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savage_book_review's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Another day, another Greek myth retelling... I just can't help loving this particular trend! Medusa does seem to be particularly popular at present, and as I've already read another retelling of her story this year and both claim to be 'feminist' retellings, I was interested to compare the authors' approaches.
The author of this book hasn't wasted words - it's only 208 pages long - and yet the writing is beautiful detailed, emotive and paints a wonderful picture of the events described. The flow of the writing is brilliant; it flies by, but the story doesn't feel rushed, and the change in perspectives is less jolting than others I've read (although at the same time it does come with no warning, so if you are unfamiliar with the tale you might find yourself momentarily confused). If you're looking for a quick read that is more than just a bit of fluff, this would be a great one to pick up!
One of the best things about retellings is that, although the characters and settings might be familiar, everyone has their own approach. Even better with mythology, ther tends to be multiple versions of the same myth to start with, so there are many different threads a subsequent version can pick up on and run with. In this case, I really enjoyed the human family of Medusa, and the fact you get to see her as a human for more than just the awful moment which draws Athena's wrath. I found that this meant you could identify more with the characters after they undergo their transformation as you had a tangible thread of humanity to cling onto. It also helps portray the distinct unfairness of Athena when she chooses to punish Medusa for being the victim of assault, and the ultimate weakness of humans against the power of the gods.
It is likely that, when Perseus shows up for the first time as an adult, you will be likely to think "here we go again... they've turned the Greek hero into a moaning, frustratingly self-centred little boy". And to an extent you'd be right; he's definitely not portrayed as a proper Greek hero should be. But, after the initial immaturity, he does become far more likeable as a character. Ny the time of the final 'showdown' between Medusa and Perseus, your opinion of him should have changed a fair bit, it's a great bit of writing which just goes to prove that you can be feminist and still have a man there to support you.
If I could ask for something to make this book a 5⭐️ read, it'd be an extension. The pace and length of the book does mean that there is very little depth or room for exploration. The book doesn't need it, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to see more of the author's thought processed and individual flair.
Very good!
The author of this book hasn't wasted words - it's only 208 pages long - and yet the writing is beautiful detailed, emotive and paints a wonderful picture of the events described. The flow of the writing is brilliant; it flies by, but the story doesn't feel rushed, and the change in perspectives is less jolting than others I've read (although at the same time it does come with no warning, so if you are unfamiliar with the tale you might find yourself momentarily confused). If you're looking for a quick read that is more than just a bit of fluff, this would be a great one to pick up!
One of the best things about retellings is that, although the characters and settings might be familiar, everyone has their own approach. Even better with mythology, ther tends to be multiple versions of the same myth to start with, so there are many different threads a subsequent version can pick up on and run with. In this case, I really enjoyed the human family of Medusa, and the fact you get to see her as a human for more than just the awful moment which draws Athena's wrath. I found that this meant you could identify more with the characters after they undergo their transformation as you had a tangible thread of humanity to cling onto. It also helps portray the distinct unfairness of Athena when she chooses to punish Medusa for being the victim of assault, and the ultimate weakness of humans against the power of the gods.
It is likely that, when Perseus shows up for the first time as an adult, you will be likely to think "here we go again... they've turned the Greek hero into a moaning, frustratingly self-centred little boy". And to an extent you'd be right; he's definitely not portrayed as a proper Greek hero should be. But, after the initial immaturity, he does become far more likeable as a character. Ny the time of the final 'showdown' between Medusa and Perseus, your opinion of him should have changed a fair bit, it's a great bit of writing which just goes to prove that you can be feminist and still have a man there to support you.
If I could ask for something to make this book a 5⭐️ read, it'd be an extension. The pace and length of the book does mean that there is very little depth or room for exploration. The book doesn't need it, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to see more of the author's thought processed and individual flair.
Very good!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity and Blood
radear's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
carlithian's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Fantastic read, the two leads stories were intertwined very well
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Rape, and Death of parent
Moderate: Miscarriage and Suicide attempt
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
thelittlebookishnerd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was a super fast read, a little too fast for me. With a retelling, I was expecting more backstory for Medusa. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Large chunks of time were skipped between chapters which was confusing, I think having "X years later" would've been helpful.
I might try to continue the series in case this was a one off and the others are written differently and have more detail.
I might try to continue the series in case this was a one off and the others are written differently and have more detail.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
maddiereadswords's review
1.5
Honestly, if this book weren't so short I probably would have DNFed it. The writing was just absolutely not working for me. There were so many random time skips, and POV switches that it was sometimes difficult to tell when and where I was in the story, and the narration was so far removed from the characters that they all ended up feeling really flat. My biggest problem with it, though, is the ending. It was so abrupt and there's sort of a summary of what happens after, but I wish there was more exploration of the aftermath of Perseus's choice. The epilogue sets up such an interesting conversation about toxic masculinity and the role it plays in myth-making, but this book is totally uninterested in having it, so it all just ends up feeling pointlessly brutal and even more tragic than the source material. Don't get me wrong, I am all for a feminist reframing of the Medusa story, but this was just so not it for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
chelsealeigh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
luna_is_superior's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This medusa retelling has my heart, the injustice the fear the mercy. Definitely a must read!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
stories's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Loved this. Short chapters, engaging “sub”-plots and enjoyable twists in a retelling of the Medusa story, well grounded on original canon and context. Particular kudos for keeping me guessing all the way through as to how it would end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Rape, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
momma_needs_to_read's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is a strong story of early feminism. When people think of Medusa, they don’t think of anything other than a snake-haired monster that turns men to stone. This retelling shines a whole new light on her. Most adaptations of the story of Medusa have her as this terrifying, horrible, monster and villain. In this adaptation, it shows up why and how that came to be.
The writing was amazing, all the emotions could be felt through the words and I felt really connected to Medusa.
I enjoyed the point of view of Perseus and, before that, his mother’s too. It added to the story and legend of Medusa and her eventual death.
This book is full of emotions which I didn’t expect. It’s also a great reminder of how, even in ancient mythology, men in great power can ruin a woman’s life and the woman is the only one that suffers.
The writing was amazing, all the emotions could be felt through the words and I felt really connected to Medusa.
I enjoyed the point of view of Perseus and, before that, his mother’s too. It added to the story and legend of Medusa and her eventual death.
This book is full of emotions which I didn’t expect. It’s also a great reminder of how, even in ancient mythology, men in great power can ruin a woman’s life and the woman is the only one that suffers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
applejacksbooks's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
I received a copy from NetGalley for review.
So what I like about this was that it's an easy, not overly dull retelling of Medusa and Perseus. It's perfect for when you're just starting to get into Greek mythos but don't want to read something like Madeline Miller's Circe (it's long and dry). I love that the author keeps it close to the original myth.
There were definitely some hard parts to read, like the parents being turned to stone and the sisters' transformation into murderers with no remorse (but like rightfully so because men suck), but I like that the author adds some instances of feminine rage. I wish there was more from Medusa's POV throughout the story.
So what I like about this was that it's an easy, not overly dull retelling of Medusa and Perseus. It's perfect for when you're just starting to get into Greek mythos but don't want to read something like Madeline Miller's Circe (it's long and dry). I love that the author keeps it close to the original myth.
There were definitely some hard parts to read, like the parents being turned to stone and the sisters' transformation into murderers with no remorse (but like rightfully so because men suck), but I like that the author adds some instances of feminine rage. I wish there was more from Medusa's POV throughout the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder