Circe is a spellbinding odyssey exploring the power of witchcraft, family secrets, and exile. It tells the story of Circe, daughter of Helios, god of the sun and possessor of a powerful magic. When Scheria—the secret island home to Odysseus’s kingdom—is attacked by vicious monsters sent by Poseidon himself, Circe uses her powers to save her people. But that only draws attention from seafaring adventurers who want to use her gifts for their own ends: Zephyrinus, an unscrupulous trader; Alcinous, King of Scheria and father to Calypso; and Hermes Trismegistus (a visitor with his own agenda). In order not be discovered and enslaved as she was once before eons ago on earth Zeus orders Hermes take Circe away from Greeks so they cannot find out about witch’s true identity he places circel faraway 3 years journey walking distance land near end where ocean meets sky What unfolds is an epic adventure in which Circes must summon all her strength-and sometimes questionable tactics-to protect herself against men both mortal and divine who would control or destroy her.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who enjoys a good science fiction and fantasy story with a strong female lead.
Pros :
- The author does a beautiful job of world-building, creating a rich and compelling setting for the story.
- The characters are well drawn and engaging, as is the plot.
- Circe is an incredibly powerful female character who resists being reduced to a stereotype or simplified into one dimension.
Cons :
- The author takes a very long time to get to the point.
- The characters are flat and uninteresting.
- The ending is unsatisfying.
Learn more about the author
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Madeline Miller is an award-winning writer of both fiction and nonfiction. She has a BA from Brown University and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her first novel, The Song of Achilles, was published by HarperCollins in 2011 and won the Orange Prize for Fiction, awarded annually to outstanding books written by women in English from anywhere in the world.
Reader Reviews
“Circe is the kind of book that you can really get lost in. There’s so much rich world-building, and Miller has crafted a number of memorable characters.”
“Miller weaves together the familiar story of Circe’s journey from defeated exile to respected deity with a wonderfully unique voice that brings the ancient world to vibrant life. A fascinating, captivating read for lovers of mythology and epic fantasy.”
“Miller’s Circe is a witch who is powerful, mortal, and ambitious. She her power and place in the world by exploring relationships with men – lovers, sons, fathers, friends. This feminist take on Homer’s Odyssey is gripping and well-written.”
“A lush and lyrical novel that personifies the natural elements and gives voice to potent female myths. Miller has crafted a timeless story about an unforgettable woman.”
