Review of The Bull from the Sea

The sequel to The King Must Die, The Bull From the Sea begins shortly after Theseus's triumphant return from Crete. His father's unfortunate suicide means he's now king of Athens, with all the accompanying perks and pains. This book lacks the momentum of it's predecessor; much of the drama is generated by Theseus's romantic gains and follies, ominous but convenient prophecies, and family troubles. It was a passable read overall.

Also: Renault jarred me a bit at the end by having one of her dying characters utter the immortal last words of Socrates: not "I drank what?", but that mundane bit about owing someone a rooster. It ruined what would have been a nice dramatic scene for me because I immediately recognized the cribbed phrase. Bad Renault! No cookie for you.