Voices in the Mist is the third book in Susanne Dunlap’s fascinating series, The Orphans of Tolosa. Although this is Book 3, it is a prequel of sorts involving Bruna, the older sister of Azeläis, who is a protagonist of the first two books. It can be read as a standalone. This book transports us to 1231 in what is now Southwestern France, when the Catholic Church was persecuting the Cathars, an orthodox Christian sect. When knights and priests descend on their village, intent on finding and destroying the Cathars, Bruna’s parents promise her in marriage to a local Catholic man who is sympathetic to them. Bruna, however, does not want to be married at 12 years old and runs away, forging a completely new life for herself amongst her Catholic persecutors. But her first betrothed has never forgotten her.
This is a fascinating look at the Cathars, of whom I was not aware prior to reading this series. I was instantly transported to this time period and learned so much about this simple, anti-materialist Christian sect whose only crime was disagreeing with the pope at the time and daring to go their own way. Bruna’s coming of age story amidst persecution and suspicion is well told. The intrigue, danger, and suspense in the book kept me spellbound. The underlying story of love and loyalty, and Bruna’s embracing of her musical talent were some of the best parts of the book. The discovery of little- known historical facts is always a delight for me, and I love to learn new things from historical fiction. I would highly recommend this series to anyone interested in learning more about 13th Century history or anyone who just wants to read fascinating historical novels with strong female characters.
Four and a half stars, rounded up to five on sites with no half-star option.
I received a free copy of this book from HFVBT Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Enter your mobile phone or email address
Processing your request...
By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Get thousands of books, TV shows, movies and ad-free music with Prime.
![Voices in the Mist (The Orphans of Tolosa Book 3) by [Susanne Dunlap]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mtYQlhSFL._SY346_.jpg)
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Next 1 for you in this series
See full series
Total Price:
$5.49
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Videos
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2021
By Susan Dunlap
Voices in the Mist is the third installment in Susanne Dunlap’s Orphans of Tolosa trilogy. Which happens to be prequel to the other books delightful book in the series, to Listen To The Wind and The Spirt Of The Fire.
In the year of 1229 southern France the far reaching hand of the Catholic inquisitors has reached the Tolosa [Toulouse].
The Cathars, who considered themselves the true Christians. Suffered persecution by the Holy Roman Catholic Pope, and all the Catholic Christians who sought to completely to destroy them. So they hid their beliefs as best as could, following their religious sects doctrines of living in modest homes and eating non-meat items, along with dressing without any adornments.
We follow a young girl Bruna de Gansard of a Cathar family, who’s older sister Azalaïs is the main protagonist from the first two books in this series. This tale grabs the reader immediately as the Catholic inquisitors knights are flooding the city of Tolosa.
Separated from her father and sister in the middle of the city. Bruna is rescued and returned to her father and sister by Alaman de Bousquet. Who is a kind and sympathetic, Catholic merchant. The brute military force of the Catholic Dominicans inquisition, seeks to eradicate all the religious sect the Cathars has arrived.
Their occupancy will set about a drastic change in Bruna life. When an offer of proposal comes, Bruna takes thing into her own hands. Not wanting to be wed to a Catholic stranger she plans an escape. Finding herself in enemy territory, amongst a Catholic noblewoman’s pilgrimage to Compostela. Bruna must keep up a grand facade without revealing who she really is, and her beliefs.
As things progress, Bruna’s beauty and voice draws the attention of a baron. Her life depends on her ability to keep up her pretense of being Catholic. She also find moments of peace filled with poetry and music as a baroness.
Susan Dunlap weaves vivid details, along with meticulously research to create a unforgettable book. The author uses precision and depth to creat a storyline that is both captivating and memorable. Told in dual narration, but focused more on our main heroine Bruna. Her struggles and strength along with the Cathars is wonderfully depicted. The character development and complex relationships, is impeccable.
But, there is a ever present darkness looming, as her mother-in-law will stop at nothing to ruin her marriage to her son. An arrival of a certain knight might be disastrous for Bruna.
Voices in the Mist catapults the reader into turbulent times of the thirteenth century France. Rich in period atmospheric imagery Susan Dunlap has written a stunning book.
The phenomenal setting and world building allows the reader to be fully immersed within the books setting. The author delivers a brisk paced, beautifully written historical fiction.
This book and the other two books in this series are beautifully written historical fiction, that you need to read! Make sure you grab your self a copy today!
An Exceptional Historical Fiction. A Must Read!!!
By Gwendalyn A on September 22, 2021
Voices In The MistBy Gwendalyn A on September 22, 2021
By Susan Dunlap
Voices in the Mist is the third installment in Susanne Dunlap’s Orphans of Tolosa trilogy. Which happens to be prequel to the other books delightful book in the series, to Listen To The Wind and The Spirt Of The Fire.
In the year of 1229 southern France the far reaching hand of the Catholic inquisitors has reached the Tolosa [Toulouse].
The Cathars, who considered themselves the true Christians. Suffered persecution by the Holy Roman Catholic Pope, and all the Catholic Christians who sought to completely to destroy them. So they hid their beliefs as best as could, following their religious sects doctrines of living in modest homes and eating non-meat items, along with dressing without any adornments.
We follow a young girl Bruna de Gansard of a Cathar family, who’s older sister Azalaïs is the main protagonist from the first two books in this series. This tale grabs the reader immediately as the Catholic inquisitors knights are flooding the city of Tolosa.
Separated from her father and sister in the middle of the city. Bruna is rescued and returned to her father and sister by Alaman de Bousquet. Who is a kind and sympathetic, Catholic merchant. The brute military force of the Catholic Dominicans inquisition, seeks to eradicate all the religious sect the Cathars has arrived.
Their occupancy will set about a drastic change in Bruna life. When an offer of proposal comes, Bruna takes thing into her own hands. Not wanting to be wed to a Catholic stranger she plans an escape. Finding herself in enemy territory, amongst a Catholic noblewoman’s pilgrimage to Compostela. Bruna must keep up a grand facade without revealing who she really is, and her beliefs.
As things progress, Bruna’s beauty and voice draws the attention of a baron. Her life depends on her ability to keep up her pretense of being Catholic. She also find moments of peace filled with poetry and music as a baroness.
Susan Dunlap weaves vivid details, along with meticulously research to create a unforgettable book. The author uses precision and depth to creat a storyline that is both captivating and memorable. Told in dual narration, but focused more on our main heroine Bruna. Her struggles and strength along with the Cathars is wonderfully depicted. The character development and complex relationships, is impeccable.
But, there is a ever present darkness looming, as her mother-in-law will stop at nothing to ruin her marriage to her son. An arrival of a certain knight might be disastrous for Bruna.
Voices in the Mist catapults the reader into turbulent times of the thirteenth century France. Rich in period atmospheric imagery Susan Dunlap has written a stunning book.
The phenomenal setting and world building allows the reader to be fully immersed within the books setting. The author delivers a brisk paced, beautifully written historical fiction.
This book and the other two books in this series are beautifully written historical fiction, that you need to read! Make sure you grab your self a copy today!
Images in this review
Customers who read this book also read
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
