I really enjoyed this book!
“The Witch of Colchis" by Rosie Hewlett is a historical novel that retells the ancient Greek myth of Medea. The author explores Medea's life, her powerful magic, and her complex relationships. I enjoyed the fresh POV blending historical and mythical elements to provide a deeper understanding of the character and her world. Highly recommend! Thank you for the ARC NETGALLEY!

I think that those who do not know the myth of Medea might appreciate this immersive and imaginative retelling even more than those of us who do because they are coming to it fresh. Medea has been much maligned for her actions but this is her back story and Hewlett has made her a sympathetic (to a degree) woman who copes with more than most of us could imagine. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An excellent entry into the current trend of retellings.

The story of Medea has been treated over and over throughout history. Rosie Hewlett’s version of the tale tells the story from Medea’s point of view. We see her growing up unloved and her desperation to escape Colchis increases with every moment.

Medea’s story can be hard to read, especially if you know how it ends. At times, it’s like watching a car crash in slow motion—with a heavy dose of second hand embarrassment. Medea is inexperienced in every way and it shows both in her actions and desires. Sometimes, she is the very image of a petulant teenager. In the second half of the book, we jump 10 years to Medea’s time in Corinth with her two children and Jason. This is the wreckage left over by Medea’s choices, and you can feel her despair and loneliness.

It is only in the last pages that the book diverges from the Euripidean tradition of Medea. But the story of Medea is captivating from page one and Rosie Hewlett’s depiction is especially striking.

The story of Medea deals with so many trigger warnings that it’s impossible to list them all, some key ones are sexual violence, violence, child death, suicidal ideation, torture. I recommend this book to any mature reader interested in Greek myth retellings or magic.

Medea comes out September 10th, thank you to Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC!

The Witch of Colchis is a captivating retelling of the ancient myth of Medea, blending rich historical detail with a fresh perspective on a well-known character. Hewlett's prose is beautifully lyrical, immersing readers in the lush landscapes of Colchis and the complexities of its inhabitants. The character development is a standout feature; Medea is portrayed with depth and nuance, making her struggles and motivations relatable.
However, the pacing can be uneven at times, particularly in the middle sections where the plot seems to meander. Additionally, some secondary characters could have benefited from more fleshing out, as they occasionally feel one-dimensional.
Overall, this book is a compelling read that balances magic and realism, enchanting storytelling and emotional depth.

I love the mythology retelling of Circe, Atlanta and Ariadne and The Witch of Colchis is no different! The unique voice and emotional storytelling is among the best I have ever read!! I was sucked in from the first page and devoured it twice. I really love seeing a darker side of power and how Madea grows into her power is nothing short of amazing. This story resonates with everyone who struggles to find and accept their own power and where they fit into the world. I absolutely will read this over and over again🖤

I love when a retelling introduces me to characters I was unfamiliar with and given I had heard of but never explored Jason and the Argonaughts I was unsure what to expect. Medea goes through quite an arc in this and it isn’t always pretty. I enjoyed the rawness of her story despite or perhaps especially given the toxicity she endures. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys the genre of mythology retelling but I would recommend checking content warnings as some people genes explored could be triggering.

The Witch of Colchis is a very bland retelling of Medea. Throughout the entire book she is a victim. First by the abuse of her family, and then of Jason’s manipulation. It got repetitive real fast.

To be shunned for who you are… what you can do. That was the childhood fate of Medea, blessed with a gift of magic from a goddess. What those around her can’t understand, they despise - until she can be used as a weapon. She’s wielded to protect the Golden Fleece, but when a conqueror comes to win it by any means possible, Medea sees her chance for an escape from her life. But that one decision branches to another until she can no longer recognize herself for who she is, or reconcile herself with what she’s done.

The thing about retellings is that there’s no giant plot surprise. Of course, authors take some liberty getting the points across but the story remains wholly the same, as is the case with Medea’s story here. I enjoyed Hewlett’s version from Medea’s viewpoint, watching the transition from an innocent young girl to a hardened hearted world-weary woman.

Recommended if you like: Greek myth, retellings

If you love Greek mythology, definitely check this one out! This was well written and I really enjoyed it!

This was a beautifully written book that gave voice to one of the most vilified women in Greek Mythology. In her own words, Medea explains the choices that led to her being branded a witch and a murderer, and in doing so, she highlights the gaslighting and misogyny at the core of Greek Mythology. I loved hearing her story, and while hindsight often made me say "No, Medea, don't," Hewlett does such an impeccable job of displaying the absolute helplessness of the cage Medea found herself in. I also loved that the end was told from the perspective of Medea's sister, Chalciope. She has some really stunning insights on the abuse and victimization that Medea had been through. Just a really well done book!

Okay, if you are someone who enjoys mythology, this is definitely one to pick up! An absolute roller-coaster of emotion, I can't really put into words without spoiling. Only reason it didn't get 5 stars is I wish the ending would have been a little longer!

I did not realize when requesting this ARC that it had already been released in the UK with a different title. I’ll be reading that finalized version instead of this ARC.

Thank you for the ARC.

Serviceable and well-written, if not particularly unique, retelling of Medea/Jason and the argonauts. Maybe I’ve just read too many Greek myth retellings recently (and I think at least 3 of those were about Medea) so it can be hard to be blown away by one. (My favorite remains “Bright Air Black” by David Vann—now that had the uncanny and unsettling depiction required of a tale as dark as Medea’s).

But “Witch of Colchis” is good, well-written, and shows Medea’s vital perspective. So if you’re not familiar with the story, and perhaps not burned out on modern myth retellings, you will likely enjoy it.

Medea is a story based in Greek mythology about a princess of Colchis but her life is anything but blessed. She was gifted with magical powers by a god as a child however her father views this as a curse and hates her for her abilities. Medea’s aunt Circe comes to teach her the ways of magic but is soon exiled far far away. When I hero named Jason comes with his Argonauts to Medea’s home in hopes of procuring a Golden Fleece will Medea give up everything to follow Jason or will she use her magic to help her abusive father. I love these type of Greek stories because the women in they are so complex and dynamic. I love the meddling of the gods in their stories and how it really adds fun little twists. This book had lots of twists and turns and I really enjoyed the whole book.

I loved this book! If you love Greek myths, retellings, and folklore, you'll definitely love this book. A fun and declivitous collection of tales that will give readers a great dose of seratonine on a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS landmark for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which will be available 9/10/24!

Come with me to read about Medea the most maligned woman arguably in Greek myth and have moments of profound disappointment

This story was okay. I feel like it was a rushed job of writing. We all know the myth of Jason and Medea. The Golden Fleece and Medea wantingboff her island. I just felt like it could have been better.

Rosie Hewlett’s adaptation of Medea offers a fresh and dynamic take on the classic Greek tragedy. By reimagining Euripides' story through a contemporary lens, Hewlett brings new life and urgency to the narrative. Her Medea is a powerful and complex character, grappling with themes of betrayal, revenge, and identity in a way that resonates with modern audiences. The story’s sharp dialogue and innovative staging highlight Hewlett’s ability to blend classical themes with present-day relevance. Overall, this rendition of Medea is both riveting and thought-provoking, making it a standout interpretation of the timeless tragedy.

A really interesting look at an old story from a modern perspective. Greek heroes are often insulated from their crimes by rose-hued academia (looking at you, Theseus), and Jason is usually seen as the victim of Medea’s crimes. If he, however, is perpetuating the cycle of abuse that began with Medea’s father and brother, well, that’s a different myth altogether, isn’t it? Society has accepted these stories as they are for so long as mere adventures but in truth, the reveal so much about the society of the times, including the treatment of women, if we care to take the time to look and what better way than in story?

I loved this retelling. It didn’t veer too much off the known path, the author didn’t get creative and add her own spin to it. However it still brought the story of Medea to life in a way that made you both feel sorry for the situations she found herself in and also hate her for how she chose to react to those situations. A great read if you are looking for a true to mythology, not a ‘based on’ version of the story.

If you like having your heart shredded while being immersed in the world of Greek mythology, this is the book for you. It is always very enjoyable to explore a version of the stories of the great heroes where the glory and power of men are nothing without the machinations of the women previously left in the background, and this book does this painfully well. Rosie Hewlett writes in a way that is straightforward and beautiful without feeling overly flowery or excessive.

Much like Circe and Ariadne, the story of Medea is not a kind one. I don't think I've ever wished for a happy ending for any character more than I wished one for her. Hewlett carefully weaves the human experiences of loss, trauma, and greed into the established mythology in such a way that Medea, the scary powerful witch, feels incredibly relatable. Ultimately this isn't just a story about a powerful woman, this is a story about a girl who is never shown love and clings to it wherever she can find it, which leaves her vulnerable and incredibly easy to manipulate. While her acts are misguided and reprehensible, her thoughts are explored in such a way that it was impossible for me not to empathize with her and understand her.