Asterios and the Labyrinth | Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers’ Favorite

By edmondthornfield@gmail.com / May 20, 2026

Edmond Thornfield’s novel, Asterios and the Labyrinth (Mythos of Knossos), is a reimagined, action-packed mythological and historical story, set in ancient Krete (Crete) during the period of the Bronze Age Minoan civilization. When King Minos dies, his son Asterios succeeds him as the ruler of the Kingdom of Labrys. Prince Phaistos of Archanes is commander-in-chief of King Asterios’ army. Asterios and Phaistos are also lovers, a relationship sanctified by the goddess Ishtar. However, both Asterios and Phaistos must protect their bloodlines and kingdoms through legitimate heirs. Two rebel lords, Koronos and Lykosander, are strongly opposed to King Asterios’ rule and threaten war. When Phaistos rides to Archanes to join Asterios’ army, he is captured by the rebel lords. Asterios calls on his allies to help defend Knossos, while he leads his men to fight Koronos and Lykosander, and to free Phaistos. The story grows more complex, driven by power struggles, and Asterios’ fierce determination to rescue the love of his life, Phaistos.

I found myself immersed right from the start with the complex characters and their compelling, thought-provoking, multilayered story of love, duty, identity, and sexuality. I loved the archaic-style prose, turning this ancient Greek tale into an intense political, social, and moral drama. The dialogues, thoughts, emotions, as well as the descriptions of sieges, skirmishes, and battles, brought ancient Greece and the Minoan civilization vividly to life. I particularly liked the development of Asterios and Phaistos as the story progressed. The political and military conflicts were handled realistically, evocative of ancient Greek times; a compelling and immersive backdrop to Asterios’ character development, from prince to a powerful and courageous king. I liked how Phaistos’s incredible courage, fierce love, and loyalty to Asterios are expressed in actions, emotions, and thoughts when he is captured by the rebel lords. The story was thrilling when love, loyalty, and hope were tested to the extreme in desperate situations when escape was virtually impossible. I highly recommend Edmond Thornfield’s Asterios and the Labyrinth to readers who enjoy mythological and historical fiction, with complex characters, stories of identity, power struggles, and sexuality, and compelling moral and social issues.

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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