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Ariadne's Crown #1
Ariadne's Crown
She’s a sheltered princess dreaming of adventure. He’s an arrogant warrior eager to make a name for himself. Between them, lurks the Minotaur. When their paths come together, a legend is born.
For Ariadne, growing up a princess in ancient Crete means an endless circle of weaving, sewing and learning to rule, but she wants more than to be married off to a prince. Ariadne knows what’s expected of her, but she longs for a life of her own and to know what lies on the other side of the sea.
When Dionysus, the God of Wine arrives, she’s instantly drawn to his reckless good looks and mysterious power, but she knows it’s dangerous to mix with the gods. Still, she can’t deny the connection between them.
Crete maintains a shaky peace with Athens, which is enforced by the Minotaur imprisoned in the labyrinth. When Theseus arrives to challenge that peace, everything changes. Ariadne soon discovers that all is not what it seems on her beautiful island. Although she knows Theseus is the enemy, she starts to think he might be right. Even worse, underneath his tough exterior, she glimpses a softer side that makes her think it might not be so bad to marry a prince. Unfortunately, her sister sees it too.
To do what’s right, she’s faced with an impossible choice. Joining forces with Theseus could bring freedom and unite their countries, but it means betraying her father and losing everything she knows. What will she do when she’s torn between a god and a warrior?
Does Ariadne have the strength to carve out the life she wants?
For Ariadne, growing up a princess in ancient Crete means an endless circle of weaving, sewing and learning to rule, but she wants more than to be married off to a prince. Ariadne knows what’s expected of her, but she longs for a life of her own and to know what lies on the other side of the sea.
When Dionysus, the God of Wine arrives, she’s instantly drawn to his reckless good looks and mysterious power, but she knows it’s dangerous to mix with the gods. Still, she can’t deny the connection between them.
Crete maintains a shaky peace with Athens, which is enforced by the Minotaur imprisoned in the labyrinth. When Theseus arrives to challenge that peace, everything changes. Ariadne soon discovers that all is not what it seems on her beautiful island. Although she knows Theseus is the enemy, she starts to think he might be right. Even worse, underneath his tough exterior, she glimpses a softer side that makes her think it might not be so bad to marry a prince. Unfortunately, her sister sees it too.
To do what’s right, she’s faced with an impossible choice. Joining forces with Theseus could bring freedom and unite their countries, but it means betraying her father and losing everything she knows. What will she do when she’s torn between a god and a warrior?
Does Ariadne have the strength to carve out the life she wants?
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
55 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Meadoe Hora
15 books51 followersMeadoe Hora is the author of books for teens and kids, including the new Furious Legacy series, Ariadne's Crown, and the Superhero Kick team children's book series. She is a middle of the night reader and lover of beautiful words.
Her website is www.meadoehora.com. She also writes about her health and fitness journey on her blog at www.meadoeoutonalimb.com. She lives in WI with her family, a spoiled basset hound and a crazy black lab.
Her website is www.meadoehora.com. She also writes about her health and fitness journey on her blog at www.meadoeoutonalimb.com. She lives in WI with her family, a spoiled basset hound and a crazy black lab.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 17, 2021
What a beautiful, well-told tale. Meadoe Hora gives us the story behind the classic Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur as we see the happenings from Ariadne’s viewpoint. This expansion on the myth we know is brilliant, fast paced, and full of emotional turmoil. Ariadne is a strong and brave female protagonist who makes tough decisions for her future and that of her kingdom. One of the best mythology-based books I’ve read in ages!
January 21, 2020
I didn't know what I was going to get with this one but man this was a great story! Everything in this one was complex and in depth and I could not put it down. I am so glad I got a chance to check this story out and I am so in love with the characters and the world that this is set in.
February 2, 2021
This was a whim read, but I am very glad I picked it up. Ariadne is one of my favorite mythical figures and this book truly brought to life her character and the struggles she faced.
October 14, 2021
Theseus and Ariadne. We all know their story. Or at least, we thought we did.
Princess Ariadne of Crete is the definition of sheltered. Her life is full of sewing and learning how to rule her kingdom, but at heart, Ariadne secretly longs for adventure. Loathing the thought of being married off at her father’s will, the spirited princess often sneaks out of the palace to try to gain a little bit of freedom. It is on one of these trips that she meets Dionysus, the handsome and arrogant God of Wine. Although Ariadne is instantly attracted to him, she knows better then to get mixed up in the affairs of the gods. Still… there’s something between them, and she doesn’t know how to feel about it.
Ariadne’s life comes crashing down around her when Theseus, heir to the throne of Athens, volunteers as a tribute to the Minotaur. Ariadne never expected to like or sympathize with the Athenian prince, but as she gets to know him better, she starts questioning everything she’s ever been told about Athens, and what she’s always believed is right. But Theseus is not all that he seems, and while Ariadne dreams of a better future… he might have different plans.
Slow. Clap. This book was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. As a long time fan of mythological tales, I’ve always wondered why Ariadne would sacrifice everything she’d ever known for a man she barely knew. This book offers an explanation, and portrays Ariadne as more than a delicate, love struck young girl. I loved Hora’s version of events, and I especially loved that she established a relationship between Dionysus and Ariadne before he found her on that island.
In this version, Ariadne is not a simpering young lady who bows her head. No, she is fierce, intelligent, and strong willed, and it was such a refreshing change to how she is usually portrayed. I loved that she had a mind of her own, and stood up for what she believed was right. As for Dionysus, I actually really loved that he kept coming back to talk to her. As a god, he has so much power, but that didn’t stop him from taking Ariadne’s opinions into consideration. He truly respected her, and I admired him for it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. I would recommend it to any reader who enjoys mythological retellings.
Princess Ariadne of Crete is the definition of sheltered. Her life is full of sewing and learning how to rule her kingdom, but at heart, Ariadne secretly longs for adventure. Loathing the thought of being married off at her father’s will, the spirited princess often sneaks out of the palace to try to gain a little bit of freedom. It is on one of these trips that she meets Dionysus, the handsome and arrogant God of Wine. Although Ariadne is instantly attracted to him, she knows better then to get mixed up in the affairs of the gods. Still… there’s something between them, and she doesn’t know how to feel about it.
Ariadne’s life comes crashing down around her when Theseus, heir to the throne of Athens, volunteers as a tribute to the Minotaur. Ariadne never expected to like or sympathize with the Athenian prince, but as she gets to know him better, she starts questioning everything she’s ever been told about Athens, and what she’s always believed is right. But Theseus is not all that he seems, and while Ariadne dreams of a better future… he might have different plans.
Slow. Clap. This book was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. As a long time fan of mythological tales, I’ve always wondered why Ariadne would sacrifice everything she’d ever known for a man she barely knew. This book offers an explanation, and portrays Ariadne as more than a delicate, love struck young girl. I loved Hora’s version of events, and I especially loved that she established a relationship between Dionysus and Ariadne before he found her on that island.
In this version, Ariadne is not a simpering young lady who bows her head. No, she is fierce, intelligent, and strong willed, and it was such a refreshing change to how she is usually portrayed. I loved that she had a mind of her own, and stood up for what she believed was right. As for Dionysus, I actually really loved that he kept coming back to talk to her. As a god, he has so much power, but that didn’t stop him from taking Ariadne’s opinions into consideration. He truly respected her, and I admired him for it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. I would recommend it to any reader who enjoys mythological retellings.
April 10, 2022
More YA-oriented, cute version of the myth of Ariadne. Personally I preferred the much more in-depth and powerful book of Jennifer Saint on the same subject. Hora glosses over some of the most uncomfortable aspects of this myth, and her Ariadne is not abandoned by Theseus in Naxos: They mutually decide that she should stay there and not follow him to Athens and marry him. Dionysius is a demigod, but in this tale the focus is more on his human qualities. There are some descriptions of the scary Menades rituals, but Dionysius is depicted as strangely removed from the cultlike following he is supposed to have created.
If you are interested in the myth of Ariadne, I'd say choose Jennifer Saint's volume instead. This is more suitable for a teenager as interested in Greek myths as in any other mythology.
If you are interested in the myth of Ariadne, I'd say choose Jennifer Saint's volume instead. This is more suitable for a teenager as interested in Greek myths as in any other mythology.
December 9, 2023
The book is an interesting take on the Minotaur myth, and the life of Ariadne, one of the key players. But I got the impression that it was written for the younger set in mind, because Ariadne often comes across as a modern teenager. In thought as well as action. And many of the more horrendous aspects of the myth are either glossed over or changed to something more palatable.
Actually, in doing so with one particular part of the myth, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. I had to wonder who exactly was the monster. What was something that needed to be done becomes a betrayal that’s almost unforgiveable.
Ironically, that’s the only part of the book that I felt had any depth, because there was a true tragedy being played out. Yet I am glad that Hora went with the myths more pleasant ending. After everything that goes on, I felt the readers deserved it.
Actually, in doing so with one particular part of the myth, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. I had to wonder who exactly was the monster. What was something that needed to be done becomes a betrayal that’s almost unforgiveable.
Ironically, that’s the only part of the book that I felt had any depth, because there was a true tragedy being played out. Yet I am glad that Hora went with the myths more pleasant ending. After everything that goes on, I felt the readers deserved it.
November 27, 2023
it really did enjoyed this book.
it was light, funny, easy to read, and just overall fun.
this most definitely was a young adult greek mythological retelling. the style of writing reminded me of Percy Jackson.
one thing that i really liked and made me think was how Meadoe changed the concept of Ariadne being tricked and left on the island (as in Theseus being this manipulative player that just ditches her on the island), I appreciate how she made it seem like Ariadne was the one in control. i’ve never read a retelling like this so it surprised me.
i look forward to reading more from this author
it was light, funny, easy to read, and just overall fun.
this most definitely was a young adult greek mythological retelling. the style of writing reminded me of Percy Jackson.
one thing that i really liked and made me think was how Meadoe changed the concept of Ariadne being tricked and left on the island (as in Theseus being this manipulative player that just ditches her on the island), I appreciate how she made it seem like Ariadne was the one in control. i’ve never read a retelling like this so it surprised me.
i look forward to reading more from this author
October 12, 2024
A Beautiful Retelling of Ariadne's Story
Did Ariadne betray her country and family all as a whim or because she was infatuated with a cad like Theseus? Or was she merely a political pawn or maybe one of gods as some versions of the myth would have us believe?
Meadoe Hora gives us an Ariadne who, yes, is shaped by her environment but also in the end very much in charge of her own fate.
Did Ariadne betray her country and family all as a whim or because she was infatuated with a cad like Theseus? Or was she merely a political pawn or maybe one of gods as some versions of the myth would have us believe?
Meadoe Hora gives us an Ariadne who, yes, is shaped by her environment but also in the end very much in charge of her own fate.
February 18, 2025
Great Retelling
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did! I've read some retellings/stories of Dionysus and loved in this one he was actually a sweetie! And the way I grieved with Ariadne having to come to the cross roads of so many choices on her own, but knowing her choices had long last impacts on what it meant to be royalty, to have family, and to find herself. 10/10
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did! I've read some retellings/stories of Dionysus and loved in this one he was actually a sweetie! And the way I grieved with Ariadne having to come to the cross roads of so many choices on her own, but knowing her choices had long last impacts on what it meant to be royalty, to have family, and to find herself. 10/10
March 21, 2022
Great story!
I love stories with mythology and main characters who are strong, clever, and becoming who they were meant to be. An exciting tale and I hope to read more from this author soon!
I love stories with mythology and main characters who are strong, clever, and becoming who they were meant to be. An exciting tale and I hope to read more from this author soon!
June 28, 2025
there are things in here that bother me, but thats okay. I truly don't understand why we had ariande do the things she did and, also the way the god fit into this story was weird. I will say theseus was the way theseus always is. I appreciate that a lot.
F&*!n theseus
F&*!n theseus
October 30, 2023
Good Book
I liked this book, but I wish it had more scenes with Dionysus. I kinda felt a little cheated. I kept waiting for something that never came.
I liked this book, but I wish it had more scenes with Dionysus. I kinda felt a little cheated. I kept waiting for something that never came.
January 17, 2024
Although Ariadne's Crown offers a new perspective to the princess of Crete's story, I found this retelling hard to follow and overly inaccurate at times. However, I have read many Ariadne retellings and perhaps there are only so many ways to tell the story. I did enjoy the addition of her maid Thalia and Ariadne's complex relationship with her brother, Asterion.
January 10, 2025
Great book I really enjoyed it!
June 11, 2025
la suerte de haberme encontrado con este libro
Currently reading
June 23, 2025I've always loved mythology and those stories that are passed down. When my son started to tear through Percy Jackson, he became really interested in Greek Mythology and we started reading stories together. Reading them with him made me notice how the girls in the stories get overlooked. One in particular has always annoyed me. When Theseus goes about slaying the Minotaur, he gets help from the princess of Crete and then he leaves her on a beach. I wondered why she would betray everything she knows to help him. I didn't accept that she was so enamored with him that she just lost herself. Thinking about what her story may have been started as jottings in a notebook and grew into this book. I had so much fun researching it and writing it. I hope you enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews