Circe

Such a great book! You do not need to be a fan of mythology to read this book! Confession – I requested this book because I saw it on a list about “anticipated books of 2018” It did not disappoint. If anything this book dazzled! Anticipate this book folks and rush out and get yourself a copy when it becomes available (or request it on NetGalley as I did!).

Circe is the daughter of Helios, the god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans. Her mother, Perse, an Oceanid naiad is beautiful and captivating. Circe is born with a “strange” voice (she sounds like a mortal 0ohhhh the Horror!) and is often ridiculed by her younger siblings. Circe does not appear to have any powers but nevertheless, she is a God and lives in her father’s home until she angers Zeus by transforming a nymph into a monster and a man into a creature. She is banished to live alone on an island. It is here, that she hones her true power – that of a witch! She has interactions with many characters, Hermes, the Minotaur (her sister’s child), Athena, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, and Odysseus to name a few. She is caught between the world of the Gods and that of mankind.

On her island, she learns the land, befriends the animals and assists sailors – turning some into pigs if they cross her or attempt to harm her. Eventually she has a child and is willing to do anything to protect him from the world and those who would do him harm.

This book is beautifully written and very engaging. I found myself emerged in Crice’s world and savored every page. Fiction and mythology blend beautifully to create a spellbinding book that does not disappoint. I’ll admit, I’m not that familiar with mythology. I studied what was required in school and have a basic understanding of who is who but nothing in depth. One does not need to know much about mythology to appreciate and enjoy this book. The Author does a great job informing the reader who is who and what job they carry i.e. messenger of the gods, goddess of war, etc. Miller describes the Gods and characters brilliantly. I never felt like she was educating me on who was who. All the information flowed with the story.

As I stated this book was very well written, the story-line is engaging, intelligent and sucked me in. This book is told through Circe’s POV and we get an inside glimpse into her thoughts, feelings and emotions. Circe is a very likable character and over the course of time she becomes stronger, not only in her powers, but in herself. Her confidence grows, her judgement improves, she learns some hard lessons and grows as a person/God. She may have been considered a lesser goddess, but she was a strong female character who stood on her own two feet, stood up for herself and showed great bravery where others cowered. Circe is a God, but she is not heartless or cruel. She is strong and thoughtful and very much like a human. What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be strong? To be brave? To be a woman living in a man’s world (she kicks ass at this by the way!)?

Absolutely enjoyable and entertaining! Highly recommend!

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book!