and that showed.
I think this would make a good holiday read - well apart from when the Gestapo are involved - it is pacy and made me question again what I would do if my country was invaded as France was, and how I would respond to torture, but in my opinion it isn't quite as good as her other work, perhaps because instead of telling a more straightforward tale of the resistance, Mosse attempted to press the story into the same shape as the first two Languedoc novels.
June 30, 2013
I've been putting off posting this for weeks. I gave up. Citadel just didn't hold my interest and I kept diving into other books instead. It's not that Kate Mosse does anything badly in this book, she just doesn't do anything well enough to keep me involved. It's a pity because I loved the first two books of the trilogy and it was reading the first many years ago that tempted me to the South of France for the first time. I've been in love with the place ever since.
It's a great pity when a series of books starts out so well then the author just seems to run out of creative steam. Don't let my comments put you off starting the series, I recommend the first two books to all, you just might not have the stamina to finish the third.
It's a great pity when a series of books starts out so well then the author just seems to run out of creative steam. Don't let my comments put you off starting the series, I recommend the first two books to all, you just might not have the stamina to finish the third.
March 27, 2014
Source: Free advanced reader copy from William Morrow, and France Book Tours, in exchange for a review.
From the internationally bestselling author of Labyrinth and Sepulchre comes a thrilling novel, set in the South of France during World War II, that interweaves history and legend, love and conflict, passion and adventure, bringing to life brave women of the French Resistance and a secret they must protect from the Nazis. In Carcassonne, a colorful historic village nestled deep in the Pyrenees, a group of courageous and determined operatives are engaged in a lethal battle. Like their ancestors who fought to protect their land from Northern invaders seven hundred years before, these women—code-named Citadel—fight to liberate their home from the Germans.
But smuggling refugees over the mountains into neutral territory and sabotaging their Nazi occupiers is only part of their mission. These members of the resistance must also protect an ancient secret that, if discovered by the enemy, could change the course of history.
A superb blend of rugged action and haunting mystery based on real-life figures, Citadel is a vivid and richly atmospheric story of a group of heroic women who dared the odds to survive [provided by the publisher]
My Thoughts:
Pros:
I enjoyed reading about France during the early 1940s. The street scenes, countryside, the romantic allure of France, transcended onto the pages of the story.
Citadel has a large cast of characters. Several women make up the group of Citadel, and a variety of personality traits are shown. Through the character Sandrine, I saw a transformation in both her personality and story-line. Her traits of stubbornness, conviction, determination, conscience, and bravery, shown in the beginning of the story, unfolds a woman capable of heroism.
World War II stories whether they are fiction, or non-fiction, are contained with selfless acts of bravery. More than a duty, it was a do or die life commitment. For the sake of freedom, the rescue of hostages, compassion to civilians, and to win against an enemy who was both a tyrant and homicidal maniac, was all at the forefront of those involved in the war. The Resistance fighters in France were sometimes a mangle of espionage and counter espionage. I've read through non-fiction books, France, is not open and free with all their paperwork on those who were involved in the Resistance, nor in French citizens who were involved with the Nazi's. Citadel touched on a few of these problems. The police were to protect, although many of them were involved with the Nazi's, who to trust was a significant problem. Citizens turned in those thought to be against the Nazi's, this act was done in order to obtain favors. War is a horrible thing, and people under normal peaceful circumstances would never think of doing something, that during a time of war they would do otherwise.
Cons:
Citadel is too long. First, let me state I'm a reader of lengthy books, I've read The Odyssey, Les Miserables, and many others. Citadel is 704 pages! It's a story which meanders at times and I feel could be shortened by at least 200 pages. It is true, another story from the AD 300's is included. This story is written in short chapters, which I felt more agitated with than welcomed.
Why?
1. I never felt invested in the story of Arinius and wife Lupa. I was given a brief introduction to each of them, but never felt an attachment.
2. Arinius is a young monk, who is safe-guarding what he feels is "sacred words". I question, sacred words to whom? I found it odd and yet fascinating, Ariunius is a monk, and the word God and Christian is used in his story, but Sandrine is not a believer in God (this remark is made more than once). So I ask, why is there a book about "sacred words" and Christians, paired with and utilized by an unbelieving French resistance fighter?
3. There is reference in the book of calling on the "army of spirits". Who do the characters in the Resistance believe these spirits to be, if of God, then why are they not a believer in His army?
4. The story Citadel uses the element of mysticism in a Gnostic codex. The words in the codex conjure the spirit world. I ask why do we need to call on the "army of spirits" when we can call on God Himself? If we are referring to the "army of spirits" as God's angels, His angels are ministering spirits sent by Him.
5. The New Testament book of Revelation is referred to as a Gnostic book. This is incorrect.
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw." Revelation 1: 1-2. ESV
From the ESV Crossway Study Bible, page 2453.
"Revelation 1:1 announces both the book's title (it is a 'revelation') and its divine author ('Jesus Christ'). The book is an 'unveiling of unseen spiritual forces operating behind the scenes in history and controlling its events and outcome. This disclosure is conveyed in a series of symbolic visions that exhibit the influence of OT prophecies, especially those received by Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah. The book is also 'prophecy' (Rev. 1:3; 22:7), not only as divine prediction of future events but also as divine diagnosis of the present state of affairs."
This is the first time I have written in a review on this blog reference to Scripture, but I do not apologize, it would be wrong of me as a reviewer to not state something in a book I see as incorrect, even if the book is fiction.
Thank you for understanding.
In conclusion, the work of the resistance fighters during World War II, does not need additional hoopla, on its own the stories of bravery and disregard for their own welfare, outshines any mystic fiction.
From the internationally bestselling author of Labyrinth and Sepulchre comes a thrilling novel, set in the South of France during World War II, that interweaves history and legend, love and conflict, passion and adventure, bringing to life brave women of the French Resistance and a secret they must protect from the Nazis. In Carcassonne, a colorful historic village nestled deep in the Pyrenees, a group of courageous and determined operatives are engaged in a lethal battle. Like their ancestors who fought to protect their land from Northern invaders seven hundred years before, these women—code-named Citadel—fight to liberate their home from the Germans.
But smuggling refugees over the mountains into neutral territory and sabotaging their Nazi occupiers is only part of their mission. These members of the resistance must also protect an ancient secret that, if discovered by the enemy, could change the course of history.
A superb blend of rugged action and haunting mystery based on real-life figures, Citadel is a vivid and richly atmospheric story of a group of heroic women who dared the odds to survive [provided by the publisher]
My Thoughts:
Pros:
I enjoyed reading about France during the early 1940s. The street scenes, countryside, the romantic allure of France, transcended onto the pages of the story.
Citadel has a large cast of characters. Several women make up the group of Citadel, and a variety of personality traits are shown. Through the character Sandrine, I saw a transformation in both her personality and story-line. Her traits of stubbornness, conviction, determination, conscience, and bravery, shown in the beginning of the story, unfolds a woman capable of heroism.
World War II stories whether they are fiction, or non-fiction, are contained with selfless acts of bravery. More than a duty, it was a do or die life commitment. For the sake of freedom, the rescue of hostages, compassion to civilians, and to win against an enemy who was both a tyrant and homicidal maniac, was all at the forefront of those involved in the war. The Resistance fighters in France were sometimes a mangle of espionage and counter espionage. I've read through non-fiction books, France, is not open and free with all their paperwork on those who were involved in the Resistance, nor in French citizens who were involved with the Nazi's. Citadel touched on a few of these problems. The police were to protect, although many of them were involved with the Nazi's, who to trust was a significant problem. Citizens turned in those thought to be against the Nazi's, this act was done in order to obtain favors. War is a horrible thing, and people under normal peaceful circumstances would never think of doing something, that during a time of war they would do otherwise.
Cons:
Citadel is too long. First, let me state I'm a reader of lengthy books, I've read The Odyssey, Les Miserables, and many others. Citadel is 704 pages! It's a story which meanders at times and I feel could be shortened by at least 200 pages. It is true, another story from the AD 300's is included. This story is written in short chapters, which I felt more agitated with than welcomed.
Why?
1. I never felt invested in the story of Arinius and wife Lupa. I was given a brief introduction to each of them, but never felt an attachment.
2. Arinius is a young monk, who is safe-guarding what he feels is "sacred words". I question, sacred words to whom? I found it odd and yet fascinating, Ariunius is a monk, and the word God and Christian is used in his story, but Sandrine is not a believer in God (this remark is made more than once). So I ask, why is there a book about "sacred words" and Christians, paired with and utilized by an unbelieving French resistance fighter?
3. There is reference in the book of calling on the "army of spirits". Who do the characters in the Resistance believe these spirits to be, if of God, then why are they not a believer in His army?
4. The story Citadel uses the element of mysticism in a Gnostic codex. The words in the codex conjure the spirit world. I ask why do we need to call on the "army of spirits" when we can call on God Himself? If we are referring to the "army of spirits" as God's angels, His angels are ministering spirits sent by Him.
5. The New Testament book of Revelation is referred to as a Gnostic book. This is incorrect.
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw." Revelation 1: 1-2. ESV
From the ESV Crossway Study Bible, page 2453.
"Revelation 1:1 announces both the book's title (it is a 'revelation') and its divine author ('Jesus Christ'). The book is an 'unveiling of unseen spiritual forces operating behind the scenes in history and controlling its events and outcome. This disclosure is conveyed in a series of symbolic visions that exhibit the influence of OT prophecies, especially those received by Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah. The book is also 'prophecy' (Rev. 1:3; 22:7), not only as divine prediction of future events but also as divine diagnosis of the present state of affairs."
This is the first time I have written in a review on this blog reference to Scripture, but I do not apologize, it would be wrong of me as a reviewer to not state something in a book I see as incorrect, even if the book is fiction.
Thank you for understanding.
In conclusion, the work of the resistance fighters during World War II, does not need additional hoopla, on its own the stories of bravery and disregard for their own welfare, outshines any mystic fiction.
August 13, 2018
Thoroughly heartbreaking but such an amazingly captivating novel with fascinating twists. It hurts all the more because you know for a fact that this stuff happened... and it’s so heartbreaking.
April 25, 2014
Having read and enjoyed Mosse's Labyrinth, I was interested in taking on the third of the novels that make-up her Languedoc trilogy (I have yet to read the second in the series, Sepulchre). Mosse is more than capable of creating interesting and strong female characters. I was able to detect similarities in themes and plot between Layrinth & Citadel, but this didn't deter me from continuing to read, even when I was quite sure I knew how the story would end. I did like Labyrinth better. However, Citadel was still a compelling, enjoyable, and quick read (despite being 900 plus pages).
Mosse is the queen of historical mystery. She understands more than most historical writers how to weave the past with the present. In fact, she's more than adept at writing two parallel tales with hundreds of years between the two. As the stories unfold, it becomes more evident how Mosse intends to connect the parallel tales.
Because I haven't read Sepulchre, I can't comment on how that book fits into the trilogy, but there are references to the two previous books that lead up to Citadel. The time frame of Citadel is the 1940's while France was in the midst of Nazi occupation. This story is one of bravery as a group of women partake in the French resistance. The characters are well developed and pull the reader into their worlds easily.
Some might suggest that Citadel's ending is shocking, but I did suspect about 75 pages prior to the book's conclusion how Mosse would complete her story. Despite some poetic license being taken throughout the novel, Mosse does stay true to the key facts of the French Resistance and the courage it took to sustain such a movement. The women who envelop the story can easily be imagined to have lived during that time. I gave the book 4 stars instead of 3 because of the fact that for the vast majority of the story, I had a hard time putting it down. There were moments of disappointment but, for the most part, Mosse succeeded in sustaining my attention and creating a story indicative of the wonderful imagination for which she is known.
Mosse is the queen of historical mystery. She understands more than most historical writers how to weave the past with the present. In fact, she's more than adept at writing two parallel tales with hundreds of years between the two. As the stories unfold, it becomes more evident how Mosse intends to connect the parallel tales.
Because I haven't read Sepulchre, I can't comment on how that book fits into the trilogy, but there are references to the two previous books that lead up to Citadel. The time frame of Citadel is the 1940's while France was in the midst of Nazi occupation. This story is one of bravery as a group of women partake in the French resistance. The characters are well developed and pull the reader into their worlds easily.
Some might suggest that Citadel's ending is shocking, but I did suspect about 75 pages prior to the book's conclusion how Mosse would complete her story. Despite some poetic license being taken throughout the novel, Mosse does stay true to the key facts of the French Resistance and the courage it took to sustain such a movement. The women who envelop the story can easily be imagined to have lived during that time. I gave the book 4 stars instead of 3 because of the fact that for the vast majority of the story, I had a hard time putting it down. There were moments of disappointment but, for the most part, Mosse succeeded in sustaining my attention and creating a story indicative of the wonderful imagination for which she is known.
November 14, 2014
I do wish I'd known that Kate Mosse weaves the supernatural in to all her books before I started reading this. If I had, the introduction of the Ghost Army wouldn't have jolted me to a halt. It just seemed so unnecessary and daft as the culmination of its appearance was unsatisfactory and confusing. I imagine this is what it's like for people watching From Dusk Til Dawn who haven't realised there were two directors which is why the film goes oddly vampiric halfway through.
I think the book is admirably researched with some wonderfully detailed imagery and descriptions. However, I found the length off-putting and it was hard to keep up with all the characters as some of them melded together they were so indistinct. I found the supernatural element distracting and felt it undermined the careful planning and research that went in to telling the Resistance story. I also couldn't have given two hoots about the medieval plot that was interwoven. I just didn't find it interesting even though there were some beautifully written passages.
Towards the end of the book when it's building to a crescendo I found it odd that there was a change in the emotion of the plot. After the protagonist is tortured, there is repeated reference to how she'll never have children as a result. It's a small point but it was jarringly emotional, a different style to the rest of the book. Also, Lucie's style of calling Sandrine 'kid' was irritating.
I'm finding it hard to work put why I feel so unsatisfied with this story. Perhaps I feel tricked by the supernatural element, perhaps I feel the level if research that's gone in to it is overshadowed by what I see as its detracting qualities. Or maybe it's because at the end of 700 pages I merely closed the cover and thought, 'I'm glad that's over'.
I think the book is admirably researched with some wonderfully detailed imagery and descriptions. However, I found the length off-putting and it was hard to keep up with all the characters as some of them melded together they were so indistinct. I found the supernatural element distracting and felt it undermined the careful planning and research that went in to telling the Resistance story. I also couldn't have given two hoots about the medieval plot that was interwoven. I just didn't find it interesting even though there were some beautifully written passages.
Towards the end of the book when it's building to a crescendo I found it odd that there was a change in the emotion of the plot. After the protagonist is tortured, there is repeated reference to how she'll never have children as a result. It's a small point but it was jarringly emotional, a different style to the rest of the book. Also, Lucie's style of calling Sandrine 'kid' was irritating.
I'm finding it hard to work put why I feel so unsatisfied with this story. Perhaps I feel tricked by the supernatural element, perhaps I feel the level if research that's gone in to it is overshadowed by what I see as its detracting qualities. Or maybe it's because at the end of 700 pages I merely closed the cover and thought, 'I'm glad that's over'.
March 23, 2014
This is the first book I’ve read by Kate Mosse and I have to say wow. First I should state that this is a mammoth of a book: 680 pages. Luckily I was able to read it on my Kindle since I wouldn’t want to lug this book around. However, considering I was glued to my Kindle for several days in a row, I probably would have carried the book with me. I had a really hard time putting this one down and I blame Mosse for keeping me up past my bedtime several times in one week. I kept saying just a few more pages.
I love historical fiction and my specialty in grad school was World War II. Yet I didn’t study the French Resistance much. Not only did I enjoy learning more about this aspect of WWII, I loved the characters: Sandrine, Raoul, Baillard and many others. Even though this is about the war, the beginning starts off slow. I didn’t mind one bit since I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the setting. Once the action picked up, I found myself reading as fast as possible. Occasionally I had to stop and go back a few paragraphs since my mind couldn’t keep up with my eyes, but it was hard to force myself to slow down.
Citadel made me think, cringe, cry, cheer, and then think some more. The ending tugged on my heartstrings. It’s the type of book that once you finish you have to take a deep breath, sad that it’s over, but glad you read it. Now I need to track down copies of her other novels.
I love historical fiction and my specialty in grad school was World War II. Yet I didn’t study the French Resistance much. Not only did I enjoy learning more about this aspect of WWII, I loved the characters: Sandrine, Raoul, Baillard and many others. Even though this is about the war, the beginning starts off slow. I didn’t mind one bit since I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the setting. Once the action picked up, I found myself reading as fast as possible. Occasionally I had to stop and go back a few paragraphs since my mind couldn’t keep up with my eyes, but it was hard to force myself to slow down.
Citadel made me think, cringe, cry, cheer, and then think some more. The ending tugged on my heartstrings. It’s the type of book that once you finish you have to take a deep breath, sad that it’s over, but glad you read it. Now I need to track down copies of her other novels.
June 20, 2017
Recensie kan spoilers bevatten.
Een prachtig verhaal wat geschiedenis, bon homme, een codex, een oorlog, en liefdesverhaal met elkaar verweven.
De jonge dappere Sandrine leert haar eigen strijd te voeren tegen de duitse bezetter.
Ze is de leidster van een vrouwen verzetsgroep in Carcassonne, een stad vol geschiedenis.
Warm meeslepend maar zeker een boek voor op vakantie met zijn ruim 760 pagina's.
Het heeft niet teveel personages die ook goed zijn uitgewerkt. Je leeft mee met de hoofdpersonen en je wint je bijvoorbeeld op over verraad.
Het verhaal speelt zich in twee tijdzones af. Rond 343 en tussen 1942 en 1944.
Het is een ficitief verhaal maar wel verweven op het werkelijke raam van de geschiedenis.
enkele fragmenten uit het boek:
- Treed aan, geesten van de lucht. Treed aan, legers van de lucht."-
-"Lucie stapt eveneens uit en omhelst haar. "Weet je zeker dat je het verder wel red?" "Ja echt. Maak je geen zorgen."-
-Aroinius bleef nog even staan en keek zuidwaarts, naar de bergen, en vroeg zich af wat voor hem in het verschiet lag -
- Hij liet zijn blik over het place des Armes glijden naar de cathédrale Saint Michel, die oplichtte in de gouden avondzon. Er was politielint gespannen voor de ingang van het Herdenkingsplantsoen.-
Een prachtig verhaal wat geschiedenis, bon homme, een codex, een oorlog, en liefdesverhaal met elkaar verweven.
De jonge dappere Sandrine leert haar eigen strijd te voeren tegen de duitse bezetter.
Ze is de leidster van een vrouwen verzetsgroep in Carcassonne, een stad vol geschiedenis.
Warm meeslepend maar zeker een boek voor op vakantie met zijn ruim 760 pagina's.
Het heeft niet teveel personages die ook goed zijn uitgewerkt. Je leeft mee met de hoofdpersonen en je wint je bijvoorbeeld op over verraad.
Het verhaal speelt zich in twee tijdzones af. Rond 343 en tussen 1942 en 1944.
Het is een ficitief verhaal maar wel verweven op het werkelijke raam van de geschiedenis.
enkele fragmenten uit het boek:
- Treed aan, geesten van de lucht. Treed aan, legers van de lucht."-
-"Lucie stapt eveneens uit en omhelst haar. "Weet je zeker dat je het verder wel red?" "Ja echt. Maak je geen zorgen."-
-Aroinius bleef nog even staan en keek zuidwaarts, naar de bergen, en vroeg zich af wat voor hem in het verschiet lag -
- Hij liet zijn blik over het place des Armes glijden naar de cathédrale Saint Michel, die oplichtte in de gouden avondzon. Er was politielint gespannen voor de ingang van het Herdenkingsplantsoen.-
July 12, 2013
I picked up this book, with no prior experience of Kate Mosse' writing. I felt that the central story of a group of women resistance fighters, in the Languedoc region of France, during WW2, to be sufficient, in itself, to maintain the reader's interest. The interwoven story of the Codex seemed to me to be superfluous, and diverted from the tale of genuine heroism, on the part of the protagonists. The constant repetition of somewhat cliched phrases was a little irritating, at times. Having said that, the book provided a vivid image of the region, at the time. I thought the characters could have been rounded out better. However, Mosse managed to convey that those who were involved in the resistance movement were as prone to human flaws, and errors of judgement, as the rest of us. I was somewhat disappointed in the final 100 pages of this overlong book. Mosse seemed to skip over important events, in the narrative, and fill the pages with repetitive dialogue, between the protagonists. The finale lacked the power that the events described deserved. Would I read another Mosse book? I doubt it, very much. Having said that, I think the book would translate well into a screenplay.
December 30, 2017
Even though I originally read this book some years ago I still remember thoroughly enjoying this final book in the Labyrinth trilogy. I've had this sitting on my library wishlist for ages, not knowing if I should re-read it, as I didn't want to spoil my happy memories of having devoured it the first time round. I needn't have worried as I enjoyed it even more as an audiobook, especially as Finty Williams was a perfect narrator, really bringing this book and it's characters to life. I've not listened to audiobook with her narrating before, but I certainly will in the future, especially if it's set in France, as her pronunciation of all the French names and places was fantastic.
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