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The well-known saying “what doesn’t break you makes you stronger�� is brought to life through the story of Circe, a tragic, but unyielding heroine in Greek mythology.

Circe is daughter of Helios the god of the sun, but short in many of his godlike qualities, nor does she possess her mother’s beauty. Shunned and casts aside as the least talented of this mighty dynasty, Circe starts to hone her skills in witchcraft that results in her being exiled to an uninhabited island to see out the rest of her days. “…At least I will not have to hear that voice of your anymore��, was the last thing her father said to her.

Yet Circe refused to be ��.. ground down into the earth�� and instead cast spells over the island and its beasts, so when the gods and mere mortals started to arrive, she was more than equipped to stand strong alone. We see the strength and endurance of a girl left to rise from the depths of despair to a woman and mother, that is a match for any god and mortal, who could bargain and shape her life and that of her son.

Having acquired the knowledge and intelligence that most believed impossible, and knowing her father’s weaknesses, Circe summons her father for one last battle, to be set free from the curse of exile. Having miscalculated his daughters�� wily ways, Helios reminds Circe that she is the worst of his children, Circe replies to her father god Helios,

“I have a better idea. I will do as I please, and when you count your children, leave me out��

I loved this admonishment from Circe. It sums up the strength, courage and determination of the girl who had to live through unthinkable moments, to ride out in the wildness, the loneliness, and the fear, for she now wears the mask of courage and survival.

Packed with all the ingredients of a fantastic book, with stories of love, betrayal, courage, death, gods, curses, spells and endurance and a story that is beautifully written. Highly recommended