Circe by Madeline Miller -- Restarting June 27th 2025

[Meaghan]

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child--not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power--the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

[Amaryllis]

Scheduled the 25th of April with Skye for this. starting today 😍 so excited!

[✨Skye✨]

Hi Marya! I may have to start this in a couple days, but I'll get to it ASAP! :) SO EXCITED!

[✨Skye✨]

Still reading with Marya from the 25th :)

23% (view spoiler)[ The writing definitely echoes The Song of Achilles, with the very fast pace and historical nature. Poor Circe is so alone, and when we have hope she's found a true companion, Aeetes or Glaucos, things turn out badly for her. The pharmaka is an interesting concept, one I hope she'll explore wherever they're going to take her. It's quite satisfying to see Perse distraught that she can have no more children after how she's treated Circe. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

47% (view spoiler)[ I love Daedalus! Their romance was so short but so impactful. It was also so sad to hear about Ariadne. If I'm familiar with the story of Jason, I think he does end up jilting Medea, I feel sorry for her. She's not particularly nice but if Aeetes is as bad as she says, it's not really her fault. Aiaia is a cool island, I'd love to see some visuals of it in a film. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

74% (view spoiler)[ Oh poor Circe! Sexual violence is such an awful thing but her revenge was so satisfying.I don't think I like Odysseus, he's actually quite cruel. It was a heartwrenching portrayal of motherhood and so difficult for her, but her son seems to have turned out well. I can only hope that lasts now he's going out into the world. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

Oh wow. Madeline Miller is easily one of my favourite authors! This story was so impactful, with such an amazing ending!

[Amaryllis]

Sorry, I DNF'ed it after 30%.. Her writing style was amazing as ever, but the story itself was too slow, too 'calm' for my liking. It's more character driven than plot driven and that's usually not my thing, and it wasn't this time either.

[Ashley W]

Chapter 1
Not sure how I feel about it yet. It has a 'lazy' feel to it, I think. (view spoiler)[ I feel bad for Circe. Everyone picks on her. And her family is just odd. I get that that's how the Greek myth went. They wouldn't be myths if they were normal. But the idea of a father just saying, Sure. You can have my daughter. Ugh (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Marya wrote: "Sorry, I DNF'ed it after 30%.. Her writing style was amazing as ever, but the story itself was too slow, too 'calm' for my liking. It's more character driven than plot driven and that's usually not..."

Aww, sorry you didn't like it. I found that the fact it was character driven amazing. <3

[Linaria]

✨Skye✨ wrote: "Still reading with Marya from the 25th :)

23% [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, and some of the characters I recognize from the myths so there's kind of an element of tragedy around the whole thing.

[Linaria]

✨Skye✨ wrote: "47% [spoilers removed]"

OMG This would definitely be an amazing film!!

[Linaria]

I LOVED this book. Miller did it again and I lover her so much.

[Meaghan]

Reading this rn!

[Linaria]

Meaghan wrote: "Reading this rn!"

YES

[Meaghan]

✨Skye✨ wrote: "Still reading with Marya from the 25th :)

23% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I agree! However, I disagree on both Circe and Song of Achilles having a fast pace haha. For me, the writing is so gorgeous that I read over every line and word, and really absorb it, which means the book actually ends up taking me longer than usual! Still, the writing style makes this book! (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

Clephiro wrote: "✨Skye✨ wrote: "Still reading with Marya from the 25th :)

23% [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, and some of the characters I recognize from the myths so there's kind of an element of tragedy around the wh..."

Oh definitely agree here! In moments where you know what's going to happen, such as with Medea and Jason, there's just this overarching feeling of doom.

[Meaghan]

✨Skye✨ wrote: "74% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Oh definitely agreed with Odysseus. I think he just came in a time that Circe was also hiding behind being cruel (even though she definitely had a reason to constantly turn sailors into pigs), so she seemed more blind to the cruelty behind a lot of his actions. (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

✌ Ashley ☠ wrote: "Chapter 1
Not sure how I feel about it yet. It has a 'lazy' feel to it, I think. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yea, I mean families in general, back then, were pretty fucked up. You didn't have to be a god to trade your daughters like cattle for power, and that was even a thing that carried on for a really long time within mortal society. Not that it doesn't suck. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 1-4

(view spoiler)[Not sure just yet. With The Song of Achilles, I got into the story pretty quickly, despite knowing only the basics about Achilles and the Trojan War. But I'm not sure. Maybe it's because I know absolutely nothing about Circe, and her story.

I feel like in the first couple of chapters or so, there was a lot of characters introduced, and a lot of names thrown at me that I didn't know. And I'm kinda wondering if any of them will show up again? Like, I understand they're all integral to the story because everything is leading up to something, but do we need to know every single person that ever spoke to Circe?

I'm really hoping something happens that makes me fall in love with this story because like I say, I loved loved loved The Song of Achilles so fingers crossed!

Predictions: I don't think Circe's friendship with Glaucos will end well. Just got a sinking feeling about it. They seem to be getting on well, and nothing ends well in Greek mythology. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 5-13

(view spoiler)[So it took me a while to get into it, but I think I'm in haha. A lot has happened in those few chapters.

I knew it wouldn't end well with Glacous. I just knew he'd be a piece of work. The whole situation with him and Syclla was just messy, and I can't believe it got Circe exiled!

When Daedalus showed up, I have to say I was shipping him with Circe and hoping they could get together (you'd think I'd learn that no one is happy in Greek mythology). So I was delighted when they actually started hooking up. Shame Circe had to leave him behind because he was a mortal.

I've heard of the minotaur story but had no idea how it was created. Like wtf??? So she just had sex with a white bull? Consentally? What??? Crazy shit, I have to say. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 14-17

(view spoiler)[Again, crazy messed up shit happening. Poor Circe, I really felt for her when that captain attacked and raped her. It just came out of nowhere and I was actually holding my breath reading it. I'm pleased they got what they deserved. Fuck those guys.

I realised while reading these chapters that I had heard of a story where a ship's crew were all turned into pigs and one of the men wasn't and he had to fight the wicked witch to save his friends. Had no idea that was Odysseus and Circe. I liked how it was referenced that she later heard songs about how she was 'defeated' by the hero. How stories are twisted.

It was nice to see Odysseus back and to hear him talk of Achilles and Patroclus and link this story back to that one, and also give us some insight into what happened after The Song of Achilles ended.

Was kinda shipping Curve and Odysseus (I JUST WANT HER TO BE HAPPY, OKAY!! Not that she needs a man to be happy but you know what I mean) and of course, that didn't end with a happy ever after.

Really looking forward to what's gonna happen, and who will pop up on the island next... (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 18-Finish

(view spoiler)[So who would have guessed that Circe would be pregnant after Odysseus left? (Well, anyone who knew of this story before reading this book, and who didn't go into this completely blind). But I honestly was shocked. However, I felt the chapters detailing Circe's journey into motherhood and seeing Telegonus grow up was kind of boring.. I just didn't care for it, and I feel like the story kinda fell off, and my interest was lost from that moment. Sorry :( (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Chapter 1-5 (view spoiler)[ feel so sorry for what circe had to go through.how her mother only cares about the prophecy that her kids bring to show them love and care.and how her own siblings hurt her so.and worst of all what the guy who she saved did to her when she said she loved him just cause he cares about beauty.hate them all (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Ch. 7 (view spoiler)[ I'm really enjoying this so far! I struggled a bit at the beginning because there was so much description, but now the action is catching up. I really hate all of Circe's family? I know they're gods/Titans, but that doesn't give them license to be so cruel and insensitive. I can't wait for Pasiphae to get her comeuppance. I hope Perses does too ugh. And Aeetes!? Wtf is his problem, Circe fucking raised him and he can't even try to appreciate that or explain more about the powers they have. And Glaucos, ugh I hope Scylla eats him! SO excited seeing Circe's transformation during her exile. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Ch. 14 (view spoiler)[ Circe to Hermes FINALLY


I liked seeing other myths come to fruition and I definitely could've gotten behind a Circe/Daedalus ship. Even if he was a mortal. The freaking nymphs are annoying too. And Medea--oooo girls gonna get a shock when Circe is 100% right. Stupid girl ugh. And those men fucking came to Circe's island, ate all her food and then RAPED her omfg no. Not okay! So glad Circe got her vengeance on them. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Chapter 6-10 (view spoiler)[ wow she actually is a witch just like the rest of her siblings only not as powerful.And she ended up confessing what she did.Glaucous is an ass.And Circe sister is so goddamned mean to do what she did. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Chapter 11-15 (view spoiler)[ wow she had it hard.first her exile gets turned into some sort if exile for others and drives her mad.then she gets raped and more men come to try and steal her treasures or rae her and she turns them into pigs.and finally she meets odysseus.hmm interesting (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Chapter 16-21 (view spoiler)[ hmm seems liek telegonus sure is a handful.and on top of that athena wants to kill him why?sad to see that odysseus got killed and changed so much and that he really broke apart his own family,or that his own men never do listen to him. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashy Khaira]

Finished (view spoiler)[ hmmm never expected that turn of events.penelope and telemachus came back with telegonus and lived with circe.athena revokes her patronship on telemathus when he turns down her offer of taking his inheritance,and the boy she wants to kill gets offered it in his stead.and then circe and telemathus fall in love?what??? (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Ch. 20 (view spoiler)[ Idk what to think about her son. I understand his curiosity but he also has these crazy ideals about his own father. He put him on a pedestal and Circe enabled that. Odysseus is human too and everyone has their faults. I don't really understand why Athena wanted to kill the boy tho (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished (view spoiler)[ HOLY FUCKING SHIT THAT ENDING! I don't even know how to feel. But I loved this so much. Telegonus is totally gay! Penelope became the new witch! MY SHIP FUCKING SAILED I'm so happy for Circe I wanna cry (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting October 14th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

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[Natalie]

Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[ WOAH! Now I know what everyone’s been talking about, and I’ve only read the first chapter! I love the writing style and all the Greek mythology.

I feel really bad for Circe! Her family is a bunch of buttholes. In the Odyssey she is portrayed as the villain, but in this she’s the outcast in her family. It’s intresting to see the difference.

OH. That quote about her mother “showing the lushness of her figure as if she were roasting on a spit” has me DEAD 😂😂😂😂 (hide spoiler)]

[Sanah]

Will be starting this tomorrow as well! This has been on my to-be read list for a minute and I've only heard good things, so I'm beyond excited for this :)

[Sanah]

Up to page 65 (view spoiler)[ Circe's whole family is just awful, so I'm not surprised she starts trying to defy them. Even though this is a narrative, I love how little bits of mythology are being threaded through. I wish Circe didn't love Glaucos because from the minute he turned into a god via Circe and her powers, I knew he was gonna treat her like nothing and break her heart. Waiting for Circe's inner magic to really awaken and shock everyone who looked down on her (hide spoiler)]

[Sanah]

Jazzy wrote: "28% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I agree with you 100%. I kind of want Circe to destroy them or at least make them fear her since they treated her so poorly for centuries (hide spoiler)]

[Sanah]

Jazzy wrote: "Sanah wrote: "Jazzy wrote: "28% [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I hope Pasiphae's baby eats her and then runs away. Wouldn't be mad about it to be honest (hide spoiler)]

[Sanah]

Up to Ch 18 (view spoiler)[ I don't know if I ship Odysseus and Circe because he is married with a son, but like I love Circe and she's the best. Circe lets things happen to her and then retaliates, but I wish she would just fight for herself and stop letting others torment her. She is more powerful than any of her siblings and she needs to show it. I really like how Madeline Miller writes about the fates of all the heroes we meet, but it doesn't go into too much detail to the point where it distracts you from the original plot. I'm loving this! (hide spoiler)]

[Sanah]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I loved the ending, I'm so happy Circe got a happy ending and this was such a captivating read. I need to read Song of Achilles IMMEDIATELY (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

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Reading from the 12th of March 2019

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[Haris]

Chapter 1-5
(view spoiler)[
Circe is such a pitiful girl. It seems that hardly anyone cares about her just because she's different than the rest.

And I'm so lucky that I read some Percy Jackson books before this as the Greek's history is still fresh on my mind so I could practically follow everything.

And damn that Fisherman, he's just an a**hole
(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

6-10
(view spoiler)[I love how Circe is slowly but steadily growing up. She's learning things about the world but even though she's banished she feels more alive than she was ever before.

All the bull talk made me so baffled, especially that Daedalus made a mechanical bull and that Pasiphae... yeah it's weird
(hide spoiler)]

[Lana]

I am so behind on my reading =( Chapters 1-8 (view spoiler)[Now, first few chapters I got really tired of Circe, she was so pathetic, weak, let everyone talk sh*t about her. Before exiling her to the island, one quote by her father really got me- "...Worst of my children, faded and broken, whom I cannot pay a husband to take. Since you were born, I pitied you...Will you make me hate you more?" (p.63) That was really harsh. I am glad that now when no one is around to bring her down, she blooms, becomes stronger, apparently, she does not even know how strong she really is. I hope she will get to her full potential and get revenge on everyone. I must say, I was not expecting her and Hermes to be so close, the girl is finally growing up haha. (hide spoiler)]

[Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos)]

I am going to try and start this soon. I have just not been in the mood to read here lately.

[Shahana]

Started!!!
Chapter 1-10
(view spoiler)[circe is a witch,daughter of helios,a God of Titan
She is not talented like her father and sibling..noone is favoured by her existence..she is also interested in mortals
One day she meets a fishmen Glaucos,the first mortal to talk with..she fells in love with him and makes him immortal using flower
Upon realizng her power in transformation she turns scylla to a monster to deter the marriage with glaucos..she reveals her power as a witch and her deeds in her fathers hall and leads to banishing her from her world to a deserted island
She identifies the power as a witch with herbs in forst
She is often visited by hermes to talk about thngs happening around her people.
(hide spoiler)]

[Shahana]

Chapter 10-21
(view spoiler)[she is summoned to her sister pasiphae by deadalus
Upon reaching there pasiphae ask deadalus to cut the womb and make circe to take the baby.when she reaches for the baby, it is not a baby but a monster chewingg her fingers she call it minotaur.
Circe is then returned to the island ..to her bitter loneliness.several nymphs are also banished due to their false doings.
Later she meets odysseus and falls in love.odysseus is a mortal and has a wife and son.after odysseus leaves the island she delivers a boy
<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos)]

I am having a hard time getting into this book. I am going to trying.

[Shahana]

Lizz wrote: "I am having a hard time getting into this book. I am going to trying."

Yeah there are sme unwanted parts ..but though it will never let you get bored all the tym..wen i was reading i was getting sleepy fr sme of the parts but then sme turnover cmes and i ll be hooked..
If u r fond of greek mythology and terms..u will like this one..i think i am rushing it so i missd sme of the things..this buk shid be read wen u have nthng else on ur list

[Shahana]

Chapter 21-23
(view spoiler)[that was a longg chapters..circe led a hard time looking after his son..and Athena wanna kill that boy ..i dnt think circe can live if athena kills him..already circe is all alone
Nthngmre to her loneliness
Circe goes any extend to protect his son telegonus doing all sorts of spell on island..despite this telegonus insists going to find his father odysseus..reluctntly circe agrees to this as he protests giving him poisonous tail of trigon
Telegonus ends up killing his father with the tail and returns with penelope and telemachus
Circe dnt trust them and considers them threat..i dnt trust penelope too..but i guess she is also protctng her son frm athena
<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]