Monday, April 30, 2018

Review: Circe

Circe by Madeline Miller
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release Date: April 10th, 2018
Source: Netgalley
Date Read: 4/10/18
400 pages


In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child--not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power--the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Quotes taken from ARC may or may not be in the published edition.

I can’t believe I haven’t blogged or reviewed a book in so long. Whoops. Well it WAS that time of the semester where I’m doing ALL THE THINGS, and every time I had some free time, I wasn’t motivated. But that all changes TODAY. Maybe.


Today I’ll be reviewing Circe, which is by the same author who wrote The Song of Achilles. Even though I had the eARC since…forever, I actually didn’t read this until release day. Before I go into my review (if I even know how to DO that anymore), I want to mention that I literally read this all in one day. So if anything, you should at least take away that it was THAT good. But, this honestly might just be me. I’m currently in a Greek mythology phase at the moment, with playing God of War and all, and so maybe I enjoyed Circe so much because I was in the right mood.

Let’s talk about Circe. For one, she’s a badass, not doubt about it. Yet, this is the first time I've heard about her story, as I never read Odysseus in high school (let alone spell it). And though I do know the basic storyline of Odysseus, this is my first time learning about Circe. Well, the author’s take of the story, at least. But nevertheless, the author tells it as if it were really part of Greek mythology.

Cool Things I Liked:
  • This book is all about Circe. And she is awesome, as I’ve mentioned before.
  • How Circe’s life prospered even though she was all alone on an island, thanks to Zeus. And her relationship with everyone who visited her
  • In regards to these relationships, the people and gods Circe met were from different myths. Though I’m not overly familiar with them, the stories of the Minotaur, Medea, Daedalus & Icarus, and Odysseus all intertwined with Circe’s. Honestly the only thing I know about Icarus is from a song by Bastille, so that’s how I get my Greek mythology.


Overall, even though I have no idea how close this compares to the actual mythology, I fell in love with this book. It’s definitely a new favorite. And I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loved The Song of Achilles, or just loves mythology in general (in which that case, read both).

Also, I do want to bring to your attention that the UK hardback edition is absolutely gorgeous, especially underneath the jacket. It hasn’t come yet, but I am eagerly awaiting it because THE GORGEOUSNESS. Definitely check it out if you have the chance.

Comments (12)

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WOW VAL BLOGGED. I am so happy. Also, when you get your pretty UK edition, you could slide your ugly cheap US one someone else's way.... 🤔 (While I DO want the pretty one, I want to make sure I actually like the thing first- remember the Uprooted debacle?) I am really curious about this one. I'm also happy that you aren;t like, super familiar with all the myths, that was one thing I was worried about, so now I feel MUCH better.
1 reply · active 368 weeks ago
Ok so clearly I am late to reading this comment. But yes you can totally have my US edition. I'll probably just DM you now about it LOL
This book really looks GORGEOUS and I have been hearing amazing things about it so far - I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed it, Val! I'm not used to reading books dealing with Greek Mythology at all, but that one is making me curious because of all the praise it got, for sure :)
IT's good to read one of your reviews again, Val! I hope you're doing well <3 <3
1 reply · active 368 weeks ago
Thanks Marie! I hope to somewhat keep blogging, even if it's not all the time :D

I love Greek Mythology so this was perfect for me, but yes you should try it at some point. I also recommend the Song of Achilles, which is by the same author!
This book is one I both really want to read and I'm really nervous about. I only read The Song of Achilles because everyone loved it so I figure I should check it out (I also loved it but it was nothing like my usual reads) but it means I'm wary of reading anything else by Miller because what if it isn't as good? I do think the UK cover is stunning, though, I seriously want the book on my shelf. Glad to see you enjoyed it my expectations are even higher now. If I stumble across this book when I'm out and about I may just invest, you've convinced me.
1 reply · active 368 weeks ago
Hahah I feel you! To be honest I was also hesitant about her next book as well, but then I just picked it up, and finished it all in one day. By accident of course. So I hope you do pick it up at some point!
Everyone is loving this book??? And it makes me a little scared?? BUT I did love The Song of Achilles, so I am not as scared about that as I am about, say, The Cruel Prince (having never read a Holly Black book before and therefore not even knowing if I like her style or whatever). I still don't have any idea of what Circe is about, so it'll be interesting when I finally get around to reading it. The question is: will it take me as long as it did to get to TSOA? *nervous laughter*

Anyway, I'm so glad you liked this one!! Lovely review <3
1 reply · active 368 weeks ago
I have not read The Cruel Prince, so I can't compare, BUT I REALLY LIKED CIRCE hahahah. But true, I did take a pretty long time to read The Song of Achilles, even though I had bought it so long ago. BUT I HOPE ONE DAY YOU READ IT!

Thanks Chiara!!
You're forgiven but don't you ever leave me again you hear!

I've seen this one doing the rounds on Instagram but no one ever mentions what it's about. I love Greek mythology but was hesitant to grab a copy as I thought it was a sequel to The Song of Achilles. Can you read one without the other? I love the little known stories, they always tend to be overshadowed by the stories of the powerful Greek gods and warlords so I'm here for this. Stunning review poppet, absolutely loved it <3 <3
1 reply · active 368 weeks ago
I KEEP LEAVING THOUGH. Just kidding. I really am still here I'm just A BUM. A PRECIOUS BUM.

IT'S ABOUT A COOL PERSON DOING COOL THINGS and ok I'm going to be honest I had no idea who Circe was as I've never read The Illiad, BUT I was very much blown away anyways. :D

Thanks Kelly!!! <3 <3
I've heard that everyone adores Circe because of the mythology and the character in the book, so I'm glad you loved it too Val! Great review!
1 reply · active 368 weeks ago
Thanks Jeann!!!

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