I fell in love with the idea of Circe & Telemachus from its first blurb, and was grateful to Eloise Abelard for sharing a copy. Now, having had the time to read it (and re-read it), I am pleased to say that I am absolutely delighted with how the story turned out.
This is an altogether lovely story that has the feel of myth. Abelard weaves a lovingly crafted tale where every phrase, every word, is chosen with the utmost care. Just cast your gaze upon the introduction of our spellbound lovers:
Golden-haired Telemachus, ringlets cropped short in a boyish style, had come of age.
The Lady Circe, her skin as pale as milk and her hair the fiery red of polished copper, sat upon her throne.
The story of Circe & Telemachus deliberately echoes that of Circe and Odysseus, right down to the transformation of sailors into swine, but with one notable difference. Where his father depended upon the intervention of the messenger god, Hermes, to spare him from Circe's magic, the very nature of the spell itself is what spares Telemachus. Not knowing his true self, he is trapped in an eternal twilight, from which the world can only be released if he discovers himself.
While magical transformations are a staple of classical mythology, I loved how Abelard refused to indulge in such instant wish-fulfillment. With Telemachus temporarily tapped in time and resistant to any such spells, Circe must instead coax the femininity out of this "most maidenly boy," and allow him to "learn his new place in life slowly, just as most girls do." As in the original tales, Circe does use trickery and dreams as part of her plans, and Telemachus is tested along the way, but his failures are what ultimately open him up to the potential of "a secret girl, hidden in the body of a boy . . . a pearl, held fast within an oyster."
A perfect read for fans of sensual feminizations, encouraged by love rather than lust, Circe & Telemachus is a gorgeous tale that is to be savored. I was a bit taken aback by the twist at the end, but also excited by the potential of what comes next.
This story was so delicate, written with such sensitivity and compassion. I loved the harkening back to ancient myth, lovely piece of writing, Ms. Abelard!!
This is a well written tale that is sweet and sexy. I enjoyed how the author developed the characters; both Circe and Telemachus were at times strong and at other times vulnerable. Telemachus' femininity was brought forth in a very sweet and caring manner by Circe and I enjoyed observing it emerge. I also liked how protective Circe was as she brought forth the maiden that was hidden inside Telemachus; she didn't force femininity on him she allowed it to bloom within. Of course Telemachus had moments of doubt and struggle as the girl inside was emerging, but Circe helped him/her to discover her true self; this was not a story about humiliation or degradation.
I found the erotic scenes in this book quite hot if a bit different from most erotica. The scenes were not so much raw sex as they were sensual. I enjoyed that very much.
The book was well edited, there were a very few mistakes I caught but none were egregious enough to disrupt the flow of reading.
I look forward to more from this author. I definitely recommend this book to feminization fans, especially those who enjoy when feminization is encouraged and celebrated rather than forced.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Readers are cast in a spell... as with the protagonist Telemachus... as the sorceress Circe takes him to a world of magic... where a male with innate penchants is free to find himself... herself.
Sensuous, softly erotic yet articulately descriptive... the reader is immersed into a life of contrasts, feeling the smoothness of effeminate dress, the joy of frilly garb, the pleasure in offering pleasure while subordinating one’s own.