Thanks to NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: March 28th, 2017
200 Pages
Synopsis: Much like Lin-Manuel Miranda did in Hamilton, the New York Times best-selling author David Elliott turns a classic on its head in form and approach, updating the timeless story of Theseus and the Minotaur for a new generation. A rough, rowdy, and darkly comedic young adult retelling in verse, Bull will have readers reevaluating one of mythology’s most infamous monsters.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Bull, but I love David Elliott and anything to do with Greek Mythology, so I knew I had to read this. While I don’t think this will be for everyone, I found it to be both hysterically funny as well as touching and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As the synopsis says, the story is told entirely in verse which takes you a little while to get used to if you haven’t read this style of writing. David Elliott really does a great job with the concept and uses a different style for each character. The humor is provided by Poseidon who is arrogant and snarky yet you can’t help but reluctantly liking him even if he does ruin people’s lives. While this is basically a modernization of the classic story of the Minotaur, what I really loved about this, was that you actually got to hear from him. Asterion is basically doomed from birth through no fault of his own and his voice particularly comes across as both tragic and beautiful. Just to give you an example, here’s a passage from when he’s 14:
I wonder if I’ll ever understand
What I am or what one day I’ll be.
A fish?
A fowl?
A bull?
A beast?
A man?
A superstar?
A gross monstrosity?
Minos says I’m nothing more than Nothing.
Can Nothing take a form and call it me?
But Nothing is ever what it seems.
Watch Nothing laugh.
See Nothing cry.
Hear Nothing scream.
Yep. My heart broke for him at that point. I also loved the relationship between him and his half-sister Ariadne who is determined to rescue him from the maze. Bull is a fast read (I finished it in less than an hour), that I think will appeal to older teens and adults who enjoy Greek Mythology. It perfectly captures the mercilessness of Poseidon, the fury of Minos, the insanity of Pasiphae and the self-loathing of Asterion. Because of the original subject matter and some fairly salty language, I recommend this for high-schoolers and older.
ravenblake99 said:
This sounds interesting and I LOVE THE COVER! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Isn’t that cover AWESOME?😊
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ravenblake99 said:
YEP! 🙂
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ignitedmoth said:
Nice review! Makes me want to check this one out. 🙂 I love all sorts of mythology and especially when people put a twist on such classic tales. I really like the cover too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is definitely one I’d recommend if you’re a mythology fan. And it’s a quick read as well.💁🏻
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YAandWine said:
This sounds so intriguing. I love anything with Greek mythology in it. I love the passage you shared too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It really is a great book Krysti. I think you’d like it!💁🏻
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realthog said:
Spiffy cover, too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Really awesome cover! And it’s taken directly from one section of the book.😊
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Carrie said:
I’m not sure if I would like this or not but I may have to add it to my list because it sounds like I might.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If you like Greek Mythology Carrie I think you’d enjoy this!💁🏻
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beetleypete said:
Nice to see Greek mythology getting a look-in. And five stars too!
Did you ever read this? Not YA, but excellent.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_Must_Die
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I did Pete. As well as the sequel, The Bull From the Sea. I thought both were phenomenal!😊
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Jay said:
I’m definitely going to give this a try!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’d definitely get a kick out of it Jay!💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
Oh wow, that story sounds like my sort of thing. Once more, fabulous review sister.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Vinnie! It’s definitely a YA that also holds appeal for adults.💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
Anything that gets a five star rating from you is worth checking out.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
Hm I’ll have to throw this on my TBR list. That verse snippet got me. Have you ever read Mary Renault’s retellings? They’re more serious and from the POV of Theseus, but oh so poetic and good.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I read both The King Must Die and The Bull From the Sea and LOVED them!💁🏻
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
I LOVE her work. The way she weaves words together is so phenomenal. I’ve read a few of her other books, too like The Last of the Wine, but I need to get to the others.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve only read those two books, but someday I’d like to read her other books.💁🏻
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Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
Oh my… Poetry + Greek mythology + Personalities!! Who would’ve thought this was possible?! This David Elliott guy seems to have nailed it. Absolutely enjoyed your review. You really make it clear that the format works for this story!
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is just one of those neat quirky reads where it doesn’t matter if you’re an older teen or an adult. As long as you love Greek mythology you’ll be captivated!😊
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