- Fiction
- Fantasy
- Romance
- Greek
- Mythology
I’ve been delaying this review as it’s part of my book club, and I wanted to incorporate some discussion points. Though I finished the book weeks ago, here’s my full take.
Rooted in Greek mythology, the novel follows the young princess Medea as she grapples with her magical abilities and yearns for freedom from her home after being shunned by her family. Her chance comes when a charming hero arrives, and she seizes the opportunity to escape.
Brimming with iconic figures like Medea, Herakles, and Circe, this novel serves as an excellent introduction to Greek mythology. While it’s tailored more toward young women, I believe readers of all genders would enjoy it.
What I loved most was the pacing. It’s an easy, engaging read that never drags. Just when you think the story might slow down, another twist reignites the momentum. Plus, I’m always drawn to strong, powerful women, even when they’re a bit unhinged.
However, the ending felt rushed. While the time jumps throughout the novel were handled well, the final section skipped so much that it left me wondering what happened in between.
As a longtime fan of Greek mythology, I had high expectations, and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed every moment and am excited to read Hewlett’s next novel, Medusa.
Though the gods are frequently mentioned and feared, they only make brief appearances. Yet, there are subtle hints about their nature—like Hecate granting Medea her powers out of boredom, which aligns with the idea that humans are mere playthings for the gods. The golden fleece, gifted to Medea’s family to stir conflict, is another example.
Medea, despite being one of the most powerful magic users of her time, was abandoned by her family because of her abilities. With no guiding parental figure—except for a brief period with Circe—she was easily manipulated by the men in her life, from her father and brother to Jason. Her longing for acceptance and love, even when warned by the strong women around her, made her descent into darkness almost inevitable.
Jason, on the other hand, comes across as a typical manipulator. He relied on others to bolster his strength and influence, only to blame Medea for his failures, like losing a duel. He desired her only for the power and heirs she could provide and was quick to cast her aside when it suited him.
One of my favourite characters, though a side figure, was Atalanta, the sole female Argonaut. She could have been a positive influence on Medea, fostering female friendship and empowerment. Unfortunately, Medea ignored her advice, leading to a very different path. I’d love for Hewlett to write a novel focused on Atalanta’s story.
I’d recommend this novel to anyone who loves Greek mythology or is seeking an engaging, accessible introduction to the genre.
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