Book Review: Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson

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Minotaur
Author: Phillip W. Simpson
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: September 29, 2015
Review Source: Month9Books

“Where shall I start?” asked Minotaur.

Ovid made an expansive gesture with both hands. “Where else but the beginning of course.”

Minotaur nodded his huge head. “Yes,” he said. “Yes,” his eyes already glazing over with the weight of thousand year old memories. And then he began.

So begins the story of Asterion, later known as Minotaur, the supposed half bull creature of Greek legend. Recorded by the famous Roman poet, Ovid, Asterion tells of his boyhood in Crete under the cruel hand of his stepfather Minos, his adventures with his friend, Theseus, and his growing love for the beautiful Phaedra. And of course what really happened in the labyrinth.

This is the true story of the Minotaur.

Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson is a classic retelling of, well, the Minotaur. Although I was a bit overwhelmed with information at the start of the book (names and roles of the characters) I did find myself enjoying the book in its entirety.

Although I've always been interested in learning about Greek mythology, I've never actually taken the plunge. I appreciate the story of Minotaur and I loved Simpson's writing. The actual story was super interesting. We learn about Asterion's (the Minotaur) past and how he became, and how he was treated. OMG the way he was treated made you feel things. Like anger, and heartbreak. And, although I love the cover and how menacing it is, you really learn to have a soft spot for Asterion. So, overall I did enjoy the story, and I'm definitely recommending this one!