𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

𝐈, 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐚’𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲—𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥, 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠—𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝!

“What matters is power and those who wield it, because they’re the ones who get to decide what’s true and what’s a lie.”

This book was beautiful and heartbreaking. Ayana Gray's I, Medusa is a deeply moving retelling that breathes new life into the myth of Medusa.

The world-building is both lush and immersive, with the writing bringing a fresh perspective to a well-known myth, while exploring timeless themes of power, trauma, and identity. Gray crafts Medusa as a protagonist with depth and nuance, far from the one-dimensional villain often seen in mythology. She allows us to truly understand Meddy as human: as a friend, a daughter, and a sister. Gray's Medusa is flawed, but in a way that is incredibly relatable to anyone who has ever felt used or manipulated by those in power.

I loved this book so, so much. It's one of the best things I've read so far this year, and I think it's an incredibly important addition to the evolving myth of Medusa.

Thank you to Random House for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I'm going to go recommend it to everyone I've ever met.

Wow, I ate this book up! I couldn't put it down. I love Medusa retelling. I believe this one is my favorite so far! Ayana Gray Souls be so proud of herself for this one.. It was beautiful written ave I will never stop recommending this book! I loved everybody about it. Before reading these retellings I believed Medusa to be a Villian but now she has a special place in my heart.. it was tragic and beautiful.

Thank you to the publisher and author for this arc.

As someone who only knew the general story of Medusa, I enjoyed this origin story as my initiation to dive deeper into her story. The details were, of course, heartbreaking and I had so many emotions while reading. I felt for Medusa and was angry, frustrated, and sick to my stomach at a lot of things that happened. I loved that Medusa was a Black girl and using locs/hair as a form of power really resonated with me. I thought the portrayal of SA was well thought out and explored the intricacies of this topic in a respectful and truthful way.

I was excited for this author's adult debut but I will have to say that this still read upper YA to me. I know a lot of us were expecting more lyrical or complex language in this retelling but the writing is more straightforward. I still enjoyed the book but had a tiny bit of disappointment while reading.

I, Medusa feels like a fictional autobiography. It's a unique way to write a book. Medusa is a staple in Greek mythology. She is mostly portrayed as a villain. This story offers the reader a back story to how she became a mythological monster. I was intrigued by the title, description, and book cover. The story did not disappoint and you can definitely judge this book by it's cover. My only feedback is that it is not noted as sapphic and did not expect that part of the story.

I received this as a free advanced reader copy. All the opinions are my own.

wow, i just, ugh, its hard to find the words. the men and sadly, some of the women in this book are the real monsters because AHHHH *cues feminine rage scream* as the book says “that’s the curious thing about monsters…the worst ones don’t bother hiding in the dark”.
everyone knows of Medusa but this is THE story of Medusa or even better, Meddy. Ayana Gray gives Medusa the humanity that most don’t and shows that in the end, all you truly need are your girls by your side. she weaved this heartbreaking story beautifully, i highly recommend this book because everyone should read this and learn from it! 5/5 stars forsure🌟

Thank you Netgalley for the arc of I, Medusa. I have been a fan of Ayana Gray for a while, so I have been looking forward to this one since I've heard about it. Plus, Medusa is by far my favorite Greek mythology villain. Her origin story is something that I think is finally starting be delivered in a more understanding light.

I knew very little about this book before I picked it up. I wasn't sure if it was going to be a close retelling or a more creative take. When it was all said and done, it was a version that I knew with appropriate and interesting liberties taken to make it more engaging in today's society.

I LOVED that she ended up being Black. Already marginalized in today's society, I think it was a good reference point for those who don't know Medusa's story. I also really enjoyed the light given towards her childhood and the hardships she endured. This was a relatable subject to so many women who find it hard to discover their voice and enact their "revenge". Her growth, as both a person and in anger, was apparent and justifiable.

I do wish that Meddy was aged up slightly (I know 17 isn't too young, but with the sexual assault themes, it sometimes makes it harder for me to stomach... as it should), but I do understand why she was kept so young and the audience that it was leaning into. It, I suppose, was to make slightly more compelling as well, though it did not need it. I also thought it was a smidge of a slow read towards the middle. The beginning was great, then it lulled, and it picked back up for me the last 60 pages or so.

All in all, this was worth it! I could see adding other myths shooting off this story, but is also a solid standalone.

I love a good villain origin story. This was one of the best ones that I've read in a long time. Medusa is a side character that people read once and not think about how she became the monster that she was. This story not only gives clever background to her but also gives a sense of empowerment to this character. The ending was a little abrupt for me even though we all know how the story ends for her. However, I did like the story about her two sisters. That is something that no one ever talks about even though it is in the history of Greek mythology. 100% would recommend if you are into the stories of gods and goddesses.

This book is written from the view point of a seventeen year old and I feel this book would be more suitable for someone of the age range (17 to 20) because even though it had mature themes (violence against women: Physical and sexual, prejudice, bullying and manipulative behaviour) they were glossed over and some parts read like an afterschool special. I was going into this book thinking it would be a dark more adult book than it was.

I did enjoy this author’s writing style. It was very easy to read. Not an over amount of description or world building so I was able to read it quite quickly.

Something that turned me off about this story though, was that Medusa had very poor decision making skills. She doesn’t show very much common sense in a lot of her actions and is very gullible. Also, things like her sisters seeming to know all the rules about their curse after only an hour also put me off.

All in all I did like this story but I feel that it was written with a younger audience in mind. I would recommend this book to someone in that younger adult age group but for someone like myself in my forties.

[Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy of this book.] This is a fresh, exciting take on the story of Medusa, one that centers the character (rather than the champion or the Olympians involved in her eventually death), all while tackling still relevant themes around race and sexual assault. Medusa boldly tells the story from her own perspective (hence the “I” in I, Medusa), which makes it stand out in the increasingly flooded landscape of retellings of Greek myths. I love how the author shows us a Medusa who is complex, flawed, and dynamic, ever-changing as she learns from all the people and gods in her life and as she adapts to the various struggles she is forced to endure. The transformation scene is so so well-written and I really loved the overall story arch (divided into sections based on Medusa’s own self perception and more). Really really loved this whole story from start to finish!!

Wow—what a stunning retelling. I, Medusa is a powerful and lyrical reimagining that breathes new life into one of Greek mythology’s most infamous figures. In recent years, I’ve absolutely been living for all the feminist takes on classic myths, and this one absolutely earns a spot at the top of the list.

We all know Medusa as a monster—one of the most iconic in all of mythology. But, as this book so beautifully explores, monsters aren’t born—they’re created. This is the first time I’ve truly read a full, rich backstory for Medusa. Sure, I knew how she came to be cursed and why her image is tattooed on so many bodies, but I’d never felt her story until now. Ayana Gray gives her depth, heartbreak, strength, and fury—and once you’ve read this, it’s impossible to ever see Medusa as the villain again.

Gray doesn’t hold back when it comes to portraying the gods as they are: cruel, capricious, and disturbingly entertained by the pain of others—mortals and lesser deities alike. It’s a story full of betrayal, power, identity, and ultimately reclaiming your narrative. I was completely swept up in it.

This was my first Ayana Gray novel, and it will definitely not be my last. If you’ve loved retellings by Casati or Saint, add I, Medusa to your list immediately. It’s gorgeous, gutting, and unforgettable.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved it, and I can’t wait to see what Gray writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC of I, Medusa.

I always love reading books about Greek mythology. This one was nothing different, I could not get enough of this story. It is an emotional and tragic retelling of the story of Medusa, the famed Greek mythological figure who had snakes for hair and could turn people into stone after being cursed by Athena.

The way the author has her take on the story of Medusa is fresh and she succeeded in the effort to have a more diverse cast of characters that reflect more valiantly the real array of people found in Ancient Greece.

This book should definetly be on other people's TBR as the way the author is able to have a phenomenal take on Medusa's villain origin story. I know I have already recommended the book to others I know!

Even though I knew how the story would end knowing how Medusa came to be about but I found myself wishing things were different for her.

I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author!!

Thank you net galley for the arc . This made me so angry for Medusa and for all women who’ve experienced violence at the hands of men and even worse other women . The rewriting of her as a young black girl on the cusp of womanhood who was failed by every single adult in her life. I just really wanted her to get her revenge and be able to be free and happy with her girlfriend . This made me feel and hurt so much . Truly a beautiful heart wrenching tribute to the woman who was never a monster but a survivor

This is a very enjoyable reimagining of Medusa’s story. I love the creative liberties Ayana Gray took, including portraying Medusa as a young Black woman and introducing new characters. These changes add depth to the story and further humanize Medusa’s character.

While the book explores some dark themes (TW for readers) and is the author’s adult debut, I think it still often leans toward YA lit — particularly in its prose, thematic choices, and the use of hypocorism (“Meddy”) throughout. That said, I don’t think this is a drawback. The writing is strong and riveting, and this accessibility allows it to, hopefully, reach a wider audience.

Overall, I really like the book and would recommend it to both fans and non-fans of Greek mythology!

(Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Ayana Gray for the ARC.)

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Ayana Gray for the ARC.

<i>I, Medusa</i> is a powerful reimagining of the iconic Greek myth, recast through the lens of a woman of color. Ayana Gray breathes new life into the legend by centering Medusa’s humanity and origin story. Her relationships with her sisters, the intimacy of caring for each other’s locs and the sacredness of braiding as craft, and the immigrant experience are particular standouts.

Medusa has long been vilified in traditional texts, painted as a monster rather than a survivor. Gray joins the chorus of contemporary storytellers reclaiming her narrative—not as a cautionary tale, but as a portrait of resistance, rage, and resilience in the face of violation and injustice. The novel does not shy away from the trauma inherent in Medusa’s myth. It treats it with honesty and weight, especially in her fraught entanglements with Poseidon (trigger warning for those unfamiliar with the Greek myths: sexual assault) and Athena. These dynamics are navigated with nuance, revealing the layered complexities of positions of power and the expectations of women in society.

I highly recommend reading through the end notes to learn more about Black representation in mythology and in antiquity in general. She has a long list of impressive beta readers and collaborative authors. This was my first novel from her, but I look forward to reading more from Ayana Gray. <i>I, Medusa</i> is a searing, necessary addition to the mythological canon and a triumph of voice, perspective, and storytelling.

This book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest review.

i will be posting a better review on my bokkstagram @bookshelf.mel but i wanna say WOOW!! i really loved this book. thank you netgalley, random penguin house and of course, the author Ayana Gray for this book. i have been obsessed with Greek Mythology all my life. reading that version of Medusa’s story was very good. i loved Gray’s writing style and i will be adding her books in my to be read!
4.5/5 star for me!!

I devoured this book—a stunning retelling of the story of Medusa. Ayana Gray perfectly encapsulates the qualities of the mythological character that has enraptured so many. I enjoyed this read so much that I can't wait to get a physical copy to add to my bookshelf.

A full review will be published closer to the release on Muses of Media (musesofmedia.ca)

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

“All men are stupid and cruel.” “Some are just better at hiding it.” This book was an amazing read! I love Medusa and her story. I can relate to it and the way this version was written, I found myself feeling all of the emotions. The rage with her, the way she felt being dismissed and then cursed. I fell in love with her character in this book. Gray did a wonderful job with that. She also didn’t hold back on the viciousness of the Gods and Goddesses. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and the author for the eARC.

This was good! I absolutely love Greek mythology and books based on it, so I've read some really GOOD retellings but also some really BAD ones. This one didn't disappoint. Rather than the standard story of how Medusa was slayed by the hero Perseus, 99% of this book is a reimagining of her childhood, through the events leading up to her becoming a gorgon, to after she was cursed.

A fast read, the story really drew me in with beautiful writing and an array of well-fleshed-out characters who ranged from loveable to despicable (we all know the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology were vicious, after all).

With a strong female lead in Medusa, the story also portrays various heavy themes that are important though at the same time did not completely take over the story. Gray imbues them perfectly without making the story feel as if she's trying to totally "push an agenda", which I appreciated.
That said, I think some trigger warnings have to be noted for readers (see further below).

Overall beautiful, tragic, hopeful, and emotional. A good read for anyone wanting a fresh reimagining of one of Greek Mythology's biggest would-be villains!

Trigger warnings: sexual assault, rape

This book was everything I wanted and more. I was sucked in from the very first chapter. I loved Ayana's writing style and I thought the retelling was unique in so many ways. I loved Medusa's character and her relationship with her sisters and the feminine rage embedded into every facet of Medusa's being made this book impossible to put down.