by Sara Douglass

Tor, January, 2003.
Hardcover, 592 pages.
ISBN: 0765305402

In ancient Greece, Theseus slew the Minotaur Asterion with the help of Ariadne, daughter of the King of Crete and Mistress of the Labyrinth. Unknown to most people, the elaborate magical labyrinths (which are spread throughout the ancient world) protect the land from ill fortune. Ariadne and Theseus leave Crete, with Ariadne thinking they will live happily ever after. But Theseus deserts the pregnant Ariadne for Ariadne's sister. Furious, Ariadne makes a terrible compact with the dead Asterion, curses Theseus and destroys all but one of the world's labyrinths, thus leading to the destruction of the ancient world, including Troy and Atlantis. Ariadne's descendants, all female, also vow to continue the revenge. Many years pass. Now Brutus, the former king of the now-destroyed Troy (he murdered his father to get the throne) is determined to regain the glory of Troy. Aided by the magical Genvissa (one of Ariadne's descendants), Brutus agrees to do Genvissa's bidding in exchange for her helping him create a new empire in Genvissa's land, Llangarlia (now England). With Genvissa's help, Brutus destroys the city of Mesopotama and takes the king's daughter, princess Cornelia, as his wife. Cornelia's fate is now entwined with that of Brutus and Genvissa, as Genvissa attempts to create a new labyrinth and use its power for her own ends. But Genvissa seems to have forgotten Asterion, who has his own plans for the game of the labyrinth, plans which will mean the end of humanity.

Hades Daughter is the first book in a new series entitled The Troy Game from internationally bestselling author Sara Douglass (The Wayfarer Redemption, Enchanter Starman). Epic in scope, this is material that simply could not be tackled with any success by a lesser author. A professor of medieval history by training, Douglass skillfully weaves fact with fiction to create a story that is breathtaking in scope: filled with magic, passion, love, betrayal, ambition and revenge. Her characters are complex people, who behave both honorably and despicably. Douglass' powerful and evocative prose, coupled with a rich historical background and a provocative storyline make for fascinating reading. Highly recommended.

--Claire E. White

Hades' Daughter is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the March, 2003 of The Internet Writing Journal.

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