Overview
Two kids. One ancient Disk. A secret under the Queen's Apartments. Loukas and Lydia's family trip to Crete is supposed to be about history, not danger. But when an earthquake cracks open a hidden chamber beneath the palace of Knossos, they discover a glowing Disk covered with strange symbols. Touching it sends them out of their own time and into the world of Minoan Crete, where the Labyrinth is real, the bull-leaping games are deadly, and Ariadne and Daedalus are very much alive. With only their wits, a tablet full of notes, and each other, Loukas and Lydia must solve puzzles, dodge guards, and uncover the truth behind the Minotaur before the Disk pulls them back - or leaves them stranded. Blending science, history, and mythology, Loukas & Lydia and the Secret of the Disk explores ancient civilizations, time travel, Greek myths, and the power of choice. This upper middle grade adventure is perfect for readers ages 10-14, grades 5-8, who enjoy mysteries, archaeological sites, sibling stories, and discovering how legends can hold more truth than we think. Book 1 of The Disk Chronicles.
Full Product Details
Author: A F Helios ,
Yuan Li ,
Lucien Thomas
Publisher: Epodos Media
Imprint: Epodos Media
Volume: 1
Dimensions:
Width: 14.00cm
, Height: 2.20cm
, Length: 21.60cm
Weight: 0.522kg
ISBN: 9798993220826
Pages: 322
Publication Date: 22 October 2025
Recommended Age: From 9 to 12 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
""A thoughtful mix of science, history, and adventure. My students had plenty to say after each chapter, and the questions kept coming the next day."" - Educator Early Review ""A steady, clever story that kept us curious from start to finish. The time-travel moments felt natural, and the historical setting never got in the way of the fun."" - Middle Grade Beta Reader ""This book makes Minoan Crete feel real without turning it into fantasy. The simple details, the rooms, the tools, even the food, stayed with me long after reading."" - Classics Teacher, NJ ""Loukas and Lydia sound like real kids, curious, stubborn, and funny in the right places. Our book club moms agreed they felt like someone's neighbors."" - Mom's Book Club ""I liked how the story never rushed. It gave space to notice the characters' choices and the risks they were taking."" - Parent Reader ""A rare story that balances learning with a good mystery. It's the kind of book kids can enjoy alone or talk about with a class."" - Youth Reading Group
Author Information
A.F. Helios writes mystery-charged adventures where science, history, and imagination collide. His debut novel, Loukas & Lydia and the Secret of the Disk, launches a larger series that re-examines ancient myths with evidence, engineering, and heart. A composer for media and video games, he brings rhythm and atmosphere to every page. Early drafts are road-tested at home by his children, who never hesitate to say when a scene ""sounds right""-or doesn't. When he isn't writing, he's cooking with his family, sketching puzzles, or planning the next journey. Li Yuan illustrates for children's and middle-grade readers, combining graphite textures with digital color. Their work often draws on myth, history, and a strong sense of place. Lucien Thomas edits middle-grade fiction with an emphasis on story structure, pacing, and voice. He supports authors from developmental edit through final polish.
