While I was requesting the book on Thor, I also chanced upon Warriors, Witches, and Women. Requesting this book from NetGalley was a no brainer because I love mythology and I thought it would be very fun to have the spotlight on women in various myths from around the world. While I enjoyed this feminist take on various women in religions and myth overall, it failed to impress on several counts.

Warriors, Witches, Women looks at fifty different women that are grouped into five categories – Witches, Warriors, Bringers of Misfortune, Elemental Spirits, and Munificent Spirits. Each profile comes with an illustration, a quick biography and a short paragraph or two about their relevance to the modern world.

For the most part, I liked that the profiles managed to give the readers a good sense of the woman being discussed, exploring their mythology and bringing out their relevance. The author did mention that she chose certain narratives over others, but they don’t always seem to the most traditional ones. For example, in the story of Uzume, it’s said that the mirror was hung so that it could reflect Uzume’s butt, whereas I’ve always read that the mirror was hung from a tree so that Amaterasu could see her face. I imagine that would be hard to do so if it was reflecting Uzume’s butt.

I’m also a bit iffy on the book proclaiming that Saint Brigid was a lesbian – while I agree that her origins are possibly pagan, the claim that Brigid was in a relationship with her ‘soul sister’ seems to a bit of a reach and from what I understand, not an orthodox interpretation. The concept of Anam Cara, which I assume is the basis of the ‘soul sister’ claim, reminds me of David and Jonathan’s friendship which was deep and true and without romantic implications, as well as the call to koinonia within the Church. We should be celebrating and encouraging intimate friendships because we need friendships that are deep and true and it frustrates me a little to see that everything interpreted in a romantic way. So that chapter was mildly annoying on two accounts – first because we don’t know for sure what Brigid identified as and what was presented as fact seems to be a more modern interpretation, and second, because I’m tired of all ‘deep’ relationships being seen in a romantic light because that is not the be-all and end-all of our relationships. The whole “you can only find true happiness and fulfilment in a romantic relationship” idea is a damaging one that leads women to seek happiness in a relationship but that is a rant for another post.

I also liked that there was a reading list and a playlist at the end of the book so that you can use it as a starting point to explore more about the women featured here.

But sadly, there were a few points that stopped this book from being truly impressive to me.

Firstly, there was the issue of diversity. The book definitely tries to be diverse, but it came across to me as not trying very hard. Out of the fifty women profiled,

10 were Greek and/or Roman
16 were from Europe (out of the 16, 4 were from the Celtic mythos)
6 were from Asia
6 from the African continent
2 from the continent of America
10 from the rest of the world
I did my best but the contents page freely jumps between classifying by religion and ethnic group and as someone familiar mostly with Western and Asian cultures, I have a gap in my knowledge with regards to other countries. But even this count shows that over half the women are from traditional Western myths, with the Celtic myths representing a quarter of the whole of Europe. I’d argue that Asia and Africa have equally rich mythic traditions, yet they take up just under a quarter of all the women profiled. It seems like no matter what, there’s still dominance by the traditional Western and Greco-Roman myths.

Secondly, the women chosen were kind of odd too. I mean, from China we only have Mazu, but what about Guanyin, Chang’Er, Mulan, the Huli Jin, or historical figures like the four great beauties? From Japan, there’s the Futakuchi Onna and Ame no Uzume but what about Ameterasu, Yuki-Onna, Murasaki Shikibu? Where are Korean women? Where are Cambodian women? Malay and Indonesian get lumped together in the Pontianak, which is described as a “Malay ghost” but whose Indonesian moniker, Kuntilanak, is also mentioned. I can only really comment on the Asian section but it felt rather random and unbalanced, especially compared to the amount of Green and Roman women mentioned. I can imagine that just reducing the number of Greek and Roman women (most of whom are already pretty famous) to three or four and then adding one or two women from other parts of the world would have made it so much more diverse.

And the parts that were diverse really were the best parts. My favourite bigoraphies were of women who were completely new to me, such as Mami Wata (African goddess) and Yennenga (Mossi, African Princess). If the book wanted to celebrate the lesser-known women figures, as it seems from the Asian selection, then I want to see more of them and less of the more mainstream names like Hel, the Valkyries, Freyja, Cassandra, Medusa, etc.

Finally, the illustrations were a bit odd too – the one about the Pontianak did not remind me of a pontianak at all. Perhaps it’s the lack of blood on her dress, perhaps it’s because her colouring was very similar to that of the selkies, but I did not get pontianak feels. The Japanese characters were better but I suspect it’s a lot to do with the kimonos.

Overall, I’m conflicted about the book. I really like the concept and I think that for the most part, the biographies are well done but I wasn’t impressed with some of the illustrations and while I really love the Greek, Roman, Celtic, and Norse myths, I would have loved to see more from other countries as well. I suppose this is a case of misaligned expectations – For some reason, the introduction made me think it would be a lot more diverse than I found it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a beautifully constructed book that I'd recommend for fans of Taisia Kitaiskaia's "Literary Witches." It's pages feature a different female figures. The information doesn't delve too much (like Edith Hamilton's "Mythology"), but it's a solid primer for a well rounded book! The graphic design is the real showstopper here, the pages are lovely.

A unique reading experience that places a spotlight focus on women's role in mythology....and it has some very lovely pictures to help our mental imaginings. Each story brings the female role to the front, showcasing her strengths and weaknesses while still telling the story of how she fits into this piece of fiction. A very good read made even better by being centered on the women's roles.

Title: Warriors, Witches and Woman
By: Kate Hodges
Published by: Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion Publishing
Publishing Date: Pub Date 03 Mar 2020
Genre: History, Nonfiction (Adult)
Review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3092049458

Warriors, Witches and Woman tells us stories of exactly that. Historical female Warriors who fought against men, with men or leading men into battle. It included those most hunted of females, Witches, whether they were real occult members or just herbalists this book told us how they lived and died. Then lastly the majority of what we are just a Woman, persecuted simply just for existing.
Real or not these women’s stories will inspire readers. The stories of myth, legend and history will show just how powerful we truly are. It connects all of us women no matter where we are or where we come from.
It is obvious from the title that this is a feminist read. Warriors, Witches and Woman dose not just tell you about these women it also explains how through history these women have been pushed and dragged of pedestals. Mainly this happened though two ways, a change in political hierarchy or religious orders.
One thing I found particularly interesting was about St Bridget. When the Catholic church branded her a Saint they left out the story of how she had performed an abortion.
The art work too showed not just the beauty of the female figure but the poise, strength and power of it, even if they were half human only. Though the female and male body may differ it is the mind that shone through in these stories.

From Baba yaga to St Bridget this book brings them all to life even if they have only ever been myth. The ill treatment of women through the centuries but even more so in the last thousand or so years. I found the three-page, one illustration format great, I had enough to get me interested and learning something new. It also meant that the piece was short enough that I never found it boring.
The only thing I would perhaps have changed was that if the same character appeared more than once that the stories be closer together but I do see why they weren’t. It’s just a personal thing. I did appreciate that their previous mention was noted at the bottom.

As a longtime fan of mythology and a feminist by nature, this book was a perfect for me. It covers both well known entities as well as those who are not. The variety is astounding, and as someone who has read so much, it was a breath of fresh air to read about ladies not typically covered, particularly in more mainstream media. I also appreciated that they showed them in a different light. Many times, these females entities are shown as th.e antagonists or opposing force to a male hero. This showed them as more dynamic and complex.

Overall, a lovely addition to anyone's library.

This ARC was not quite what I expected. I am big time into mythology and was leaping out of my chair at the chance to get a chance to read this book. The artwork is very tasteful and eye-catching for sure but I was a little let down by the writing. I think I wanted more details on each woman. The basics of each one is covered nicely but I just couldn't help wishing there was more substance. Still, overall this is a very solid read.

In my life as a woman so far I have frequently strove to be both warrior and witch, to varying success. In my quest to be thus, I have frequently been in need of a role model, of inspiration. A book like Warrior, Witches, Women would have gone a long way to help me out. Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group, White Lion Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hodges displays a wide variety of women, warriors, goddesses and witches in her book. Some of them, lke Circe, I knew, some, like Ame-no-Uzume, were completely new to me. The mythology that comes down to us can be very whitewashed the way that the Grim fairytales were in later editions. No more hacked off toes, no more dancing in hot-iron shoes. Hodges gives us the tales straight up with relish, not hiding away the odder or more unusual parts of mythology. Whether it's the double-edged sword that is Kali or the life-giving gifts of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, each of the women mentioned in Warrior, Witches, Women has left an imprint on a culture or a society. Hodges tracks how their stories have changed and evolved, both for the better and the worse, and what impact they have today.

Warriors, Witches, Women covers 50 different women, goddesses, spirits, messengers, from all over the world who each receive a page or two in which their tale is told. Alongside this are stunning illustrations by Harriet Lee-Merrion. There is a timeless simplicity to them which I found very affecting. I would love to frame these and hang them up in my house. The cover is, clearly, Medusa, and the colourful calm that Lee-Merrion brought to play is beautiful. WWW would make a perfect coffee table book, to be picked up by a little girl or boy, bored of the conversation happening around them. To me, it felt a little bit like a gateway, a first step into reconnecting with some of the mythology we have forgotten or never been told. Here is a whole range of stories, ready to be explored. I took notes, I Googled, and I listened to the songs recommended at the end. By the end of Warriors, Witches, Women I felt enriched and surely there is nothing more you could ask for?

Warriors, Witches, Women is a beautiful introduction to the sheer volume of amazing myths and legends around women. Let it inspire you to look further and to discover some fo that rebellion and rule-breaking within yourself.

4.5 stars.

I enjoy reading mythology and was interested in this since it was written through a feminist lens. Though it was fun reading through them, I can't help but feel like it was getting a bit repetitive with the feminist aspects in each entry because there were many.

Each entry explained the history of each woman and the original story about them before the male authors of the past changed their description to be more wicked or weak and dimmined their strong aura so that people would not follow/worship these powerful women.

Overall, it was fun to read about these women from different culture though it had too many modern references to the point it was spoilery at times.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.

Easy to read, engrossing, short essays take a look at the mythical women of antiquity from all over the globe - and give them an interesting twist, viewed through a 21st-century feminist lens. The accompanying artwork was great too.

A wonderful mix of characters from mythology full of strength and character , all female. I absolutely adored this and I love all mythology but this was an extra special read, some tales in here I hadn’t read much about before. I loved it so much I need a copy in hardback as soon as it’s out, a wonderful read, perfect for the fan of mythology, feminism or just great strong women.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion Publishing for a temporary digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Warriors, Witches, Women’ by Kate Hodges in exchange for an honest review.

Its subtitle is: ‘Mythology's Fiercest Females’ and contains the stories of fifty global entities grouped around five categories. These are: Witches, Warriors, Bringers of Misfortune, Elemental Spirits, and Munificent Spirits. Each entry is accompanied by a delicately coloured illustration by Harriot Lee Merrion.

Kate Hodges acknowledges the fluidity of myth and legend and how over time a figure can change to come to mean different things to different people. A good example is the opening Goddess Hecate, filed under witches, who has undergone many changes throughout time.

Although referencing literature through the ages she also includes pop culture references such as appearances in film, genre fiction, music, and even fashion. Her language is also quite modern (referring to Queen Pasiphae as having ‘nerdy knowledge’ amused me). It isn’t intended as an academic study even though from her references it was clear that she was familiar with scholarly sources.

I thought that the artwork was lovely and I was quite impressed with how much information was provided in the few pages allocated for each entity. While in no way this could it be more than a taster, I felt that it Hodges had done an excellent job of curating this volume and that it was quite inclusive of world mythology. I certainly encountered some new entities to explore.

Kate Hodges’ Introduction set out her own experiences and her desire to see these fierce women celebrated to serve as an inspiration for new generations. I could certainly relate to the cultural references she mentioned that contained powerful beings like Medusa and Morgan le Fay and had rooted for them as well.

After the fifty entries Hodges has included a glossary, index, suggestions for further reading, and even a Mythological Women playlist. Overall, I felt that it provides a good introduction for anyone wishing to explore world mythology from a feminine perspective.

While I was reviewing a digital edition, I expect that this will be a luxurious coffee table book in hardback and make a wonderful gift. I hope to buy my own copy in due course.

I love how many cultures they Hodges incorporates with her book and that she doesn't focus on just one area. I wasn't a big fan of the artwork, and there were lots of blank spaces which I wasn't sure meant that they didn't have anything to fill it or that they hadn't added in artwork or other things yet. While I appreciate that there are a lot of awesome women mention in here, I do dislike that there is so little done, and that typically there's only a broad overview of their stories told. I know that there is further reading available for those mentioned, but it still felt that you were just getting a sample and not a real good history of them. Still, I am glad to know about more parts of history/folklore to look into now.

Copy provided by NetGalley.

I thought this was a great read. I really enjoyed it. I love learning about the different warriors, witches, and women in this book. It was informative and entertaining.

I mostly flipped through and skimmed this but from what I saw and read it seems like a very interesting and informative take on the goddesses that were featured. The art was really great and I liked that they pulled from many different pantheons from all over the world and there were actually a LOT of goddesses that I hadn't even heard of before. It's definitely a bit denser and more text heavy than a lot of similar books I've read, which is why I mostly ended up skimming, but I think it's definitely a good reference and has a lot of other books you can check out in the back of the book as well.

I found this one to be informative and engaging. The author's writing was detailed and the progression of ideas was easy to follow. Perhaps a bit long winded in areas, but over all a great read. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Um, this was absolutely perfect and my feminist heart is screaming with joy! This takes every warrior, goddess, witch you know and love and makes them even more awesome. The artwork is breathtaking and the writing is captivating. Take your time with this one. Read one or two stories each day. You can thank me later.

I can't wait to order a physical copy for my personal library!

Thanks so much for my eARC, NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Fifty strong women, some goddesses, some witches, some women thrust into legend, all the heroines of their own tales. From Medusa to the Morrigan, Helen to Pele, the Harpies and Furies, they have been celebrated even as some were cruelly treated or made the spoils of war.

I enjoyed the richly coloured imagery and the global theme.
Great work.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

Warriors, Witches and Women is such a great title for a book about strong females. The fifty strongest and determined women have their stories retold. I loved the book and the true life stories as well as the myths. If you could choose to be one of these women, which would it be? The bad girls(women) or the ones who seek justice? Hang on to your seats as you are about to meet the women who are rebellious, powerful and strong willed. Let's go on this journey together and find out. Great book filled with great information. I received this book from Net Galley and Quarto Publishing for a honest review.

An examination of old fairytales and folklores and particularly the women portrayed in them in a new light. Contemporary themes are explored such as feminism and the me too movement through the exploration of women featured in old tales. Thanks so much to the publisher and netgalley for the arc.

Content Warnings: Sexual Assualt: Rape. Violence: death, violence.
Representation: LGBTQIA+: Sapphic, lesbian, bisexual. POC. Religion.
Actual Rating: 4.5

A wonderful collection of women in mythology.

I love mythology. As a kid I was fascinated with ancient Egypt and as I’ve grown older my interest has grown out into other myths and legends. I just always want to learn more.

I’m so glad I requested this book. It’s a fantastic learn about women from all over the world, from all different myths and look at their stories through a modern feminist lens.

I learned about so many different goddesses, deities and spirits I had never heard of and learned more about the ones I had.

This book is a celebration of them all and I loved every moment of it. This is another book I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy of to add to my collection.