Reviews

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

Only show reviews with written explanations

katieconnor's review against another edition

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3.0

i wanted to like this way more than i did so am kinda disappointed… idk why i just found it quite boring at times

daylemaree92's review against another edition

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adventurous informative slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

bez9918's review against another edition

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3.0

I found this to be interesting but lacking the depth I was hoping for. It is an attempt to tell Medusa’s story, as a victim of both the gods and Perseus. It also combines the idea of Medusa both starting off as a gorgon as well as being mortal.
This jumps around to a lot of different perspectives which I believe was an attempt to make the story feel more well rounded but I thought it prevented a deeper connection with the character we were supposed to be focusing on. I did love the section when we get the perspective of her snakes. I thought that was super well done and interesting without moving away from Medusa.
I’m also unsure of how I feel about painting Medusa solely as a victim. I understand trying to show a view of her that isn’t a monster but she was fully passive this entire book. The only actions she takes isn’t even painted as her own, they are painted as a separate being-Medusa’s severed head. Medusas head is characterized as separate from the character we had been seeing. I think having our intended focus being something deserving of pity doesn’t leave a good taste in my mouth.
Interesting take on the story of Perseus and Medusa but I wish it had been more than it was.

ndutta20's review against another edition

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dark sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

haylurone's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny sad

Loveable characters? No

4.5

lizziecz's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

It was fine. Nothing remarkable for my journey.

the_castle_library's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

5.0

A story of Medusa along with so many other Greek Gods and Goddesses. WARNING: It does touch on s***** a****** as that was apparently very big in the history and lore of these deities 😮‍💨

Throughout the story we follow Zeus, Hera, Athene, Calliope, Perseus, and Medusa through multiple narratives.

Athene struggles to find her place among the Gods.

Calliope becomes vain and causes upset amongst the Nereids, which has severe consequences.

Perseus sets out on a quest to save his mother, which reveals his character as cowardly and arrogant.

Medusa lives a very peaceful life with her immortal sisters, Euryale and Sthenno until it is disrupted when she visits Athene's temple alone and meets Poseidon.

Content Warnings