Our Take

Circe represents a masterclass in mythological retelling, combining the lyrical prose of The Song of Achilles with a distinctly feminist perspective that transforms familiar Greek myths into urgent contemporary commentary. Miller's background in classics allows her to navigate ancient source material with scholarly precision while crafting a narrative that feels both timeless and immediate. The novel's exploration of female power and agency resonates with the themes found in The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon and The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow, but with Miller's signature focus on psychological depth and character transformation. Circe's evolution from overlooked daughter to self-possessed goddess provides a compelling arc that makes ancient mythology feel relevant to modern struggles with identity and autonomy. Miller's prose achieves an almost hypnotic quality that captures both the beauty and brutality of the ancient world while never losing sight of the human emotions that drive her characters. The novel succeeds in making Greek mythology accessible to contemporary readers while respecting the complexity and darkness of its source material. This is essential reading for anyone seeking fantasy that combines beautiful language with meaningful themes about power, family, and the courage required to forge your own path.