Darkly fascinating, Nikita Gill has created a vivid portrayal of a complex character and the world that she inhabited.
Once you get used to the poetric prose that Nikita Gill uses to tell the story of Hekate and how she reclaims her powers and her future, this becomes a spellbinding read that captivates the reader.
Playing out as a coming of age story, Nikita Gill takes the reader from Hekate’s childhood in which she is on the run with her mother from the war of the Gods. As she loses both of her parents, Hekete is left in the care of her aunt Styx in the Underworld – a place filled with danger. As she gets older she discovers that she is no ordinary child, leading her to go on the search to find out who she truly is. The underworld is given a vivid description here, highlighting the different aspects of it perfectly. Themes of self-discovery, inner strength and power are all powerfully envisaged through Gill’s poetic verse.
Perhaps the style and the slightly stilted nature in the way in which Hekete begins can be jarring in places, but once it settles into a rhythm and Hekete goes off on her journey of discovery in attemptt to rescue her father it makes for compelling reading.
Gill offers a really sympathetic telling of Hekete’s story, allowing the character to blossom in the right time and it is really enjoyable to see how the character develops in confidence in her powers.
The pacing and the way in which the story unfolds is impressively done . It is clear that every word and every aspect of the way Hekete’s journey has been very carefully plotted that by the end it is surprisingly difficult to say goodbye to the characters that we have been introduced to. Despite being set in mythical times, there is plenty that a modern reader can take away from this story (including having the courage of your convictions) and it becomes increasingly empowering as it goes on.
Gill has created an imaginative retelling of Hekete’s story, with the way in which it has been written highlighting the magical elements that lie right at the heart of it.
It also offers the opportunity to re-evaluate characters such as Hades who comes across as an immensely complex charcatcer here
With so many books being inspired by Greek mythology in recent years, Nikita Gill has created one that stands out because of the way in which it leans into the poetic qualities of these stories have at the heart of them.
For those looking for a refreshing and distinctive take on a mythological character who deserves to come out of the shadows more then we highly recommend Hekete by Nikita Gill.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hekete by Nikita Gill is available to buy now.