Unique and poetic. This captivating, coming of age story follows the goddess Hekate as she grows and discovers her power. I was thoroughly captivated by her quest for self discovery and her desire to improve the world around her. The story is written in verse, and the writing is gorgeous. I'm not usually a fan of poetry, but the narrative flow was so engaging and enjoyable that it really won me over. Another pleasant surprise was finding out the author was also the audiobook narrator; she did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed it so much and I can't wait for my physical copy to arrive for my bookshelf!

Release Date: September 16th, 2025

Thank you to Hachette Audio for providing the ARC via NetGalley!

Just finished listening to the ARC audiobook of Hekate the Witch by Nikita Gill, and honestly, it was so good. Gill brings Hekate to life with this beautifully lyrical writing. You can really feel her power and pain through the words. The story’s got drama, love, betrayal, war, and redemption all rolled into one, and the backdrop of gods fighting it out adds some serious stakes.
The narration? Next level. It felt kinda ritualistic, like I was getting an invite into some sacred goddess space. The book’s told in a poetic style, which makes it super unique and flows really nicely—like listening to an epic, myth-inspired song.
What really stuck with me is how it's all about female strength and owning your power. There’s a quote that I keep thinking about: “Perhaps this is what womanhood was. The dangerous knowledge of who you are and what you could do with that power if pushed.” It hits different.
If you loved Circe by Madeline Miller, you should totally check this out. It’s a quick read but leaves a big impact, blending Greek myth vibes with modern girl boss energy. I’ll definitely be grabbing more from Nikita Gill soon. Highly recommend for anyone into myth, feminism, or just beautifully poetic stories!

"Orphaned and alone, Hekate grows up amongst the horrors and beauties of the Underworld, desperate to find her divine purpose and a sense of belonging in the land of the dead."

I've definitely enjoyed the resurgence of mythology told from a woman's, not necessarily feminist and not necessarily modern, point of view. Novels on female mythological villains and anti-heroes such as Hera, Medusa, Circe, and Medea have been quite enjoyable and thought provoking to me- are there ever justifications for their deeds? Are they simply monstrous in nature or simply callous? Is there guilt or shame within their actions? Does the author make allowances for the cultural or political climate of the myth's time? And, are we still able to see them as villains with these subtle changes?

Hekate is a character that is often associated with witchcraft, introduced to many as the mistress of the Weird Sisters in Shakespeare's Macbeth. She's lesser known for her associations with the moon, dogs, and crossroads. Nikita Gill's story examines her background, her upbringing, and her associations with other gods, Titans, and mortals. A thoroughly enjoyable examination of an often overlooked deity from ancient Greek mythology.

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Gorgeously written (which is no surprise because I adore Nikita Gill's poetry already and her beautiful writing is why I requested this book). It reminds me a bit of my favorite myth retelling - Kaikeyi. Not in content, but in poetic, dreamy language. Absolutely will recommend and review.

the book was good but I found the writing was stiff. I wouldn't mind continuing this book but I will not be buying it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Nikita Gill for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook ALC.

As a longtime fan of Greek mythology, I was thrilled to be approved for this title. The premise immediately intrigued me since Hekate (or Hecate) is often overlooked in mainstream myth retellings. Her story is deeply rooted in themes of witchcraft and necromancy, making this an especially fitting read for the fall season.

This coming-of-age tale is set in the Underworld, a setting that Gill brings to life with poetic richness. While I was familiar with bits and pieces from various myths, this story skillfully weaves together the realms of Asphodel Meadows, Elysian Fields, and Tartarus into a cohesive, immersive world. The timeline also stood out. It begins during the Titanomachy and spans through to the abduction of Persephone. Since Hekate is a Titan's daughter, the perspective offered here feels refreshingly underexplored and adds depth to a mythology that’s often retold through Olympian eyes.

I hadn’t read any of Nikita Gill’s previous works, but discovering that she’s a poet made perfect sense. Her writing is lush, lyrical, and evocative. That said, the structure took some getting used to. Whether it was due to the short chapters or the narrative style of the audiobook (narrated by Gill herself), the story sometimes felt more like a series of loosely connected vignettes rather than a continuous narrative. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, I just call it out as something different from the pacing and structure I typically gravitate toward. At times, the story felt almost allegorical and reminded me of <i>The Alchemist</i> by Paulo Coelho, with symbolic undertones that invite reflection.

Overall, this was a beautifully written and atmospheric read. A strong 4 out of 5 stars.

Powerful, seductive, and so entertaining! I enjoyed this so much, especially the audiobook, narrated by the author.

Admittedly, I know very little about the stories of Hekate, so I went into this with zero expectations. This is a story about power and purpose in the face of loss and grief.

The war between the Titans and the Olympian Gods has cost Hekate everything. Orphaned by her mother for Hekate's own protection, she is raised by Styx and Hades in the Underworld, where she longs for purpose. Unbeknownst to her, she holds immense power, power other Gods and Goddesses are fearful of.

There was such compassion in Hekate's character. I found this story to be so thrilling, and just really beautifully written.

Hekate has always been one of my all-time favorite Greek goddesses, and I've long been fascinated by her many roles throughout mythology. So when I saw that this book offered an origin story for her, I was thrilled—and Gill absolutely delivered. The story was so fun to read, introducing me to familiar mythological figures as well as some intriguing new ones. I especially enjoyed learning about Hekate’s parentage and the path that led her to the underworld. The concept of a found family—unconventional yet deeply moving—was beautifully portrayed, and I loved how fiercely Hekate came to love and protect them. Gill’s narration of the audiobook added another layer of magic. Her voice brought the story to life, and I was completely mesmerized from beginning to end. This book is going to be a must-read for anyone who loves Greek mythology. It’s imaginative, heartfelt, and a fresh take on one of mythology’s most enigmatic figures.

Hekate
The Witch
by Nikita Gill
Narrated by Nikita Gill

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

The author/narrator did a good job with this book. I enjoyed it. My biggest takeaway is that I didn’t feel connected to Hekate, because how can you really know someone if they don’t know themselves?

I would have enjoyed a deeper version of this story with the types of herbs, flowers, and plants she liked and why, what made her have a fondness for owls and wolves, what her inner thoughts were, etc.

I guess overall I just wanted more of the main character. I think that’s an indication of a great story - when you can’t help but want more. Hopefully, her story can be sussed out even more in a book 2.

I do recommend this book to mythology lovers.

Thank you to Nikita Gill, Little, Brown Young Readers, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for this Advanced Audio Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hekate is a mesmerizing reimagining of Greek myth that unfolds as both a coming-of-age tale and a quest for self-hood in the shadows of gods and war. Nikita Gill captures Hekate’s birth into chaos, her exile, and her slow rise into power with lyrical, vivid prose that blends myth and emotion in equal measure.

The narrative takes you from the Titanomachy’s burning aftermath, through the underworld’s dark halls, and into the heart of what it means to be more than what you were told you’d become. Hekate’s journey—from child to goddess—is fraught with loss, betrayal, longing, and fierce self-discovery. The way Gill draws out her internal world, her fear and anger, her love and rage, all while surrounded by gods who wield power like weapons, is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

The themes of family, power, identity, and transformation are handled with grace: not sugarcoated, but never cruel for cruelty’s sake. There are tender moments as well—friendships, love, discovery—that balance the weightier, darker parts. The lyrical structure of the book gives a sense of ritual, of myth retold, and each line feels intentional, almost sacred.

🎧 Narration Notes || Having Gill narrate her own work feels like being invited into a sacred space where every pause, every inflection, matters. Her voice carries the story’s mythic rhythm, giving texture to the emotional beats. Some of the verse-like sections can feel a bit trickier to follow in audio, especially when separated by longer pauses, but overall her performance enhances the intimacy and power of the tale.

Final Thoughts: If you love mythology retellings with lyrical prose, emotional complexity, and a hero’s journey that doesn’t shy away from darkness, Hekate is a standout. Gill’s book is immersive, haunting, and ultimately triumphant—a myth reborn. Highly recommended.

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4/5 ⭐️

Hekate by Nikita Gill is a new retelling of the Greek goddess Hekate. Hekate born into a world on fire and left without her parents grows up never knowing what it is like to be safe.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ALC of this book!

Such a great retelling. I feel like we see a lot of Greek mythology in writing and this was refreshing! A real coming of age story starting right when Hekate is born and following her as she grows into her powers.

Adventurous and very atmospheric. I ate this one up. I love Greek mythology and this one definitely did not disappoint. The narrator for the audiobook was fantastic. Really brought life to the story and showcased Hekate’s voice, her rage, and her finally coming into her own.

I loved that this really focused only on her but also brought in the Titans and other Olympians. Hekate is such a powerful Goddess but doesn’t really get a lot of the spotlight.

If you enjoy books with steady-pacing, rich in mythology, and some feminine rage than this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC!

Unfortunately this book didn't sit with me. I expected a more complete story but with the very short chapters I never felt coherent. Additionally I wanted to learn more about Hekate, but I didn't feel this did it for me. I'm sure someone else would love it, but it wasn't it for me at the time.

I listened to the Advance Listener Copy for Hekate by Nikita Gill and narrated by Nikita Gill and I loved it. To be honest, I adore Greek mythology and Greek myth retellings, but I did not know a lot about Hekate. I think this story is brilliantly written. I loved learning about Hekate and her gifts and the role she played in the Hades and Persephone story. I can't wait for my preorder to arrive so I have it for my shelf because I think the cover is gorgeous and this is one of my favorite books of the year so far. Thank you to #NetGalley and #HachetteAudio for my ALC. This book comes out this month!

As a fan of Greek mythology retellings—especially those centered on goddesses and witches—I was excited to explore Hekate and dive into her story for the first time. This book also gave me my first real glimpse into the Titanomachy, which added a fresh layer to the mythological world I love.
Though I’ve seen Hekate referenced in other stories, I didn’t know much about her, so I was eager to hear her voice. Nikita Gill’s lyrical writing style gives the book a poetic, almost ethereal quality. The chapters are short and impactful, and the audiobook—narrated by Gill herself—enhances the experience. There's something special about hearing an author read their own work; it brings an extra layer of intentionality to the performance.
While some have compared this to Circe, I think the two are fundamentally different. Hekate has its own unique tone and storytelling approach—it’s not a fair comparison. Both are beautiful in their own right, but they offer distinct experiences.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the early listening copy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5

Hekate: The Witch is a powerful, intriguing retelling of the Greek goddess Hekate’s story.

I adore Greek mythology, and I loved Nikita Gill’s retelling of the story of Hekate. Filled with Greek mythology, it was a familiar but engaging reimagining. I rarely read poetry, and while some of the passages felt a bit choppy, I enjoyed the overall lyrical writing. The characters were entertaining, and I appreciated their development. The pacing felt slightly off, and I occasionally longed for a plot that spanned a shorter time frame. The world-building was immersive, and the story was powerful.

Nikita Gill’s narration of her story was immersive and engaging. I hoped for more accents and emotion at times, but it was overall, a wonderful audiobook.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

An absolutely stunning retelling of Hekate. I loved the voice of her so much. There are so many retellings of the Greek myths, heros and gods, but it seems one of the most powerful is often overlooked. So it was a delight to dive into this and hear her story told from her perspective.
She's strong and powerful, learning who she even is in this story. I found it hard to put down and am hoping we hear more from this POV in the future. Because I need a Thanatos and Hekate love story please and thanks.

This was a beautiful mythological retelling. It was a version of Hecate's story I had not heard, which made it compelling while also being accessible to those who may be unfamiliar with Greek mythology. The narrator's voice was also beautiful and matched the prose well.

Hekate, a coming-of-age retelling, offers a fresh perspective on the goddess. As she embraces her identity and seeks her purpose, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the mythology, especially the underworld.

While some may not appreciate this writing style, I must admit that I’m not a fan of poetry. However, I found the flow of the narrative to be engaging and enjoyable.

A pleasant surprise was discovering that the narrator was also the author. She did an exceptional job bringing the characters to life.

I’m grateful to NetGalley and Hackett Audio for providing me with the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

🎧 Title: Hekate-a standalone

✍🏾 Author: Nikita Gill-new to me author

📅Publication date: 9-16-25 | Read: 9-11-25

🗣️Narrator: Nikita Gill voices all the characters with standouts from Hekate, Asteria, Zeus, and Hades. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.

🏃🏾‍♀️‍➡️Run Time: 6:11

Genre:
*Mythology
*YA
*Fantasy

Tropes:
*war/rebellion- Titans vs. Olympians
*coming of age
*Greek mythology retelling
*witches/magic
*quest

👆🏾POV: 1st person single

⚠️TW: grief, death of a parent, attempted SA/kidnapping

🌎 Setting: The Underworld

Summary: Hekate and her mother Asteria flee their home as the Titans and Olympians go to war. Hekate is left in the underworld by her mother to save her from the vengeful gods Zeus and Poseidon. Hekate grieves her parents and after being betrayed by friends, she gains her true purpose.

👩🏾 Heroine: Hekate- goddess of witchcraft, magic, night, ghosts, and necromancy. Can split into three bodies.

🎭 Other Characters:

*Asteria-Hekate's mother, a Titan queen
*Perses-Hekate's father-god of destruction, imprisoned in Tartarus
*Hades & Kore/Persephone-king and queen of the underworld & Styx-the river goddess
*Zeus and Poseidon-both want to make Hekate their prisoner
*Carian-one of Hekate's mentor
*Dictys-Styx' consort and Hekate's paternal uncle
*Thanatos-the personification of death, takes Hekate to The Fates to learn her purpose
*Cronus-was leader of the Titans, attacks Hekate and tries to make her his consort

🤔 My Thoughts: I just read Marrow which features Hekate and her powers. I'd recommend reading it if you liked this- but beware the triggers. Hekate went through the painful stages of becoming an adult and true goddess. She went on a quest for purpose and to find out what happened to her parents. After being betrayed by Styx and others, she comes into her forbidden power of necromancy. War is waged and Hekate defends herself, freeing her father from prison and getting three wishes from Zeus and Poseidon. I loved her HEA!

Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level 0/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Hachette Audio| Little, Brown Young Readers, and Nikita Gill for this ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful retelling of the story of a young Hekate, it deals with the complex issues and characters and relationships within mythology in a way that isn't overwhelming or confusing. The reader did a beautiful job with a stunning story.