Dark of the Moon (review)

Ariadne isn't sure she is ready to open her soul up to being possessed and become the Goddess, but her mother's untimely death means that the position must be filled. On the other hand, Theseus, prince of Athens, is quite clear on the fact that he is unwilling to play his seemingly destined part as temporary lover and eventual sacrifice, and he would like to save Ariadne and her "monstrous" and isolated older brother, Asterion, as well. Unfortunately, in a world tightly bound in ritual, superstition, and the utter dominance of men (except for the Goddess), two teens who glimpse an alternative way of living are unlikely to get far. Indeed, their own survival comes at a heavy cost, and both emerge deeply impacted by secrets that they wish they didn't know and choices (like their decision to kill Asterion swiftly rather than leaving him to be tortured slowly) that they will never escape. Barrett adds significant drama and elegance to this classic Greek myth, judiciously weaving in modern adolescent behaviors while carefully following the traditional interpretation. Ariadne, secluded, achingly naïve and vulnerable, and shaky in her own faith, is perceptively drawn, and the rather less-developed Theseus (who seems to operate primarily on a blend of bravado and cunning) is important as a foil for her, yet another obstacle she must understand, overcome, or integrate into her life. While an author's note or list of suggested readings would have been helpful for Greek-myth newbies, readers should have little trouble recognizing this as having the elements of a mythological tale, and the memorable names should quickly lead them back to the original stories.