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The Black Mountain
The Black Mountain is a Quick Read short story from bestselling author Kate Mosse.
It is May, 1706. Ana, a young Spanish woman, lives in a small town on the north-west coast of Tenerife with her mother and twin younger brothers. The town is in the shadow of a mighty volcano, which legend says has the devil living inside it. However, there has been no eruption for thousands of years and no one believes it is a threat.
One day, Ana notices that the air feels strange and heavy, that the birds have stopped singing. Tending the family vineyard, a sudden strange tremor in the earth frightens her. Very soon it will be a race against time for Ana to help persuade the town that they are in danger and should flee before the volcano erupts and destroys their world. Will they listen? And Ana herself faces another danger . . .
It is May, 1706. Ana, a young Spanish woman, lives in a small town on the north-west coast of Tenerife with her mother and twin younger brothers. The town is in the shadow of a mighty volcano, which legend says has the devil living inside it. However, there has been no eruption for thousands of years and no one believes it is a threat.
One day, Ana notices that the air feels strange and heavy, that the birds have stopped singing. Tending the family vineyard, a sudden strange tremor in the earth frightens her. Very soon it will be a race against time for Ana to help persuade the town that they are in danger and should flee before the volcano erupts and destroys their world. Will they listen? And Ana herself faces another danger . . .
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
83 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Kate Mosse
91 books3,349 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 199 reviews
May 24, 2022
I thought this short story will give me an insight into the author's work and help decide if I'm interested in the longer books. Based on how this went - I'd say not.
The story was predictable, story telling - patchy. Many facts and pieces of information were repeated multiple times unnecessarily and the story was oversimplified. At times there seemed to be this attempt to build the suspense but it didn't really work for me.
The story was predictable, story telling - patchy. Many facts and pieces of information were repeated multiple times unnecessarily and the story was oversimplified. At times there seemed to be this attempt to build the suspense but it didn't really work for me.
December 17, 2024
This is the story of Ana, a young woman who lives with her family in the port town of Garachico in the shadows of Trevejo, a dormant volcano known locally as The Black Mountain. We join Ana just after she has suffered a significant personal loss of her father, little knowing how much more her life, and that of the whole town, is about to change. The Black Mountain has been dormant for many years, but no longer, if only the rest of the town would listen.
This was a fascinating story that captured my attention from the start. There is a mystery at the heart of the story, one which links into Ana's tragedy but in a way we cannot possibly understand. Added to this a a real underlying tension, one that you can feel building with every page turn and every slight shift in the weather and skies around the Black Mountain. It feels like tragedy is being foretold through the changes in the volcano's standing, and the atmospheric changes that Ana and a just few of her fellow townsfolk can understand. It is that ever present sense of threat that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but also the feeling of corruption at the heart of this most important of ports.
This was a fascinating story that captured my attention from the start. There is a mystery at the heart of the story, one which links into Ana's tragedy but in a way we cannot possibly understand. Added to this a a real underlying tension, one that you can feel building with every page turn and every slight shift in the weather and skies around the Black Mountain. It feels like tragedy is being foretold through the changes in the volcano's standing, and the atmospheric changes that Ana and a just few of her fellow townsfolk can understand. It is that ever present sense of threat that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but also the feeling of corruption at the heart of this most important of ports.
October 8, 2022
3.75*
An interesting, and well written short story, fictionalising a real event, the eruption of Mount Teide in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, in 1706
I was impressed by how the author was able to give a feeling of depth to her main characters in so few pages.
This was a short story, but it managed to set the scene so well, describing how the town which was under threat from the volcano, was also suffering from the corrupt behaviour of its leaders, selfish, greedy, cruel men who simply don’t care about the people of the town.
The panic of the eruption itself, and how people react to it, is brought to life….there are acts of bravery, and also acts of selfishness and cowardice, the various facets of human nature all made to feel real by good writing…..and the story is well rounded out, and brought to a satisfying conclusion……
An interesting, and well written short story, fictionalising a real event, the eruption of Mount Teide in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, in 1706
I was impressed by how the author was able to give a feeling of depth to her main characters in so few pages.
This was a short story, but it managed to set the scene so well, describing how the town which was under threat from the volcano, was also suffering from the corrupt behaviour of its leaders, selfish, greedy, cruel men who simply don’t care about the people of the town.
The panic of the eruption itself, and how people react to it, is brought to life….there are acts of bravery, and also acts of selfishness and cowardice, the various facets of human nature all made to feel real by good writing…..and the story is well rounded out, and brought to a satisfying conclusion……
June 20, 2025
رواية الجبل الأسود من الأعمال التي تأسر القارئ بهدوئها أولًا، ثم تفاجئه بثقلها الشعوري تدريجيًا. لم تكن الرواية طويلة، لكنها حملت بين سطورها ما يفوق حجمها: وصف ساحر للطبيعة، شخصيات مشدودة بين الواجب والخوف، وأحداث تتصاعد ببطء حتى تبلغ ذروتها بطريقة مفاجئة.
ما يميز هذا النص هو إحساسه الداخلي بالقلق، فكل شيء يبدو عاديًا على السطح، لكنه مشحون بتوتر لا يُقال. الكاتبة استخدمت الطبيعة ليس كخلفية للأحداث فقط، بل كوسيلة للتعبير عن التغير النفسي والاجتماعي معًا. الجبل، الغيم، الطيور، الريح، كلها تشارك في رواية ما يحدث قبل أن يقال.
الأسلوب بسيط لكنه مشحون. لا توجد فصول طويلة ولا حوارات كثيرة، لكن كل سطر له وزن. ولعل أجمل ما في الرواية أنها تجعل القارئ متيقظًا طوال الوقت، يشعر أن الخطر قادم، لكنه لا يعرف متى أو كيف.
إنها رواية عن الإدراك قبل الوقوع، عن الإنذار الذي لا يُسمَع، وعن كيف يتفاعل الناس حين تهتز الأرض تحت أقدامهم، حرفيًا ومعنويًا.
ما زاد من جمال الرواية وسلاسة قراءتها هو الترجمة المتقنة التي منحت النص العربي روحًا صادقة دون أن تبتعد عن جوهر الرواية الأصلية. الكلمات كانت حيّة، والمفردات حملت الإحساس نفسه الذي يبدو أن الكاتبة أرادته. لم تكن الترجمة مجرد نقل، بل مشاركة حقيقية في بناء التجربة، وكأن المترجمة عاشت الحدث مع الشخصيات. تُحسَب لها هذه الدقة وهذا الوفاء للنص.
الشخصيات في الجبل الأسود لا تتحرك لمجرد تحريك القصة، بل تحمل رموزًا ومعاني أعمق:
• آنا تمثل اليقظة المبكرة، الحاسة التي تلتقط الخطر في صمته. هي رمز للضمير الحيّ، وللقوة التي لا تصرخ لكنها تصمد.
• أنطونيو هو النذير الحكيم، الذي يرى الحقيقة، لكنه يُهمَل لأنه لا يملك سلطة. يمثل العاقل الذي لا يُصدّق إلا بعد فوات الأوان.
• العمدة يجسّد الوجه المألوف للسلطة الجشعة التي تفضل كتمان الحقيقة حفاظًا على مصالحها، حتى لو كان الثمن كارثة.
• القس هو صورة الخيانة المبطّنة، حين تتحوّل الرموز الدينية من ملاذ إلى وسيلة للإنكار. دوره يكشف خطر تغليف الكذب بالطمأنينة الزائفة.
• بابلو وكارلوس التوأمان هما رمزا البراءة، لكن أيضًا الأمل. وجودهما يمنح آنا سببًا للمواجهة، ويمثلان المستقبل الذي يجب أن يُحمى.
• رودي رغم حضوره القصير، يمثل الشرارة التي تخرج من الهامش لتحرّك ما سكن. هو الدافع غير المتوقع الذي يوقظ الشجاعة في لحظة مصيرية.
• الأرملة سيلفا شخصية صامتة لكنها عميقة، ترمز للذاكرة والتجربة الطويلة، وللحكمة التي لا تتكلم كثيرًا لكنها تُفهم من نظراتها وسكونها.
كل هذه الشخصيات تجتمع لتشكّل لوحة عن مجتمع يواجه أزمة حقيقية، حيث تُختبر القيم، وتنكشف الأقنعة، وتظهر المعادن في لحظة الانفجار.
ما يميز هذا النص هو إحساسه الداخلي بالقلق، فكل شيء يبدو عاديًا على السطح، لكنه مشحون بتوتر لا يُقال. الكاتبة استخدمت الطبيعة ليس كخلفية للأحداث فقط، بل كوسيلة للتعبير عن التغير النفسي والاجتماعي معًا. الجبل، الغيم، الطيور، الريح، كلها تشارك في رواية ما يحدث قبل أن يقال.
الأسلوب بسيط لكنه مشحون. لا توجد فصول طويلة ولا حوارات كثيرة، لكن كل سطر له وزن. ولعل أجمل ما في الرواية أنها تجعل القارئ متيقظًا طوال الوقت، يشعر أن الخطر قادم، لكنه لا يعرف متى أو كيف.
إنها رواية عن الإدراك قبل الوقوع، عن الإنذار الذي لا يُسمَع، وعن كيف يتفاعل الناس حين تهتز الأرض تحت أقدامهم، حرفيًا ومعنويًا.
ما زاد من جمال الرواية وسلاسة قراءتها هو الترجمة المتقنة التي منحت النص العربي روحًا صادقة دون أن تبتعد عن جوهر الرواية الأصلية. الكلمات كانت حيّة، والمفردات حملت الإحساس نفسه الذي يبدو أن الكاتبة أرادته. لم تكن الترجمة مجرد نقل، بل مشاركة حقيقية في بناء التجربة، وكأن المترجمة عاشت الحدث مع الشخصيات. تُحسَب لها هذه الدقة وهذا الوفاء للنص.
الشخصيات في الجبل الأسود لا تتحرك لمجرد تحريك القصة، بل تحمل رموزًا ومعاني أعمق:
• آنا تمثل اليقظة المبكرة، الحاسة التي تلتقط الخطر في صمته. هي رمز للضمير الحيّ، وللقوة التي لا تصرخ لكنها تصمد.
• أنطونيو هو النذير الحكيم، الذي يرى الحقيقة، لكنه يُهمَل لأنه لا يملك سلطة. يمثل العاقل الذي لا يُصدّق إلا بعد فوات الأوان.
• العمدة يجسّد الوجه المألوف للسلطة الجشعة التي تفضل كتمان الحقيقة حفاظًا على مصالحها، حتى لو كان الثمن كارثة.
• القس هو صورة الخيانة المبطّنة، حين تتحوّل الرموز الدينية من ملاذ إلى وسيلة للإنكار. دوره يكشف خطر تغليف الكذب بالطمأنينة الزائفة.
• بابلو وكارلوس التوأمان هما رمزا البراءة، لكن أيضًا الأمل. وجودهما يمنح آنا سببًا للمواجهة، ويمثلان المستقبل الذي يجب أن يُحمى.
• رودي رغم حضوره القصير، يمثل الشرارة التي تخرج من الهامش لتحرّك ما سكن. هو الدافع غير المتوقع الذي يوقظ الشجاعة في لحظة مصيرية.
• الأرملة سيلفا شخصية صامتة لكنها عميقة، ترمز للذاكرة والتجربة الطويلة، وللحكمة التي لا تتكلم كثيرًا لكنها تُفهم من نظراتها وسكونها.
كل هذه الشخصيات تجتمع لتشكّل لوحة عن مجتمع يواجه أزمة حقيقية، حيث تُختبر القيم، وتنكشف الأقنعة، وتظهر المعادن في لحظة الانفجار.
September 10, 2025
Short story. Not OMG incredible but interesting perspective of an area where a volcano erupted and Kate Mosse is a good story teller. Had a good ending which I liked.
March 4, 2023
Short but really enjoyed.
February 24, 2025
Thought I’d start with a quick reads by Kate Mosse as her books are huge! Enjoyed this one and after seeing her at Faversham Literary Festival on Saturday with friends, I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
June 12, 2023
I give the book 3 stars.
The book is well written so it is a quick read. The context of the book sounded interesting when I bought it, but, for me personally, it turned out not to be captivating.
The book is well written so it is a quick read. The context of the book sounded interesting when I bought it, but, for me personally, it turned out not to be captivating.
January 10, 2023
A quick read, almost guilty it knocks another number off my 2023 GR challenge, but still, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do etc etc.
This is a 2.5 - 2.75 rated book at best - while I loved the Burning Chambers and Languedoc series by Kate Mosse, this seemed to be put together in a hurry, and (just to reassure myself I wasn’t making things up - I wasn’t), as with other reviewers, I found it tended to repeat itself - almost like a recap at the start of a Netflix series episode, although without the ability to ‘skip’.
Relatively shallow story of Ana, and corruption in the village, volcanic explosion, quiet village life. As evidenced by the short reading time. However, it is part of the Quick Reads series, so perhaps that should’ve given me a heads up.
This is a 2.5 - 2.75 rated book at best - while I loved the Burning Chambers and Languedoc series by Kate Mosse, this seemed to be put together in a hurry, and (just to reassure myself I wasn’t making things up - I wasn’t), as with other reviewers, I found it tended to repeat itself - almost like a recap at the start of a Netflix series episode, although without the ability to ‘skip’.
Relatively shallow story of Ana, and corruption in the village, volcanic explosion, quiet village life. As evidenced by the short reading time. However, it is part of the Quick Reads series, so perhaps that should’ve given me a heads up.
April 26, 2022
Very much fit for purpose as a reading agency quick read, this is a book with simple language, short chapters and a larger font than the average adult book aimed at adults who perhaps cannot or do not read much.
I found the story satisfying and, despite there being less character development than one would find in a full-length novel (especially one of the length that Mosse usually writes), I found myself really caring about the fates of the main characters for the short time that I was reading about them.
While this might not be a book that I would go around recommending to my reader friends, I did enjoy it for what it is intended to be, and I am excited to help it on its journey to another person who may be closer to its target audience.
I found the story satisfying and, despite there being less character development than one would find in a full-length novel (especially one of the length that Mosse usually writes), I found myself really caring about the fates of the main characters for the short time that I was reading about them.
While this might not be a book that I would go around recommending to my reader friends, I did enjoy it for what it is intended to be, and I am excited to help it on its journey to another person who may be closer to its target audience.
March 11, 2023
I love a quick read book as a way to try a new author. Really enjoyed this so will be reading more Kate Mosse
August 23, 2022
I chose this book ages ago to try something different but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. This book is set in 1706 and follows Ana, a young Spanish woman, who lives in a small town on the north-west coast of Tenerife with her mother and twin younger brothers. The town is in the shadow of a mighty volcano, which legend says has the devil living inside it. However, there has been no eruption for thousands of years and no one believes it is a threat. One day, Ana notices that the air feels strange and heavy and that the birds have stopped singing. Then while tending to her family vineyard a strange and sudden tremor in the earth frightens her. Very soon it will be a race against time for Ana to help persuade the town that they are in danger and should flee before the volcano erupts and destroys their world. But will they listen? I always say I think short stories are a hit or miss type of format but this one was a big miss for me both in format and the story in general. I wanted to try historical fiction but it wasn't for me unfortunately and that's fine because if we all liked the same books then life would be boring 🤷🏼♀️ Overall, I think for the right person that enjoys this genre, they may like it so please don't let my review put you off but for me if it was a full length book I'd have DNF'd it.
September 20, 2022
This was an enjoyable short story, reflecting the challenges of living in the shadow of a volcano on what is the volcanic island of Tenerife overshadowed by Mount Teide.
Having stayed on the island and been in the shadow of the volcano myself the author interprets the feeling of unease rather effectively. The dilemma of staying on the island and running the risk of being overrun with lava or facing a possible tsunami through an escape by boat to the sea is clearly palpable.
In true Kate Mosse style the story is obviously well researched and rooted in history with the volcano correctly having erupted (several times)and once in 1706, engulfing villages and the port of Garachico.
Being a short story it does not allow the same in depth description and story development to enable the reader to bond with characters as other excellent novels by Mosse; but it’s a worthwhile read and for anyone who has been to the island and wants to learn more about its history is a route in.
Having stayed on the island and been in the shadow of the volcano myself the author interprets the feeling of unease rather effectively. The dilemma of staying on the island and running the risk of being overrun with lava or facing a possible tsunami through an escape by boat to the sea is clearly palpable.
In true Kate Mosse style the story is obviously well researched and rooted in history with the volcano correctly having erupted (several times)and once in 1706, engulfing villages and the port of Garachico.
Being a short story it does not allow the same in depth description and story development to enable the reader to bond with characters as other excellent novels by Mosse; but it’s a worthwhile read and for anyone who has been to the island and wants to learn more about its history is a route in.
January 17, 2023
I quite enjoyed this story. It's not as great as Mosse's usual writing, but I chucked that down to the fact that it's a short and the style of hers I'm used to is best suited for much longer novels.
All the same, I found the descriptions vivid and the tension well built. The pacing and structure were great and the characters... I did like the characters and what she did with them in such a short space of storytelling.
This would make a great movie, in my opinion. And if this were ever rewritten into a full length novel (not just a short novel) by the author, it'll be a magical story worth rereading.
All the same, I found the descriptions vivid and the tension well built. The pacing and structure were great and the characters... I did like the characters and what she did with them in such a short space of storytelling.
This would make a great movie, in my opinion. And if this were ever rewritten into a full length novel (not just a short novel) by the author, it'll be a magical story worth rereading.
October 8, 2025
Yes, I started reading this at lunch after an emergency trip to the library as my lunchtime plans were cancelled. Yes, I have already finished it, and no, I don't feel guilty it counting towards my reading challenge as I'm currently reading a 1400 page book 😂
Very average story, although only so much world building you can do with a book that only takes an hour to read, so not going to judge Kate Mosse too harshly!
Very average story, although only so much world building you can do with a book that only takes an hour to read, so not going to judge Kate Mosse too harshly!
April 30, 2022
A gripping historical novel telling the story of a disastrous volcanic eruption which occurred in Tenerife in the early 18th century. Kate Mosse packs so much into this quick read. The reader feels well and truly in the heart and heat of the drama unfolding through brilliant description and characterization. A delight!
July 14, 2024
As ever, Kate Mosse creates a vivid and evocative and richly imaginative landscape with an engaging and varied set of characters. This one is all about a historic community in Tenerife living on the site of an active volcano. No prizes for guessing what happens! It is an enjoyable short story, well rounded and medium paced - not a patch on her novels but still an entertaining read.
February 12, 2023
Easy to read indeed. Good book for pre-teens (when you are starting to read books without pictures). I would recommend for people learning English to practice reading.
September 25, 2025
5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the description of the land and the mountain and all the main characters.
so much responsibility on the young girls shoulders with looking after the land, her brothers and her mother as well as looking into finding out why her father was murdered. Throw on top of that the eruption of this volcano.
really enjoyed the authors writing too.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the description of the land and the mountain and all the main characters.
so much responsibility on the young girls shoulders with looking after the land, her brothers and her mother as well as looking into finding out why her father was murdered. Throw on top of that the eruption of this volcano.
really enjoyed the authors writing too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2022
2.5 stars
October 16, 2022
I really enjoy these quick reads most of the time and gives me chance to read authors nevervread before. This book was bit different as never read historical fiction set in 1706. I really enjoyed this book
May 4, 2023
Listened to on borrowbox, great quick easy listen. Not too complicated but kept me listening, all done in a morning.
November 12, 2022
Not much to say about this one. It is what it says. Enjoyed the short read, but as a short read there isn't much to it.
April 20, 2022
Although the story is interesting, it lacked the language of her other books. It seems to be geared for younger readers and skipped story details that may have made it more interesting; however, I did enjoy the story.
October 24, 2024
Picked this up as a wee book for on holiday and finished it in 2 days. Great wee read.
September 19, 2022
Another fantastic historical book from the wonderful Kate Mosse. I love the style of her writing and her historical knowledge. Normally Kate Mosse’s books are extremely long, so having a quick read was different but the writing was still just as wonderful.
What starts off as what seems like a mystery story, it quickly becomes clear that that is not what the story is about at all.
We follow Ana and her two younger twin brothers after the death of their father. They have been told that it was a suicide, but Ana doesn’t quite believe that it is. But as she is trying to decide how to prove his innocence, a much larger problem appears - the black mountain. The black mountain is a dormant volcano, except it has started making noises which worries Ana. As you read on, you become more and more involved in Ana and her little family and friends and hope that they can navigate their ways through their problems.
Kate Mosse’s writing is beautiful and you really feel like you are in the scenes with the characters. I fell in love with her style and ideas when I picked up Labyrinth a few years ago. To have a short book that hasn’t lost any of the storytelling of Kate Mosse and still you get a taste of just how amazing her books are. I hope more people are introduced to her writing through this wonderful quick reads scheme.
What starts off as what seems like a mystery story, it quickly becomes clear that that is not what the story is about at all.
We follow Ana and her two younger twin brothers after the death of their father. They have been told that it was a suicide, but Ana doesn’t quite believe that it is. But as she is trying to decide how to prove his innocence, a much larger problem appears - the black mountain. The black mountain is a dormant volcano, except it has started making noises which worries Ana. As you read on, you become more and more involved in Ana and her little family and friends and hope that they can navigate their ways through their problems.
Kate Mosse’s writing is beautiful and you really feel like you are in the scenes with the characters. I fell in love with her style and ideas when I picked up Labyrinth a few years ago. To have a short book that hasn’t lost any of the storytelling of Kate Mosse and still you get a taste of just how amazing her books are. I hope more people are introduced to her writing through this wonderful quick reads scheme.
August 17, 2025
This is my first read by this Author, having stumbled across this one on BorrowBox ..
I really enjoy books that are based on True Events, provided they are accurately portrayed and give me an insight into the lives of the people who were affected & the outcome ..
" The eruption of the Trevejo volcano also called the eruption of the Arenas Negras volcano was a volcanic eruption that took place from 5 to 14 May 1706, about 8 kilometers south of the Garachico in the north of the island of Tenerife (Spain). The eruption destroyed the old port of Garachico (the most important of Tenerife at the time) and ended the golden period of the town .. "
With a small cast of characters & a 2 hour listen, it was easy to follow the storyline .. However, the book did lack some pace and at times when I thought the drama / suspense could have ramped up, I was left wanting .. there was a long lead up to the main event, and the 'what happened after' felt too condensed, but as a very short read, it was a good intro into this Author.
2.5 rounded up to 3
I really enjoy books that are based on True Events, provided they are accurately portrayed and give me an insight into the lives of the people who were affected & the outcome ..
" The eruption of the Trevejo volcano also called the eruption of the Arenas Negras volcano was a volcanic eruption that took place from 5 to 14 May 1706, about 8 kilometers south of the Garachico in the north of the island of Tenerife (Spain). The eruption destroyed the old port of Garachico (the most important of Tenerife at the time) and ended the golden period of the town .. "
With a small cast of characters & a 2 hour listen, it was easy to follow the storyline .. However, the book did lack some pace and at times when I thought the drama / suspense could have ramped up, I was left wanting .. there was a long lead up to the main event, and the 'what happened after' felt too condensed, but as a very short read, it was a good intro into this Author.
2.5 rounded up to 3
September 29, 2024
CAWPILE 6.43
3.5 STARS
I needed a break from the big books so grabbed this Quick Read from my shelves. I love The Reading Agency's series of short stories and I'd love to pick up more.
I have read from Kate Mosse before but I do love using the Quick Read books to try authors that I'm interested in to gauge whether i like their writing enough to read a 300+ page book.
This was impactful, atmospheric and a thrilling short read- I liked the pacing of it and I already know I love Kate Mosse's writing.
3.5 STARS
I needed a break from the big books so grabbed this Quick Read from my shelves. I love The Reading Agency's series of short stories and I'd love to pick up more.
I have read from Kate Mosse before but I do love using the Quick Read books to try authors that I'm interested in to gauge whether i like their writing enough to read a 300+ page book.
This was impactful, atmospheric and a thrilling short read- I liked the pacing of it and I already know I love Kate Mosse's writing.
May 4, 2022
A great start for a reader who is interested in reading Kate Mosse but hasn't before. An interesting plot and a short, easy start to historical fiction. I'll certainly be giving Mosse's other books a read after having a taster of her work.
The book could have worked well as a novel. Some parts felt a bit rushed but due to it being a quick reads it is entirely understandable as to why there was not greater description or detail.
Still a very enjoyable read for me.
The book could have worked well as a novel. Some parts felt a bit rushed but due to it being a quick reads it is entirely understandable as to why there was not greater description or detail.
Still a very enjoyable read for me.
September 26, 2022
This is my second Kate Mosse from Quick Reads.
I liked the brevity of it as a longer book could have made the stories within drag out to boredom. The characters were still multidimensional and realised but i think the author made good use of and accurately displayed emotions on the page, better than many others i have read.
I liked the brevity of it as a longer book could have made the stories within drag out to boredom. The characters were still multidimensional and realised but i think the author made good use of and accurately displayed emotions on the page, better than many others i have read.
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