The King Must Die
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Description
The true parentage of Theseus, grandson of the King of Troizon, has always been shrouded in mystery. Rumours swirl that his father is Poseidon himself. But when he learns the truth - that he is the son and heir of Aegeus, King of Athens - Theseus sets out on a quest to claim his birthright.
But his journey is a perilous one, from encounters with bandits to marriage to the Queen of Eleusis, whose consort is sacrificed each year - and, finally, to the labyrinthine palace of King Minos on Crete. There Thesues must enlist the help of high priestess Ariadne in a darling plan to slay the Minatour - and free his people.
Thrilling, immersive and gorgeously told, Mary Renault's classic novel is a unforgettable reimagining of the timeless Greek myth.
'Mary Renault is a shining light to both historical novelists and their readers' Hilary Mantel, bestselling author of Wolf Hall
'This brilliant retelling of the story of Theseus, the king of Athens, brings Greek mythology vividly to life and remains "one of the truly fine historical novels of modern times"' New York Times
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A fictionalized account of Theseus, King of Athens before he became the King, it is not a historical essay and it does not try to be one. That is not to say the research is shoddy but the explanation seems to give importance to one detail while ignoring others that do not fit. Moving on from what to how, this is not an easy read. The scenery descriptions do not allow you to be part of Theseus's journey even though it is in first person. You have to wait for a long time for the dialogues and they are not ear catching. The drama we might expect it to be is lacking. Sorry Mary Renault and her fans but you dont write about kings and be subtle about it.
Description
The true parentage of Theseus, grandson of the King of Troizon, has always been shrouded in mystery. Rumours swirl that his father is Poseidon himself. But when he learns the truth - that he is the son and heir of Aegeus, King of Athens - Theseus sets out on a quest to claim his birthright.
But his journey is a perilous one, from encounters with bandits to marriage to the Queen of Eleusis, whose consort is sacrificed each year - and, finally, to the labyrinthine palace of King Minos on Crete. There Thesues must enlist the help of high priestess Ariadne in a darling plan to slay the Minatour - and free his people.
Thrilling, immersive and gorgeously told, Mary Renault's classic novel is a unforgettable reimagining of the timeless Greek myth.
'Mary Renault is a shining light to both historical novelists and their readers' Hilary Mantel, bestselling author of Wolf Hall
'This brilliant retelling of the story of Theseus, the king of Athens, brings Greek mythology vividly to life and remains "one of the truly fine historical novels of modern times"' New York Times
Book Information
Posts
A fictionalized account of Theseus, King of Athens before he became the King, it is not a historical essay and it does not try to be one. That is not to say the research is shoddy but the explanation seems to give importance to one detail while ignoring others that do not fit. Moving on from what to how, this is not an easy read. The scenery descriptions do not allow you to be part of Theseus's journey even though it is in first person. You have to wait for a long time for the dialogues and they are not ear catching. The drama we might expect it to be is lacking. Sorry Mary Renault and her fans but you dont write about kings and be subtle about it.