2023 American Writing Awards Finalist in Fiction: Fantasy

“Kouidou-Giles creates an unexpectedly vivid, moving story of clashes between titans and the disparate forces around them. This lends a flavor of epic fantasy adventure to the read that will draw audiences from mythology, fantasy, and fiction genres alike. Libraries and readers seeking evocative, compelling stories about new alliances and power plays will find An Unexpected Ally builds on Greek myth and psychological insights to create a story that is thought-provoking and thoroughly engrossing on many different levels.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Kouidou-Giles's novella is a tale of women taking back their stories. The prose is mesmerizing and the journey heartfelt. Few legends of this time end well for women, and this novella is a refreshing glimpse of ancient world beauty, sisterhood, and new beginnings. Recommended!”
—Historical Novel Society

“Author Sophia Kouidou-Giles has crafted a work that masterfully intertwines ancient Greek mythology with timeless themes of humanity, offering readers a captivating narrative filled with beauty and intrigue from start to finish. . . . An Unexpected Ally is a must-read for fans of Greek history, mythology, and interpersonal drama.”
—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Sophia Kouidou-Giles delights us from beginning to end in this modern retelling of the sorceress Circe. Inventive and captivating, An Unexpected Ally deserves a sequel.”
—Susan Ayres, professor, author of Walk Like the Bird Flies

“Both young and old know the suffering of love’s end . . . and the disaster of wrong attraction. But if you happen to be the sorceress Circe—a shape-shifter and spell-caster—the outcomes are unrestrained by human proportion. An unforgettable story of infatuation, tragic error, and redemption for readers of all ages.”
—Jean Gilbertson, author of Dancing on the Whisper of God

“From the beginning pages, Sophia Kouidou-Giles pulls the reader into a magical world where Greek goddesses and gods come to life. With luminescent prose, she weaves a psychologically astute study of Circe—each chapter compels the reader on to the next. I found the novel absorbing and enlightening.”
—Kathryn Crawley, author of Walking on Fire: A Novel

“In this playful yet deeply impactful romp of a novel, reimagined age-old tensions refresh familiar tropes from love triangles to the battle of the sexes. Quick-paced and wildly inventive, An Unexpected Ally entertains just as much as it informs, offering enduring insights into the complexities—and compromises—that women so often find themselves compelled to make in a male-dominated world, whether in the ancient world or today. Circe and her companions are freshly vibrant and surprisingly familiar; and their story—part reimagined myth, part contemporary critique—will startle, surprise, and certainly leave you smiling.”
—Susan V. Meyers, author of Failing the Trapeze

“Exploring An Unexpected Ally by Sophia Kouidou-Giles was an unforeseen, delicious surprise. Sophia Kouidou-Giles’ novella deftly eschews such bland storytelling, providing us instead with characters who, despite their superhuman powers, are nonetheless flawed, which adds extra spice to the narrative mix. Furthermore, we also have the opportunity to explore the experiences of women endowed with power, ingenuity and, importantly, a convincing voice.”
—Clare Morris, poet, author of Devon Maid Walking, and Editor of The Blue Nib