Seamus Sullivan’s Daedalus is dead This book holds the ambitions of human-based stories while wearing its mythical mind on its sleeve. At first glance, the title evokes the classic myth of Daedalus, the original artisan who built the maze. He also made wings for himself and for his son, Icarus. However, novels are more than just retelling. So let’s talk about it.
Daedalus is dead It is an inventive literary work that blends elements of speculative fiction and character-driven drama into a harsh coiled story about the costs of physical, moral and emotional escape and the costs of escape. What makes Sullivan’s approach more convincing is his refusal to be plagued by expectations for the mythical fiction genre. This is not a “modern dress myth.”
Sullivan uses the Daedalus character as a theme touchstone. He is a problem solver who can build anything except a way to get out of his guilt. The setting and characters have a familiar idiosyncraticity that makes them feel lively and not iconic. Daedalus is dead It’s a crumbling world of infrastructure, almost dream-like oddity.
Sullivan’s prose is impressive, lyrical and almost poetic. Characterization is equally strong. Daedalus himself is neither a heroic genius nor an unfortunate victim. He is a person who is deeply flawed, whose intelligence and wit are consistent with his regrets. Allies and opponents are written in a way that feels seamlessly in the momentum of the story.
Daedalus is dead Also dripping with the heavy themes of paternity and the inevitable flaws and surveillance that comes with its responsibility. If you are familiar with the story of Daedalus, the Minotaur and Icarus, it is easy to see why Daedalus is such a tortured soul. He asks how far he can go to get back what he has lost, making up for some of the horrors he is likely to be responsible for. It’s a harsh, unflinching view of how they view themselves when they hold their hands on a scary person.
Thematically, the book is rich. It addresses the slippery ethical issues of problem and problem solving when the problem itself is unfair or simply wrong. The world of Dedalos is dead Wisdom can be both salvation and downfall. If the boundary between creation and destruction is thin.
Sullivan shows his skills as the storyline doesn’t rush or take non-stop action, but does so with purpose when tensions surge. The more dangerous scenes have the urgency of movement, driven by character decisions and external dangers. The ending avoids orderly resolution as it betrays the complexity of the novel. It lands with emotional weight. Sullivan doesn’t always spell things out. It also makes it one of the biggest novels for readers who value fiction that trusts to make connections and sit in ambiguity. Paul Tremblay, anyone? The King of Ambiguity.
Finally, Daedalus is dead It succeeds because it respects the mythical roots and realism that everyone can relate to. It is a novel that recognizes the enduring power of DeDals’ archetype: the master craftsman, problem artist, escape artist, and the man who builds his own prisons. Sullivan’s prose is sharp, his character is subtle and his exploration of themes is timeless and unique.
For readers depicted in intelligent, layered fiction that blends individuals with all-talented things, Daedalus is dead It’s well worth reading. It’s a story that leaves images and ideas that will resurface even after reading, like the echoes of wings hitting the sky.
Sullivan gave us a novel with a compelling atmosphere that blends mythical resonance with gritty human struggles. That’s about finding a way for the maze we have built within ourselves. Sullivan proves himself as a writer with considerable skill and ambitiousness. Daedalus is dead It was released on September 30th, 2025 by Tordotcom. Macmillan Publishing And you don’t want to miss this story.
–
Seamus Sullivan fiction has appeared Terraform And then there’s a review of his book Strange horizon. He lives with his family in Jersey City. Daedalus is dead This is his first novel.
Image courtesy of Tor.com
Do you have strong thoughts about this piece you need to share? Or is there something else you want to talk to with your fellow fundamentals? Heading to our community A server to join the conversation!
Source: The Fandomentals – www.thefandomentals.com
