Starfall: Phaeton and the Chariot of the Sun

by Michael Cadnum

A child of the sun seeks his father—and risks destruction for the thrill of speed

In the grazing fields outside the village, a griffin swoops from the sky to attack a lamb. To save the innocent creature, a boy called Phaeton hurls rocks at the assailant, taunting it to come after him instead. As the mythical beast charges, Phaeton turns and runs. The griffin is quick, but it cannot catch Phaeton. He is the fastest boy in the world, and he believes there is nothing he cannot outrun.
 
Phaeton is a child of Apollo, god of the sun. When he learns the nature of his birth, this proud young man embarks on an epic journey to challenge his father and claim his birthright. But even though his heritage is divine, Phaeton is only human. When he comes face-to-face with the might of the gods, he will learn that mortals are not meant to soar so high.

Genres: Mythology, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Young Adult

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Michael Cadnum has had a number of jobs over the course of his life, including pick-and-shoveler for the York Archaeological Trust, in York, England, and substitute teacher in Oakland, California, but his true calling is writing. He is the author of thirty-five books, including the National Book Award finalist The Book of the Lion. His Calling Home and Breaking the Fall were both nominated for the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Award. He is a former Creative Writing Fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts. Also a poet, he has received several awards, including Poetry Northwest's Helen Bullis Prize and the Owl Creek Book Award. Michael lives in Albany, California, with his wife Sherina.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely retelling of the classic story of Apollo's son Phaeton and his desire for reassurance, based on the stories of the Roman pantheon from Ovid. Written for children, but still quite enjoyable for an adult.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retelling of the myth of Phaeton, I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. It takes the story of Phaeton from Greek myth(Roman, in Ovid's telling of it, which other reviews indicate this is intended to mimic), and retells it for a young adult, more modern audience, while maintaining the heart of the ancient tales. It's hard to describe exactly the things that help in the mimicking of the style; things like giving descriptors to most of its characters, the use of certain core concepts, like hospitality, and also the quick changes of scene, which seem very characteristic not of a modern young adult novel but of an ancient myth. I think this book was extremely skillfully written, and as a Classics major I heartily approve.

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

YA?, mythology, quick read
Boy, this is a tough one to rate. I didn’t love it, but it just wasn’t for me. Mythology is interesting, but it all seems so silly, from a Christian perspective. The ending was depressing, but I can’t say why because that would be a spoiler.
For the right reader, this could be a very fun read. There was a lot of action and adventure.
I have to say that I enjoyed the respect for elders and the good manners shown by most everyone… except that one bratty kid who needs a severe attitude adjustment 😄

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flight of Fantasy is all it is as far as story goes. More a fancy exercise in fancy English writing. Anyway it is interesting short read and keeps you engaged for short while.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was pretty good actually, the language made it feel like a myth.

[Brutus Vergilis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starfall Review
The book Starfall is an action packed and extremely exciting book. It tells the story of a young man named Phaeton who is kind and polite to adults but can also be very arrogant. He is a little too confident in himself. He wonders if he is the god Apollo’s son, so he goes on a journey to Apollo in order to ask him. Apollo is strong and cautious, but also pressured into things easily. Phaeton encounters many conflicts on his journey. Lastly there is a tragic ending, but you will have to read the book in order to find out what happens. I enjoyed this book because of the fighting and action on his journey. I also liked the tragic ending because it was such a great big finale that came with a lesson. If you like adventure books full of action you should read Starfall. I guarantee you will enjoy it.

[Denise Ashlock-Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. You follow the delightful Starfall as she touches the lives of her fellow classmates. I can see kids that I went to high school with in parts of Starfall's character. Spinelli did a masterful job of writing this story, it was very easy to read and very enjoyable.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the retelling of this myth. I thought the details were believable - the ancient Greek characters were not given 21st century motivations but were sympathetic all the same. What bothered me was the use of the Roman god names rather than Greek, but I guess that just means I'm a myth snob.

[Tibby]

This was a clever, quick read. I thought this did a great job fleshing out the original myth. I would pass this on to the kid who is totally into mythology.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the imagery and balance of storytelling and myth-telling. The characterizations are precise and immediately pull at the reader's sympathies. Very well written.

[Magistra · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Durham Public Library.