Battle Out of Time

by Dwight V. Swain

"Battle Out of Time" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel that seems to have been written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Burke, an archaeologist who unexpectedly finds himself deeply entwined in the ancient tale of the Minotaur in Bronze Age Crete. In this adventure, he must confront a series of challenges, not only from mythic creatures but also from real historical figures like King Minos and Theseus, as he aims to save Ariadne and uncover deeper mysteries surrounding the Minotaur. At the start of the narrative, we dive into Burke's tumultuous context where he is enveloped in a desperate and dangerous situation. He is desperately seeking to protect Ariadne while contending with the undeniable allure he feels towards her as well as threats from Minos and a drunk Theseus. As tensions escalate, Burke reflects on the gravity of his mission, knowing that he must find a way to confront the Minotaur before a catastrophic event occurs at midnight. The opening sets the stage for a thrilling blend of romance, action, and the supernatural, uniquely intertwined with character development and the exploration of ancient myths reimagined within a sci-fi context.