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The Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating 4/5
Summary
This story is inspired by the Greek myth of the Labyrinth with elements of romance. The setting takes place years after Theseus has escaped the Labyrinth and slain the minotaur, and there are definitely themes around rethinking traditions and familial obligations. It’s a short read, but it scratched my Greek Mythology itch so I highly recommend it if that’s what you’re looking for. I’m giving it 4 out of 5, because at times the middle part of the story sagged a bit. That said, I loved the characters and I loved the romance between the two main characters.
Story and Prose
The story is set around the Labyrinth and that “heirs” need to do their trial of three days in the Labyrinth. There’s a lot of mystery around the nature of the Labyrinth and how the tradition started and the encounters inside the Labyrinth definitely had Greek mythology vibes. I enjoyed reading about Corin attempting to navigate the Labyrinth and uncover the truths it holds.
The prose at the beginning was beautiful and really set the scene for entering the Labyrinth well. I found myself wanting more of that initial prose. Also, there were times around the middle where the story wasn’t capturing my attention like it did at other times. There was also one event that happened right before the end that felt a bit contrived. Even though I had a pretty good idea of how the story would end through the whole book, I enjoyed reading it and I think that’s largely because of the characters.
Characters
The main characters are Corin and Ariadne and their romance blossoms as the story progresses. I would peg their romance tropes as both instant love on Corin’s side and enemies to lovers on Ariadne’s side.
I loved Corin in the first chapter, he’s not arrogant and is kind, which is refreshing to read in a romance. He also has an internal struggle with the tradition that’s been passed down to him for him to become king, but feels a sense of obligation. This struggle was present through most of the book and comes into play at the end.
With Ariadne I loved how much mystery surrounded her with her presence, even though we read what happened to her at the beginning. She’s rightfully reluctant to help Corin, and reading their romance develop was really sweet. My heart hurt at times for them.
Rating 4/5
Summary
This story is inspired by the Greek myth of the Labyrinth with elements of romance. The setting takes place years after Theseus has escaped the Labyrinth and slain the minotaur, and there are definitely themes around rethinking traditions and familial obligations. It’s a short read, but it scratched my Greek Mythology itch so I highly recommend it if that’s what you’re looking for. I’m giving it 4 out of 5, because at times the middle part of the story sagged a bit. That said, I loved the characters and I loved the romance between the two main characters.
Story and Prose
The story is set around the Labyrinth and that “heirs” need to do their trial of three days in the Labyrinth. There’s a lot of mystery around the nature of the Labyrinth and how the tradition started and the encounters inside the Labyrinth definitely had Greek mythology vibes. I enjoyed reading about Corin attempting to navigate the Labyrinth and uncover the truths it holds.
The prose at the beginning was beautiful and really set the scene for entering the Labyrinth well. I found myself wanting more of that initial prose. Also, there were times around the middle where the story wasn’t capturing my attention like it did at other times. There was also one event that happened right before the end that felt a bit contrived. Even though I had a pretty good idea of how the story would end through the whole book, I enjoyed reading it and I think that’s largely because of the characters.
Characters
The main characters are Corin and Ariadne and their romance blossoms as the story progresses. I would peg their romance tropes as both instant love on Corin’s side and enemies to lovers on Ariadne’s side.
I loved Corin in the first chapter, he’s not arrogant and is kind, which is refreshing to read in a romance. He also has an internal struggle with the tradition that’s been passed down to him for him to become king, but feels a sense of obligation. This struggle was present through most of the book and comes into play at the end.
With Ariadne I loved how much mystery surrounded her with her presence, even though we read what happened to her at the beginning. She’s rightfully reluctant to help Corin, and reading their romance develop was really sweet. My heart hurt at times for them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️ 4.75 STARS ⭐️
If you’re looking to get your Greek mythology fix, this is a MUST READ! Growing up as a huge Percy Jackson fan, Greek mythology-inspired stories and retellings have ALWAYS drawn me in, and The Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter absolutely scratched that itch.
tropes:
🕯️ slow burn ⚔️ deadly trials ❤️ forced proximity ❤️🔥 forbidden love 🤝 yearning 🏛️ Greek mythology setting
As heir, Corin has three days to survive and conquer the labyrinth AS a trial for his royal succession. But to make it out, he must be willing to sacrifice what he cares about most, even if that means his life.
Then enters Ariadne, our FMC, the Threaded Daughter and the heart of the labyrinth.
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC, and it did not disappoint. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. This was an epic story that explored sacrifice, duty vs. love, the power of hope and the importance of emotional healing, all while keeping me completely invested in the story.
And Corin and Ariadne? 😭😭 Their relationship is a true slow burn. Once that trust started to form, they become SUCH a dynamic duo, and you can’t help but root for them. The yearning, the tension, the forbidden love... YES.
There were so many moments I was on the edge of my seat, not knowing where the labyrinth & this story would turn next.
If you love Greek mythology, deadly trials, slow-burn romance and characters who will make you feel everything, add this one to your TBR!
If you’re looking to get your Greek mythology fix, this is a MUST READ! Growing up as a huge Percy Jackson fan, Greek mythology-inspired stories and retellings have ALWAYS drawn me in, and The Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter absolutely scratched that itch.
tropes:
🕯️ slow burn ⚔️ deadly trials ❤️ forced proximity ❤️🔥 forbidden love 🤝 yearning 🏛️ Greek mythology setting
As heir, Corin has three days to survive and conquer the labyrinth AS a trial for his royal succession. But to make it out, he must be willing to sacrifice what he cares about most, even if that means his life.
Then enters Ariadne, our FMC, the Threaded Daughter and the heart of the labyrinth.
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC, and it did not disappoint. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. This was an epic story that explored sacrifice, duty vs. love, the power of hope and the importance of emotional healing, all while keeping me completely invested in the story.
And Corin and Ariadne? 😭😭 Their relationship is a true slow burn. Once that trust started to form, they become SUCH a dynamic duo, and you can’t help but root for them. The yearning, the tension, the forbidden love... YES.
There were so many moments I was on the edge of my seat, not knowing where the labyrinth & this story would turn next.
If you love Greek mythology, deadly trials, slow-burn romance and characters who will make you feel everything, add this one to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ariadne deserved so much better, and Corin? My heart.
I went into this expecting a Greek mythology retelling, but what I got was a surprisingly emotional story about betrayal, sacrifice, loneliness, and finally being chosen for who you are rather than what you can provide.
Ariadne completely broke my heart. Her history, the betrayal, and the way she sacrificed made her so much more than the tragic woman from the myth.
And then there’s Corin. I loved watching him slowly realize that the stories he had been taught were nothing like the truth. His connection with Ariadne felt tender and genuine.
The Labyrinth itself was such a fascinating character in the story, and I loved how the mythology was reimagined while still keeping those familiar pieces.
And THAT ending? My heart. Watching Ariadne finally walk out of the Labyrinth with Corin was exactly the ending she deserved.
A beautiful, emotional Greek mythology retelling with a slow-burn romance, a haunted Labyrinth, and a heroine who deserved her freedom.
I went into this expecting a Greek mythology retelling, but what I got was a surprisingly emotional story about betrayal, sacrifice, loneliness, and finally being chosen for who you are rather than what you can provide.
Ariadne completely broke my heart. Her history, the betrayal, and the way she sacrificed made her so much more than the tragic woman from the myth.
And then there’s Corin. I loved watching him slowly realize that the stories he had been taught were nothing like the truth. His connection with Ariadne felt tender and genuine.
The Labyrinth itself was such a fascinating character in the story, and I loved how the mythology was reimagined while still keeping those familiar pieces.
And THAT ending? My heart. Watching Ariadne finally walk out of the Labyrinth with Corin was exactly the ending she deserved.
A beautiful, emotional Greek mythology retelling with a slow-burn romance, a haunted Labyrinth, and a heroine who deserved her freedom.
Review of advance copy
*Received ARC copy from author*
I needed something to get me out of a reading slump, and I'm so glad I learned about this debut novel. Never have I read a book in which things truly feel alive! Fans of Piranesi and The Song of Achilles, move this to the top of your TBR immediately. I'll be coming back to re-read this many times due to the beautiful weaving of dialogue and description by O'Donnell. I appreciate that I felt as if I were truly in the Labyrinth with Corin and Ariadne. I usually have a hard time picturing fantasy settings, but this was written so vividly that I had no trouble being transported there.
I'm also thankful for a fantasy that didn't contain extra fluff as well. This is a fantastic, dramatic, heart-wrenching read that won't lose you amidst 20 pages of describing a forest. Nobody needs that when there's a slow burn to follow!
Very excited to read more by the author. Her debut novel has set the bar quite high!
I needed something to get me out of a reading slump, and I'm so glad I learned about this debut novel. Never have I read a book in which things truly feel alive! Fans of Piranesi and The Song of Achilles, move this to the top of your TBR immediately. I'll be coming back to re-read this many times due to the beautiful weaving of dialogue and description by O'Donnell. I appreciate that I felt as if I were truly in the Labyrinth with Corin and Ariadne. I usually have a hard time picturing fantasy settings, but this was written so vividly that I had no trouble being transported there.
I'm also thankful for a fantasy that didn't contain extra fluff as well. This is a fantastic, dramatic, heart-wrenching read that won't lose you amidst 20 pages of describing a forest. Nobody needs that when there's a slow burn to follow!
Very excited to read more by the author. Her debut novel has set the bar quite high!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader review :
I wasn’t expecting what I read, genuinely! I like to keep myself as midline as I can as an arc reader, I love a good romance, but tend to stay away from fantasy/mythology/monsters. But boy did this surprise me.
I couldn’t put it down! I loved it! The slow burn between our mmc and fmc was *chefs kiss*
The fact we got that deep dive into our fmc (Ariadne) made my heart go through so many emotions. The betrayal, the love, the longing..it was very well written.
With our mmc (Corin) he is much different from the heirs who came before him, and we are shown that off rip. But to see him slowly fall for Ariadne DISPTE knowing how history writes her off.
Would recommend! And plan on reading again in a few months :)
*didn’t give it a 5/5 just because the way the prologue started; giving readers a ton of information in two pages was crazy, but as the store continued it made more sense.
I wasn’t expecting what I read, genuinely! I like to keep myself as midline as I can as an arc reader, I love a good romance, but tend to stay away from fantasy/mythology/monsters. But boy did this surprise me.
I couldn’t put it down! I loved it! The slow burn between our mmc and fmc was *chefs kiss*
The fact we got that deep dive into our fmc (Ariadne) made my heart go through so many emotions. The betrayal, the love, the longing..it was very well written.
With our mmc (Corin) he is much different from the heirs who came before him, and we are shown that off rip. But to see him slowly fall for Ariadne DISPTE knowing how history writes her off.
Would recommend! And plan on reading again in a few months :)
*didn’t give it a 5/5 just because the way the prologue started; giving readers a ton of information in two pages was crazy, but as the store continued it made more sense.
September 8, 2026
3.5🌟
Thank you so much for an ARC read of The Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter!
The story between Corin and Ariadne was truly an experience. There were ups and downs, with many obstacles to overcome through the Labyrinth. I was truly excited to see what was to come next and how they would persevere through the days in the Labyrinth.
Do not even get me started on Ariadne... she has every right to become the villain of this story; however, she stayed true to herself and never let what happened to her grow into resentment. She truly deserves the world, and I hope Ariadne and Corin find true happiness outside of the Labyrinth.
I will not lie, this story was hard for me to get into and felt slow-paced, but by the end it caught my attention, and I could understand why it starts the way it starts. I loved the Greek Mythology in this book and how it is retold within the story. It just makes me want to pick up more Greek Mythology books and never stop reading them.
Thank you so much for an ARC read of The Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter!
The story between Corin and Ariadne was truly an experience. There were ups and downs, with many obstacles to overcome through the Labyrinth. I was truly excited to see what was to come next and how they would persevere through the days in the Labyrinth.
Do not even get me started on Ariadne... she has every right to become the villain of this story; however, she stayed true to herself and never let what happened to her grow into resentment. She truly deserves the world, and I hope Ariadne and Corin find true happiness outside of the Labyrinth.
I will not lie, this story was hard for me to get into and felt slow-paced, but by the end it caught my attention, and I could understand why it starts the way it starts. I loved the Greek Mythology in this book and how it is retold within the story. It just makes me want to pick up more Greek Mythology books and never stop reading them.
September 8, 2026
**I received this book as an ARC copy for an honest review**
This is a great debut novel for this author it is a quick read which is great when you don't have a whole lot of time but miss being able to sit down and read a good book.
If you love Greek mythology this is a great book for you. It takes place in the labyrinth many years after Theseus defeats the minotaur and the "heirs" or descendants of Theseus must enter the labyrinth as a rite of passage to claim their place on the throne.
The author does a beautiful job setting the scenes and making you feel like you are standing in the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth becomes a living breathing being on the pages you can feel the emotions.
It is a story of triumph, love, sacrifice and betrayal.
There were some parts that were a little slow moving but don't give it up because it is worth it.
This is a great debut novel for this author it is a quick read which is great when you don't have a whole lot of time but miss being able to sit down and read a good book.
If you love Greek mythology this is a great book for you. It takes place in the labyrinth many years after Theseus defeats the minotaur and the "heirs" or descendants of Theseus must enter the labyrinth as a rite of passage to claim their place on the throne.
The author does a beautiful job setting the scenes and making you feel like you are standing in the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth becomes a living breathing being on the pages you can feel the emotions.
It is a story of triumph, love, sacrifice and betrayal.
There were some parts that were a little slow moving but don't give it up because it is worth it.
September 9, 2026
I couldn't put it down! This was such a beautiful, emotional Greek mythology retelling. The slow-burn romance between FMC and MMC was everything, unfolding naturally as the story progressed. The rich writing immediately drew me into the maze.
I specially love the FMC's history, her betrayal, and the sacrifices she made. She felt like so much more than the tragic woman fromthe myth. And the Labyrinth, absolutely fascinationg: twisted, haunting, claustrophobic, a character itself.
I loved how the mythology was reimagined while still keeping familiar pieces that make the story recognizable. And that ending! emotional, beautiful and satisfying.
A haunting labyrinth, a slow-burn romance, a trial and a myhtology retelling that made an old story feel fresh again.
Thank you to the author for eARC, this is my honest review.
I specially love the FMC's history, her betrayal, and the sacrifices she made. She felt like so much more than the tragic woman fromthe myth. And the Labyrinth, absolutely fascinationg: twisted, haunting, claustrophobic, a character itself.
I loved how the mythology was reimagined while still keeping familiar pieces that make the story recognizable. And that ending! emotional, beautiful and satisfying.
A haunting labyrinth, a slow-burn romance, a trial and a myhtology retelling that made an old story feel fresh again.
Thank you to the author for eARC, this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Greek mythology, so I was excited to read a story with the labyrinth and all the mythology mixed in. I liked Corin and Ariadne together. Their relationship was definitely a slow burn, but I liked watching them slowly start to trust each other. There was so much tension between them and I found myself rooting for them the whole time.
The labyrinth and the trials kept me interested because I never really knew what was going to happen next. There were also a few things that had me questioning what was really going on, especially with Bristle. I loved the mythology, the characters, the romance, and all the twists along the way. If you like Greek mythology and fantasy with some romance mixed in, I’d definitely recommend this one.
The labyrinth and the trials kept me interested because I never really knew what was going to happen next. There were also a few things that had me questioning what was really going on, especially with Bristle. I loved the mythology, the characters, the romance, and all the twists along the way. If you like Greek mythology and fantasy with some romance mixed in, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25⭐️
This was a solid debut about loyalty, love, sacrifice, and courage. Corin and Ariadne were both easy to fall in love with. Corin being a strong, but sweet and caring main character was a good touch to this book. He actually gave a damn about his people and what he finds out about Ariadne. I really just wanted to give Ariadne a hug the entire book. That girl was done wrong in so many ways.
I enjoyed the overall world building in this book. The Labyrinth was its own character with twisted and claustrophobic reasoning for taking sacrifices. I also really enjoyed the side characters in this book.
This was a solid debut about loyalty, love, sacrifice, and courage. Corin and Ariadne were both easy to fall in love with. Corin being a strong, but sweet and caring main character was a good touch to this book. He actually gave a damn about his people and what he finds out about Ariadne. I really just wanted to give Ariadne a hug the entire book. That girl was done wrong in so many ways.
I enjoyed the overall world building in this book. The Labyrinth was its own character with twisted and claustrophobic reasoning for taking sacrifices. I also really enjoyed the side characters in this book.
September 6, 2026
This was a great debut! I’ve always loved Greek Mythology re-imaginings, but it’s been a long time since I’ve read one. Corin and Ariadne had depth as characters, and I was rooting for them the whole time! While insta-love isn’t my favorite, it was refreshing to see it more one-sided on Corin’s end while it was much more of a slow burn on Ariadne’s end. The plot was fast-paced and the prose was enchanting! The labyrinth itself as a character was intriguing to unravel as the story went on. I also really appreciated that the end wrapped up nicely, making this a great standalone!
•
Thank you to Madeleine O’Donnell for gifting me this eARC! This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
•
Thank you to Madeleine O’Donnell for gifting me this eARC! This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
August 11, 2026
This was My very first time being an ARC reader and I really enjoyed this book!! Corin’s internal battle the whole book was written so well. Sometimes voicing stuff I was thinking already. At first I was wondering why he was so trusting in the labyrinth but since it was alive I’m sure he felt he could trust her. This was a great quick, short read I will definitely be recommending to my reading friends :) I have to wonder what happened to Bristle. And all the other creatures inside, if they just had access to leave now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter is a delightful standalone novel for any Greek mythology enthusiast (I’m looking at you, Percy Jackson fans!).
This title does an excellent job delivering an exposition of values and loss within a little over 200 pages. The story is clear and easy to follow.
As someone who frequently reads fantasy novels that are usually 600-800 pages plus, this is a story that you can get lost in and finish within a day. I’d be excited for the potential of any additional excerpts/epilogues to see where Corin and his other companions end up.
This title does an excellent job delivering an exposition of values and loss within a little over 200 pages. The story is clear and easy to follow.
As someone who frequently reads fantasy novels that are usually 600-800 pages plus, this is a story that you can get lost in and finish within a day. I’d be excited for the potential of any additional excerpts/epilogues to see where Corin and his other companions end up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amazing read! I love Greek mythology and this had a great spin on it. This had me with sooooo many questions with very quick answers but one question lingered till the end. The whole time he was in the labyrinth I couldn’t help but think about Mirelle, Taleon broke my heart and also one question still remains but that can also be my curiosity, what happened to Bristle?
I felt Corin falling in love with Ariadne and I knew that he was going to do everything he could to be with her in Knossos. I love it!
I felt Corin falling in love with Ariadne and I knew that he was going to do everything he could to be with her in Knossos. I love it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fascinating retelling of the Labyrinth story from Greek Mythology! I enjoyed this short read. It was a clean easy story. The world is almost wholly centered on the labyrinth as opposed to the greater world setting, but it was still interesting to follow the authors ideas about how that works.
I'm a sucker for a good happily ever after so definitely pleased with the ending. ❤️❤️
Fantastic debut book!
I'm a sucker for a good happily ever after so definitely pleased with the ending. ❤️❤️
Fantastic debut book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(Received ARC) The buildup of tension and mystery in this story is masterful. Greek mythology has always been alluring to me, and this novel brings to life the story of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur in the most surprising way. Through Corin's trial in the maze, the book explores how myths begin and how we perpetuate them for our gain. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful novela.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(Received ARC) This story had so many twists I wasn't expecting, and the resolution was satisfying. This isn't the played out deadly trials theme, but something far more complex and emotional.
The characters we're introduced to are thoughtful and compelling without taking away from the fast-paced story. If you're looking for a suspenseful page turner that can be knocked out in a weekend this is the book for you!
The characters we're introduced to are thoughtful and compelling without taking away from the fast-paced story. If you're looking for a suspenseful page turner that can be knocked out in a weekend this is the book for you!
September 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and I'm so glad I was able to receive an early copy from the author. It had mystery and yearning with a bit of fantasy mixed in. I found it did drag on a little, especially with it being less than 250 pages. I really got into it the last 25-30% and was eager to get to the ending. I was hopeful but not sure what was going to happen and really loved the way things worked out for the Ariadne and Corin. Great story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As someone who has also been obsessed with Greek mythology for as long as I can remember, I devoured every word of this story. It was familiar and comfortable and at the same time offered new, intriguing, and satisfying elements. What a great find!
I received a free ARC from the author. This is a voluntary review of my experience.
I received a free ARC from the author. This is a voluntary review of my experience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter by Madeleine O'Donnell was a dark, atmospheric fantasy filled with mystery, danger, and twists. I loved the eerie Labyrinth and the secrets hidden within it. Corin’s journey kept me hooked, and the mysterious woman added an intriguing layer to the story. Overall, this was a captivating read!
Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter by Madeleine O'Donnell was a dark, atmospheric fantasy filled with mystery, danger, and twists. I loved the eerie Labyrinth and the secrets hidden within it. Corin’s journey kept me hooked, and the mysterious woman added an intriguing layer to the story. Overall, this was a captivating read!
Review of advance copy
3.5 star. I liked the overall story. I like the flow of the story. I did not feel the connection between the main characters especially early on. Which is the reason it’s not higher rated. It was definitely more of a slow story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This was a beautiful Greek mythology retelling that had me really caring about the characters and had my heart breaking for them. It had so many emotions depicted so well to the point that you could really feel what they were feeling, the sorrow, the loneliness, the betrayal and more.
This was a beautiful Greek mythology retelling that had me really caring about the characters and had my heart breaking for them. It had so many emotions depicted so well to the point that you could really feel what they were feeling, the sorrow, the loneliness, the betrayal and more.
September 9, 2026
This book delivers! I love mythology especially Greek and throughly enjoyed this take, i had all the emotions and I don’t want to give the ending away, but I will say persevere even when she feel like giving up!!
August 23, 2026
This book was amazing. You can tell the author knows a lot about Greek Mythology. She does a great job intertwining the myths with the characters stories. As someone, who loves Greek, mythology I absolutely loved this book. I loved how Ariadne’s story was retold. I also loved the subplot of romance and the slow burn in this book. I think myths are always blaming someone else and making them look a certain way. We only ever get to see one side of the story. I really liked how Madeline O’Donnell wrote this story and gave us a different perspective. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes mythology or fantasy. This book will be released on September 8th, 2026. Please go support her, this is her debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars! This book started out strong and definitely drew me in from the beginning. I highly enjoyed this book and it kept me entertained the whole time. I would 100% recommend this book! It was so well written!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a easy day read. It went smoothly and was hard to put down. Some Mythology and mythological creatures. A trail to test the next leader and a love story that can heal old wounds.
Mythology ✔️
Mythological creatures ✔️
Trails 👌🏻
Betrayal 👀
Family trauma 👏🏻
Love ❤️
Mythology ✔️
Mythological creatures ✔️
Trails 👌🏻
Betrayal 👀
Family trauma 👏🏻
Love ❤️
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews