Goodreads Names a Surprising Choice as the Decade’s Top Fantasy Book

In a significant moment for fantasy literature, Madeline Miller’s 2018 retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, *Circe*, has been crowned the Best Fantasy Book of the Decade by Goodreads users. This accolade comes from a platform that helps passionate readers track their books, discover new titles, and share reviews, which recently shared insights on trending data that led to this recognition.

While this announcement may surprise some in the fantasy community, it’s essential to remember that the term “best” is highly subjective and can differ widely among readers. The past decade has seen a wealth of incredible fantasy novels, including numerous mythological retellings from various cultures. A term like “most popular” or “highest rated” might have been less contentious and more fitting.

The Goodreads Data Team based their decision on the total number of shelves and an average rating exceeding 3.5 stars for books published from 2017 onward. This rating threshold served as a quality benchmark, while total shelving indicated popularity among readers. *Circe* boasts an impressive 1.4 million ratings and around 140,000 reviews. In contrast, *The Way of Kings* by Brandon Sanderson has 696,000 ratings and 56,000 reviews, which explains its absence from the top spot.

Miller is no newcomer to the fantasy scene. Her debut novel, *The Song of Achilles*, released in 2011, offers a poignant retelling of the bond between Achilles and Patroclus, depicting them as young lovers. The book received critical acclaim, with notable praise for its fresh perspective on a well-known narrative. Seven years later, she returned to Ancient Greece with *Circe*, further solidifying her place in the genre.

In Homer’s *Odyssey*, Circe is portrayed as a stunning yet capricious enchantress who seduces Odysseus and transforms his crew into swine using her magic. Odysseus remains on her island for a year until he ultimately breaks her spell with Hermes’ assistance. However, Miller reimagines Circe in a more nuanced and feminist light.

Instead of a mere seductress, Miller’s Circe evolves from a shy, overlooked figure to a formidable sorceress who, while fierce, also embodies compassion and nurturing qualities absent in the gods. This richer characterization offers a refreshing departure from the original text, contributing to the book’s appeal and its rise in popularity among readers who cherish Greek mythology.

With director Christopher Nolan set to release his own adaptation of *The Odyssey* in July, and Charlize Theron reportedly cast as Circe, there’s much curiosity about the direction Nolan will take. Will Circe be portrayed as a mere temptress again, or has Miller’s interpretation influenced the film? It’s a question worth pondering as we await the cinematic release.

From authors like Sarah Gailey to Matt Dinniman, the fantasy genre continues to thrive, offering something for every reader.