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.

Love this! I had hit a reading funk and nothing was holding my attention, but then I started this and couldn't put it down! I need to remember that there's a reason these stories of mythology and lore have remained so popular so long. Medea is not a character I knew much about before reading The Witch of Colchis. It was amazing how her story touched so many others that I was more familiar with. Hewlett has a definite knack for capturing Medea and making her into a real person. There were a few places I felt could have used a little more substance, like when Medea makes what feels like a snap decision to leave her aunt, who she'd wanted to join permanently only days before, and decides she would rather run away with Jason even though Circe gives her the ultimatum that she'll never see her again. And her version of falling in love felt really unconvincing. I would also have really liked to see all the characters around Medea take on more depth. Only a few of them ever feel real (Atalanta remains a favorite). Overall though, this was a really enjoyable read!

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

The last few chapters of this!! Medea, my beloved revenge queen, you've awakened at last. The writing style in this book is beautiful, especially in the "five years later" section. Jason definitely got on my nerves, and I love that his death means nothing to Medea. I was waiting for him to croak the whole time.

The part where Medea and Jason were in exile in Corinth was the weakest for me, mostly because I was waiting for the narrative to throw Medea a bone after being love bombed and used by this loser for ten years. I wish we caught more glimpses of feral revenge Medea in the middle portions of the book that Chalciope talks about in the very last chapter.

Overall, I enjoyed the writing, the prose in particular. The way the story is presented is rather straightforward and ends with a rather juicy and very long-awaited descent into villainy. I would have loved to see more self-actualized Medea after essentially being told her origin story.

The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set against the backdrop of ancient Colchis. The novel centers on Medea, a powerful witch with a complex blend of strength and vulnerability. Hewlett's evocative prose and rich world-building bring Medea’s mythological world to life, blending historical detail with magical elements seamlessly.

The character-driven narrative explores themes of power, betrayal, and love, all while maintaining a strong sense of historical context. Hewlett’s portrayal of Medea is both nuanced and compelling, offering readers a fresh perspective on a classic myth. Overall, The Witch of Colchis is a beautifully written and immersive read that will appeal to fans of historical fantasy.

Holy Moly, this retelling brings the drama (so, have the popcorn ready). Medea and Jason are such a hot mess. Ah, hahaha but also 😩🤦🏽‍♀️.

I *knew* the story, but Hewlett’s voice cuts & serves us feminist rage in a way that makes me want to give a standing ovation.

I remember when I first heard the story, I just thought there was zero redemption for Medea. But Hewlett paints so many shades of grey- that you could #bookclub this book, and realize the audience will not always agree on what they felt.

My thanks to #netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the eARC.

4.25/5

Hewlett’s “The Witch of Colchis” chronicles the life of Medea, princess of Colchis, from her early childhood through her encounters with Jason and beyond. We learn about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father Aeetes, and the cycles of that trauma that she later repeats in her relationship with Jason, as well as the repeated pain she inflicts on others. There are many questions this book poses about agency, choice, and morality under deadly circumstances, as well as the cyclical nature of victimhood and perpetration. A very interesting read to be sure, but I couldn’t help but be bothered by the very hand-wavy nature of Medea’s magic, which really didn’t make any sense nor have much basis in the myth that is the foundation of the story. This book also very much views Medea’s life through a 21st-century moral lens (I acknowledge that many of these myth retellings do this, but they do it better). Phrases were included like “boys will be boys” that just really took me out of the story and reminded me of the time period the book is being written in, and not the time in which it took place. Characters also frequently used the work “OK” in dialogue which also distracted me immensely. Overall a worthwhile read, but hardly my favorite myth retelling.

Just not for me, unfortunately. Greek mythology retellings are hit or miss for me, and the modern phrasing continually pulled me out of the narrative. I'm not sure if it was meant to feel as modern as it did, but it didn't feel particularly of the era. The messaging lacked subtlety, so it felt a bit like we were being beat over the head with it (trust your readers! they will get girl power without it being spelled out!). Whenever our modern understanding of female agency is mapped 1:1 onto the past it feels a bit shallow to me. I'd rather be shown her power and independence than be told that she has it- it's just not as convincing, especially when a male love interest seems to drive a lot of her decisions.