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Cossacks In Paris
"How far can one man go for his freedom?
Rebellious Breutier Armande, a rising young civil engineer in Paris, is drafted into the Grande Armeé on the eve of Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign.
On a scouting mission in St. Petersburg he meets Kaarina, a Finnish mathematician and daughter of the counselor to Tsar Alexander I. The pair soon fall in love. But Kaarina is betrothed to Agripin, a vicious Cossack and a favorite of the Tsar.
When she refuses him, Agripin kidnaps her, aided by Kaarina's envious twin sister, Kaisa. At a time of Europe's brief, uneasy truce Breutier deserts Napoleon's army and the Tsar's employ to reclaim Kaarina. Dodging the vengeance of the world's most powerful rulers sends Breutier on a perilous quest to hunt down the era's most ruthless Cossack.
Interweaving the characters' personal dramas with the epochal events of the following two years forms the core of the story. Historically accurate, the novel climaxes at the moment when, for the first time in 400 years, foreign armies invaded France, leaving behind Cossacks in Paris."
Rebellious Breutier Armande, a rising young civil engineer in Paris, is drafted into the Grande Armeé on the eve of Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign.
On a scouting mission in St. Petersburg he meets Kaarina, a Finnish mathematician and daughter of the counselor to Tsar Alexander I. The pair soon fall in love. But Kaarina is betrothed to Agripin, a vicious Cossack and a favorite of the Tsar.
When she refuses him, Agripin kidnaps her, aided by Kaarina's envious twin sister, Kaisa. At a time of Europe's brief, uneasy truce Breutier deserts Napoleon's army and the Tsar's employ to reclaim Kaarina. Dodging the vengeance of the world's most powerful rulers sends Breutier on a perilous quest to hunt down the era's most ruthless Cossack.
Interweaving the characters' personal dramas with the epochal events of the following two years forms the core of the story. Historically accurate, the novel climaxes at the moment when, for the first time in 400 years, foreign armies invaded France, leaving behind Cossacks in Paris."
- GenresHistorical Fiction
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2012
8 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Perren
14 books33 followersJeffrey Perren is the author of Tellen Song, a novel about the Wilhelm Tell legend and the founding of Switzerland.
[http://www.amazon.com/Tellen-Song-edu...]
He wrote his first short story at age 12 and went on to win the Bank of America Fine Arts award at 17. Since then, he has published Cossacks In Paris, Clonmac's Bridge, and other fine novels from ClioStory Publishing.
Educated in philosophy at UCLA, he lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
[http://www.amazon.com/Tellen-Song-edu...]
He wrote his first short story at age 12 and went on to win the Bank of America Fine Arts award at 17. Since then, he has published Cossacks In Paris, Clonmac's Bridge, and other fine novels from ClioStory Publishing.
Educated in philosophy at UCLA, he lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 6, 2013
I'm one of those that discover something that I like and stick to it, as I did with this novel "Cossacks in Paris". There are several reasons for that.
CAST OF CHARACTERS. I like very much the cast of characters. There is not the traditional hero and villain. There is a hero and a kind of "counterpart" in the sense of being somebody who makes interesting the developing of the romantic story.
As in human nature, good people are not just good, they have goals and sometimes they feel weakness or sadness, also they want their dreams to come true even as "bad" people. Sometimes you can be mesmerized by an interesting character. For me that was Agripin - the Cossack. The heroine Kaarina's twin sister, Kaisa, was too. Full of desire to live her life as a great adventure, very unusual in women for that times. But surely many had in their mind to find alternative lifestyles to enjoy life. But Kaarina is not just a beauty who conquers what she wants using her looks. She is the kind of thoughtful woman that looks ahead to the future and has a plan for her life, as surely many did, even if that was not commonplace in aristocratic families. The author offers an alternative point of view about the position of women at the time.
PLOT. I loved it. Interesting from the beginning to end. It made sense why Breautier was a civil engineer. I like the twists of the story, not predictable. The novel has drama for the characters but their inner strength and in some cases the complex personality also helped them to survive in spite of adverse circumstances in a time of war.
HISTORICAL PERIOD. The period chosen by the author is 1812-1814, when Europe was dominated by Napoleon. It serves as a nice example of the consequences of lust for power. If you look at a map with the extension of the French Empire and the areas of influence you wonder why Emperor Napoleon wanted more than he already dominated. And if as many powerful men declare they wanted the best for his countrymen, why was more better? For example, Breautier had ideas to improve Paris' basic conditions that nowadays we take for granted. The author describes how Napoleon was a great leader but sometimes (in the ways a normal human being) had fears and doubts. He shows also the strong character that a leader of his status usually has.
EASY TO READ. Even though the writing is well above third-grade simple sentences, the author took good care to write for people who love to read good stories. This, along with the narrative style, makes an awesome connection between the fictional story and the historical facts. Many times I was interested in further information and was amazed to discover the accuracy of the historical facts. Quite a skillful writer!
Definitely is an author I will read again. Great debut in publishing. That is why I added Jeff Perren to my list of favorite authors and Cossacks to my favorite books.
CAST OF CHARACTERS. I like very much the cast of characters. There is not the traditional hero and villain. There is a hero and a kind of "counterpart" in the sense of being somebody who makes interesting the developing of the romantic story.
As in human nature, good people are not just good, they have goals and sometimes they feel weakness or sadness, also they want their dreams to come true even as "bad" people. Sometimes you can be mesmerized by an interesting character. For me that was Agripin - the Cossack. The heroine Kaarina's twin sister, Kaisa, was too. Full of desire to live her life as a great adventure, very unusual in women for that times. But surely many had in their mind to find alternative lifestyles to enjoy life. But Kaarina is not just a beauty who conquers what she wants using her looks. She is the kind of thoughtful woman that looks ahead to the future and has a plan for her life, as surely many did, even if that was not commonplace in aristocratic families. The author offers an alternative point of view about the position of women at the time.
PLOT. I loved it. Interesting from the beginning to end. It made sense why Breautier was a civil engineer. I like the twists of the story, not predictable. The novel has drama for the characters but their inner strength and in some cases the complex personality also helped them to survive in spite of adverse circumstances in a time of war.
HISTORICAL PERIOD. The period chosen by the author is 1812-1814, when Europe was dominated by Napoleon. It serves as a nice example of the consequences of lust for power. If you look at a map with the extension of the French Empire and the areas of influence you wonder why Emperor Napoleon wanted more than he already dominated. And if as many powerful men declare they wanted the best for his countrymen, why was more better? For example, Breautier had ideas to improve Paris' basic conditions that nowadays we take for granted. The author describes how Napoleon was a great leader but sometimes (in the ways a normal human being) had fears and doubts. He shows also the strong character that a leader of his status usually has.
EASY TO READ. Even though the writing is well above third-grade simple sentences, the author took good care to write for people who love to read good stories. This, along with the narrative style, makes an awesome connection between the fictional story and the historical facts. Many times I was interested in further information and was amazed to discover the accuracy of the historical facts. Quite a skillful writer!
Definitely is an author I will read again. Great debut in publishing. That is why I added Jeff Perren to my list of favorite authors and Cossacks to my favorite books.
February 28, 2013
Mr Perren subtly weaves the tribulations and triumphs of his richly-drawn fictional protagonists into the chaotic political and social upheaval that followed the rise of the Napoleon in Europe.
Those unfamiliar with the time may often find themselves (as I did) visiting wikipedia to enrich themselves on a topic touched on by the author's narrative. That in and of itself is a testament to how thoroughly invested in the story I became.
In short, Cossacks in Paris is a ripping good yarn whose plot is happily bereft of the vapid vampires, milquetoast magicians and stale supernaturals that are de rigueur in popular entertainment these days. Thank you Mr Perren for the thoroughly entertaining respite!
Those unfamiliar with the time may often find themselves (as I did) visiting wikipedia to enrich themselves on a topic touched on by the author's narrative. That in and of itself is a testament to how thoroughly invested in the story I became.
In short, Cossacks in Paris is a ripping good yarn whose plot is happily bereft of the vapid vampires, milquetoast magicians and stale supernaturals that are de rigueur in popular entertainment these days. Thank you Mr Perren for the thoroughly entertaining respite!
February 21, 2017
"Cossacks in Paris" is a very simple title, for such a deep book. Between the political conflict, personal conflict, human drama, and following true world-changing history, this book is certainly one you get lost in. It sucks you in and keeps your attention throughout the book, not letting up until the very end.
Mr. Perren did a fantastic job with this book. He takes his readers on an amazing adventure that puts them up close and personal with the main ringleaders of the War of 1812. He forces you think about this intense dramatic event as something more than just random, distant facts on a piece of paper. He makes it real, and truly makes you feel as though you're experiencing the events fold out in real time.
More than just the events, are the people involved. The descriptions of the characters and their personalities are fantastic, and I loved learning about each one. Mr. Perren did an excellent job in describing them all, and it's obvious he put a lot of effort and time into every detail of this book. I very much enjoyed reading from several different points of view, and seeing an epic conflict unfold from various angles.
While reading this book, I told my husband many times how "It feels like I'm reading a documentary!" When I say documentary, I mean one of those really good ones- the kind you actually like watching, and one that keeps you completely enthralled. This book is just that, and I think even better- a film would be hard pressed to beat the entertainment and craftsmanship of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone who enjoys historical novels. This isn't one that will bore you at all- it will have you biting your nails, feeling the emotion of the characters, and the tension created by Napoleon and Czar Alexander.
*I was given a complimentary eBook copy, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2014
Every now and then you read a book that is so well written that even if the subject matter is outside your usual genre (I'm not generally a fan of stories that revolve around war) it keeps your interest, and you crave to learn more. Cossacks in Paris is just such a book!
Napoleon’s conquest of Russia is intertwined with a love story between a beautiful Finnish girl named Kaarina, and a young French engineer, Breutier, who--while working on modernizing Paris’ sewer system--gets unexpectedly drafted as a spy into the Grand Armee.
Breutier and Kaarina meet by chance, and are immediately taken by one another. Alas, Kaarina is the daughter of the counselor to Tsar Alexander of Russia, and her hand in marriage has already been promised by the Tsar to the boorish and evil Cossack, Agripin.
The story takes us through Russia where many battles ensue, both on and off the field. Kaarina is kidnapped by Agripin and Kaarina’s jealous twin sister, Kaisa (whom Agripin has befriended). Breutier hunts down the vicious Agripin, and must choose a course, if he is to save Kaarina.
Cossacks in Paris is an historically accurate book (I confess that I did have to research and verify a few events). But those who are interested in a rich and thorough historical romance will love this book!
★★★★
4 1/2 STARS
Napoleon’s conquest of Russia is intertwined with a love story between a beautiful Finnish girl named Kaarina, and a young French engineer, Breutier, who--while working on modernizing Paris’ sewer system--gets unexpectedly drafted as a spy into the Grand Armee.
Breutier and Kaarina meet by chance, and are immediately taken by one another. Alas, Kaarina is the daughter of the counselor to Tsar Alexander of Russia, and her hand in marriage has already been promised by the Tsar to the boorish and evil Cossack, Agripin.
The story takes us through Russia where many battles ensue, both on and off the field. Kaarina is kidnapped by Agripin and Kaarina’s jealous twin sister, Kaisa (whom Agripin has befriended). Breutier hunts down the vicious Agripin, and must choose a course, if he is to save Kaarina.
Cossacks in Paris is an historically accurate book (I confess that I did have to research and verify a few events). But those who are interested in a rich and thorough historical romance will love this book!
★★★★
4 1/2 STARS
February 6, 2013
A captivating read with good characters, and rich in historical details. Blend with sensual love story, and sure is a page turner. Two men witholding a personal dispute over a woman. I admired his courage fighting for his freedom against Napoleon Bonaparte's dictate, Breutier as an engineer desired to build a railroad.......a machine that would reshape the world.
Since, Napoleon covet to usurp Russia ousting Tsar Alexander to inhibit St. Petersburg he sent Breutier to spy for him. In happenstance, met Kaarina a daughter of Gustav Armfelt an emissary of Tsar Alexander. A spirited blue eyed beauty whom captivated by an engineer.
Meanwhile, Tsar Alexander summoned his protege/special agent "Cossacks" Agripin to marry Kaarina, and to spy Napoleon's movement. He was afraid that Napoleon will march to Russia for invasion. Would Kaarina, and Breutier will survive at the end when Napoleon can't be stop to go forward with his war, Agripin's hatred and willingness to destroy Breutier, and obsession to capture and enslave Kaarina.
Since, Napoleon covet to usurp Russia ousting Tsar Alexander to inhibit St. Petersburg he sent Breutier to spy for him. In happenstance, met Kaarina a daughter of Gustav Armfelt an emissary of Tsar Alexander. A spirited blue eyed beauty whom captivated by an engineer.
Meanwhile, Tsar Alexander summoned his protege/special agent "Cossacks" Agripin to marry Kaarina, and to spy Napoleon's movement. He was afraid that Napoleon will march to Russia for invasion. Would Kaarina, and Breutier will survive at the end when Napoleon can't be stop to go forward with his war, Agripin's hatred and willingness to destroy Breutier, and obsession to capture and enslave Kaarina.
March 10, 2014
Jeffrey Perren ingeniously blends two stories. One is a battle between Agripin the Cossack soldier and Breutier Armande the French engineer for the love and hand of Kaarina who is the daughter of the Finnish counselor to Tsar Alexander I. Kaarina, however, has a twin, who becomes a part of the puzzle as the characters meet frequently but are then parted during the frantic comings and goings of Napoleon and Alexander’s soldiers. Both twins, as well as Agripin and Breutier, escape hair-raising moments posing life and death risks that clearly parallel the brutally devastating war covering their travels.
Breutier has a plan to create sewers in Paris, an act that could save thousands from the rampant disease of the beautiful but unclean famous city, and another plan to create a steam-driven railroad system that would jettison the French economy beyond its wildest planning. But Breutier’s plans are stymied by Napoleon who conscripts him into the war that will ultimately be the tyrant’s well-deserved demise. Breutier escapes French service several times but always comes back or is forced back by other French officers and soldiers. His passion for Kaarina overrides loyalty to any leader, especially the manically driven Napoleon.
Agripin is a Cossack who betrays his soldierly heritage with his lust for the same woman Breutier has madly fallen in love with; however, technically speaking, Agripin is already engaged to Kaarina but that matters little to her pursuer. The culture of Cossacks is presented within the love and war story plots. Agripin comes across for most of the novel as the chief antagonist and yet there comes a point where a common goal mandates he put aside his homicidal intent toward Breutier for a more important mission that will affect European history forever.
Clearly, Perren has carried out extensive research on the military campaigns of Alexander and Napoleon who careen back and forth across Europe, trying to woo other leaders, especially Metternich, into joining their war. The reader is mesmerized by the determination of both leaders juxtaposed by the painfully difficult movement and battles of the soldiers fighting for victory.
Cossacks in Paris is a fine romantic, historical novel that will fascinate romance and history fans. The conflict between human nature and Mother Nature emerges in multiple ways that create tension, mystery, and fascination on almost every page. Very nicely done, Jeffrey Perren!
Breutier has a plan to create sewers in Paris, an act that could save thousands from the rampant disease of the beautiful but unclean famous city, and another plan to create a steam-driven railroad system that would jettison the French economy beyond its wildest planning. But Breutier’s plans are stymied by Napoleon who conscripts him into the war that will ultimately be the tyrant’s well-deserved demise. Breutier escapes French service several times but always comes back or is forced back by other French officers and soldiers. His passion for Kaarina overrides loyalty to any leader, especially the manically driven Napoleon.
Agripin is a Cossack who betrays his soldierly heritage with his lust for the same woman Breutier has madly fallen in love with; however, technically speaking, Agripin is already engaged to Kaarina but that matters little to her pursuer. The culture of Cossacks is presented within the love and war story plots. Agripin comes across for most of the novel as the chief antagonist and yet there comes a point where a common goal mandates he put aside his homicidal intent toward Breutier for a more important mission that will affect European history forever.
Clearly, Perren has carried out extensive research on the military campaigns of Alexander and Napoleon who careen back and forth across Europe, trying to woo other leaders, especially Metternich, into joining their war. The reader is mesmerized by the determination of both leaders juxtaposed by the painfully difficult movement and battles of the soldiers fighting for victory.
Cossacks in Paris is a fine romantic, historical novel that will fascinate romance and history fans. The conflict between human nature and Mother Nature emerges in multiple ways that create tension, mystery, and fascination on almost every page. Very nicely done, Jeffrey Perren!
January 5, 2014
Cossacks In Paris (Jeffrey Perren)
Set in the early 1800's Breutier Armande is drafted in the Grande Armeé. On his way to St. Petersburg he meets a Finnish woman named Karina and falls in love with her. But she is promised to Agripin a mean Cossack.
But Kaarina is in love with Breutier and her jealous twin sister Kaisa Aides Agripin in kidnapping Kaarina. Bruetier faces many enemies, challenges and danger to try to rescue his love, and bring her to safety, even if he has to desert Napoleon's army.
I really loved Kaarina, and being a twin I could relate to the differences in personalities although looking identical. I also loved that the story was true to the era and some of the events actually happened. I really loved Cossacks In Paris.
Set in the early 1800's Breutier Armande is drafted in the Grande Armeé. On his way to St. Petersburg he meets a Finnish woman named Karina and falls in love with her. But she is promised to Agripin a mean Cossack.
But Kaarina is in love with Breutier and her jealous twin sister Kaisa Aides Agripin in kidnapping Kaarina. Bruetier faces many enemies, challenges and danger to try to rescue his love, and bring her to safety, even if he has to desert Napoleon's army.
I really loved Kaarina, and being a twin I could relate to the differences in personalities although looking identical. I also loved that the story was true to the era and some of the events actually happened. I really loved Cossacks In Paris.
December 21, 2013
2.5/5.0
“Cossacks in Paris” is a tramping-through-war-campaigns and a scratch-your-head romance!
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
“Cossacks in Paris” is a tramping-through-war-campaigns and a scratch-your-head romance!
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 8, 2014
A Tour De Force
As a romantic novel this is a great book, with heroes and villains galore. It also offers a look into life 200 years ago. This is a long book and I enjoyed every page. I heartily recommend this book.
As a romantic novel this is a great book, with heroes and villains galore. It also offers a look into life 200 years ago. This is a long book and I enjoyed every page. I heartily recommend this book.
July 20, 2019
The monotonous story of a Finnish woman who is repeatedly kidnapped and rescued, kidnapped and rescued, kidnapped and rescued. Just falls short of achieving drinking game status. This book is normally listed as historical fiction but I'm placing it on my historical romance shelf because the writing strikes me as kind of old skool from the 1980s.
Our three main protagonists are French engineer Breutier, Cossack Agripin, and the woman they are both obsessed with, Kaarina. While Europe goes down in flames, the two men seemingly have no problem traipsing across the continent as they trade possession of Kaarina back and forth. Once in awhile we get a break and check in with the big players on the world stage and this is where I can see potential for a better book. To the author I would say if you're going to write about the beginning of the end of Napoleon, write about Napoleon and leave these underdeveloped fictional characters in the waste basket.
Our three main protagonists are French engineer Breutier, Cossack Agripin, and the woman they are both obsessed with, Kaarina. While Europe goes down in flames, the two men seemingly have no problem traipsing across the continent as they trade possession of Kaarina back and forth. Once in awhile we get a break and check in with the big players on the world stage and this is where I can see potential for a better book. To the author I would say if you're going to write about the beginning of the end of Napoleon, write about Napoleon and leave these underdeveloped fictional characters in the waste basket.
August 8, 2014
The best approach with this work is to break down what I see as the pros and cons and expand on each.
Pros:
1. Well researched: I could tell the author spent a lot of time doing his research on this particular period. It really showed in how he mapped out the scenes in the chapters.
2. Detailed in the war segments: I actually could picture being there during all the times the fight scenes were taking place as well as the methods the soldiers used to try and get to various locations (building of bridges to cross rivers, etc.)
3. Visually stunning: There were little to no errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Cons:
1. Layers of major characters left lots to be desired
At the beginning of Cossacks in Paris, there were quite a few characters that signified more than met the eye. Agripin was one of them–he was painted out as not the typical Cossack. Breutier was another–with his innovations and his disdain against Napoleon’s tirade. I was even drawn to the hinted differences between the twins Kaarina and Kaisa. As the meat of the tale (the love story of Kaarina and Breutier and the war) started unfolding, the additional building of these layers were halted.
As a reader, I missed out on the opportunity to fully connect with the characters the way that I desired. Although Agripin was painted as someone that should be hated by all, I couldn’t help but feel that he was misunderstood–that he wasn’t all brute but because of his circumstances he had to revert fully to the barbaric tendencies of the Cossack. Breutier is said to have a brilliant mind, but in so many situations, he behaved stupidly, making me not fully taken by his original depiction. I wanted further information on the bond of Kaarina and Kaisa prior to the story to get full understanding of how two identical twins could truly be so different, yet the waves of war and plot left me at a huge disconnect.
For me, I have to find a character or set of characters (whether it’s the main or supplemental) whose situation I care about. If I cannot find that, then it hurts the tide of the story for me.
2. Not quite sold on the love story (Kaarina and Breutier)
For those who believe in love at first sight, this may work. For me, there was just not enough growth in their meeting for this to resonate. At least not in the way it was written. If the dialogue and passion between these two was conveyed as expertly as the war and the suffering of the people during the seasons, then it would be a definite win. Yet the brief blocks of dialogue between these two lacked the intensity I’d expect from two people who couldn’t stand to be without each other and who would willingly die rather than to be with someone else. Let the characters do the work, I say!
3. Too many dead zones (narrative overpowered dialogue)
There wasn’t enough balance between narrative and dialogue, especially when the main characters were interacting with each other. In my opinion, there were spots where it would have served the author better to build up the characters’ dynamics that to put in even more narrative. With this imbalance in place, it caused the pace to become sluggish and too much space between elements of conflict.
4. Time stamps blurred in spots
In some areas, I had to wonder how much time had taken place between chapters, even reread to make certain that I had the time frame correct.
5. Erratic pace
At points where the author should have taken his time and gone into more detail (the love story, the relationship with the twins, the not-so-typical Cossack Agripin, etc.), it was too accelerated.
Other points not related to the characters but more focused on just setting location felt a bit lethargic and should have been toned down or eliminated.
6. Repetition in similar blueprints of conflict
I found myself wondering why the author chose to repeat the scenario so many times. If he had cut down on a scene or two, as well as condensed the lengthy accounts in regards to setting and narrative, he could have easily shaved about one hundred to one hundred and fifty pages and still could have had the story needed and the resolution desired. It would have decreased the dead zones that made the reader wonder if some more conflict/action would ever arrive. Plus, it would have made going from chapter to chapter a lot easier.
Taking all of this into account, I award Cossacks in Paris 3 out of 5 Stars.
Pros:
1. Well researched: I could tell the author spent a lot of time doing his research on this particular period. It really showed in how he mapped out the scenes in the chapters.
2. Detailed in the war segments: I actually could picture being there during all the times the fight scenes were taking place as well as the methods the soldiers used to try and get to various locations (building of bridges to cross rivers, etc.)
3. Visually stunning: There were little to no errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Cons:
1. Layers of major characters left lots to be desired
At the beginning of Cossacks in Paris, there were quite a few characters that signified more than met the eye. Agripin was one of them–he was painted out as not the typical Cossack. Breutier was another–with his innovations and his disdain against Napoleon’s tirade. I was even drawn to the hinted differences between the twins Kaarina and Kaisa. As the meat of the tale (the love story of Kaarina and Breutier and the war) started unfolding, the additional building of these layers were halted.
As a reader, I missed out on the opportunity to fully connect with the characters the way that I desired. Although Agripin was painted as someone that should be hated by all, I couldn’t help but feel that he was misunderstood–that he wasn’t all brute but because of his circumstances he had to revert fully to the barbaric tendencies of the Cossack. Breutier is said to have a brilliant mind, but in so many situations, he behaved stupidly, making me not fully taken by his original depiction. I wanted further information on the bond of Kaarina and Kaisa prior to the story to get full understanding of how two identical twins could truly be so different, yet the waves of war and plot left me at a huge disconnect.
For me, I have to find a character or set of characters (whether it’s the main or supplemental) whose situation I care about. If I cannot find that, then it hurts the tide of the story for me.
2. Not quite sold on the love story (Kaarina and Breutier)
For those who believe in love at first sight, this may work. For me, there was just not enough growth in their meeting for this to resonate. At least not in the way it was written. If the dialogue and passion between these two was conveyed as expertly as the war and the suffering of the people during the seasons, then it would be a definite win. Yet the brief blocks of dialogue between these two lacked the intensity I’d expect from two people who couldn’t stand to be without each other and who would willingly die rather than to be with someone else. Let the characters do the work, I say!
3. Too many dead zones (narrative overpowered dialogue)
There wasn’t enough balance between narrative and dialogue, especially when the main characters were interacting with each other. In my opinion, there were spots where it would have served the author better to build up the characters’ dynamics that to put in even more narrative. With this imbalance in place, it caused the pace to become sluggish and too much space between elements of conflict.
4. Time stamps blurred in spots
In some areas, I had to wonder how much time had taken place between chapters, even reread to make certain that I had the time frame correct.
5. Erratic pace
At points where the author should have taken his time and gone into more detail (the love story, the relationship with the twins, the not-so-typical Cossack Agripin, etc.), it was too accelerated.
Other points not related to the characters but more focused on just setting location felt a bit lethargic and should have been toned down or eliminated.
6. Repetition in similar blueprints of conflict
I found myself wondering why the author chose to repeat the scenario so many times. If he had cut down on a scene or two, as well as condensed the lengthy accounts in regards to setting and narrative, he could have easily shaved about one hundred to one hundred and fifty pages and still could have had the story needed and the resolution desired. It would have decreased the dead zones that made the reader wonder if some more conflict/action would ever arrive. Plus, it would have made going from chapter to chapter a lot easier.
Taking all of this into account, I award Cossacks in Paris 3 out of 5 Stars.
March 13, 2014
I was given a copy of this one to review by the author and sped through it in one sitting. This is a historical adventure story set during the Napoleonic wars, specifically during the conflict with Russia. This is not a period that I have ever read a great deal about, or at least I have but Jane Austen never really shed a great deal of light on the political context. Having studied French history, I have a vague sense of some of the seventeenth century but I still get very confused over why the French had a king again briefly after the whole business in 1789. Anyway, I was very much enjoying 'learning more' about the history when I reached the author's note at the end when Perren freely admitted having altered events of the war to suit his narrative purposes. I understand why authors find it necessary to do this but I confess, I was still disappointed.
The novel's hero is Armande Breutier, a young French engineer who is dragged from his worthy work building sewers for Paris to be conscripted into Napoleon's army. Meanwhile, in St Petersburg, Count Armfelt and his twin daughters prim Kaarina and feisty Kaisa have travelled to be at the court of Tsar Alexander I. The Tsar decides to marry Kaarina off against her will to his Cossack protege, but once Breutier finds himself in the court, naturally events take their own course. The novel chronicles how two years of war (and repeated kidnappings by Agripin) disrupts Kaarina and Breutier's courtship.
For my full review:
http://girlwithherheadinabook.blogspo...
The novel's hero is Armande Breutier, a young French engineer who is dragged from his worthy work building sewers for Paris to be conscripted into Napoleon's army. Meanwhile, in St Petersburg, Count Armfelt and his twin daughters prim Kaarina and feisty Kaisa have travelled to be at the court of Tsar Alexander I. The Tsar decides to marry Kaarina off against her will to his Cossack protege, but once Breutier finds himself in the court, naturally events take their own course. The novel chronicles how two years of war (and repeated kidnappings by Agripin) disrupts Kaarina and Breutier's courtship.
For my full review:
http://girlwithherheadinabook.blogspo...
March 6, 2014
Cossacks in Paris is a love story set in the historical context of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.
The ups-and-downs of a complicated love triangle is at the heart of the story. In addition there is a wealth of supporting characters from all ranks of society.
This novel is written in an easy-to-read, fast paced style which races across the European continent at break neck speed. There is a wonderful juxtaposition of historical settings with a contemporary use of language which contributes to the novel's lively accessibility. There is sufficient historical detail to give the novel authenticity but not enough to swamp the reader with unnecessary information about battles and the politics of the day.
All in all, Cossacks in Paris is an unusual, enjoyable and light-hearted novel which would make ideal reading for a holiday, a long flight, cold winter nights or any other time when you just want to lose yourself in a book.
The ups-and-downs of a complicated love triangle is at the heart of the story. In addition there is a wealth of supporting characters from all ranks of society.
This novel is written in an easy-to-read, fast paced style which races across the European continent at break neck speed. There is a wonderful juxtaposition of historical settings with a contemporary use of language which contributes to the novel's lively accessibility. There is sufficient historical detail to give the novel authenticity but not enough to swamp the reader with unnecessary information about battles and the politics of the day.
All in all, Cossacks in Paris is an unusual, enjoyable and light-hearted novel which would make ideal reading for a holiday, a long flight, cold winter nights or any other time when you just want to lose yourself in a book.
April 19, 2015
Jeffrey Perren has provided an exceptional piece of entertainment and that is exactly why I read novels: for entertainment. He without a doubt and as evident by other reviews, compiled the right ingredients to captivate the senses. Take the plunge; the book is worth the investment to steal you from reality. But sadly you must return to reality and to the unseen hand that guides the final curtain of man's legacy. This is the second novel by Perren where I've been pleasantly satiated. Go for it.
August 11, 2016
This could be a really great Historical Fiction book. The problem is that it's so long winded, drawn out and overly detailed that it was hard to get through the book. It took forever. You have to trudge through too many boring parts to get to any of the good stuff. I think if this was cut down a little, it could be a fantastic 5 star Historical Fiction. I enjoyed the spies, war and true historical factions to the story. I think with work, toning it down, it could be an amazing story.
July 27, 2014
This book certainly had an authentic feel, giving the reader a welcome historical insight into that era although thoughts and feelings within the romance, I suppose, never change regardless of the time.
I was sent this book for review and did appreciate the well researched feel without the overload of information.
Well written and a good read.
I was sent this book for review and did appreciate the well researched feel without the overload of information.
Well written and a good read.
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February 21, 2017
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