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Gods and Myths
The Minotaur
The labyrinth is a death sentence. And I’m trapped inside with a monster.
I’m being imprisoned for a crime I didn’t commit. My sentence is brief—only three months—but it doesn’t matter. No one gets out of the labyrinth alive.
The underground prison is home to the minotaur, a bull-shifter so feral and violent, he has never been allowed to walk the streets of our city.
Or so the legend goes. Nobody who’s seen him has ever lived to tell the tale.
When I’m dragged to the labyrinth to carry out my sentence, the skeletons littering the ground tell me all I need to know. The minotaur is a killer and a monster.
But this monster doesn’t want to just kill me. What he has planned is much worse.
He wants to toy with me—to chase and stalk me.
Until I’m his.
This story is a re-imagining of the classical Greek myth of the minotaur. In this version, there are no heroes and the monster gets the girl. All explicit scenes are consensual and a Happily Ever After is guaranteed.
I’m being imprisoned for a crime I didn’t commit. My sentence is brief—only three months—but it doesn’t matter. No one gets out of the labyrinth alive.
The underground prison is home to the minotaur, a bull-shifter so feral and violent, he has never been allowed to walk the streets of our city.
Or so the legend goes. Nobody who’s seen him has ever lived to tell the tale.
When I’m dragged to the labyrinth to carry out my sentence, the skeletons littering the ground tell me all I need to know. The minotaur is a killer and a monster.
But this monster doesn’t want to just kill me. What he has planned is much worse.
He wants to toy with me—to chase and stalk me.
Until I’m his.
This story is a re-imagining of the classical Greek myth of the minotaur. In this version, there are no heroes and the monster gets the girl. All explicit scenes are consensual and a Happily Ever After is guaranteed.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2022
146 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Ash
10 books128 followersSophie Ash is a USA Today bestselling author from Northern California, writing paranormal motorcycle clubs with plenty of bite, as well as passionate retellings of myths and folklore.
When she's not writing, she's probably reading, gardening, vacuuming up cat hair, or enjoying a craft beer in the sun.
When she's not writing, she's probably reading, gardening, vacuuming up cat hair, or enjoying a craft beer in the sun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 16, 2022
The Minotaur Shifter in the Labyrinth!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: ☹️🙃☺️😳
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Ariadne - She is surprised when the Minnotech shifter police come to her door and take her away for a crime she didn’t commit. Minnotech is a safe place where crime is practically non-existent. So when she is found guilty and thrown into the labyrinth, which is basically a death sentence which far out ways the crime of being in possession of illegal materials, she knows there is some major corruption going on.
The Hero: Zeruhn - He is the failed result of an early experiment to create shifters. All shifters were created in the labs, the shifter police force were considered the successful result. Zeruhn was dumped in the Labyrinth as a way to try to kill him after the state’s executioners failed to kill him every time they tried.
The Story: Minnotech frowned on any criticism of the state and radical opinions like what most people usually read about in a publication called The Black Papers, which is delivered to each home weekly. Minnotech is a high tech city unlike some places Ariadne’s mother talked about where the rich and poor traveled the same roads and shopped in the same shops. Ariadne comes from the slums and the dream of ‘movin on up’ never came to pass for anyone from her side of the tracks.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Heather Firth and Gregory Salinas. Gregory Salinas has recently become one of my favorite narrators. He has a deep and sexy voice which is awesome to listen to. Heather has a youthful feminine voice which is also very pleasant. The world building is pretty good, especially the descriptions of different areas of the Labyrinth.
Some things didn’t make much sense in the story, like the fact that Minnotech was unable to kill Zeruhn, but when other dying shifters who have gone rabid after they got too old were put in the Labyrinth, they almost killed him. I mean if another shifter can nearly kill him, why wouldn’t bullets or other human weapons be able to? There are a few more things that don’t make much sense but overall the story is really good. The romance is sweet and steamy, and the characters are likable.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: ☹️🙃☺️😳
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Ariadne - She is surprised when the Minnotech shifter police come to her door and take her away for a crime she didn’t commit. Minnotech is a safe place where crime is practically non-existent. So when she is found guilty and thrown into the labyrinth, which is basically a death sentence which far out ways the crime of being in possession of illegal materials, she knows there is some major corruption going on.
The Hero: Zeruhn - He is the failed result of an early experiment to create shifters. All shifters were created in the labs, the shifter police force were considered the successful result. Zeruhn was dumped in the Labyrinth as a way to try to kill him after the state’s executioners failed to kill him every time they tried.
The Story: Minnotech frowned on any criticism of the state and radical opinions like what most people usually read about in a publication called The Black Papers, which is delivered to each home weekly. Minnotech is a high tech city unlike some places Ariadne’s mother talked about where the rich and poor traveled the same roads and shopped in the same shops. Ariadne comes from the slums and the dream of ‘movin on up’ never came to pass for anyone from her side of the tracks.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Heather Firth and Gregory Salinas. Gregory Salinas has recently become one of my favorite narrators. He has a deep and sexy voice which is awesome to listen to. Heather has a youthful feminine voice which is also very pleasant. The world building is pretty good, especially the descriptions of different areas of the Labyrinth.
Some things didn’t make much sense in the story, like the fact that Minnotech was unable to kill Zeruhn, but when other dying shifters who have gone rabid after they got too old were put in the Labyrinth, they almost killed him. I mean if another shifter can nearly kill him, why wouldn’t bullets or other human weapons be able to? There are a few more things that don’t make much sense but overall the story is really good. The romance is sweet and steamy, and the characters are likable.
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November 30, 2022
After seeing a few TikToks that the author made to promote this book, I knew I had to read it. And it did NOT disappoint!
This is such a unique take on the minotaur and the labyrinth myth. It’s intelligently written, and she’s created a dystopian world that has science fiction elements that I loved so freaking much. It reminds me a little of The Hunger Games meets Laurann Dohner’s New Species series. It’s suspenseful, and a slow burn romance. It has all the makings of my new favourite series. While the minotaur is technically a monster, he looks human most of the time, except for a tail and horns.
I’m a sucker for books that have an adorable animal/pet, and this book delivers even on that front. Lago, a jackalope, is the minotaur’s pet/best friend, and every time the little guy rolls onto his back for belly rubs, I can’t help but giggle. So freaking cute!
I highly recommend! I can’t wait for more books in this series, and I hope they all have the sci fi vibes!
Trigger warnings
HEA?
This is such a unique take on the minotaur and the labyrinth myth. It’s intelligently written, and she’s created a dystopian world that has science fiction elements that I loved so freaking much. It reminds me a little of The Hunger Games meets Laurann Dohner’s New Species series. It’s suspenseful, and a slow burn romance. It has all the makings of my new favourite series. While the minotaur is technically a monster, he looks human most of the time, except for a tail and horns.
I’m a sucker for books that have an adorable animal/pet, and this book delivers even on that front. Lago, a jackalope, is the minotaur’s pet/best friend, and every time the little guy rolls onto his back for belly rubs, I can’t help but giggle. So freaking cute!
I highly recommend! I can’t wait for more books in this series, and I hope they all have the sci fi vibes!
Trigger warnings
HEA?
August 31, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up - I'm having trouble wording what I liked and what didn't work as well for me with this book but I'm gonna try. I might also have enjoyed this more if not for a stressful start to the school year that's put me in a mood. Apologies if this review is muddled.
I love the writing style, Sophie Ash is the MF pen name for the reverse harem author Crystal Ash, whose books I've read for years. The setting is a dystopian future version of our world. The hero (Zeruhn) and heroine (Ariadne) are both appealing and likable, esp the minotaur as we learn more about his past and how he reacts to the heroine. She's just trying to survive and take care of her mom, but is thrown into the labyrinth under a sentence that doesn't fit her "crime" (we get more on why this happened later) and he's a monster to everyone but her. I love the monstery guys who melt only for the h and I really liked here how he's not sure why he's protective and possessive of her, but he has to take care of her. There's also an adorable jackalope, animal side kick that wins every scene he's in. The story is written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (om do get tossed in the prison with them and he's possessive of her but these guys are not good...), neither are virgins but we don't get much of either's history, no bc needed, he's sterile.
Zeruhn is lab-created (all shifters in this world are) but he's a dud prototype so was dumped in the labyrinth to die or be the government's executioner. He's brilliant but also doesn't have real-world experience. Romance-wise, at first Ariadne is terrified of the minotaur. He tells her he's going to chase her and calls her "prey", but even though he seems like a threat, he's also leaving her food and not making any motions towards hurting her. They do start interacting and opening up to each other following a violent encounter where he protects her. As he introduces Ariadne to the labyrinth, their connection deepens. The sex scenes are great, Ms. Ash knows how to write some steam. Deeper feelings develop quickly, but didn't feel odd to me since survival mood can bond individuals even more to each other. He continues to call her "prey" and also "doe eyes" and there is some chasing where it acts as foreplay later.
Plot-wise, there is more happening behind the scenes with the group that controls the city and those fighting for change. I was neutral about this plot line and how it was resolved. The plot line added more reasoning for some of what was happening and what the characters needed to do, but I wasn't as invested in this part. We get some info on the greater world, though there's not much info on how things devolved. This is because our characters don't know since all they know is the city-state they're in, which has a stranglehold on information, and then what they're told later. I still had questions though about the world outside and how everything changed but this is also a standalone. I also had a hard time picturing the labyrinth itself because it's underground and some parts of it are there because of an earthquake that created the area.
There is graphic violence throughout which is stark alongside the sweeter romance. That surprised me, but shouldn't have I guess. The minotaur has to kill people, he doesn't like to but he has to for self-defense and then to protect Ariadne. This is a hard concept for her to wrap her brain around and it does cause some consequences. Most of the dark themes of this story surround the violence of his world between what happens in the labyrinth and once they fight to escape it.
Overall I liked this story. I did have lingering questions at the end over details here and there and sometimes characters' actions and reactions earned a head tilt from me. The pace and flow of events was mostly great, the end was a bit rushed feeling, but there's a fantastically sweet epilogue that warmed my heart and gave us the HEA with the characters safe and together. According to a note at the end, the next book in this series is expected to be lighter and I'll definitely be checking it out. I don't think it's in the same world, despite the series.
I love the writing style, Sophie Ash is the MF pen name for the reverse harem author Crystal Ash, whose books I've read for years. The setting is a dystopian future version of our world. The hero (Zeruhn) and heroine (Ariadne) are both appealing and likable, esp the minotaur as we learn more about his past and how he reacts to the heroine. She's just trying to survive and take care of her mom, but is thrown into the labyrinth under a sentence that doesn't fit her "crime" (we get more on why this happened later) and he's a monster to everyone but her. I love the monstery guys who melt only for the h and I really liked here how he's not sure why he's protective and possessive of her, but he has to take care of her. There's also an adorable jackalope, animal side kick that wins every scene he's in. The story is written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (om do get tossed in the prison with them and he's possessive of her but these guys are not good...), neither are virgins but we don't get much of either's history, no bc needed, he's sterile.
Zeruhn is lab-created (all shifters in this world are) but he's a dud prototype so was dumped in the labyrinth to die or be the government's executioner. He's brilliant but also doesn't have real-world experience. Romance-wise, at first Ariadne is terrified of the minotaur. He tells her he's going to chase her and calls her "prey", but even though he seems like a threat, he's also leaving her food and not making any motions towards hurting her. They do start interacting and opening up to each other following a violent encounter where he protects her. As he introduces Ariadne to the labyrinth, their connection deepens. The sex scenes are great, Ms. Ash knows how to write some steam. Deeper feelings develop quickly, but didn't feel odd to me since survival mood can bond individuals even more to each other. He continues to call her "prey" and also "doe eyes" and there is some chasing where it acts as foreplay later.
Plot-wise, there is more happening behind the scenes with the group that controls the city and those fighting for change. I was neutral about this plot line and how it was resolved. The plot line added more reasoning for some of what was happening and what the characters needed to do, but I wasn't as invested in this part. We get some info on the greater world, though there's not much info on how things devolved. This is because our characters don't know since all they know is the city-state they're in, which has a stranglehold on information, and then what they're told later. I still had questions though about the world outside and how everything changed but this is also a standalone. I also had a hard time picturing the labyrinth itself because it's underground and some parts of it are there because of an earthquake that created the area.
There is graphic violence throughout which is stark alongside the sweeter romance. That surprised me, but shouldn't have I guess. The minotaur has to kill people, he doesn't like to but he has to for self-defense and then to protect Ariadne. This is a hard concept for her to wrap her brain around and it does cause some consequences. Most of the dark themes of this story surround the violence of his world between what happens in the labyrinth and once they fight to escape it.
Overall I liked this story. I did have lingering questions at the end over details here and there and sometimes characters' actions and reactions earned a head tilt from me. The pace and flow of events was mostly great, the end was a bit rushed feeling, but there's a fantastically sweet epilogue that warmed my heart and gave us the HEA with the characters safe and together. According to a note at the end, the next book in this series is expected to be lighter and I'll definitely be checking it out. I don't think it's in the same world, despite the series.
August 29, 2022
I enjoyed this, but I didn't like it—if that even makes sense.
Pacing is fine. There's lots of action. The smut is decently hot—MMC has an excellent filthy talking game. On just the surface level, I was entertained and wanted to keep reading. So. Not bad, right?
Right?
But there's no reinvention of the wheel here, so it felt tired and Done Before to me. One of the real bummers of having read a lot of classic fiction, myths, hundreds of exophilic books, and having a particular leaning towards the dystopian means that nothing is really...new.
There's no subversion of tropes to freshen this up, and Ash lacks nuance and subtly in their trope portrayals. So I ended up rolling my eyes a lot as I scoffed, "of course this is in here."
Every plot "twist" is easy to spot early on. Which is fine if you want a nice predictable cozy ride. I'm pretty sure this wasn't intended to be since it's dystopian.
Though if anyone wants to start a Cozy Dystopian genre, I'm totally game to read that shit. If it exists, point the way.
So this was a decent way to spend a day, but in the end I wasn't blown away by it and mildly annoyed. Thus, this.
But the epilogue is tooth achingly sweet and cute.
TW/CW:
Pacing is fine. There's lots of action. The smut is decently hot—MMC has an excellent filthy talking game. On just the surface level, I was entertained and wanted to keep reading. So. Not bad, right?
Right?
But there's no reinvention of the wheel here, so it felt tired and Done Before to me. One of the real bummers of having read a lot of classic fiction, myths, hundreds of exophilic books, and having a particular leaning towards the dystopian means that nothing is really...new.
There's no subversion of tropes to freshen this up, and Ash lacks nuance and subtly in their trope portrayals. So I ended up rolling my eyes a lot as I scoffed, "of course this is in here."
Every plot "twist" is easy to spot early on. Which is fine if you want a nice predictable cozy ride. I'm pretty sure this wasn't intended to be since it's dystopian.
Though if anyone wants to start a Cozy Dystopian genre, I'm totally game to read that shit. If it exists, point the way.
So this was a decent way to spend a day, but in the end I wasn't blown away by it and mildly annoyed. Thus, this.
But the epilogue is tooth achingly sweet and cute.
TW/CW:
September 19, 2022
This was a weird combination of sweet romance, smut, gore and really elementary writing. Not my cup of tea
October 30, 2022
Quite an enjoyable read.
I love my monster romance and this one has some plot beside smut which was a plus.
I 'll probably read more in this series🙂
I love my monster romance and this one has some plot beside smut which was a plus.
I 'll probably read more in this series🙂
August 29, 2022
The Minotaur is a standalone re-imagining of the classical Greek myth of the minotaur. It has no cheating and ends with a HEA, but it does have some dark elements, so please don’t read if you are a sensitive reader.
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙬 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩. 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚. 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩. 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝘼𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙙𝙣𝙚.”
Man oh man. Zeruhn is one fine specimen 🥵 His possessiveness and caring nature is to die for. I’ve never read a book about minotaur’s and Sophie Ash really knocked it out of the park with this one!
I highly recommend this book! It’s filled with danger, survival, secrets, and smut… what more could you ask for?!
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙬 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩. 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚. 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩. 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝘼𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙙𝙣𝙚.”
Man oh man. Zeruhn is one fine specimen 🥵 His possessiveness and caring nature is to die for. I’ve never read a book about minotaur’s and Sophie Ash really knocked it out of the park with this one!
I highly recommend this book! It’s filled with danger, survival, secrets, and smut… what more could you ask for?!
August 24, 2024
"So many have tried and failed to kill me, but it is you, sweet Ariadne, who will be the death of me."
5 stars!
This shifter story was completely different from any I've ever read before! The setting for this myth-inspired retelling was a dystopian totalitarian state governed by MinoTech--a company who controlled every aspect of its citizen's lives while experimenting and creating shifters. While most lab-created shifters were used as mindless police officers, the Minotaur was MinoTech's greatest creation...and greatest failure. Viewed as a genetic anomaly, he is too independent to be a good soldier yet too smart to live freely. Thus begins his existence as the Minotaur guarding the labyrinth....
Woven into this unique shifter world and hopeless labyrinth was the undeniable yet hesitant romance between Ari and Zeruhn. Ari was placed in Ze's path as punishment for something she doesn't realize while his main purpose is to dispose of her. Despite the numerous obstacles surrounding them both, Ari and Ze are able to look past their prejudices in order to realize that they may be each other's salvation. The chemistry and sex scenes between Ari and Ze were scorching, but I loved how their relationship developed organically and wasn't perfect. There was plenty of action to keep the story moving, and I cannot wait for more from Sophie Ash🖤
Tropes: monster romance, fated mates, misunderstood hero, heroine-in-danger, 'touch her and die' vibes, dystopian setting, mythology retelling, slow burn, STEAMY🔥
September 17, 2022
Well, all I can say is that if the monster who's killed every other human tossed into the labyrinth, who's been hunting and terrorizing me since my arrival, and is providing me with food so as to have a handy live sex toy at its disposal, was injured and at my mercy ... I would NOT opt to administer medical aid to it. But then the story would be over by chapter 9!
August 28, 2022
This book was super cute. Crystal Ash aka Sophie Ash always has such unique ideas. I'd love to get inside her head and see all of those stories she has! lol. This book was different. I enjoyed it a lot. I got 1984, Big Brother, dystopian vibes and I think this could have been made into a series depending how she went with it.
When we meet Ariadne, she is your average girl just trying to get by and taking care of her mother. When she is trialed and thrown into the labyrinth for crime that really has no merit, it was only a matter of time before she faced the Minotaur to meet her doom.
Zeruhn. The creation. The myth. The monster. After being discarded from being a failed lab creation, he is forced to live in the labyrinth and carry out the MSP's dirty work.
When Ariadne is thrown in, Zeruhn is ultimately drawn to her. Something is different. After days of playing cat and mouse, the unexpected happens. When these two get together, fireworks light and the steam is crazy.
Unfortunately, not everything is meant to last. When the MSP's dirty secret comes out, they quickly find Ariadne was one of many to be "taken care of". Can they escape the labyrinth and escape the city? Will Zeruhn ever be free or will he always live like a slave? Will their true feelings shine as bright outside of the cave?
This book was super cute. I enjoyed it a lot. The protectiveness and Alpha-ness Zeruhn displays over Ariadne is hot and basically I swooned right along beside her reading this. lol
Their were twists and turns I was not expecting and I loved the HEA we got. I didn't want it to end.
*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 4/5
*MF Romance
*Med Burn (40ish%)
*1 yr Epilogue
*Ends in HEA
When we meet Ariadne, she is your average girl just trying to get by and taking care of her mother. When she is trialed and thrown into the labyrinth for crime that really has no merit, it was only a matter of time before she faced the Minotaur to meet her doom.
Zeruhn. The creation. The myth. The monster. After being discarded from being a failed lab creation, he is forced to live in the labyrinth and carry out the MSP's dirty work.
When Ariadne is thrown in, Zeruhn is ultimately drawn to her. Something is different. After days of playing cat and mouse, the unexpected happens. When these two get together, fireworks light and the steam is crazy.
Unfortunately, not everything is meant to last. When the MSP's dirty secret comes out, they quickly find Ariadne was one of many to be "taken care of". Can they escape the labyrinth and escape the city? Will Zeruhn ever be free or will he always live like a slave? Will their true feelings shine as bright outside of the cave?
This book was super cute. I enjoyed it a lot. The protectiveness and Alpha-ness Zeruhn displays over Ariadne is hot and basically I swooned right along beside her reading this. lol
Their were twists and turns I was not expecting and I loved the HEA we got. I didn't want it to end.
*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 4/5
*MF Romance
*Med Burn (40ish%)
*1 yr Epilogue
*Ends in HEA
December 9, 2024
I listened to this almost non-stop today. Absolutely invested from beginning to the end. Minotaur/human relationship, inescapable labyrinth, unjust dictatorship, and more.
August 24, 2022
Wow! Talk about a monstrous ride. Sophie did an amazing job at putting her own post apocalyptic spin on the classic myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. I was immediately drawn in. Latching on to the story and eager to see where it took me.
Zeruhn is the perfect man… erm… I mean monster. I loved that he was the perfect mix of murdery and sweet. He was wronged and mistreated by humans but still gave his pull Ariadne a chance.
Ariadne was a scared human with a strong sense of right and wrong. I loved seeing the two of them come together. Their relationship started as protector and protected but quickly morphed in to so much more. Watching this relationship develop was top notch. The chemistry between them was explosive. The spice made me fan myself every time.
The last 20% in this book had my heart pounding. I couldn’t stop reading and had my fingers crossed the whole time. I even caught myself cheering Zeruhn on.
The world building in this book was phenomenal. I loved the idea of the dystopian city run by an even Prime Minister. I’m hoping to we get more in this world because I’d like to learn more about it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fast paced, spicy monster book that is impossible to put down this is the book for you!
Zeruhn is the perfect man… erm… I mean monster. I loved that he was the perfect mix of murdery and sweet. He was wronged and mistreated by humans but still gave his pull Ariadne a chance.
Ariadne was a scared human with a strong sense of right and wrong. I loved seeing the two of them come together. Their relationship started as protector and protected but quickly morphed in to so much more. Watching this relationship develop was top notch. The chemistry between them was explosive. The spice made me fan myself every time.
The last 20% in this book had my heart pounding. I couldn’t stop reading and had my fingers crossed the whole time. I even caught myself cheering Zeruhn on.
The world building in this book was phenomenal. I loved the idea of the dystopian city run by an even Prime Minister. I’m hoping to we get more in this world because I’d like to learn more about it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fast paced, spicy monster book that is impossible to put down this is the book for you!
August 27, 2022
Set in a dystopian world where the rich rule and the poor are trodden on constantly. Ariadne is thrown into the labyrinth to fend for herself against The Minotaur.
Their connection grows and builds beautifully. Their characters are well rounded and well written. The story flows beautifully and I was dragged into the book, easily able to connect to the characters and their world.
Their connection grows and builds beautifully. Their characters are well rounded and well written. The story flows beautifully and I was dragged into the book, easily able to connect to the characters and their world.
April 3, 2023
El inicio me demoré un montón en leer. Pero cuando la historia llega al momento interesante, se acaba el libro de una.
Hubo ciertas cosas en la historia o detalles que me faltaron. El final fue super rápido y siento que pudo haber habido un poco más de historia
Hubo ciertas cosas en la historia o detalles que me faltaron. El final fue super rápido y siento que pudo haber habido un poco más de historia
dont-want-to-read
August 31, 2022From reviews… doesn’t feel like it matches my mood
November 12, 2022
When I heard Crystal Ash was writing a monster romance under a new pen name I immediately had to read it. I absolutely loved The Minotaur and the unique spin to it.
When Ariadne is thrown into the labyrinth for a bogus crime, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she comes face to face with the Minotaur. Can she survive the monster of the labyrinth?
Zeruhn is the monster behind the myth. A failed lab creation, he’s forced to live in the labyrinth, and execute all those who find themselves thrown into the maze. When a new prisoner is brought in, he finds himself unintentionally drawn to her.
Zeruhn is a unique blend of vicious and sweet. I absolutely adored him. His protective instincts kick in around her and I enjoyed seeing their relationship change from predator/prey to something more. Their chemistry is hot and the scenes between them are spicy.
If you have a taste for monsters, Sophie Ash’s The Minotaur is sure to quench your thirst.
When Ariadne is thrown into the labyrinth for a bogus crime, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she comes face to face with the Minotaur. Can she survive the monster of the labyrinth?
Zeruhn is the monster behind the myth. A failed lab creation, he’s forced to live in the labyrinth, and execute all those who find themselves thrown into the maze. When a new prisoner is brought in, he finds himself unintentionally drawn to her.
Zeruhn is a unique blend of vicious and sweet. I absolutely adored him. His protective instincts kick in around her and I enjoyed seeing their relationship change from predator/prey to something more. Their chemistry is hot and the scenes between them are spicy.
If you have a taste for monsters, Sophie Ash’s The Minotaur is sure to quench your thirst.
August 30, 2022
dnf @ 17%
Didn't hold my interest. 99% of the book is inner monologue
Didn't hold my interest. 99% of the book is inner monologue
October 16, 2022
DNF at 48% I tried to push through to the smut since the storyline was ok, but the dialog was just too cringe.
August 21, 2022
The Minotaur by Sophie Ash is excellent. It's about Ariadne, a woman who is arrested and tried for a ridiculous crime. Her punishment, to be sent into the labyrinth where the Minotaur, Zeruhn resides. At first it seems as if he is merely a predator, while she is his prey.
It quickly becomes apparent that Ariadne has misjudged the Minotaur. He's not a mindless beast. He's intelligent and has the capacity for kindness. Zeruhn realizes that his feelings towards Ariadne are complex. Rather than wanting to dispose of her in a quick manner, he finds himself wanting her to survive. Their relationship begins to evolve from predator and prey to one of adoration and compassion.
Ariadne is a fantastic lead character. She's tenacious, tries to see the good in everyone, and she's a survivor. That's not to say I didn't get frustrated with her a few times. I definitely did. I found myself frustrated with her inability to understand certain aspects of what must be done to survive. However, I enjoyed that aspect of her character. I liked that she was flawed in a relatable way. It made me feel more connected to her and the book. Zeruhn is wonderful as well. He makes no qualms about being a predator but he is so much more than that. He's smart, endearing, and tries to be a provider. I also feel that I need to mention Lago. I won't spoil anything but I love him and I would walk through fire for him.
Sophie does an amazing job at pulling you into the world she created. She weaves the plot and describes the details in such a way that I felt completely immersed in this story. She doesn't rush or sacrifice any elements, nor does she drag the book out just for the sake of it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of paranormal romance.
Note: I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
It quickly becomes apparent that Ariadne has misjudged the Minotaur. He's not a mindless beast. He's intelligent and has the capacity for kindness. Zeruhn realizes that his feelings towards Ariadne are complex. Rather than wanting to dispose of her in a quick manner, he finds himself wanting her to survive. Their relationship begins to evolve from predator and prey to one of adoration and compassion.
Ariadne is a fantastic lead character. She's tenacious, tries to see the good in everyone, and she's a survivor. That's not to say I didn't get frustrated with her a few times. I definitely did. I found myself frustrated with her inability to understand certain aspects of what must be done to survive. However, I enjoyed that aspect of her character. I liked that she was flawed in a relatable way. It made me feel more connected to her and the book. Zeruhn is wonderful as well. He makes no qualms about being a predator but he is so much more than that. He's smart, endearing, and tries to be a provider. I also feel that I need to mention Lago. I won't spoil anything but I love him and I would walk through fire for him.
Sophie does an amazing job at pulling you into the world she created. She weaves the plot and describes the details in such a way that I felt completely immersed in this story. She doesn't rush or sacrifice any elements, nor does she drag the book out just for the sake of it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of paranormal romance.
Note: I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
June 3, 2023
Sophie Ash has created this amazing dystopian future world in which most of the planet has been ruined by man's excesses. MinoTek is a City-State ruled by Prime Minister Minos, but it's a corporation run by the wealthiest 1% and supported by the impoverished. Speak up, and you're sent to the Labyrinth to die.
This is actually my first book by Sophie, (but by no means my last, she has definitly hooked me), her character creation is phenomenal. I mean, Holy Hannah on a popsicle stick! Men like Zeruhn should be real! Seriously, they should. Book boyfriends are amazing because they're fantasies that can't let you down.
Ariadne is sent to the Labyrinth for crimes against the state, but instead of killing her, Zeruhn, for the first time, feels something. No spoilers from me, Ariadne is different from every other person sent to die, and Zeruhn somehow instinctively know this. This is the beginning of their relationship. Their relationship grows slowly over time, they each have to learn to trust each other. It's when they each think they may lose the other that they own up to their feelings.
The plot much like the sex scenes, is hot, dark, twisty and delicious. It moves along at a really good pace, in fact I was so engrossed I almost wanted to leap ahead to find out what happened.
This is an amazing read, if the rest of her books are even half as good as this one, I won't regret buying them either.
This is actually my first book by Sophie, (but by no means my last, she has definitly hooked me), her character creation is phenomenal. I mean, Holy Hannah on a popsicle stick! Men like Zeruhn should be real! Seriously, they should. Book boyfriends are amazing because they're fantasies that can't let you down.
Ariadne is sent to the Labyrinth for crimes against the state, but instead of killing her, Zeruhn, for the first time, feels something. No spoilers from me, Ariadne is different from every other person sent to die, and Zeruhn somehow instinctively know this. This is the beginning of their relationship. Their relationship grows slowly over time, they each have to learn to trust each other. It's when they each think they may lose the other that they own up to their feelings.
The plot much like the sex scenes, is hot, dark, twisty and delicious. It moves along at a really good pace, in fact I was so engrossed I almost wanted to leap ahead to find out what happened.
This is an amazing read, if the rest of her books are even half as good as this one, I won't regret buying them either.
September 3, 2022
I was really looking forward to seeing this author's take on the minotaur legend in this dystopian romance. She did not disappoint! I loved the banter Ari (doe eyes awwww) and Zeruhn had from the very beginning. Seeing their walls come down and getting to know each other was fabulous. I liked the monster aspect of this romance, added another level to the relationship building and when he was confronted by other in the labyrinth. I looooved the author's Steel Demons MC series so much and that had hints of paranormal and was happy to see her really have fun with these characters and the storyline in this PNR M/F book.
I wouldn't say this book is dark but there is some themes touched upon that could be triggering. One character gets what's coming to him by the hand of the minotaur and I feel so bad for the shifters/experiments of the world because they don't deserve how they are treated and the raw end of the deal with lifespan and uncontrollable shifting. We also get to see false imprisonment and our MC being sentenced to death pretty much under erroneous charges. I did enjoy trying to figure out the twists the author was going to throw at her readers and don't even get me started on the STEAM 🔥🔥🔥
This will certainly not be the last book by this pen name I read/listen to, I look forward to more goodies from her and definitely would recommend this book to everyone❤️
I wouldn't say this book is dark but there is some themes touched upon that could be triggering. One character gets what's coming to him by the hand of the minotaur and I feel so bad for the shifters/experiments of the world because they don't deserve how they are treated and the raw end of the deal with lifespan and uncontrollable shifting. We also get to see false imprisonment and our MC being sentenced to death pretty much under erroneous charges. I did enjoy trying to figure out the twists the author was going to throw at her readers and don't even get me started on the STEAM 🔥🔥🔥
This will certainly not be the last book by this pen name I read/listen to, I look forward to more goodies from her and definitely would recommend this book to everyone❤️
August 27, 2022
I have a secret. I love monster stories, they're a guilty pleasure. And I was tickled to get my hands on an advanced copy of The Minotaur by Sophie Ash.
I'm so glad I did.
The Minotaur is a dystopian tale based on the Greek mythos of the same name. It takes place in the city/state of MinoTek, where everything is ruled by the Prime Minister Minos. There are plenty of have nots in this city, and Ariadne is one of the less fortunate citizens.
Dragged from her home one evening and found guilty of crimes against the state, Ariadne is sentenced to the Labyrinth, a certain death sentence.
Once in the Labyrinth, she meets The Minotaur, Zeruhn. Zeruhn is a lab created shifter gone wrong. Condemned to the Labyrinth, his only purpose is to execute those thrown in.
Until Ariadne and Zeruhn meet.
What follows is a story with the flavor of Beauty and the Beast with Greek history in a dystopian landscape. What is there not to like? It's a steamy love story, you have to love a big, protective bull of a man! But there's so much more to this story than just Ariadne and Zeruhn finding one another. Escaping the Labyrinth and MinoTek is the only way to secure a future together, and no one has ever escaped the labyrinth.
This was a fun read, as I said monsters are a fun read for me. Add in the amazing world building of a dystopian society, and as far as I'm concerned, it's a hit. All of this from Sophie Ash, new pen name of Crystal Ash, author of RH hit Steel Demons MC Series
I'm so glad I did.
The Minotaur is a dystopian tale based on the Greek mythos of the same name. It takes place in the city/state of MinoTek, where everything is ruled by the Prime Minister Minos. There are plenty of have nots in this city, and Ariadne is one of the less fortunate citizens.
Dragged from her home one evening and found guilty of crimes against the state, Ariadne is sentenced to the Labyrinth, a certain death sentence.
Once in the Labyrinth, she meets The Minotaur, Zeruhn. Zeruhn is a lab created shifter gone wrong. Condemned to the Labyrinth, his only purpose is to execute those thrown in.
Until Ariadne and Zeruhn meet.
What follows is a story with the flavor of Beauty and the Beast with Greek history in a dystopian landscape. What is there not to like? It's a steamy love story, you have to love a big, protective bull of a man! But there's so much more to this story than just Ariadne and Zeruhn finding one another. Escaping the Labyrinth and MinoTek is the only way to secure a future together, and no one has ever escaped the labyrinth.
This was a fun read, as I said monsters are a fun read for me. Add in the amazing world building of a dystopian society, and as far as I'm concerned, it's a hit. All of this from Sophie Ash, new pen name of Crystal Ash, author of RH hit Steel Demons MC Series
September 1, 2022
The Minotaur was an exciting and enjoyable read by Crystal Ash's second pen name, Sophie Ash.
In the beginning of the book, Ariadne is imprisoned in "the labyrinth" for outlandish charges. It is understood that whoever enters the labyrinth never makes it out alive. This is because of the vicious and violent minotaur, Zeruhn, who lives there. One look at Ariadne, and everything changes for Zeruhn. For the first time ever, Zeruhn doesn't want to kill the human who entered his domain. Even though it happened in a short amount of time, I really appreciated the pace and development of their romance. Zeruhn is experiencing these feelings for Ariadne for the first time ever and there is so much more to him than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Ariadne is slowly realizing that not all men in her world take what they want, when they want it. They're eventually drawn to eachother and when they finally do come together, pheww, it's amazing.
Other things to expect from this book is a dystopian type world, a very corrupt government, class discrimination, action/violence, various shifters, and the sweetest HEA.
🖤
In the beginning of the book, Ariadne is imprisoned in "the labyrinth" for outlandish charges. It is understood that whoever enters the labyrinth never makes it out alive. This is because of the vicious and violent minotaur, Zeruhn, who lives there. One look at Ariadne, and everything changes for Zeruhn. For the first time ever, Zeruhn doesn't want to kill the human who entered his domain. Even though it happened in a short amount of time, I really appreciated the pace and development of their romance. Zeruhn is experiencing these feelings for Ariadne for the first time ever and there is so much more to him than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Ariadne is slowly realizing that not all men in her world take what they want, when they want it. They're eventually drawn to eachother and when they finally do come together, pheww, it's amazing.
Other things to expect from this book is a dystopian type world, a very corrupt government, class discrimination, action/violence, various shifters, and the sweetest HEA.
🖤
January 24, 2023
Rating: 3.9/5⭐
Spice Level: 3.8/5
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Touch Her & Die, Monster Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Primal Chase/Hunt
Fun little retelling of the the Minotaur myth featuring FMC Ariadne and MMC Zeruhn. The setting is a dystopian world set in MinoTek, where capitalism rules and the people are strictly monitored/controlled.
Ariadne lives in the slums with her ailing mother, and gets arrested for reading outlawed pamphlets and sentenced to be tossed into the labyrinth for 3 months. This is a known death sentence as the Minotaur kills all who enter.
MMC Zeruhn is the Minotaur, a shifter as a result of a lab experiment imprisoned in the Labyrinth to act as executioner. When Ariadne gets pushed through the doors, for the first time he doesn't want to kill.
One thing leads to another and they end up reaching an agreement of sorts which leads to working to escape the labyrinth together. The spice is great and well-written, definitely satisfying.
The worldbuilding is also pretty good, and there's balance between the plot and the spice. Good amount of story and the last 20% is a mad dash of action and suspense.
Overall a quick read and if you like monster romances and dystopian societies, this one is worth the time.
Spice Level: 3.8/5
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Touch Her & Die, Monster Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Primal Chase/Hunt
Fun little retelling of the the Minotaur myth featuring FMC Ariadne and MMC Zeruhn. The setting is a dystopian world set in MinoTek, where capitalism rules and the people are strictly monitored/controlled.
Ariadne lives in the slums with her ailing mother, and gets arrested for reading outlawed pamphlets and sentenced to be tossed into the labyrinth for 3 months. This is a known death sentence as the Minotaur kills all who enter.
MMC Zeruhn is the Minotaur, a shifter as a result of a lab experiment imprisoned in the Labyrinth to act as executioner. When Ariadne gets pushed through the doors, for the first time he doesn't want to kill.
One thing leads to another and they end up reaching an agreement of sorts which leads to working to escape the labyrinth together. The spice is great and well-written, definitely satisfying.
The worldbuilding is also pretty good, and there's balance between the plot and the spice. Good amount of story and the last 20% is a mad dash of action and suspense.
Overall a quick read and if you like monster romances and dystopian societies, this one is worth the time.
September 6, 2022
I will start this out with letting you know that I am not a huge fan of monster romance books. I've tried a few, but I haven't really loved them. I think that they just aren't my kink, and that's okay. It's okay for me not to love them and it's okay for people to love them, because there is zero judgement here.
With that, I wasn't too sure if this one would really be considered "monster" since it's a minotaur, and that's his shifted form. But, he does have horns that stay out--so I classified it monster.
Overall, this was a fun, steamy read that engaged me from start to finish. I've always been interested in the mythology of minotaur's and mazes, and this book was a really creative and engaging approach to the legend. Additionally, Ash really created an amazing world that is super exciting, and I absolutely cannot wait to delve into it again.
If you've read books by Crystal Ash (aka Sophie Ash), then I think you will love this. It's not RH, but it does have her lush world building, superb steam, and lovable characters.
With that, I wasn't too sure if this one would really be considered "monster" since it's a minotaur, and that's his shifted form. But, he does have horns that stay out--so I classified it monster.
Overall, this was a fun, steamy read that engaged me from start to finish. I've always been interested in the mythology of minotaur's and mazes, and this book was a really creative and engaging approach to the legend. Additionally, Ash really created an amazing world that is super exciting, and I absolutely cannot wait to delve into it again.
If you've read books by Crystal Ash (aka Sophie Ash), then I think you will love this. It's not RH, but it does have her lush world building, superb steam, and lovable characters.
September 29, 2022
THE REVIEW
Welp, I didn’t see that coming! This book popped up in my feed and I was intrigued. Free with Kindle Unlimited? Sure, let’s give it a go! Wow! What an easy, fun read! It had drama, danger, romance, steam, and action! I don’t want to give away too much, but Ariadne is sentenced to the Labyrinth for a supposed crime. The labyrinth is where the oppressive government sends criminals to die…because within the labyrinth lives the Minotaur! No escapes that death sentence…except Ariadne. The Minotaur feels something different with her and thus begins a slow and oddly believable romance! I was worried it would feel silly but it doesn’t! Their relationship builds slowly and with hesitation from both of them, but in the end, they find love and understanding with each other! And that’s where I’m going to stop.
Overall, I (very surprisingly) loved this book and can’t wait for the next installment!
TROPES
Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifter Romance, Monster Romance, Gamma Hero, Anti-Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Disabled/Wounded/Scared Hero, Protective Hero, Possessive/Jealous Hero, Experienced Heroine, Enemies to Lovers, Beauty & the Beast, Forced Proximity, Nursed Back to Health, Suspense/Danger/Murder
Welp, I didn’t see that coming! This book popped up in my feed and I was intrigued. Free with Kindle Unlimited? Sure, let’s give it a go! Wow! What an easy, fun read! It had drama, danger, romance, steam, and action! I don’t want to give away too much, but Ariadne is sentenced to the Labyrinth for a supposed crime. The labyrinth is where the oppressive government sends criminals to die…because within the labyrinth lives the Minotaur! No escapes that death sentence…except Ariadne. The Minotaur feels something different with her and thus begins a slow and oddly believable romance! I was worried it would feel silly but it doesn’t! Their relationship builds slowly and with hesitation from both of them, but in the end, they find love and understanding with each other! And that’s where I’m going to stop.
Overall, I (very surprisingly) loved this book and can’t wait for the next installment!
TROPES
Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifter Romance, Monster Romance, Gamma Hero, Anti-Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Disabled/Wounded/Scared Hero, Protective Hero, Possessive/Jealous Hero, Experienced Heroine, Enemies to Lovers, Beauty & the Beast, Forced Proximity, Nursed Back to Health, Suspense/Danger/Murder
August 24, 2022
The Minotaur by Sophie Ash is the first book of the Gods and Myths series. It is an MF Romance written by the author under the pen name. It is a dystopian retelling of the Minotaur myth, complete with familiar names from Greek myths and legends.
The story is set in the imaginary town of MinoTek, which is a highly technologically developed town which treats the have-nots of the city as poorly as they can, if not more. This is the story of Ariadne who fell in love with the monster feared by the entire town.
The Minotaur is not a hero-oriented romance. It is about a monster who finally finds a reason to live other than survive. The story is also a slow-burn romance where the leading couple takes time to know each other before going all hot and bothered.
The author has reimagined the myths as scientific innovations and is able to logically explain the plot and its technicalities. There is quite a space given to explain the setting, which made the reading flow flawlessly progressive.
https://crumpledbookshelf.wordpress.c...
The story is set in the imaginary town of MinoTek, which is a highly technologically developed town which treats the have-nots of the city as poorly as they can, if not more. This is the story of Ariadne who fell in love with the monster feared by the entire town.
The Minotaur is not a hero-oriented romance. It is about a monster who finally finds a reason to live other than survive. The story is also a slow-burn romance where the leading couple takes time to know each other before going all hot and bothered.
The author has reimagined the myths as scientific innovations and is able to logically explain the plot and its technicalities. There is quite a space given to explain the setting, which made the reading flow flawlessly progressive.
https://crumpledbookshelf.wordpress.c...
February 4, 2023
This book was fine, but I wasn’t satisfied.
Ariadne and Zeruhn were fine, but I was really annoyed with Ariadne’s attitude when it comes to killing. Zeruhn has told her that he kills the people who come to the labyrinth so that he’s not killed, and yet she gets upset that he doesn’t just let them kill him.
I really liked Lago, the jackalope, but I wanted to see more of him as he was usually in the background. Understandably, the other characters were very brief. I did think that the end could have been a bit longer as I wanted to see Zeruhn interacting with Ariadne’s mother, and I was really curious about their new lives, which weren’t really shown.
This book was fine, but it just wasn’t for me. Ariadne annoyed me, there weren’t any developed side characters, and the plot wasn’t interesting for me.
Ariadne and Zeruhn were fine, but I was really annoyed with Ariadne’s attitude when it comes to killing. Zeruhn has told her that he kills the people who come to the labyrinth so that he’s not killed, and yet she gets upset that he doesn’t just let them kill him.
I really liked Lago, the jackalope, but I wanted to see more of him as he was usually in the background. Understandably, the other characters were very brief. I did think that the end could have been a bit longer as I wanted to see Zeruhn interacting with Ariadne’s mother, and I was really curious about their new lives, which weren’t really shown.
This book was fine, but it just wasn’t for me. Ariadne annoyed me, there weren’t any developed side characters, and the plot wasn’t interesting for me.
August 24, 2022
I loved The Minotaur! It is dystopian, but it has a sci-fi feel with experimentation. The world building is 🤌🤌 and I am excited for more in this world.
Ariadne is thrown into the labyrinth on some BS charges, where officials assume that the minotaur will get rid of her. What they don't expect is her to survive as long as she does. Zeruhn doesn't expect to be taken with Ariadne as much as he is. Their chemistry is off the charts and the spicy scenes are 🔥🔥🔥 Zeruhn would do anything for Ariadne and he proves it to her many times over.
This book set a pretty fast pace and sucked me in from page one. I am excited to see what else comes from this world and maybe we will see these two in passing again.
Ariadne is thrown into the labyrinth on some BS charges, where officials assume that the minotaur will get rid of her. What they don't expect is her to survive as long as she does. Zeruhn doesn't expect to be taken with Ariadne as much as he is. Their chemistry is off the charts and the spicy scenes are 🔥🔥🔥 Zeruhn would do anything for Ariadne and he proves it to her many times over.
This book set a pretty fast pace and sucked me in from page one. I am excited to see what else comes from this world and maybe we will see these two in passing again.
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