![Children of Icarus by [Smith, Caighlan]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51wWqXXAomL.jpg?w=656&ssl=1)
Publisher: Switch Press
Date of Publication: August 1st, 2016
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Mystery, Retellings, Adventure, Greek Mythology, Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Children of Icarus
Children of Icarus—Book 1
Children of Daedala—Book 2 (review here)
Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | AbeBooks | Alibris | Powells | IndieBound | Indigo | BetterWorldBooks
Goodreads Synopsis:
It is Clara who is desperate to enter the labyrinth and it is Clara who is bright, strong, and fearless enough to take on any challenge. It is no surprise when she is chosen. But so is the girl who has always lived in her shadow. Together they enter. Within minutes, they are torn apart forever. Now the girl who has never left the city walls must fight to survive in a living nightmare, where one false turn with who to trust means a certain dead end.”
This is one of the best YA books that I have read in a while. I read it in one sitting. I was engrossed by the story.
The book is based on the myth of Icarus and Daedalus and the myth of the Labyrinth.
In this story, a whole society has formed around that Greek myth. Society never goes outside but instead lives within many skyscrapers. Once a year, 6-7 children, ages 10-16, are chosen to run the Labyrinth and find the Angels.
The story’s main character is Nameless, and she is a bit of a wuss. She lives in her best friend, Clara, shadow. She is excited and afraid when she is picked to go into the Labyrinth along with Clara. Clara is everything she isn’t. Beautiful, creative, brave…
Once they get into the Labyrinth, everything changes for the worse. What happens in the Labyrinth is awful, and these children are an annual sacrifice. A lucky few are rescued by a group of children who have survived the Labyrinth.
I am not going to go into the book other than to say from the moment that Nameless enters The Fates to the ending was unbelievable. I ran the full gauntlet of emotions. From happy to sad to upset to disbelief.
I would recommend Children of Icarus to anyone over 16. There is violence and one scene of attempted rape.
If you enjoyed Children of Icarus, you will enjoy these books:
2 thoughts on “Children of Icarus (Children of Icarus: Book 1) by Caighlan Smith”