Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Historical fiction. Theseus, a prince of ancient Athens, is taken as a slave to the island of Crete, where he's condemned to certain death as a bull dancer. But he abducts the Princess Ariadne & makes a daring escape.
Is The King Must Die appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This classical retelling of the Theseus myth contains moderate violence related to bull dancing/gladiatorial combat and slavery, plus implied sexuality appropriate for mature teens. Literary historical fiction with sophisticated themes about fate and identity.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include slavery, captivity, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to this action-packed retelling of Greek mythology with an underdog hero facing impossible odds in ancient Crete.