Scan barcode
emusing's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A beautiful reflection on the meaning of the word monster and power imbalances while also being hilarious in places. This book really sets itself apart from other Greek mythology retellings I have read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
anniehayez's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
One of my favorite audiobooks of the year so far. I love the narration and it was done by the author. She can really convey the attitudes of her characters and I love it. Watching all these stories connect was fascinating. I kept wondering how they would fit together. I’ve been on a binge of mythology retelling recently and this is only second to Circe maybe. I would 100% recommend the audiobook. I will probably even listen to it again
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Violence
elizabeth_lepore's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and War
hilly_em's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment
literaryscouser's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Really great retelling, good pace and interesting changing of narrator. The twisting stories are well told and come together nicely.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Violence, and Sexual harassment
kirstym25's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Murder
Moderate: Violence and War
abbyarm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, and War
Minor: Incest, Infidelity, Grief, and Pregnancy
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
i wish this focused more on medusa's story. i feel like the whole thing was about perseus :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Incest, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
lalalauren20's review against another edition
dark
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I thought this was a solid book. I will say I only know of Medusa and her stories from her portrayal in movies and media so I never had the opportunity to understand her as a person instead of how she is always portrayed as a monster villain. I think that the multiple perspectives gave me a whirl because in the beginning i kept having to flip back to the beginning page to understand who was talking. I enjoy Greek mythology so this was a fun story that I had been waiting to read for a while.
At the end, in the chapter where Athena and Medusa’s decapitated head are having a discussion; it felt so unnatural. Given the fact that Athena was the one who cursed Medusa and then was chatting it up with her on the beach and Medusa was the one who got the final glance at her, i suppose it was mildly bittersweet. HOWEVER, I feel like this scene was completely out of context and would have made more sense had it been Perseus. But, I must say that I wish there was a picture of this famous statue that was included so as someone who does not keep up with the great Greek disputes of scholars would be included in what was being visualized.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Violence
bandysbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Medusa? Feminist retelling? By a well-established author of Greek mythology retellings? Yes, please! Sign me up! When I saw this listed under available audiobooks, I immediately sent in a request.
I delved into this story with enthusiasm and was mostly satisfied with what was delivered. This is a multi-POV story that gives us chapters from the Gorgon sisters, Athene, and Perseus in addition to Medusa. All of the chapters collectively bring us the story of Medusa's life and the events outside of her control that cause her eventual fate.
I thought the characterization of the various gods and demi-gods was very well done. I appreciate that they aren't glorified or made to seem benevolent. Haynes really leans into their awful behaviors toward mortals and it honestly makes a lot more sense.
I also loved how she chose to characterize the Gorgons. They may appear monstrous, but even monsters love their family. She really did a good job of humanizing them and making us care about their plight. It made the emotional response to Medusa's story that much stronger.
My only real qualm with this story is that I expected it to be more about Medusa in her own words since this was marketed as a feminist retelling.. Instead, we have more chapters of other people talking than we do of her talking. It sort of allows her voice to be a bit squashed by everyone else. Perhaps that is an intentional choice that mirrors exactly what is happening to Medusa within the story, but I do wish I'd heard a bit more from her.
As for the audiobook, I believe Haynes narrates this herself. I thought the narration was smooth and easy to follow. She voices each character well and with the right emotions in the right places. I have no real critique to offer in terms of the narration.
All in all, whether you listen to this or read it, if you enjoy Greek mythology retellings, I think you'll likely enjoy this one. Medusa is a compelling character, made more so by Haynes' treatment of her.
I delved into this story with enthusiasm and was mostly satisfied with what was delivered. This is a multi-POV story that gives us chapters from the Gorgon sisters, Athene, and Perseus in addition to Medusa. All of the chapters collectively bring us the story of Medusa's life and the events outside of her control that cause her eventual fate.
I thought the characterization of the various gods and demi-gods was very well done. I appreciate that they aren't glorified or made to seem benevolent. Haynes really leans into their awful behaviors toward mortals and it honestly makes a lot more sense.
I also loved how she chose to characterize the Gorgons. They may appear monstrous, but even monsters love their family. She really did a good job of humanizing them and making us care about their plight. It made the emotional response to Medusa's story that much stronger.
My only real qualm with this story is that I expected it to be more about Medusa in her own words since this was marketed as a feminist retelling.. Instead, we have more chapters of other people talking than we do of her talking. It sort of allows her voice to be a bit squashed by everyone else. Perhaps that is an intentional choice that mirrors exactly what is happening to Medusa within the story, but I do wish I'd heard a bit more from her.
As for the audiobook, I believe Haynes narrates this herself. I thought the narration was smooth and easy to follow. She voices each character well and with the right emotions in the right places. I have no real critique to offer in terms of the narration.
All in all, whether you listen to this or read it, if you enjoy Greek mythology retellings, I think you'll likely enjoy this one. Medusa is a compelling character, made more so by Haynes' treatment of her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Abandonment