Medea: A Novel

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars | 132 ratings

Price: 17.71

Last update: 12-24-2024


About this item

Discover the full story of the sorceress Medea, one of the most reviled and maligned women of Greek antiquity, in this “haunting, deeply moving” (Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author) debut in the tradition of Circe, Elektra, and Stone Blind.

Among the women of Greek mythology, the witch Medea may be the most despised. Known for the brutal act of killing her own children to exact vengeance on her deceitful husband, Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, Medea has carved out a singularly infamous niche in our histories.

But what if that isn’t the full story?

The daughter of a sea nymph and the granddaughter of a Titan, Medea is a paradox. She is at once rendered compelling by virtue of the divinity that flows through her bloodline and made powerless by the fact of her being a woman. As a child, she intuitively submerges herself in witchcraft and sorcery but soon finds her skills may not be a match for the prophecies that hang over her entire family like a shroud.

As Medea comes into her own as a woman and a witch, she also faces the arrival of the hero Jason, preordained by the gods to be not only her husband but also her lifeline to escape her isolated existence. Medea travels the treacherous seas with the Argonauts, battles demons she has never imagined, and falls in love with the man who may ultimately be her downfall in this fresh and propulsive “must-have” (
Library Journal, starred review) story in which you will finally hear Medea’s side of the story through a fresh and feminist lens.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Britt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Drew me in and did NOT let go
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024
    I usually am not one for Greek mythology but I opened up to it in the last year or so. I found this book at Barnes and Noble and hurried to the library to grab it. I couldn't quit. I felt so many emotions for her. Love this book.
  • latasha
    4.0 out of 5 stars it's ok
    Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
    I wanted to love Medea the way I do Circe and Clytemnestra but I'm so sad to say I did not in this retelling. There is experiments on animals so I did have to skip over portions of the story. The story itself is ok. Its entertaining and engaging. Jason is awful as to be expected. It was just harder than i wanted it to be to like and connect to Medea.
  • Joseph C.
    3.0 out of 5 stars At times boring
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
    I had already read Circe by Miller. I found that book to be at a steady pace that allowed me to read it in three nights. Medea starts off interesting, mentioning her aunt Circe, her Titan blood line and the beginnings of her mastering “pharmaka” and magic. Unfortunately at times it becomes boring with lengthy deacritoons of Phrixas, Kason and others. I basically skipped through all these parts and got to the better parts. I did enjoy seeing her reach her final destination and seeing her vindicated against Jason. I’d recommend it if you enjoy a s low read.
  • Tabi
    5.0 out of 5 stars lovely and thoughtful
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024
    I really enjoyed this retelling of an old myth. It feels honest and gracious. The Greek myths were brutal, but in them I think there were glimpses of hope. Quin has drawn out some of those glimpses.
  • Speculativedryad
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024
    Second attempt at review, as first had words Amazon didn’t like.

    So

    Bad things shape Medea’s youth. Bad relationships with parents. Unloved child seeks to thwart prophecies. Has bad relationships with man. Makes bad choices, a lot of guilt.

    Do mistakes and past shape a human? Book explored this.
  • LoriOK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant. Gripping.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2024
    I felt for Medea, even if her choices weren't the ones I'd make. Not an easy shift to accomplish, given the story we've always been told. And the writing is beautiful...both formal and accessible at the same time. I could feel myself in the past, but also relating with Medea as if she were someone I might run into on a walk some day soon.
  • Maudaevee
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good storytelling.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024
    I was not familiar with Medea before this, but I do enjoy myth retellings. I thought this was a very good retelling and I liked the way it was told.
  • MGO
    5.0 out of 5 stars it trapped me into its thread
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
    I was totally taken. Although I am no fan of changing the myths the author did an excellent job.
    I truly recommend this interpretation of the myth.

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