Incredibly mediocre. As much as this book grabbed me at first, I kept reading by sheer force of will alone. Medusa has no compelling motives, or no motive at all. She simply drifts from thing to thing. Characters appear and disappear. The plot simply happens to Medusa, and the novel feels like its lacking a theme - or if it was there, it was muddled. Many scenes felt random, and I was unclear to the weight/significance.

All in all, in a world riddled with Medusa retellings, I see absolutely no reason to read this one at all.

Nataly Gruender takes on mythology with an inventive twist or two, and a contemporary voice that mingles with classic elements. I enjoyed this book a great deal and would recommend to a wide range of readers.

This retelling of Medusa is an absolute triumph! The author beautifully weaves together themes of strength, resilience, and the power of choice, creating a narrative that is both empowering and deeply moving. Through Medusa's journey, we witness the importance of family, friendship, and self-discovery in overcoming adversity. The portrayal of Medusa as more than just a monster, but as a complex and multifaceted woman, adds layers of depth to her character, making her story all the more compelling. This book is a testament to the strength of women and a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing our own agency and voice in a world that often seeks to silence us.

I received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this. I haven’t read a Medusa retelling yet and this one was beautiful. I loved how true to mythology she kept this (as possible anyway, mythology is weird). The plot was a little slow, but not in a bad way. There’s plenty of action happening, but it doesn’t read like an action packed thriller. It’s honestly intriguing what she’s managed to do here. I love following Medusa’s journey and meeting all of her friends throughout the way. The ending was pretty good, it wrapped up loose ends and gave us a happyish ending.

The characters. Y’all, I love a good retelling when not all the gods are dicks. Dionysus is a gem and I love him so much. This is very pro fem power in its plot and characters both. Everyone is well thought out and has a lot of depth. We have plenty of time to get to know Medusa, but the characters that have smaller roles still endear themselves to you.

Her writing is flowy and artsy, but not difficult to read. She does a wonderful job painting us pictures of landscapes and helping us feel what the characters feel. The only downside to prophecy books is that, well, you know the ending. Especially in a situation like this.

I have to give this a 4.25 overall. It was a solidly good read, but a bit slow for me in a few spots. It strikes me as more of a mood read, but it has enough action to be a quick read too.

We all know the story of Medusa and the Gorgons. It is classic Mythology 101. What the author strives to do is retell Medusa's story from the perspective of Medusa herself and bring the humanity into the myth. We look at the beings of the Gods, Goddesses and other Immortal beings within the retelling as less Devine and more realistic with mortal emotion at times.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was a lovely perspective of Medusa’s story that is not often heard. It shows the tragedy of being collateral damage in a war between gods.

It was an easy read, and kept my attention the whole way through.

An absolutely beautiful retelling of Medusa’s story. Nataly had such unique way of tying in other gods and deities to this story, and pulled off incorporating these individuals without the book feeling like a lesson in mythology. Medusa’s story is a rough one, but Nataly handled it with such care and thoughtfulness towards victims. This version of Medusa’s story focuses a lot on the power of sisters, friends, and protecting those you love along the way, as well as finding your happiness when something terrible happens to you. I absolutely adored every moment Medusa had with her sisters and Dionysus.

Really enjoyed this “retelling” of Medusa. I feel she always gets a bad reputation and I enjoy when an author fleshes out her story more. Very charming and sad at times, but a great read!

Nataly Gruender does a great job in bringing Medusa to this novel. I enjoyed getting to know Nataly Gruender’s version of Medusa. It had everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the Greek mythology element to the story, it worked with what I wanted and glad it was so well done and left me wanting to read more.

Everyone knows the story of Medusa, but no one knows it quite like this.

I was so amazed going into this book with the way that Medusa is so fleshed out. From her estranged relationship with her sisters that slowly heals overtime to her time in Athena’s temple, tedious as it may have been. This author digs deep and creates a captivating story that pulls you in the longer you read.

It was heartbreaking to read the abuse that she suffered, not only at Poseidon’s hands but also inadvertently Athena’s. Watching her get punished in a war between the gods, knowing she is a victim pulled on my heartstrings. She is an innocent caught in a battle she never should have been apart of.

The way she tried to get used to her monstrous form, the people she met along the way- not only those she turned to stone but those who learned who Medusa was on the inside and got past her appearance. The way she almost had love…

Prophecies that set the world against Medusa before she ever step foot into it… doomed from the start, but still managing to live.

I will say there were a FEW moments that read on the slow side, but they were far between. I didn’t want to put the book down. This is shaping up to be one of the better books I’ve read in 2024 so far and I can’t wait to see what else is to come from this author.