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Icarus
A myth as old as civilization. The boy who donned wax wings and flew too close to the sun. Follow the tale of Icarus. And that of the father who tried to save him ... but brought his life to an end. You will come to love him. Then you will watch him fall. Live the tragic story as you never imagined possible.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2017
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594 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews
September 7, 2025
I wrote this.
May 5, 2019
A lot of us know the story of Daedalus and Icarus and know the tragic ending of the Greek myth. When I purchased this book on Kindle, since it had been recommended to me, I thought that I was going to read a fun retelling of the story of the myth of Icarus. I love Greek mythology, so it seemed like this would be perfect for me. And it was perfect, but it was so much more.
How does a writer take a story that many people are familiar with, know to expect a tragic ending, but still rip the readers' hearts out? Especially when the story does not deviate much at all from the myth? While reading this, I found myself thinking: "Maybe it won't end the way I think it's going to end." or "Please don't let this thing happen."
I had to think about this book for a day before I figured out why Adam Wing was able to still devastate a reader who is familiar with the myth. One, he is a superb writer. Two, he gave the characters' humanity you don't get from the myth, and he inserted a level of pathos that the myth itself cannot match. A third of the way through the book, when you are fully invested in the characters, you will feel a sense of dread, knowing what is to come for these people you now love.
Adam Wing did an excellent job of telling an ancient tale in a way that engages the reader, has them flipping the pages, while equally excited to know what is to happen and also dreading it. This was flawless and gorgeous. I can't recommend it enough.
How does a writer take a story that many people are familiar with, know to expect a tragic ending, but still rip the readers' hearts out? Especially when the story does not deviate much at all from the myth? While reading this, I found myself thinking: "Maybe it won't end the way I think it's going to end." or "Please don't let this thing happen."
I had to think about this book for a day before I figured out why Adam Wing was able to still devastate a reader who is familiar with the myth. One, he is a superb writer. Two, he gave the characters' humanity you don't get from the myth, and he inserted a level of pathos that the myth itself cannot match. A third of the way through the book, when you are fully invested in the characters, you will feel a sense of dread, knowing what is to come for these people you now love.
Adam Wing did an excellent job of telling an ancient tale in a way that engages the reader, has them flipping the pages, while equally excited to know what is to happen and also dreading it. This was flawless and gorgeous. I can't recommend it enough.
October 19, 2019
This is an exceptionally well-written piece with prose so smooth and flowing it feels as if the writing of it required no effort at all from the author.
It was mid-afternoon and the sun hammered down on them like an open flame. Beyond the stony hills and sharp ridges of the coast below, where armies of reflected light made shimmering displays of war on the sapphire fields of the Aegean, Daedalus almost thought he could see fingers of steam curling up off of the horizon...
Adam Wing's Icarus is a story derived from the popular Greek myth. It's a enchanting book with rich and colorful characters, easily placing you in the moment. Be warned, you may cry.
Highly recommend.
It was mid-afternoon and the sun hammered down on them like an open flame. Beyond the stony hills and sharp ridges of the coast below, where armies of reflected light made shimmering displays of war on the sapphire fields of the Aegean, Daedalus almost thought he could see fingers of steam curling up off of the horizon...
Adam Wing's Icarus is a story derived from the popular Greek myth. It's a enchanting book with rich and colorful characters, easily placing you in the moment. Be warned, you may cry.
Highly recommend.
April 24, 2020
We all think we know this story - this myth. And despite knowing that Icarus' downfall was somewhat deserved, I found myself hoping, wishing, needing Adam Wing to choose to end this fable differently.
Icarus, an adult fiction telling - not retelling, definitely not simply a retelling, is the smart, sassy, humorous, and intelligent telling of the story of Icarus and his father Daedalus. Although the moral and myth of the story hold true, the tragedy of Icarus comes at the hand of his own hubris, I became so attached to the young man through his personality, his relationships, his evolution - I simply could not bare to see his downfall.
Adam Wing's imaginative imagery and poetic prose were engaging and truly brought the Greek world of Crete to life. If only high school allowed for myths to be studied through writing like this.
So looking forward to the next book by this author.
Icarus, an adult fiction telling - not retelling, definitely not simply a retelling, is the smart, sassy, humorous, and intelligent telling of the story of Icarus and his father Daedalus. Although the moral and myth of the story hold true, the tragedy of Icarus comes at the hand of his own hubris, I became so attached to the young man through his personality, his relationships, his evolution - I simply could not bare to see his downfall.
Adam Wing's imaginative imagery and poetic prose were engaging and truly brought the Greek world of Crete to life. If only high school allowed for myths to be studied through writing like this.
So looking forward to the next book by this author.
April 5, 2022
4.25 stars
this was so good and I am crying
full review when I have the words and I'm not in shambles
this was so good and I am crying
full review when I have the words and I'm not in shambles
February 29, 2020
Icarus by author Adam Wing is a clever and well written interpretation of a classic myth, taking characters from a famous story and giving them new depth.
I am in love with Adam Wing's writing. No sentence, no word, no clause has been placed without care and forethought, making for a vivid and engaging read. I'm a big fan of metaphor and literary words and they abound in this book. The literary words give it class; the metaphors are never too far out there, yet imaginative enough for the mind to create a beautiful comparison. The narration carries the confidence of a seasoned storyteller, whether it's intentional or not, and it works wonderfully for this tale.
The Greek myths are widely admired, a peek into the minds of our ancient ancestors and how they made sense of themselves and the world. The Greeks believed in progress and destiny, and the myths, although sometimes cautionary, are never preachy like religious parables can be. This wonderful retelling is a huge compliment to one of the most famous, the cautionary tale, Icarus. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this talented writer.
I am in love with Adam Wing's writing. No sentence, no word, no clause has been placed without care and forethought, making for a vivid and engaging read. I'm a big fan of metaphor and literary words and they abound in this book. The literary words give it class; the metaphors are never too far out there, yet imaginative enough for the mind to create a beautiful comparison. The narration carries the confidence of a seasoned storyteller, whether it's intentional or not, and it works wonderfully for this tale.
The Greek myths are widely admired, a peek into the minds of our ancient ancestors and how they made sense of themselves and the world. The Greeks believed in progress and destiny, and the myths, although sometimes cautionary, are never preachy like religious parables can be. This wonderful retelling is a huge compliment to one of the most famous, the cautionary tale, Icarus. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this talented writer.
February 25, 2023
Adam Wing does a phenomenal job bringing the tragedy of Icarus to life with new beats that keep the story fresh and relatable. More than worth the read for any fan of Greek Mythology.
September 15, 2020
I've never read a retelling of Icarus before, so when the author offered me a copy for review, I was excited to get to it!
Right off the bat, Icarus was earnest and likeable. And his first meeting with Onetas was adorable. Daedulus, on the other hand, was not more interesting than truly likeable. At this point in his life, he's fairly calloused and hardened. It's obvious he loves his son, but beating the boy for disobeying the rules meant to keep him safe rather than, you know, actually explaining the danger to him makes him less sympathetic. But his intellect and his scheming make him a fun character to follow nonetheless.
I did appreciate the changes to the retelling. The original myth has Icarus falling from the sky from sheer hubris and stupidity, but this story makes the moment multi-faceted. He's not some pride-filled boy that wants to flout his father's rules. He's a poor kid that's been kept shackled and silent finally having a chance at freedom. It's a much more understandable mindset, and the moment is all the more tragic for it.
While anyone with even a glancing knowledge of the original story knows it ends in tragedy, I was not expecting it to be quite as tragic as it became. The last fourth reads like a horror story and was a bit jarring in it's tonal shift. I appreciate the use of the labyrinth and the careful line the author walked between realism and myth, including all the most iconic fantasy moments, but not having the gods pop in every other chapter.
The only reason I could not give this book a solid 5 star was that it felt slightly thin at times. That the cast of characters was small was understandable, but I would have preferred a few more signs of menace from the antagonist and more scenes with the young romance. But what is there is an incredibly enjoyable read.
Right off the bat, Icarus was earnest and likeable. And his first meeting with Onetas was adorable. Daedulus, on the other hand, was not more interesting than truly likeable. At this point in his life, he's fairly calloused and hardened. It's obvious he loves his son, but beating the boy for disobeying the rules meant to keep him safe rather than, you know, actually explaining the danger to him makes him less sympathetic. But his intellect and his scheming make him a fun character to follow nonetheless.
I did appreciate the changes to the retelling. The original myth has Icarus falling from the sky from sheer hubris and stupidity, but this story makes the moment multi-faceted. He's not some pride-filled boy that wants to flout his father's rules. He's a poor kid that's been kept shackled and silent finally having a chance at freedom. It's a much more understandable mindset, and the moment is all the more tragic for it.
While anyone with even a glancing knowledge of the original story knows it ends in tragedy, I was not expecting it to be quite as tragic as it became. The last fourth reads like a horror story and was a bit jarring in it's tonal shift. I appreciate the use of the labyrinth and the careful line the author walked between realism and myth, including all the most iconic fantasy moments, but not having the gods pop in every other chapter.
The only reason I could not give this book a solid 5 star was that it felt slightly thin at times. That the cast of characters was small was understandable, but I would have preferred a few more signs of menace from the antagonist and more scenes with the young romance. But what is there is an incredibly enjoyable read.
March 24, 2020
Icarus is a novel that reimagines the myth of Icarus and Daedelus in such a way that it feels like an actual historic event. By no means is this a repetition of the myth. It is a unique tale that expands upon the myth to give us a possible backstory into the driving emotions behind Daedelus' need to escape from Crete.
The author cleverly alternates between Icarus and Daedelus, telling us the tale of an impulsive and clever child, and the knowledgeable, but somewhat arrogant father. Icarus grows from a shy child to a strong willed individual after making a friend (something his father forbid him to do). Icarus is very likable, and I was rooting for him throughout, wondering whether he would escape the fate that happened to him in the myth. The story is set in Crete and the description of the characters going about their lives makes you truly feel like they are living in ancient Greece.
The characters are fantastic. The author manages to make each personality distinct and believable, even for the more minor players. I found King Minos particularly captivating...in a reprehensible way. The story is thoroughly entertaining and extremely well edited. I read most of this novel in a day.
I have nothing but compliments for this well crafted novel and highly recommend that you give it a read. Easy five stars.
The author cleverly alternates between Icarus and Daedelus, telling us the tale of an impulsive and clever child, and the knowledgeable, but somewhat arrogant father. Icarus grows from a shy child to a strong willed individual after making a friend (something his father forbid him to do). Icarus is very likable, and I was rooting for him throughout, wondering whether he would escape the fate that happened to him in the myth. The story is set in Crete and the description of the characters going about their lives makes you truly feel like they are living in ancient Greece.
The characters are fantastic. The author manages to make each personality distinct and believable, even for the more minor players. I found King Minos particularly captivating...in a reprehensible way. The story is thoroughly entertaining and extremely well edited. I read most of this novel in a day.
I have nothing but compliments for this well crafted novel and highly recommend that you give it a read. Easy five stars.
February 23, 2020
The story begins with a description of Icarus trying to catch octopuses. It's effective in a couple of ways. Firstly, who the hell knew trying to get some of the tentacled buggers could be so gripping? (Seriously, I'd happily take a book on this alone). Secondly, and more importantly, it helps us come to know the depth of our title character's cleverness and determination. This is where Wing shines. His characters are not the flat folk of myth. They breathe, fume, speak, and wobble in three dimensions, particularly in the case of Daedalus. I hated Ik's father upon meeting him but brimmed with empathy when I had to say goodbye. There is no more enjoyable experience than having to reckon with and reevaluate my feelings for a character.
You don't need to know the myth to enjoy this book. If you know it well (this is the sort of thing I nerded out about hard when I was Ik's age), you'll be comfortable, too. It's early goings for 2020, but I know this will stay one of my favorites of the year. Ik's final thought has been ringing in my head and chest for weeks.
You don't need to know the myth to enjoy this book. If you know it well (this is the sort of thing I nerded out about hard when I was Ik's age), you'll be comfortable, too. It's early goings for 2020, but I know this will stay one of my favorites of the year. Ik's final thought has been ringing in my head and chest for weeks.
March 13, 2022
A well done adaptation of the myth of Icarus. The presentation of Icarus as an intelligent character alongside his unusual ideas of fun and often petulant attitude immediately drew me in. This book was a blend of humour and tragedy and my only complaint is that it was so short. I would have liked the relationship between Onetas and Icarus to have been seen more and developed more within the book, as this would have heightened the tragic element for me. That being said what we do see of all the characters is still satisfying and this is a lovely read as it is.
August 1, 2020
Different but good
Admittedly I did not know really anything of Icarus before reading this book. It took me a few pages to get into the world, but once I got it, I was hooked. I felt strongly in both the “Son” and “Father” sections.
I could see each characters’ sides and wanted their desires. The relationship Icarus builds with Oentas was interesting and not what I expected but in reading it I couldn’t imagine it happening differently. The mysteries of the labyrinth intrigued me and I wanted to know more. The end threw me for a loop but
after finishing the book and researching the original story I realized I should have known it was coming.
But still. For going in blindly, I was peasantry surprised with this unique retelling
Admittedly I did not know really anything of Icarus before reading this book. It took me a few pages to get into the world, but once I got it, I was hooked. I felt strongly in both the “Son” and “Father” sections.
I could see each characters’ sides and wanted their desires. The relationship Icarus builds with Oentas was interesting and not what I expected but in reading it I couldn’t imagine it happening differently. The mysteries of the labyrinth intrigued me and I wanted to know more. The end threw me for a loop but
after finishing the book and researching the original story I realized I should have known it was coming.
But still. For going in blindly, I was peasantry surprised with this unique retelling
April 13, 2022
“fly for me.”
many dumb icarus’ story down to only the fall— to his arrogance in how he challenged the sun. this story is a great retelling of a story in which you already know the end. similar to song of achilles, the tragedy is coming, and yet you still continue to read.
daedalus’ love for his son, misunderstood and overbearingly strict as it may be, fueled his desire to free his son from the fate of a slave. so, he gave his only son wings. a beautiful story, retold in a beautiful way.
many dumb icarus’ story down to only the fall— to his arrogance in how he challenged the sun. this story is a great retelling of a story in which you already know the end. similar to song of achilles, the tragedy is coming, and yet you still continue to read.
daedalus’ love for his son, misunderstood and overbearingly strict as it may be, fueled his desire to free his son from the fate of a slave. so, he gave his only son wings. a beautiful story, retold in a beautiful way.
May 26, 2019
loved this book, fabulous tale amazingly written, great writer
January 5, 2022
An amazing retelling of a classic story, definitely worth the read :)
June 7, 2019
Everyone knew Ik was a moron.
Truth?
Lie?
Deception?
All the above?
If you are interested in this book, I’ll take a wild guess and say you are somewhat familiar with the myth of Icarus.
I live next door to Greece. We share a lot of history and our religion, and being practically a family all their myths are my own. So to say I was apprehensive going in would be an understatement. Now I see there was no need for that. I’ll borrow the author’s words and say that this is not re-imagining, but the retelling of that myth. Adam moved a couple of things around, added and subtracted, and the result is one of best Icarus myth tellings I have ever read. But make no mistake, it’s still a Greek tragedy.
All myths, legends, and fairytales are primarily constructed to teach us a lesson or five. As entertaining as they are, being funny and cute is not their function. The entertainment part is there so we can swallow the pill a tad easier. Therefore, you can read this story in two ways.
You can take the philosophical stand and learn that most of the time there are no happy endings in life. If you are born different, you have to hide your true self in order to survive. If you are different in any way, disabled, queer, anything other than normative, pretending to be something you’re not is the only way out. But then, sometimes there is no way out. No matter what you do. And sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you will fail. Sometimes you have to bid your time and accept punishment for not conforming until you can escape. You need to be cautious and protect yourself, because most of the time that thing that sets you apart is the very thing that will eventually bring you down.
Sometimes your good intentions don’t mean a thing, and can only be hurtful. Sometimes you pave, not just the road, but your own entire hell with your good intentions. And yes, sometimes even the unconditional love can seal your faith and end you.
Yes, it is a tragedy, but it gives you a chance to learn on someone else's mistakes. Because when you learn the lessons you are prepared for the real world. You just have to remember to use them.
Of course, you can read it just as a story. And it is an amazing story. Witty, quick, without unnecessary lag and all the boring parts. Magnificently portrayed setting, realistic characters you can so easily bond with. It’s the story about family, great friendships and first love. It’s the story about everyday life and hardships and pains.
You can read it in many different ways, but you have to read it. This book is going straight to my favorites shelf and whatever I say I can’t recommend it enough. I’ll be talking about it for a long time. Read it. I mean it. Thank me later.
Truth?
Lie?
Deception?
All the above?
If you are interested in this book, I’ll take a wild guess and say you are somewhat familiar with the myth of Icarus.
I live next door to Greece. We share a lot of history and our religion, and being practically a family all their myths are my own. So to say I was apprehensive going in would be an understatement. Now I see there was no need for that. I’ll borrow the author’s words and say that this is not re-imagining, but the retelling of that myth. Adam moved a couple of things around, added and subtracted, and the result is one of best Icarus myth tellings I have ever read. But make no mistake, it’s still a Greek tragedy.
All myths, legends, and fairytales are primarily constructed to teach us a lesson or five. As entertaining as they are, being funny and cute is not their function. The entertainment part is there so we can swallow the pill a tad easier. Therefore, you can read this story in two ways.
You can take the philosophical stand and learn that most of the time there are no happy endings in life. If you are born different, you have to hide your true self in order to survive. If you are different in any way, disabled, queer, anything other than normative, pretending to be something you’re not is the only way out. But then, sometimes there is no way out. No matter what you do. And sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you will fail. Sometimes you have to bid your time and accept punishment for not conforming until you can escape. You need to be cautious and protect yourself, because most of the time that thing that sets you apart is the very thing that will eventually bring you down.
Sometimes your good intentions don’t mean a thing, and can only be hurtful. Sometimes you pave, not just the road, but your own entire hell with your good intentions. And yes, sometimes even the unconditional love can seal your faith and end you.
Yes, it is a tragedy, but it gives you a chance to learn on someone else's mistakes. Because when you learn the lessons you are prepared for the real world. You just have to remember to use them.
Of course, you can read it just as a story. And it is an amazing story. Witty, quick, without unnecessary lag and all the boring parts. Magnificently portrayed setting, realistic characters you can so easily bond with. It’s the story about family, great friendships and first love. It’s the story about everyday life and hardships and pains.
You can read it in many different ways, but you have to read it. This book is going straight to my favorites shelf and whatever I say I can’t recommend it enough. I’ll be talking about it for a long time. Read it. I mean it. Thank me later.
March 28, 2019
This is such a powerful retelling of the Icarus myth with a focus on the internal motivations of Icarus and his fraught relationship with his father, Daedalus. In a brutal world where life is cheap and the only way Daedalus knows how to keep is son alive is through demanding complete obedience and heaping emotional and physical abuse on Icarus in the face of any defiance, Icarus struggles to find himself and understand the world around him through his isolation. His budding friendship with another boy, Onetas, opens him to a new world of adventure and discovery, but at the cost of his safety. Wing tells this story with lyrical, poetic prose well-suited to the mythology and writes compelling, flawed characters that try their best to navigate the difficult world they inhabit. Note that the violence, physical and sexual abuse, and objectification of women, can make this world difficult for readers to navigate as well.
December 23, 2024
Oh Icarus how I love you.
I am shocked that I'd never heard of this book till my mom randomly found it and read it before going it to me. It's so beautiful! And while not perfectly accurate, it's close too it and I felt like I was in the story. I fell deeply in love with Icarus and Onetas, and their story broke my heart. The writing is descriptive and lovely. I would recommend this to anyone who read The Song Of Achilles and loved it. Greek tragedy stories have my whole heart and Icarus has been a story I've loved since a kid. Though we are taught the opposite, I always wanted to be more like Icarus. I'm a freshman in highschool and I've always struggled miserably with anxiety and being afraid of everything. To me I would give anything to fly a little closer to the sun, live a little dangerously. This heartwrenching take on the story made me love Icarus even more, and I saw myself in Ik constantly. This book was amazing and not a super long read. I finished it within the span of a day! I'm on vacation but I plan to take it hope and go back through to highlight and take some notes. Will hold my copy of this book close to my heart.
I am shocked that I'd never heard of this book till my mom randomly found it and read it before going it to me. It's so beautiful! And while not perfectly accurate, it's close too it and I felt like I was in the story. I fell deeply in love with Icarus and Onetas, and their story broke my heart. The writing is descriptive and lovely. I would recommend this to anyone who read The Song Of Achilles and loved it. Greek tragedy stories have my whole heart and Icarus has been a story I've loved since a kid. Though we are taught the opposite, I always wanted to be more like Icarus. I'm a freshman in highschool and I've always struggled miserably with anxiety and being afraid of everything. To me I would give anything to fly a little closer to the sun, live a little dangerously. This heartwrenching take on the story made me love Icarus even more, and I saw myself in Ik constantly. This book was amazing and not a super long read. I finished it within the span of a day! I'm on vacation but I plan to take it hope and go back through to highlight and take some notes. Will hold my copy of this book close to my heart.
January 28, 2018
Icarus, Wing's first novel, is a breathtaking and exciting adventure. The main character, Ik, is incredibly innovative, quick-minded, and endlessly curious about the world. The unfolding of his desires and pursuits throughout the book keep the momentum high and Wing's writing always entices the reader to read on. His words illustrate so well, leaving the reader the sense that they are in fact exploring the landscapes of Crete. I loved the suspense of the plot line, and I really appreciated Ik's exploration of the Labyrinth. I am impressed by the 'coming-of-age' feel of this novel as well. I would definitely recommend this book to all; you do not need to be a connoisseur of Ancient Greek Mythology to enjoy this text (I am not a connoisseur myself), but Wing's well-planned, carefully-researched descriptions of Ancient Greece (the inventions, food, social structures...) will be appreciated by even the most scrutinizing appreciators of the myth of Icarus.
May 16, 2019
I highly recommend this page turner book.
Icarus is a well-written and moving story filled with adventure, emotion, and humility. You can get lost in Wing’s poetic writing and superb imagination. Wing retells this old tale in a way that the characters' joy, fear and sorrow becomes yours. I couldn’t believe the author’s ability to provoke so many emotions in me as I read through the chapters. I also highlighted many passages in the book and thought about them throughout the day.
If you like well-written books with detailed descriptions, beautiful prose, captivating characters, and tangible, deep emotions, this book is for you.
Icarus is a well-written and moving story filled with adventure, emotion, and humility. You can get lost in Wing’s poetic writing and superb imagination. Wing retells this old tale in a way that the characters' joy, fear and sorrow becomes yours. I couldn’t believe the author’s ability to provoke so many emotions in me as I read through the chapters. I also highlighted many passages in the book and thought about them throughout the day.
If you like well-written books with detailed descriptions, beautiful prose, captivating characters, and tangible, deep emotions, this book is for you.
October 25, 2020
This is a book where myth and legend are carefully curated into a well-crafted tale.
In his intro, Mr Wing explains his objectives, which I interpreted as crafting a balance between the essence of the myth and melding it with what we know of scientific possibilities in the 21st Century.
But this book is so much more than that. This book explores such a wide range of compelling themes that I found myself being drawn into the world, times this book is set in and its themes which still weave through the fabric of our society today. It is simply enthralling with a good pace and wonderful scene setting and of course the story narrative itself.
This is a masterful creation and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
In his intro, Mr Wing explains his objectives, which I interpreted as crafting a balance between the essence of the myth and melding it with what we know of scientific possibilities in the 21st Century.
But this book is so much more than that. This book explores such a wide range of compelling themes that I found myself being drawn into the world, times this book is set in and its themes which still weave through the fabric of our society today. It is simply enthralling with a good pace and wonderful scene setting and of course the story narrative itself.
This is a masterful creation and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
December 26, 2018
A new spin on an old myth
Wing's Icarus is one of those stories that you feel needed to be told. I am a fan of mythology and Icarus is one of stories that always stands out in my mind. This story told by Wing brings it to a new level, a new dimension of storytelling. Wing pens a remarkable story, and what once seemed like an old myth is a wonderful fantasy. This is the first of Wing's work that I've read, but I look forward to reading more by this author.
Wing's Icarus is one of those stories that you feel needed to be told. I am a fan of mythology and Icarus is one of stories that always stands out in my mind. This story told by Wing brings it to a new level, a new dimension of storytelling. Wing pens a remarkable story, and what once seemed like an old myth is a wonderful fantasy. This is the first of Wing's work that I've read, but I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 2, 2018
Icarus took one of my least favourite Greek myths and managed to change my opinion on it. The characters are so beautifully thought out and realistic that even though I already knew how the myth ends, I loved the character of Ik so much I found myself hoping it would change. This was definitely one of the best books I read all year.
April 30, 2019
If you're a fan of Ancient Greek Mythology, then you'll love this book. It's the retelling of the story Icarus. Wing made me feel like I was in Crete exploring the landscape. The story is well written, and centers on the stressful relationship between Icarus and his father, Daedalus.
June 19, 2019
Wow!! Icarus by Adam Wing is an incredible read! The writing is outstanding and the imagery is so alive and powerful that it continues to live with me. I am in awe of this book and I will be thinking about it for a long time! I loved it and I highly recommend it!!
January 17, 2025
(3.75)
“He could not think. He could not breathe. He wished his last thought could have been about Onetas.”
I love the tale of Icarus and Daedalus. I die every time. Very happy I read this, although I am met with devastation.
“He could not think. He could not breathe. He wished his last thought could have been about Onetas.”
I love the tale of Icarus and Daedalus. I die every time. Very happy I read this, although I am met with devastation.
April 11, 2019
Two important things:
1) I am a friend of the author.
2) In general, I’m not attracted to retellings.
With those out of the way, this is a great debut work. The world of our main characters is beautifully realized, as are their motivations.
I loved Wing’s use of setting and his ability in expanding the classic story we all know and giving it new life that makes it all the more heartbreaking.
1) I am a friend of the author.
2) In general, I’m not attracted to retellings.
With those out of the way, this is a great debut work. The world of our main characters is beautifully realized, as are their motivations.
I loved Wing’s use of setting and his ability in expanding the classic story we all know and giving it new life that makes it all the more heartbreaking.
March 22, 2021
THIS HURT SO BAD OMG I CRIED IN MY CLASS READING THIS, very good book overall though
July 15, 2019
I refrained from pulling my old mythology books off the shelf to refresh my memory of the story of Icarus before reading Adam's Wing's take. That was the best approach, as Wing's Icarus provides enough of the story's pillars (King Minos, the Labyrinth, Daedalus' inventions) to bring forth those memories while creating entirely new ones.
We already know the ultimate fate of Icarus, and that it involves a healthy dose of hubris. Never before have we come to know the character so well, though. The hubris we so often associate with him, a flaw for which he pays the price, may well have belonged to another. And some of the most powerful and heart-wrenching tragedies occur even before Icarus dons his wings.
This is a wonderful book, carefully constructed out of a true desire to tell the story. Every sentence reads as though it was painstakingly and lovingly crafted, every word perfectly placed. I look forward to reading more from Adam Wing.
We already know the ultimate fate of Icarus, and that it involves a healthy dose of hubris. Never before have we come to know the character so well, though. The hubris we so often associate with him, a flaw for which he pays the price, may well have belonged to another. And some of the most powerful and heart-wrenching tragedies occur even before Icarus dons his wings.
This is a wonderful book, carefully constructed out of a true desire to tell the story. Every sentence reads as though it was painstakingly and lovingly crafted, every word perfectly placed. I look forward to reading more from Adam Wing.
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