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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rating: 3.0/5, good.
Publishing date: 27/02/2025
Thank you Nydia Hetherington and Quercus Books for the digital copy.
Sycorax is a fantasy retelling that reimagines the life of the powerful witch from one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, The Tempest, but no previous knowledge is necessary to read this standalone novel. In the play, Sycorax is mentioned but never seen—known only as the powerful sorceress and mother of Caliban, who is later enslaved by Prospero. Nydia Hetherington gives a voice to this mysterious figure, adding depth to her character by exploring the reasoning behind her physical appearance and shedding light on chronic illness—challenging her portrayal as a villain. She also includes a historical note that inspired Shakespeare to write The Tempest to give context. The novel follows Sycorax from birth to her transformation into the legendary witch, offering a compelling first-person perspective that immerses readers in her world.
The book explores themes of chronic illness, solitude, womanhood, and more. Hetherington’s prose is lyrical and immersive, creating a world that is both magical and compelling. “It is cold. The island hums. It knows I cannot sleep and tries only to soothe me. Moonlight touches my face. I lift my chin a little, bathe in the brightness, and blink. White beams reach like arms into my cave as I crouch on the smooth rock at its mouth. As always, the Moon’s beauty makes me gasp. Hairs rise on the back of my neck. I like the sensation. Resting heavily upon my staff, my trusty aid, still fragrant with the sap of the tree it came from, I enjoy the fresh bite of the cool night air. It will be hot when daytime comes, sweat will cling to us.”
The narrative, initially, tells the tale of Atlas and Sunny, told through Sycorax’s perspective. “My mother was of the Moon. My father was of the Sun. Together they were night and day.” As the story progresses, we learn that Atlas’s ancestors suffered from a physical malady passed down through generations. “Every evening she’d ask her friend the Moon to save her from a family malady, a cruel, painful stiffening she’d watched many women in her family struggle with.” Hetherington cleverly interprets the hunchback posture and the use of a cane for support due to arthritis, though the name is never explicitly mentioned. Chronic diseases are rarely explored in ancient tellings, making this book unique in that aspect. “When I tried to move, I couldn’t. Where once I was made of flesh and bones, now agony seemed the very fabric of my being. I named the illness Aamon. For truly, it was the devil prince, and I was its prey.”
The slow pace of Sycorax might not be for everyone, and even though the writing is of high quality, and the character development is strong, not much happens. Sunny’s characterisation, as well as that of Sycorax’s father, felt unfinished, superficial, and inconsistent. The choice of words at times felt odd, in my opinion. ”... scattered with human and equine meat.” "Equine" is a scientific term and does not fit well here, although this might be nitpicking. The historical aspect serves only as a backdrop, a missed opportunity to ground the tale more firmly. Perhaps this is why the novel reads like fantasy YA from the middle to the end.
Overall, Sycorax is an accomplished retelling that may appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy strong character development (but little plot), feminist retellings, and Shakespearean reinterpretations.
Publishing date: 27/02/2025
Thank you Nydia Hetherington and Quercus Books for the digital copy.
Sycorax is a fantasy retelling that reimagines the life of the powerful witch from one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, The Tempest, but no previous knowledge is necessary to read this standalone novel. In the play, Sycorax is mentioned but never seen—known only as the powerful sorceress and mother of Caliban, who is later enslaved by Prospero. Nydia Hetherington gives a voice to this mysterious figure, adding depth to her character by exploring the reasoning behind her physical appearance and shedding light on chronic illness—challenging her portrayal as a villain. She also includes a historical note that inspired Shakespeare to write The Tempest to give context. The novel follows Sycorax from birth to her transformation into the legendary witch, offering a compelling first-person perspective that immerses readers in her world.
The book explores themes of chronic illness, solitude, womanhood, and more. Hetherington’s prose is lyrical and immersive, creating a world that is both magical and compelling. “It is cold. The island hums. It knows I cannot sleep and tries only to soothe me. Moonlight touches my face. I lift my chin a little, bathe in the brightness, and blink. White beams reach like arms into my cave as I crouch on the smooth rock at its mouth. As always, the Moon’s beauty makes me gasp. Hairs rise on the back of my neck. I like the sensation. Resting heavily upon my staff, my trusty aid, still fragrant with the sap of the tree it came from, I enjoy the fresh bite of the cool night air. It will be hot when daytime comes, sweat will cling to us.”
The narrative, initially, tells the tale of Atlas and Sunny, told through Sycorax’s perspective. “My mother was of the Moon. My father was of the Sun. Together they were night and day.” As the story progresses, we learn that Atlas’s ancestors suffered from a physical malady passed down through generations. “Every evening she’d ask her friend the Moon to save her from a family malady, a cruel, painful stiffening she’d watched many women in her family struggle with.” Hetherington cleverly interprets the hunchback posture and the use of a cane for support due to arthritis, though the name is never explicitly mentioned. Chronic diseases are rarely explored in ancient tellings, making this book unique in that aspect. “When I tried to move, I couldn’t. Where once I was made of flesh and bones, now agony seemed the very fabric of my being. I named the illness Aamon. For truly, it was the devil prince, and I was its prey.”
The slow pace of Sycorax might not be for everyone, and even though the writing is of high quality, and the character development is strong, not much happens. Sunny’s characterisation, as well as that of Sycorax’s father, felt unfinished, superficial, and inconsistent. The choice of words at times felt odd, in my opinion. ”... scattered with human and equine meat.” "Equine" is a scientific term and does not fit well here, although this might be nitpicking. The historical aspect serves only as a backdrop, a missed opportunity to ground the tale more firmly. Perhaps this is why the novel reads like fantasy YA from the middle to the end.
Overall, Sycorax is an accomplished retelling that may appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy strong character development (but little plot), feminist retellings, and Shakespearean reinterpretations.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*Thank you to NetGalley & Quercus Books for providing a digital copy to review*
I am unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the whole lore connected to Sycorax, but it wasn’t a major hindrance in enjoying this book.
I am unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the whole lore connected to Sycorax, but it wasn’t a major hindrance in enjoying this book.
This book felt like historical fiction, a genre I love, and it felt warm and familiar as I was reading. This book is a story of a woman who is different from everyone else and has skills that, in the eyes of men, are seen as a threat. As a result, you can guess that her life is not easy.
You really feel for her in this book. She goes through a lot concerning her family and developing a chronic illness, which means she spends most of her days in pain. Despite that, she wants to help the women in her community even though she is seen as other.
I loved seeing her journey in this book and how we get more back story to a well-known character with very little written about her
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Sometimes I do wonder whether I should stop requesting retellings, but no: Sycorax proves there is still a lot to be retold. Sycorax is Caliban's mother in Shakespeare's The Tempest about whom Prospero says:
'This blue-eyed hag was hither brought with child
And here was left by the sailors.'
We get Sycorax's story before this event. The love story of her parents, her birth and youth, how she was made to cover het blue eyes, how she found her way in life as a healer and a midwife, with her disabilities... It is an uphill battle which is being told in a very compassionate way.
The style is poetic, the pace slow, but I just adored this book. Themes of empowerment, love, betrayal, managing on your own, finding support in your community always speak to me and are beautifully woven into the story.
Hetherington does not only make an unseen character seen but also the struggle of someone who has to make their way in life when a lot is against her. Having a limp sometimes myself, I heavily connected to Sycorax and her struggles. Wanting to do things yourself, people looking weird at you... I recognised it all. I wasn't surprised to read in the afterword that the author wrote this from her own experience. You feel in every word and in every move the author knows what she is talking about.
Thank you NetGalley, Nydia Hetherington and Quercus Books for the ARC
'This blue-eyed hag was hither brought with child
And here was left by the sailors.'
We get Sycorax's story before this event. The love story of her parents, her birth and youth, how she was made to cover het blue eyes, how she found her way in life as a healer and a midwife, with her disabilities... It is an uphill battle which is being told in a very compassionate way.
The style is poetic, the pace slow, but I just adored this book. Themes of empowerment, love, betrayal, managing on your own, finding support in your community always speak to me and are beautifully woven into the story.
Hetherington does not only make an unseen character seen but also the struggle of someone who has to make their way in life when a lot is against her. Having a limp sometimes myself, I heavily connected to Sycorax and her struggles. Wanting to do things yourself, people looking weird at you... I recognised it all. I wasn't surprised to read in the afterword that the author wrote this from her own experience. You feel in every word and in every move the author knows what she is talking about.
Thank you NetGalley, Nydia Hetherington and Quercus Books for the ARC
Sycorax is tale of self-discovery, empowerment, and the struggles of being an outsider in a society that fears and misunderstands the unknown.
📚 A reimagining of the life lived by the powerful witch Sycorax before her banishment to the island in William Shakespeare's The Tempest.
Born of the sun and of the moon and disfigured by fire. This is the story of a young woman, treated with utter disdain, complete distrust and hate, when all she tried to do was help.
✨ Review ✨
In The Tempest by Shakespeare sycorax is betrayed as a vengeful and powerful witch. Although she is a big presence in the story she's long since past and we never get to meet her. I loved getting her story and following along with how she came to be, making her more than just the 'blue eyed hag' she is a woman, she is a human and she deserves to be seen and heard.
We also have some fantastic disability representation. The author herself has Rheumatoid Arthritis so she is coming at it through a lived experience. I will say this explores how unkind and fearful people can be of disabilities so if that is a trigger this may not be for you. There are also other triggers so check them before reading if you need.
The fantasy is very much on the low end so I wouldn't go into it if you want fantasy, but I found she captures the world really well.
The writing was great and I really liked sycorax as a character. The side characters were also strong in there own right.
Having said that even though this is a heavy story with how it explored ableism, grief, loneliness, misogyny and the entitlement men feel towards women i would have liked a stronger emotional impact. I felt for her but it was missing something. Still fantastic though and I would definitely read more of this authors work.
📚 A reimagining of the life lived by the powerful witch Sycorax before her banishment to the island in William Shakespeare's The Tempest.
Born of the sun and of the moon and disfigured by fire. This is the story of a young woman, treated with utter disdain, complete distrust and hate, when all she tried to do was help.
✨ Review ✨
In The Tempest by Shakespeare sycorax is betrayed as a vengeful and powerful witch. Although she is a big presence in the story she's long since past and we never get to meet her. I loved getting her story and following along with how she came to be, making her more than just the 'blue eyed hag' she is a woman, she is a human and she deserves to be seen and heard.
We also have some fantastic disability representation. The author herself has Rheumatoid Arthritis so she is coming at it through a lived experience. I will say this explores how unkind and fearful people can be of disabilities so if that is a trigger this may not be for you. There are also other triggers so check them before reading if you need.
The fantasy is very much on the low end so I wouldn't go into it if you want fantasy, but I found she captures the world really well.
The writing was great and I really liked sycorax as a character. The side characters were also strong in there own right.
Having said that even though this is a heavy story with how it explored ableism, grief, loneliness, misogyny and the entitlement men feel towards women i would have liked a stronger emotional impact. I felt for her but it was missing something. Still fantastic though and I would definitely read more of this authors work.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Sycorax is a slow burn, character driven novel that takes the character of Sycorax, mentioned in Shakespeare's The Tempest and draws themes of loneliness, chronic illness, isolation and the fear of those who are 'other' or different. It's beautifully told, taking Sycorax from her birth through to the beginning of her legend. It shows a very different side of the woman than that told in Shakespeare's tale, where she is a witch and a hag and it draws you into her life and loss in a very real way.
This is one of those novels that draws you in with a gentle hand and then shatters you with unexpected cruelty at a moments notice. One scene in particular comes to mind, although there are several that would fit the description. There's love and friendship and loyalty. There's also pain and cruelty and wilful destruction of innocence and beauty.
It's also a very real telling of chronic illness and the impact that has not just on physical health, but on how we see ourselves in the world and how it can seem to overtake everything else. It came as no surprise to learn that the author struggles with chronic illness as it was done with care and sensitivity whilst not hiding the sharp and cruel edges.
All in all, this is a strong 're-telling' of Sycorax's backstory, a woman who is only mentioned by name in Shakespeare's play. It brings life to the characters and gives a breath of air to a character who didn't even appear in her own play. It is slow, it's more character than narrative based, but it's also beautiful and haunting and strangely compelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
This is one of those novels that draws you in with a gentle hand and then shatters you with unexpected cruelty at a moments notice. One scene in particular comes to mind, although there are several that would fit the description. There's love and friendship and loyalty. There's also pain and cruelty and wilful destruction of innocence and beauty.
It's also a very real telling of chronic illness and the impact that has not just on physical health, but on how we see ourselves in the world and how it can seem to overtake everything else. It came as no surprise to learn that the author struggles with chronic illness as it was done with care and sensitivity whilst not hiding the sharp and cruel edges.
All in all, this is a strong 're-telling' of Sycorax's backstory, a woman who is only mentioned by name in Shakespeare's play. It brings life to the characters and gives a breath of air to a character who didn't even appear in her own play. It is slow, it's more character than narrative based, but it's also beautiful and haunting and strangely compelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Chronic illness
Moderate: Death of parent
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you NetGalley and Quercus fir this eCopy to review
I recently read Sycorax by Nydia Hetherington, and it was quite an intriguing experience. The novel reimagines the life of Sycorax, the powerful witch from Shakespeare's The Tempest, before her banishment.
The story delves into Sycorax's origins, portraying her as a young woman born with a deep connection to nature and marked by a malady that sets her apart from society. Hetherington's writing is beautifully descriptive, bringing to life the world of Algiers and the struggles Sycorax faces as she grows into her powers.
Overall, Sycorax is a unique and thought-provoking read, but it took a while for the plot to pick up momentum.
I recently read Sycorax by Nydia Hetherington, and it was quite an intriguing experience. The novel reimagines the life of Sycorax, the powerful witch from Shakespeare's The Tempest, before her banishment.
The story delves into Sycorax's origins, portraying her as a young woman born with a deep connection to nature and marked by a malady that sets her apart from society. Hetherington's writing is beautifully descriptive, bringing to life the world of Algiers and the struggles Sycorax faces as she grows into her powers.
Overall, Sycorax is a unique and thought-provoking read, but it took a while for the plot to pick up momentum.
First of all, thank you to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a beautifully written book, which was really the only thing to keep me charmed to the end. As it was otherwise a bit over long and certainly on the depressing side.
I thought the writer using her personal experience of chronic illness was one of the most compelling parts of this work, and praise the ambition of the style.
I have come to the conclusion that the next time I am tempted by a feminist retelling of a long dismissed story I should just not pick it up. I cannot keep surviving the endless sensation that, no matter what I do, fate will always have such cruelty in store for me as has been suffered by the women who came before me. Which is the inherent issue with a retelling rather than an original story, the bones of where we are headed have long since been laid and no matter how powerful we make our heroine, she will still end up there.
This is a beautifully written book, which was really the only thing to keep me charmed to the end. As it was otherwise a bit over long and certainly on the depressing side.
I thought the writer using her personal experience of chronic illness was one of the most compelling parts of this work, and praise the ambition of the style.
I have come to the conclusion that the next time I am tempted by a feminist retelling of a long dismissed story I should just not pick it up. I cannot keep surviving the endless sensation that, no matter what I do, fate will always have such cruelty in store for me as has been suffered by the women who came before me. Which is the inherent issue with a retelling rather than an original story, the bones of where we are headed have long since been laid and no matter how powerful we make our heroine, she will still end up there.