I HAVE RETURNED! And not only have I returned to the world of blogging, but I return with a full review for not only my favorite book I’ve read so far this year, but one of my new favorite books PERIOD.
So yes, hello! I am back from my hiatus and so excited to dive into the world of blogging once more. It was a lovely and much, much needed hiatus, full of The Nether Isle rewrites and virtual Realm Makers and a huge Star Wars marathon and just in general relaxation and fun. I feel like myself again and not some zombie version of Christine. It was good. Really good. The best month I’ve had since like…January.
BUT. I truly am so happy to return to a regular routine and get back to all the blogging goodness!
ANYWAYS. We are not here to babble about me. Instead I’m here to SQUEAL ETERNALLY because…
Arielle Bailey is PUBLISHED!!!
Arielle is not only one of my fellow Fairy Tale Central co-bloggers but also one of my dearest friends, and just an incredible human being in general.
As of August 1st, her book is OUT IN THE WORLD. And I’ve been screaming about it since. Actually, I’ve been screaming about it for MONTHS. Ever since she first said she was publishing this thing.
So what is “This Thing?”
Oooh, my dear elflings, I have Thoughts™. So very, very many thoughts. This review got a bit out of hand but THAT’S JUST HOW MUCH I LOVE IT.
So without further ado, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce you to…
Koralia thinks she can find it, or at least an alternative. She didn’t count on uncovering secrets that could rock the galaxy to its core. Now she’s rushing to find a solution before everything blows up in their face.
If they don’t destroy the Labyrinth soon, the Rebellion, the planets they protect, and an entire race of people are all doomed.
Greek Mythology meets Star Wars in this retelling of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth.
AMAZON | GOODREADS | AUTHOR’S BLOG
*takes deep breath*
I don’t even know how to start out this review because this book left me speechless while, at the same time, I could easily write a 12k-word essay on why it was the most amazing book ever and still feel like I haven’t properly encompassed my feelings toward it. There’s some books you read and you adore and you scream about to all your friends and family until they’re ready to disown you because you won’t just hush about that book.
But then, then there are some books you read and they touch you at such deep places in your heart and soul, fangirling isn’t adequate. No amount of screaming and squealing and throwing it at people’s heads until they read it will ever be enough. There just aren’t words. The story touches you so profoundly, sticks with you so wholly, it feels as if it has entwined around your heart, and will be an important part of you forever.
That’s what this story was for me.
The pure care and love and passion and utter human-ness of these characters filled my soul to the brim, and all I can say is I am so beyond relieved that this is just the beginning of a long series because I already feel a gaping hole in my heart now that I’ve finished reading this, and I NEED more of these people. Like…now.
That’s all well and good, but what is this book about??? you’re probably thinking. Why do I need to read it? Ooh ho ho. Buckle in, we’re about to discuss a whole lotta goodness!
First thing you should know: This book is literally Star Wars meets Roman and Greek mythology. Yes. Yes, you read that right. And yes, it is BRILLIANT.
Basically, the world is all space opera, Stars War-esque—spaceships and galaxies and different planets and corrupt empires and rebels and high-tech machinery. While the people are all Roman and Greek myths—Amazons and Olympians and minotaurs and plenty of familiar mythical characters. The utter merging of the two was ingeniously done and felt so…right. Why can’t Amazons be crack shots and spaceship pilots? Or the Labyrinth be built in space to fortify an entire planet? Or Athena be an intergalactic lawyer? I SEE NO PROBLEM HERE.
I just…I loved it. I loved seeing all these myths thrown into a space opera. The worldbuilding was…out of this world. (I’M SORRY. I HAD TO.) But really now. The care and attention and complete cleverness of it all blew my mind. And it was so much fun seeing how each myth came into play. I found myself constantly Googling certain myths as they cropped and going, “OOOOH!” as I saw how the author incorporated it in so expertly without ever forcing it just for the sake of throwing in cool myths. The world felt REAL. The structure, how everything functioned, the different people groups—it all came together for such an immersive experience. A+++ worldbuilding and concept right here.
Although I should probably pause here to admit something: I don’t really like sci-fi. Especially to read. I’ve never even been a huge Star Wars fan. (Please don’t unfriend me.) Space battles and sci-fi jargon and such just…don’t do it for me. So the fact that this very MUCH Stars Wars-esque book is one of my favorite stories to ever be created on this planet (or any other) is saying something! This is not my usual genre. But OH MY. I just can’t with this book. (Though I have always been very intrigued by Greek and Roman myths, so that part excited me muchly!)
Second thing you should know: This book is ALL about the characters, and yet it still had such a deep, intricate plot. Though the core of the story was 1000% the characters, the plot also had a ton of twists and turns and excitement. There was humor, there were tears (oh the TEARS), there were “WHAAAT??? :O” moments, there were sit-on-the-edge-of-my-seat, cling-to-the-book-until-my-knuckles-go-white, bite-my-lip-bloody moments. IT HAD IT ALL. Literally the perfect blend of all the emotions, and not for a single page was I bored.
Thirdly: It had such powerful themes about the difference between justice, mercy, and vengeance, about family and love, about choosing goodness even when it’s so, so hard. But it never felt preachy. Even once. This story left me so inspired and awe-struck with the beautiful, organic themes. *clutches heart* It was perfect.
Like I said, there was such a great blend of basically everything in this book, I was never bored!
The story follows a group known as the Kallistratus—the rebellion group of the galaxy who seeks to bring justice against the corrupt empires. Minos, the leader of the planet Krete, has recently built a monstrosity around his planet that puts the rest of the galaxy in danger: the Labyrinth.
The Kallistratus want to take down this Labyrinth, but when Icarus—the brightest light of the Kallistratus—dies, the Rebellion is shaken to the core. And things only get worse as more dark secrets behind the Labyrinth are uncovered.
Now the elite members of the Kallistratus, the Sunfires—Icarus’ family—must deal with both their grief and the galaxy-shaking truth of the Labyrinth.
As I mentioned, there are plenty of twists and turns and space battles and excitement and laugh-out-loud moments. BUT if this book is anything, it’s a story about family. And that may sound weird for a book about Greek myths in space. IT’S TRUE THOUGH.
This story is about the Sunfires—the most loving, loyal, functioning family I have ever seen in fiction. Ever. And these people weren’t even blood-related! They chose each other, which made it all the more beautiful.
This is one of those found family books and AAAHHHH! It’s my favorite trope! Though it’s actually more about a family that’s already found each other. But we do get little tidbits here and there of their early days and how they call came together, which was great.
I am not eloquent enough to express how touching this family was; it’s really something you have to experience yourself anyway. But, oh, did this story so perfectly encompass their love, their loyalty, their little pranks and humor and inside jokes and laughs and heartaches. Speaking of heartaches…
The Icarus Aftermath is the perfect title, because that’s what this story IS. Charismatic, passionate, full-hearted Icarus was truly the sun of the Sunfires, the very heart of this little found family. And the story starts out with his death. (Thaaanks, Arielle. >.>) So now we have a bunch of Sunfires absolutely broken with grief due to their sun going out.
I can’t recall a story, especially in the speculative fiction genre, that handled the grief of losing someone so realistically. A looot of times when someone dies in a book we get maybe a chapter or two of grief and then everything just kind of…goes back to normal. No, no, that’s not how these things work. You don’t just bounce back when the person you love the most dies. And this story showed that. It explored the many raw emotions of the Sunfires as they try to deal with the unthinkable—the darkness, the anger, the denial, the gaping hole in their hearts.
I cried. Oh, I cried. Despite the fact that we, the readers, only get all of like 3 pages of Icarus “on screen” we get to know him via the Sunfires, and his death starts to feel so personal. Again, it’s just something you have to experience. I can’t put it into words.
But ANYWAY. This story both broke me and put me back together and made me laugh and gasp and cry and squeal. There were a lot of soft moments between characters, a lot of nail-biting ones, plenty of intriguing scenes, and a whole, whole lot of heart.
Which brings us to the most important bit…
*takes another deep breath*
And here is where I could really write a 12k-word essay…on each individual character. But, ahem, since I don’t need to do that, I will try to encompass my thoughts in an orderly, concise manner. (Try…)
As I said before, this book is about the CHARACTERS. Possibly more so than any book I’ve ever read. They are truly the heartbeat of this story. It’s a fairly big cast, which I LOVE so I ain’t complainin’! Gimme all the epic ensemble casts pleaseandthankyou. And ooooh boy, was this one epic ensemble cast! I mean the dialogue alone! Some of the BEST dialogue I’ve ever read.
At first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up with who was who, but I actually had zero problems with that. The author introduces everyone carefully, giving us time to know two or three before introducing more later on. It was handled fantastically! And I never found myself struggling to remember everyone. It also helped that they all had such vivid, distinct personalities you really can’t get anyone confused.
You know those books with characters that feel so real you brain can’t even comprehend that they’re not? This was one of those books. These characters… They were so real, so raw, so full of life and emotion and heartache and desires—I can’t even accept the fact that they’re fiction. They don’t feel fictional. The last time I read a book with a cast this real was…never??? I’ve read a lot of good books with amazing characters, but I’m struggling to think of any that captured what it is to be human like THIS. Oh goodness, I love them so much it hurts.
There’s…
TALOS – Our male protagonist with such an achingly big heart who keeps everyone together even as he’s falling completely to pieces. He and Icarus were two sides of the same coin—cousins by blood, brothers by choice. I love how when Talos is in the room everything feels like it’s going to be okay. He’s the type of person you just feel safe with and take a sigh of relief as he appears. The big-brother, always-has-everyone’s-back type. And though he’s angry and temperamental, he chooses to tamper it down and do the right thing even though it’s so, so hard. (I’M NOT CRYING. YOU’RE CRYING. I lied. I’m totally crying.)
KORALIA – Our female protagonist, an epic Amazon, and the love of Icarus’ life. Koralia could have so easily fallen into that annoying Tough Girl™ trope but she DIDN’T. Not even close. Yes, she’s strong. Yes, she can outfight and outwit just about anyone. Yes, she’s basically an elite member of the whole galaxy. But she’s also just Koralia. For her it’s not about titles and skills, but the person. She manages to be strong without being annoying about it. She’s not afraid to cry and to feel and to be vulnerable and to open up to love. She was just so…inspiring. The way she can rally people up or offer a comforting squeeze on the shoulder or get out there and absolutely destroy her enemies—it was great. SHE is great!
GENERAL ATHANASIA – Everyone’s Mom™. Loved, loved, loved the General and how she’s literally the mom of the Sunfires but also their general and can snap these rowdy children back to attention with a single eyebrow raise. Her wisdom, her attention to detail, her unfailing love for her “children”—it made me smile every single time. She is the General for a reason. Because you know she will always be strong enough to make the hard decisions and wise enough to make the right ones.
ICARUS – Leave it to Arielle to make the character who’s not even alive be one of the most amazing, lovable characters in the whole book! Seriously. SKILLS. As I said earlier, we really get to know and love Icarus through the memories of the other characters and OH MY HEART. I ached with them. Reckless, charismatic, bright Icarus. The galaxy is truly dimmer without him and and and… *SOBS* The amount of tears I shed for a character who is only on page for like half a second is just RIDICULOUS. But there’s a reason his death left the Sunfires so broken. *sniffles*
MIKON – MIKON MY CHILD!!!! <3333 Mikon is the youngest Sunfire and very much everyone’s Little Brother. He’s a jokester, sometimes a total brat, has some serious anger management issues, AND YET is also the brightest little sunbeam in all the galaxy. His character was so deep and complex and OH GRACIOUS ALIVE. I love him SO. MUCH. I love how he’s both such a happy-go-lucky puppy but also struggles so, so much from things from his past, and how the Sunfires rally around him to assure he doesn’t fall back into that dark place inside himself. UGH. MY HEART. My absolute favorite character period and I will cling to him to the day I die. NO ONE HURT MY MIKON. NO ONE.
IANESSA – Another fabulous female character and the Big Sister of the Sunfires. And she is. She’s another one that you just feel safe when she’s around, because she’s so dependable. She will keep everyone in line and organized when things get out of hand, and has a good head on her shoulders. Probably the most reliable of the Sunfire “children.” Gotta love the big sisters!
XUTHOS – Though technically not a member of the Sunfire family, Xuthos is an important member of the Kallistratus Rebellion and played a huge part in the book and aaaahhhh Xuthos! He’s the playboy type, the flirt. The carefree, arrogant guy who you want to hate but you just can’t. Yes, he has plenty of issues, but he also does try to be a good person, and he’s SMART. You know you can rely on him during a mission. Even if he does rile everyone up. The little troublemaker. I loved him.
Those were the main players, but there were also so many more people to love! Like Brygos and Kynna, the other members of the Sunfire family who made me laugh so, so hard at their antics. And Ares and Hephaestus who were totally epic and I need more of them pleeeease. Xantippos, who was also epic and reliable and didn’t ever bat an eye at the ridiculousness of the Sunfires. And ATHINA. Oh, she was great. AND JUST EVERYONE.
Good gracious alive, this cast. Their family dynamics were E V E R Y T H I N G. How they chose to become a family and literally act like bantering siblings but, at the end of the day, would literally die for each other and are always, always, ALWAYS there for one another in the most selfless, loving way. Watching them made me want to go gather all my loved ones into a giant hug and be a better friend. Like the Sunfires. These people. They were so inspiring, so loyal, so intricate and raw.
I have sooooo much more I could say about each of them and their dynamics and how inspiring they were and how real their characters and emotions were, but I know this is getting so long.
Just…just read this book for these people. They will both enhance your life and ruin it because you’ll never want to let them go.
I would definitely put this novel in the PG-13 category.
The main reason is because there’s swearing. Nothing major at all! But there are definitely some swear words sprinkled in, so do be warned if that bothers you. ALTHOUGH. This is one of the few stories where the swearing really didn’t feel wrong. It was handled so realistically and delicately. I mean, these are tough rebels, and not only that, but people who are dealing with a lot of anger and grief and danger. It just made sense when they occasionally shouted a swear word. BUT ALSO. When on the Kallistratus base you literally had to be responsible enough to earn a swearing permit. No kidding! It was this running joke that only the older members had swearing permits and those out of line didn’t and got in trouble if they swore a lot. It was hilarious!
There’s also some mention of people sleeping around. But it’s never portrayed as a good thing. Olympians are, erm, rather wild, scandalous, pompous people—people the rebels do not like and they don’t approve of the average Olympian lifestyle. So there is some talk of rather scandalous behavior but nothing is ever shown. I mean, this is based off Greek myths and EHEHEH. If you’ve read the myths you know. Some weeeird stuff went down. But this book never went too far with that. It’s far tamer than the original myths, I promise. XD
A little bit of kissing, but nothing too, too heavy. At one point a couple of people have to pretend they’re dating and are forced to get pretty touchy with one another to keep up the charade.
Some drinking, too, if I recall. But, again, nothing excessive.
And very little in the way of gore/violence. Most of the violence was in space fights, so it was more watching explosions than seeing the gore.
So really nothing too much to be worried about. Just a little bit of PG-13 swearing, mostly.
This is probably the longest book review I’ve ever written and yet there’s so much more I could say. It was one of those books I simultaneously wanted to devour in one sitting and read slowly because I couldn’t say goodbye.
When I read the last sentence, I quite literally broke into sobs. Actual sobs. And see, I don’t really cry a lot when reading. Maaaybe I’ll get a little misty eyed on the rare occasion. But just outright tears streaming down my face? Pretty much never. But this book… I cried multiple times, and then broke down completely by the end just because it was so beautiful and I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind. Thank the stars there’s lots more books in the series coming! But STILL. I felt both full and empty when finishing this story. Full from the amazing experience, empty because it felt like I was leaving my family for an unforeseeable amount of time.
These Sunfires… They feel like family now. And I love them with my whole heart.
If you like Star Wars, you NEED to read this book. If you like Roman and Greek mythology, you NEED to read this book. If you’re a living, breathing person, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
With a perfect blend of sci-fi and Greek mythology, both raw emotion and humor, plenty of twists and turns, a beautiful writing style, fantastic worldbuilding, absolutely stellar dialogue, and a truly original plot, this book will satisfy all your Space Opera dreams. But it is the characters who will touch your heart and soul. Their love and desire to choose to be good people filled my own heart with love and the same desires. They were so inspiring. So beautiful. So bright.
This story will have a special place in my heart forever.
. . . 5 out of 5 Stars . . .
(But more like all the stars in the galaxy.)
Her favorite genres to read and write include contemporary fantasy, court intrigue, and space fantasy—because what is better than fantasy among the stars?
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LET’S TALK!
ALL RIGHT, GUYS. Scream with me about all the things! Does this not sound like the most epic book ever? (Spoilers: It is.) Are you going to read it? (Spoilers: You are.) Can we all agree that Stars Wars meets Greek mythology is the coolest concept ever? (Answer: YES.)
NOTE: A HUGE thanks to the author for sending me an ebook ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ooh!! This sounds like a lovely book! I love heart-wrenching books that tear your heart out and stomp on the pieces ruthlessly!!
Never mind that I’ve never book cried.Though I’m not super big into sci-fi, either, I tend to trust indie authors more. 😛 Because I’m petty?.Time to add it to the TBR *ignores the TBR’s screams of agony*. And this was a funformative review! Thankee!
Gotta love the hear-wrenching books YES! They’re my fave! (We bookworms are so weird. XD) That’s not petty. I know what you mean. Sometimes those big publishing companies are scared to put out anything fresh and it’s just the saaame thing over and overrr. Indie books are lovely because there’s much more of a variety!
You are so welcome! I just loved this book so, so much. <3
You have convinced me. I need this. Give me. *flails* IT JUST SOUNDS SO GOOD.
YOU DO. YOU REALLY DO. I THINK YOU’D LOVE IT.
Well, I’m convinced. I have to read this. Found family + realistic portrayal of grief (you are so right that most books are TERRIBLE at this?) + the CHARACTERS + Greek mythology. I’m not the biggest sci-fi fan (at…all. lol) (though I am pretty fond of Star Wars and Star Trek), but after reading your gorgeous review I’m honestly dying to read this.
Also: “But then, then there are some books you read and they touch you at such deep places in your heart and soul, fangirling isn’t adequate.” That’s so true. That’s SO true.
That whole paragraph IS SO TRUE.
It’s good to see you back, and I’m glad you had such a refreshing hiatus! (And eeeee!!! Progress on The Nether Isle!!!! 😀 :D)
YESSS. IT’S JUST SO AMAZING. And yeah, sci-fi is nooot my usual thing literary-wise either, but I ADORED this one with all my heart and soul. <3
Awwww, thank you! Don’t you love it when you find those books that touch you in such a deep way and stay with you forever. They are the true gems.
Thanks so much, girl! It’s good to be back. I’ve missed you all! ^_^
Oh my goodness, this sounds INCREDIBLE!!! *aggressively adds to TBR* I MUST GET TO KNOW THIS SQUAD ASAP.
Fantastic review, as always, Christine! And WELCOME BACK!! *tackle-hugs* I’m so happy to hear that July was a good month for you!
IT IS. SO INCREDIBLE. I think you’d LOVE it!!! And I need other people to meet this squad so I can fangirl endlessly about them! ;D
Awww! THANK YOU, NICOLE!!! It feels good to be back! I’ve very much missed being part of this lovely blogging community! <3
I’m so happy for Arielle!
I don’t usually like sci-fi either (which isn’t to say I DISLIKE it, more that, like you said, it can be jargon-y and it’s not the first genre I head towards), so it’s good to hear you don’t consider yourself a sci-fi fan and you still loved this! I do happen to love Greek mythology, so I may have to check this out!
ME TOO!!! It’s just so thrilling!
YES. That’s absolutely me! I don’t flinch away from sci-fi, but it takes a lot to get me to read something in that genre. But THIS ONE NOW. AWK. It was amazing! The characters, the myths woven in, just EVERYTHING–all so stunning.
Ooooooh sounds AMAZING, wow.
IT’S SO AMAZING!!!
MEEP. This book sounds completely INCREDIBLE. Your review left me with the feeling of “I MUST GET THIS BOOK NOWWWW.” I mean, a sci-fi book that’s Star Wars meets Greek mythology sounds like one of the most amazing things in existence. 😀
This review is complete gold, Christine!!! (And welcome back! I’m so glad that your hiatus was refreshing. :D)
*HAPPY FLAILING* If my review gave you that feeling then I did my job! ^_^ But seriously, “incredible” is the perfect word for this book. It’s just…AWK. So, so good! Definitely one of the most amazing things in existence!
Awww, so glad you enjoyed it! And THANK YOU!!! It feels lovely being back!
I bought this on release day and it’s supposed to arrive between the 12th and 15th. *huff* I’ll have to satisfy myself with this review in the meantime…
I’M SO EXCITED YOU BOUGHT IT EEEEE!!! But BOO on long waits. With Covid right now, I guess all the mail is running a bit slower than normal. *pouts* But I hope you enjoy it once you get it!
This book sounds AMAZING!!! I seriously need this in my life!!
*breaths a sigh of relief knowing that I’m not the only person who’s not a huge Star Wars fan* I mean, they’re fine. I enjoy them well enough. But that’s it.
Except for Mando and Baby Yoda. They’re amazing.IT IS. SO SO AMAZING!!!! <3
Aaaahhhh! I knew we were kindred spirits! I always feel SO alone in my lack of obsession toward Star Wars. It’s great to find someone else who feels the same! Like you, I’m fine with it and can enjoy it a lot. But I’m just not a hardcore fan like 95% of the rest of the earth. XD
(BUT YES MANDO AND BABY YODA ARE EVERYTHING. <3)
I’M SOLD. I’m a Greek and Roman myth nerd and your enthusiasm is contagious, Christine! Thank you for writing this amazing review (I’ll come back and scream about the book with you after I read it xD )
YAAAY!!! If you like Greek myths, I think you’ll LOVE it. AND YES. Scream with me when you’re done! I need people to scream about it with! ;D
WHOO-HOO good to have you back!!
I’ve been seeing folks post about this book on Instagram a lot recently, but wow, that synopsis has me intrigued! Greek mythology meets Star Wars? SO COOL!
(Ooh, and GREAT distinction between books that require rabid fangirling and books that touch you so deeply words aren’t enough. BOTH are great, of course, but you nailed the distinction well!)
So, um, this book sounds AMAZING and I’m totally intrigued and may have just added this book to my birthday wish list! Great review!!
THANK YOU!!! It’s so good to be back! ^_^
The premise is SO GOOD and the actual story is even BETTER. I just love it so much! (If my enormous review wasn’t clear about that. XD) That makes me so excited you added it to your list! It’s just such a spectacular read! <3
UM EXCUSE ME?? This sounds AMAZING and I need it like YESTERDAY.
The CHARACTERSSS. THEY SOUND INCREDIBLE AND I WANT TO KNOW THEM RIGHT NOW. Especially Talos??? He seems like the most adorable and heartbreaking character and yeah, I need in on this. Like… right now. xD
I am so INTRIGUED by the whole Icarus thing and how his death is handled. I feel like a lot of deaths are brushed off a little too easily, too, so this sounds like a fantastic (heartbreaking) change.
Basically EVERYTHING about this book sounds heartbreakingly amazing and I can’t express to you how much I want to read it now. xD
theonesthatreallymatter.blogspot.com
“Heartbreakingly amazing” is THE most accurate description of this book I’ve ever seen. XD That is 100% it. So heartbreaking. So amazing. AWK. I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! You definitely, definitely need it! I think you’d LOVE IT. (And you 100% need to meet Talos. I have no words to express the amazingness of that man.)
Fiction really does brush off deaths way too easily, especially speculative fiction. It was really refreshing to see a much more realistic look at loved ones dying…even if it destroyed me.
Yeah. This book will totally destroy you but IT’S WORTH IT. <3
This sounds absolutely amazing! *Adds to top of tbr list*
Oh, Skye, I think you’d LOVE it! You NEEEEED to meet these characters! <333