Asterios and the Labyrinth | Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers’ Favorite

By Edmond Thornfield / May 26, 2026

Set on the island of Crete during the Minoan Bronze Age some 3,500 years ago, Asterios and the Labyrinth (Mythos of Knossos) by Edmond Thornfield is a tale of gods, kings, heroes, revolts, and magical powers. The Minoans, a wealthy people known for their farming and commerce, experienced some turbulence following the death of King Minos of Knossos. His son, Prince Asterios, took over, but his romantic involvement with Prince Phaistos didn’t sit well with everyone, sparking a power struggle. He and Phaistos were faced with marriages of convenience to unite kingdoms, restore decorum, and secure the continuity of the royal bloodline. During a rebellion, Phaistos was captured by the enemy and subjected to humiliation. As King Asterios set sail for Kydonia to rescue him, a tale of ancient rituals, torture, and bloody battles unfolds. His mother, sister, and aunt resorted to sorcery to shield Asterios in his efforts to protect his throne. That battle won, royal weddings were followed by a new plot to overthrow the king, and his army sailed to Zakro for a showdown.

Edmond Thornfield combines mythology with archaeology in an impressive reconstruction of ancient times. It is filled with historical details and an evocative depiction of the lifestyle of the Mediterranean in that era. Asterios and the Labyrinth is a tale of ambition, envy, malice, love, treachery, and alliances against a common enemy. It describes kingly duty, political wrangling, and the exchange of hostages. The writing style reflects the ethos of the age, adding to the epic nature of the storyline and fitting its classical setting perfectly. The book is recommended for mature readers, as violence and sex feature prominently, which reflects royal privilege and the prevailing social norms, with an underlying LGBTQ+ tone. There is also no shortage of death and destruction. It will appeal to a readership that enjoys mythological fiction and is comfortable with what the author describes as complex moral and social themes.

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“Recommended for all historical fiction fans open to a unique reading experience. A style very creative and literary… language to be savored when read slowly and thoughtfully.”

—Historical Novel Society

Asterios and the Labyrinth is now available at major online bookstores.