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poseidons_siren's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have always and will always be so picky and critical of the myth of Medusa. She is my favorite in all mythology and her story is always confused and misconstrued. Not with Natalie Haynes. Haynes is a goddamn mastermind, beautifully integrating both Greek and Roman style myths into something so incredible and breathtaking that I'm without words and was choked up on many occasions while reading. Medusa was born a gorgon, yet not. Born beautiful, but still a monster. Taken advantage of, made a monster, loved, feared, used, betrayed. This was the most beautiful and stunning books I've ever read, and I do not mean that lightly. I loved this book so much and I love Haynes immensely more for creating such a work of art.
jenhurst's review against another edition
3.0
I think this was good but I just felt like there was something missing, that’s holding me back from giving it a higher rating.
amyborch's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
Story of Medusa from her perspective. What makes a monster?
mclark224's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dlt603's review against another edition
4.0
"Who decides what is a monster?"
This was a mythology retelling that covers several different storylines which come together. I saw other reviews clarify that this is more the story of Medusa than Medusa's story and I agree with that. I really liked all the different perspectives, the various narratorial chapters and the occasional comedic dialogue. I loved the Gorgon sisters and the way they cared for each other. I was also happy with the way everything wrapped up and explained some things as we see and know them today.
This was a mythology retelling that covers several different storylines which come together. I saw other reviews clarify that this is more the story of Medusa than Medusa's story and I agree with that. I really liked all the different perspectives, the various narratorial chapters and the occasional comedic dialogue. I loved the Gorgon sisters and the way they cared for each other. I was also happy with the way everything wrapped up and explained some things as we see and know them today.
danielledtetreau's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- 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
A humanizing version of Perseus’ quest to save his mother where Medusa is centered. Fantastic audio version.
michaelj4242's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
hmreed's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
zoeblair's review against another edition
It was good just heavier than I wanted at the moment. I do plan to go back to it eventually but not yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
ec_holland's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.75
I think the marketing as a feminist retelling of Medusa’s story is a big miss.
Yes, it is the Medusa myth - but she is like a side character. It’s the entire context of the myth, but honestly Perseus is a bigger character and more central character overall - and they also incorporate how he came to marry Andromeda.
The writing style is very good and each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective which is really interesting and well done. This is the only thing I enjoyed.
CW:
They are so, so fucking flippant about rape. It is really unsettling how it is treated in a “dark comedy” kind of off-handed instance that just happens over and over and over and over.
Overall - disappointed by the promise of Medusa’s story to then have it barely be about Medusa.
Yes, it is the Medusa myth - but she is like a side character. It’s the entire context of the myth, but honestly Perseus is a bigger character and more central character overall - and they also incorporate how he came to marry Andromeda.
The writing style is very good and each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective which is really interesting and well done. This is the only thing I enjoyed.
CW:
Overall - disappointed by the promise of Medusa’s story to then have it barely be about Medusa.