Autolycus the thief: A Greek Myth Retelling

by Michail Sidiropoulos, Μιχαήλ Σιδηρόπουλος

Oikos and Family

Follow the solitary journey of Autolycus as he searches for what he lost at a very young age—long before he became the grandfather of two of the most cunning heroes, Odysseus and Jason.

Raised as an orphan, he has forged his own code of ethics, one rooted in the instinct for survival.

Deception and thievery have become second nature to him.

Insignificant. Alone. Invisible. He moves within the shadows.

Is it a blessing or a curse to have the divine woven into your fate?

Greek Mythology as told by a Greek.

Genres: Mythology

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2025

Reviews

[Μαρία Αλεξοπούλου · Rating 4 out of 5]

Είναι μία ευκολοδιάβαστη μυθολογική περιπέτεια με κεντρικό ήρωα τον Αυτόλυκο που αποπνέει ζεστασιά και ωριμάζει μπροστά στα μάτια μας. Επειδή δεν έχουμε εντρυφήσει στη ζωή του Αυτόλυκου όσο π.χ. του Ηρακλή υπάρχει διηγηματικό ενδιαφέρον για την εξέλιξη της πλοκής. Πολύ ωραίο σημείο ήταν η εκπαίδευση του Αυτόλυκου από τον γηραίο Πατροκλή αλλά και η στοργή που δείχνει ο Ερμής προς τον υιό του στα πλαίσια του ανθρωπομορφισμού. Πέρα από τις περιγραφές μάχης που είναι προσεγμένες, τονίζεται η σημασία της οικογενειακής θαλπωρής στο ταξίδι αυτογνωσίας του Αυτόλυκου.

[Vicky Ziliaskopoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Το μυθιστόρημα διαδραματίζεται στα αρχαία χρόνια, "τα χρόνια των μυθολογικών ηρώων" όπως αναφέρει στο εισαγωγικό σημείωμα ο συγγραφέας. Πρωταγωνιστής είναι ο Αυτόλυκος που μεγαλώνει με τη μητέρα του στο αγρόκτημά της σε μια πόλη με λίγους κατοίκους που ονομάζεται Λιλαία. Όταν η μητέρα του διαπράττει ύβρη στην Άρτεμη, η Θεά την εκδικείται σκοτώνοντάς την με ένα χρυσό βέλος και ο Αυτόλυκος, παιδί ακόμη, μένει ολομόναχος. Η κατάσταση γίνεται πιο δύσκολη όταν σφετερίζονται την περιουσία του και τον διώχνουν από το σπίτι του. Καταφέρνει να επιβιώσει και μεγαλώνει με κυρίαρχη στο μυαλό του τη σκέψη της εκδίκησης και της ανάκτησης όσων του κλέψανε. Εμείς τον ακολουθούμε σε αυτόν του τον αγώνα αλλά και πιο μετά, όταν ταξιδεύει σε μεγάλο τμήμα της Ελληνικής επικράτειας και μέσα από τις κινήσεις του διαβάζουμε πολλά για τη ζωή στην Αρχαία Ελλάδα.

Ο συγγραφέας έχει καταφέρει να βρει πολλά στοιχεία για την εποχή αυτή και μάλιστα τα έχει ενσωματώσει με πάρα πολύ όμορφο και διακριτικό τρόπο στην πλοκή. Μιλά για τη διατροφή, για τις ενδυμασίες, για τα όπλα και την εκπαίδευση των αντρών, για τις οικιακές και τις υπόλοιπες εργασίες. Ο Αυτόλυκος κάνει ένα ταξίδι σε αρκετές περιοχές και μας περιγράφει κάποια από τα έθιμα των κατοίκων τους, τα παλάτια των βασιλιάδων, τις σκηνές εκστρατείας και πολλά πολλά ακόμη. Εμβόλιμα, αναφέρει και κάποιους μύθους που κυκλοφορούσαν για τις περιοχές που επισκεπτόταν ενώ βάζει τους Θεούς να εμπλέκονται στις ζωές των ανθρώπων και να επηρεάζουν τις κινήσεις και τις αποφάσεις τους.

Μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ το βιβλίο. Διαφέρει από τα υπόλοιπα που έχω διαβάσει και αφορούν ιστορίες της ελληνικής μυθολογίας, κυρίως επειδή μιλά για έναν εντελώς άγνωστο (σε εμένα τουλάχιστον ήρωα), οπότε δεν υπήρχαν γνωστά σημεία στην ιστορία, δεν ήξερα καθόλου πώς θα εξελιχθεί και τι θα γίνει στη συνέχεια. Επίσης, είναι πολύ καλογραμμένο, ρέει εύκολα και δεν κουράζει με περιττές λεπτομέρειες και επαναλήψεις. Μπράβο στον συγγραφέα, ελπίζω να έχει έμπνευση και διάθεση να γράψει και άλλα βιβλία αυτού του επιπέδου.

https://thematofylakes.gr

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[Assaph Mehr]

A lesser known bronze-age character as a basis for mythical story - of course I jumped on the chance to read it.

What to Expect

An embellished telling of the life of the grandfather of Odysseus, told from his own point of view. The story starts with him as a child being dispossessed and growing up in the wilds. It follows his early adventures on the background of Greek gods and other mythical heroes.

What I liked

I love the subject matter, taking a lesser known character and building a fuller story around the fragments of myth that survived about him. The world he lives in feels very much that they ancient Greeks would have thought their world to be, with gods and monsters walking and interacting.

The pace is fluid and keeps progressing, and Autolycus is a good balance of annoying-yet-understandable as a real person to engage the reader. The book strikes a good balance of heroic swagger, Greek mythology, and action in a world that feels true to the subject matter.

What to be aware of

This is Sidiropoulos first full novel, and the writing isn't always even. It's more an account of an adventurous life than a more modern character arc. In a strange way that fits the world of bronze age tales, but in some parts the writing could have been tighter and the action crisper.

Felix's and Jack's Reviews

Felix very much lives in a similar world, or at least close enough to be familiar with the legends (his Roman-esque world being centuries later). He found Autolycus' adventures very entertaining, pointing once again that demi-gods make for better characters due to their humanity rather than divinity. Autolycus certainly satisfied him in that respect, with the all-to-human yearning for familial belonging being the unifying thread of the novel.

Jack is of course familiar with the classics, but seeing as Autolycus is outside of the usual coverage of studies Jack found it highly interesting. He did have raise questions about what he felt were anachronisms in the story and does prefer some of the pathos of the better known work, but did deem it enjoyable overall.

Summary

An entertaining adventure tale based on a lesser know Greek mythological character, and I'll certainly be looking for future installments by Sidiropoulos in that world.

--

Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.

Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classically written modern Greek myth

What a wonderful adventure! Although written in modern times, Autolycus the Thief feels right at home beside its ancient cousins. I grew up on the classic Greek myths, they were my bedtime stories, and this story has all the elements one would expect: a young demigod unaware of his parentage, Godly interventions, magical objects, grumpy mentors, animal companions, and an epic quest.

We first meet Autolycus as a boy, then watch him grow into manhood alone on the outskirts of Greek society. After meeting his godly father he sets out on a mission to reclaim his family farm & home. Witnessing his transformation and education in the ways of a thief, a warrior, and, later, a leader felt just like witnessing Hercules' or Achilles' early adventures.

Readers of classic literature will feel quite at home within these pages.

[Gary Hubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling Blend of Myth, Adventure, and Wit

Mikhail Sidiropoulos’ Autolycus the Thief is an absolute delight as a clever and vividly imagined retelling of the legendary Greek rogue’s exploits. From the very first page, Sidiropoulos breathes fresh life into Autolycus, the cunning trickster of myth, crafting a narrative that’s equal parts swashbuckling adventure and sharp-witted comedy. The prose is vibrant, the pacing impeccable, and the characters leap off the page with charm and depth. Autolycus himself is a fantastic protagonist: roguish, resourceful, and endlessly entertaining, with a voice that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.

What truly sets this book apart is its seamless blend of historical authenticity and playful storytelling. Sidiropoulos clearly knows his mythology, yet he isn’t afraid to inject humor and heart into the tale, making it accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. Whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology or just love a well-told adventure, Autolycus the Thief is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down.

[Sofia Pantazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ένα υπέροχο βιβλίο με πολλή δράση και ιδιαίτερο χιούμορ. Όσο το διάβαζα, αισθανόμουν ότι έβλεπα ταινία. Το συνιστώ ανεπιφύλακτα και περιμένω κι άλλες περιπέτειες του Αυτόλυκου!!!

[Samantha Skouros · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Autolycus the Thief" by Michail Sidiropoulos is a fast paced, action filled dive into Greek myth with a cheeky, cunning hero at its center. The fight scenes are vivid (very Assassin’s Creed vibes!), and while I found Autolycus a little immature at first , and I honestly found his frequent exclamation of "Dung!" more confusing than charming (is it meant to be "dang"? or "shit"?). But as the story progressed, I found myself rooting for him. Think Odysseus with more swagger and less patience.

What I loved most was how fresh this story felt, focusing on a lesser known character made it feel new in a sea of myth retellings. It’s clever, easy to read, and filled with nods to The Odyssey for mythology lovers. Definitely recommended for fans of heroic adventures with a twist!

Thank you so much @autolycus_the_thief for giving me the opportunity to read this fab book, I really enjoyed joining Autolycus (and Yero!) on his adventure! 💚📚💚

[Romy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt so good reading this book! I think it is because it's been a long time since I read anything related to Greek Mythology, and I haven't realized how much I miss it.


The story starts strong with a big emotional blow, and I thought for a moment that I was going to spend the rest of the book crying my eyes out. Thankfully, it was not the case.


As the story progresses, there are a few more emotional moments, and for me, there was one moment that I did not see coming (and maybe I should, but I don't care), and it's when Yero goes back to the woods. OMG!


I'm a sucker for drama, and my only complaint is that I would've loved to see more struggle and drama when Autolycus was fighting Hadesitos. But on the other hand, I loved how the story follows the Greek myth structure, having the hero complete several tasks to reach knowledge, enlightenment, or wisdom.


It is all about the journey, and I loved this one. And I know it sounds contradictory to be glad I didn't spend the whole time crying while complaining that I didn't cry enough. That's me.


I truly liked the relationship between Autolycus and Patrocles as student/teacher. In a way, Patrocles was a bit of a father figure, and those small gestures he had towards Autolycus might not seem much or enough, but they felt sincere, and I loved it.


Autolycus is an interesting character, and despite the adversities he had to face from such an early age, he still has a nice sense of humor. He is like a Greek Robin Hood in a way, trying to steal only from the rich ones or the bad guys. Of course, he was stealing for himself to survive, but there were a few occasions when he helped others. So, it counts.


Before I knew it, the story was over, but I hope there will be more books about different Greek characters in the future. It was an interesting read, and the story takes you on an emotional journey where you will find drama, grief, tension, and hope. Would I recommend it? Definitely yes.

[Andra-Mihaela]

First and foremost, I want to thank the author for providing me with an #ebook copy in exchange for a honest opinion. 🙃

General info : a #ya #greekmythology inspired #fantasybook based on #autolycus story, the grandfather of #odysseus and #jason. ; #standalone

CW: none

#bookthoughts

Unfortunately, this #book wasn't for me🥲, hence no rating due to me not finishing it.🥹

We start with Autolycus's recount of his horrible childhood as an orphaned kid, who not only lost his home/ his oikos, but also his only means of living ( the farm his family owned). He's forced to live as a thief, hiding in the forest, always waiting for the right time to steal food from those who wronged him.

My sole problem with this title can be narrowed down to the writing style. I believe this is a classic case of wrong reader, wrong book.🤷🏼‍♀️
I suggest you try this title and tell me if this isn't addressed for the younger part of the #yafantasy audience...maybe even #middlegrade.🧐

Why? Because the author doesn't spend that much time on what I believe are key moments in Autolycus's life. The narration feels heavily focused on action and we don't stay with the character in his own feelings.

You could say this is not important for the plot 🤷🏼‍♀️, but I usually tend to enjoy slower-paced stories.

We meet pretty on a supernatural being ( not gonna say who because spoilers 🤭) and we find out more about our protagonist and his possible role in a bigger, let's say, godly plan.👀🤣

I think this title needs to find its audience to thrive.

It's a #translatedbook and if you want a #mythology story that's short and action-packed,this is for you.👇

Also, it's a first person narrative that has in certain situations a movie-like vibe...when Autolycus reminiscents some things, I always imagine him sitting on a rock on the top of a mountain, looking into the distance 🤣🤷🏼‍♀️.

Hope I gave you enough info to decide if this book is for you or for a young reader in your life passionate about Mythology.

I really hope it finds the right audience! ☺️

Again, many thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read it.

[Swapna Peri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever been fascinated by Greek myths but wanted something a little different from the usual tales of gods and heroes, Autolycus the Thief by Michail Sidiropoulos might be just the ticket. It takes a fresh spin on the story of Autolycus—Hermes' clever, lesser-known grandson—and throws us into a vivid, emotionally charged world set at the tail end of the Copper Era. Right from the start, Sidiropoulos tells us he’s taking some creative liberties, and honestly, that’s what makes the book feel alive. It’s not about being historically perfect—it’s about reimagining a time when myth and reality walked hand in hand.

What really stood out to me were the early chapters, which dive deep into Autolycus’s childhood. There’s real heartache here—especially with the loss of his mother in a cruel twist of fate involving the goddess Artemis. Instead of glossing over it, the author leans into the emotion, making you feel every ounce of that grief and isolation. It’s not your typical hero’s journey; it’s quieter, more introspective, and refreshingly human. You get gods, rituals, and all the mythological flavor you’d expect—but also a young boy trying to find meaning in a chaotic world.

Now, I’ll admit, some parts get a bit heavy with the historical detail—think barter systems, obscure deities, and ancient customs. If you’re not already into that kind of stuff, it might slow you down a little. But hang in there, because the payoff is worth it. Autolycus the Thief isn’t just about clever tricks and adventures; it’s about the cost of survival, the complexity of divine justice, and how myths aren’t always about glory—they can be about pain, memory, and transformation. It’s a bold, thoughtful read that might just change how you see mythology.

[Davina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autolycus the Thief by Michail Sidiropoulos follows the adventures of Autolycus, son of Hermes, and one of Greek mythology’s most famous tricksters. Known for his quick wit and clever schemes, Autolycus finally gets his own story here. We follow him as he navigates a world of gods, mortals, and myths, using his skills to outsmart those around him. It’s a fresh take that shines a light on a character who often gets overlooked.

I really enjoyed getting to know Autolycus. His character felt well-developed, with a solid backstory and plenty of little moments that kept me invested. If you're into Greek mythology, there's a lot here to enjoy — it’s always fun when an author brings a lesser-known figure to life.

That said, I did find myself wishing for a bit more. Since it’s a translation, some of the sentence structures felt a little off at times. I also think the story would have really benefitted from being a bit longer, with more descriptions to slow things down and let the world breathe. Even adding another point of view might have brought a new layer to Autolycus’s story.

Still, I had a good time with this one. It’s a quick, enjoyable read that adds something a little different to the world of Greek mythology.

[Ela Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by how effortlessly this novel drew me into its world. Autolycus’s story captured my attention from the beginning. Watching him grow from the tragedy of his childhood into the sly, clever hero who never stops pushing forward was inspiring. I admired how determined he was, even when his choices weren’t always straightforward. What I loved even more was his focus on family. The bonds were messy and complicated, full of tension and love, but that’s what made them feel so real. It wasn’t just about gods and giants and wolves though those parts were amazing too. This was also about people, their struggles, and the emotions that tie them together.
There were a couple of slower parts, but honestly, I didn’t mind them. They gave me a chance to sit with the story and really take it all in. The way it reimagines ancient Greece felt so vivid and alive. By the end, I was fully immersed in a world I didn’t want to leave. This is easily one of the best fantasy reads I’ve had in a while.

[Bella Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michail Sidiropoulos has had a wonderful idea in recreating Autolycus in Heroes of Greek Mythology: Autolycus the Thief.

Autolycus is a relatively forgotten figure in Greek mythology. He was the son of Hermes and the mortal mother, Chione. In Greek mythology, he was known as the greatest prankster of all time—and a master thief at that. He possessed the magical ability to transform stolen objects so they would be unrecognizable to their owners. Impossible to be caught with the evidence. Imagine that as a superpower!

His most famous story is how he stole a herd of cattle from Hercules. He was also the grandfather of Homer’s legendary hero, Odysseus. A true master of deception, Autolycus remains one of mythology’s most fascinating tricksters.


It was originally written, I assume in Greek, so there are a few mistakes in the translation. So, I'm not judging Sidiropoulos on that technicality; it's not too distracting from the reading process.

Michail Sidiropoulos uses that mythology as his foundation and tells an original, imaginative version of the tale in his own style. The results are fantastic—a wonderful odyssey you’ll truly enjoy.

Sidiropoulos creates a new mythology for modern times.

[Nick Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autolycus the Thief is a tale that immerses you in the world of Greek mythology. It tells the story of young Autolycus, from his upbringing to the birth of his son, Odysseus. As a lover of Greek myths, I eagerly ploughed through this book.

Written entirely in the first person from Autolycus' perspective, it provides a great introduction to the Greek pantheon for anyone new to the genre. It touches on many aspects of the gods and myths that readers may already be familiar with.

Although I was aware of Autolycus, I had no knowledge of the stories surrounding him, and I found this tale both enjoyable and detailed. The author admits that much of the story is fictional and not based directly on mythology, but that did not detract from my enjoyment. After all, all these myths are fictional in some way, and embellishment is part of storytelling.

Overall, this is a great introduction to Greek mythology for newcomers and a thoroughly enjoyable read for seasoned fans alike.

[C.M. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autolycus the Thief is a sharp and entertaining retelling that turns one of Greek mythology’s most overlooked figures into a star. Michail Sidiropoulos brings wit, grit, and humanity to the legendary trickster, weaving a story that feels both ancient and refreshingly new. The pacing is quick, the humor perfectly balanced, and the writing carries a rhythm that makes the world of gods and mortals come alive.

What I loved most was the heart beneath the cleverness. Autolycus is not just a thief; he is a survivor shaped by loneliness and loss, always searching for belonging in a world ruled by power and deception. The gods meddle, the mortals scheme, and somewhere in between, a man builds his legend.

It is smart, emotional, and deeply immersive. A story that proves the old myths still have plenty of new tricks left to play.

[Mohammed Husain · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a fun story of one of the less famous characters in Greek mythology, but suffers from a lack of consistency. Autolycus himself is the strong point of the book; he's portrayed very well as an arrogant and charming master thief, whose inner thoughts and his clever plots are very interesting. His backstory and education from his godly father, Hermes, form a very good background for the character. On the downside, the pacing of the book - while it starts off with a fast-moving and exciting adventure, most of the story focuses on Autolycus's search for his family - tends to be episodic and be both too fast and too convenient. Since the support characters do not have much development as a result, it does not achieve the heights of the best-current day retellings of mythology. It is an enjoyable tale, but the lack of polish means it cannot be rated as highly as some other retellings.

[Αλέξανδρος Τριανταφύλλου · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ο Αυτόλυκος που τον ακολουθεί ο λύκος. Μια όμορφη, ευχάριστη και γεμάτη μηνύματα ιστορία. Μέσα από τις σελίδες της βλέπουμε να παίρνει σάρκα και οστά η αρχαία κατά τους αρχαίους Έλληνες Ελλάδα. Όχι η κλασική του Περικλή, του Σοφοκλή και των άλλων γνωστών μας, αλλά η πραγματικά αρχαία. Η άγρια, η αγνή, η μητέρα της μυθολογίας και των ηθικών διδαγμάτων. Το βιβλίο του Αυτόλυκου το αγάπησα από την αρχή. Μου θύμισε τη γραφή του Christian Cameron και εκείνη του Noble Smith. Ένα εξαιρετικό βιβλίο για όλους, ανε��άρτητα από τα γούστα του καθενός. Δεν πρόκειται να γράψω κάτι για την πλοκή. Θα σας αφήσω με την περιέργεια και θα πω ότι το βιβλίο αυτό αξίζει με τα 1000 να βρίσκεται σε κάθε βιβλιοθήκη. Αγοράστε το. Χτες.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The personal journey of Autolycus was a joy to read. His story, from his early teens to manhood, captures the pain of loneliness and heartbreak, as well as the lessons he learns while surviving his adventures.

Set in Ancient Greece at the end of the Copper Age, this historical mythological tale is richly descriptive and does an excellent job of building the world around him. At times, the narrative may feel a bit long, but I found it so compelling that I couldn’t stop reading.

There are trigger warnings for violence, but I felt these moments added to the depth of the story and were appropriate within the context.

If you enjoy historical, mythological epic quests, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book.

[JM Saner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heroes of Greek Mythology: Autolycus the Thief is an enjoyable, though somewhat slow-paced, read full of mischief and humor. The protagonist, Autolycus, orphaned at age ten, manages to achieve nearly all the goals he sets for himself: reclaiming his stolen lands, home, and farm; meeting his father; and discovering blood relatives. He receives considerable assistance from the Greek gods along the way. This is a light, mostly historical work of fiction that explores the early adventures of Odysseus’s grandfather. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Greek word notes with a helpful glossary. A fun read for readers interested in Greek culture and mythology. A light, enjoyable tale about Odysseus’s grandfather.

[Andres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Heroes of Greek Mythology: Autolycus the Thief! It’s fun and easy to read, even if you don’t know much about Greek myths. Autolycus is a super interesting character: he’s smart, sneaky, and not just some perfect hero. The book shows his adventures in a way that feels real and exciting. The story moves fast and has lots of cool moments with gods, magic, and ancient places. I liked how the gods weren’t just super powerful, they also had their own problems too, which made them feel more like real people. Some parts were a little confusing with old Greek words, but it didn’t ruin the fun.

Overall, it’s a great book with a fresh take on mythology. I’d totally recommend it !

[Sonia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a greek myself, I always love finding little gems like this one. Greek mythology has been written and rewritten so many times, that it is almost impossible to find new stories or new angles... and YET this book talks about Autolycus, a very significant hero in greek mythology, even though he is not so well known. I really loved the respect that went into his storytelling, and the pace which allowed me to follow along without feeling bored or rushed. This is a book I recommend for those who looking to understand deeper meanings of life and are inspired by greek mythology.

[Nathanael Bazzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autolycus the Thief has an interesting premise and some strong world-building. It is a story about a boy from Greek mythology who grows up to become a clever trickster. The action scenes were exciting and the author clearly did his research. I appreciated the footnotes for some of the Greek words. The only complaint I have was some of the word choice. The story feels like myth, but the use of modern words and slang was jarring for me and pulled me out of the story. Still, a good tale for readers who love ancient myths.

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michail Sidiropoulos' Autolycus: The Thief is a fantasy novel themed around Greek mythology. The book narrates Autolycus’ journey from the tragedies of his childhood to his development as a naturally gifted thief, his travels, the social life of the era, and his discovery of his demigod traits, while conveying the contradictions of the ancient gods in a unique and engaging style. With its humorous tone, fast pace, and character-focused storytelling, I recommend this work to fantasy readers who enjoy mythological themes and value detailed character development.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Autolycus the Thief. The book moves quickly. The story follows Autolycus, starting as a boy on his own in the wild and growing into a clever thief and an unlikely hero. There are gods, monsters, and plenty of Bronze Age details. The world feels mythic, with a good mix of divine action and human feeling that reminded me why I loved Greek stories as a kid.

Sidiropoulos’s writing makes the ancient world feel real, with a great balance of adventure, humor, and heart. Autolycus is roguish, flawed, and very human.

I can’t wait to read more stories set in this world.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autolycus finds out he the son of hermes...what follows is nonstop action and drama. When the gods are involved nothing is every easy. He goes on an adventure to find his brother which leads him into more trouble but also sets him up for the best outcome he could have ever wanted. I love that the author goes out of his way to make characters speak how they would in that culture and he used terminology for things related to the gods and Greek culture that you wouldn't normally see in a story. All in all its was an awesome read.

[Alefiyah Ghadiali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a story about a thief to be this thoughtful, but Autolycus: The Thief by Michail Sidiropoulos totally pulls it off. The narrative zips forward with a clever, fast‑paced tone and a touch of humor, while old Greek gods like Hermēs slide into the shadows to elevate the mythic stakes without overdoing it.

If you’re into gritty, character‑driven myth retellings with a sense of legacy and moral depth, this is the short, electric Greek tale you didn’t know you needed.

[Brenda E. Mcdaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read!

This was a very unique and interesting book. It had some Greek mythology and was about loss, suffering and overcoming in a young boys life. The boy in the end finds what he's been looking for all his life, someone or people who love him. He finds a sense of belonging and finds his true worth. A very well written book. Although it did have a few errors and needed a little more editing. A good read!

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Aytolycus The Thief” follows the life of Aytolycus- the son of Chione and Hermes throughout his life. Overall, I enjoyed this tale. The story is a translation from Greek, so there’s some sentence structures and verbiage that seem a bit off (likely a consequence of the translation). Told through the POV of Aytolycus, the early chapters are quite heartbreaking. Find the full blog post review at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Lukes.fantasy.tavern · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

At the start of this review I want to say that (mythology) retellings are not really my cup of tea.
There is little you can do right, it is hard to handle the source material with respect and still have a personal note from the author in the story.
That being said, I had an ok time reading this, because it is objectively a solid story. I think Michail managed to write a story with much love for the source material and with enough courage to add a personal tone of humor in it.

- > Overall it was not really special for me, but there was also nothing I would voice major complains about. If you like retellings, or mythology in general - and don't want to read the same 3 stories told over and over again - this one could be a solid choice for you.
It is also relatively short, so there is little harm in trying.

[Karathanassi Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is this era , the Greek Pre-historic era, that is as rich, complicated and beautiful as any. Few of us , even Greeks, know details and Michail Sidiropoulos dares to shed light and share the adventures of Ulysses' grandfather. Its a fantastic read.