Circe

by Madeline Miller
Circe cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£16.99 Hardback • £20.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2215
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9786020665931
  • Publisher: Gramedia Pustaka Utama
  • Published: 2022-12-23
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4

Circe, born into the house of Helios, the sun god, is an unusual child—neither powerful like her father nor enchanting like her mother. Seeking companionship in the human world, she hones her skills as a witch. Zeus, feeling threatened, banishes her to a remote island. There, she encounters legendary figures such as the Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus, Medea, and the cunning Odysseus. As a solitary woman, Circe faces numerous dangers and inadvertently provokes the wrath of both humans and gods. To protect what she holds dear, she must summon all her strength and make a decisive choice: align with the gods who birthed her or the humans she has come to love.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2025-10-22
brilliant 4.50

Circe is described as a brilliant story with a depth that outclasses much of contemporary fantasy, highlighting Circe's character development.

The reviewer on Reddit praises Circe as a brilliant story, noting that Circe's character has a depth that outclasses much of what you will find in fantasy today. They appreciate Miller's ability to bring a lesser-known character to life with such richness and complexity. The reviewer finds the novel to be a standout in the genre, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on a classic tale. Overall, it's a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology and fantasy.

Quick quotes

    It's a brilliant story, and Circe has a depth that outclasses much of what you will find in fantasy today.

    Miller does an admirable job with giving her a voice.

    This is a really well written novel, that does what it sets out to do.

Jenny Sandiford · 2025-08-21
captivating 4.50

The reviewer found the book to be one of the most captivating stories they have ever read and highly recommends it to others. They praised the novel's lyrical beauty and complex storytelling.

The reviewer from Jenny Sandiford's blog expresses their deep appreciation for Circe, describing it as one of the most captivating stories they have ever read. They highly recommend the book to others, praising its lyrical beauty and complex storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters, making it a memorable read. The book is seen as a celebration of individuality and resilience, making it a captivating read.

Quick quotes

    I really loved this book. It is one of the most captivating stories I've ever read and will tell anyone who asks me about it to just go read it!

    Miller's writing is lyrical and beautiful, making it a pleasure to read.

    The novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of Greek mythology.

Madeleine Reads · 2025-01-08
captivating 4.50

The reviewer loved the premise of Madeline Miller's second novel, which gives voice to a lesser-known female figure from Greek mythology. They found the book engaging and well-crafted.

The reviewer was captivated by the premise of Circe, which brings to life a often overlooked character from Greek mythology. They appreciated how Miller crafted a compelling narrative around Circe, making her a relatable and intriguing protagonist. The reviewer also highlighted the beautiful writing style that enhances the storytelling, making it a delightful read. Overall, they found the book to be a rich and rewarding exploration of a mythological figure.

Quick quotes

    I loved the premise of Madeline Miller's second novel, Circe.

    In this book, Miller gives air time to a lesser-known female figure from Greek mythology.

    The writing is beautiful and the storytelling is compelling.

Calder Classics · Lily Kerr · 2024-07-07
engaging 3.75

This novel is worth reading, though some parts feel slow, especially in the beginning. The story is engaging and the ending is satisfying.

Lily Kerr finds Circe to be a novel worth reading, despite some slow parts, particularly in the early chapters. She appreciates the engaging story and the satisfying ending. The reviewer notes that the book's strengths lie in its ability to captivate readers with its rich narrative and mythological depth. While the pacing might be slow at times, the overall experience is enjoyable and the ending leaves a lasting impression. Kerr highlights the book's ability to bring a fresh perspective to a classic myth, making it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    Madeline Miller's Circe is a novel that's definitely worth reading.

    Admittedly, some parts of the book feel a little slow (especially in the first few chapters).

    The story is engaging and the ending is satisfying.

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