Let's begin with the things I enjoyed about this book. The prose is stunning and the author did a wonderful job researching the iconic Medea. However, the magic described in the book fell a little flat for me and we really didn't get to go on a journey with Medea as she learned what she was truly capable of. The pacing and sudden time jumps just seemed random and not well done. But overall, this was an enjoyable read.
*Side note, I didn't know Medea was Circe's niece.

🐍 BOOK / REVIEW 🐍

#thewitchofcholchis by @rosiehewlett.author showed up at my door unexpectedly over the weekend! I am not normally a #greekmythology fan, but the high ratings for this book on @goodreads had me jumping in immediately.

I read this book in 2 days - and she is THICC. It was so incredibly fast-paced that the book flew by in mere hours. I was fascinated by the story, the setting, and most importantly, the characters. Medea is one I hadn't heard much about in my lack of research, so I really enjoyed getting to see her blossom throughout the book.

This is not a happy story - in fact, it's wrought with blood, death, and a whole lot of sadness. I was definitely not prepared for the ending, but I think Hewlett did a good job of bringing some closure to the story. I love that she reintroduced one character specifically (I guess you will have to read to find out who I am talking about!!).

This makes me want to read more by this author and genre. Really well done, Rosie! Thank you @bookmarked for my copy - out Sept 10, 2024!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“But do you know what is stronger than a lover’s love? Their hate.”

The Witch of Colchis is a thrilling retelling of the tragedy of the sorceress Medea. This story dives in and explores the consequences of being torn down over and over and over again.— But, instead of letting it break her, Medea takes her pain and suffering and embraces the darkness instead of succumbing to it.

Medea’s story has always captivated me and I believe Rosie Hewlett did an incredible job in unpacking her story. We’re given insight into Medea’s life from when she was a child, throughout her journey of aiding Jason in stealing the Golden Fleece, to the aftermath of his betrayal.

This book made me feel a lot of things. There were times when I was her biggest supporter and others when I wished I could reach through the page and shake some sense into her.

I can’t get enough of Greek myth retellings that focus on a woman’s journey and their perspective. Having her embrace the darkness and be unapologetic for her actions after having been pushed over her breaking point and then was something I was fascinated by. Of course, it doesn’t excuse some of her choices and actions but it gives insight into why and how she ended up doing what she did.

Thank you to the publisher; Sourcebooks Landmark, the author; Rosie Hewlett, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion and is given with free will.

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year so I was thrillllled to get a chance to read early! Greek myth retellings is one of my favorite subgenres and I especially love to read stories about characters I haven’t read much about. I was READY to witness Jason’s downfall bc I HATE THAT MAN.

I really enjoyed this! Medea was a fascinating character and it was so interesting to read her inner monologue during all of her infamous misdeeds. Seeing Circe and Atalanta make significant appearances was wonderful! I loved seeing everything come together (or fall apart?) in the end, I think the final few chapters were my favorite. The author did NOT shy away from Jason’s insidiousness and it was vindicating to see him painted in such a harsh light. He’s truly SCUM.

Overall, a really good addition to my retellings shelf; a relief after being let down by quite a few of them in recent years. Would definitely look out for more from this author in the future!

This was a phenomenal read. Captivating right from the start. They will never make me hate you, Medea