Shadow of the Minotaur

Phoenix is trialling a computer game which allows him to re-enact Greek myths with such realism that he is Theseus trying to outwit the Minotaur or Perseus battling with the Medusa with all the dangers of a first attempt and with no certainty of success. In between there is the plotting of the evil genius behind the software and a story of Phoenix's family. But it is in Phoenix's struggles to change himself from a bullied and weak victim into a virtual hero, capitalising on all his book knowledge of the myths, where this novel comes most vividly to life. Phoenix-like, the myths are suddenly here and now - there are Medusa's terrible eyes and here is the Minotaur's throbbing presence. Wonderful story telling.