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Antigone
In the darkest hour of night, Ann is beckoned by a voice. Antigone, it calls to her. Haunted by this name that she has not heard since she was almost too young to remember, Ann travels to Greece. She is searching for a brother who disappeared from her life years earlier.
As children, Ann and Nik were everything to each other. They had to be. Yet when Ann tracks her twin down on the island of Crete, he will barely meet her eyes. He offers her a single day: one afternoon of sightseeing in an ancient labyrinth – whose stones whisper to Ann of a past left unburied.
In this reimagining of Greek myth, we are brought back to a world of gods and kings, heroes and sacrifice. A lost world of legend, balanced on the edge of a knife. For it is here, in the shadows of this living maze, that the twins’ fate is woven into a civilization on the brink of extinction.
As children, Ann and Nik were everything to each other. They had to be. Yet when Ann tracks her twin down on the island of Crete, he will barely meet her eyes. He offers her a single day: one afternoon of sightseeing in an ancient labyrinth – whose stones whisper to Ann of a past left unburied.
In this reimagining of Greek myth, we are brought back to a world of gods and kings, heroes and sacrifice. A lost world of legend, balanced on the edge of a knife. For it is here, in the shadows of this living maze, that the twins’ fate is woven into a civilization on the brink of extinction.
506 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2023
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 13, 2024
“Antigone” by R. X. Karvanis is a riveting blend of myth, magic, and adventure that takes the reader on a spellbinding journey through time and ancient civilizations. The story revolves around 21-year-old Ann, who is drawn to Greece by a haunting voice calling her name, Antigone. The book opens a gateway to a mystical world as Ann searches for her long-lost twin brother, Nik, only to find him distant and changed. Karvanis masterfully interweaves elements of Greek mythology and history into a narrative that is both imaginative and grounded in emotional reality. The twins’ bond, strained by time and circumstance, forms the emotional core of the story as they navigate a world filled with political intrigue, divine intervention, and moral dilemmas. The setting in the ancient palace of Kabyrnos, beset by drought and threats, is vividly described and serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The characters are richly developed, with Ann and Nik both undergoing significant transformations as they confront their destinies. The introduction of figures like Mavros, the feared bull god, and the manipulative demigod Ikades adds layers of complexity to the plot, as does the delicate interplay of power between the city’s monarchs, Kynra and Kyn. Ann’s growth from a pawn in their political games to a strong, independent individual is compelling and satisfying.
The novel’s pacing is excellent, with the tension and stakes escalating towards a climactic tournament that determines the fate of Kabyrnos. Ann’s courage and resilience shine through as she faces her trials, making her a relatable and inspiring protagonist.
“Antigone” is more than just a fantasy adventure; it is a story about the power of love, the weight of destiny, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. It is a testament to Karvanis’ skill as a storyteller that the book manages to be both an exciting adventure and a deep exploration of human nature and relationships. This novel is highly recommended for fans of fantasy, mythology, and anyone looking for a compelling, character-driven story set in a richly imagined world.
The characters are richly developed, with Ann and Nik both undergoing significant transformations as they confront their destinies. The introduction of figures like Mavros, the feared bull god, and the manipulative demigod Ikades adds layers of complexity to the plot, as does the delicate interplay of power between the city’s monarchs, Kynra and Kyn. Ann’s growth from a pawn in their political games to a strong, independent individual is compelling and satisfying.
The novel’s pacing is excellent, with the tension and stakes escalating towards a climactic tournament that determines the fate of Kabyrnos. Ann’s courage and resilience shine through as she faces her trials, making her a relatable and inspiring protagonist.
“Antigone” is more than just a fantasy adventure; it is a story about the power of love, the weight of destiny, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. It is a testament to Karvanis’ skill as a storyteller that the book manages to be both an exciting adventure and a deep exploration of human nature and relationships. This novel is highly recommended for fans of fantasy, mythology, and anyone looking for a compelling, character-driven story set in a richly imagined world.
April 13, 2023
This book is filled with loveable characters inspired by Greek myths. I typically look for one or two compelling characters to pull me through a book, but this one has many! I also love my Greek Myth Re-tellings, but this isn’t your typical re-imagining of Greek Mythology – the characters stand on their own without the need to know the myths, but if you do know them, it will make your reading experience even richer! There are also lots of little details about life on Ancient Crete for the history nerds out there.
April 13, 2023
This book is filled with loveable characters inspired by Greek myths. I typically look for one or two compelling characters to pull me through a book, but this one has many! I also love my Greek Myth Re-tellings, but this isn’t your typical re-imagining of Greek Mythology – the characters stand on their own without the need to know the myths, but if you do know them, it will make your reading experience even richer! There are also lots of little details about life on Ancient Crete for the history nerds out there.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews