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The King Must Die
The King Must Die
Author: Mary Renault
The hero of this vivid and exciting novel is Theseus, a prince of ancient Athens.  Taken as a slave to the island of Crete, he is condemned to certain death as a "bull dancer."  But he abducts the sensuous Princess Ariadne and makes a daring escape. — Brave, aggressive, tough, proud and highly sexed, Theseus faces danger after...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780671771843
ISBN-10: 0671771841
Publication Date: 1969
Pages: 374
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1

4.5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Book Type: Unknown Binding
Other Versions: Paperback, Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The King Must Die on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Susan's review skillfully sums up the writing in this book. The author is skillful at keeping your attention; in the end, it is mostly a plot-driven book, which transitions seamlessly from adventure to adventure. It is not chock-full of brilliant insights, but it is a good yarn, and sometimes, that's all you need to keep reading. Worth picking up.
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VickyJo avatar reviewed The King Must Die on + 49 more book reviews
Mary Renault, in her 'Author's Note' at the end of her magnificent novel "The King Must Die" describes Theseus as "..brave and aggressive, physically tough and quick; highly sexed and rather promiscuous; touchily proud, but with a feeling for the underdog; resembling Alexander in his precocious competence, gift of leadership, and romantic sense of destiny."

Renault brings Theseus to life, telling us his story not as a myth, but as she imagines it could have been. We watch Theseus grow from a young boy of six to a brave young man of 19 by the novel's end. He comes into his own as the son of a king, and eventually as a king himself.

Renault not only knows ancient Greece, but she brings it to life. The time Theseus spends in Crete as a bull-dancer is a fascinating portion of this engrossing tale. Her novel "The Bull from the Sea" is the sequel, and begins with his return from Crete. I highly recommend both!
reviewed The King Must Die on + 82 more book reviews
The ancient legend of Theseus takes on new life in this fascinating novel. Part 1 of the story; The Bull From The Sea is part 2. You will want both, they are un-put-downable. Very well written, you will become a believer.
buzzby avatar reviewed The King Must Die on + 6062 more book reviews
I read this when I was about 17, it was one of the more vivid books I've ever read. Theseus was quite a character, and I wish I can say I have modelled my life after him, but I think just the opposite is true.


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