Euryale: Kara Dalkey

Veiled against the world, and served only by the blind and short-sighted, Euryale comes to Republican Rome seeking the answer to the riddle: "What can change stone into living flesh?" A witch might help her, but only if Euryale is willing to sacrifice the living in order to bring life to stone. A handsome Chaldean philosopher may possess the answer, but she must trust him with all her secrets in order to gain the solution to her dilemma...

Dalkey has taken a classic mythological tale and morphed it into true splendor. I would be giving away the story if I were to speak about the serpents in their real form but all I can say is that she leaves little to the imagination. Like the titanic, we figure out what the ending will be about half way through the book, but like the sinking ship we cannot help but continue turning the page.

Even though Euryale is found to be a very cut and dry novel, there is still a great deal of detail towards the surroundings, the villains and of course the heroine herself. A curse is just the beginning of this family's quite unique history and between worshipping snake goddesses, beating off witches and summoning all those who dare attempt to answer her riddle, Euryale is forced to endure a life of immortal torment. Perhaps there is a way out, a mirror or two and a Greek hero to call upon her doorstep too as he freed her sister from the same plight.

She seems to enjoy layering several tales together and makes sure to wrap everything up, in a neat little bow, at the end. I did enjoy this usual story for there are only a few authors that dare to write something, of quality, coming from a stereotypical villain’s life. Other than the famed Wicked I cannot think of another good title. Well done Ms. Dalkey but please, do not make me learn my roman numerals to be able to know what page number I am on. Thanks!

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Publisher: Juno Books (June 6, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0809557835
ISBN-13: 978-0809557837