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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
theworldisyourlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
After my trip to Greece, this was a great book to pick up and continue learning about the Greek myths. I enjoyed this retelling of the story of Medusa and Perseus, it brought a new perspective to Medusa’s story—was she a monster or a victim of the gods?
It was quick read, that makes you reflect. There is always two sides to a story.
"Why is it that women are viewed as unstable? Women hold knives more often in the day than men ever do, yet it is not women who stab their husbands to death when they fear adultery. Women gather in clusters with friendships stronger than steel, yet it is not women who beat their husbands to the ground in gangs when a hint of wrongdoing echoes in the air. It is not women who require lover after lover, then make promises of love that they recant when darker hair and deeper eyes are cast in their direction. Time and time again, we are called out as the emotional ones, the irrational ones. Women don't get drunk like men and hurl insults at strangers or throw rocks in protests. Women use words and reason where men use fists and force. So why are we always second? Why is that, my Goddess? Why are we always second?"
It was quick read, that makes you reflect. There is always two sides to a story.
"Why is it that women are viewed as unstable? Women hold knives more often in the day than men ever do, yet it is not women who stab their husbands to death when they fear adultery. Women gather in clusters with friendships stronger than steel, yet it is not women who beat their husbands to the ground in gangs when a hint of wrongdoing echoes in the air. It is not women who require lover after lover, then make promises of love that they recant when darker hair and deeper eyes are cast in their direction. Time and time again, we are called out as the emotional ones, the irrational ones. Women don't get drunk like men and hurl insults at strangers or throw rocks in protests. Women use words and reason where men use fists and force. So why are we always second? Why is that, my Goddess? Why are we always second?"
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
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
skylover's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
this book started off slow with part two in particular dragging on at first, especially with an 18-year time jump, but i loved the ending. i'm not familiar with how Medusa's death happened, and this was such a hopeful, peaceful, and kind way to phrase her end compared to other myths. despite what Medusa may have thought about herself, she never lost her humanity, as demonstrated by her pleas for men to turn around so she wouldn't murder them, and even taking care of the process of getting rid of their bodies once they were cast in stone and i found this version of her sisters' fate new to me and therefore a unique twist to what i believed of the story. the author writes Medusa's time as a human and priestess with care and gentle caution so as not to trigger the reader, and I enjoyed her book discussion questions at the end. a quick read and a good one at that, i will be thinking about the ending for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Death
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
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
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
jilljemmett's review against another edition
medium-paced
5.0
Medusa was a beautiful human girl who was sent to Athena’s temple to be a priestess to save her from an early marriage. One day, she was visited by the god Poseidon, who raped her. When Athena discovered that, she punished Medusa by cursing her to turn anyone she looks at to stone. Perseus was born to a human mother as the son of Zeus. When his mother was sent to marry a horrible King, Perseus was given the quest to get the head of Medusa to earn his mother’s freedom. Medusa and Perseus are used as pawns for the gods, but they end up having more in common than expected.
This was a great retelling of Medusa’s story. She is often made to be the villain in stories, but she is actually a victim of the gods. In this story, she was born as a human and made into a Gorgon rather than being born one. I really liked the twist at the end. I didn’t expect it, but it was a nice way to bring the story full circle and connect Medusa and Perseus in an original way.
Athena’s Child is a beautiful retelling of Medusa’s story.
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me a copy of this book!
Content warnings: rape, spousal abuse, death, death of parents
This was a great retelling of Medusa’s story. She is often made to be the villain in stories, but she is actually a victim of the gods. In this story, she was born as a human and made into a Gorgon rather than being born one. I really liked the twist at the end. I didn’t expect it, but it was a nice way to bring the story full circle and connect Medusa and Perseus in an original way.
Athena’s Child is a beautiful retelling of Medusa’s story.
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me a copy of this book!
Content warnings: rape, spousal abuse, death, death of parents
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Rape, and Death of parent
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