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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
tashasbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Athena's Child is a feminist retelling from Medusa and Perseus' perspectives of his adventures and the gorgon villain. It is being traditionally republished after initially being self-published!
We follow Medusa from the beginning of her life, and how she became a priestess at the Temple of Athena. After she was preyed on by another god, she is cursed by Athena to life a life as a monster. Perseus is born to his mother Danae and Zeus. In order to save his mother from a horrible marriage to a ruthless king, he is tasked with bringing back Medusa's head. This story jumps from each POV.
I already was familiar with this Greek myth and have read many books similar. Greek mythology traditionally treats women as part of the men's story, and this book illustrates it well. There is an inherint patriarchal society where women must protect themselves from men's intentions and if they are assaulted, it becomes their fault. Even the gods perpetrate this, as we read in the book. I found it interesting how the author also showed how the women were entrenched in this type of society and reinforce it. After hearing Medusa's story, her own mother blames her.
I just had a huge pit in my stomach after finishing this book. Medusa is easily emphasized with in this retelling. She is forced to bear the brunt of the pain of other actions. Another part that I found unique and interesting was the relationship with her sisters/the other gorgons.
I really loved this retelling, it was very emotional and heartbreaking. This is a very quick read, less than 200 pages so I picked it up and read through it in a day. It is a short book with lots of time jumps, and I do feel it would have benefitted from being longer. In the middle of the book, I wish the characters and certain plots were more fleshed out.
The ending was so indicative of how stories and myths have treated Medusa and other women. Don't expect a happy ending (as is typical with greek myths for women). But overall, it really touched me and I very much recommend this book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGally for proving me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
We follow Medusa from the beginning of her life, and how she became a priestess at the Temple of Athena. After she was preyed on by another god, she is cursed by Athena to life a life as a monster. Perseus is born to his mother Danae and Zeus. In order to save his mother from a horrible marriage to a ruthless king, he is tasked with bringing back Medusa's head. This story jumps from each POV.
I already was familiar with this Greek myth and have read many books similar. Greek mythology traditionally treats women as part of the men's story, and this book illustrates it well. There is an inherint patriarchal society where women must protect themselves from men's intentions and if they are assaulted, it becomes their fault. Even the gods perpetrate this, as we read in the book. I found it interesting how the author also showed how the women were entrenched in this type of society and reinforce it. After hearing Medusa's story, her own mother blames her.
I just had a huge pit in my stomach after finishing this book. Medusa is easily emphasized with in this retelling. She is forced to bear the brunt of the pain of other actions. Another part that I found unique and interesting was the relationship with her sisters/the other gorgons.
I really loved this retelling, it was very emotional and heartbreaking. This is a very quick read, less than 200 pages so I picked it up and read through it in a day. It is a short book with lots of time jumps, and I do feel it would have benefitted from being longer. In the middle of the book, I wish the characters and certain plots were more fleshed out.
The ending was so indicative of how stories and myths have treated Medusa and other women. Don't expect a happy ending (as is typical with greek myths for women). But overall, it really touched me and I very much recommend this book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGally for proving me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence