ISBN: 0-671-57868-5 Order from: Amazon.com
This fairly light and entertaining retelling of the Greek myth of the Labyrinth mixes the color of mythical Crete with magic and romance of modern fantasies.
Reviewed by David on November 18, 2000
Genre: Fantasy (High Fantasy, Romance, Historical)
Synopsis: The thirteen-year-old daughter of the King of the Minoans, Ariadne, is utterly surprised when a routine ritual succeeds in summoning Dionysus. Named the Chief Pristess by the god of Wine and Madness, Ariadne suddenly becomes a poweful observer of drastic and portent-filled events surrounding her royal family. Her father, King Minos, has annoyed Poseidon, one of the great powers of Olympus, and the god of the sea has sent a bull-headed child to Minos. As the semi-divine child grows up with remarkable speed and temper, Ariadne seems the only woman to care for her ugly hafl-brother. As portents of disaster and war threaten the prosperity of Crete, Ariadne has to decide whether to obey her god, or her conscience.
Full Review: The novel concentrates on Ariadne, a girl that is giftd with a very difficult family, as well as the favor, and occasionally anger, of gods. While perhaps too good to be true, Ariadne's fears and growing lust for Dionysus make her believable. The mythology and magic is not very rigorous in this novel, and the gods seem to alternate between powerful humans and truly superhuman forces. The general conventions of fantasy are followed, but the style seems to be more appropriate to romance than to high fantasy. On the whole, the decision makes sense, as does the emphasis on Ariadne, who grows up during the novel. Understanding the looming tragedy, and yet acting according to dictates of decency, kindness and honor is not easy for Ariadne, but she succeeds, while keeping hope and optimism.
This is a pleasant and entertaining retelling of the classical myth, and comines tragedy, romance and adventure with skill and intelligence.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 2000, Baen Publishing Enterprises (Baen), May 2000, Mass market paperback, 468 pages
ISBN: 0-671-57868-5 Order from: Amazon.com