Andromeda by E. S. McLeod

Blessed by the gods with unparalleled beauty, Andromeda lives a life of ease within her Aethiopian palace walls. Content with her sanctuary, the young princess has no concerns other than the royal expectations her parents have for her – until a single, fateful proclamation changes everything.

When the queen defies the gods with a blasphemous claim, Poseidon, fearsome God of the Seas, delivers a deadly ultimatum that puts the queen’s life in Andromeda’s hands. Poseidon sends his loyal servant, the shape-shifting Ceto, to seal the princess’s fate.

But Ceto is not just a servant. With a sharp tongue and hardened heart, she has little interest in the princess’s appearance – and even less in the games of gods. Yet an undeniable tension begins to bloom between them, and both quickly realise Andromeda’s beauty is not only a gift, but a weapon to wield. As Poseidon’s judgement draws ever closer, the two women find themselves pulled into something far more passionate – and dangerous – than either could have predicted...

---

A thoughtful myth retelling that re-examines fate, identity, and divine judgement through a slower, reflective lens.

---

Pre-Reading Thoughts

I’m always drawn to myth retellings that shift perspective and give voice to characters traditionally seen more as symbols than people. I was especially interested in how this might reinterpret Andromeda’s story and her place within the mythological framework.

---

Post-Reading

As I thought…
This is a careful and considered retelling of the Andromeda myth, with a strong focus on reinterpretation and context. It takes time to explore the structures surrounding her story, including the fact that Andromeda is Aethiopian rather than Greek - a detail often flattened or overlooked in later retellings.

The tone is reflective and deliberate, giving space for the myth to be examined rather than simply re-enacted. It’s less concerned with spectacle and more interested in reframing perspective.

It surprised me by…
How meditative the pacing is. This is a story that prioritises thoughtfulness over momentum, unpacking myth and meaning at a steady, contemplative rhythm.

For me personally, the pacing didn’t fully align with what I was in the mood for at the time, but that’s a reflection of reading preference rather than execution. The book itself is consistent in its approach and clearly intentional in its tone.

---

🎵 Music Pairing

Featured Song: “Running With the Wolves” by AURORA

Vibe Album: Titanic Rising by Weyes Blood

Artist Recommendation: Agnes Obel

---

🌈 Vibe Check

Colour Palette: seafoam green, marble white, storm-grey, gold
Soundtrack: waves against stone, distant wind over cliffs
Season: late summer into early autumn
Mood: reflective, mythic, slow-burning
Scent: salt air, sun-warmed stone

---

🔮 Tarot Pull

Justice

This retelling centres on divine judgement, consequence, and the weight of mythic systems imposed on mortal lives. Justice reflects the way Andromeda’s story is shaped by forces beyond her control, particularly the judgement enacted by Poseidon.

The card also speaks to the act of reinterpretation itself - questioning inherited narratives and rebalancing the moral frame of a story we think we already know. ⚖️🌊

---

For fans of

📚 Circe by Madeline Miller
📺 Kaos

---

Andromeda publishes on 14 May. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.