Non 1001 Book Review: The Burning Chambers Kate Mosse

The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse
Published in: 2018
Reviewed by: Book Worm
Rating: ★★★
Find it here: The Burning Chambers

This ARC was provided by Pan Macmillan (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis from Goodreads: Bringing sixteenth-century Languedoc vividly to life, Kate Mosse’s The Burning Chambers is a gripping story of love and betrayal, mysteries and secrets; of war and adventure, conspiracies and divided loyalties . . .

Carcassonne 1562: Nineteen-year-old Minou Joubert receives an anonymous letter at her father’s bookshop. Sealed with a distinctive family crest, it contains just five words: SHE KNOWS THAT YOU LIVE.

But before Minou can decipher the mysterious message, a chance encounter with a young Huguenot convert, Piet Reydon, changes her destiny forever. For Piet has a dangerous mission of his own, and he will need Minou’s help if he is to get out of La Cité alive.

Toulouse: As the religious divide deepens in the Midi, and old friends become enemies, Minou and Piet both find themselves trapped in Toulouse, facing new dangers as sectarian tensions ignite across the city, the battle-lines are drawn in blood and the conspiracy darkens further.

Meanwhile, as a long-hidden document threatens to resurface, the mistress of Puivert is obsessed with uncovering its secret and strengthening her power . . .

Book Worm’s Thoughts: This was a solid 3 star read for me and fans of Kate Mosse will be pleased with this new addition to her works, especially as it is the first book in a new series.

Set in the 1500s in the midst of the religious wars in France, the story follows the fortunes of one family as they face increasing danger when the Catholics turn against their Huguenot neighbours. Along with the dangers of appearing to be liberal in a time of civil unrest, there is also a buried family secret that further endangers the lives of the Joubert family and their friends.

Trigger warning: Due to the setting of this book there are scenes of torture and because of the religious intolerance of the time there is no discrimination between victims the very old and the very young are both targets of this torture.

As usual, Mosse has thoroughly researched the time period and location of her book and the places truly come alive.  It is easy to lose yourself among the ancient streets of the Midi.

This was an intriguing read with a romantic back drop and I look forward to the next book in the series to find out what the future has in store for the Jouberts.

Who would enjoy this? I would recommend this to fans of Kate Mosse and those who enjoy a historical romance with plenty of conflict to overcome.

Want to try it for yourself? You can find a copy here: The Burning Chambers

We want to hear from you! Have you read this book? What did you think?