3.5 stars

As someone who's read a lot of feminist greek retellings, I can confidently say this is one of the better ones and I definitely recommend this to fans of Circe by Madeline Miller (which I know is a book often used as a comp title but I really think it fits this book well).
And the audiobook narrator (Kristin Atherton) does a really great job brining the story to life. You can feel the emotion and the different voices she does for Hecate were very cool. Otherwise, while I really enjoyed majority of the book, the last quarter really brought this one down for me. Maybe because the first half was so in depth that when things got a more broad “this happened, then this, then that” as opposed to focusing on the characters, it felt so disappointing. Overall though I’m still glad to have read it.

More in-depth thoughts I had while reading:
• loved the dedication
• “Violence breeds violence” yes!!!!
• Pulls you right in and had me holding my breath
• Don’t love how quickly she becomes obsessed with Jason. He feels immediately slimy
• Love love love this depiction of Atalanta
• The “who did this to you” would’ve been cute but came too quick, feels unearned
• Oohhh I’m glad the instalove is explained at least
• Hard to put down
• Makes me thirst for revenge
• I like this version of Circe too
• My rage against Jason is palpable
• I don’t love a time skip, especially not one as long as 10 years. Missed out on so much character development
• The pace, which felt propulsive before is now dragging around the 75% mark
• I prefer this over Medea by Eilish Quin
• Ugh I was really hoping she didn’t really kill her sons- that it was just an illusion for Jason like a long sleep
• Another 5 year time skip at the end
• Feel like it would’ve been better if the narrative was focused on one point in her life as opposed to the broadness of trying to tell all the stories about her. It’s too much for one book without feeling rushed and underdeveloped
• I didn’t mind the ending. Didn't love it or hate it, but it made sense for where the story went

Big thank you to RBmedia and Netgalley for an audiobook arc for review, as always all thoughts are my own :)

Firstly, I must acknowledge I was provided this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I don't give a 5 star rating very often, but this book is one of those novels that absolutely deserves 5 stars! 

Hewlett has written a masterful retelling of the story of Medea and it is wonderful.  Her prose is, at times, beautifully poetic and her characters are nuanced and believable.   

The story follows the life of Medea from childhood where she is alienated and misunderstood, through to her fateful meeting with Jason, the demise of her sons and her final days on the throne of Colchis.

Jason is a manipulative individual, full of charming swagger, who uses those around him - not just Medea, but also the argonauts.  Medea begins as a young girl craving love, acceptance and escape from her home.

The devolution of their relationship is written in a way that makes it relatable to any time period and her pain and emotional hardening is heartbreaking.  

Like me many readers will know of Medea's story so will know where this tale is heading, but that doesn't matter as the writing grips you and holds you within the story until the end.

The narration by Kristin Atherton is superb!

FIVE STARS!

Didn't quite go where I expected it to, but in all honesty, I don't know Medea's myth that well. I remember her mostly from reading Circe (by Madeline Miller, which is one if my favourite books). So at first I related to her because we both admired Circe. Women with a spark, looking up at someone who's making themselves into a forest fire. I wish there was more of their magic lessons together.

Hecate is also a prominent figure for Medea, and she's not quite how I would imagine her, but it is amusing. She switches between 3 heads, 3 personalities. She says she granted Medea these powers out of boredom. That is funny, how we simple humans convince ourselves that our skills are gifts, to feel a sense of purpose. But most often it is just a coincidence.

Then there's Jason.. I didn't trust that man from the first time he showed up. I don't know much about his original myths either, but if this version has no haters, I'm dead.

Circe tries to warn her about Jason, and it's a really frustrating argument because they're both projecting. But for this man to be the reason that Circe sends her away is so sad. Realising that her idol thinks the same of her as everyone else is crushing, Circe's fear for Medea's power tips her to chose J. That and her desperation to believe that she choses herself, choses to live.

Medea's feeling of being trapped is something more than physical, she carries it into relationships. Throughout the first half I really wanted her to overcome that by the end and free herself, which in some sense she does. But not really in a healthy way. I like main characters who aren't necessarily good people, and she deffinitely falls into a grey area of morality.

She really reminds me of Wanda Maximoff, the way she's controlled by other people and afraid of her own power but then she claims it and welcomes its destruction.

During the second half she was also giving Alicent Hightower. A girl imprisoned in castles and trapped into a marriage, then becomes a mother who doesn't know how to love her children. That part was heartbreaking, Medea put such an emotional barrier between her and the sons, in the end when she justifies what she does to them, I don't think she really even saw them as people. Just ideas, the personification of her own lost innocence.

I really disliked that in the end she takes her revenge out on the princess that Jason was using. But I'll take it as she would destroy anyone in her way at this point.

The writing was well constructed, there are some seriously quotable bits. And the emotions or emotionlessness come through beautifully. Ultimately I enjoyed it, even if I was hoping for a somewhat more wholesome ending.

Not for me. I requested this to read in October, as I always like to stock up on "spooky stories" to get me in the Halloween mood. This wasn't quite what I expected, and not my favorite.

A beautiful story of Medea written by an author who wanted her to have her story told. I would highly recommend! A great story that hasn't had as much attention as other greek myths

Calling all fans of Jennifer Saint, Genevieve Gornichec, and Madeline Miller! “The Witch of Colchis” is also published as “Medea”, and is a retelling of the Greek myth. This retelling does not have a HEA, just as the myth doesn’t.

I listened to the audio (thanks @netgalley) and the narrator was absolutely brilliant! Kristin Atherton was the perfect casting for Medea. I will certainly listen to more narration by her.

The original myth is a tragedy, and this version is no different. This story doesn’t offer Medea as a villain though but rather as the victim of men’s whims and patriarchy, from her grandfather and father, to her own brother and eventual husband, and the demonization of women by society. Medea is influenced and manipulated throughout the entire story, but ultimately she made her own decisions. Medea is the perfect example of a morally grey FMC, as a result of the manipulation and her decisions.

I particularly loved Atalanta in this story and the potential there was for female friendship. Atalanta saw Jason and men for what they were to Medea and tried to help her, but Medea was too far gone by then.

Again, I strongly recommend this for those who love mythos retellings.

TW: Child death.

More Mythology? Why yes. Done as an original story? Yes! Welcome to The Witch if Cochis where we meet Medea. Medea is DONE. I totally wish Taylor Swift songs were playing in the background if this stellar , epic, saga of the Golden Fleece and Jason . Yes Jason is a very old name, weird since we usually think of names like Caesar and Perseus. Be I digress.
From the first breath of the narrator to the end where they thank me for reading, I was blown away. I should have know as I read (not listened) to the amazing novel Circe by this author.

One of the most hated female characters in Greek mythology gets her story told.
I think this has been my favorite retelling of Medea's myths so far.
The narrator really brought the story to life. Her voice was mesmerizing and soothing. Yet full of energy and emotion when called for.
Beautifully written, Hewlett's version really filled out Medea's story and brought the character to life. Making her both more human and relatable while not attempting to paint her as a victimized woman. Although Hewlett's Jason is by no means a sympathetic character. Those who suffered Medea's wrath were also more fleshed out and humanized.
The plot was well developed and thorough. It was a bit of a slower read, but not in such a way that I got bored.
I found this to be a probable retelling from Medea's perspective, with some well-crafted twists. I very much enjoyed this book!
4.75 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for the ARC!!

Wow, this book was a masterpiece. I really enjoyed the storyline and how the characters came to life off the page.

The writing was so beautiful and the narrator had this haunting quality to it that made the story truly come alive.

4 stars!

It wasn't what I was expecting but it was magical

4.5 ⭐️
Audio: 5/5 | Storyline: 4/5

The Witch of Colchis begins with a young Medea learning the intricacies of witchcraft under the guidance of Circe, a familiar thread for those who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s Circe. The story poignantly bookends Medea's relationships with her immediate family—particularly her sister and father—while the heart of the tale delves into her tumultuous connection with Jason.

Given the recent surge of mythology retellings centered around the Golden Fleece and the Argonauts, some readers might find the middle section somewhat drawn out, especially if they are well-versed in these myths. And I think it’s important to approach this novel without the expectation of adoring Medea; instead, it offers a nuanced exploration of betrayal, murder, and the complexities of her motivations.

Kristin Atherton’s narration is impeccable, making her an ideal choice for the audiobook format. Her performance elevates the storytelling, adding depth to Medea’s character.

Thank you to the NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the advanced audio copy.

5⭐ without a doubt

I absolutely loved The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett! The first thing that drew me in was the theme, which reminded me of Circe by Madeline Miller. If you're a fan of Greek mythology, strong female protagonists, and retellings from the perspective of the oft-misunderstood "villains," this book is a must-read.

The audiobook, in particular, is a masterpiece. The narrator’s voice is enchanting—she truly brings Medea to life with a voice that captures her complexity, strength, and vulnerability. Each character felt distinct and alive, making the listening experience fully immersive. Her delivery added an extra layer of depth to the story, making it easy to lose myself in Medea's world.

The story itself is a beautiful, multifaceted portrayal of Medea, often villainized in traditional myths, but given a fresh, empathetic perspective here. Hewlett skillfully delves into Medea’s motivations, emotions, and inner struggles, and by the end, I found myself rooting for her in ways I hadn’t expected.

If you're drawn to Greek mythology or enjoyed Circe, you'll find this book just as captivating. Rosie Hewlett does an excellent job of balancing the familiar with the new, offering both fans of mythology and newcomers a thrilling, emotional, and thought-provoking tale.

Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! This is one of the better books about Madea that I’ve read recently. Rosie Hewlett did a fantastic job writing this story and Kristin Atherton did a great job narrating the audiobook. Once I started this audiobook, I had to finish it!

I definitely recommend The Witch of Colchis for any Greek mythology fans! You definitely don’t have to be familiar with Madea to read this one.

4⭐️.

I went in to this book blind, and I loved it.
This was great re telling of the story of Medea and Jason.
The darkness and pain was pouring from the pages …
Beautiful feminist re telling of this story.
Amazing truly amazing

I absolutely loved this story!
I received an audio ARC of this book under the title ‘The Witch of Colchis’ (it's also titled Medea in Australia) through Netgalley. The voice by Kristin Atherton narration was immaculate. Kristin embodies Medea in a way that brings more to her character and adds to significant language through this portrayal. I also thought her portal of Hecate was something that has stuck with me.
Now, this book is dark and twisted and is ultimately a tragedy. Medea’s story is quite disturbing, but Rosie Hewlett does an incredible job at creating her character into one which, as a reader, you feel for. Rosie skilfully weaves questionable actions and dark thoughts into Medea and unravels her and her relationships in a gradual and heartbreaking way.
I loved the dark way this story is written. Medea’s character is fascinating. Her experiences as a girl and young woman are fascinating in their violent and formative nature. Medea is a character that evolves. As you read more is discovered about her, and the more you can see her suffering and desperation.
One very impactful aspect in this story is the romantic relationship. The themes of manipulation and the language used were extremely powerful and shone a light on the fact that this is a retelling of an ancient myth, but the trauma, humiliation, and mistreatment of women extend beyond time. It is so impactful in the sad reality of it. This heartbreaking language was vocalised by Kristin so well. It made me feel bad for Medea and also made me want to shake and scream at her.
There is a deep feeling of dread or foreboding as the story progresses, the narration builds this along with the progression of the plot and I absolutely felt apprehension at reaching the climax of the story because I knew it would be intense. And it was! I was captivated by the choices made, and the way the story was wrapped up felt shockingly sad in exactly the way it’s meant to be.
I would absolutely recommend this book, but it is definitely dark and covers deeply traumatic events, but if you are comfortable with that, this book is really good.
I would also like to say that the audio adds to this book beautifully, and if you like audio books and have access, it is the way to go!
I will be thinking about this book for a long time, absolutely 5 stars.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Whew! What a roller coaster. I got to what could have been a happy ending so many times only to have it ripped away from me time after time. I love Medea and all her flaws and trauma. This book is great. Sometimes it gets a little slow, but the blending of Greek myth told by a powerful but deeply wounded woman will ALWAYS hit right for me.

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

I really enjoy Greek and Roman mythology - well, all mythology - and have read several of the more current re-telling's in recent years. And I really, really want to love these books, but sometimes they just don't sit right with me. I'm afraid this is one of those books. I'm not sure if it was difficult to accept the characterization for me, or if it was updated in ways it just didn't work? I"m not sure. This was a new to me author, and I would give her books another try. Not all topics or books work for everyone, and I think that was the case here.

3 stars for " I enjoyed it and maybe it's more me than the book."

I grew up with a fascination for Greek mythology, and as an adult have loved diving in to retellings of popular and lesser known myths.

I knew a bit about Medea and Jason and the Argonauts before diving in to Rosie Hewlett’s story, but the story she wove transported me. Experiencing the story from Medea’s perspective added a whole new layer to her, and I felt it made her a much more sympathetic character than the cold, calculating witch in the original myth.

THANK YOU NETGALLEY!!!
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this audio book from NetGalley. I was so excited as soon as I knew this book was coming out. I love Medea and want ALL the retellings for her. I loved this version. The story is not new, of course, but the narrator did such a fantastic job, I did not care at all. It's read by Kristin Atherton. I felt with this retelling, we got a little more layers and understanding of Medea. I have noticed in most of her stories, they portray her as difficult to like and/or love. I liked that. I screamed at her so much during this book and Jason (insert eye roll here and selected words). We also get a little bit of Circe here, so yay for that! Overall, I think the author did a great job with this retelling.

✨🌙 This is a total must-read, you guys! 🌙✨

Like, wow! This book reimagines Medea in such a fresh way, and I’m living for it! The author totally nails it with her lush prose and emotional depth. 💖 You dive into Medea’s traumatic past, and honestly, my heart was just breaking for her. She’s this fierce princess with wicked skills and the softest heart, but, like, all the men in her life are so not worthy!

The love story with Jason is just ugh, relatable and infuriating! I felt all the feels as I watched her go from hopeful to betrayed. The way Rosie explores the themes of power and manipulation? Pure genius! 💥 And can we talk about the magical moments? Hecate’s blessings and Circe’s influence? Yasss! The blend of witchy vibes and Greek myth is just perfection. Plus, the friendships—Atalanta is such a gem! 💕

I mean, if you’re into empowering tales of fierce women who, like, refuse to be boxed in by society, you need this book in your life! Medea is iconic, and Rosie’s storytelling is a masterpiece. I’m honestly obsessed! You all have to grab this one. It’ll blow your mind! 🎧✨

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I'd like to express my gratitude for having received the audiobook copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion!