Let me confess: I didn’t expect to ugly-cry over a Greek spirit. But Madeline Miller’s Circe isn’t just another fantasy book—it’s a gorgeously written, fiercely feminist saga that transforms a sidelined myth into a story of resilience, magic, and self-discovery. If you’re hunting for fantasy books to read that blend myth, heartbreak, and spellbinding prose, this Circe novel deserves a permanent spot on your shelf.
The Story (No Spoilers, Just Mythic Magic)
In Circe by Madeline Miller, the supposed heroine isn’t the vengeful witch you skimmed in The Odyssey. Born to the sun god Helios and a spirit, Circe is mocked for her mortal-like voice and lack of divine power. Exiled to a lonely island to defy the gods, she discovers her gift for witchcraft—turning rivals into monsters and herbs into curses. But her true magic? Surviving. Over centuries, she crosses paths with legends: the Minotaur, Daedalus, Odysseus, and Medea. Yet this isn’t their story—it’s hers. A tale of a woman carving power in a world determined to erase her.
But in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. Such a constellation was he to me.
Why This Fantasy Novel Casts an Irresistible Spell
Miller’s writing is pure sorcery. She turns Circe’s isolation into something achingly human—you’ll feel the sting of her loneliness, the heat of her rage, and the quiet triumph of her independence. The gods here aren’t wise elders; they’re petty, vain, and terrifying. Circe’s witchcraft? It’s messy, earthy, and earned through trial and error (think Wild meets Practical Magic).
What makes Circe novel one of the best fantasy books to read is its subversion of myth. Circe isn’t a villain or a seductress—she’s a survivor who outsmarts Titans, navigates motherhood, and chooses mortality on her terms. The pacing is deliberate, like waves crashing against a shore, pulling you deeper with every chapter.
Heads-Up: No Sword Fights Here—Just Pure Magic
If you want sword fights and dragons, look elsewhere. Circe is a slow burn, steeped in introspection and lush descriptions of herbal brews and sun-drenched islands. But that’s its strength. Miller makes you feel every year of Circe’s immortality—the weight of time, the cost of defiance, and the fleeting beauty of human connection.
Should You Read Circe?
YES. Circe by Madeline Miller is a fantasy novel for anyone who’s ever felt out of place. It’s for lovers of mythology retold with grit and grace, and for readers who want their magic tinged with reality. Pair it with The Song of Achilles (Miller’s other masterpiece) or The Witch’s Heart for more feminist myth reinventions.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A Circe book that turns a witch into a hero and a myth into a mirror.
Need more enchantment? Explore our curated list of fantasy books to read, including lyrical gems like the Circe novel and epic series that’ll steal your sleep. Trust us—your TBR pile isn’t complete without these.