Lifestyles of Gods & Monsters by Emily Roberson (Review #213)

"Sixteen-year-old Ariadne’s whole life is curated and shared with the world. Her royal family’s entertainment empire is beloved by the tabloids, all over social media, and the hottest thing on television. The biggest moneymaker? The Labyrinth Contest, a TV extravaganza in which Ariadne leads fourteen teens into a maze to kill a monster. To win means endless glory; to lose means death. In ten seasons, no one has ever won.

When the gorgeous, mysterious Theseus arrives at the competition and asks Ariadne to help him to victory, she doesn’t expect to fall for him. He might be acting interested in her just to boost ratings. Their chemistry is undeniable, though, and she can help him survive. If he wins, the contest would end for good. But if she helps him, she doesn’t just endanger her family’s empire―the monster would have to die. And for Ariadne, his life might be the only one worth saving.

Ariadne’s every move is watched by the public and predestined by the gods, so how can she find a way to forge her own destiny and save the people she loves?"

Review:

This was an excellent modern retelling of the myth of the Minotaur. Knowing the basic plot points already of this one, I sped through this like nobody’s business. It was entertaining, critical, and the story took new lenses to an already famous story.

I think I especially liked the way the author took to tackling how social media sexualizes girls and women and that because of that, it is an easy thing to take advantage of. Seeing Ariadne slowly start to understand her sisters once she is forced into the spotlight was one of my favorite moments. It made seemingly two-dimensional characters into fully formed people with their own traumas because of their father and the media.

Overall an excellent read, I almost wish we’d get a second installment, but maybe it’s best to let it lie. As always let me know your own thoughts and feels down below in the comments!