Author: Arthur Griffin
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages/Word Count: 114 Pages
At a Glance: A fun, erotic romp starring some of our favorite mythological characters.
Reviewed By: Jennifer
Blurb: The myth of Theseus and the Minotaur has never been quite this steamy!
Handsome Theseus journeys to Athens to claim his birthright as heir to the throne, and along the way he meets the roguish Pirithous, who teaches him all about matters of the heart—and body. When they reach the city, Theseus is shocked to discover that his father, the king, has a tradition of sacrificing young people to the Minotaur, the monster that inhabits the island nation of Crete.
Theseus and Pirithous, along with Iphitrion, a slave boy they befriend, set out to slay the Minotaur. After learning Crete is ruled by a mad tyrant with a fetish for orgies, Theseus puts his new skills to the test, fighting, flirting, and fornicating his way through the ranks, working his way past soldiers, satyrs, and gods alike as he attempts to accomplish his goal and save his city.
Review: What’s not to love about this novella? Featuring Theseus from Greek mythology, Arthur Griffin has crafted a sex-filled romp through Athens and Crete.
Theseus is on his way to Athens to announce his presence to his father, the king, and on the way meets Pirithous and others. Not only do they become companions, but lovers as well. Theseus experiences sex and love for the first time, all the while growing as a man fit to become a legend.
What I enjoyed about this book was the inclusion of so many well-known Greek heroes and heroines. Griffin doesn’t just follow the myths and add more erotic components. No, instead he twists them slightly to make them fresh, and yet still pays homage to the old. The Minotaur becomes, for the first time in my knowledge, a sympathetic character. And yet, despite this twist, Griffin acknowledges that myths and legends change over time, by having a character state that the truth is often twisted. It really made me stop to think about the origins for these myths.
That said, the romance between Pirithous and Theseus is great. Though it may start out as a challenge and then fun between new friends, they grow to love each other. Yet they are not limited to just the other. Instead, the two young men engage with numerous other partners, and there is no angst or jealousy present. It’s quite refreshing, to be honest. They are not limited to a monogamous pairing that society today favors; instead, they are free to explore, even while loving each other. This might bother some readers, but the open relationship Pirithous and Theseus have was enjoyable to read.
The story ends with a potential opening for another story when Jason shows up, looking for help on a quest, and I truly hope there is more to come (no pun intended) because Arthur Griffin has a knack for writing Greek mythology for adults!
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