A Brand-New Nonfiction Mythology Series
The Mythwakers Series
Mythwakers is all about mythological creatures, but this time, the story is told from their perspectives.
Wait, who is really writing this series?
Shhhh. Don’t tell your anyone, but the first book in the series is actually written by me – Kate Ristau. I’m a folklorist and an author. I’ve written middle grade and young adult books like Clockbreakers, Wylde Wings, and Shadow Girl. I have always loved mythology and folklore, but I sometimes get annoyed. I don’t feel like we are getting the whole story. That’s why I wrote the first book in this series for you.
You said the first book…?
Good job paying attention! The first book is written by me, but the next books in the series will be from other authors writing from their own backgrounds and experiences. I can’t wait to share that list of creators with you!
What’s the book really like?
It’s easy to read for 4th graders to 104th graders. The book gives you background and understanding about the Minotaur, and it also shows you lots of cool pictures from museums and throughout Greece. You’re going to love it.
Tell me what’s inside the book
You got it! Since this is a non-fiction book, here’s a look at the table of contents.
1. The Minotaur
2. The Setting
3. The Timeline
4. The Greeks
5. The Religion
6. The Characters
7. The Story
8. Find Out More
9. Museum Photos
Each of the books in the Mythwakers series will follow this outline. It makes it easy for you to find out about the culture – the people behind the myth – and why this story matters to them.
Where does this book take place?
You look like a smart kid, so I’m going to tell you the truth. While the Minotaur stories were told by the Greeks, they were actually part of the Minoan Culture. The Greeks created their hero stories, breaking into the labyrinth and unrolling balls of twine, but the labyrinth and the Minotaur were on Crete – where the Minoans lived. You’ll learn all about both cultures in this book.
Are there any cool characters?
Of course! There’s a Minotaur named Asterion. He’s A-maze-ing and not afraid to remind you of it. There’s also Icarus (who flew to close to the sun) and his father Dedalus, who built the labyrinth.
You’ll meet Asterion’s sister, Ariadne, too. She helped that ding-dong, Theseus.
At the end of the book, you get to read two versions of the Minotaur story. One written by Theseus, and the other told by Asterion. I wonder which one you will prefer?
Can I get a head start?
Yes! Here’s a link to the first chapter. I hope you love it!
I’m going to read. Tell the parents the boring money stuff.
This book was generously supported by the Regional Arts & Culture Council. That means we got a great cover from Gigi Little and editing from Indigo Editing. We still need more support to format chapters and purchase books.
That’s where you come in. By supporting the Kickstarter, you help us with preorders and delivering the best book possible.
You’ve done it before. You made Wylde Wings a success, and you also helped fund The End of Time. Now, choose your reward tier and bring Mythwakers to life.
Reward Tiers
$1: MAZE
- Get a special maze, designed by the Mythwakers Cover Artist Gigi Little.
$10: Mythwakers eBook
- Early release! Jump into the world of Mythwakers with your own eBook.
$25: Hardcover Book
- Get your early copy of the first book in the Mythwakersseries!
$50: Clockbreakers & Mythwakers
- Get your print copies of Clockbreakers and Mythwakers!
$250: Minotaur Meeting
- Invite Asterion to your Zoom meeting or online classroom! Kate Ristau will setup a time to Zoom with your class or group to discuss folklore, mythology, and the minotaur. Optional: She'll come dressed as the minotaur!
Add-ons
If you missed out on the Clockbreakers series, there is still time to add-on books (print or digital). We’ve found Mythwakers to be a good companion to the first Clockbreakers book.
Thank you for supporting this project!
A book is never made by just one person. Thank you for being part of our community, creating and supporting myth and magic!