Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth is a gender-bent sapphic retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus. In space. And yes, it is as crazy as it sounds. I had found this book and its premise interesting when I first heard of it, but I only read it months later. When I tell you, the whiplash I felt when the different parts of the premise started to click in the first chapter. I was in for a ride.

I have the belief that parodies are only good when the author has respect and an understanding of the source material. It is very clear that Gwenhyver has a deep knowledge of Greek myths and history, which is why they can completely flip it onto its head as they do. Notable points of accuracy is correctly using the Greek name for all the characters, instead of the Roman bastardization, and appreciating and depicting how unbelievably horny the ancient Greeks were.

This book also has a very intriguing narrative style. Theseus is snarky and very focused on the First Rules of Monster Hunting. We not only perceive the world through her lens, but, most importantly, through her sense of humor. It inevitably reminds me somewhat of the narration in Percy Jackson, but more adult and with more flirting.

Sadly, this book did not do it for me, but I can appreciate the beautiful and flowery writing and how well-developed the characters were. We don't have a lot of sapphic sci-fi romance stories, and I definitely appreciate that. It was just too chaotic for me, and unfortunately I kept finding myself thinking back to details from the original myths and then suddenly being reminded that they are in space. I do, however, have some friends that I'm absolutely sure will lot this. It is not a bad book by any means, just not everyone's cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gwenhyver, and Sky Dog Books for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.

I loved this story! A sci fi story, mixed with Greek mythology and a heartwarming sapphic romance is a combination I did not expect to love as much as I did. While I am not one for slow burn romances, there was just something about this one that made me want to keep reading. It may have been the connection through multiple POVs and the plot and action to keep the pace moving. The banter between characters is so cute that it had me kicking my feet!

Sci-fi meets mythology: Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth, is a new retelling of the Minotaur from Greek Mythology with a Sci-fi twist. Instead of regions of land, we have planets. Instead of sailing seas, we have space travel. Other fun facets of this book LGBTQ+ and Gender Swaps.

This book features multiple POV, however I did not enjoy that it started after reading 50% of the book. The second POV while providing history, retold the first half of the book from the other perspective. I felt that while it provided some insight, it felt redundant.

I really wanted to love this book, as I love a good retelling, but I did not enjoy the order of POV. I also felt the romance did not feel natural, the speed in which some characters could suddenly pick up another language was soley to move the book along, which why have the langauge barrier to begin with?

I also didnt feel that the characters really had a connection-I could see building into a friendship, but the romance part didnt feel quite right.

I volunteered as an Arc reader. Thank you Netgalley.

I received an electronic ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

I saw the words "sky labyrinth" and the gorgeous cover and instantly knew I had to read this book. A labyrinth, in the sky, with lesbians? AND with a basis in Greek mythology for us Percy Jackson kids? Sign me up!

Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth is a romance set in a sci-fi skin inspired by Greek mythology. Theseus, a monster hunter, finds her way into the Sky Labyrinth in the orbit of the planet Minos. The Architect-in-training, the leader of the planet Minos, sends thirteen criminals (and one Chosen Hero) to the Labyrinth every year to fight their way through the constantly changing, deadly maze, aiming to kill the Minotaur at its heart and end its 19-year reign of terror on the citizens below. But not everything is as it seems.

This book is a fun, indulgent romp that reads a bit like fanfiction, or perhaps like episodes in a season of TV. The protagonist Theseus is flip and irreverent, a bit like a lesbian Geralt of Rivia, and the second POV character was also quite endearing and quickly catapulted to my favorite character after getting to her backstory chapters. We were thrown right into the action, and even though I felt like the story slowed down quite a lot through the middle, there was always progress being made.

This is a romance primarily and a sci-fi secondarily. I was here for the worldbuilding because that concept is what drew me in, but the author focused on these two characters more. Which is okay, just not what I was expecting. There are maybe 4-6 chapters of explicit adult content.

Pros: The amazing concept, worldbuilding, and execution. I am a Percy Jackson kid, and I adore retellings of mythology, so that hit just the right buttons. Concepts like a world-engine and multidirectional gravity are so cool, and I want to see more! Also, there was a heaping portion of poetic justice, which was quite satisfying. Also everyone is a lesbian.

Cons: The writing style wasn't quite what I was used to. I often struggle with 3rd person present because the line between what the narrator knows and what the protagonist knows can easily get too blurred and the infodumping can get too clunky. I also, again, don't read much romance, so the fact that over half of the book was just romance was a bit difficult for me personally. The book could have also done with one final little round of grammar and formatting edits, but that's just the rules stickler in me.

All in all, this book is a 3.5 rounded up for me. I'm definitely interested in reading more of the books set in this universe, because I want to see more of the Greek myths adapted for science fiction! Also more lesbians!

This review is cross-posted on NetGalley, Storygraph, and Goodreads.

Review: Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth by Gwenhyver

This book was everything I like—mythology, monsters, sapphic romance, and a labyrinth in space? Yes, please. Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth takes ancient myth and launches it into a shimmering, chaotic galaxy, full of clever twists and heart-heavy choices.

Theseus is cocky, flawed, and so much fun to follow—especially as she stumbles through a maze full of deadly traps and unexpected feelings. The Minotaur isn’t just a monster, and the princess? Definitely not a damsel. The story plays with old myths in such a smart way, with emotional depth and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

If you’re into sword-wielding, space fantasy, reimagined myths, and romantic tension tangled up with danger, this book absolutely delivers.

There’s a monster terrorizing the planet Minos: every year, fourteen criminals are sent into a dangerous, ever-shifting maze in the sky to fight for their lives, but none ever return. Whoever survives and slays the beast roaming the labyrinth would not only earn forgiveness for their crimes, but also win the hand of Princess Ariadne of Minos in marriage, and, therefore, the chance to reign at her side. Enters the titular Theseus; she's a professional monster hunter with “a desire to make the universe a better place and a death-wish,” and is determined to bring this nonsense to a close.

The opening chapters absolutely blew me away. The writing is sharp, and the blend of sci-fi with “fairy tale”-esque elements really worked for me. The descriptions of the maze created vivid visuals in my mind which helped me picture the scenes as if I was there. Theseus stole the show right away: she’s witty, charming, and genuinely funny. The language barrier between her and the other inmates is an amazing touch; it adds both complexity to their interactions and a strong dose of humor.

The best compliment I can give this book is that Part I reminded me of *Murder at Spindle Manor* by Morgan Stang (my top book of 2024, which I read twice), notably due to the strong female lead dealing with everyone’s nonsense while hunting a monster/trying to do her job. I was completely charmed.

That said, I was not as entranced by the following parts, and the book truly lost me at the 30% mark, when the narrative rewinds back to the start and makes you go through *every. single. scene.* again. I’ll be honest, I was *livid*. The new perspective didn’t add much; I already had the gist. After this baffling choice, the book settles into a regular split POV, so while I understand why the author chose to structure the novel this way (to give more airtime to each protagonist, I suppose), I just thought it was unnecessary and infuriating.
Then, just when I thought things were picking up after a fantastic battle scene halfway through, the story slowed down again, shifting into what felt like endless cottagecore domestic bliss. The stakes faded into the background, and I found myself wondering: What are we waiting for? Why should I care?

Regaining my interest was an uphill battle at that point, but the climax and ending really brought back much of my excitement. Even though it was interrupted by another round of POV repetition, this one was (thankfully) quicker and didn’t bother me as much.

The final battle was emotional and satisfying, and I especially appreciated the resolution of certain plot threads (I was relieved Asterion didn’t just shake off the mask by “believing in herself,” as Theseus suggested). The prose throughout the book remained stunning: vibrant, evocative, and really making the world pop off the page. I also adore the cover art on NetGalley; it is absolutely gorgeous.

In the end, I’m just a bit sad about the missed potential. The first part of the book made me think I’d found my new top read for 2025, but the focus shifted too much toward romance and hurt/comfort tropes at the expense of intrigue, action and world-building-which the author truly excels at, so seeing it underutilized was disappointing. I never really felt the danger from the maze for the two protagonists, and the antagonists were underdeveloped, almost caricatures. I wish more time had been spent exploring other characters and the finer points of the politics and world-building, instead of rehashing the same scenes over and over again.

Still, *Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth* shines brightest in its action-packed moments, which left me breathless. When the story moves forward, it leaves you hungry for more. But it might also be a case of YMMV: this pet peeve of mine (rewinding narratives) might not be yours, and in that case, I’d urge you to pick up this book. Especially if you love romances with strong leads, great character chemistry, beautiful scenery. And fire-breathing chickens! Bok-bok my beloved.