A new retelling of the mythological Medea, like you’ve never seen her before. What an incredible adaptation of this story and new perspective.

This tale of Medea shows just how controlled and manipulated women of the time are by the men in their lives. However, there is an added level of trauma, from childhood and beyond, and a distinct lack of love and affection for Medea. This toxic combination, of course, makes Medea desperate to escape her prison of a home, while making rash decisions, at the same time.

Her rash decisions don’t do her any favors in life, and her (to me, justifiable) anger builds and builds, compounded by the lack of love and abundance of abusive forces in her life, until it explodes and destroys.

This isn’t a “happy” story, but it is a powerful one. It is a story of how women have been subjugated, manipulated, and used. Coupled with outright abuse and trauma, this retelling of Medea saw her become powerful and ragey. Personally, I thought it was a triumph. A true “must-read” for a historical fiction lover.

DNF at 30%

I find that there are two types of authors who write Greek Myth Retellings, one likes to breathe new life into a tale and make a story, the other likes to try and show off how much they know about the Greek Myth they chose. Hewlett seems to fall into the second category. Her story has no life to it, I just felt like someone was sitting there telling me major points in Medea’s life (and playing up the romance) without giving me anything worth being invested in.

The prose was extremely bland and the first few chapters move so fast that you don’t get to spend time with Medea as a child growing up in the environment around her family and really absorb how she grew up. It felt like there was this rush to get to Jason so she could write their first intimate scene. When I read a myth retelling from the women’s perspective I want the focus on her and I want to get to know her before her story that everyone is familiar with comes into play, I felt this really lacked doing that which honestly made it less interesting.

I also quickly lost interest when the story between Jason and Medea started to resemble an insta-love romance novel. This was frustrating because while I know the direction their story takes, an insta-love feeling in my opinion throws off the depth of what happens in the story between them. A lot of the language around them quickly reminded me of those quick KU romance novels that put very little work into creating character and chemistry depth because they are too focused on reminding the reader on how attractive the man is. (This also had the dreadful “who did this to you” line that holds no depth whatsoever because they literally just met.)

Overall I’m not going to push myself to finish this because I’m not enjoying it.

The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett is a must read for those who enjoyed Circe by Madeline Miller. This retelling of Medea's tale allow us to reimagine different motivations and ending for Medea. The story takes us through the evolution of a young girl who decides to take agency over her own life and drive her own destiny.

If I were to classify this, compared to Eilish Quin's Madea, the writing style has more of a YA feel, but the reimagining is just as compelling. In addition, I did prefer Quin's version because it gave me a more powerful though flawed strong female character. Nonetheless, this is a great addition to the lore and I recommend it.

3 stars
Pub Date Sept 10 2024

#NetGalley
#RosieHewlett

The book stayed pretty close to the original myth - at least from what I could remember from it. It's just that the books that talk about Medea usually portray her either as a villain or as a victim that in the end makes a sort of stand for herself but it always leaves me waiting more for her and for her story. And that's exactly what happened here; I was furious for almost all of the book. I saw glimers of what could be when she was training with Circe in the beginning. By the end, it's a good book. But I felt it's more of the same when it comes to Medea.

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

osie Hewlett’s Witch of Colchis breathes new life into the legend of Medea, offering a deeply emotional and psychologically rich portrayal of one of mythology’s most infamous women. This retelling peels back the layers of Medea’s story, revealing not just the sorceress and the supposed villain, but the woman—flawed, passionate, and heartbreakingly human.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of Medea’s internal struggles. Her love, rage, and pain are laid bare in a way that makes her feel painfully real. Hewlett delves into her emotional conflicts with incredible depth, portraying her as a woman torn between love and survival, vengeance and vulnerability. The heartbreak of her choices lingers throughout the novel, making even the inevitable moments feel fresh and devastating.

This retelling also adds depth to Medea’s relationships, not just with Jason but with the people around her, giving a fuller picture of the forces that shape her. The prose is beautifully lyrical, and the storytelling is immersive, though at times, the pacing slows in introspective moments. However, this ultimately adds to the novel’s emotional weight rather than detracting from it.

For fans of feminist mythology retellings, Witch of Colchis is a must-read. It gives Medea the complexity and nuance she deserves, leaving the reader both moved and haunted by her story. A strong four stars!

Amazing Medea retelling! I can't wait to read the next Greek myth Rosie Hewlett chooses to retell and reimagine.

Non-Spoiler Review Of The Witch Of Colchis.
Medea is the princess of Colchis. She has been forsaken by her family and ridiculed by the people around her. Medea has dealt with this treatment since childhood, all because she is a witch and people fear what they don’t understand.
One day a man shows up to claim the famed Golden Fleece. Medea sees this as a chance to flee her home and the hatred of everyone who has shunned her since childhood.
Medea escapes her home just to go on a journey that is going to help her discover herself and what she is truly capable of and what the world can do to her.
This is a dark fantasy retelling of the Greek myth of Medea. This retelling really shows you how sometimes we ignore the “red flags” to see what we want, even when your friends try to show you the truth.
I really did feel for her in a lot of the harder situations she was put in, we are all a product of our environment. She grew up scared and alone, and now she’s in the world trying to navigate without knowing how.
I think some of us will connect with her on a deeper and somewhat darker level, this really highlights childhood trauma and how it influences our choices and how we view people.
This was beautiful and heartbreaking all in one, with just the right amount of vengeance and angst.

Thank you Net Galley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the copy for my honest review.

Greek myth retellings have to do something very challenging. Because they typically end tragically, at the hands of the main character, the author has to be able to both create empathy for the character while not attempting to create a defense for their (often heinous, at the very least, misguided) actions.

In The Witch of Colchis, Rosie Hewlett walks this tightrope quite brilliantly. Medea is both a tragic character who has been traumatized by those meant to love her since childhood, and a villain. In many ways, this retelling is truly a tale of female rage. I am eager to read Medusa, also by Rosie Hewlett, in hopes of similar nuance in that retelling.

"And I also know how they will tell this story. It is the same for any woman who defies their place in this world. Jason will be the hero, and you? They'll either make you his adoring, lovesick damsel, or they'll make you the villain. Those are the only roles they feel comfortable with us occupying."

Plot: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Frustration: 🔪🔪🔪
Feminine Rage: 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

"The Witch of Colchis" was my first introduction to the mythological figure of Medea. About 20% of the way into the narrative, I looked up a brief description of Medea and the tale of Jason and the Argonauts. I was intrigued to see how Rosie Hewlett would portray Medea and Jason's story without watering down the original myth or making Medea completely hated. To my surprise, Hewlett did an extraordinary job of illustrating the events that led Medea to become the villain-like character she is by the end of the novel. Without giving away any spoilers for those unfamiliar with Medea's story, I can say that Hewlett did an amazing job at weaving a tale that highlights the complexities of women, emotional abuse, and the origins of what makes someone a "villain."

I love a mythological retelling that ignites my inner feminine rage, and "The Witch of Colchis" perfectly aligns with that feeling. The plot was coherent and made complete sense, especially considering the Greek myth, which is already a bit strange and unbelievable. Medea is a character I grew to understand and pity (which she would hate), and in my opinion, she serves as a metaphor for a feminine existence that is relatable in reality as well.

"The Witch of Colchis" serves as an example of a trend throughout Greek mythology: powerful men using women as tools to enhance their own heroic actions, often leading to women's downfall. I'm glad that Medea is finally receiving recognition in history, showing the sacrifices she made for Jason.

My only qualm with the novel was the frustration I felt for both Jason and Medea. I was irritated with Jason for being manipulative and self-absorbed, while I was frustrated with Medea for not seeing Jason for who he was, loving him, and sacrificing everything for him. Towards the end of the novel, it began to feel tiresome. However, by the end of the novel, Medea comes to her senses in a way that feels satisfying and right.

I hope to continue to see Greek mythology retold from the women's perspective. The Witch of Colchis has put Rosie Hewlett on my radar, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. 4/5 stars!

Thank you, NetGalley, Rosie Hewlett, and Sourcebooks Landmark, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good myth retelling and this is exactly that. I had not known about Medea's story and while that probably added to my enjoyment, the author's storytelling pulled me in and I could not put this book down. I am excited to read more from this author.

Loved this Greek Mythology retelling! Loved getting to see the story of Medea and how here character came to be! Her characters development and actions were easy to sympathize with and understand! Definitely recommend reading this book!

"𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠."

Just like Medusa, Medea is a name in Greek mythology that immediately elicits a negative reaction. Witch. Murderer. Deceitful. While those adjectives may be true, as always, there is more to the story than what you were taught in school. If you're familiar with the hero myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece, the main character is always the male. Jason is described as brave and resourceful, but after reading this retelling, I'm here to tell you that he was none of those things. The author paints a picture of a man utterly obsessed with power and would stop at nothing to gain it.

Initially, I wasn't fond of Medea's portrayal in this book. She came across as petulant and childish, but the more her character developed, the more her demeanor made sense. Her character growth was incredible, and my heart broke when she defiantly turned her back on those in her corner to profess her undying devotion to Jason only to be so casually used and discarded by him.

I used to wonder what it must have been like to have been a woman back then, apologizing for merely taking up space, when I realized that it happens far too often today. Strong men are charismatic leaders who exude confidence, while strong women are cold, abrasive, and domineering.

If you enjoy mythology, please delve into these retellings! Reading these stories through the lens of the female characters who have been banished to the shadows as supporting characters will completely change your perspective. Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this copy. This book is available now.

I am shattered. Wrecked. Unsettled. The world did Medea wrong. The abuse started with her dad and it's as if she was doomed from the start. This book is very heavy but sheds so much light on her actions and betrayals. I feel for her. The men in her life used her up and portrayed her as evil. This book is so brilliantly written. It will rip your heart out. Highly recommend reading.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this ARC!

I am only briefly acquainted with the myth of Medea, so there are a bunch of places I am not fully able to consider whether they stick true to the myth or whether they are the author’s changes in liberties.I did, however, know enough of the myth to want to read this book to see how exactly our central character decides to enacting her revenge on Jason for betraying her, and I’ll be completely honest, I was a bit disappointed.

Medea in this novel does not have much agency in the actions she takes - I believe the only thing she’s ever done on her own was when she, as a child, turned her brother into a pig. Otherwise, practically every other decision she makes is due to the manipulation of Jason, and she has no agency in these actions. Her father is a terrible man, as is her brother, and yet it is only when Jason backs her into a wall that she decides to kill him to save herself, and she feels guilt for such actions. In the same way, every murder Medea does to help Jason with his goals is a task given to her by Jason - but the instant she faces any backlash for such actions, he gaslights her into thinking it was her own decision and that he is innocent. I have no issues painting Jason as a less-than ideal suitor - but it’s a little disconcerting that practically every decision Medea makes that sends her along her darker path isn’t one she makes on her own. Up until the very end, she practically has no agency and is only a vessel to follow Jason around as he uses her as he wants.

I thought it was interesting that during a conversation with Atalanta, who states that women in stories can only be villains or love-struck damsels, that this book does the exact same thing to Medea. Everyone around Medea sees her as an evil witch - while this book attempts to paint these very same actions as something that she only does out of love for Jason, and not by her own merits. Even her very last actions done to hurt Jason (I won’t say what in case you’re unaware of them) I found to be very lackluster and boring. I was expecting her revenge to not only attack the woman he’s leaving her for, but for the only people Jason cares about - and, yet, in what is probably the most memorable thing Medea does - she’s barely considering Jason’s feelings, and is doing it out of naive love - and not revenge. I also found the ending to be a bit odd, with Medea suddenly doing a full 180 to her previous actions - and yet, she is taking care of her ailing father.

This book felt like it couldn’t decide whether to make Medea a villain or misunderstood damsel, and so instead attempted to do both. She is evil and embraces her darker side when it benefits her, but immediately after she feels guilt for these actions and tries to remedy them. I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if Medea was allowed to embrace her more villainous side, instead of Jason almost forcing her into that role until she has no other choice left.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this e-ARC.

Rosie Hewlett's "The Witch of Colchis" presents a reimagining of Medea, the infamous sorceress of Greek mythology, told from her perspective. The novel dives into Medea’s troubled life, painting her not as a mere villain but as a complex woman striving for autonomy in a world that shuns her for her power. It’s a tale of ambition, love, betrayal, and the sacrifices one must make to seize their destiny. Hewlett's prose is evocative, bringing the ancient world to life with vivid descriptions of its mystical landscapes and the dangers lurking within. Medea’s internal struggles are thoughtfully explored, giving depth to her character and making her choices, however dark, understandable. Ultimately, "The Witch of Colchis" is a compelling reexamination of a maligned figure from mythology, inviting readers to consider the humanity behind the legend.

I love Greek mythology and this story really nailed it especially being a villain origin story. It made you understand the steps and choices leading up to the big moment. Great job !!!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Sometimes Greek myth retellings make me a little nervous, but I heard a bunch of glowing reviews about The Witch of Colchis (or Medea, if you’re reading the UK edition), so I was pretty excited about this. Hewlett’s take on Medea was heartbreaking and beautiful, and while some of the character’s choices were difficult for me to read, I also felt they were wholly understandable for her characterization. All of the characters felt complex and even though this is a familiar story, Hewlett did a wonderful job at bringing out emotional reactions from the reader.

And anyway. All my homies hate Jason.

Here’s a reworded version for a more polished flow:

4 stars! If you’re drawn to tales of fierce feminine rage, this book is a must-read.

Medea, the princess of Colchis, is a woman of extraordinary power and compassion, crushed by a world that condemns her witchcraft. Isolated by her family and shamed by her people, she dreams of freedom. When the ambitious hero Jason arrives in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, Medea sees her chance and sets off on a journey that will test her strength, magic, and loyalty. Her path leads to a love both intense and devastating, a betrayal that leaves her broken, and a legacy of vengeance and darkness that’s unforgettable. This reimagining casts Medea as both a tragic heroine and a powerful sorceress in a tale that masterfully blends power, heartbreak, and myth.

This was my first mythological retelling, and I loved it. Rosie Hewlett’s prose is beautiful—it drew me in and made me feel like I was alongside Medea. While much of the book centers on the love story between Medea and Jason, it also explores the quests and adventures of the Argonauts.

I didn’t know Medea’s story before reading, so I can’t speak to how closely it aligns with the original mythology. But if one thing is clear, it’s that men in mythology are often deeply flawed, and Jason is no exception. My heart ached for Medea as Jason dismissed her sacrifices and ultimately betrayed her.

I’ll definitely be reading more from Rosie Hewlett!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC!

I was interested in this novel initially because the synopsis I read stated it was for fans of Circe. Circe was my first (and only up until now) novel revolving around a character from Greek mythology, and I was so ready for more. I liked this story even better than Circe, which I was totally not expecting! This book tells the story of Medea, Princess of Colchis. I honestly had never heard of her before, but have spent the weeks since finishing this book researching her in my spare time. I have to say that I love a novel that makes me think, a novel that leads me to learn. I never would have become interested in this character on my own, and I am just grateful for the gifted ARC and the opportunity to learn. I have recommended this book to several friends already.

The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett, known as Medea in the UK, offers a fresh and sympathetic take on the classic myth. Hewlett skillfully explores themes of abuse and power, portraying Medea as a complex character shaped by the torment she endures from her father and brother. Her magical abilities, which evoke jealousy, set the stage for her eventual alliance with Jason and the Argonauts, presenting her with a chance for freedom and love.

However, this desire comes at a cost, as Medea’s choices lead her to betray her family in unthinkable ways. The novel contrasts Medea with other women in her life—Chalciope, Atalanta, and Circe—who also navigate their struggles in a patriarchal society. This interplay highlights the dynamics of power, manipulation, and the consequences of denial, making Medea’s journey both compelling and relatable. While Hewlett provides context for Medea’s notorious actions, she maintains accountability for her choices, resulting in a nuanced and engaging retelling that deepens our understanding of this iconic figure.