In this incredible Greek mythology retelling, Eilish Quin brings Medea the sorceress to life. Showing her complexity as the granddaughter of a Titan and the daughter of a sea nymph, readers explore Medea’s childhood as a plain second daughter -- not as talented or beautiful or graceful as her older sister and not the son her father the sorcerer king so desperately wanted -- and her rise to power as a great sorceress. Quin takes the standard mythological narrative and reframes it, emphasizing the cruelty of men (particularly Jason and her father), Medea’s cunning and cleverness, and her love for her brother Phaethon. Giving Medea, so often a misunderstood woman framed as a killer of her own children and her brother, Quin peels back the curtain to show Medea’s side of the story and what her life must have been like to make her so desperate. Quin’s characters are the highlight of this story, and she retells the relevant myths with great detail and character development. Medea is, of course, the most complex and developed character in the novel, but the side characters such as Jason, Phaethon, and the rest of her family (including her sorceress aunt Circe) are also complex, fascinating, and multifaceted characters.

From the first time I read the play "Medea," I was fascinated by the character; having had the opportunity to play the role only served to heighten that fascination. Here, Eilish Quin does a fairly good job of delving more deeply into this mysterious, witchy woman, and humanizing her beyond that heinous act for which most people 'know' her - the murder of her own children. In Quin's reimagining, Medea is not a heartless murderess, so wracked with a thirst for vengeance that she butchers her children, but a woman who is so sure of her own power and ability that it backfires tremendously. It isn't a perfect novel (it was a little on the slow side, at times), and there were some really nitpicky things that I noticed ('wretch' was repeatedly used instead of 'retch,' for instance), but it was pretty well-done, and gives an oft-maligned character a chance to be something more than history has rendered her. Enjoyable read, particularly for folks who enjoy retellings of Greek mythology and plays.

The prose is lush, complex, romanticizing a ‘witch’ who butchers her children, seeking an explanation through historical tales of gods and goddesses and their families and acquaintances in all their messy history. It draws you in, seeking a feminist explanation for acts undertaken that cannot be understood by mere mortals. Greek tales never were mild and this novel boldly follows their lead into waters and motives that aren’t for the weak of heart. A fabulous retelling of a Greek tragedy.

I really liked the beginning of the book, introducing the reader to Medea and showing her world and the people around her via her narration. I particular liked her learning process with sorcery. Although I never felt really connected to her; it was felt that she was distant from the reader. Even though there were pretty great threats to her and those she loved, I never got to a point that I really cared. But I liked the story well enough.

One thing that I like about all the greek myth retellings is how the authors always recontextualize certain well known events to show them in a different light to give understanding of a character where this character was only seen as a villain. And, yes, I understand this may change the original spirit of the story, removing from its original context and the times they were written and the belief in itself. But that's why I like them. I like how they give agency and spirit to sometimes neglected or hated characters (mostly women). And the author did do that in this book. I really enjoyed this here.

But I did feel that the book went on for too long. By the middle, it started to drag a lot. For a 304 page book, it felt really long. I liked the end a lot though and things started to go back to the earlier pace.

By the end, I liked it, didn't love it.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

I have been searching for Greek myth retellings for quite some time, and am so glad I stumbled upon Medea. I knew very little about Medea before reading, and I do not regret that at all! The book starts off giving you a run down of the characters involved, catching you up to speed, which was greatly appreciated. I did have to skip over a few parts where animal experimentation was conducted.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the e-arc.

I love a good retelling of Greek mythology, and Eilish Quin’s "Medea" does not disappoint.
Quin takes one of the most disliked women in Greek mythology and gives her new life Going into this knowing the story of Medea, I feel like it was so dark that I kept on trying to delude myself into thinking that this story would end differently— that a retelling wouldn’t make me feel like I was watching an emotionally-destructive car crash. But, of course, there are some parts of Medea’s story that are sort of required, but that didn’t make me any less distressed.
It did take me 50 or so pages to really get into it, as I didn’t enjoy the beginning (and, at this point, probably couldn’t tell you exactly what happened in those pages) but once I got into the groove I absolutely devoured the story. Although I appreciated the pacing, I felt like the story ended a bit abruptly, which was disappointing (although this may also be because I was just upset it was over, and not because it was a bad ending— jury’s still out.) Some criticism might say that Medea is a closed-off or cold character even in her inner-monologue, but I think that this works for the type of person she is— her lack of complete personal honesty makes sense, and it forces you to spend the whole story trying to cut open her head (metaphorically) so you can poke around in there (also metaphorically) to better understand her, but you never really do.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves stories with complicated women, has an interest in Greek mythology, or maybe is just in a slump after finishing Percy Jackson season 1.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this e-ARC!

I had a bit of a Netgalley user fail on this one. I was approved for this book and completely forgot about it, and when it launched recently I thought “That looks really good, I need to get that! Wait a minute…” Thankfully I rediscovered it in my Netgalley queue and I’m pleased to report that Eilish Quin’s retelling of Medea is a really solid and imaginative debut for anyone who loves feminist retellings of Greek myths. Personally, I think the Medea story is one of the more challenging myths to reinvent. In the original telling, it’s clearly a tragedy: Medea the evil witch is punished for her evil actions. (Without spoiling anything, she’s a bit murder-y.) Eilish Quinn found a really inventive way to explain Medea’s actions and put a deeper, more nuanced and more human face on the semi-divine Medea—and also give the story a fresh and hopeful ending.

4.5 enthusiastic stars! Absolutely check this one out if you like Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, Pat Barker and Natalie Haynes.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Atria books for my review copy!

Release date: February 13 🗓️

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review! A nice retelling of a myth not talked about enough. I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but the end just kind of drags. It made it a chore to push through and finish. Which is so sad because the first half was really good!

In the sea of Greek mythology retellings, Medea pleasantly surprised me because the volume of retellings in the current environment is overwhelming. If you are looking for a villain's redemption in Greek mythology, I will reach for Circe first; part of me wishes that Quin created a world of her own rather than one pre-made.

This beautifully written novel fleshes out the backstory of a complicated and hated character. I loved the concept of attempting to bring empathy to Medea's character, of showing her journey and helping us understand her better.

Some parts of her character did seem a bit off to me. Her relationship to and feelings for Jason did not come across as strong as I expected and made her actions feel inauthentic.

I do think there is something to be said for humanizing a villain without taking away the qualities and choices that make them a villain, but I didn't feel as strongly either way for Medea as I expected. I like reading unlikeable characters so I would have been okay with showing her darker side more.

Sadly, I DNF'd this book. I found the pacing incredibly slow. I tried to make it through but never wanted to pick the book back up. DNF'd at 40%

We're unfortunately in a time with an overabundance of Greek Mythology retellings and in my opinion Medea falls victim to this trend. She's always been a complex character but the prose in this book doesn't do her any favors. It's distant and removed and you don't really get to climb inside her head the way you need to. I believe that a retelling should have something new or interesting to say. Perhaps a different interpretation of the canon. I don't think we get that with this book. In all honesty, it's a bit boring. I can't say that I recommend picking this book up. Perhaps give Madeleine Miller a try instead.

So! I enjoyed this one but something felt off. I both wish there was more and also appreciated how we didn't dwell on the aspect of the Medea that we know from the play, but I...wanted... more? I wanted so much more dwelling on that! That's why I picked up the book, was her descent into madness.

But this was a much more pragmatic descent, if that makes sense. Her husband <i>suuuuuucked</i> which is kind of what we knew from the original play, and I appreciated just how committed to being terrible he is in this book.

Overall, I had a good time, but something about the distant way we approached Medea was weird. It definitely had vibes of Circe, but from the weird distant way that Circe was.

Although, considering who Medea's aunt was, that was probably totally intentional! But also Circe wasn't my favorite book so. yeah!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a chance to read and review.

There comes a time in every woman's life where she has to grow and evolve. Where we no longer make decisions based on the way people might perceive us. We have to get to a point in our lives where our choices are based on self vs the external world's opinions.

Medea is a smart woman who is labeled a witch for her curiosity about pharmakon (herbs, plants and medicine). Medea grows up the second daughter of a sea nymph who continuously makes her decisions based on whether she believes others will accept her. She makes herself small around her father who has the same medicinal talents but knows that only a son can seek him as a mentor to hone her skills.

Medea repetitively bends and molds herself for men and this doesn't change when as an adult; she meets Jason. Jason is on a search for the golden fleece to bring back to his uncle Pelias who stole the thrown from Jason's father.

Whether it's her father, her brother Phaethon, or her lover, Jason; we observe Medea putting the needs of men ahead of her own values and sense of right. Eilish Quin pulls us into the story as observational judges where we see Medea choosing badly which at times results in pain and death for others. The book comes to a rolling conclusion with Medea's actions impacting her directly.

“If he wanted to call me his wife, he could, so long as he knew that I was no more his than the sea owns the sky.”

Medea is Eilish Quin's debut novel, a feminist retelling of Euripides's myth, in the style of Circe. Medea is the granddaughter of the titan Helios, the niece of the witch Circe, and the wife of Jason of the Argonauts. After her mother, a nymph, disappears into the sea with the devestating prophecy that Medea's brother, Phaethon, will be hacked to death, Medea dedicates her childhood and adolescence to witchcraft and necromancy. Her story is full of death and horror, in the way any classic Greek tragedy is. I went into this not knowing much about Medea or Jason, and I enjoyed this book immensely. Heavy, sad, and engrossing.

✅ Greek Tragedy
✅ Feminist Retelling
✅ Witchcraft & Necromancy

📅 Medea is available now!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4 stars

Thanks so much to Eilish Quin and Atria Books for this E-ARC through NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this novel. I have been a fan of mythology since I was a child but was never intrigued by Medea. She comes across as a terrible woman who murders her children in vengeance for a man who chooses to leave her. With this novel, I learned more about what she may have experienced prior to meeting Jason and leaving her home. Quin details her upbringing and gives motivation for Medea and her personality and her intentions. While her act of killing her children is almost unthinkable. Quin is able to show how she came to this conclusion. This definitely has made me rethink Medea's story which only great retellings can do. 4 stars.

As an ardent admirer of Greek mythology and feminist reinterpretations, I eagerly delved into Eilish Quin's debut novel, "Medea," with high expectations. With a profound affection for the intricacies of Greek myths and a keen interest in the enigmatic character of Medea, I embarked on a literary journey that left a lasting impression on me.
Quin's narrative skillfully unravels the complexities of Medea's life, from her tumultuous upbringing in Colchis to her fateful encounters with Jason and the Argonauts. As the granddaughter of Helios and daughter of the sorcerer King Aeetes, Medea is depicted with depth and nuance, her character evolving amidst the backdrop of ancient myths and societal constraints.
What distinguishes Quin's retelling is her ability to humanize Medea, presenting her not merely as a malevolent figure but as a multifaceted woman driven by love, betrayal, and the pursuit of autonomy. Through Quin's eloquent prose and vivid descriptions, Medea emerges as a compelling protagonist, navigating a world fraught with treachery and injustice.
One aspect that particularly resonated with me was Quin's exploration of Medea's relationships, particularly her complex dynamic with Jason. While their bond is fraught with ambiguity and manipulation, Quin skillfully delves into the intricacies of their connection, portraying Medea as a woman torn between loyalty and self-preservation.
Moreover, Quin's meticulous research and attention to detail lend authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in a richly imagined world where magic and myth intertwine seamlessly. From the enchanting landscapes of Colchis to the perilous voyages of the Argonauts, "Medea" is a testament to Quin's prowess as a storyteller.
However, while Quin's portrayal of Medea is nuanced and compelling, I found myself wishing for a deeper exploration of her darker aspects, particularly in the latter half of the novel. Additionally, the absence of certain mythological figures left me yearning for a more inclusive narrative.
Despite these minor quibbles, "Medea" remains a captivating and thought-provoking read, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless mythological figure. Quin's debut heralds the arrival of a talented new voice in the realm of Greek myth retellings, and I eagerly anticipate her future literary endeavors.
In conclusion, "Medea" by Eilish Quin is a must-read for enthusiasts of Greek mythology and feminist literature alike. With its evocative prose, compelling characters, and imaginative storytelling, this novel is sure to captivate readers. Step into the realm of ancient myths and immerse yourself in the captivating tale of one of its most intriguing figures: Medea.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4 out of 5 stars)
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I'm always a fan of retellings that give new insight and deepen the stories we already know! I got the pleasure to read Medea early from Netgalley in exchange for my review which is below.
I would give this book a 3.5/5, I really enjoyed the writing style and how Quin depicted Medea throughout her life. We got more insight into the inner workings of Medea and how she justified the things she did. Its a tragic story full of loss and being used. I had known a bit of Medeas story already but this helped to flesh it out for me. I overall really enjoyed the story and it was quick and fun read. I just feel like some parts fell flat. With her children I wish we felt more emotion but maybe thats becuase Medea is not capable of that full range of emotions as she feels differently than most.

A beautiful feminine retelling of the complicated life of Medea. If you love Greek Mythology and are looking for a story where Medea is not the outright villain, full of feminine rage to all the men that wronged her, then this is the story for you.

One of my favorite parts of this story was the relationship that Medea had with her younger brother, something you won't get in other stories.

Medea was a complex character that was constantly let down by the people in her life. The only one she could really trust and turn to was her brother. She was forced into a life she never really wanted only to find some belonging, and to get away from her family. She was tricked by the gods and abused by her father, whilst being neglected by her mother from a very young age. By no means is she completely innocent, she makes bad choices and gets swept up in the darker parts of magic and necromancy.

I also loved how the hero was not painted as the good guy, we saw his flaws immediately and how he wasn't the knight in shining armor he claimed to be. If anything I resented how he used Medea but then found someone else when she no longer served any purpose to him.

This book gave me everything I wanted from a Greek retelling.

Thank you NetGalley for approving this Arc.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.