To begin with, it was the title that drew me into reading this book because I love Greek myths and anything to do with the realms of fantasy. I was a little put off by the fact that in the summary on the back it said that the main character was being bullied at his new school, a very clichéd plot, which has been over used, in my opinion. However, I was very interested in how the author was going to incorporate a video game of Greek myths, which “is more than just a game” into real life. I was also intrigued by the main characters’ name, Phoenix, and so read on.
I was very glad that I decided to go further than the cover in this book and especially fell in love with the first chapter, which describes Phoenix, in the role of Theseus, moving through the Minotaurs’ maze. The details are graphic and moderately gory, which is one of the aspects that should be in all fantasy books.
The plot weaves in and out through the story and the myths that are replayed by Phoenix, his friend Laura, his father and the boy bullying him called Adams. It explores the Greek myths of Medusa and of the Minotaur in some depth, mixing the world of reality with the fictional world of myths and legends. For example, after each of the first few journeys into the game world, by Phoenix and his father numbers begin to flash across the computer screen. These numbers are translated into Legendeer game program creator (Glen Reede’s) expressions about how well Phoenix performed in his game world and he taunts him, even though he cannot decipher the number code.
It is an imaginative work. My favourite section of the book is when Phoenix asks the Graeae for directions to the Gorgons cave and fights the Gorgons to get Medusa’s head. This part of the book held my attention and kept me in suspense for the characters.
The only real criticism I have for this book is that its style of writing was slightly too young for me. However, in the future, I will not pass up the chance to read the remainder of the trilogy, “Vampyre Legion” and “Warriors of the Raven”. I would recommend this book to young fantasy readers who show a preference towards the supernatural.
Emma, aged 14