Μινώταυρος

by Phillip W. Simpson, Βασιλική Κοκκίνου (Translator)

Αναπλάθοντας τον ελληνικό μύθο του περιβόητου Μινώταυρου, το μυθιστόρημα αφηγείται την ιστορία του Αστερίωνα, όπως την έχει καταγράψει ο περίφημος ρωμαίος ποιητής Οβίδιος.

"Από πού ν’ αρχίσω;" ρώτησε ο Μινώταυρος.

Ο Οβίδιος άνοιξε τα χέρια σε μια κίνηση ανυπομονησίας:

"Μα από την αρχή, φυσικά".

Ο Μινώταυρος κούνησε το τεράστιο κεφάλι του και τα μάτια του έγιναν σαν γυάλινα κάτω από το βάρος χιλιόχρονων αναμνήσεων.

Έτσι αρχίζει η ιστορία του Αστερίωνα, που περιγράφει τα παιδικά του χρόνια στην Κρήτη, την κακομεταχείριση από τον θετό πατέρα του, βασιλιά Μίνωα, τις περιπέτειες με τον φίλο του Θησέα, τον έρωτά του για την πανέμορφη Φαίδρα και όσα συνέβησαν πραγματικά στον λαβύρινθο.

Ο Φίλιπ Σίμσον δίνει μια άλλη εκδοχή του μύθου του Μινώταυρου η οποία υποστηρίζει ότι δεν ήταν το φοβερό, ανθρωποφάγο τέρας που περιγράφεται στις ιστορίες.

Με τη νέα αυτή εκδοχή του μύθου του Μινώταυρου θα ταξιδέψετε στην ελληνική και στη ρωμαϊκή μυθολογία. Ο Οβίδιος μόλις έχει ολοκληρώσει τις Μεταμορφώσεις του. Αποφασίζει, λοιπόν, να ταξιδέψει και να δει από κοντά κάποια μέρη για τα οποία έχει γράψει στα βιβλία του. Αρχίζει από την Κρήτη και το ανάκτορο της Κνωσού, όπου συναντά τον Αστερίωνα.

Oι φανατικοί αναγνώστες της σειράς "Πέρσι Τζάκσον", που αναζητούν ακόμη μεγαλύτερες συγκινήσεις, θα απολαύσουν αυτή τη συ­ναρπαστική ιστορία που μιλάει για θεούς, θεές και για έναν νέο που έρχεται αντιμέτωπος με επικίνδυνες επιλογές κάθε στιγμή της ζωής του.

Με γλώσσα γλαφυρή και πλοκή συναρπαστική, το βιβλίο θα γοητεύσει μικρούς και μεγάλους· ειδικά τους νεαρούς αναγνώστες, που θα εκτιμήσουν την ειλικρίνεια και τη σχέση του Αστερίωνα με τα πολλά αδέλφια του.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult, Fiction, Retellings, Historical Fiction, Romance

408 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Phillip W. Simpson is the author of many novels, chapter books and other stories for children. His publishers include Macmillan, Penguin, Pearson, Cengage, Raintree and Oxford University Press. He received his undergraduate degree in Ancient History and Archaeology, his Masters (Hons) degree in Archaeology and his Masters (Hons) degree in Creative Writing from the University of Auckland. He is currently working towards his Doctorate in Education, focusing on teaching children's creative writing. Before embarking on his writing career, he joined the army as an officer cadet, owned a comic shop and worked in recruitment in both the UK and Australia. His first young adult novel, Rapture (Rapture Trilogy #1), was shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards for best Youth novel in 2012.

He is represented by Vicki Marsdon at Wordlink literary agency. When not writing, he works as a school teacher. Phillip lives and writes in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Rose, their son, Jack and their two border terriers, Whiskey and Raffles. He loves fishing, reading, movies, football (soccer) and single malt Whiskeys.

Reviews

[Iben Frederiksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ 3.5 Stars ★

I am a sucker for everything with greek mythology, and this was a great retelling of a greek myth I've never heard that much about before. Judging by the amount a ratings this have, I can see that not many have read it, which is too bad because it's an amazing story. The character's are really fleshed out, and the pacing is close to perfect.

[Lauren Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of the minotaur. Ovid, a scholar who has written a huge volume of myths/legends, travels to the site of the minotaur's labyrinth. His tour guide Asterion, who is known as the minotaur, leads Ovid up the mountain and to the crumbling labyrinth.

Eventually Asterion decides to tell Ovid that he is the infamous minotaur, still alive and living close to the labyrinth. At first Ovid is just humoring Asterion, allowing Asterion to tell his story... this is when the book really starts for me. Asterion weaves the threads that bind story of his life together simply, yet with a heavy heart. The hardships he faced during his childhood... how he was ridiculed and looked down upon because of his appearance, how his father despised him because he was the bastard son of a god. The love of his life and how she was stolen from him. And then the most impressive twist of the story... the minotaur's time in the labyrinth. We all know the story. Asterion tells the true version, which of course is much less gory and extremely compelling. I felt so many emotions during Asterion's life story. But it was Asterion's perseverance that really resonated with me. I don't think I could have kept my own and not turned into the monster everyone thought I was if I was treated as he was.

The was a very thought-provoking read and I absolutely adore mythology, so basically the author wrote this for me. :) So thanks, Phillip.

[Vasilis Manias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Για αρχή να ξεκαθαρίσω δύο πράγματα. Ένα, έχω μανία με τη Μινωική Κρήτη, και δύο τρελαίνομαι για ιστορικά μυθιστορήματα που δίνουν μία νέα πνοή σε μύθους χιλιετιών.
Τι θα λέγατε λοιπόν αν μαθαίνατε πως υπάρχει ένα βιβλίο που στις 50 πρώτες του σελιδες μας πιστοποιεί με κάθε επισημότητα, και φυσικά με ΑΔΙΑΣΕΙΣΤΑ ΣΤΟΙΧΕΙΑ πως ότι έχουμε μάθει τόσα χρόνια στο σχολείο για τη Μινωική Κρήτη ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΝΑ ΨΕΜΑ. Ο Μινώταυρος λοιπόν να ξέρετε υπήρξε στα αλήθεια, ήταν ευγενέστατος, μπεσαλής, γενικότερα μωρέ πολύ καλός χαρακτήρας, που μετά ομως από μηχανοραφίες της σιχαμένης της αδερφούλας του της Αριάδνης παγιδεύτηκε σε έναν κυκεώνα συνομωσιών που τον οδήγησαν στον πολυθρύλητο Λαβύρινθο από τον οποίο πάλεψε με νύχια και με δόντια να ξεφύγει για να κυνηγήσει με τη σειρά του Εκδίκηση για τη Χαμένη του Τιμή και τη Ζωή που του Έκλεψε ο σιχαμένος Αθάνατος Βασιλιάς Μίνωας και τα τσογλανάκια που χε ανεμαζωμένα στο αυλιδάκι του στην πολυδιαφημισμένη Κνωσσό με τα 1400 διαμερίσματα και το πρωτο συστημα υδρευσης και αποχέτευσης στη Γη. (Άχρηστη πληροφορία της ημέρας, στην «Τελευταία Κρίση» τη νωπογραφία του Μιχαήλ Άγγελου που υπάρχει στον μεγάλο τοίχο της Καπέλα Σιστίνα, ο Βασιλιάς Μίνωας βρίσκεται κάτω δεξιά εμφανιζόμενος ως ο Βασιλιάς του Άδη, ο Έπαρχος των Νεκρών και των Καταραμένων).
Πέρασα καταπληκτικά, μου έδωσε μία νέα συναρπαστική εικόνα του μύθου, το συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα σε όλους εκείνους που θέλουν να διαβάσουν ένα ανάλαφρο βιβλίο με βασικό αντικείμενο το μεγαλύτερο και αρχαιότερο φιλειρηνικό βασίλειο της Ελλάδας, έναν από τους πρώτους πολιτισμούς της Μεσογείου και σίγουρα από τους πιο σημαντικούς στην ιστορία της Ανθρωπότητας.
Σπόηλερ. Ο Μινώταυρος είναι παιδί Θεού, άρα Αθάνατος, πράγμα που σημαίνει πως μέχρι κ σήμερα... ΛΕΩ ΤΩΡΑ ΕΓΩ!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Greek mythology and I came to this retelling of the Minotaur with eager expectation. I wasn't disappointed.

Using restrained 1st person narration, Asterion tells the story of his life to the poet Ovid. Simpson cleverly captures a sense of distance/detachment/perspective in Ast's voice. He's looking back 1000 years and while he suffered terribly, he has moved on. The telling is a ritual of putting the past to rest.

We are given key events that establish Asterion's true nature, the contrast in this physical size/strength set against his gentleness and shyness. We see the foundation of cruelty and injustice inflicted by Minos. Theseus introduction sets the story humming. His recklessness, boldness and wrath work as a counterpoint to Asterion's caution, reluctance and mercy.

Asterion's time in the Labyrinth was what I most looked forward to and I found this part of the story especially satisfying. The inclusion of Daedalus and Icarus's storyline had me rapt and all the clever details that went into creating the 'myth' of the fearsome Minotaur.

I looked forward to whenever I could next pick up the book. The story quickly captured my interest and never flagged. It poked at all my buttons, offending my sense of justice, making me turn pages hungry for Asterion's vindication and freedom. It was a pleasure to read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Αυτό το βιβλίο με "ταξίδεψε" στη Μινωική Κρήτη και εκεί "γνώρισα" ένα Μινώταυρο "εντελώς διαφορετικό", πιο "ανθρώπινο", από αυτόν που μας είχαν μάθει στο σχολείο, ο οποίος και με γοήτευσε πολύ.

[Natalie (Never trust a duck) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Andye from readingteen.net for the chance to review this!

I'm a Greek mythology nerd. A lot of people in this generation are Greek mythology dweebs because of the Percy Jackson (Shoutout to Rick Riordan!). This book was definitely enjoyable and the author does a good job of making the story interesting while weaving the history of the tale and Ovid into the story.

It starts with Ovid arriving Crete, and quickly becoming introduced to his tour guide, Asterion, otherwise known as the Minotaur. The rest of the story is Asterion telling Ovid about his past and all of the cringe-worthy ways he was mistreated, I swear, people are terrible. My fist wanted to come out to play many times. He was born with horns, so what, that just makes him like Danielle Radcliffe.


The story was really unique and interesting, with a fresh change of perspective to the victim of this Greek epic. Mythology for the win!!

Happy Reading!!!

[Laura Chisnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Month9books sent me a review copy of these amongst others and I knew I had to read it straight away. As a lover of Greek Mythology and having spent my adolescent reading the Percy Jackson series, I knew that I needed my fix and boy did this do it! If you know, not only your Greek Mythology but also your Roman philosophers then it'll be perfect for you.

Minotaur adds a new layer to the story that we learn when we study the ancient world and creates empathy to the once feared creature.

The characters come off the page fully formed and I instantly began to love and loathe certain characters.

An instant success for Philip W Simpson and for Month 9!

[*Suzy (ereaderuser)* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to have the author ask me to be a beta reader for this book.

************************************************************************

I've never been a big fan of anything that has to do with mythology. But having read the author's Rapture Trilogy, (which was fantastic), I was really looking forward to it. I can honestly say I enjoyed it so much!! The book had everything you could wish for:

Interesting characters
A great story line
Easy readability / quick pace

This book just had it all!!!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[BookLoversLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was all sorts of awesomeness!! I was immediately hooked from the first page and wasn't let go till I turned the last one, and even then it stayed in my thoughts for days.

I love everything mythology based so was very eager to start this, and let me tell you, this was a fascinating take on the Minotaur myth. There isn't much I can say about the plot that isn't covered in the synopsis so I'll get straight to my thoughts.

Asterion is an amazing character. He is born after King Minos kills a white bull sent to him by Poseidon. When Minos sees that Ast has bull horns, he immediately starts saying that he is the result of a union between his wife and the white bull, though he knows
that it is Poseidons punishment for what he did. Minos hates Ast and either ignores him or makes his life a misery. My heart broke so many times for what Ast went through!! It's already hard for him to have the horns but add in his fathers hatred and it's heartbreaking.

The story that Ast tells Ovid had me glued to the pages. It almost felt like you are reading a true account of what happened, and who knows, maybe it is true ;) Ovid upon hearing the tale starts out skeptical but even he can tell that Ast speaks from the heart. He documents everything that he is told and the story unravels slowly. I loved how we go from the Minotaurs story to Ovids reaction every so often. I was so engrossed in the tale myself that it was nice to get a breather and just take it all in!

There is so much happening in the story that you will devour this book. I was so sad to see it end because it's simply that good! The mythology of the Minotaur aside, we also have Poseidon, Daedalus and Icarus, forbidden love, brother bonds, action and adventure aplenty. It is everything a great book needs, and more!!

In all, I was swept away on an amazing journey to ancient Greece, I was engrossed in the stupendous world this author created and simply adored this book. I can't recommend it enough so all I'll say is go buy it!!! You won't regret it.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epic re-telling of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur is told by Asterion the Minotaur himself. When he is visited by Ovid the playwright/poet Ast tells him the story of his life.

Asterion tells Ovid about his childhood, living in the palace with his evil step father King Minos, his mother and his many brothers and sisters. You get to find out all about his adventures before and during the labyrinth.

It was awesome to read what it was like in the labyrinth from the Minotaur's perspective. Asterion is a great character and you really get to feel his pain. (Poor Ast).

It was a thrilling read and I totally recommend it to those who love Greek mythology and Percy Jackson! (I love PJO)

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the Minotaur is well-known from classical mythology: a creature half-bull and half-man was thrown into the center of a labyrinth beneath the palace of Knossos, and for years devoured young Athenian men and women sent as tributes until the hero Theseus arrived and vanquished the Minotaur for good. But what if the Minotaur were able to tell his side of the story, and what if chroniclers and storytellers had gotten it all wrong?

I quite enjoyed this retelling, and it was fun to "follow along," referencing using online mapping software the places mentioned, though there were a few I was unable to locate. At times the narrator appears to forget he's relating the story to Ovid and provides unnecessary explanations (for example, I'm certain Ovid need not be told who Poseidon is), and the writing is occasionally lacking in polish — I steeled myself to look past punctuation errors and typos. Overall, the concept and plot are well done, and I would recommend it to fans of classic retellings.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek myths aren’t just for scholars, and Phillip Simpson’s Minotaur isn’t just for kids. But this is a cool reimagining and vivid retelling of a young man’s coming of age in the time of legend. Heroes are human (but strong), and monsters… well, this monster at least is mostly human as well. Gods might make better fathers than some men. And relationships, like friendship, carry the bad as well as the good, because they’re real.

Most readers will know the legend where Greeks youths are given in tribute each year, to be devoured in the labyrinth where the Minotaur lives. Perhaps they’ll recognize other names too in this novel. But readers who’ve never heard the myths will pick up the story quickly as elderly poet Ovid listens and interjects what he thinks he knows into the tale. (Ah, how nicely plotted—the old man who doesn’t know it all!) But Ast has a story to tell that’s not quite the same as the one we’ve heard, and the reader is gripped from beginning to end, eager to know more and totally absorbed in fascinating detail and delight.

In our modern world, where “Truth often suffers for the sake of entertainment,” this truly entertaining novel might be wisely thought-provoking too. It’s highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read in the recent genre-trend of alternate mythology fiction, which exploded after the success of Wicked. It has the Minotaur of Crete legend tell his story to Ovid about what really happened. It had some interesting concepts and a nice twist ending. Recommended for fans of Greek mythology. Shoutout to the author Phillip Simpson who I met at NYC Bookcon a couple years ago and was personally introduced to this upcoming book. I anxiously awaited its release but then dragged my feet on finally reading it after sitting on my kindle for a couple years.

[Jim Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

This book was a diamond in the rough. I’d put it right up there with Song of Achilles and Circe for new treatments of traditional Greek myths. You’ll love the character of Asterion and his relationship with Theseus. This is a wonderful book and an original take on an old story that you’ll really enjoy.

[Michael Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great take on a classic Greek myth.

[Phoebe Prince · Rating 3 out of 5]

The summary of this story is obvious: it’s a retelling of the infamous Creteian Minotaur’s life. The minotaur, Ast, meets Ovid, the famous Roman poet, and recounts the details of his life over a thousand years after the events of the labyrinth occurred. I love mythology and ancient history, and that's what drew me to this book initially. This novel was a quintessential For Want of A Nail story for me, and if you love stories from the monster's POV (think the classic Grendel), then Minotaur is going to be a net positive read for you (it was for me). There's a lot of good in this novel, but the format of the retelling weighs it down and limits how connected I felt to this story at any given time.

Ast retelling his life to Ovid is an interesting premise. The narrative retelling format makes sense for this story, and it lends the story a mythological feel. However, after reading a couple stories that relied on this narrative retelling format, I think there's some major draw backs in telling a story this way. Because Ast tells you a lot of things, this makes some of the other characters in the story seem under developed. Pheadra suffers the most from this, and that's a shame because it would've been a better story if I understood her more or had a better feeling of her as person.

I love mythology retellings and reimaginings, but this story didn’t quite do it for me. How you feel about this retelling will likely depend on how engaged you are with Ast’s narrative voice. It’s not bad, and the style is purposefully archaic, but that does mean that it’s a bit dry. Still, I liked Ast as a character; he's a purposeful gentle giant, and his treatment during his childhood, his encounters with bandits, and his events in the labyrinth turn on the foil between Ast's appearance and his true personality. We rely on Ast for most of the story--and solely during the retellings--to form opinions on the characters. All their actions are filtered through his perspective, which causes the characters to lose a bit of their own agency and personality. At the same time, Ast is a reliable narrator, and there's no reason given why he'd be anything but honest with Ovid. In some ways, this creates a more boring story--Ast has clearly developed some emotional distance and perspective on the events of his childhood.

Ovid isn’t much of a character, and that’s a shame because a more developed character could’ve helped this story. Ovid is a drunken old man with three divorces, and he serves mainly as a personality foil for Ast. There are also a lot of 'genius bonuses' for readers who know a bit about Minoan society and Greek mythology. Icarus makes an appearance; of course Theseus does, and his characterization stands out a bit stronger than most. King Minos comes across as a mustache twirling villain, but this hardly matters as the story needs a strong antagonist, and he fits that role.

Link to full review

[K.L. Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But people didn’t want the truth. They wanted to believe in heroes and monsters.”

I wasn’t expecting to be swept away, but I was, into the port of Iraklion, Knossos, the once glorious capital of Crete.

We meet the Roman poet Ovid, known for his epic poem: The Metamorphosis, on a research trip for his work-in-progress. A poet, not a historian, he visits Crete to see the fabled home of the Minotaur for himself.

In the port of Iraklion, Ovid meets the largest man he’d ever seen, unshaven, hair that looked like it was chopped with a clumsy blade. He’s also his new guide into the ruins of Knossos, and into the ruins of the Labyrinth. Where Ast, otherwise known as Asterion, otherwise known as the Minotaur, the half bull and half man of Greek Mythology, begins to tell his side of the story. Was it a true story? Ovid’s scholarly quest for knowledge wins and he’s all-ears, listening to Asterion’s tale. So was I.
I was entirely compelled to hear more of his story.

We learn of King Minos, Asterion’s cruel stepfather, and about his abused, but devoted mother. Deformed from birth, accused, and insulted throughout his life, a product of a God, he grew up despised by King Minos. Reminded of Asterion’s mother’s infidelity with Poseidon, the Minotaur’s real father.

Asterion begins his tale, from before he was sent into the Labyrinth. He tells of his great love, with so much tenderness for a brute. But was he?
There is much heartbreak, and a lot of humanity in this telling. Ovid can’t help following the stranger home and writing down every word he speaks. Even if the stranger is recounting a story that happened 1000 years ago. But it was entirely believable—for Ovid, and for me. Ovid is enraptured, and the wine keeps flowing.

There are some fun twists, I realized as I looked up each Greek character. Theseus is there and we learn so much about their relationship and Asterion’s side of the story. The action scenes were fluid and entertaining, and the depth of loyalty, inspiring.

I love how the book opens with the cast of characters—for those of us who need a little refresher. MINOTAUR is such a well-written, entertaining story, and could very well be, the true tale of the Minotaur. A great YA read!

[Krista (CubicleBlindness Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts off with Ovid arriving to take a tour of the Labyrinth and surrounding area. A scholar who has written about the Minotaur and interested in learning more. Upon his arrival he is introduced to his tour guide, Ast. Ast soon reveals that he is the Minotaur in the legends and wants to tell his real story.

From there we are swept away into a adventurous and at times heart breaking life of the Minotaur, his family and culture. What I enjoyed most about this book was it never ceased to keep my interest. There was always something happening and pacing kept up throughout the whole story.

As Ast grew up he had to endure from his family and society being harassed for his looks. As the son of a god, Ast will soon develop into a much stronger and intimidating man in his older years. After being kicked out of his home he travels with Theseus, mends a broken heart and has to survive numerous deadly situations.

This was a very entertaining and well researched book. I enjoyed the story being told from the Minotaur's perspective and the more human experiences that made him look less like a monster
http://cubicleblindness.blogspot.com/...
I received a free copy from month9books for review.

[AK Mama Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review:
https://mamareniazen.wordpress.com/20...

..I can honestly say without shame I am a huge myth buff; not in the sense that I’m an expert but in that I am completely obsessed with mythology and the myriad ways many authors use different myths within their stories. In this case, we essentially get an origin story for one of fantasy’s most misunderstood creatures- the minotaur. .....
read more at blog link

[Sana Zameer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: March, 2022
Reread: June, 2024

Retelling have been a mixed bag for me. Before this book I finished a very mediocre retelling of Jane Eyre. Thankfully, I really enjoyed this. The Minotaur has always been portrayed as a monster in Greek mythology. I liked how the author twisted it and made this unique.

[joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ΤΕΛΕΙΟ
Γιατί είναι τόσο underrated??

[A Story Explorer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the voice and tone of this story, it reminded me of an ancient orator sharing his story. I found the characters believable and real. I liked how the author used famous characters from historical myths but stayed true to their characters (for the most part) and gave them depth. Of course, the author spun some of the relationships in his own way and the Minotaur is not the monster everyone thinks he is, but I enjoyed the way the author played it out.

The pacing isn't bad, but if you're impatient for action then this story may seem to drag out for you. If you look for it, there is a lot of telling but mostly because Asterion (the Minotaur) is telling his story. It wasn't too bad for me but I did find myself skimming ahead sometimes to get to the important bits. When Ast is telling his story there are breaks in the story for his reality that pulls me out of his story because that is part of the story. It's fine for the most part, but I wasn't extremely fond of it as a reader. Can't say that I really liked Ovid too much, seemed like too much of a drunk to be taken seriously but I suppose that was the norm in those times. He might have been comic relief but I didn't feel him to be that funny.

The story is entertaining. I found myself immersed in Ast's tale and what he went through in his life. I found myself relating and sympathizing with him during his journey and I think he led an interesting life. If you're looking for a humorous read or a romantic story, you won't really find it here. It's mostly a discovery and adventure story where Ast is trying to find himself and his purpose in life. I recommend this story if you enjoy seeing historical myths and their heroes come to life. You'll find an adventure here.


3.5 out of 5 rating for me!

(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very believable retelling of the myth of the Minotaur. It reads like a classic Greek epic, with several trials and tragedies for poor Asterion, the one who would become the mythic Minotaur. The writing is fairly simple but the story itself is easy to engage in. I think I like this version of Minotaur more than the original. It certainly has more heart, and I can easily believe that legend often stems from an embellished truth. I wasn’t sure at first how I felt about the Minotaur telling his story to Ovid, but as the story progressed, I eased into it more. Ast’s comments on other myths and their truths were also amusing. The satisfying ending was the best part. If you enjoy the old Greek stories, you would definitely enjoy this retelling. It doesn’t try to do anything fancy. It’s just the story of a demigod, his coming of age and how the world is sometimes cruel and sometimes beautiful to those who are different.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat retelling of the myth involving the legendary king of Crete and son of Zeus and Europa and the demigod he monikered Minotaur. Beauty and the beast minus that gnarly mean phase. Judging by his odd and freakish appearance, ignorant people’s expectations were of him to be beastly, but he’s gentle with a kind soul.

“Once people started obsessing over the stories, facts became almost obsolete. Oddly enough, the truth was actually stranger than fiction. The people didn’t want the truth. They wanted to believe and heroes monsters.”



The name "Minoan" derives from the mythical King Minos and was coined by Evans, who identified the site at Knossos with the labyrinth and the Minotaur.

[Desirae Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myth has a way of reveling the truth about ourselves in ways we can only imagine, Ovid's quest to uncover the mysteries of the labyrinth is meet by the Minotaur himself. The beast of legend, is a demigod misunderstood by those who fear him; an outcast, that is shunned due his "horned" stature.
We learn that: great heroes are flawed, kings can be cruel, and that love can blossom within a whirlwind of chaos. If a monster can speak his tale, then redemption is solidified by the quill strokes of Ovid's pen...

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

πρωτότυπη, φρέσκια οπτική με επίκεντρο την πιο ανθρώπινη πλευρά του μινώταυρου. Διαβάζεται μονορούφι και δεν κουράζει καθόλου, μου άρεσε πολύ!

[Jazzysmum · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on the Greek Minotaur myth.
Nice break in my reading schedule.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird. Of course I only know like elementary school level Greek mythology so...

[Matt Shinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Amazing re-telling of the story.

[Rania Tsolaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Πολύ ωραία υποτυπώση μυθιστορία θα θελα και συνεχεια