Synopses & Reviews
Ariadne is destined to become a goddess of the moon. She leads a lonely life, filled with hours of rigorous training by stern priestesses. Her former friends no longer dare to look at her, much less speak to her. All that she has left are her mother and her beloved, misshapen brother Asterion, who must be held captive below the palace for his own safety. So when a ship arrives one spring day, bearing a tribute of slaves from Athens, Ariadne sneaks out to meet it. These newcomers dont know the ways of Krete; perhaps they wont be afraid of a girl who will someday be a powerful goddess. And indeed she meets Theseus, the son of the king of Athens. Ariadne finds herself drawn to the newcomer, and soon they form a friendship—one that could perhaps become something more. Yet Theseus is doomed to die as an offering to the Minotaur, that monster beneath the palace—unless he can kill the beast first. And that "monster" is Ariadnes brother . . .
Review
"Ariadne weaves a new tale in a historically rich reworking of Theseus and the Minotaur... A world and story both excitingly alien and pleasingly familiar."—
Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Fans of historical fiction and Greek myths should be pleased."—Booklist
Synopsis
A fresh interpretation of the Minotaur myth told in alternating points of view between Ariadne, the devoted sister of the Minotaur and goddess-in-training, and Theseus, who has been sent to be killed by the Minotaur—or to kill him. A dramatic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, now available in paperback.
Synopsis
“This retelling of the myth of the Minotaur is deft, dark, and enthralling.” -
School Library Journal
Fifteen-year-old Ariadne of Krete is the daughter of the high priestess of the moon. Isolated and lonely, she finds companionship only with her beloved handicapped brother, Asterion, who is held captive below the palace for his own safety. When a ship arrives from Athens, Ariadne meets Theseus, the handsome son of the king. Ariadne is drawn to him, and they form a friendship. But Theseus is doomed to die as an offering to the Minotaur, the monster beneath the palace—unless he can kill the beast first. That monster? Ariadnes brother. A wonderfully rich coming-of-age story.
About the Author
Tracy Barrett teaches Italian language and civilization at Vanderbilt University. Her books include King of Ithaka, On Etruscan Time, Cold in Summer, Anna of Byzantium, and the Sherlock Files series. Tracy lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her website at www.tracybarrett.com.