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The Child of the Erinyes #1
The Year-God's Daughter
Book one, The Child of the Erinyes series. Historical Fantasy with a love story.
Crete: A place of magic, of mystery, where violence and sacrifice meet courage and hope.
Aridela: Wrapped in legend, beloved of the people. An extraordinary woman who dances with bulls.
The north wind brings a swift ship and two brothers who plot Crete's overthrow. Desire for this woman will propel their long rivalry into hatred so murderous it hurtles all three into an unimaginable future, and sparks the immortal rage of the Erinyes.
A woman of keen instinct and unshakeable loyalty. A proud warrior prince and his wounded half-brother. Glory, passion, treachery and conspiracy on the grandest scale.
What seems the end is only the beginning. . . .
Crete: A place of magic, of mystery, where violence and sacrifice meet courage and hope.
Aridela: Wrapped in legend, beloved of the people. An extraordinary woman who dances with bulls.
The north wind brings a swift ship and two brothers who plot Crete's overthrow. Desire for this woman will propel their long rivalry into hatred so murderous it hurtles all three into an unimaginable future, and sparks the immortal rage of the Erinyes.
A woman of keen instinct and unshakeable loyalty. A proud warrior prince and his wounded half-brother. Glory, passion, treachery and conspiracy on the grandest scale.
What seems the end is only the beginning. . . .
Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
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About the author
Rebecca Lochlann
15 books61 followersThe series is complete! All nine books (and some boxed sets) are published and available, including a box set of the entire series.
The Child of the Erinyes is a nine-book journey (Goodreads calls it 8, but it's actually 9) spanning nearly 4000 years: beginning in the Mediterranean Bronze Age, it follows the lives of a woman and two men as they are reborn seven times through history.
The author envisions her epic story as a new kind of myth, one built upon the foundation of the Greek classics, and continuing through the centuries right up to now and the future.
It has become her life's work to complete the series, though she didn't exactly intend it to be that way when she began.
Lochlann categorizes The Child of the Erinyes series as mythic fantasy, inspired by the myth of Ariadne, Theseus, and the Minotaur.
The Year-god's Daughter, book one of the series, is followed by The Thinara King, which precedes book three, In the Moon of Asterion. The series doesn't end there. Book four, a novella, The Moon Casts a Spell, is next; it introduces book five, The Sixth Labyrinth. Falcon Blue jumps back in time again to the magical Arthurian age. When the Moon Whispers, told in two books, and Swimming in the Rainbow take the reader forward in time to an uneasy dystopian future.
Thank you to everyone who has read my books and left their thoughts. It is much appreciated.
Lochlann believes that certain individuals, either blessed or tortured, voluntarily or involuntarily, are woven by fate (or the Immortals) into the labyrinth of time, and that deities sometimes speak to us through dreams and visions, gently prompting us to tell their lost stories.
Who knows? It could make a difference.
The Child of the Erinyes is a nine-book journey (Goodreads calls it 8, but it's actually 9) spanning nearly 4000 years: beginning in the Mediterranean Bronze Age, it follows the lives of a woman and two men as they are reborn seven times through history.
The author envisions her epic story as a new kind of myth, one built upon the foundation of the Greek classics, and continuing through the centuries right up to now and the future.
It has become her life's work to complete the series, though she didn't exactly intend it to be that way when she began.
Lochlann categorizes The Child of the Erinyes series as mythic fantasy, inspired by the myth of Ariadne, Theseus, and the Minotaur.
The Year-god's Daughter, book one of the series, is followed by The Thinara King, which precedes book three, In the Moon of Asterion. The series doesn't end there. Book four, a novella, The Moon Casts a Spell, is next; it introduces book five, The Sixth Labyrinth. Falcon Blue jumps back in time again to the magical Arthurian age. When the Moon Whispers, told in two books, and Swimming in the Rainbow take the reader forward in time to an uneasy dystopian future.
Thank you to everyone who has read my books and left their thoughts. It is much appreciated.
Lochlann believes that certain individuals, either blessed or tortured, voluntarily or involuntarily, are woven by fate (or the Immortals) into the labyrinth of time, and that deities sometimes speak to us through dreams and visions, gently prompting us to tell their lost stories.
Who knows? It could make a difference.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 8, 2012
Set amongst the mystery of the Minoan Labyrinth and the heart-pounding thrill of the bull-dancing ring, The Year-God’s Daughter is the first volume of The Child of the Erinyes, a sweeping epic of a series spanning time from the Bronze Age to the near future.
In Rebecca Lochlann’s first novel, we are introduced to Aridela, a young priestess and princess – and to the mysteries of Athene, the inscrutable goddess whose hand guides Aridela’s fate. Aridela is the youngest daughter of the queen of Kaphtor (Crete). She was born under portentious circumstances and has grown up revered and pampered in her mother’s palace. She is headstrong and strangely wise for her age, seemingly born to rule – yet her meek elder sister Iphiboë is the heir to Kaphtor, and Aridela is pledged to a life of celibacy and service to the goddess Athene.
This novel, being the first in a long series, is largely set-up for events to come; yet The Year-God’s Daughter is packed with plenty of action. As the groundwork is being laid for the rest of the series, the reader follows Aridela through her coming-of-age – and follows, too, the lives of the people she touches, whose fates are altered by contact with this young woman chosen by Athene: Iphiboë, Themiste the high priestess, Selene the foreign warrior-woman, Lycus the bull-dancer, and more fascinating characters are subtly moved like pawns on a game board by Aridela’s unknowing influence.
Most notable on the list of characters entwined with Aridela are Menoetius and Chrysaleon, half-brothers and sons of the king of Mycenae. They are sent on a mission by their power-hungry father to discern Kaphtor’s weaknesses so that Mycenae might take control of the rich island nation. But both brothers soon find themselves in love with Aridela…and at one another’s throats.
The depth of historical information in this novel will delight fans of the genre. A surprising amount of history and archaeology has been slipped unobtrusively into the narrative. Lochlann has clearly done an astounding amount of research into her historical setting and culture, yet she never overwhelms the reader with specifics, nor does she lecture. The conveyance of historical facts and archaeological tidbits feels very natural, woven deftly into the dialogs and thoughts of her intriguing cast of characters.
The primary strength of this book is the writing itself, which I can only describe as sumptuous. Lochlann has a great flair for sensory detail and fills her novel with such a wealth of sights, sounds, smells, and flavors that the reader feels absolutely immersed in the world of ancient Crete from the first page. Reading The Year-God’s Daughter is a delicious experience – seldom have I read a historical novel with such a well-drawn setting, and the fact that this book is independently published makes the feat all the more remarkable. The rare grammatical gaffe occasionally pulled me out of the tale, but never for more than a moment – and while I often found myself wishing I understood some characters’ motives better, I have to assume that, since this is the first in a series with extreme scope, more will be made clear as the series progresses. In any case, the luscious sensory prose was more than enough to keep me reading, and has left me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Note: A free copy of this novel was provided in exchange for an honest review.
In Rebecca Lochlann’s first novel, we are introduced to Aridela, a young priestess and princess – and to the mysteries of Athene, the inscrutable goddess whose hand guides Aridela’s fate. Aridela is the youngest daughter of the queen of Kaphtor (Crete). She was born under portentious circumstances and has grown up revered and pampered in her mother’s palace. She is headstrong and strangely wise for her age, seemingly born to rule – yet her meek elder sister Iphiboë is the heir to Kaphtor, and Aridela is pledged to a life of celibacy and service to the goddess Athene.
This novel, being the first in a long series, is largely set-up for events to come; yet The Year-God’s Daughter is packed with plenty of action. As the groundwork is being laid for the rest of the series, the reader follows Aridela through her coming-of-age – and follows, too, the lives of the people she touches, whose fates are altered by contact with this young woman chosen by Athene: Iphiboë, Themiste the high priestess, Selene the foreign warrior-woman, Lycus the bull-dancer, and more fascinating characters are subtly moved like pawns on a game board by Aridela’s unknowing influence.
Most notable on the list of characters entwined with Aridela are Menoetius and Chrysaleon, half-brothers and sons of the king of Mycenae. They are sent on a mission by their power-hungry father to discern Kaphtor’s weaknesses so that Mycenae might take control of the rich island nation. But both brothers soon find themselves in love with Aridela…and at one another’s throats.
The depth of historical information in this novel will delight fans of the genre. A surprising amount of history and archaeology has been slipped unobtrusively into the narrative. Lochlann has clearly done an astounding amount of research into her historical setting and culture, yet she never overwhelms the reader with specifics, nor does she lecture. The conveyance of historical facts and archaeological tidbits feels very natural, woven deftly into the dialogs and thoughts of her intriguing cast of characters.
The primary strength of this book is the writing itself, which I can only describe as sumptuous. Lochlann has a great flair for sensory detail and fills her novel with such a wealth of sights, sounds, smells, and flavors that the reader feels absolutely immersed in the world of ancient Crete from the first page. Reading The Year-God’s Daughter is a delicious experience – seldom have I read a historical novel with such a well-drawn setting, and the fact that this book is independently published makes the feat all the more remarkable. The rare grammatical gaffe occasionally pulled me out of the tale, but never for more than a moment – and while I often found myself wishing I understood some characters’ motives better, I have to assume that, since this is the first in a series with extreme scope, more will be made clear as the series progresses. In any case, the luscious sensory prose was more than enough to keep me reading, and has left me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Note: A free copy of this novel was provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2018
I read this book in instalments-I don't why, though. I mean it captured my interest completely and I actually cringed at Aridela's each childish mistake which means I actually felt something for the character. However, I still took my time finishing it.
None of the male characters seemed even remotely likeable and Aridela's feelings for them would seem odd, if not for the importance she (and the rest of that world) puts on dreams, portents and "religion".
Really liked the descriptions of places and the rituals were done beautifully, as was the portrayal of the contrast between Crete and the places who deified males.
If you like being immersed into other cultures through amazing writing, this is the book for you!
Also reviewed at:
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None of the male characters seemed even remotely likeable and Aridela's feelings for them would seem odd, if not for the importance she (and the rest of that world) puts on dreams, portents and "religion".
Really liked the descriptions of places and the rituals were done beautifully, as was the portrayal of the contrast between Crete and the places who deified males.
If you like being immersed into other cultures through amazing writing, this is the book for you!
Also reviewed at:
Shelfari
Amazon
B&N
BL
BS
WP
LI
ME
FB
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2018
Lochlann takes her reader into the mythic, mystical world of Minoan Crete with vibrancy and power. On the island of Crete, known as Kaphtor, a long line of women rule. Their male consorts “rule” for only a year as the Year-god and then are sacrificed to bring fertility to the land. On the mainland, the Mycenaean kingdoms fight among themselves and look with envy at Crete’s greater power and civilization. Rival kings yearn to overthrow the Cretan queen and win for themselves Crete’s preeminent position in trade and wealth. They also worship a male god and hold in distain the goddess who has guarded Crete for generations beyond memory. Thus Lochlann sets the central conflict in her opening novel of her Child of the Erinyes series, which in its eight books spans 4000 years from the Bronze Age to modern times as it follows the lives of two men and a woman who are reborn seven times through history.
The Year-god’s daughter of the title is Aridela, the youngest daughter of Crete’s queen. She has been sheltered and pampered, and her rebellious streak has been allowed to flourish. Lochlann gives her coming of age story rich depth as Aridela confronts threats and challenges both from within her royal world and from the princes of the mainland who circle around her and her family as they try to deceive, seduce and attack their way into supremacy. Sometimes they become entangled in their own snares as Aridela seduces in return. Aridela has goddess-sent dreams and speaks prophecies that reveal the fate of herself and her culture, but they are hard to interpret and even harder to obey. Two half-brothers from the mainland will influence the course of her life and force her to make lethal choices. As each choice presents unintended consequences, Aridela must grow and adapt to them. Family members both on Crete and the mainland, love each other, but when fate does not dole out the talents and gifts in equal measure, and siblings must watch the least suited child take the place they covet, then deep and impossible jealousies and conflicts wrench apart these families. This mythic world is an ideal place to watch such dramatic family tensions play out.
Lochlann’s rich language draws her reader into the story from the first sentences, invoking all of the senses: “The bull was so much bigger than she expected. His pitiless eyes sucked her breath away. The musky stench of his body obliterated the stands, the screaming audience, even the crushing hammer of heat.”
Lochlann uses precise details in abundance to bring to life long ago Knossos. She puts us inside the palace in a variety of ways, such as revealing what decorated the walls, “Frescoes of flitting swallows, high marsh grasses, monkeys, ibex, lilies, and of course, grazing bulls, surrounded them on all sides. Here were hazy mountains with plumes of smoke at their summits, bees rising from carcasses, and peasants holding offerings. They passed painted seas and leaping fish. Even the ceiling of this fantastic place was part of the nature scene, the colors as fresh and bright as if created that morning.” We see and hear the women of the royal court, “Disks sewn into the women’s skirts chimed as they walked, a soothing sound mostly lost beneath giggling and gossip. . . . The women fluttering around her were curled, oiled, and gilded. Their tight bodices made their breasts protrude like proud trophies.”
The Year-God’s Daughter succeeds in bringing to life a very distant world and capturing a heady blend of archaeology, legend, myth and fantasy.
The Year-god’s daughter of the title is Aridela, the youngest daughter of Crete’s queen. She has been sheltered and pampered, and her rebellious streak has been allowed to flourish. Lochlann gives her coming of age story rich depth as Aridela confronts threats and challenges both from within her royal world and from the princes of the mainland who circle around her and her family as they try to deceive, seduce and attack their way into supremacy. Sometimes they become entangled in their own snares as Aridela seduces in return. Aridela has goddess-sent dreams and speaks prophecies that reveal the fate of herself and her culture, but they are hard to interpret and even harder to obey. Two half-brothers from the mainland will influence the course of her life and force her to make lethal choices. As each choice presents unintended consequences, Aridela must grow and adapt to them. Family members both on Crete and the mainland, love each other, but when fate does not dole out the talents and gifts in equal measure, and siblings must watch the least suited child take the place they covet, then deep and impossible jealousies and conflicts wrench apart these families. This mythic world is an ideal place to watch such dramatic family tensions play out.
Lochlann’s rich language draws her reader into the story from the first sentences, invoking all of the senses: “The bull was so much bigger than she expected. His pitiless eyes sucked her breath away. The musky stench of his body obliterated the stands, the screaming audience, even the crushing hammer of heat.”
Lochlann uses precise details in abundance to bring to life long ago Knossos. She puts us inside the palace in a variety of ways, such as revealing what decorated the walls, “Frescoes of flitting swallows, high marsh grasses, monkeys, ibex, lilies, and of course, grazing bulls, surrounded them on all sides. Here were hazy mountains with plumes of smoke at their summits, bees rising from carcasses, and peasants holding offerings. They passed painted seas and leaping fish. Even the ceiling of this fantastic place was part of the nature scene, the colors as fresh and bright as if created that morning.” We see and hear the women of the royal court, “Disks sewn into the women’s skirts chimed as they walked, a soothing sound mostly lost beneath giggling and gossip. . . . The women fluttering around her were curled, oiled, and gilded. Their tight bodices made their breasts protrude like proud trophies.”
The Year-God’s Daughter succeeds in bringing to life a very distant world and capturing a heady blend of archaeology, legend, myth and fantasy.
October 27, 2012
I thought this was a brilliant book.
The story of the main characters, their passions, loyalties and fates is set against the background of the concerted attack on matriarchy in Bronze Age Greece, as typified by the ambitions of Poisedon worshipping Mycenae on the wealth and sea power of Ancient Crete, the bastion of Goddess worship.
I was drawn into this from the first, and extremely impressed by the wealth of background knowledge of ancient Knossos and Mycenae.
RA Lochlann is an unobtrusive narrator, but in depicting the defeat of matriarchy, doesn't take refuge behind a stance of 'authorial neutrality' covertly to endorse the brutalities of invading patrirachy; without being a hectoring, authorial presence she nevertheless clearly shows the brutality of her mainland, Poiseden worshipping princes in their attitudes towards women, the shabbiness of their motives in their attrack on Goddess worship (whatever they might say to themselves of 'putting an end to a barbaric custom' in ending the sacrifice of the King for a Year).
There is violence in this story, but it is never gratuitous; erotic intervals too, but they aren't written just to excite the reader but an integral part of the plot. The writing is strong throghout, and the author doesn't flinch in portraying the full bloodiness and violence of the death of The King for a Year any more than she flinches from showing the hostility towards a woman that lies behind an attempted rape.
The characters in this story are complicated, vivid and human, their motivation often realisticlly hidden from themselves. Intriguing symbols decorate the chapter headings, redolent of Ancient Crete. All the archetypical factors for a story of epic grandeur are here, conquest, ambition, conflicted loyalties, love, betrayal permeate the story.
Aridela, impulsive, recklessly brave, warm hearted, sensual, idealistic, impatient of the 'wisdom of her elders' is a lovable heroine.
Her first love, Menoetius is a truly tragic figure,as warped internally by his subegation to his brutal half-brother as he is scarred externally by the attack from the lioness.
Chryseleon, hateful in his arrogance and dishonesty, impelled my reluctant respect through the force of his courage, but I hope for his come uppance later in the story.
The story of the main characters, their passions, loyalties and fates is set against the background of the concerted attack on matriarchy in Bronze Age Greece, as typified by the ambitions of Poisedon worshipping Mycenae on the wealth and sea power of Ancient Crete, the bastion of Goddess worship.
I was drawn into this from the first, and extremely impressed by the wealth of background knowledge of ancient Knossos and Mycenae.
RA Lochlann is an unobtrusive narrator, but in depicting the defeat of matriarchy, doesn't take refuge behind a stance of 'authorial neutrality' covertly to endorse the brutalities of invading patrirachy; without being a hectoring, authorial presence she nevertheless clearly shows the brutality of her mainland, Poiseden worshipping princes in their attitudes towards women, the shabbiness of their motives in their attrack on Goddess worship (whatever they might say to themselves of 'putting an end to a barbaric custom' in ending the sacrifice of the King for a Year).
There is violence in this story, but it is never gratuitous; erotic intervals too, but they aren't written just to excite the reader but an integral part of the plot. The writing is strong throghout, and the author doesn't flinch in portraying the full bloodiness and violence of the death of The King for a Year any more than she flinches from showing the hostility towards a woman that lies behind an attempted rape.
The characters in this story are complicated, vivid and human, their motivation often realisticlly hidden from themselves. Intriguing symbols decorate the chapter headings, redolent of Ancient Crete. All the archetypical factors for a story of epic grandeur are here, conquest, ambition, conflicted loyalties, love, betrayal permeate the story.
Aridela, impulsive, recklessly brave, warm hearted, sensual, idealistic, impatient of the 'wisdom of her elders' is a lovable heroine.
Her first love, Menoetius is a truly tragic figure,as warped internally by his subegation to his brutal half-brother as he is scarred externally by the attack from the lioness.
Chryseleon, hateful in his arrogance and dishonesty, impelled my reluctant respect through the force of his courage, but I hope for his come uppance later in the story.
August 26, 2016
Unfortunately what I thought was a great match for me as a reader turned out not to be when it came to The Year-God's Daughter. The author's style and the main characters did not work for me. The author's general writing style tends to leans towards and/or wholly embrace purple prose and waxing poetic. I grabbed a quote at random:
Zzzzz
As far as the main characters go, both the female and male leads were rather dramatic in their own way and this is not surprising considering the author's purple prose. Though I will say that the apparent attraction and relationship was rather weird considering the age difference (he is 17, she is 10). It is noted that the girl does not want to be with the man in the "usual fashion," but the relationship is borderline at best. This quote just about did me in when it came to the book:
SHE IS TEN!! "Her perfect partner," and the "only living male she would ever love." Oh, please. Let's not pull back on the drama at any point or anything. Ugh, ridiculousness.
The day's heat dissipated and the air turned dewy-violet. Cheers greeted the glowing half-orb as it lifted, white and luminous as gypsum, above a sparkling sea.
Zzzzz
As far as the main characters go, both the female and male leads were rather dramatic in their own way and this is not surprising considering the author's purple prose. Though I will say that the apparent attraction and relationship was rather weird considering the age difference (he is 17, she is 10). It is noted that the girl does not want to be with the man in the "usual fashion," but the relationship is borderline at best. This quote just about did me in when it came to the book:
Tears obscured the courtyard. She'd never felt so abused by life. It wasn't the first time she'd questioned Goddess Athene's wisdom. For as long as she could remember, she'd known she would make a better queen than her sister, but the accident of being born second destined her to life as a common priestess, buried in the sacred caves. Now her perfect partner, he who adored the Lady as much as she, the only living male she would ever love, had abandoned her for Selene.
Athene, my Mother, why do you punish me?
SHE IS TEN!! "Her perfect partner," and the "only living male she would ever love." Oh, please. Let's not pull back on the drama at any point or anything. Ugh, ridiculousness.
December 10, 2011
Aridella is meant to be a priestess, to save herself for no man, and to become an oracle, dedicating her life to Athena. Only she doesn't want to.
Iphoebe is a princess, destined to become the next queen, to carry on the royal line, to marry and to sacrifice her husband to the Year-god. Only she doesn't want to.
Aridella's birth herald's a time of change, but those who love her are determined to protect her. In protecting her, are they not defying the Goddess's will? All that they understand and think they know is challenged when the sons of the Mycenean king come to call, with aspirations for the Cretan throne, and for Aridella. Can they have both? And what happens when their year is up? Will they even survive to be the conquerors they are determined to be. And, of course, there can be only one.
It's been a long time since I was so engrossed in a book. From beginning to end it was an absolute page-turner. Ms. Lochlan's research must be extensive, as her representation of ancient Crete was vivid and convincing. Each setting was painted in just enough detail to place me within the scene without ever feeling heavy handed. Her action scenes were written with precision, as though she'd fought in them herself. Her characters are believable and easy to empathise with, even poor Iphoebe, the shrinking violet of a crowned princess. The plot is anything but predictable, and as a series, the question asked above, have not yet been answered. I'm anxious to read the follow-up. I know I won't be disappointed. This was a really great read, absolutely transported me to another time and place. I love it when a book can do that.
Iphoebe is a princess, destined to become the next queen, to carry on the royal line, to marry and to sacrifice her husband to the Year-god. Only she doesn't want to.
Aridella's birth herald's a time of change, but those who love her are determined to protect her. In protecting her, are they not defying the Goddess's will? All that they understand and think they know is challenged when the sons of the Mycenean king come to call, with aspirations for the Cretan throne, and for Aridella. Can they have both? And what happens when their year is up? Will they even survive to be the conquerors they are determined to be. And, of course, there can be only one.
It's been a long time since I was so engrossed in a book. From beginning to end it was an absolute page-turner. Ms. Lochlan's research must be extensive, as her representation of ancient Crete was vivid and convincing. Each setting was painted in just enough detail to place me within the scene without ever feeling heavy handed. Her action scenes were written with precision, as though she'd fought in them herself. Her characters are believable and easy to empathise with, even poor Iphoebe, the shrinking violet of a crowned princess. The plot is anything but predictable, and as a series, the question asked above, have not yet been answered. I'm anxious to read the follow-up. I know I won't be disappointed. This was a really great read, absolutely transported me to another time and place. I love it when a book can do that.
November 19, 2011
From the first chapter, The Year-god's Daughter blew me away. Lochlann's vivid attention to detail, extensive research, and striking writing style all move to invoke in the reader a visceral and emotional response to the characters' desires, successes and failures. This is a rich, sensual world the reader stumbles into. It's like stepping through the veil of time to discover a people and a culture that feel so familiar they could be your ancient ancestors.
The story will entice you--a life-and-death struggle for power and love and the torment of wanting and not having. These are universal tribulations that Lochlann explores here, and despite the distance of time and page, the reader will find their own desires and longings reflecting back at them through the beautiful words that Lochlann weaves.
I'd highly recommend this novel to anyone who adores mythology, coming-of-age stories, and historicals. Beautiful, beautiful stuff.
The story will entice you--a life-and-death struggle for power and love and the torment of wanting and not having. These are universal tribulations that Lochlann explores here, and despite the distance of time and page, the reader will find their own desires and longings reflecting back at them through the beautiful words that Lochlann weaves.
I'd highly recommend this novel to anyone who adores mythology, coming-of-age stories, and historicals. Beautiful, beautiful stuff.
October 1, 2014
An excellent first novel. The fog of history thickens the farther back one looks. A story about Bronze Age Crete must necessarily be long on invention, but Lochlan strives to get the religious, technological and cultural foundations of her story right. The fantasy elements form an organic whole with the history and romance. Only occasionally does too-modern speech or action break the spell of the story telling.
So, why the lower rating? Because this story does not end; it just stops. The point of division between this and the next book is at the right place, but she should have given readers a better closure for this story. (Compare this with the writings of Patrick Rothfuss and Michael J. Sullivan, who make each novel a self-contained whole, while linking to the works that precede or follow.) It said "the end" but it certainly didn't feel like an ending.
The cover art drew me to read the work. Unfortunately, Lochlan did not identify the sculpture featured.
A good read.
So, why the lower rating? Because this story does not end; it just stops. The point of division between this and the next book is at the right place, but she should have given readers a better closure for this story. (Compare this with the writings of Patrick Rothfuss and Michael J. Sullivan, who make each novel a self-contained whole, while linking to the works that precede or follow.) It said "the end" but it certainly didn't feel like an ending.
The cover art drew me to read the work. Unfortunately, Lochlan did not identify the sculpture featured.
A good read.
September 21, 2015
Rebecca Lochlann has breathed life into the fascinating world of ancient Crete in this beautifully written book. Meticulous research has enabled her to let us experience, rather than see, an exotic land we can no longer visit. And the complex characters are presented so vividly that we can’t fail to be gripped by the intriguing, unfamiliar action.
But most impressive is her ability to make us empathize with a lifestyle and beliefs that are so dramatically different from our own...and yet, somehow, feel surprisingly modern in some ways. Her skill draws us into that world, and for a time we can allow ourselves to think as the Cretans thought, and understand the headstrong princess Aridela, reluctant acolyte priestess, bull dancer and rebel.
Of course, underlying all the beauty and nobility of a long-established culture looms the ominous threat of disaster.
But most impressive is her ability to make us empathize with a lifestyle and beliefs that are so dramatically different from our own...and yet, somehow, feel surprisingly modern in some ways. Her skill draws us into that world, and for a time we can allow ourselves to think as the Cretans thought, and understand the headstrong princess Aridela, reluctant acolyte priestess, bull dancer and rebel.
Of course, underlying all the beauty and nobility of a long-established culture looms the ominous threat of disaster.
July 4, 2012
I read this book in a couple of sittings which is thanks to its page-turning qualities! Loved the sensuous, evocative descriptions of ancient Crete, lovely, rich use of language and yet simple enough to absorb. My favourite part is the searing love between our 2 lovers and when I turned the final page I was disappointed to find it had ended! More please.
February 4, 2012
Book Review THE YEAR GOD'S DAUGHTER by Rebecca Loughlan
Dolores A McCabe, reviewer
Aridela is the younger daughter of Queen Helice. She is high-spirited and sometimes reckless. Her adventuring spirit leads her to the labyrinth, a fearsome place where she is rescued by the mysterious visitor to their kingdom, Menoetius.
Thus begins this epic three-part saga set in ancient Greece, when it was only a vast scattering of rival tribes which were not yet even city-states. The author has done an impressive amount of research into the customs and religious practices of these pagan times. Queen Helice is soon to be succeeded by her shy, reclusive older daughter, Iphoboe. Each year the Queen's consort must compete in various games of endurance and strength, culminating in the final battle within the labyrinth, which often claimed the life of the royal consort. In this way, the slain king's blood enriched the earth.
Aridela is destined to be a virgin priestess, but her sister commands her to take her place in the rite initiating her to her station. Aridela lies with the stranger from another land, sealing her destiny and his with a desire that will overcome all obstacles to their life together. Chrysaleon, the "golden lion" seen in the high priestess' vision, is enamored and resolves to have Aridela and her kingdom for himself. He will destroy her kingdom's religious rites and lead it into slavery.
But what of his half-brother, Menoetius, who is also deeply in love with Aridela?
This book is rich with detail and poetic imagery.
"The waning moon, still gibbous, left speckles of ivory upon the leaves of the oaks."
And again,
"During the reign of Helice’s grandmother, artisans fashioned gardens for the pleasure of those who lived in the palace of Labyrinthos. Lying outside the breakfast hall, the lush foliage filled that room with scent and delighted the eye with color. Potted flowers and fruits mingled with old apple and almond trees, edged by beds of aromatic rosemary, thyme, oregano, and mint. Flagstone paths wound through arbors of hanging blooms, past cascades of jasmine and oleander. Cypress benches invited one to sit and enjoy the tranquility. Many species of birds found refuge in the branches of the trees and leant their singing to the overall appeal; vivid scenes of birds, ivy, lilies and fish decorated the sheltering north and south walls."
This highly crafted use of poetic description opens the gates of the reader's imagination and pulls the reader right into this ancient world. The only complaint I have is that the foreign names were difficult to master and remember, a small criticism indeed. At times I lost track of the action and who was who, particularly since Menoetius had disguised himself under the assumed name of Carmanor so he could spy upon Helice's kingdom. But overall, things became much clearer as the action picked up. The sisters must accept their destinies, the Games must be undertaken, and the decisive battle must take place within the dread labyrinth.
Highly recommended.
Dolores A McCabe, reviewer
Aridela is the younger daughter of Queen Helice. She is high-spirited and sometimes reckless. Her adventuring spirit leads her to the labyrinth, a fearsome place where she is rescued by the mysterious visitor to their kingdom, Menoetius.
Thus begins this epic three-part saga set in ancient Greece, when it was only a vast scattering of rival tribes which were not yet even city-states. The author has done an impressive amount of research into the customs and religious practices of these pagan times. Queen Helice is soon to be succeeded by her shy, reclusive older daughter, Iphoboe. Each year the Queen's consort must compete in various games of endurance and strength, culminating in the final battle within the labyrinth, which often claimed the life of the royal consort. In this way, the slain king's blood enriched the earth.
Aridela is destined to be a virgin priestess, but her sister commands her to take her place in the rite initiating her to her station. Aridela lies with the stranger from another land, sealing her destiny and his with a desire that will overcome all obstacles to their life together. Chrysaleon, the "golden lion" seen in the high priestess' vision, is enamored and resolves to have Aridela and her kingdom for himself. He will destroy her kingdom's religious rites and lead it into slavery.
But what of his half-brother, Menoetius, who is also deeply in love with Aridela?
This book is rich with detail and poetic imagery.
"The waning moon, still gibbous, left speckles of ivory upon the leaves of the oaks."
And again,
"During the reign of Helice’s grandmother, artisans fashioned gardens for the pleasure of those who lived in the palace of Labyrinthos. Lying outside the breakfast hall, the lush foliage filled that room with scent and delighted the eye with color. Potted flowers and fruits mingled with old apple and almond trees, edged by beds of aromatic rosemary, thyme, oregano, and mint. Flagstone paths wound through arbors of hanging blooms, past cascades of jasmine and oleander. Cypress benches invited one to sit and enjoy the tranquility. Many species of birds found refuge in the branches of the trees and leant their singing to the overall appeal; vivid scenes of birds, ivy, lilies and fish decorated the sheltering north and south walls."
This highly crafted use of poetic description opens the gates of the reader's imagination and pulls the reader right into this ancient world. The only complaint I have is that the foreign names were difficult to master and remember, a small criticism indeed. At times I lost track of the action and who was who, particularly since Menoetius had disguised himself under the assumed name of Carmanor so he could spy upon Helice's kingdom. But overall, things became much clearer as the action picked up. The sisters must accept their destinies, the Games must be undertaken, and the decisive battle must take place within the dread labyrinth.
Highly recommended.
December 26, 2012
This was an awesome read that I actually wanted to stretch to more than 4 stars but not quite 5. Set in ancient Greece, taking place mostly on the isle of Crete, we are drawn into this world as if we were there. Here, they worship the goddess Athene and is a matriarchal society. Every year a bull king is chosen and at the end of that year his blood sacrifice causes their prosperity to continue.
Aridela is the second daughter. She is high spirited and wishes to be queen. But as teh second daughter she is destined to be closeted in the mountains and traned as a priestess. She doesn't want to wither away within the mountains. Her sister, Iphiboe, is destined to be queen but she doesn't want to. She would rathe take Aridela's place within the mountain and spend her time in prayer. She is fearful and everyone knows she will not make a strong queen.
Menoetius, using the alias Carmanor, saves Aridela when she is a child when she collapses from injuries sustained in the bull ring. She loves him then but it is many years before their paths cross again. When she is a woman, Menotius and his brother Chrysaleon come back to Kaphtor. Chrysaleon falls in love with Aridela and enters the tournament to become bull king. In his lust for Aridella not believing he will spend his time with Iphiboe. Not to mention failing to mention his current wife. As a foreign prince from Mycenae, he belives this union will let them conquer Crete and change their ways.
Set amidst gods and goddesses, symbolism and dreams, this tale of ancient Greece is one that is hard to stop reading. Love triangles and passions enhance this story as well as the violence that this time was known for. I love the flow of the story, it changes perspective between the main characters but is in no way distracting. I would recommend this read to anyone that loves tales of ancient Greece. Loved it!
Aridela is the second daughter. She is high spirited and wishes to be queen. But as teh second daughter she is destined to be closeted in the mountains and traned as a priestess. She doesn't want to wither away within the mountains. Her sister, Iphiboe, is destined to be queen but she doesn't want to. She would rathe take Aridela's place within the mountain and spend her time in prayer. She is fearful and everyone knows she will not make a strong queen.
Menoetius, using the alias Carmanor, saves Aridela when she is a child when she collapses from injuries sustained in the bull ring. She loves him then but it is many years before their paths cross again. When she is a woman, Menotius and his brother Chrysaleon come back to Kaphtor. Chrysaleon falls in love with Aridela and enters the tournament to become bull king. In his lust for Aridella not believing he will spend his time with Iphiboe. Not to mention failing to mention his current wife. As a foreign prince from Mycenae, he belives this union will let them conquer Crete and change their ways.
Set amidst gods and goddesses, symbolism and dreams, this tale of ancient Greece is one that is hard to stop reading. Love triangles and passions enhance this story as well as the violence that this time was known for. I love the flow of the story, it changes perspective between the main characters but is in no way distracting. I would recommend this read to anyone that loves tales of ancient Greece. Loved it!
January 8, 2012
In the interests of full disclosure, I read this novel as a manuscript. I was entranced then, and now that I hold the published book in my hands, I continue to be seduced by the vibrant, passionate world that Lochlann creates. The story is one of the grandest scale, encompassing generations and eras. But within that, Lochlann tells the small stories of sacrifice and folly, of passion and loyalty, all coloured from the rich pallette of history. Lochlann's research is only surpassed by her extraordinary vision of the time, the imaginings of the lives she has deftly woven into an epic tale.
Lochlann's characters truly live in the pages of this book. One can feel the fearful desperation of gentle Iphiboe, heir to the the throne of Crete, the dark and moving bond between the warrior prince and the king's bastard and the resentful longing of the virgin priestess. One can see Aridela, child of the gods, as she dances with bulls. The Year-god's Daughter is captivating - a beautifully written, mesmerising story that stays with you long after the book is closed.
Most highly recommended.
Lochlann's characters truly live in the pages of this book. One can feel the fearful desperation of gentle Iphiboe, heir to the the throne of Crete, the dark and moving bond between the warrior prince and the king's bastard and the resentful longing of the virgin priestess. One can see Aridela, child of the gods, as she dances with bulls. The Year-god's Daughter is captivating - a beautifully written, mesmerising story that stays with you long after the book is closed.
Most highly recommended.
November 12, 2019
Masterful Storytelling!
Rebecca Lochlann brings Ancient Crete to life in The Year-God’s Daughter – her world-building and research leave me stunned. The architecture, the culture, the clothing, the spiritual beliefs, everything has been meticulously researched, and reborn.
But it doesn’t end there, the characters are just as fascinating: well-rounded, with strong personalities and all manner of conflict. From the shy princess, heir to the throne who just wants to live a quiet life of contemplation, to her younger sister, Aridela, who insists on living her own life, her way, despite the restrictions her mother, Queen Helice, and court try to impose. From leaping bulls to sneaking out to partake in a mating festival, and snaring the heart of the one man she really should stay away from…
An epic historical tale of love, power, duty, rebellion and consequences. One of my favourite reads of the year!
Rebecca Lochlann brings Ancient Crete to life in The Year-God’s Daughter – her world-building and research leave me stunned. The architecture, the culture, the clothing, the spiritual beliefs, everything has been meticulously researched, and reborn.
But it doesn’t end there, the characters are just as fascinating: well-rounded, with strong personalities and all manner of conflict. From the shy princess, heir to the throne who just wants to live a quiet life of contemplation, to her younger sister, Aridela, who insists on living her own life, her way, despite the restrictions her mother, Queen Helice, and court try to impose. From leaping bulls to sneaking out to partake in a mating festival, and snaring the heart of the one man she really should stay away from…
An epic historical tale of love, power, duty, rebellion and consequences. One of my favourite reads of the year!
January 17, 2012
I am acquainted with the author via social networking, which should in no way be construed as an admission that the following review is biased. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish reading it no matter who wrote it.
The Year God’s Daughter is the first in author Rebecca Lochlann’s Child of the Erinyes series. Even without reading the bio on her website, it’s obvious from the first few pages that this is an author who did her research. She spent fifteen years acquainting herself with ancient Greece, and it shows. Authenticity is steeped into each chapter.
If you are not a fan of historical fiction, don’t let that stop you from reading this excellent book. The finely-honed characterization is such that even with a host of unfamiliar names, you will never lose track of who’s who. The narrative never gets boring – the author has produced a fine balance between description and action.
The story opens with the child Aridela, beloved princess on the island of Crete, recklessly attempting to fulfill her dream of becoming a bull dancer – she believes the goddess Athene has made it her destiny to accomplish the daring and difficult feat. Menoetius is a young foreigner, bastard son of the High King of Mycenae, tasked with finding any weakness in Crete’s defenses. They meet under dire circumstances, and thus begins “Glory, passion, treachery and conspiracy on the grandest scale.”
Divine destiny is a deep-seated theme throughout. Constant regional earthquakes are interpreted by the ruling priestesses as omens, and most everything is imbued with celestial meaning. The reader is immersed in a vivid culture of devoted spirituality. Athene must be appeased with violent sacrifice and every year that sacrifice is the queen’s latest consort – a man who bested all other competitors for the honor of living large for a year and then allowing his blood to consecrate Crete’s soil. Crete is a matrilineal society, but male-dominated kingdoms surround them, and contempt for Athene is spreading on the mainland. If the encroaching changes reach as far as Aridela’s peaceful, prosperous island, a long-prophesied catastrophe will befall them all. From the start, we know this story is headed for a spectacular, world-changing ending. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to see how it all plays out…
Rebecca Lochlann has produced a book of uncommon quality. Highly recommended.
The Year God’s Daughter is the first in author Rebecca Lochlann’s Child of the Erinyes series. Even without reading the bio on her website, it’s obvious from the first few pages that this is an author who did her research. She spent fifteen years acquainting herself with ancient Greece, and it shows. Authenticity is steeped into each chapter.
If you are not a fan of historical fiction, don’t let that stop you from reading this excellent book. The finely-honed characterization is such that even with a host of unfamiliar names, you will never lose track of who’s who. The narrative never gets boring – the author has produced a fine balance between description and action.
The story opens with the child Aridela, beloved princess on the island of Crete, recklessly attempting to fulfill her dream of becoming a bull dancer – she believes the goddess Athene has made it her destiny to accomplish the daring and difficult feat. Menoetius is a young foreigner, bastard son of the High King of Mycenae, tasked with finding any weakness in Crete’s defenses. They meet under dire circumstances, and thus begins “Glory, passion, treachery and conspiracy on the grandest scale.”
Divine destiny is a deep-seated theme throughout. Constant regional earthquakes are interpreted by the ruling priestesses as omens, and most everything is imbued with celestial meaning. The reader is immersed in a vivid culture of devoted spirituality. Athene must be appeased with violent sacrifice and every year that sacrifice is the queen’s latest consort – a man who bested all other competitors for the honor of living large for a year and then allowing his blood to consecrate Crete’s soil. Crete is a matrilineal society, but male-dominated kingdoms surround them, and contempt for Athene is spreading on the mainland. If the encroaching changes reach as far as Aridela’s peaceful, prosperous island, a long-prophesied catastrophe will befall them all. From the start, we know this story is headed for a spectacular, world-changing ending. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to see how it all plays out…
Rebecca Lochlann has produced a book of uncommon quality. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2017
Review: The Year-God’s Daughter by Rebecca Lochlann.
I love to read about Greece. I have never been there but I have read many interesting things about Greece that keeps me intrigued enough about learning more. Even fiction has plenty of history and truth embedded within the stories that has a mystique feeling about the culture, the ancient civilization, the old architecture buildings and the past eras of time. There is plenty to read to keep the reader fascinated to the very end. Rebecca Lochlann did her research and created a story filled with traditional rituals, blood sacrifices, corruption, dancing with the bulls, in the era of “the Bronze Age” in Crete. The story was well written and the characters were fully developed.
This is a story of a Queen who rules Crete and she is getting ready to hand down her power to her eldest daughter, Iphiboe who is destined to become Queen, she is quiet, shy, having no confidence, afraid of men and no leadership within her. She does not want the position of becoming Queen and having no choice in who she marries. There is a ritual competition that suitable men have to do which includes killing the King that has served his year with the Queen of Crete. A man who wins the right to become King for a year only serves that one year and he will also be killed by the next male who wins the title of King for a year. Strange tradition but there is never a lack of men to compete each year.
She has a lovely spirited younger sister, Aridela who is yearning to live and love beyond the restrictions placed on her by their harsh matriarchal society. Minos Themiste, a priestess, has openly stated that Aridela will stay a virgin and live in the caves to be groomed to become the next spiritual person for life. She is admired by all men for her beauty and open behavior of rebelling and breaking all restrictions she can. She even defied her mother the Queen by secretly getting into the bull ring the first time and participated in performing a dance with the a vicious bull and got speared by its horn. At this time she is still a child under fifteen but ready to challenge the rule of the Queen. Aridela recovered and her second attempted with the bull she prevailed.
Aridela defiance doesn’t stop there and her antics will keep the reader following and loving her character to the end.
I love to read about Greece. I have never been there but I have read many interesting things about Greece that keeps me intrigued enough about learning more. Even fiction has plenty of history and truth embedded within the stories that has a mystique feeling about the culture, the ancient civilization, the old architecture buildings and the past eras of time. There is plenty to read to keep the reader fascinated to the very end. Rebecca Lochlann did her research and created a story filled with traditional rituals, blood sacrifices, corruption, dancing with the bulls, in the era of “the Bronze Age” in Crete. The story was well written and the characters were fully developed.
This is a story of a Queen who rules Crete and she is getting ready to hand down her power to her eldest daughter, Iphiboe who is destined to become Queen, she is quiet, shy, having no confidence, afraid of men and no leadership within her. She does not want the position of becoming Queen and having no choice in who she marries. There is a ritual competition that suitable men have to do which includes killing the King that has served his year with the Queen of Crete. A man who wins the right to become King for a year only serves that one year and he will also be killed by the next male who wins the title of King for a year. Strange tradition but there is never a lack of men to compete each year.
She has a lovely spirited younger sister, Aridela who is yearning to live and love beyond the restrictions placed on her by their harsh matriarchal society. Minos Themiste, a priestess, has openly stated that Aridela will stay a virgin and live in the caves to be groomed to become the next spiritual person for life. She is admired by all men for her beauty and open behavior of rebelling and breaking all restrictions she can. She even defied her mother the Queen by secretly getting into the bull ring the first time and participated in performing a dance with the a vicious bull and got speared by its horn. At this time she is still a child under fifteen but ready to challenge the rule of the Queen. Aridela recovered and her second attempted with the bull she prevailed.
Aridela defiance doesn’t stop there and her antics will keep the reader following and loving her character to the end.
January 6, 2012
Greek Mythology and Greek gods and goddesses and human beings of ancient Greece are the characters in this sensational story which all are magical.
This story is full of myths, actual truths and excellent details about the history, traditions and the beliefs of the Olympian gods. It is about the royal families and their empires how each one has their own beliefs and laws they all existed by and will die for and compete for dominant authority. There is Crete, which is led by a women' society and it is structured upon the Goddess Athena beliefs of the wisdom of women in authority. These women are powerful and knowledgeable in all skills required to command a strong nation and have survived through many trials but there are foes hiding in the shadows who desire to claim Crete and it's riches they are waiting for the right time to attack.
This is where powerful warriors come into the plot and add intrigue as they are half/blood brothers and both are competing for the throne and the second lady in waiting of the land. She is a feisty warrior and ambitious to achieve glory for herself and completes amazing feats of courage to challenge herself, her destiny, defiant her mother, the queen’s laws and tempt her future along with her brave cohorts helping her to be rebellious, risking hers and their own lives to protect her.
There is a supernatural influence with the oracle and the parties responsible to protect the queen and her family. For the male readers there is bloodshed, fighting and sword battles and other surprising glimpses into the ancient days that are hints of a wicked nature. This is an excellent tale of valor and heroism and a forge into the mystery of the myths of the ancient civilization and their beliefs in their Gods and Goddesses and the devotion they pledged to risk their lives for honor in the afterlife which makes this tale entertaining reading.
To sum it up; there is conflict, intrigue, suspense and more coming in other books continuing this thrilling story of ancient Greece, traditions, wars, and forsaken love. This story is for women and men as the battle of sexes continue on.
This story is full of myths, actual truths and excellent details about the history, traditions and the beliefs of the Olympian gods. It is about the royal families and their empires how each one has their own beliefs and laws they all existed by and will die for and compete for dominant authority. There is Crete, which is led by a women' society and it is structured upon the Goddess Athena beliefs of the wisdom of women in authority. These women are powerful and knowledgeable in all skills required to command a strong nation and have survived through many trials but there are foes hiding in the shadows who desire to claim Crete and it's riches they are waiting for the right time to attack.
This is where powerful warriors come into the plot and add intrigue as they are half/blood brothers and both are competing for the throne and the second lady in waiting of the land. She is a feisty warrior and ambitious to achieve glory for herself and completes amazing feats of courage to challenge herself, her destiny, defiant her mother, the queen’s laws and tempt her future along with her brave cohorts helping her to be rebellious, risking hers and their own lives to protect her.
There is a supernatural influence with the oracle and the parties responsible to protect the queen and her family. For the male readers there is bloodshed, fighting and sword battles and other surprising glimpses into the ancient days that are hints of a wicked nature. This is an excellent tale of valor and heroism and a forge into the mystery of the myths of the ancient civilization and their beliefs in their Gods and Goddesses and the devotion they pledged to risk their lives for honor in the afterlife which makes this tale entertaining reading.
To sum it up; there is conflict, intrigue, suspense and more coming in other books continuing this thrilling story of ancient Greece, traditions, wars, and forsaken love. This story is for women and men as the battle of sexes continue on.
September 30, 2014
The Year God’s Daughter is a spell-binding story about an ancient civilization steeped in the worship of gods and goddesses. It is a world filled with ritual, blood sacrifices, and danger. In Bronze Age Crete, there are hidden meanings in lightning and thunder, in the rain and sun, in the moon and stars, and everything else that affects the world. and lightning, cause huge upset and anxiety. Rebecca Lochlan has recreated this fascinating world, told through the point of view of Minos Themiste, a priestess, and Aridela, a young woman yearning to live and love beyond the restrictions placed on her by others and their harsh, matriarchal society. She aspires to be queen, but because she is the second daughter, she is relegated to the mountains and begins training as a priestess, a life she detests. Likewise, her elder sister, Iphiboe, who is destined to be queen, equally hates and fears her fate. When Menoetius saves Aridela after she is injured in the bull ring, she is smitten and falls in love with handsome stranger, a man who is supposed to be forbidden to her.
There is plenty to like and plenty to keep one fascinated to the very end. Passion, love, ancient rituals, and a world that truly comes alive every time you turn a page. I love stories of the ancient world, and this definitely hits the mark with a roaring good tale. Definitely recommended. A great read and the best part is that it is the first book of The Child of the Erinyes series.
There is plenty to like and plenty to keep one fascinated to the very end. Passion, love, ancient rituals, and a world that truly comes alive every time you turn a page. I love stories of the ancient world, and this definitely hits the mark with a roaring good tale. Definitely recommended. A great read and the best part is that it is the first book of The Child of the Erinyes series.
June 2, 2012
Very well-researched and well-written book! The plot idea from the synopsis grabbed my interest as well! It seems as thought the author did a lot of research which made the details quite interesting. I also must admit that this writer did an excellent job of editing her work before releasing it to produce flawless writing. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. However, the plot was quite drawn out and it seemed like I would read entire chapters without anything of significance occurring. This caused me to sometimes lose interest. I enjoyed the author's writing style, but the book was not as plot-driven as the synopsis made it out to be. In the end, I enjoyed this book because it was well-written but it did not draw my interest enough to make feel that I must read the sequel (though the first chapter of the sequel was more intriguing and, because of that, I might end up getting the next book).
I think that if the author gave us a little more information about the importance of the main character and some kind of suspense to keep us invested, this would have gone from being a good book to being a GREAT book.
I think that if the author gave us a little more information about the importance of the main character and some kind of suspense to keep us invested, this would have gone from being a good book to being a GREAT book.
February 25, 2015
The author does a nice job in re-creating the ancient world of the Minoan civilization which populated the island of Crete during the middle Bronze age, about 2000 BC. The imagery evoked by the author's descriptive writing style is vivid and lush, illustrating that matriarchal society's culture, it's religious belief system, and the ancient world in which it thrived.
Based on current-day archeological knowledge of what may have transpired during that prehistoric time, the engaging plot involving a mainland prince competing for the right to be 'Zagreus' (the Consort of the Queen of Crete) juxtaposes that society's love of pleasurable living, beauty, love and lust with it's practicing of bloody human sacrifices and pagan fertility rites. The result is a nicely-composed piece of historic fiction tale with some beautifully painted scenes from that ancient world (one in particular, the Bull Dancing scene, is superb), populated with nicely-developed characters contemporary to the Greek Bronze Age in both their actions and their beliefs.
The ending is a bit abrupt, however, I'm reading the e-book trilogy, so it isn't too disturbing.
Nicely done piece of historic fiction.
Based on current-day archeological knowledge of what may have transpired during that prehistoric time, the engaging plot involving a mainland prince competing for the right to be 'Zagreus' (the Consort of the Queen of Crete) juxtaposes that society's love of pleasurable living, beauty, love and lust with it's practicing of bloody human sacrifices and pagan fertility rites. The result is a nicely-composed piece of historic fiction tale with some beautifully painted scenes from that ancient world (one in particular, the Bull Dancing scene, is superb), populated with nicely-developed characters contemporary to the Greek Bronze Age in both their actions and their beliefs.
The ending is a bit abrupt, however, I'm reading the e-book trilogy, so it isn't too disturbing.
Nicely done piece of historic fiction.
May 29, 2012
This story is set in Crete during the Minoan civilization, a time when women rule the island.
Each year, men compete to be the consort of the queen. After a year of being pampered and privileged, the Year-god's life is ended during the games that are designed to find his replacement.
The queen is aging and her eldest daughter must soon take her place, but the youngest daughter, Aridela, seems better suited for the task. Willful, and eager to please the goddess Athene, Aridela secretly enters the bullring and is gravely wounded. At the same time, a young prince from the mainland comes to find a weakness in Crete's defenses so his father might invade the island.
Aridella is the main character of the story, and we watch as she struggles to reconcile her desire to fulfill what she believes is her true destiny against what is fated for her as the second daughter.
This is a well-researched novel but, even if you aren't familiar with the myths and mythologies of Ancient Greece, you will be enthralled by this very human story.
I highly recommend.
Each year, men compete to be the consort of the queen. After a year of being pampered and privileged, the Year-god's life is ended during the games that are designed to find his replacement.
The queen is aging and her eldest daughter must soon take her place, but the youngest daughter, Aridela, seems better suited for the task. Willful, and eager to please the goddess Athene, Aridela secretly enters the bullring and is gravely wounded. At the same time, a young prince from the mainland comes to find a weakness in Crete's defenses so his father might invade the island.
Aridella is the main character of the story, and we watch as she struggles to reconcile her desire to fulfill what she believes is her true destiny against what is fated for her as the second daughter.
This is a well-researched novel but, even if you aren't familiar with the myths and mythologies of Ancient Greece, you will be enthralled by this very human story.
I highly recommend.
August 1, 2014
The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it ended. It's the first installment in a series, but I wanted resolution. I guess I'll have to buy the next book...
This story is set on the island of Crete, which is ruled by women who worship Athene. It *seems* to be setting readers up for a clash between those who worship Poseidon and will usher in the patriarchy against the inhabitants of Crete. I don't really want it to be that, but it probably is because history.
Amidst such big, sweeping themes as cultural changes, the role of religion in society and the patriarchy vs matriarchy, you have lovely characters who are whole people, displaying positive and negative character traits and making bad decisions, loving their families and generally feeling conflicted as all good characters do.
Yep. I'm going to have to buy the next book. If you like historical fiction set in ancient times, or you enjoy learning the myths and traditions associated with the Greek pantheon, you'll probably like this book.
This story is set on the island of Crete, which is ruled by women who worship Athene. It *seems* to be setting readers up for a clash between those who worship Poseidon and will usher in the patriarchy against the inhabitants of Crete. I don't really want it to be that, but it probably is because history.
Amidst such big, sweeping themes as cultural changes, the role of religion in society and the patriarchy vs matriarchy, you have lovely characters who are whole people, displaying positive and negative character traits and making bad decisions, loving their families and generally feeling conflicted as all good characters do.
Yep. I'm going to have to buy the next book. If you like historical fiction set in ancient times, or you enjoy learning the myths and traditions associated with the Greek pantheon, you'll probably like this book.
February 2, 2013
I enjoyed 'The Year-God's Daughter immensely.
Review first posted on my blog.
If you’re looking for a Fantasy read, you shouldn't go past The Year-god’s Daughter (The Child of Erinyes).
Rebecca Lochlann weaves a magical tale with believable characters.
From the moment when Princess Aridala dances with the bull, (yes, a real, live, snorting bull) I was hooked.
I could tell you about the two half-brothers of a King in another land or about the Queen or the seer, healer or even Io, the asp, and more but I won’t. (Did you see how I threw Io, the asp, in to let you know there's more to the story than human characters and places?) However, I believe telling too much of a story makes it lose it’s magic for the listener. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens to Aridala and if she finds her true place and love in the world.
Although I can say this, I’m always surprised to find I judge characters too quickly.
Review first posted on my blog.
If you’re looking for a Fantasy read, you shouldn't go past The Year-god’s Daughter (The Child of Erinyes).
Rebecca Lochlann weaves a magical tale with believable characters.
From the moment when Princess Aridala dances with the bull, (yes, a real, live, snorting bull) I was hooked.
I could tell you about the two half-brothers of a King in another land or about the Queen or the seer, healer or even Io, the asp, and more but I won’t. (Did you see how I threw Io, the asp, in to let you know there's more to the story than human characters and places?) However, I believe telling too much of a story makes it lose it’s magic for the listener. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens to Aridala and if she finds her true place and love in the world.
Although I can say this, I’m always surprised to find I judge characters too quickly.
October 11, 2015
There was much to like in this book: the research, the politics, some of the characters. This time period fascinates me and I appreciate the amount of research that went into its construction. The setting is fully developed; societal mores/religion well integrated and believable. Most of the main characters grabbed me and I'd like to know what happens next. However, I found the writing a bit overwrought and the story padded--but I prefer more straight forward writing and action. Others who like a more languid pace and lots of description will like the book better. If it had not ended on a cliffhanger, I would have given it four stars. As is, the ending was far too abrupt with nothing--absolutely nothing!--resolved about the plot and character challenges. I understand some books are too long for one volume and, in the past, publishers have broken them up, but more modern epics usually have some resolution within the plot before moving on.
May 26, 2022
Premise-wise, The Year-God's Daughter was a winner. Characters' personas were well developed and distinct from one another. Clearly, Rebecca Lochlann knows her subject matter thoroughly. Unfortunately, that contributed to what I didn't like about the book: Often, Lochlann seems to assume that the knowledge in her head exists simultaneously in the reader's. But, having spent exactly zero time researching ancient Greece, I often found myself not understanding enough about the cultural context to connect to the behaviors portrayed in the book. As a reader, I needed that understanding, particularly for the female-dominated society so uncommon to the rest of the world at the time of the novel (or to today, for that matter). Coupled with sometimes-jerky writing, the book left me feeling like I'd watched the story unfold from a distance where I could catch snippets of characters' conversation but never get immersed in the whole of their interactions.
February 1, 2017
This was a book that absolutely took you to a time and place that feels both familiar and not. The characters are engaging even if I find some things very much left out regarding the two brothers. The book ends somewhat abruptly also - like a disappointing cliffhanger.
That being said, it was very enjoyable and a lot of it was historical even if the author's notes says she buys into the (largely discredited) ideas of "Black Athena." Also, there was some reference to Poisideon as a sky god that I found puzzling.
For these reasons, it gets a 3 but it was still fun to read.
That being said, it was very enjoyable and a lot of it was historical even if the author's notes says she buys into the (largely discredited) ideas of "Black Athena." Also, there was some reference to Poisideon as a sky god that I found puzzling.
For these reasons, it gets a 3 but it was still fun to read.
October 17, 2014
This author's research is extremely impressive. It really brings ancient Greece to life. I love the dynamic of the female dominated society. A strong society that worships a goddess (Athene) and is female centered, and the thread of the male dominated society who worships a god (Poseidon). There are issues with rulers, there is romance...there is passion. This is awesome and I can't wait to continue with the saga....
December 26, 2011
I was swallowed into Rebecca Lochlann's mythical world right from the very start! The characters were vivid and alive, the scenery and settings described were evocative and real, the pace was perfect - didn't feel like the book sagged one bit! - the writing was good and I felt I was in the hands of an expert writer. I felt sad when the book ended and can't wait for the next one to come out!
March 29, 2015
It's just o.k. for me and the story doesn't interest me enough to track down the next book. I enjoyed the mythology somewhat but the writing style left me cold. And when we came to the end of the story it didn't end, it just stopped.
February 6, 2017
review to follow
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