Rating: 
Summary: A modernized "Cliff Notes" version of the ancient tale
Review: The author's work came up frequently by amazon.com's recommendation service, as historical fiction is my favorite entertainment-reading genre. But I must say that despite all of the positive reviews of this work, I was quite disappointed. I only managed to finish it the second time I picked-up the book. Now that I have, I was left with a sense of being letdown. I got no sense of the Achaian, Minyan, or Cretan cultures, nor did I feel anything for any of the characters. I almost felt as though I was reading a modernized "Cliff Notes" version of the ancient tale. While the modernization of the story of Theseus seemed quite plausible, this was the only real innovation of this book.
Rating: 
Summary: this book was well worth the reading
Review: the avid description of life at that time was amazing. those who feel the book progresses to slowly need to stop and realize that it's in Renault's mastery of her work that makes this book great. once you are captivated, you can't let go. if a reader is at all interested in greek mythology, this is a must. adventure, battle, suspense and a twist of romance.
Rating:
Summary: #1 on my All-Time Top 10
Review: The greatest talent a historical novelist can possess is the ability to recreate the past. By that standard, this is the best historical novel I've ever read: in the middle of page 1, I was transported to the 1200s B.C., following first-person narrator Theseus through the realistic adventures that will mutate into myths and transform him into one of the greatest heroes of the Mycenaean age. The book is a great portrait of a heroic personality, and Renault renders the Labyrinth, the Minotaur, and the "sport" of bulldancing in spellbinding prose. Almost as good is the author's rendition of the Peloponnesian War, THE LAST OF THE WINE.
Rating:
Summary: #1 on my All-Time Top 10
Review: The greatest talent a historical novelist can possess is the ability to recreate the past. By that standard, this is the best historical novel I've ever read: in the middle of page 1, I was transported to the 1200s B.C., following first-person narrator Theseus through the realistic adventures that will mutate into myths and transform him into one of the greatest heroes of the Mycenaean age. The book is a great portrait of a heroic personality, and Renault renders the Labyrinth, the Minotaur, and the "sport" of bulldancing in spellbinding prose. Almost as good is the author's rendition of the Peloponnesian War, THE LAST OF THE WINE.
Rating: 
Summary: Journey Everlasting
Review: The King Must Die gives some excellent background in the religions of the old matriarchal societies and considering when all the events would have actually occurred, Renault's tale is solid. The clearest portion comes out as each year the king was sacrificed to the earth mother to ensure good crops for the next year. As well, there are theories on the bull dance which create an extraordinary feeling and atmosphere putting the reader side by side with Theseus.I was extremely amazed at the driving force contained in the characteristics and actions of Theseus. For instance, bull leaping was an extremely dangerous task and obligation, which is part of the danger and excitement which Theseus thrives in. A clear proof that Theseus had a strong will and determination, and sense of repsonsibility, I believe taht he very much feels committed to keeping his fellow slaves from Athens alive, in a team for a dance that they must do together in the bull ring. However, putting into consideration Theseus as a person and following his actions, it may be slightly difficult for a woman to appreciate it becuase of the life he leads. Some of Theseus' attributes that may attract the male gender include being specially selected by the gods for an exalted purpose, being the unknown son of a king, being sought out by powerful and beautiful women, being a popular hero with other males, successful conquests of animals, and leading successful battles with men. The main bond that is looked upon, is one between a father and son, something any woman will most likely never be familiar with. In contrast, if looked at from another view, Theseus may seem self-centered, too aggressive, and a master of conceit. His personality can get completely distorted into one who must conquer all at any expense, and this may cause him to slowly drifft away from his true cause, as destined by the gods. Theseus consecutive victories not only support that he can be far from human, but show that he has basically never seen or had to deal with utter defeat, something vital in the true shaping of an individual. Because there was so much of a contrast between the hearty actions and the language and setting during The King Must Die, when there was no action I found myself getting bored and easily distracted. Concentration is the key to fully appreciating this saga, for the style of Renault's writing at times turns from the reader and is merely different. This causes an easy way to be unsympathetic and uncaring towards any one of the characters. After reading and observing The King Must Die, I realized how much placing the book in these ancient times gives one a fresh perspective on our world. As far as the proper roles for men and women, I feel that the way the two groups relate to each other is a completely different manner today. This is predominantly because of the rising of women in society, as well as women being seen as more individual and of more importance in the ways and purpose of life.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book that stole my eyes.
Review: The King Must Die is a wonderful book.I like how it tells about the ancient times.Especially when it has talks about kings.I would advise everyone to read it because it is a really good book.
Rating:
Summary: If I could give this book a dozen stars I would
Review: The King Must Die is my favorite book. Ever. I first read it when I was 14 and have reread it every few years since. I never tire of it. It's influenced my thought processes and my own writing and I always recommend it to writers who ask "Where do you get your ideas". By reading writers as wonderful as Ms. Renault!
Rating: 
Summary: Too Slow, Too Dull, Too Boring
Review: The King Must Die; Greek Mythology's Theseusis transformed into a 300 page bore by Mary Renault. I am a fairy smart 9th grader who reads at a very advanced level. However, no matter how hard I tried, I could not understand anything this book talked about. It would drag on about how he is so-and-so's kid for pages, and then introduce new characters no one has ever heard of, throw in a battle or two, and boom--one page later, it talks about being so-and-so's son again. If you want my advice, read this book if you have to for school(like me) or if you are very bright, able to remember all of the characters, like greek mythology, and have a few months to waste.
Rating:
Summary: the emotional connection
Review: there are many reviews of ms. renault's work here already, so i will keep this very brief: the reason mary renault is my favorite author is that she can bring the emotional and human quality of her characters to the surface. she makes these long dead people with strange names come alive. she gives them a quotidian life. she makes them human, and humane. true, her knowledge of the ancient greeks is encyclopedic. true, her descriptions are wonderous, but her deep empathy for the people in her novels is what separates her from other historical writers. she also handles homoeroticism/homosocial behavior with a sweetness and sensitivity that demonstrates the value of the delicate bonds that men should be encouraged to explore and nurture. her compassion for the human experience is sometimes overwhelming.
Rating:
Summary: this book was horrible
Review: This book was the boring account of a great myth. I dont recomend it to anyone. I had to read it for my freshman year at high school. So face the facts, this book was terrible. If you are going to read it...Dont.
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