Circe in AAPLD Reads

Dec 09, 2018 Samantha (Nicky's Mom) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, read-again

Love, Love, LOVED this book!!!

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Nov 13, 2020 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 11, 2024 Erin Blajszczak rated it it was ok

"For a hundred generations, I had walked the world drowsy and dull, idle and at my ease. I left no prints, I did no deeds. Even those who had loved me a little didn't care to stay. Then I learned that I could bend the world to my will, as a bow is bent for an arrow."

Summary
Despite being born to a sun god, Circe has no apparent powers nor any suitors knocking on her door. She befriends a mortal and summons hidden powers within him to change him into a god. This puts her in poor favor with t "For a hundred generations, I had walked the world drowsy and dull, idle and at my ease. I left no prints, I did no deeds. Even those who had loved me a little didn't care to stay. Then I learned that I could bend the world to my will, as a bow is bent for an arrow."

Summary
Despite being born to a sun god, Circe has no apparent powers nor any suitors knocking on her door. She befriends a mortal and summons hidden powers within him to change him into a god. This puts her in poor favor with the gods, so she is sent to a remote island to spend the rest of eternity in exile. It is there that she hones her craft, finds companionship, and finally learns what it means to have power.

Why did I pick up this book?
I am on a mission to read all books nominated for Book of the Year by Book of the Month readers, and this was the winner of the award in 2018. See my BOTM Book of the Year Nominees page for the complete list and my ratings/reviews.

What did I enjoy about it?
From the beginning, Circe has strong underdog vibes. She is quickly looked at as lesser-than by her family and everyone around her, so I felt myself instantly wanting more for her. While the story lacked a clear desired endpoint, I was rooting for her in each trial she faced. She grew stronger, wiser, and less naïve throughout the book, and I was so proud of her development. Finding redemption for Circe was the most driving part of the book, and really the only thing that kept my interest.

What did I not enjoy about it?
I am not a fan of fantasy, and have never felt pulled towards Greek mythology as a topic/genre either. One of the things I struggled with it the most, both in this book and in high school English, are the tangential stories. So much of this book didn't actually matter and was more about building out the mythological world around the main characters, thus causing me to zone out. I also had a hard time with the fact there was no quest, apparent conflict, or other device pushing the plot forward. It was just about Circe's life, so I found it difficult to stay interested. ...more

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