micaelacccc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Violence, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, and Grief
Minor: Child death
kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The premise of a retelling of Medusa’s story from her perspective is one that I can appreciate but the execution of it in this book was hard to get into. The writing style made reading feel like a chore even when the story itself was interesting.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Abandonment, Death, Child death, Confinement, Grief, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Pregnancy, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Violence
juliezantopoulos's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"But history is written by the winners. Or, more simply, history is written by men. ... The sad thing is I am not even surprised by these lies. I was not the first woman to be blamed for a man's flaws and I certainly will not be the last. ... I claimed earlier that beauty was my first curse, but perhaps it was actually being born a woman."
This book broke my heart. The cover claims Medusa as Gorgon. Killer. Monster. Victim. Survivor. Protector. Told from the POV of Medusa herself, we see her born to a mother who didn't love her, abandoned at a forgotten temple for Athena and raised by a Priestess in seclusion. Then we follow the harrowing events of her r*pe and subsequent cursing by the very Goddess she swore her life to. It's absolute bullshit.
"And how I wish this vile behavior had died out with our world, but I watch, outraged yet not entirely surprised, as the same tragedy echoes throughout generations, leaving an endless trail of broken victims and unscathed perpetrators."
I was so angry at times and at others bursting with respect for Medusa. Also, the Gods were assholes. There, I said it. I'm sure liberties were taken with the mythology of Medusa, but to be honest, I am not familiar with much of the original material or other retellings. What I do know is that this one resonated with me. It's powerful. It's raw. It reclaims things stolen from women, from victims, and it healed a part of me I didn't know was a bit broken. I highly recommend it for anyone who thinks they can handle the content. It's not an easy read but it's a beautiful one.
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Rape
Minor: Child death
yadirapb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
A MUST for greek mythology lovers!
LOVED every second of this book! First of all: English is not my first language so sometimes reading in english I have to read pages 2-3 times to get it but this was such a quick and easy read!
Impossible to put down!
LOVED every second of this book! First of all: English is not my first language so sometimes reading in english I have to read pages 2-3 times to get it but this was such a quick and easy read!
Impossible to put down!
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Child death
kenziebeck's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
Moderate: Pregnancy, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Child death and Rape
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