Circe by Madeline Miller

Format: 336 pages, Hardcover

Published: April 19, 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing UK

Historical fiction/mythology

Library

I had heard great things, but since I didn't really like her previous book I was unsure. But then that book was about Achilles, and he is a dick, so how can any book about that asshole be good? Still, it is summer and I borrowed it. And I am glad I did.

I always loved Greek Mythology, I used to listen to these tales as a kid, and yes I was 7 and I was too little to listen how Phaeton was thrown to earth and etc, but damn those tales were interesting. Though I must say I had forgotten how Circe is related to everyone! Her nieces are Medea and Ariadne, and yes the Minotaur. I did remember Odyessus, damn he was an asshole too. All Greek heroes seems to be assholes.

The story of Circe. The daughter of a Titan and a naiad. Not thought as anything by her family, not as beautiful as her sister or any naiad. Not to mention she has a human voice, ugh right, creepy mortals. How she finds out she can do magic, a new thing in the world. And meets lots of interesting people, even if stuck on an island. The world keeps on turning, she stays the same.

The writing felt so close, and light. You really were in Circe's head. And all those myths, oh, I went crazy googling again. Gotta love a good google binge. So yes, recommended. There is magic, gods, darkness and blood. And wondering what makes mortals tick.

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe has neither the look nor the voice of divinity, and is scorned and rejected by her kin. Increasingly isolated, she turns to mortals for companionship, leading her to discover a power forbidden to the gods: witchcraft.

When love drives Circe to cast a dark spell, wrathful Zeus banishes her to the remote island of Aiaia. There she learns to harness her occult craft, drawing strength from nature. But she will not always be alone; many are destined to pass through Circe's place of exile, entwining their fates with hers. The messenger god, Hermes. The craftsman, Daedalus. A ship bearing a golden fleece. And wily Odysseus, on his epic voyage home.

There is danger for a solitary woman in this world, and Circe's independence draws the wrath of men and gods alike. To protect what she holds dear, Circe must decide whether she belongs with the deities she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.