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betharanova's review
5.0
In the first three pages, I fell in love with the protagonist and was consumed by curiosity about the setting. Those are the first things I knew, so they're the first things you need to know. And from there things only got better.
If you're like me, then the cast really carries a story. This cast is more than up to the job. Ikki (the protagonist, serving as Icarus) is honest, stubborn (unrelenting, really), and curious to the point of nosiness. She's an inventor and mechanic in constant search of the truth in a world where that can land you in trouble. She leads and grows so well. Her friends and even her enemies are just as complex and interesting. If a character had more than three lines, then I loved and wanted to see more of them.
The setting, too, really made me feel Ikki's curiosity. Minotaur is set in a post-apocalyptic haven where settings and resources are run by god-programs. It's clearly technological, but with enough of a mythical edge to make me wonder what was true.
And the story just keeps going. I read this over the course of six hours because I absolutely couldn't stand to put it down for any longer than necessary. Political tension! Danger! Plotting! Personal revelations! It's all here and it'll keep you hooked.
The dialogue gets a special mention here because all of it was incredible. The banter in this book had such a great rhythm without losing any of the heart. Every interaction had both wit and a caring understanding of the characters involved.
5/5, read this book immediately and provide more fan content for my killer book hangover, because I'm in love.
If you're like me, then the cast really carries a story. This cast is more than up to the job. Ikki (the protagonist, serving as Icarus) is honest, stubborn (unrelenting, really), and curious to the point of nosiness. She's an inventor and mechanic in constant search of the truth in a world where that can land you in trouble. She leads and grows so well. Her friends and even her enemies are just as complex and interesting. If a character had more than three lines, then I loved and wanted to see more of them.
The setting, too, really made me feel Ikki's curiosity. Minotaur is set in a post-apocalyptic haven where settings and resources are run by god-programs. It's clearly technological, but with enough of a mythical edge to make me wonder what was true.
And the story just keeps going. I read this over the course of six hours because I absolutely couldn't stand to put it down for any longer than necessary. Political tension! Danger! Plotting! Personal revelations! It's all here and it'll keep you hooked.
The dialogue gets a special mention here because all of it was incredible. The banter in this book had such a great rhythm without losing any of the heart. Every interaction had both wit and a caring understanding of the characters involved.
5/5, read this book immediately and provide more fan content for my killer book hangover, because I'm in love.
redheadbeans's review
4.0
An interesting and enjoyable retelling of the Icarus and Minotaur myths with some science fiction elements. Enjoyed the characters and the world was fascinating, as is normal for Singer's work. If this is the first in the series like the title suggests, I'd be interested in book 2.
strangerstill's review
4.0
I love the author's snappy, clever writing, and ability to assign clear and vibrant voices to her characters. I read this when it was a manuscript, and then read it again upon release to celebrate! I love Ikki, and Tor, and how easy it was to fall in to enjoy the ride the story offers. Though the door is left ajar for continuation, just finishing this first book alone felt complete, and I didn't feel I was left hanging in the grand scheme of things. Minotaur is an easy read, simple and effective, and so so charming.
Would suggest to anyone looking for alternative fantasy and anybody who likes genre-bending! I do - and Greco Steampunk is riiiiight up there as a fave solely thanks to this book.
Would suggest to anyone looking for alternative fantasy and anybody who likes genre-bending! I do - and Greco Steampunk is riiiiight up there as a fave solely thanks to this book.
wrenxavier's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mina352's review
5.0
The first chapter started off a little slow for me with a lot of terminology thrown from the get go, but the pacing picked up fast from the second chapter on wards, and I was hooked.
What a great and interesting world built, half familiar Greek mythos and half sci-fi technology.
Characters were A+. Ikki is the female character I wanted my whole life but never knew I did. She's strong without having to be physically strong. She's curious and inquisitive and never stops asking questions, and it's a neat way to balance that as her greatest strength and also at her insensitivity when it comes to others as well. I love Ikki so much and I would fight an army for her. The other characters are fantastic as well, including a character who's morally grey with lots of layers that I devoured.
Also, incredibly well written slow burn romance? SIGN ME UP.
If you love Greek mythology or sci-fi or a good romance (but not taking over the plot) or interesting characters, pick this book up. You won't be disappointed.
What a great and interesting world built, half familiar Greek mythos and half sci-fi technology.
Characters were A+. Ikki is the female character I wanted my whole life but never knew I did. She's strong without having to be physically strong. She's curious and inquisitive and never stops asking questions, and it's a neat way to balance that as her greatest strength and also at her insensitivity when it comes to others as well. I love Ikki so much and I would fight an army for her. The other characters are fantastic as well, including a character who's morally grey with lots of layers that I devoured.
Also, incredibly well written slow burn romance? SIGN ME UP.
If you love Greek mythology or sci-fi or a good romance (but not taking over the plot) or interesting characters, pick this book up. You won't be disappointed.
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