Princess Ariadne of Crete has always lived in her sister’s shadow.  All her plans come crashing down when she is betrayed and left alone on the isle of Naxos.  When a magnificent dark-hair stranger arrives her heart rejoices.  No matter what she feels she can not reveal her true identity or her past to him.    This doesn’t keep her from desiring his company and welcoming him.

Dionysus arrives upon the shores of Naxos and is enthralled by the beautiful mortal woman.  Who is she?  He knows that in order for her to reveal all, he must win her trust and confidence, while concealing his godhood.  Step by step, he plots to woo her and open her heart to him, for the God of Wine and Revelry is not one to be denied for long.

Once again, I’m reviewing a tale inspired by Greek myths and the god Dionysus.   Narratives as well written as Black Sail remind me of why I never get tired or reading these stories.   Brenna Lyons doesn’t miss a beat when she creates a story.  Everything flows like a well composed melody that you want to hear again, or in this case, read over and over.   I found myself recalling Titian’s painting, Bacchus and Ariadne.   From the start, Dionysus is seized by his love for Ariadne when first sees her.  Ms. Lyons conveys the same urgency in her story that Titian displays with Bacchus/Dionysus in motion, racing towards his future wife.

The love scene between Dionysus and Ariadne is unique and hotter than Apollo’s fiery gallop in its depiction.  Just the sort of wildness and kink you’d expect from a god who believes in a partying hard. This imaginative and wonderfully constructed reworking of Ariadne and Dionysus’ time together carries magic, love, and all the good things that come to those who wait.   Even if you’re not a fan of the moldy classics, you’ll be swept away by this island romance between two unlikely souls who finally get a chance at everlasting happiness.