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An Unexpected Ally: A Greek Tale of Love Revenge and Redemption
Powerful Circe, daughter of the sun-god Helios, is sad to see Odysseus, King of Ithaca, depart from her island, Aeaea—but her heartbreak is eased after dolphins take her to Delos, where she explores a new love relationship.
Circe has a strained relationship with her mother, Perse, but when she finally listens to Perse’s encouragement to seek out the amphibian god Glaucus, she’s glad she’s heeded her advice. Together, the two embark on underwater adventures, and Circe shares with Glaucus her knowledge about the healing and harmful power of herbs. While in Delos, she also meets and befriends Skylla, a local beauty with whom Glaucus is enthralled, although the girl is indifferent.
Circe eventually returns to Aeaea, but one day she learns, upon consulting her scrying mirror, that there is trouble in Delos that requires her immediate action. In the turbulent world of gods mingling with mortals, our heroine shifts shapes, flies, and uses her superpowers to reverse the course of evil.
In a tangle of love, hate, vengeance, and the final righting of wrongs, a cast of irresistible characters weaves an adventure laced with beauty and terror in An Unexpected Ally —a newly woven set of tales that brings to life ancient Greek myths and revives issues familiar to contemporary readers.
Circe has a strained relationship with her mother, Perse, but when she finally listens to Perse’s encouragement to seek out the amphibian god Glaucus, she’s glad she’s heeded her advice. Together, the two embark on underwater adventures, and Circe shares with Glaucus her knowledge about the healing and harmful power of herbs. While in Delos, she also meets and befriends Skylla, a local beauty with whom Glaucus is enthralled, although the girl is indifferent.
Circe eventually returns to Aeaea, but one day she learns, upon consulting her scrying mirror, that there is trouble in Delos that requires her immediate action. In the turbulent world of gods mingling with mortals, our heroine shifts shapes, flies, and uses her superpowers to reverse the course of evil.
In a tangle of love, hate, vengeance, and the final righting of wrongs, a cast of irresistible characters weaves an adventure laced with beauty and terror in An Unexpected Ally —a newly woven set of tales that brings to life ancient Greek myths and revives issues familiar to contemporary readers.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
6 people are currently reading
5036 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Kouidou-Giles
4 books35 followersSophia Kouidou-Giles, an award winning author, was born in Thessaloniki, Greece and university educated in the USA. She holds a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. In her 34 year child welfare career, she served as a practitioner, educator,
researcher and administrator publishing articles in Greek and English professional
journals.
In recent years she has written essays, fiction non-fiction, poetry and translation. Her poetry chapbook Transitions and Passages received recognition in a juried competition. Her writing has appeared in anthologies, including: The Time Collection, Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis, With An Adamantine Sickle, and in journals, including Persimmon Tree, The Hellenic Voice, Assay, The Raven's Perch, The Blue Nib, The Writers and Readers Magazine.
Her memoir, Επιστροφή Στη Θεσσαλονίκη, was published in Greek by Tyrfi Press in 2019. Sophia's Return: Uncovering My Mother's Past, was published in September, 2021, by She Writes Press. Her novel, An Unexpected Ally was publish in October, 2023 and its sequel, Circle of Peace: A Greek Tale of Perse's Great Hall, is forthcoming in March 2025.
researcher and administrator publishing articles in Greek and English professional
journals.
In recent years she has written essays, fiction non-fiction, poetry and translation. Her poetry chapbook Transitions and Passages received recognition in a juried competition. Her writing has appeared in anthologies, including: The Time Collection, Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis, With An Adamantine Sickle, and in journals, including Persimmon Tree, The Hellenic Voice, Assay, The Raven's Perch, The Blue Nib, The Writers and Readers Magazine.
Her memoir, Επιστροφή Στη Θεσσαλονίκη, was published in Greek by Tyrfi Press in 2019. Sophia's Return: Uncovering My Mother's Past, was published in September, 2021, by She Writes Press. Her novel, An Unexpected Ally was publish in October, 2023 and its sequel, Circle of Peace: A Greek Tale of Perse's Great Hall, is forthcoming in March 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 27, 2023
I never tire of mythological retellings, and this story of Circe, a powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, is captivating. It follows her during and after Odysseus’s time on her island and presents us with a strong, fearless, and layered woman.
In The Odyssey, Circe’s character is a bit one-dimensional, as are the majority of the female characters. And often in literature, Circe is portrayed to be a selfish seductress who is vengeful and petty in her dealings with men. However, in An Unexpected Ally, we see a layered character who is not entirely good and not entirely evil. She is a woman who feels deeply, wants to be loved, and takes the initiative to seek out love after Odysseus’s rejection and rumors of another possible match.
We also see how her relationships, especially with her mother, influence her life. Her need to be loved and her life of rejection and judgment influences a lot of her actions and desires. Circe develops many new relationships over the course of the story, and I found her relationships with several humans really intriguing. The unexpected friendship she develops with a particular young woman and potential rival is my favorite, and I found it really interesting how Circe uses her skills and powers to help so many mortals but most especially her new friend. I also loved the unique spin on Skylla’s story. A sea monster who terrorizes Odysseus and his crew, Skylla has never been presented in this way, and it was so intriguing!
I enjoyed An Unexpected Ally. It’s a well-paced and immersive retelling with vivid and rich imagery and world-building and a layered and compelling protagonist. I would definitely recommend it to readers who are looking for a unique Greek myth retelling and an engrossing story of a woman searching for love and connection, friendship, redemption, and more. Special thanks to Books Forward for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
In The Odyssey, Circe’s character is a bit one-dimensional, as are the majority of the female characters. And often in literature, Circe is portrayed to be a selfish seductress who is vengeful and petty in her dealings with men. However, in An Unexpected Ally, we see a layered character who is not entirely good and not entirely evil. She is a woman who feels deeply, wants to be loved, and takes the initiative to seek out love after Odysseus’s rejection and rumors of another possible match.
We also see how her relationships, especially with her mother, influence her life. Her need to be loved and her life of rejection and judgment influences a lot of her actions and desires. Circe develops many new relationships over the course of the story, and I found her relationships with several humans really intriguing. The unexpected friendship she develops with a particular young woman and potential rival is my favorite, and I found it really interesting how Circe uses her skills and powers to help so many mortals but most especially her new friend. I also loved the unique spin on Skylla’s story. A sea monster who terrorizes Odysseus and his crew, Skylla has never been presented in this way, and it was so intriguing!
I enjoyed An Unexpected Ally. It’s a well-paced and immersive retelling with vivid and rich imagery and world-building and a layered and compelling protagonist. I would definitely recommend it to readers who are looking for a unique Greek myth retelling and an engrossing story of a woman searching for love and connection, friendship, redemption, and more. Special thanks to Books Forward for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
November 11, 2023
More fan fiction than Greek retelling.
September 24, 2023
*I received a copy of this via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Circe is a powerful sorceress living on the remote island of Aeaea. For the past year, Circe has been joined on her island by Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his men, but now the time has come for them to continue their journey home. Circe is sad to see Odysseus leave, but soon her eye is turned by the amphibian god Glaucus. When her mother, Perse, convinces her to seek out Glaucus, the pair head off. Circe has always had a strained relationship with her mother but is glad for her involvement once she meets Glaucus. Circe believes that things between them are going well, with her sharing her vast knowledge of herbs, but Circe can tell Skylla, a local girl, has captured Glaucus's attention. Circe eventually returns to Aeaea, but soon learns of trouble brewing back in Delos, and it's up to her to set it to rights.
As soon as I hear "Greek mythology retelling," I'm sold. The story of Circe is one of my favorites, which also piqued my interest. It felt like a fresh take on the story and included characters I hadn't seen portrayed before. That was a point in its favor as it helped set it apart from the myriad other retellings. I liked the dynamic between Circe and Skylla and seeing their relationship grow throughout the story. I also liked the pacing. Nothing felt like it dragged, and it was full of adventurous moments that kept me hooked. My only minor issue was that the writing felt clunky at times, but overall, I thought this was a solid read.
Circe is a powerful sorceress living on the remote island of Aeaea. For the past year, Circe has been joined on her island by Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his men, but now the time has come for them to continue their journey home. Circe is sad to see Odysseus leave, but soon her eye is turned by the amphibian god Glaucus. When her mother, Perse, convinces her to seek out Glaucus, the pair head off. Circe has always had a strained relationship with her mother but is glad for her involvement once she meets Glaucus. Circe believes that things between them are going well, with her sharing her vast knowledge of herbs, but Circe can tell Skylla, a local girl, has captured Glaucus's attention. Circe eventually returns to Aeaea, but soon learns of trouble brewing back in Delos, and it's up to her to set it to rights.
As soon as I hear "Greek mythology retelling," I'm sold. The story of Circe is one of my favorites, which also piqued my interest. It felt like a fresh take on the story and included characters I hadn't seen portrayed before. That was a point in its favor as it helped set it apart from the myriad other retellings. I liked the dynamic between Circe and Skylla and seeing their relationship grow throughout the story. I also liked the pacing. Nothing felt like it dragged, and it was full of adventurous moments that kept me hooked. My only minor issue was that the writing felt clunky at times, but overall, I thought this was a solid read.
October 4, 2023
Also on Snow White Hates Apples.
Generally, when it comes to the tales featuring Circe, half include Skylla as her rival while half don’t mention Skylla at all — and in the ones that do have Skylla, Circe enacts revenge on her for being the recipient of her love target’s affections. It’s very much your usual women of Greek legends fighting each other for the attention of or under the whims of men, but this retelling of Circe’s story is different.
An Unexpected Ally gives us a refreshing take where Circe is a stronger, more independent and wiser enchantress who becomes an ally to Skylla instead of a rival. I really enjoyed how their friendship played out and adored that Circe is more prone to examining the behaviours and motivations of herself and others. This gave her a more level-headed image, though she does still have her vices which fans of Greek mythology will be familiar with.
However, as much as I liked the story, I found the writing too straightforward and distant. It felt much like a series of events being told, instead of a story we experience alongside Circe. This weakened the impact of the story and made everything fall flat, which I find a great shame because it is truly an intriguing retelling with compelling interpretations of the characters.
Nevertheless, An Unexpected Ally is still an enjoyable read. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology and want to read a retelling that’s different from the usual, definitely give this one a try!
Generally, when it comes to the tales featuring Circe, half include Skylla as her rival while half don’t mention Skylla at all — and in the ones that do have Skylla, Circe enacts revenge on her for being the recipient of her love target’s affections. It’s very much your usual women of Greek legends fighting each other for the attention of or under the whims of men, but this retelling of Circe’s story is different.
An Unexpected Ally gives us a refreshing take where Circe is a stronger, more independent and wiser enchantress who becomes an ally to Skylla instead of a rival. I really enjoyed how their friendship played out and adored that Circe is more prone to examining the behaviours and motivations of herself and others. This gave her a more level-headed image, though she does still have her vices which fans of Greek mythology will be familiar with.
However, as much as I liked the story, I found the writing too straightforward and distant. It felt much like a series of events being told, instead of a story we experience alongside Circe. This weakened the impact of the story and made everything fall flat, which I find a great shame because it is truly an intriguing retelling with compelling interpretations of the characters.
Nevertheless, An Unexpected Ally is still an enjoyable read. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology and want to read a retelling that’s different from the usual, definitely give this one a try!
Thank you so much Books Forward for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! An Unexpected Ally by Sophia Kouidou-Giles is available at all good bookstores.
May 12, 2023
What a wonderful mix of adventure, mythology, age-old relationship issues; the reader encounters engaging, unusual characters and visual images that take them out of the daily grind and into another realm, including under the sea, into the sky. A true adventure tale with just enough history and psychology to elevate it above mere escapist pleasure.
October 20, 2023
An Unexpected Ally brings ancient Greek myths to life in modern times. It is an entertaining story that shows a powerful Circe who uses her limitless skill and prowess in the face of opposing forces. A wonderful shift in perspective, relevant today.
November 2, 2023
Circe leaves her island Aeaea for Delos after Odysseus leaves her, and meets the amphibian god Glaucus. She embarks on underwater adventures, sharing her knowledge about herbs with him. But Glaucus is enthralled by Skylla, a beautiful mortal girl who is indifferent to his attention. After Circe returns to Aeaea, she finds out there's trouble in Delos. She's determined to use her abilities to fix the problems there.
Beginning with the end of her part in Odysseus' journey, Circe first learns about Delos and Glaucus from the men she had turned into pigs. Odysseus wants to return home to his family after a year with her, and she lets them go while plotting her next conquest. From here, it diverges from what is known in myth into Circe's own story. She usually finds it easy to entice men, whether due to her own beauty or with potions and Glaucus seems immune to her charms. Of course, it makes her chase him all the more, but she becomes friendly with Skylla, who does nothing to encourage Glaucus.
Myths don't usually look kindly on Circe and Skylla (or Scylla, depending on the translation) is barely a footnote for most tales. Here we see the two women interacting with others and get a glimpse of them as people. Skylla is an ordinary but beautiful girl, interested in island life, and Circe eventually strikes up a friendship with her even though she's interested in Glaucus. This infatuation dims over time, especially when she sees Glaucus for who he is. I felt bad for her because her mother did nothing but put her down, people gossiped about her, and she was essentially a chess piece for gods to move around as much as mortals were. This book is a slim volume giving voice to the figures in the periphery of the grand epics and lets us see the ladies of myth banding together to improve lives destroyed by selfishness.
Beginning with the end of her part in Odysseus' journey, Circe first learns about Delos and Glaucus from the men she had turned into pigs. Odysseus wants to return home to his family after a year with her, and she lets them go while plotting her next conquest. From here, it diverges from what is known in myth into Circe's own story. She usually finds it easy to entice men, whether due to her own beauty or with potions and Glaucus seems immune to her charms. Of course, it makes her chase him all the more, but she becomes friendly with Skylla, who does nothing to encourage Glaucus.
Myths don't usually look kindly on Circe and Skylla (or Scylla, depending on the translation) is barely a footnote for most tales. Here we see the two women interacting with others and get a glimpse of them as people. Skylla is an ordinary but beautiful girl, interested in island life, and Circe eventually strikes up a friendship with her even though she's interested in Glaucus. This infatuation dims over time, especially when she sees Glaucus for who he is. I felt bad for her because her mother did nothing but put her down, people gossiped about her, and she was essentially a chess piece for gods to move around as much as mortals were. This book is a slim volume giving voice to the figures in the periphery of the grand epics and lets us see the ladies of myth banding together to improve lives destroyed by selfishness.
October 15, 2023
Circe, the daughter of Sun god Helios and Oceanid, Perse lives on her own island of Aeaea. As an immortal, Circe has seen many humans come and go. Most recently, Odysseus has landed on her island with his crew. Circe has enjoyed Odysseus's' company, but it is time for him to sail home. On a tip from her mother, Circe seeks out a fellow immortal, Glaucus on the island of Delos. Circe becomes enamored with Glaucus, but sees that his heart belongs to another. Skylla, a young woman of Delos, has captured Glaucus' attention. Circe gets to know Skylla and comes to consider her a close friend. When Circe learns Skylla is missing, she jumps into action to help her friend.
An Unexpected Ally is not only a retelling of Greek Mythology, but an amazing tale of female friendship. I enjoy Greek mythology and retellings, so this story is right up my alley. This is a shorter story and the pacing is quick, moving through events at a good rate. I enjoyed seeing Circe living her daily life on Aeaea, enjoying her tapestry weaving, spending time in nature and gathering herbs. It was interesting to see her interaction with Odysseus and his men as well as her thoughts as they were getting ready to leave which gave Circe more depth. Circe's trip and actions on Delos were intriguing and I was surprised by Circe's actions. There was nothing sinister or backhanded about Circe and Skylla's relationship, they truly cared for one another and had a deep trust and empathy for one another.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
An Unexpected Ally is not only a retelling of Greek Mythology, but an amazing tale of female friendship. I enjoy Greek mythology and retellings, so this story is right up my alley. This is a shorter story and the pacing is quick, moving through events at a good rate. I enjoyed seeing Circe living her daily life on Aeaea, enjoying her tapestry weaving, spending time in nature and gathering herbs. It was interesting to see her interaction with Odysseus and his men as well as her thoughts as they were getting ready to leave which gave Circe more depth. Circe's trip and actions on Delos were intriguing and I was surprised by Circe's actions. There was nothing sinister or backhanded about Circe and Skylla's relationship, they truly cared for one another and had a deep trust and empathy for one another.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
March 25, 2025
Circe has been the subject of many stories since Homer wrote The Odyssey. To describe Circe, one would use words like goddess, enchantress, and brilliant. One might also say vengeful. Sophia Kouidou-Giles has used some of those Greek gods and goddesses to create An Unexpected Ally: A Greek Tale of Love, Revenge, and Redemption.
Kouidou-Giles centers the story on Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun god and Perse. Circe has been in love with Odysseus. To keep him near, Circe has turned his sailors into pigs and keeps them on her property. She realizes she must say goodbye to Odysseus, but she will do so on her own terms.
Once she releases Odysseus and returns his sailors to human form, Circe discovers comfort in a newfound love. At the same time, Circe examines her strained relationship with her mother.
Kouidou-Giles introduces readers to the amphibian god Glaucus. From him, Circe develops her knowledge of herbs and their healing abilities as well as what harm they can cause.
An Unexpected Ally takes readers into mythology, magic, heartbreak, love, and redemption. For book club members, the discussion will center on the Greek myths themselves along with age-old themes of love, loss, growth, fear, vengeance, and redemption.
Readers unfamiliar with much of Greek mythology will appreciate the glossary Kouidou-Giles provides at the back of the book. My smattering of knowledge about Greek mythology was bolstered by the glossary.
Kouidou-Giles centers the story on Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun god and Perse. Circe has been in love with Odysseus. To keep him near, Circe has turned his sailors into pigs and keeps them on her property. She realizes she must say goodbye to Odysseus, but she will do so on her own terms.
Once she releases Odysseus and returns his sailors to human form, Circe discovers comfort in a newfound love. At the same time, Circe examines her strained relationship with her mother.
Kouidou-Giles introduces readers to the amphibian god Glaucus. From him, Circe develops her knowledge of herbs and their healing abilities as well as what harm they can cause.
An Unexpected Ally takes readers into mythology, magic, heartbreak, love, and redemption. For book club members, the discussion will center on the Greek myths themselves along with age-old themes of love, loss, growth, fear, vengeance, and redemption.
Readers unfamiliar with much of Greek mythology will appreciate the glossary Kouidou-Giles provides at the back of the book. My smattering of knowledge about Greek mythology was bolstered by the glossary.
September 23, 2023
Amidst the angst and antics of the gods, Circe's cunning and kindness make her stand out as a remarkable and memorable character. It was a delight to "walk in the shoes" of this mysterious goddess as she shape-shifts and creates potions that help the humans she comes to know. Her feelings for mortals and other gods are much like ours, and she grows in the process of understanding both better during the course of this story. It drew me in immediately with the evocative writing style of the author who is truly an insider as far as the Greek myths go. Her descriptions of the Greek islands add to the authenticity of the story. I'm looking forward to Kouidou-Giles's next novel in her trilogy as she brings minor gods and goddesses to life!
This is an honest review based on an ARC I received.
This is an honest review based on an ARC I received.
May 19, 2024
In this story about Circe, the Greek enchantress and goddess that most people know from her part in The Odyssey, we see a more fully-imagined woman. Yes, she turns Odysseus’ men into pigs, and she uses her powers to cruelly crush a rival, but she does not live without regret. Despite her powers, she is still a woman who has not always been treated justly, and she suffers from the same emotions that plague us mere mortals. She can experience unrequited love and suffer for it, even though she has more powers to deal with it.
This is a delightful portrait of a character from ancient literature, brought to life by an author who endows her with dilemmas that may be out of our realm, but with which we can empathize. A very enjoyable read!
This is a delightful portrait of a character from ancient literature, brought to life by an author who endows her with dilemmas that may be out of our realm, but with which we can empathize. A very enjoyable read!
September 5, 2024
An Unexpected Ally sent me back to the Greek myths that I have not read since high school and college. Rather than a typical retelling of the myths this book offers a tale that provides more depth to the female characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Circe and her mother Perse and the complex nature of Circe’s relationship with Scylla.
I think this book benefits from the fact that the author is Greek and, in addition, has a background in psychology. Her memoir Sophia’s Return: Uncovering My Mother’s Past explores the complex nature of family relationships. An Unexpected Ally is an adventure story but also addresses issues of trust, empathy, and healing.
The book left me wanting the story to continue.
I think this book benefits from the fact that the author is Greek and, in addition, has a background in psychology. Her memoir Sophia’s Return: Uncovering My Mother’s Past explores the complex nature of family relationships. An Unexpected Ally is an adventure story but also addresses issues of trust, empathy, and healing.
The book left me wanting the story to continue.
February 10, 2024
"Unexpected" is a wonderful adjective to describe the series of delightful twists and turns in this novel. Sophia Kouidou-Giles brings the gods and goddesses to life with her detailed portrayal of quotidian mythological Greece. From the delectable taste of sun-ripened figs to the riot of spring flowers over the hills of an Aegean island, she immerses the reader in another world. She understands that the messy, tragic, and sometimes comical escapades of the gods still provide us mortals valuable insights into the human condition, for which, despite the centuries, little has changed. I highly recommend this engaging read.
May 16, 2023
What an unexpected retelling, filled with characters from Greek mythology! I couldn't quite remember my Greek myths from high school but it hardly mattered... all that's needed for the story is here. It centers on Circe, enchantress, mini-goddess & daughter of the sun god, as she learns how to use her magic in healing ways, and the story has a whole new take on Skylla, the monster with 6 dog-heads who figures in the adventures of Odysseus. It's an enjoyable read, with twists and turns!
October 27, 2023
Unique takes on stories you thought you knew.
novel is a page turning surprise. Went in imagining that I would know the myths referenced, turns out that I didn’t. It was a refreshing take, the main relationship was actually a female friendship rather than the bed-hopping jealousy struggles in the myths of my memory. Additionally, this book takes on the challenges of parent/child relationships when both parties are immortals.
This is a fun, quick read. Heartily recommend. Enjoy.
novel is a page turning surprise. Went in imagining that I would know the myths referenced, turns out that I didn’t. It was a refreshing take, the main relationship was actually a female friendship rather than the bed-hopping jealousy struggles in the myths of my memory. Additionally, this book takes on the challenges of parent/child relationships when both parties are immortals.
This is a fun, quick read. Heartily recommend. Enjoy.
March 26, 2025
Greek mythology is my catnip, I will always pick up a new story.
I did struggle with the clinical style of this novella. Rather than a story that unfolds organically, it read like a textbook, detailing one event to another without spending much time delving into the depths of an interesting Greek world. The story focuses on Circe, as she preps for Odysseus to depart from her island while he makes his way back to Penelope after the completion of the war in Troy.
Nothing really happened...
I did struggle with the clinical style of this novella. Rather than a story that unfolds organically, it read like a textbook, detailing one event to another without spending much time delving into the depths of an interesting Greek world. The story focuses on Circe, as she preps for Odysseus to depart from her island while he makes his way back to Penelope after the completion of the war in Troy.
Nothing really happened...
August 18, 2024
I enjoyed this retelling of the Circe story where the focus is on her, rather than on Odysseus/Ulysses. The author made some interesting changes to the story and I liked how she gave some minor characters more prominence. Overall, a enjoyable read.
March 2, 2024
In this novel set during the archaic period of classical antiquity, Circe knows Odysseus must leave her soon. In her dreams and in the sailor’s stories, she learns about Glaucus. Glaucus shares similar interests and is an immortal. Hoping he may be someone to fill her heart after Odysseus leaves, Circe travels to his home. They meet, but it’s clear he’s in love with a mortal woman named Skylla, even though Skylla does not return his affection. Forlorn, Circe returns to her island of Aeaea. Yet, while she walked away from a love not returned, another immortal will seek revenge with disastrous consequences that only Circe will be able to mend.
While Circe’s story is well-known, the author offers readers a new twist in An Unexpected Ally. This re-spun tale is about how love changes a person—both figuratively and literally. Only a few moments shook me out of the narrative, one item being Circe quoting Sophocles’s Antigone, which was first performed in 441 BCE. Our tale is set at the time of The Odyssey, which (while debated) is hundreds of years prior. The second item is that eyerolling wasn’t a convention of annoyance until the 1980s.
Originally on a quest to win Glaucus’s heart, Circe instead journeys to save a woman who has suffered at the hand of a spurned god. Kouidou-Giles’s novella is a tale of women taking back their stories. The prose is mesmerizing and the journey heartfelt. Few legends of this time end well for women, and this novella is a refreshing glimpse of ancient world beauty, sisterhood, and new beginnings. Recommended!
Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society in November.
While Circe’s story is well-known, the author offers readers a new twist in An Unexpected Ally. This re-spun tale is about how love changes a person—both figuratively and literally. Only a few moments shook me out of the narrative, one item being Circe quoting Sophocles’s Antigone, which was first performed in 441 BCE. Our tale is set at the time of The Odyssey, which (while debated) is hundreds of years prior. The second item is that eyerolling wasn’t a convention of annoyance until the 1980s.
Originally on a quest to win Glaucus’s heart, Circe instead journeys to save a woman who has suffered at the hand of a spurned god. Kouidou-Giles’s novella is a tale of women taking back their stories. The prose is mesmerizing and the journey heartfelt. Few legends of this time end well for women, and this novella is a refreshing glimpse of ancient world beauty, sisterhood, and new beginnings. Recommended!
Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society in November.
March 26, 2025
By Frank Mutama for Readers' Favorite
An Unexpected Ally by Sophia Kouidou-Giles is about the life of Circe. Circe was a powerful sorceress and an immortal with a vast knowledge of herbs and potions. She could shape-shift and loved to engage with mortals like Odysseus, who was a hero of the Trojan War and currently the king of Ithaca. Odysseus had come to Circe's island with his crew, which the sorceress had turned into pigs. After consideration, Circe is willing to let them go, as she is ready to move on and embrace what fate has in store for her. In Delos, she meets Glaucus, whom she believes is her perfect match, as he is also immortal like herself. Glaucus hadn't always been immortal. He had been a mortal who had paid a price to become an amphibian god. How will things turn out for Circe?
An Unexpected Ally by Sophia Kouidou-Giles will capture lovers of history and mythology. This thought-provoking work triggered my curiosity to read more about Greek mythology, and it was evident that the book was well-researched. Circe's character introduces the reader to major Greek gods like Zeus and Apollo. I love how thorough and vivid Sophia was with the descriptions of events, places, and nature, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The characters were well-developed, and the excellent narration contributed to the overall beauty of the book. The subtle emphasis on nature and its healing properties will also resonate with many readers, especially now that the world is facing a climate change emergency.
An Unexpected Ally by Sophia Kouidou-Giles is about the life of Circe. Circe was a powerful sorceress and an immortal with a vast knowledge of herbs and potions. She could shape-shift and loved to engage with mortals like Odysseus, who was a hero of the Trojan War and currently the king of Ithaca. Odysseus had come to Circe's island with his crew, which the sorceress had turned into pigs. After consideration, Circe is willing to let them go, as she is ready to move on and embrace what fate has in store for her. In Delos, she meets Glaucus, whom she believes is her perfect match, as he is also immortal like herself. Glaucus hadn't always been immortal. He had been a mortal who had paid a price to become an amphibian god. How will things turn out for Circe?
An Unexpected Ally by Sophia Kouidou-Giles will capture lovers of history and mythology. This thought-provoking work triggered my curiosity to read more about Greek mythology, and it was evident that the book was well-researched. Circe's character introduces the reader to major Greek gods like Zeus and Apollo. I love how thorough and vivid Sophia was with the descriptions of events, places, and nature, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The characters were well-developed, and the excellent narration contributed to the overall beauty of the book. The subtle emphasis on nature and its healing properties will also resonate with many readers, especially now that the world is facing a climate change emergency.
Want to read
July 22, 2023And the author is Greek!!!!
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