Icarus
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Description
Book Information
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A masterpiece!
Icarus Gallagher is a master thief who swaps priceless art for his father’s flawless forgeries, all in a long game of revenge. But when he’s caught - not by his target, but by the target’s enigmatic son, Helios - he finds himself breaking all his own rules for a dangerous new connection. This book completely stole my heart. The friend group around Icarus is vibrant and unforgettable, and the love between Icarus and Helios is tender, intricate, and achingly beautiful. Both are complex, lovable characters you can’t help but root for, and Ancrum’s deep love for art shines in every detail. A stunning, emotional masterpiece 🎨💛.
"I was yours before we even met and I'll be yours until we die."
Icarus by K. Ancrum is a tender, quietly devastating novel about love, art, identity, and the ache of becoming. The story follows Icarus Gallagher, a young art student drawn into the orbit of Helios Black - charismatic, guarded, and magnetic - whose presence changes the trajectory of Icarus’s life in ways both beautiful and painful. What begins as fascination deepens into a connection that feels fragile, intense, and almost mythic in its emotional pull. Helios and Icarus are incredibly complex, achingly beautiful characters, and the love between them is written with a lyrical softness that never loses its edge. Ancrum’s writing style is gentle and intimate, yet emotionally charged, making even quiet moments feel electric. I especially loved the relationship between Icarus and his group of friends, the way they grow together, learn to trust one another, and build a sense of safety and belonging that feels deeply earned. The author’s passion for art and prose shines through every page, giving the story a distinct, almost ineffable quality that sets it apart. The representation of queer experiences, generational perspectives, and gender identity is handled with such care and honesty, making the book feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. Icarus is a beautiful, thoughtful read that lingers long after you finish it, and it absolutely left me wanting to read more from K. Ancrum.
A tale about love, friendship, and community
Icarus and his father are art thieves. But they don't steal from random people, only from Mr. Black, who has something to do with the death of Icarus mother. One day, when Icarus breaks in, he is surprisingly caught... by Mr. Black's son, Helios! From then on, Icarus visits more often, and they form a special bond that makes him feel free. This was beautiful. Loosely inspired by the myth, but very much it's own thing (so no bad ending). It's a rather calm story for most of the time. We follow Icarus through his daily life at school, getting closer to the friends he is not supposed to have, and breaking in to see Helios. They slowly get to know each other and their secrets. I also liked how open they were with their attraction. The lovestory unfolded without much drama and was just lovely ❤️ Icarus is so touch-starved that he reacts really sensitive. I just love stories where people get to feel love and care for the first time 🥹 Another highlight in this regard were also the friendship moments. The way they noticed this pain and tried to help in any way. How he was just so happy with them. That one scene after the party made me really nostalgic 🥹❤️ I just thought the atmosphere was often also really... flirty? Like, is everyone so touchy with their friends? 😂 I could also see a poly relationship in their future 👀 Speaking of which, the ending was nice, but I wanted a bit more at the end. Felt a bit sudden and not everything made sense. Sure, the most important things were done, but not everything was explained, especially what their future is really going to look like. I was also surprised to encounter the same short chapters as in "The Wicker King." For that one, it made sense with the story, but here I didn't feel like it was necessary. I guess that is just the style of the author, and it's not like it's bothering me. On the contrary, I think you read quicker this way 👀 Anyway, really nice book I'd totally recommend 🩵
"He was blood in milk, he was the skin of a pink lady apple, he was honey warmed in a hot spoon over tea." Icarus is not only a story about art, it is art. This book reads like a fairytale: Beautiful sentences and carefully crafted characters I couldn't help but fall in love with. This book will stay with me for a long time. The story centers around Icarus Gallagher, whose father is an art forger. He pressures Icarus into stealing priceless art pieces and exchanging them with the forgeries. On one of his nightly thefts, he meets Helios Black, a boy who is held hostage by his father. All Helios wants is a friend, so Icarus obliges and they form a relationship. But it's not only about Icarus and Helios. There are a bunch of lovable and interesting side characters, such as Celestina, Luca and Sorrel. I enjoyed learning about Icarus' day-to-day struggles: Keeping up with school, forming friendships, having issues with being touched and finding out about some dark secrets his father was keeping for years. I loved Icarus as a protagonist. He was so wise for his age and a lot of the things he said really resonated with me. This book is not your typical young adult/contemporary story. It cuts deeper. I've only read one other book by Kayla Ancrum, The Wicker King, and I would say Icarus is similar in some ways. I would also recommend this to folks who loved books by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and Nina Lacour. This was a special book. Whimsical and heartbreaking. But also very hopeful. Thanks HarperTeen and Edelweiss for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I was so (pleasantly) surprised.
A retelling of the Greek myth “Daedalus and Icarus” set into the modern day with Icarus and his father working a scheme of art theft. Icarus’ father (not named Daedalus but Angus but… eh.) being his brilliant self in replicating artworks someone a few streets down owns, sending Icarus to swap them, where he meets Helios- the only son of the man Icarus and Angus have a lot of anger for. Helios being younger than Icarus still cracks me up. Despite its setting, it keeps the feeling and broader conflicts of the myth it is based on. Daedalus/Angus as a genius in his own right, Icarus as incredibly loyal to his father, Helios really not having the greatest dad, Helios touch feel like it’s *burning* Icarus (cause the Baby’s touch starved), and Icarus not having a lot of connections outside his father - because he’s imprisoned with his father in the myth and because he has to hide his criminal record in this retelling - just to name a few. The story has kept the spirit alive, with a couple plays on words like soaring, diving and phrases such as “Achilles’ heel” used in homage to the origin. The relationship between Helios and Icarus is really cute; discovering each other in a way they don’t let a lot of people see. Casual representation of not only homoromantic experiences, but also things such as gender identity and genetic dispositions is also something that succeeded in this book. P.S.: Icarus being named after the plant and not the mythological figure explains the Angus name but yeah. It’s a slight ick of mine.
Richtig schön
“Icarus“ ist ein wunderschönes und fesselndes Buch, dass erzählt von zwei Jungen auf der Suche nach einem Zuhause und einer Zukunft und eben dies in einander finden. Die Geschichte der beiden zu verfolgen war ein wunderbares Erlebnis dass ich nur weiter empfehlen kann. Einfach richtig geil!!!!!!
2.75 ⭐️ I loved this book, its a gut wrenching story about a thief, it’s so sad watching both of them live, but the story is a bit to random to be what it wanted to be most of the stuff didn’t really makes sense that’s why it’s rated so ‚low‘ but the characters where so great I loved them more every second
So it's like this: I either try to read a book and it's taking me months or I can't put it down and devour it in almost one sitting. this was strange and beautiful and the author's note at the end brought it all together. I wished this was a bit more, more of everything and more of "make it make sense". But at the same time it did make sense. It was very corny at times though, so be aware...
Description
Book Information
Posts
A masterpiece!
Icarus Gallagher is a master thief who swaps priceless art for his father’s flawless forgeries, all in a long game of revenge. But when he’s caught - not by his target, but by the target’s enigmatic son, Helios - he finds himself breaking all his own rules for a dangerous new connection. This book completely stole my heart. The friend group around Icarus is vibrant and unforgettable, and the love between Icarus and Helios is tender, intricate, and achingly beautiful. Both are complex, lovable characters you can’t help but root for, and Ancrum’s deep love for art shines in every detail. A stunning, emotional masterpiece 🎨💛.
"I was yours before we even met and I'll be yours until we die."
Icarus by K. Ancrum is a tender, quietly devastating novel about love, art, identity, and the ache of becoming. The story follows Icarus Gallagher, a young art student drawn into the orbit of Helios Black - charismatic, guarded, and magnetic - whose presence changes the trajectory of Icarus’s life in ways both beautiful and painful. What begins as fascination deepens into a connection that feels fragile, intense, and almost mythic in its emotional pull. Helios and Icarus are incredibly complex, achingly beautiful characters, and the love between them is written with a lyrical softness that never loses its edge. Ancrum’s writing style is gentle and intimate, yet emotionally charged, making even quiet moments feel electric. I especially loved the relationship between Icarus and his group of friends, the way they grow together, learn to trust one another, and build a sense of safety and belonging that feels deeply earned. The author’s passion for art and prose shines through every page, giving the story a distinct, almost ineffable quality that sets it apart. The representation of queer experiences, generational perspectives, and gender identity is handled with such care and honesty, making the book feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. Icarus is a beautiful, thoughtful read that lingers long after you finish it, and it absolutely left me wanting to read more from K. Ancrum.
A tale about love, friendship, and community
Icarus and his father are art thieves. But they don't steal from random people, only from Mr. Black, who has something to do with the death of Icarus mother. One day, when Icarus breaks in, he is surprisingly caught... by Mr. Black's son, Helios! From then on, Icarus visits more often, and they form a special bond that makes him feel free. This was beautiful. Loosely inspired by the myth, but very much it's own thing (so no bad ending). It's a rather calm story for most of the time. We follow Icarus through his daily life at school, getting closer to the friends he is not supposed to have, and breaking in to see Helios. They slowly get to know each other and their secrets. I also liked how open they were with their attraction. The lovestory unfolded without much drama and was just lovely ❤️ Icarus is so touch-starved that he reacts really sensitive. I just love stories where people get to feel love and care for the first time 🥹 Another highlight in this regard were also the friendship moments. The way they noticed this pain and tried to help in any way. How he was just so happy with them. That one scene after the party made me really nostalgic 🥹❤️ I just thought the atmosphere was often also really... flirty? Like, is everyone so touchy with their friends? 😂 I could also see a poly relationship in their future 👀 Speaking of which, the ending was nice, but I wanted a bit more at the end. Felt a bit sudden and not everything made sense. Sure, the most important things were done, but not everything was explained, especially what their future is really going to look like. I was also surprised to encounter the same short chapters as in "The Wicker King." For that one, it made sense with the story, but here I didn't feel like it was necessary. I guess that is just the style of the author, and it's not like it's bothering me. On the contrary, I think you read quicker this way 👀 Anyway, really nice book I'd totally recommend 🩵
"He was blood in milk, he was the skin of a pink lady apple, he was honey warmed in a hot spoon over tea." Icarus is not only a story about art, it is art. This book reads like a fairytale: Beautiful sentences and carefully crafted characters I couldn't help but fall in love with. This book will stay with me for a long time. The story centers around Icarus Gallagher, whose father is an art forger. He pressures Icarus into stealing priceless art pieces and exchanging them with the forgeries. On one of his nightly thefts, he meets Helios Black, a boy who is held hostage by his father. All Helios wants is a friend, so Icarus obliges and they form a relationship. But it's not only about Icarus and Helios. There are a bunch of lovable and interesting side characters, such as Celestina, Luca and Sorrel. I enjoyed learning about Icarus' day-to-day struggles: Keeping up with school, forming friendships, having issues with being touched and finding out about some dark secrets his father was keeping for years. I loved Icarus as a protagonist. He was so wise for his age and a lot of the things he said really resonated with me. This book is not your typical young adult/contemporary story. It cuts deeper. I've only read one other book by Kayla Ancrum, The Wicker King, and I would say Icarus is similar in some ways. I would also recommend this to folks who loved books by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and Nina Lacour. This was a special book. Whimsical and heartbreaking. But also very hopeful. Thanks HarperTeen and Edelweiss for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I was so (pleasantly) surprised.
A retelling of the Greek myth “Daedalus and Icarus” set into the modern day with Icarus and his father working a scheme of art theft. Icarus’ father (not named Daedalus but Angus but… eh.) being his brilliant self in replicating artworks someone a few streets down owns, sending Icarus to swap them, where he meets Helios- the only son of the man Icarus and Angus have a lot of anger for. Helios being younger than Icarus still cracks me up. Despite its setting, it keeps the feeling and broader conflicts of the myth it is based on. Daedalus/Angus as a genius in his own right, Icarus as incredibly loyal to his father, Helios really not having the greatest dad, Helios touch feel like it’s *burning* Icarus (cause the Baby’s touch starved), and Icarus not having a lot of connections outside his father - because he’s imprisoned with his father in the myth and because he has to hide his criminal record in this retelling - just to name a few. The story has kept the spirit alive, with a couple plays on words like soaring, diving and phrases such as “Achilles’ heel” used in homage to the origin. The relationship between Helios and Icarus is really cute; discovering each other in a way they don’t let a lot of people see. Casual representation of not only homoromantic experiences, but also things such as gender identity and genetic dispositions is also something that succeeded in this book. P.S.: Icarus being named after the plant and not the mythological figure explains the Angus name but yeah. It’s a slight ick of mine.
Richtig schön
“Icarus“ ist ein wunderschönes und fesselndes Buch, dass erzählt von zwei Jungen auf der Suche nach einem Zuhause und einer Zukunft und eben dies in einander finden. Die Geschichte der beiden zu verfolgen war ein wunderbares Erlebnis dass ich nur weiter empfehlen kann. Einfach richtig geil!!!!!!
2.75 ⭐️ I loved this book, its a gut wrenching story about a thief, it’s so sad watching both of them live, but the story is a bit to random to be what it wanted to be most of the stuff didn’t really makes sense that’s why it’s rated so ‚low‘ but the characters where so great I loved them more every second
So it's like this: I either try to read a book and it's taking me months or I can't put it down and devour it in almost one sitting. this was strange and beautiful and the author's note at the end brought it all together. I wished this was a bit more, more of everything and more of "make it make sense". But at the same time it did make sense. It was very corny at times though, so be aware...