Keepers of the Labyrinth

August 17, 2015
Set in present-day Crete, this action-heavy and occasionally convoluted novel is steeped in Greek mythology. Sixteen-year-old Lilith "Lil" Bennette leaves Vermont for the Future Leaders International conference at the Melios Manor, with the private aim of learning more about her mother, who also attended the conference and allegedly committed suicide. Lil's curiosity spikes when she notices the symbol of a Minoan labrys (a double-headed axe) on walls throughout the manor: it's just like the one from her mother's missing necklace. Teaming up with three other witty, capable girls from different countries, Lil finds the entrance to a hidden labyrinth beneath the manor; there, she uncovers the truth about her role in an ancient order that exists to protect the labyrinth from a cultlike group of Zeus worshippers, the Zephylites, led by a deranged professor. Moulton (Chasing the Milky Way) offers moody descriptions and lively banter, but the motivations behind the Zephylite society, as well as Lil's role in protecting the labyrinth, remain confusing despite lengthy passages of exposition. Ages 12âup. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

May 1, 2015
Sixteen-year-old Lil travels to Crete in hopes of connecting with her deceased mother's mysterious past. While on Crete attending a Future Leaders International conference, Lil finds herself in the middle of a mystery of mythological proportions. Lil and teammates Sydney, Charlie, and Kat attend various workshops intended to test their intelligence, creativity, and strength. Together they must solve a series of riddles and compete in various challenges in order to win scholarships. But when their mentor, Bente, is killed during a burglary, the four girls must use their combined talents to solve the mystery of the labyrinth hidden beneath the manor house where the conference is held and thwart a group of religious zealots determined to steal the ancient artifacts hidden within. An interesting plot is undermined by forgettable characters, stilted dialogue, and uneven pacing. And while the intermingling of mythology and modern times is alluring, the concept has been attempted before and executed more successfully-it's unlikely that readers won't be making comparisons to Percy Jackson. The setting is lush and the labyrinth, suitably spooky, but unnecessary details and confusing descriptions make following the action difficult. A promising idea that misses its mark. (Thriller. 12-15)

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June 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-After her mother apparently commits suicide by hanging herself, Lilith Bennette starts running every night at midnight. Her father, meanwhile, plays his guitar and checks his email. This night is different, however, since the next day Lil is off to her mother's homeland of Crete to attend Future Leaders International. She is hoping to find some connection to her mom in the place that the woman had gone as a child. When Lil arrives, she is quickly taken aback when she spies the symbol from her mother's pendant that went missing upon her death. Lil doesn't have much time to think, as the next day all of the girls attending FLI are thrown into a competition of sorts that highlights not only teamwork, but skill sets involving history, science and technology, combat and art. Lil's own group is comprised of a diverse set of girls and they are hopeful about their chances. FLI is more than what it seems-harboring long-held secrets and differing agendas from those presented. Soon Lil and her companions are faced with life and death challenges that are all tied to Greek mythology, and which are somehow tied to Lil's own mother's death. Set over the course of just a few days, the action starts quite quickly and continues throughout at a brisk pace. VERDICT Secret societies, Greek mythology, and a group of strong female characters are all wrapped up in a mystery that will hit the mark with readers who have finished Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" series (Disney-Hyperion).-Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

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