Book review by Corey
Circe
Circe retells the story of the witch from Greek mythology, but this time she is the centre of the story instead of a side character in someone else’s legend. The book follows her from an awkward and unwanted daughter of Helios into exile, where she slowly discovers her own power and starts becoming the person she chooses to be rather than the one the gods expect.
What really makes the book work is Circe herself. She is flawed, lonely, angry, curious, and often much more human than the gods around her. The story moves through familiar myths and famous characters, but it still feels personal because everything is seen through Circe’s experiences with love, power, motherhood, betrayal, and independence.
The Goods
- Circe is a fantastic main character
- Beautiful writing
- Great use of Greek mythology
- Strong themes of independence and identity
- Familiar myths feel fresh
The Bads
- The pacing is slow in places
- Some mythological characters appear briefly
- Not much traditional action
- A few sections feel more episodic than connected
- Readers unfamiliar with Greek mythology may miss some references
My Recommendation
This is a great choice for readers who like mythology retellings, strong female characters, and stories that focus more on personal growth than nonstop action. Circe’s journey from someone constantly dismissed by the gods into someone who understands her own strength is easily the best part of the book. If you enjoy Greek mythology, character-driven fantasy, and stories about independence, power, love, and finding your own place in the world, Circe is one of the stronger modern myth retellings.