The Year-God's Daughter (The Child of the Erinyes, #1)

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The Year-God's Daughter (The Child of the Erinyes #1)

by Rebecca Lochlann (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 55 ratings · 23 reviews

Book one, The Child of the Erinyes series.

Crete: A place of magic, of mystery, where violence and sacrifice meet courage and hope.

Aridela: Wrapped in legend, beloved of the people. An extraordinary woman who dances with bulls.

The north wind brings a swift ship and two brothers who plot Crete's overthrow. Desire for this woman will propel their long rivalry into hatred so m...more

Paperback, 348 pages

Published November 10th 2011 by Erinyes Press (first published October 28th 2011)

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Oct 27, 2012 Lucinda Elliot rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone interested in good novels about Ancient Greece

Recommended to Lucinda by: Came across it.

I thought this was a brilliant book.

The story of the main characters, their passions, loyalties and fates is set against the background of the concerted attack on matriarchy in Bronze Age Greece, as typified by the ambitions of Poisedon worshipping Mycenae on the wealth and sea power of Ancient Crete, the bastion of Goddess worship.

I was drawn into this from the first, and extremely impressed by the wealth of background knowledge of ancient Knossos and Mycenae.

RA Lochlann is an unobtrusive nar...more I thought this was a brilliant book.

The story of the main characters, their passions, loyalties and fates is set against the background of the concerted attack on matriarchy in Bronze Age Greece, as typified by the ambitions of Poisedon worshipping Mycenae on the wealth and sea power of Ancient Crete, the bastion of Goddess worship.

I was drawn into this from the first, and extremely impressed by the wealth of background knowledge of ancient Knossos and Mycenae.

RA Lochlann is an unobtrusive narrator, but in depicting the defeat of matriarchy, doesn't take refuge behind a stance of 'authorial neutrality' covertly to endorse the brutalities of invading patrirachy; without being a hectoring, authorial presence she nevertheless clearly shows the brutality of her mainland, Poiseden worshipping princes in their attitudes towards women, the shabbiness of their motives in their attrack on Goddess worship (whatever they might say to themselves of 'putting an end to a barbaric custom' in ending the sacrifice of the King for a Year).

There is violence in this story, but it is never gratuitous; erotic intervals too, but they aren't written just to excite the reader but an integral part of the plot. The writing is strong throghout, and the author doesn't flinch in portraying the full bloodiness and violence of the death of The King for a Year any more than she flinches from showing the hostility towards a woman that lies behind an attempted rape.

The characters in this story are complicated, vivid and human, their motivation often realisticlly hidden from themselves. Intriguing symbols decorate the chapter headings, redolent of Ancient Crete. All the archetypical factors for a story of epic grandeur are here, conquest, ambition, conflicted loyalties, love, betrayal permeate the story.

Aridela, impulsive, recklessly brave, warm hearted, sensual, idealistic, impatient of the 'wisdom of her elders' is a lovable heroine.

Her first love, Menoetius is a truly tragic figure,as warped internally by his subegation to his brutal half-brother as he is scarred externally by the attack from the lioness.

Chryseleon, hateful in his arrogance and dishonesty, impelled my reluctant respect through the force of his courage, but I hope for his come uppance later in the story.

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Feb 03, 2012 Dolores A. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Book Review THE YEAR GOD'S DAUGHTER by Rebecca Loughlan
Dolores A McCabe, reviewer

Aridela is the younger daughter of Queen Helice. She is high-spirited and sometimes reckless. Her adventuring spirit leads her to the labyrinth, a fearsome place where she is rescued by the mysterious visitor to their kingdom, Menoetius.

Thus begins this epic three-part saga set in ancient Greece, when it was only a vast scattering of rival tribes which were not yet even city-states. The author has done an impressive...more Book Review THE YEAR GOD'S DAUGHTER by Rebecca Loughlan
Dolores A McCabe, reviewer

Aridela is the younger daughter of Queen Helice. She is high-spirited and sometimes reckless. Her adventuring spirit leads her to the labyrinth, a fearsome place where she is rescued by the mysterious visitor to their kingdom, Menoetius.

Thus begins this epic three-part saga set in ancient Greece, when it was only a vast scattering of rival tribes which were not yet even city-states. The author has done an impressive amount of research into the customs and religious practices of these pagan times. Queen Helice is soon to be succeeded by her shy, reclusive older daughter, Iphoboe. Each year the Queen's consort must compete in various games of endurance and strength, culminating in the final battle within the labyrinth, which often claimed the life of the royal consort. In this way, the slain king's blood enriched the earth.

Aridela is destined to be a virgin priestess, but her sister commands her to take her place in the rite initiating her to her station. Aridela lies with the stranger from another land, sealing her destiny and his with a desire that will overcome all obstacles to their life together. Chrysaleon, the "golden lion" seen in the high priestess' vision, is enamored and resolves to have Aridela and her kingdom for himself. He will destroy her kingdom's religious rites and lead it into slavery.

But what of his half-brother, Menoetius, who is also deeply in love with Aridela?

This book is rich with detail and poetic imagery.

"The waning moon, still gibbous, left speckles of ivory upon the leaves of the oaks."
And again,

"During the reign of Helice’s grandmother, artisans fashioned gardens for the pleasure of those who lived in the palace of Labyrinthos. Lying outside the breakfast hall, the lush foliage filled that room with scent and delighted the eye with color. Potted flowers and fruits mingled with old apple and almond trees, edged by beds of aromatic rosemary, thyme, oregano, and mint. Flagstone paths wound through arbors of hanging blooms, past cascades of jasmine and oleander. Cypress benches invited one to sit and enjoy the tranquility. Many species of birds found refuge in the branches of the trees and leant their singing to the overall appeal; vivid scenes of birds, ivy, lilies and fish decorated the sheltering north and south walls."

This highly crafted use of poetic description opens the gates of the reader's imagination and pulls the reader right into this ancient world. The only complaint I have is that the foreign names were difficult to master and remember, a small criticism indeed. At times I lost track of the action and who was who, particularly since Menoetius had disguised himself under the assumed name of Carmanor so he could spy upon Helice's kingdom. But overall, things became much clearer as the action picked up. The sisters must accept their destinies, the Games must be undertaken, and the decisive battle must take place within the dread labyrinth.

Highly recommended.

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Jan 06, 2012 Susanna Mahoney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Greek Mythology and Greek gods and goddesses and human beings of ancient Greece are the characters in this sensational story which all are magical.

This story is full of myths, actual truths and excellent details about the history, traditions and the beliefs of the Olympian gods. It is about the royal families and their empires how each one has their own beliefs and laws they all existed by and will die for and compete for dominant authority. There is Crete, which is led by a women' society and...more Greek Mythology and Greek gods and goddesses and human beings of ancient Greece are the characters in this sensational story which all are magical.

This story is full of myths, actual truths and excellent details about the history, traditions and the beliefs of the Olympian gods. It is about the royal families and their empires how each one has their own beliefs and laws they all existed by and will die for and compete for dominant authority. There is Crete, which is led by a women' society and it is structured upon the Goddess Athena beliefs of the wisdom of women in authority. These women are powerful and knowledgeable in all skills required to command a strong nation and have survived through many trials but there are foes hiding in the shadows who desire to claim Crete and it's riches they are waiting for the right time to attack.

This is where powerful warriors come into the plot and add intrigue as they are half/blood brothers and both are competing for the throne and the second lady in waiting of the land. She is a feisty warrior and ambitious to achieve glory for herself and completes amazing feats of courage to challenge herself, her destiny, defiant her mother, the queen’s laws and tempt her future along with her brave cohorts helping her to be rebellious, risking hers and their own lives to protect her.

There is a supernatural influence with the oracle and the parties responsible to protect the queen and her family. For the male readers there is bloodshed, fighting and sword battles and other surprising glimpses into the ancient days that are hints of a wicked nature. This is an excellent tale of valor and heroism and a forge into the mystery of the myths of the ancient civilization and their beliefs in their Gods and Goddesses and the devotion they pledged to risk their lives for honor in the afterlife which makes this tale entertaining reading.

To sum it up; there is conflict, intrigue, suspense and more coming in other books continuing this thrilling story of ancient Greece, traditions, wars, and forsaken love. This story is for women and men as the battle of sexes continue on. (less)

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Nov 19, 2011 Cheri rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Those in love with mythology and ancient cultures as well as lovers of fine prose

From the first chapter, The Year-god's Daughter blew me away. Lochlann's vivid attention to detail, extensive research, and striking writing style all move to invoke in the reader a visceral and emotional response to the characters' desires, successes and failures. This is a rich, sensual world the reader stumbles into. It's like stepping through the veil of time to discover a people and a culture that feel so familiar they could be your ancient ancestors.

The story will entice you--a life-and-d...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, historical-fiction

Very well-researched and well-written book! The plot idea from the synopsis grabbed my interest as well! It seems as thought the author did a lot of research which made the details quite interesting. I also must admit that this writer did an excellent job of editing her work before releasing it to produce flawless writing. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. However, the plot was quite drawn out and it seemed like I would read entire chapters without anything of significance occurring. This ca...more

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Dec 10, 2011 V.r. Christensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Aridella is meant to be a priestess, to save herself for no man, and to become an oracle, dedicating her life to Athena. Only she doesn't want to.

Iphoebe is a princess, destined to become the next queen, to carry on the royal line, to marry and to sacrifice her husband to the Year-god. Only she doesn't want to.

Aridella's birth herald's a time of change, but those who love her are determined to protect her. In protecting her, are they not defying the Goddess's will? All that they understand and...more

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Dec 02, 2011 Loretta rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've finished this wonderful book and leave it with great regret! When's the next one! I need it now.
It isn't often one reads a book these days that totally enthralls one with its powerful description, its sense of being in a bygone and yet oddly familiar age. It seems familiar because Rebecca Lochlan's extensive and intensive research and her vivid pictorial imagination has brought to life the period of the Minoan civilisation as if she had truly been alive then. It feels so real and makes suc...more

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V.r. Christensen I'm reading this right now and I'm LOVING it!!!
Nov 27, 2011 06:10pm

Loretta I've finished this wonderful book and leave it with great regret! When's the next one! I need it now.
It isn't often one reads a book these days that t...more
Dec 01, 2011 09:32am

V.r. Christensen Oh my, Lori. I just finished it now and....Oh my! I ech everything you just said, most importantly "When's the next one!" I was absolutely enthralled...more
Dec 01, 2011 10:48am

May 14, 2012 Wendy Bertsch rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rebecca Lochlann has breathed life into the fascinating world of ancient Crete in this beautifully written book. Meticulous research has enabled her to let us experience, rather than see, an exotic land we can no longer visit. And the complex characters are presented so vividly that we can’t fail to be gripped by the intriguing, unfamiliar action.

But most impressive is her ability to make us empathize with a lifestyle and beliefs that are so dramatically different from our own...and yet, someho...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Flora Bateman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was an awesome read that I actually wanted to stretch to more than 4 stars but not quite 5. Set in ancient Greece, taking place mostly on the isle of Crete, we are drawn into this world as if we were there. Here, they worship the goddess Athene and is a matriarchal society. Every year a bull king is chosen and at the end of that year his blood sacrifice causes their prosperity to continue.

Aridela is the second daughter. She is high spirited and wishes to be queen. But as teh second daughter...more

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Jan 07, 2012 L.M. Ironside rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, small-press-indie-and-self-pub

Set amongst the mystery of the Minoan Labyrinth and the heart-pounding thrill of the bull-dancing ring, The Year-God’s Daughter is the first volume of The Child of the Erinyes, a sweeping epic of a series spanning time from the Bronze Age to the near future.

In Rebecca Lochlann’s first novel, we are introduced to Aridela, a young priestess and princess – and to the mysteries of Athene, the inscrutable goddess whose hand guides Aridela’s fate. Aridela is the youngest daughter of the queen of Kaph...more Set amongst the mystery of the Minoan Labyrinth and the heart-pounding thrill of the bull-dancing ring, The Year-God’s Daughter is the first volume of The Child of the Erinyes, a sweeping epic of a series spanning time from the Bronze Age to the near future.

In Rebecca Lochlann’s first novel, we are introduced to Aridela, a young priestess and princess – and to the mysteries of Athene, the inscrutable goddess whose hand guides Aridela’s fate. Aridela is the youngest daughter of the queen of Kaphtor (Crete). She was born under portentious circumstances and has grown up revered and pampered in her mother’s palace. She is headstrong and strangely wise for her age, seemingly born to rule – yet her meek elder sister Iphiboë is the heir to Kaphtor, and Aridela is pledged to a life of celibacy and service to the goddess Athene.

This novel, being the first in a long series, is largely set-up for events to come; yet The Year-God’s Daughter is packed with plenty of action. As the groundwork is being laid for the rest of the series, the reader follows Aridela through her coming-of-age – and follows, too, the lives of the people she touches, whose fates are altered by contact with this young woman chosen by Athene: Iphiboë, Themiste the high priestess, Selene the foreign warrior-woman, Lycus the bull-dancer, and more fascinating characters are subtly moved like pawns on a game board by Aridela’s unknowing influence.

Most notable on the list of characters entwined with Aridela are Menoetius and Chrysaleon, half-brothers and sons of the king of Mycenae. They are sent on a mission by their power-hungry father to discern Kaphtor’s weaknesses so that Mycenae might take control of the rich island nation. But both brothers soon find themselves in love with Aridela…and at one another’s throats.

The depth of historical information in this novel will delight fans of the genre. A surprising amount of history and archaeology has been slipped unobtrusively into the narrative. Lochlann has clearly done an astounding amount of research into her historical setting and culture, yet she never overwhelms the reader with specifics, nor does she lecture. The conveyance of historical facts and archaeological tidbits feels very natural, woven deftly into the dialogs and thoughts of her intriguing cast of characters.

The primary strength of this book is the writing itself, which I can only describe as sumptuous. Lochlann has a great flair for sensory detail and fills her novel with such a wealth of sights, sounds, smells, and flavors that the reader feels absolutely immersed in the world of ancient Crete from the first page. Reading The Year-God’s Daughter is a delicious experience – seldom have I read a historical novel with such a well-drawn setting, and the fact that this book is independently published makes the feat all the more remarkable. The rare grammatical gaffe occasionally pulled me out of the tale, but never for more than a moment – and while I often found myself wishing I understood some characters’ motives better, I have to assume that, since this is the first in a series with extreme scope, more will be made clear as the series progresses. In any case, the luscious sensory prose was more than enough to keep me reading, and has left me eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Note: A free copy of this novel was provided in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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May 29, 2012 J.S. Colley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This story is set in Crete during the Minoan civilization, a time when women rule the island.

Each year, men compete to be the consort of the queen. After a year of being pampered and privileged, the Year-god's life is ended during the games that are designed to find his replacement.

The queen is aging and her eldest daughter must soon take her place, but the youngest daughter, Aridela, seems better suited for the task. Willful, and eager to please the goddess Athene, Aridela secretly enters the b...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Sulari Gentill rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the interests of full disclosure, I read this novel as a manuscript. I was entranced then, and now that I hold the published book in my hands, I continue to be seduced by the vibrant, passionate world that Lochlann creates. The story is one of the grandest scale, encompassing generations and eras. But within that, Lochlann tells the small stories of sacrifice and folly, of passion and loyalty, all coloured from the rich pallette of history. Lochlann's research is only surpassed by her extraor...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Melissa Conway rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am acquainted with the author via social networking, which should in no way be construed as an admission that the following review is biased. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish reading it no matter who wrote it.

The Year God’s Daughter is the first in author Rebecca Lochlann’s Child of the Erinyes series. Even without reading the bio on her website, it’s obvious from the first few pages that this is an author who did her research. She spent fifteen years acquainting herself with ancient Gre...more I am acquainted with the author via social networking, which should in no way be construed as an admission that the following review is biased. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish reading it no matter who wrote it.

The Year God’s Daughter is the first in author Rebecca Lochlann’s Child of the Erinyes series. Even without reading the bio on her website, it’s obvious from the first few pages that this is an author who did her research. She spent fifteen years acquainting herself with ancient Greece, and it shows. Authenticity is steeped into each chapter.

If you are not a fan of historical fiction, don’t let that stop you from reading this excellent book. The finely-honed characterization is such that even with a host of unfamiliar names, you will never lose track of who’s who. The narrative never gets boring – the author has produced a fine balance between description and action.

The story opens with the child Aridela, beloved princess on the island of Crete, recklessly attempting to fulfill her dream of becoming a bull dancer – she believes the goddess Athene has made it her destiny to accomplish the daring and difficult feat. Menoetius is a young foreigner, bastard son of the High King of Mycenae, tasked with finding any weakness in Crete’s defenses. They meet under dire circumstances, and thus begins “Glory, passion, treachery and conspiracy on the grandest scale.”

Divine destiny is a deep-seated theme throughout. Constant regional earthquakes are interpreted by the ruling priestesses as omens, and most everything is imbued with celestial meaning. The reader is immersed in a vivid culture of devoted spirituality. Athene must be appeased with violent sacrifice and every year that sacrifice is the queen’s latest consort – a man who bested all other competitors for the honor of living large for a year and then allowing his blood to consecrate Crete’s soil. Crete is a matrilineal society, but male-dominated kingdoms surround them, and contempt for Athene is spreading on the mainland. If the encroaching changes reach as far as Aridela’s peaceful, prosperous island, a long-prophesied catastrophe will befall them all. From the start, we know this story is headed for a spectacular, world-changing ending. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to see how it all plays out…

Rebecca Lochlann has produced a book of uncommon quality. Highly recommended.
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Feb 01, 2013 Dale Furse rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed 'The Year-God's Daughter immensely.

Review first posted on my blog.

If you’re looking for a Fantasy read, you shouldn't go past The Year-god’s Daughter (The Child of Erinyes).

Rebecca Lochlann weaves a magical tale with believable characters.

From the moment when Princess Aridala dances with the bull, (yes, a real, live, snorting bull) I was hooked.

I could tell you about the two half-brothers of a King in another land or about the Queen or the seer, healer or even Io, the asp, and more but...more

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Dec 26, 2011 Annia Lekka rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: unputdownable

I was swallowed into Rebecca Lochlann's mythical world right from the very start! The characters were vivid and alive, the scenery and settings described were evocative and real, the pace was perfect - didn't feel like the book sagged one bit! - the writing was good and I felt I was in the hands of an expert writer. I felt sad when the book ended and can't wait for the next one to come out!

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Jul 04, 2012 Hannah Davis rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in a couple of sittings which is thanks to its page-turning qualities! Loved the sensuous, evocative descriptions of ancient Crete, lovely, rich use of language and yet simple enough to absorb. My favourite part is the searing love between our 2 lovers and when I turned the final page I was disappointed to find it had ended! More please.

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Mar 04, 2013 Caitlin Sole rated it 1 of 5 stars

Greeks with names I can't keep straight do absolutely nothing in this romance novel mess of a book.

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Jun 20, 2012 Christine marked it as to-read

Shelves: shelved-for-now

This is a weird one...the subject matter is interesting, but the writing is kind of tedious. And the totally unexpected "sacrifice" that I just read completely turned me off to the book for now. Maybe I will pick it up again later.

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May 19, 2012 Rachel Heeter rated it 5 of 5 stars

great book.

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Dec 20, 2011 Phyllis Fields rated it 5 of 5 stars

Everyone who read Year-God's Daughter before me, has said all that I wanted to say! From the beginning to end I was enthralled and cannot wait til the next one comes out.

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Dec 24, 2012 Carol Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars

My first foray into Rebecca Lochlann books, but it certaintly won't be the last. The story of 2 young lovers in ancient Crete told beautifully and the images it invokes is wonderful! I look forward to the next book in this series.

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Aug 18, 2012 Kelley rated it 2 of 5 stars

Started with a bang, then hit a big lag. The end is good. It could have been a great book. Reading it I had deja vu the whole time actually, release date says 2001, but I swear it seem I read this as a teen....

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Nov 24, 2012 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good story, good characters, loved the setting. But what's with the not ending thing? Where is the rest of my effing book?

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May 17, 2013 Stacie marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Grace marked it as to-read

May 13, 2013 Mickslibrarian marked it as to-read

May 09, 2013 Maisha marked it as to-read

May 06, 2013 Legato Darksummers added it

Shelves: daddy-dark-s-baby-warrior-list

May 04, 2013 Romilly marked it as to-read

May 03, 2013 Adriana marked it as purchased · review of another edition

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About Rebecca Lochlann

While growing up, Rebecca Lochlann began envisioning an epic story, a new kind of myth, one built upon the foundation of the Greek classics, and continuing on through the centuries right up into the present and future.

It has become her life's work to complete the series, though she didn't exactly intend it to be that way when she began.

Lochlann categorizes The Child of the Erinyes series as mythic...more

More about Rebecca Lochlann...

Books by Rebecca Lochlann

The Thinara King (The Child of the Erinyes, #2)

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