Book Review: Hecate’s Labyrinth

Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

An eclectic web of ideas come together to take a Russian witch on a transformational journey in this unique fantasy novel.

With a writing style that beckons you to pay attention, Hecate’s Labyrinth is a venture through the past leading to an epic showdown. A young witch, Helena, travels through time and different dimensions as she inches closer to the answers she’s been seeking as well as answers to questions she never thought to ask. Anticipate philosophical debates, mythological references, and the occasional but necessary bit of comic relief in this labyrinthine fantasy. 

What starts as a normal day quickly turns sour as Helena is kidnapped by a teenage Georgian boy. Dimitri captures Helena in attempts to end the war between Georgia and Russia, and who better to help solve this paramount issue than the daughter of the Russian president? What was meant to be a rebellious act for peace soon turns into much more as Helena is thrust back and forth in time to the 14th century. 

She is then given a seemingly impossible task of changing her perspective and saving her people from an unfathomable fate. As the last Essenoi, it’s up to her to travel to Caffa and defeat the evil Icelos. With the assistance of two unlikely allies, as well as some of the greatest literature ever written, Helena goes on an epic journey, but it’s the journey she takes within herself that will captivate readers the most. 

Hecate’s Labyrinth is much more than just a fantasy novel. Lightsey’s distinctive writing style makes for a book that ticks off plenty of boxes for a variety of people. Readers can expect a bit of romance, some adventure, and even a touch of comedy. Helena’s travel companions, Dogett and Catiana, provide us with fun banter that breaks up some of the more heavy ideas discussed in the book. I enjoyed having them provide some lightness to Helena’s perilous expedition. 

Anyone who appreciates classic and well-loved literature will be excited to dive into a story written by a clearly avid reader. Lightsey references literary works from some of the most well-known stories and authors throughout history. He takes their words and ideas and connects them to a bigger picture that opens Helena’s eyes and contributes to her movement in the book. It’s fun to recognize quotes and be introduced to some that I’ve never heard of, and other avid readers will likely enjoy a similar experience.

With countless nods to history, mythology, and famous literary works, Lightsey weaves in a prominent philosophical component to this story. Helena is constantly questioning why things are and how everything and everyone is connected. The author gives us plenty of resources to back up the theories he presents. Readers will find themselves questioning their own beliefs and values as Helena is asked to question her own. It’s these many hot takes that turn the novel from a simple fantasy to a philosophical investigation. 

While sometimes fascinating to read about, the deep dive into these ideas can take away from the storytelling and plot. We’re taken on many side missions as Helena navigates her way through the labyrinth, and some of the philosophical discussions feel separate from the story itself. Coming back to the here and now in the story proves difficult after the characters become lost in philosophical talk for too long. 

My key takeaway in the end is less about Helena’s story and more on the big ideas that Lightsey delivers to readers. With an ending that is sure to stick around, Hecate’s Labyrinth is a book that readers will remember.

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