Hekate, the daughter of Titans, has never known safety. When her parents are on the losing side of war with Zeus, her mother Asteria seeks refuge in the Underworld, where Styx and Hades agree to raise Hekate. Asteria flees, pursued by Zeus and Poseidon, while Hekate’s father, the Titan Perses, is captured, locked away somewhere in Hades’ domain.
Nikita Gill‘s Hekate follows the goddess as she navigates the horror and beauty of the Underworld, trying desperately to find belonging and purpose – even if there are those in power who would prefer her to find neither. Written in verse, it’s both a gorgeous showcase of Gill’s skills as a poet, and a lovely homage to the verse epics of Homer and his ilk, even if the focus has shifted from the exciting adventures of men, to the no less riveting, but oft forgotten, tale of a goddess.
It feels timely too, exploring Hekate’s experiences as a child of war and a refugee, and how she is viewed as an enemy by many of the Olympians. And as she inches into her impressive powers, we are treated to Gill’s vision of the Underworld – like Hekate herself, filled with light and dark.
Gill’s writing is simple, elegant, and irresistible. And, while the verse format won’t be for everyone, I absolutely ate it up. I was even prompted to pull out a highlighter and take notes of my favourite passages. High school me would have been horrified at me giving myself homework like that, but my English teachers would probably love it.
Thankfully Hekate isn’t a one and done; Gill will also be turning her pen to the tales of Styx and Nyx, both of whom feature heavily in this first installment. So, if you’re looking to continue your foray into feminist retellings of Greek myth, but would like yours with a rich poetic twist, Hekate is a stunning place to start.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Nikita Gill’s Hekate is out now through Simon & Schuster. Grab yourself a copy from your local bookstore HERE.
