Releasing on November 18th, 2025, I, Medusa is Ayana Gray’s adult novel debut 🖤 My love for mythology started with Percy Jackson (as I’m sure it did for many of us). I try to pick up almost any mythology retelling I see because even though the premise of the stories are the same, the interpretations & modernizations are endless. This story is heavily researched & written in beautiful, yet heart-wrenching prose. The feminine rage balanced with the calling to help others is masterful. I absolutely devoured this book in one day & could not put it down. #netgalley #randomhouse #IMedusa

Thank you to Random House Publish for a copy of this arc! All opinions are my own!

I went into this one semi-blind. I’d read the synopsis ages ago before receiving the ARC, and I’m not deeply familiar with the myths and lore surrounding Medusa. Instead of refreshing my memory, I decided to just dive in and I’m glad I did.

I never quite knew where this book was going, and it kept me on my toes the whole way through. As with many villain origin stories, it was a heartbreaking journey. Despite coming from a somewhat privileged background, Medusa faces immense hardship. The story weaves in themes of modern-day racism and class in a way that felt powerful and relevant—being bullied for her darker skin, for being from a different island, even for people trying to touch her hair without consent.

Another theme that struck me as well was how it tackled the deeply rooted sexism that still echoes through our world today. Medusa’s story has always been tied to the idea of being punished simply for being a woman—whether for her beauty, her autonomy, or just existing outside the expectations of others. This book leaned into that, showing how women are so often vilified, silenced, or reshaped by the narratives of others. It made the retelling feel not only timely, but necessary

I’ll admit, it wasn’t exactly my favorite that Medusa was portrayed so young. YA isn’t usually on my radar, and I tend to lean toward stories with older characters or adult themes. That said, the writing was strong enough to hold my attention, and I still found myself deeply invested in her story.

This was a compelling read, and I honestly wish there had been more—more details, more insight, more answers. I was left with lingering questions: What happened next? Where did they all end up? I’m not sure if the author intends to continue the story, but I’d be absolutely thrilled to return to this world, even through the lens of a side character.

Ayana Gray has single-handedly made Medusa one of my favorite characters in Greek mythology!

I, Medusa is part of the newer trend of humanizing villains that has seemed to gain a lot of traction in recent years. This book gives a lot of nuance to the character of Medusa who, in most retellings, is reduced to nothing more than a monster. Here, we see Medusa as a somewhat sheltered seventeen year old girl who is desperate to escape the island she has spent her life on and finally get a chance to experience all the things she has dreamed about.

I, Medusa is broken up into 4 parts: Mortal, Maiden, Mistress, and Monster. Gray uses each part to develop Medusa as a woman who loves strongly and has an unwavering sense of right and wrong. As the story progresses, we begin to see flashes of the anger typically expected of the legendary Gorgon Medusa - but from our new perspective we see that the anger comes from a sense of justice rather than pure evil. Medusa is a complicated character, but one I grew attached to despite knowing her tragic end.

Ayana Gray tackles some tough subjects in this book: racism, sexism, abuse and sexual assault, but handles each topic with the care it deserves. I, Medusa was an incredible story - and Ayana Gray has proven herself as an author to look out for!

“You are not a monster, you are only what they made you.”

Thank you NetGalley for this digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Whew, this book was beautifully devastating. I believe most of society knows the legend of Medusa, but Ayana’s ability to keep true to the lore while adding modern elements to this story was incredible. While the content of this book contains extremely sensitive material I found it so compelling. I loved the way Medusa is so completely raw and complex. I’m a sucker for a villain origin story but I love it so much more when it truly makes you say. “You know what, good for them.” This book is going to be big. If you haven’t preordered I highly suggest you do it.

I liked this one a lot! It kind of reads like YA a little, but I loved the retelling of a classic myth. I think this is a really solid option for anyone that loves that corner of the reading world, and I'm really glad I read this. I think it could have been a bit more elevated, but she is like 17/18 in the book, so I guess I can understand from that perspective. A solid read!

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.

This was a story of Medusa before she became the legend and I loved the idea of exploring the who she was.

The writing was great and overall I had a decent time with the story. In a world of men and Gods we got to see the injustices that women go through. The blame that falls onto them when the fault is actually someone else's. I think the author did a phenomenal job showing that.

Unfortunately I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. I know it's supposed to be an adult book but it read very much YA to me. In this story she is 17/18 and the decisions she makes and her reactions are in line with that for the most part. She was 17 and didn't know what sex was. It's not the most unbelievable thing considering the times and how sheltered she was but I found myself annoyed by how naive she was yet always felt like she knew it all.

As someone who doesn't prefer YA it definitely affected my reading experience.

I just didn't love Meddy's character all that much. I was never really rooting for her. I found myself rolling my eyes often when she lost her temper or made decisions only based on how she felt. She was selfish and never really thought things through or about how her actions affected others. She also wasn't a good friend.

So when she found herself on the end of an injustice, I found myself not caring as much as I should've. My anger came from being a woman and thinking more in the broad sense of what men can get way with but I didn't really care what happened to her.

I went into this for the villain era storyline but it never really felt like she actually entered one.

It was a good read and I'd recommend giving it a try. While I wouldn't say it's for me the writing is great and it's beauty to be found in the story.

This book has changed my life for the better. The way Anaya Gray wrote this book is absolutely phenomenal. The way that she wrote and portrayed Medusa is something that anyone can relate to as a young a woman. I can’t stop thinking or talking about it. It’s been a long time that I have read a book that I could relate to the fmc and I found myself crying so much throughout this because I found such comfort in Medusa and what she was going through. Absolutely beautiful story.

This book was phenomenal!!! Ayana did so well with this retelling of Medusa's story and the way she made the characters black was flawless! I felt so SEEN in this story especially with the FMC having locs. The way Meddy cherishes her hair and embraces it, is the way same way I love my locs. Which is the reason why I almost cried reading *that chapter* (IYKYK)! I love how Ayana brings to light real dark issues that women deal with day to day. I hope this story touches every black woman's heart like it touched mine. I hope Ayana keeps publishing adult reads!!!

Thank you Random House for my ARC in exchange for a honest review!

Ayana Gray’s I, Medusa is not just a retelling—it’s a reckoning. Gray writes Medusa not as a monster, but a mirror. One that reflects centuries of silenced voices and stolen power. It echoes through generations of women who’ve been wronged, blamed, and cast aside. Gray weaves in threads of feminine rage and resilience, crafting a story that feels ancient and urgent all at once.
So here's to turning a thousand men to stone for our sisters. 🥂

I've always been a big fan of retellings and mythology, so l knew this book would be perfect for me, and I was so right. Ayana Gray masterfully crafts a story for Medusa that we all very much needed. Medusa's story has always been a tragic one, and this story goes further into that. There are some dark themes in here, but if you know anything of Medusa's story you will likely already be aware. All said this story is masterfully written and does an amazing job showing that villains are not born that way. A beautiful story with a tragic end.
A huge thanks to Net Gallery for hosting this book and to the publishers and author for approving me to be an
ARC reader.

A hopeful tale of the girl Medusa was before she became the woman we know from legend. Ayana Gray's first novel is a triumph of connecting Medusa the person to Medusa the monster.

This was truly unique! I don’t know a lot about the Medusa myth so I really enjoyed getting a larger picture. The author really brought to life what Athens must’ve looked like at that time.

I kove retellings and this one didnt disappoint. It started a little slow, then it pulls you in. I love the human mistakes and feelings the fmc experiences. She is neither bad or good just very human which encompases big feelings, as well as mistakes. Even the guilt she sometimes feel living her curse. It was done very well.

Feminist retellings of myths, mainly Greek myths, tend to disappoint me. They often put the FMC into a role of existing merely for bad things to happen to her; she lacks any agency in her own story and is merely moved where the plot takes her, like a boat adrift in the sea.

This is not how I felt in the slightest reading I, Medusa. This characterization of Medusa is breathtaking. In all media I’ve consumed about Medusa, she is victim or villainess. Here, Medusa is just a person. She has flaws and strengths and you love her all the more for these nuances in her personality. The righteous anger she feels at seventeen is deeply relatable—in ancient Greece or in 2025, it’s hard to be a girl.

This is a character that will stick with me for a long time. I love Meddy so deeply. Even knowing how her story would end, my heart still dropped to the floor at the epilogue, hoping against reason that something would change.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read the eARC I, Medusa in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a "villain" origin story. I say villain because that the stories call Medusa a monster. This is a coming of age story about a young woman on the cusp in adulthood, who finds her sheltered existence upended by the Gods.

BUT this Medusa reimagining is not a tale of woe in my humble opinion. It is a tale of strength and courage and of finding your own path in this world. It explores adult themes, consent, non consent, hate, anger, and love, so please note this is not a YA book.

I loved getting to know Medusa in this way. The writing was spectacular and drew me right into the world of the mythology and Gods. This book releases in November of this year and I highly recommend it if you enjoy Greek Mythology, fantasy stories, and villain origin stories. I can't say too much more but I think this was a fantastic book and I'll definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.

I cannot thank the publisher enough for the e-arc of this book. If I could give it 10 or 15 stars I would. I have always loved Greek mythology and have always been fascinated by Medusa and other “monsters”. When I write that my heart ached for Medusa in this book, I mean that I felt the sisterly love, the confusion and sorrows Meddy experienced as well as the rage for the way men treat women. This book was so beautifully written that I have no other words. It was captivating, all consuming, and will linger in any readers mind for days to come. I also have great disdain for the Greek Gods who were known to fool around but especially Poseidon after this book. I’m absolutely positive that this will be a best selling book of 2025.

“In these situations, it isn’t the truth that holds weight. What matters is power and those who wield it…”

Ayana Gray’s I, Medusa arrives not as an echo of centuries-old traditional mythos, but as a reinterpretation of the infamous Gorgon’s origin. Gray’s fiercely loving “Meddy” is seventeen, full of all the requisite naivete and longing for freedom but surrounded by the Greek pantheon who all seek to use her as a pawn in their ancient scheming.

While this novel does deal with some troubling subject matter – anyone familiar with the myth will be prepared for discussion of sexual assault and consent – Gray has a deft hand and avoids unnecessary graphic violence. Engaging with ideas about power dynamics, gender, and consent, Gray defies centuries of framework that depicts Medusa as the monstrous object of conquest and instead reclaims her agency as a girl, a sister, and a priestess. Gray’s scholarship and wealth of knowledge is obvious – she respects the canon while exploring opportunities for expanding the story. The result is a moving and accessible retelling that humanizes a sometimes-opaque Greek mythological figure.

I highly recommend this novel for anyone who is even the slightest bit interested in Greek mythology.

4.5 stars
Ayana Gray delivers a bold and emotionally rich reimagining of one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures in I, Medusa. This book is fierce, lyrical, and thoughtfully layered, threading ancient myth with modern resonance in a way that is both powerful and deeply affecting.

Told in the first person, Medusa’s voice is raw and commanding. Gray doesn’t flinch away from the brutality Medusa endures, and yet she also offers her dignity, complexity, and agency. This isn’t a tale of a monster born, but of a young girl forged in fire, betrayal, and pain. Gray’s interpretation challenges the reader to question the narratives we’ve been given and the voices that have long been silenced.

The worldbuilding is lush but accessible, weaving familiar Greek myth into something fresh and immersive. Gray’s prose shines — rhythmic and cutting, full of sharp edges and aching beauty. There’s a simmering anger under the surface of every page, but also moments of quiet grief and introspection that balance the rage with emotional depth.

Supporting characters are layered and often morally grey. The relationships, especially those between women, are a highlight — tense, intimate, and richly drawn.

If there’s a critique, it’s only that at times the pacing dips in the middle, and a few plot developments feel slightly rushed toward the end. But those are minor compared to the sheer impact of the narrative as a whole.

I, Medusa is absolutely amazing — a reclamation of voice, power, and myth. This is a book that will linger, challenge, and inspire.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I couldn't wait to read this book. I've heard and read different versions of Medusa's story before, but never like this. A girl looking for her purpose and her place in the world. This book had everything: love, betrayal, revenge, and power. I couldn't put it down, and I felt Meddy's story to my core. So devastatingly haunting, so well written. Great world building, great character development. Add this to your TBR now!

I really enjoyed this story. The quick overview or reminder of Greek mythology in the beginning was helpful, Medusa's backstory was interesting and her character development was phenomenal. The author did a great job of relaying Medusa's emotions and thoughts. I fell in love with many of the characters and instantly disliked many as well adn my opinion changed about many of the characters as the story progressed. The society mentality of blaming a female victim while the male perpetrator getting away with no repercussions is extremely enraging. It touched on this topic again and again and drove home the point of people in power taking advantage and what constitutes saying no, also lack of capacity. Later in the book the sisters were consumed by their hatred of men while Medusa's emotional state was more complex and she found love, was willing to show mercy, and did not assume all men were evil but did still struggle with her anger and need for revenge. In the end she became a tragic figure of myth.
I want to thank NetGalley and Random House for giving me early access to this title and I will likely be buying this book when it is released to keep in my personal library and likely read again. I would recommend this book to other readers and will post a review at the time of release on GoodReads.