The Storm and the Minotaur — Lucy Strange

Lucy Strange interweaves the Industrial Revolution with gripping Greek mythology in this atmospheric tale, featuring artwork from acclaimed illustrator Pam Smy.

Money is scarce in George's family and so at the age of nine he has to join his father underground, hewing coal in the local mine. It's far from the dreams George had of continuing his education, and it's also a dangerous way to earn a living that has already claimed the life of his dad's older brother.

Not long after he starts work, a summer storm leads to flooding in the mine. Trapped down in the dark, George spots a shadowy figure that seems to be telling George to follow him.

Can a ghost from the past lead him back to safety, or will George meet the same fate as his long-lost uncle?

Reviews

"Superb, an eerie weaving of history and mythology, in the hollow, haunted world of not-so-long-ago." â€" Hilary McKay

"Packed with peril, immersive descriptions and atmospheric artwork that brings the historical period to life, this heart-racing story comes to a satisfying ending when the near-tragedy leads to a change in George's landscape, and a seam of opportunity opens up in a future that appeared to be set in stone." â€" My Book Corner, Blog

About the author

Lucy Strange is the best-selling children's author of titles including The Secret of Nightingale Wood, a Waterstones Children's Book of the Month, and Our Castle by the Sea, which was nominated for the Carnegie Medal, shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize 2020, and was the first Independent Booksellers' Children's Book of the Month.