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pippling's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
I loved this retelling of the myth of Perseus told from the perspective of three women, his mother Danae, his wife Andromeda, and his victim, Medusa. This is a Greek myth brought to life by realism and without the intervention of gods or monsters. The story is medium-fast paced, and full of emotion and beautiful scene-setting. For a fairly short novel it’s full of heart, if often heartbreaking!beetdirt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Murder, and Abandonment
takekarame's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder
oliviawright1014's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Rape
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rating: 5/5 stars
Told from the perspective of three women—Danae, Medusa, and Andromeda—The Shadow of Perseus is a feminist reimagining of the myth of the Greek “hero” who founded Mycenae.
I usually enjoy a retelling, so I had high hopes for this book, and when I tell you it still BLEW. ME. AWAY. I was a bit nervous that the structure (each part focusing on a different protagonist) might make the novel feel disconnected, but instead the different characters wove their stories together PERFECTLY and I was so deeply drawn to all three of them and the tales they had to tell. And it’s not just the protagonists that are well-written…the villains in this book are perfectly rendered and deeply, magnificently hatable in parts as well (I may have wanted to google “does Perseus die a violent death???” a few times—sorry, not sorry).
Heywood does so much here with regard to commentary on stories/myth, the voices of women, and how history is remembered and passed on, but the best part is that she manages to pack all of this into a book that is also extremely entertaining, fast-paced, and simply fun to read (though also emotional and heartbreaking in more than a few parts). I have a feeling she’s just become an auto-buy author of mine, and I need to go get my hands on Daughters of Sparta asap.
If you enjoy retellings, PLEASE go read this one.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: Greek mythology; feminist retellings; vibrant characters
CW: Sexual assault/rape; confinement/kidnapping; emotional abuse; murder/blood/violence; suicidal thoughts
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Slavery and Pregnancy
livthebooknerd's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, and Abandonment