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clesh01's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
kathlgpa's review
3.0
I thought I would enjoy this book more than I did. However, being able to finish it is a testament that it was pretty good as I’ve not finished about 50 books in the past few months with everything going on in the world.
I liked how the author wove together Ancient Greek mythology with modern technology. But I didn’t really feel any depth with the main character, Ariadne, and the relationship with Theseus felt too insta-love for me. I wish there had been more exploration of her sisters handling fame and less detail about being filmed 24/7.
I liked how the author wove together Ancient Greek mythology with modern technology. But I didn’t really feel any depth with the main character, Ariadne, and the relationship with Theseus felt too insta-love for me. I wish there had been more exploration of her sisters handling fame and less detail about being filmed 24/7.
beanjast's review
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
readingintheether's review
1.0
I saw this book described as a mix between Greek mythology and The Hunger Games but there was no execution, the dialogue was truly cringe-worthy, and at one point I began making a tally of how many times the main character used the word “daddy” just to feel something ... anything ...
alongreader's review
5.0
4.5 rounded up
Ariadne has been part of the Labyrinth games for ten years. Ten long years of leading Athenian youths into the labyrinth to face the Minotaur. She doesn't expect annything to change this year. But then she meets Theseus, the prince of Athens. He's determined to end the slaughter and asks for her help. But it will mean betraying the only person she still loves...
What a fantastic read! I've known the story since I was very small, but this is an amazing retelling, seamlessly incorperating gods and monsters into today's celebrity-obsessed world. Everything makes sense, fitting together perfectly, making it equally accessble to those who know the myth and those who don't. (Although really? You don't know this myth?)
I disliked the insta love as much as I always do, but it is an indelible part of the orginal myth, so Emily didn't have much choice. And she did save the most troubling part without derailing anyone's character; I wasn't looking forward to it, but she wrote around it beautifully. And I loved the cheeky nod to Dionysus! (Although it does raise a small issue; other gods are named and honoured, so is Dionysus not a god in this world? Or is this a mortal named after him? Was that allowed?)
This is an amazing read that I'm really looking forward to recommending to people.
Ariadne has been part of the Labyrinth games for ten years. Ten long years of leading Athenian youths into the labyrinth to face the Minotaur. She doesn't expect annything to change this year. But then she meets Theseus, the prince of Athens. He's determined to end the slaughter and asks for her help. But it will mean betraying the only person she still loves...
What a fantastic read! I've known the story since I was very small, but this is an amazing retelling, seamlessly incorperating gods and monsters into today's celebrity-obsessed world. Everything makes sense, fitting together perfectly, making it equally accessble to those who know the myth and those who don't. (Although really? You don't know this myth?)
I disliked the insta love as much as I always do, but it is an indelible part of the orginal myth, so Emily didn't have much choice. And she did save the most troubling part without derailing anyone's character; I wasn't looking forward to it, but she wrote around it beautifully. And I loved the cheeky nod to Dionysus! (Although it does raise a small issue; other gods are named and honoured, so is Dionysus not a god in this world? Or is this a mortal named after him? Was that allowed?)
This is an amazing read that I'm really looking forward to recommending to people.
nerdywerewolf's review against another edition
<i>"I rate the competitors. It may seem callous to think about them this way, but they signed up for this. They have families and fans, millions of people to worry about them. The Minotaur has only me."</i>
This took all of the best parts of the Minotaur/Ariadne/Labyrinth myths and plopped them right in modern times <i>(reality TV, cell phones, etc.)</i>, while still being set in Greece with Gods and kings and heroes and magic. The juxtaposition of modern sensibilities and fame alongside the responsibilities of running a mythical Kingdom was unique.
There is something very special about getting to know a character and then watching them evolve into something you may not have seen before. I had fun reading this. It was delightful and hopeful and full of heart, which is not something that happens often in Greek mythology!
The very best retellings are wish-fulfillment. Fight me. That's what this was. It took a brave heroine, gave her several things to fight for and the ending was rewarding, especially if you're familiar with Ariadne's story. This is my 3rd Ariadne book this year, so I was invested!!
This took all of the best parts of the Minotaur/Ariadne/Labyrinth myths and plopped them right in modern times <i>(reality TV, cell phones, etc.)</i>, while still being set in Greece with Gods and kings and heroes and magic. The juxtaposition of modern sensibilities and fame alongside the responsibilities of running a mythical Kingdom was unique.
There is something very special about getting to know a character and then watching them evolve into something you may not have seen before. I had fun reading this. It was delightful and hopeful and full of heart, which is not something that happens often in Greek mythology!
The very best retellings are wish-fulfillment. Fight me. That's what this was. It took a brave heroine, gave her several things to fight for and the ending was rewarding, especially if you're familiar with Ariadne's story. This is my 3rd Ariadne book this year, so I was invested!!