Shadow of the Minotaur by Alan Gibbons (novel)

Shadow of the Minotaur is a fast-moving, action packed adventure, providing many twists and turns maintaining reader interest until the last page. The plot is a clever interweaving of ancient Greek mythology with modern computer technology, combined with personal fears and failings. To Phoenix, a teenage boy, it seems as if everyone is against him, from the teachers who believe he can do better, to Adams the school bully who delights in tormenting him at every opportunity. Playing the computer games his father brings home from work is the one bright point in Phoenix's week. Together with playing computer games, it is the growing friendship with Lauren that makes his school life marginally bearable.

Phoenix is invited to test a new game that his father is developing, an interactive game, played wearing body suits to create an illusion of real life. The game is centred on Greek myths and Phoenix adopts the character of Theseus whose challenge is to defeat Minotaur, a terrifying beast with a bull's head. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Greek mythology, Phoenix hopes his role, as Theseus will allow him to become a hero for a change. Unknown to Phoenix, the game has a mind of its own and creates realistic life-and-death situations that eventually involve his father, Lauren and even Adams. They are all drawn into the game and come to rely on Phoenix to remember the myths and use cunning and courage to save their lives. Phoenix finds himself in totally unfamiliar situations and must draw on his own internal strength to overcome his fears to save his friends and family.

Gibbons skilfully weaves the contemporary personal lives of the characters with those encountered inside the computer game to a point where it is difficult to distinguish between the two.

The true character of Phoenix is progressively revealed as the story unfolds, as each new challenge is encountered and overcome. Lauren, who plays a minor supportive role both at school and within the game, helps him. Their friendship adds another dimension to the story, reminding the reader that human emotions are being examined and tested. The language is well suited to the intended audience and the scenario of a computer game that is more real than life is presented in a way that seems plausible and possible.

With a cover to attract the curious reader, Shadow of the Minotaur will be enjoyed by all students, not only boys interested in computer games. It deserves to be promoted, not simply for its historical content but for the enjoyment of a gripping, well-conceived story.