I really like mythology of all kinds. I am moderately well versed in Norse mythology, Celtic myths, Hindu deities, and Egyptian gods. My favorites of all the myths, though, have long been those of Ancient Greece. When I was a kid, I remember learning about a slightly censored version of the Greek myths in school, and wishing like Hell that the gods were real. They were just so much more interesting than anything I was used to at that point. I was excited about their stories, because, as I would come to learn, I have always been a whore for drama.

Circe is the epic tale of the well known but poorly understood witch of The Odyssey fame; best known for turning men into pigs. This novelization of her mythos pulls together all the little threads of her story found throughout the ancient stories, placing her into context with other well known myths, and providing her with a solid ending to wrap up her story instead of leaving it hanging after the action is over, as myths tend to do.

The story of Circe, as told by Madeline Miller, is one of growing confidence and learning to be yourself. Circe is seen as less than her other family members, because she is not as godly as they are. The Titan blood within her doesn't show itself the way that they had expected, and so she is mistreated. However, what Circe finds is that the things that make her special are uniquely hers. There is power within her that is not found from her parentage. Instead, it comes from the sheer force of her will. She does not need the power of her family. All she needs is herself.

I loved the rise of Circe from timid daughter of Helios to vicious witch of Aiaia. She was such a relatable character, and exactly the kind of heroine that we deserve.

5-stars, well deserved.