The King Must Die: A Novel
by Mary Renault
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Chris and Yuri by:
Alex Takasugirecommends it for: People who like Greek mythology
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Linda by:
Rebrecommends it for: History fans
If you like adventure, and if you like learning about ancient civilizations, you'll love The King Must Die by Mary Renault. It took me a while to finish this book because my husband stole it off my nightstand. Whenever I ask him if he liked a book he read he says, "It was all right." When I asked him how he felt about this book he raved on for 10 minutes. I was stunned. Now I understand his enthusiasm. I'm going to check out Mary Renault's other books to see what else she's written. Th...more
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The myth of Theseus and the Minotaur is well known. In this retelling, the author dispenses with the gods and the monsters and offers instead, a plausible account of what might have been the actual events that gave rise to the myth.
Minotaur is simply the title for the crown prince of Crete, while Minos is the title for the king, much like Pharoah is the title of the king of Egypt. The children taken as tribute are trained in the art of bull leaping, which is depicted as a semi-religious, s...more
Minotaur is simply the title for the crown prince of Crete, while Minos is the title for the king, much like Pharoah is the title of the king of Egypt. The children taken as tribute are trained in the art of bull leaping, which is depicted as a semi-religious, s...more
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I struggled a little with this one, probably because I read it directly after finishing the first book of Mary Renault's Alexandriad, Fire from Heaven. Although she writes well, my enjoyment of her writing style is erratic; some parts I really enjoy and others… not so much. To be frank, I found Mary Renault's version of the mythical Theseus a little boring after having read about Alexander the Great's childhood. Also I disliked the lack of a “real” Minotaur. I've always been partial to the...more
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Read in April, 2007
recommends it for:
historical fiction readers.
Read 4/19-4/22/07
The King Must Die is the first book in Renault's duology about the mythical Greek hero Theseus. Renault stunningly brings to life this proud, complicated character and the "feel" of Bronze Age Greece. Theseus's adventures in the Eleusis kingdom and the Cretan Bull Court are beautifully drawn, vivid and compelling. This book propelled me to spend hours researching ancient Greece
on the Net, my highest compliment to a work of historical fiction - that it made me inter...more
The King Must Die is the first book in Renault's duology about the mythical Greek hero Theseus. Renault stunningly brings to life this proud, complicated character and the "feel" of Bronze Age Greece. Theseus's adventures in the Eleusis kingdom and the Cretan Bull Court are beautifully drawn, vivid and compelling. This book propelled me to spend hours researching ancient Greece
on the Net, my highest compliment to a work of historical fiction - that it made me inter...more
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This historical novel weaves an engaging and epic tale centered in Greek mythology. The book follows the young adult development and adventures of Theseus, including a wonderful section on bull dancing in the Palace of Knossos. My husband suggested this book before we went to Greece (including Knossos) and it really whet my appetite for the trip. However, I would recommend it to almost anyone. For me, the mark of a good book is that I'm disappointed it ends. This book cleared that hurdle easily ...more
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I can only shelf this and Ms. Renault's Last of the Wine with Memoirs of Hadrian (Youncenar) and Creation (Gore Vidal) as the very top level of what we casually call historical fiction. By this I mean where we can actually step into a different world and time - not just our own in fancy dress. This retelling of the Theseus myth enchanted me on my first read and on each succeeding one. My battered copy is the original American hardcover but no matter, this is a wonderful read by a master story...more
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Read in January, 1966
recommended to Maureen by:
Kate Rising Sunrecommends it for: everyone
This is the story of the rise of Theseus and his slaying of the Minotaur. Mary Renault obviously revered the ancient Greeks, and when she started talking about the bull dancers, she really grabbed my attention. Some historical novels are more novel than history. In this book, one supports the other to the point that they cojoin, producing a really good read.
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I first read this book in a high school english class and, soon thereafter, read every Mary Renault book I could get my hands on.
This is the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur written as it might have happened. The author's research of ancient Greece was exhaustive and it shows. Her descriptions of the bull dances of Crete are mesmerizing.
This is the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur written as it might have happened. The author's research of ancient Greece was exhaustive and it shows. Her descriptions of the bull dances of Crete are mesmerizing.
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A great retelling of Theseus and the Minator, bringing the legend to life. The story is told in such a way that you feel like you are reading the story of Theseus and what really happened. Great read, highly recommended for anyone who has any love of Mythology or Ancient Greece, or even anyone looking for a great adventure story.
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Read in November, 2007
Finally! I finished it.
Was worth reading even though it's a book I could set down and leave for a few days. (probably because it was Greek mythology)
An enjoyable read, well written, I like how she
thinks.
I kept this book in my car to read on my lunch
break at work. Otherwise it would have been finished in a day or so.
Was worth reading even though it's a book I could set down and leave for a few days. (probably because it was Greek mythology)
An enjoyable read, well written, I like how she
thinks.
I kept this book in my car to read on my lunch
break at work. Otherwise it would have been finished in a day or so.
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Read in December, 2007
recommended to David by:
Beth McFadden
This book felt like a really good Christmas stocking, stuffed with shiny baubles and tasty tidbits. The humblingly erudite author weaves a philosophical novel out of a reimagination of the myth of Theseus, slayer of the minotaur, who eventually becomes king of Athens. A rollicking-but-smart adventure yarn.
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Read in October, 2007
This book wasn't a quick read for me but it was an enjoyable retelling of a well-known myth. I enjoy authors that can take a myth and give a realistic telling of what might have actually inspired the story. I would recommend this book and I'll probably check out some of her others as well.
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Read in November, 2007
The beginning of this book is almost not worth reading. However, I urge you to read to the part that is set on Crete and the chapters about bull-dancing. This is the reason I liked this book. It has the classic Renault feeling of making ancient history vibrant yet imaginable.
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recommends it for:
Anyone who loves history, leadership, millitary,
One of my favorite books, have read it a few times. Ms. Reanult has a way of allowing the reader to feel very engaged with the characters. In reading this book I became very attached to the characters and their lives.
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Read in January, 1976
recommended to erik by:
Janny Willisrecommends it for: everyone
This novel is the first of two in which Mary Renault attempts to euhemerize the myths associated with Theseus up to the time of his return to Athens after defeating the Minotaur in Crete. She does a fair job of it.
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Read in March, 2008
While the story was hard to get into, I really enjoyed the story of Thesus in a more historical setting. I would suggest reading the authors note at the end of the book, it explains what is fact in the story.
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Renee by:
Dev Luthra
straight forward, well written adaptation of Greek mythology. You feel yourself transported into ancient Greece where all the bizarre rituals and people are made matter-of-fact and near.
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story of theseus and the minotaur. rather king theseus and how everyone in the world wants to kill him. but he kills them instead.
brilliant book. they should make this into a movie.
brilliant book. they should make this into a movie.
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This,in my opinion, should have been counted among the books of the century! If you are interested in ancient Greece, miss this at your peril! a great read for all.
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