Citadel: A Novel Paperback – October 7, 2014

I loved this book, even more than the first two in the Languedoc series. I give it a HUGE recommendation for fans of historical fiction, fans of novels following dual timelines, and fans of mysteries with a touch of magic thrown in.As with the other two books in the series, this third follows two timelines. The first begins in 342 AD, when a possibly heretical monk named Arinius is trying to deliver a strange Coptic parchment holding powerful and mysterious words to a safe place, eventually making his way to Carcaso in southwestern Gaul. The second begins in 1942 France, when 18 year old Sandrine gets caught up in the events of World War II, the German occupation of the north of France, and the supposedly "zone non-occupee" in the south, including Carcassonne in the Languedoc region. Both timelines have their protagonists dealing with military invasion, religious oppression, and the search for and protection of a powerful "key" with world-changing properties, with both protagonists becoming central figures in the resistance of the locals against the invading forces. As with the first two books, the heroes are assisted at times by the enigmatic, preternaturally long-lived Audric Baillard.Even more than the first two books, I found this novel to be fantastically compelling in its writing and its plot. Mosse is expert in lush description of her scenes, doing so without sacrificing plot or pacing. The chapters are of a perfect length - not too short and not too long - such that the reader keeps getting drawn into reading more and more because the end of the next chapter is only a few pages away. Without spoiling the plot, the scene of the denouement near the end is gorgeous in its inspirational writing showcasing the author's true love for the land and people of the Languedoc, and the epilogue was so well-crafted that I had tears in my eyes reading it. I was so captivated by this book that I recommended it vociferously to my parents and friends who don't normally read this type of book.The writing was so good that the notes I take on my phone didn't include even minor grammar, punctuation, or syntax issues as is my normal habit, although I'm sure there must have been one or two. But the book is so good that I'll excuse whatever mistakes might have been included in the final draft.I give this book my highest recommendation for readers of historical fiction with a bit of fantasy thrown in. Go read the first two in this series, then get blown away by this third.

The best of the trilogy. I think Mosse did a better job tying in elements of the early medieval story line and those set amongst the Resistance in WWII. The characters were drawn with more depth than in her prior works, including the minor characters. The plot was very compelling and, though it could have moved faster in certain sections, it was generally suspenseful. The moral compass was clear. Even though I had read the other two books, I was not fully clear on the connection between Baillard and the earlier heroines, except in the broadest sense of those who stumble on items with mystical powers conveying holiness, virtue and love. But, this is only a very minor criticism-generally, a terrific book, highly recommended.

I downloaded this book because we were traveling to Carcassonne on vacation. I didn't expect much. I figured, you know, anchor-babe author, light reading. Well, my humblest apologies. As a woman, I ought to be smacked upside the head for stereotyping another woman. This is simply one of the best books I've read in years.I don't like giving out spoilers. Suffice it to say that the characters are so well drawn, to the point I couldn't sleep worrying about them. The research was impeccable, almost scary that Ms. Mosse had such a feel for the fear and mistrust, neighbor on neighbor, even soldier on soldier. There was an extravagant, almost Tolkienesque fantasy element to to the story, but so well woven in that, once immersed in the book, it became plausible.I have a small collection of books about and by SOE and Resistance participants, and in a totally unexpected way, this book gave me a better feel for the mindset of the time than many of the true, first person accounts I've read.A good read, charismatic characters, interesting story with thrilling pacing. I'm a convert.BTW, I understand after finishing the book that this is part of a series. I have not read the others, and it was fine as a standalone book. I will, however, be buying the others in the dries.

I was not aware of the important role women had in the dangerous resistance in France during World War 2.This author of the Citadel is an excellent writer who brings the story to life with compelling characters. Her way of describing the scenery as well as the wonderful courageous people who risked their lives for freedom is truly inspiring.I actually felt transported back in time while reading this book.If you start to read this book , you won't be able to put it down till you finish it. I enjoyed the love stories interwovenThroughout the story. People who are brought to life in a very miraculous way. Overall this is an excellent story ,am looking forward to reading other books by the author Kate Mossen .

Her heroines are usually plucky, resilient, daring and lovely. Sand rinse has all those qualities, but seems so naive as to make stupid choices at times. I certainly can't fault her bravery, and determination, but Mosse spends too much time in Sandrine's head diluting th story. A WWII story about the French Resistance to the Nzi invasion of France and the collaboration of many of the French citizens with the invaders.The back story is the 1500 year old "Codex" designated heretical by the Catholic Church. A free thinking monk seeks to save this text so a future generation can benefit from its power. Interesting fiction using historical times, places and events. But, for me it was overly long and I couldn't wait to get to the end.

Bought used book with very little wear, great price.

Received the book that was in good condition.

Again, Kate Mosse succeeds in writing a gripping tale while bringing her reader face to face with the toughest dilemmas of life. Her love of the people of the Languedoc makes their courage tangible to outsiders like myself, and allows us to participate in this tribute to their sacrifice. Her love of the country and of Carcassonne make me long to go there and see for myself, which I will do soon. Thank you Kate for writing your trilogy.

Completely different from the Triology but just as absorbing. The resistance, the hark back to much earlier times and conflicts, a book I loved to read.

I loved this book as well and when I had finished, like with Labyrinth, I needed a moment to digest it all. It really affected me. And I just felt it all, really felt it.