From the publisher: When young George becomes trapped in the mine where he works with his father, can a figure from the shadows lead him to safety …? Lucy Strange interweaves the Industrial Revolution with Greek mythology in this gripping and atmospheric tale, featuring artwork from acclaimed illustrator Pam Smy.
Money is scarce in George’s family and so at the age of nine he has to join his father underground, hewing coal in the local mine. It’s far from the dreams George had of continuing his education, and it’s also a dangerous way to earn a living that has already claimed the life of his dad’s older brother. Not long after he starts work, a summer storm leads to flooding in the mine. Trapped down in the dark, George spots a shadowy figure that seems to be telling George to follow him. Can a ghost from the past lead him back to safety, or will George meet the same fate as his long-lost uncle?
My Review: I really enjoyed this heartfelt venture into the past into a Welsh mining community. It’s very short, but it’s quite moving. The choice of a Minotaur was interesting. I’ll have to brush up on my Greek mythology but I’m assuming it’s connected to people, including children, being sacrificed to the mine? If you’ve read the book, I’d love to hear what your thoughts. My only niggle is that I didn’t believe George was nine, but this is possibly because the story is written in first person present tense (which I find distances me from the character). The illustrations are by Pam Smy and they capture the atmosphere of the story perfectly.
The Storm and the Minotaur by Lucy Strange will be published on August 3rd by Barrington Stoke. I’ve included information about them below. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC.
Valinora Troy 
12 responses to “Book Review: The Storm And the Minotaur”
I think the Minotaur relates to Greek mythology because that Minotaur was at the center of the maze (cave). It’d be a modern retelling and ironic if Geroge’s Minotaur led them out of the maze (cave). That’s my guess, anyway.
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I think that is the inversion of the story! Good guess! Thanks, Vera!
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The combination of a Welsh mining community and Greek mythology sounds interesting. A shorter, good book that I could finish faster appeals too. Thanks for sharing it this week.
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Thanks Natalie! 🙂
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Fascinating story line combining a mining disaster with Greek Mythology. The length also appeals to me as not all young readers are looking for the next 400 page epic novel. Thanks for introducing this book on MMGM.
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There is definitely a time and a place for reading shorter books, I’ve grown very fond of them! 🙂 Thanks for having me on this week’s MMGM, Greg!
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Sounds like a nice shorter intro to Greek Mythology. Happy MMGM to you.
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Thanks Brenda, hope you have a lovely week!
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Sounds like a book that would be great for some of my students. I like that it is a hi-lo book. So many of my students like books that relate to mythology. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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It’s a short easy read and quite touching, plus great setting and interesting slice of Greek Mythology! 🙂
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This sounds like a fascinating read—mining communities and Greek mythology are a surprising combo! And it’s interesting to see publishers offering these “hi-lo” stories that are accessible to more readers. Thanks so much for sharing, Valinora, and have a great week!
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Thanks, Max! I agree, it’s a great to have accessible fiction to reach more kids! Have a super week!
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