Author K. Ancrum has given us a thrilling, passionate reimagining of the myth of Icarus and his father Daedalus. Icarus is a senior in high school, a talented artist, and a thief. Even since he was thirteen years old, he’s been sneaking into the house of a wealthy art collector named Mr. Black and replacing the collection with his and his father’s high-quality forgeries. It’s dangerous work, but it gets a lot more complicated when the collector’s son, Helios, catches him at it one night. Helios, whose name is not a coincidence, is a sensitive, gifted young ballet dancer, and he is in trouble. Icarus is already risking his future by breaking into the house, but he can’t leave Helios trapped and isolated with his abusive father.

The myth of Icarus shapes this story. It is about strong and talented young people supporting each other, while their parents ask more of them than any adult has the right to ask. Helios’ father is a monster, sitting in the middle of his labyrinthine mansion, devouring both the people and the art works trapped within. Icarus’ dad, Angus, is little better. He’s proud of his son, but his neglect is as toxic as his drive to punish Black. Angus' cruelty is driven by grief rather than greed like Black’s, but it still physically hurts and psychologically harms his son. Replacing Daedalus’ engineering genius with unmatched skills in art and art restoration is an excellent choice. 

The book is divided up into short chapters with single word titles, many of them mythological. Although parts are difficult, Icarus’ strength and emotional intelligence make the book a joy to read. I recommend this book to fans of Song of Achilles and the mythologically inspired books of Francesca Lia Block. – Krishni Burns