This one was a slow burn in every sense — and while that can work for some stories, it just didn’t fully hit for me.
The writing was lyrical and had some truly powerful moments, especially when it dove into themes of womanhood, rage, and reclaiming power. I loved what it wanted to do.
But the pacing dragged in places, and I found myself waiting (a little too long) for the story to pick up. Medusa as a character had depth, but I didn’t always connect with her journey. It felt more like an idea than an immersive experience.
If you’re into slow, poetic retellings and don't mind a heavy atmosphere, you might enjoy it more than I did. But personally? I wanted more fire from the flame.1

I was not expecting to be grieved at the end of this book but I am, I am pissed! While I've watched plenty of things that depicted Medusa none really give her main character energy and she is easily forgotten. This book show the making of a monster and how sometimes others choices effect you greater than your own.

The conversations around rape in this book was perfectly showcased. 2 separate instances described differently but ultimately the same thing. I loved that.

I also feel somewhat ecstatic that her murderer is named...becasue 🖕🏾 him for real.

Villain origin story + Greek Mythology + retelling = GIVE ME MORE!!!!!! I am super into Greek mythology so this read was a no brainer, I especially have a soft spot for Medusa. The rage just radiates through the pages and keeps your turning for more.

I am new to the fantasy genre, however, Greek mythology has always been fascinating to me. This retelling of Medusa was absolutely fantastic. The character development and imagery truly allowed for the reader to immerse into the tale, and I couldn’t put this book down!

Being a part of the black community, and reading about character features we are often scrutinized for (i.e. our hair) being used as a sense of power for Meddy was so beautifully done. This is definitely one of my top reads of 2025!

Medusa has always been a fascinating story no matter what version I read about her. This plot was a new version of the ancient story. This did not let me down.

This gives Medusa origin story that fits perfectly for the old tales about her. It’s full of female rage that is immensely written.

Recommended to any who are interested in Greek mythology and like stories about justified female rage.

FANTASTIC... I could not put this down. So well done. I can not recommend enough!!! I binged this book (like read 70% in one night staying up WAY too late) I just could not put it down.

Fabulous story of a very well known character. Job well done Ayana 👏👏👏

I am very grateful to Net Galley and to Ayana Gray for allowing me to read her newest book in exchange for an honest review. This is her first book for an adult audience; previously she has written a trilogy for young adult readers; Beasts of Prey, Beasts of Ruin and Beasts of War. I've never read them, but her current book has made me curious about them and I intend to seek them out.
Looking at the title of the book, I realized that I knew little about Medusa out of the minor part she played in Ray Harryhausen's 1981 movie "Clash of the Titans", starring Harry Hamlin. As a Science fiction and fantasy geek as a child, I must have watched that a dozen times on television. Harryhausen's monsters were some of the best, pre-CGI. What surprised me is that I never wondered why Medusa was who she was or why the Greek gods were so desperate to kill a monster who wasn't actually bothering anyone. This is Medusa's story, more of a tragedy than a story of a monster. I was pleased that Ms. Gray stayed within the framework of the early legends; like all predominantly oral histories, the framework is the same but the details change according to the flavor of the teller and the moral of the story.
Medusa is the only mortal daughter of sea gods that existed long before the Greek gods gained ascendancy and were supplanted by them in power and worship. Her parents, two immortal sisters and a few slaves are now confined to a very comfortable but isolated island in the ocean. She has never known any other life unlike they rest of her family and as a result, experiences their position and lot in life differently. She is unaware of a number of family secrets that would have given her context and perhaps would have prevented the tragedy. Medusa is accutely aware of the abuses of power between greater and lesser gods, immortals and mortals, men and women. She often feels compelled to defend those who cannot defend themselves, but her choices of who and how she defends the defenseless tends to be the shortsighted and impulsive reactions of a mortal teen who still has more than mortal abilities. Even though she tries to do the right thing for the right reasons, like most adolescents her impulsiveness and unwillingness to listen to those wiser than her contribute to her tragic ending.
Ms. Gray's worldbuilding is beautifully constructed without being overly detailed, and it reminds me of a Patricia Briggs story; Ms. Brigg's Mercy Thompson books combine mortal, partially immortal and godlike characters and the ways in which their approach to life is informed by their lifespan. The characters felt real to me; I could recognize the absolute power of an abusive parent in her description of Pharys and Ceno. Medusa's anger at the unfairness of the world reminds me of a young adult trying desperately to understand the rules of adulthood while feeling oppressed by their own lack of status. This is what really attracted me to the book; not just the reclaiming of a myth, but that it describes the struggle to develop a sense of personal agency in a world that all too often still defines women by their roles as children, as wives and mothers and denies them the sense of independence that men are allowed. Women are rarely seen as heroes. The historic Medusa was originally seen as a protective figure and often guarded the fronts of houses prior to the Greek gods. Her protective nature is clear in Ms. Gray's characterization of Medusa. Her betrayal by gods more powerful and older than she is an essential part of the myth, but this book gives her a voice that the myth does not. I am quite impressed that she chose not to name Medusa's "heroic" killer; he has already had more than his share of notoriety and in this story is more of an assassin than a hero.
At some points I felt that she was perhaps more naïve than is reasonable, such as being completely unaware of the mechanics of sex at 17; even islands in the ocean have small animals and the slaves on the island that procreate even if her parents and siblings don't. Despite this, I thing this would be an excellent book to discuss at a book club; it's description of power dynamics between men and women is still applicable in many ways (and reminds me of certain political situations that have occurred in recent memory).

As a longtime fan of Greek mythology retellings, I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC—and it did not disappoint.

I’ve read quite a few Medusa retellings, and this one quickly became a standout. If you're new to Greek mythology, this is a fantastic place to start. The story is incredibly accessible.

Gray doesn’t hold back. Though the book is relatively short, it delivers a powerful emotional punch. The writing is lyrical and evocative, making this a truly memorable read.

Also the cover, so beautiful. A++

*I, Medusa* is a stunning, ferocious reclamation of myth that breathes fiery life into one of history’s most misunderstood figures. Ayana Gray crafts a Medusa who is tender, ambitious, and achingly human—a girl who dares to dream beyond her lineage, only to be punished by the gods for her light. From the glittering streets of Athens to the dark corners of betrayal, this novel pulses with emotion, power, and a righteous fury that refuses to be silenced. With lyrical prose and sharp feminist insight, Gray transforms Medusa’s tragedy into a triumphant origin story of resilience, rage, and self-creation. This is not just a retelling—it’s a reckoning.

Phenomenal book. First of all, I loved that Medusa was black. I love how her hair and features were described. I also loved the queer representation in this book. I feel like this story was the “redemption” that Medusa needed. While tragic, her story was powerful. This book was overall very emotional for me, but I loved every moment of it.

I, Medusa is beautifully written, and I’ll do my best to do it justice. While almost everyone is familiar with Medusa’s story, this retelling stands out as truly exceptional. I’ve read other versions before, but this one has become my favorite. You don’t need to be deeply knowledgeable about Greek mythology to follow the plot—it’s accessible and engaging.

The book is charged with such powerful emotion that you can’t help but feel every twist and turn. I found myself deeply connected to Medusa’s character, even hoping her story could take a different path because I genuinely wanted the best for her.

If you’re obsessed with mythology like I am, you’ll love this amazing retelling by Ayana Gray! I, Medusa is the reimagined tale of Medusa, one of three Gorgons with the ability to turn people to stone. In this book the author gives us the story of Medusa or “Meddy’s” origin story. It begins with Medusa being the only mortal among her family of immortal beings and her complicated relationship with her parents who are minor gods. She believes that she’s destined to live in the background until she meets the goddess Athena who gives her the opportunity to be a priestess in her temple. As a priestess in Athens, Meddy finds her herself in some difficult situations and grows close with another god, Poseidon; little does she know he will completely alter her entire life. Follow the heartbreaking, enraging story of how she came to be a Gorgon and her rise to power as she finds her new identity.
This is such a beautiful story of betrayal, love, sacrifice, and female rage. As someone who has always loved Medusa, I love that the author changed the narrative. I felt the emotions and ability to relate to her journey so deeply. I highly recommend to fans of The Song of Achilles, Circe, or Clytemnestra. Definitely read the trigger warnings as there are themes of abuse, SA, and violence (always protect your mental health).

I want to start this review by thanking Ayana Gray, Random House Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Who doesn’t love a Greek mythology retelling? I feel like you don’t see a lot of Medusa retellings, so I was very excited to read this. I was not disappointed. I loved that even though I know the story of Medusa, this story felt fresh. I was never bored. I enjoyed how much of the story was focused on Medusa’s time as an acolyte in Athena’s temple. I have seen some negative comments on that point, but I think it really humanized her. It made her turning point that much more impactful.
If you are a Greek mythology fan, I recommend you check out this one. Heck even if you know nothing about Greek mythology, check this one out.

To know the story of Medusa is to imagine the horrors she went through. In I, Medusa, this retelling does more than just explain how the story came to be. It is an example of how those in power take advantage. I spent my time reading falling into the beauty of the story. Amazed at her situation, proud of how she was in control of her destiny. To only find out there was no control. The manipulation. My heart completely broke in the end. To see and connect this story to current events. How easy it is, how manipulated and twisted some can be. Ayana Gray is brilliant in this storytelling because of the reflective pieces that she allows all victims (and friends of victims) to connect with.

I loved this story. I loved the pain. I loved the honesty and transparency. And most of all I love Medusa.

I, Medusa is a haunting and powerful reimagining that redefines one of mythology’s most maligned figures. Ayana Gray gives Medusa a voice—full of pain, fury, and strength—and the result is both heartbreaking and empowering.

Rather than a monster, we see a woman shaped by betrayal and divine cruelty. The gods are unapologetically brutal, and Medusa’s journey to reclaim her story is both gutting and unforgettable.

Gray’s writing is lyrical and sharp, making this a must-read for fans of feminist myth retellings. I couldn’t put it down, and I can’t wait to read more from her.

I, Medusa is a fierce, lyrical, and unforgettable reimagining of one of Greek mythology’s most iconic “monsters”—but this time, she’s given a voice.

Ayana Gray breathes powerful, emotional life into Medusa’s story, transforming her from a cautionary tale into a fully realized woman shaped by pain, betrayal, and resilience. We meet her first as a young princess, then as a devoted acolyte of Athena, and ultimately as the “monster” history remembers. But in Gray’s hands, she is no villain—she’s a victim of the gods, a product of cruelty and power imbalances, and a woman reclaiming her narrative in the face of centuries of silence.

This isn’t the first Medusa retelling I’ve read—but it’s easily the most poignant and affecting. Gray doesn’t flinch when portraying the gods in all their capricious, violent glory, nor does she sugarcoat Medusa’s pain. Instead, she invites us into her grief, her fury, and her heartbreaking longing for agency. I found myself desperately wishing her fate could be changed, even knowing how her story ends.

The prose is stunning—elegant, immersive, and full of raw emotion. Whether or not you’re well-versed in Greek mythology, this book welcomes you in and makes every scene vivid. You don’t need to know the myths to be moved by the story; Gray’s writing ensures that anyone can follow Medusa’s journey and feel its impact. The world is so richly drawn that I could ✨see✨ every place Medusa traveled.

What makes I, Medusa stand out is how fully it humanizes a character who’s long been flattened into a villain. By the end, you don’t just understand Medusa—you feel for her. You rage for her. And you will never look at her the same way again.

Fans of Jennifer Saint or Natalie Haynes will absolutely devour this, but Gray’s voice is uniquely her own—gorgeous, gutting, and bold. This was my first novel by her, and it will not be my last. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time—and yes, it deserves a special edition with sprayed edges and a place of honor on every mythology lover’s shelf.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the early copy. I adored this book, and I can’t wait to see what Gray writes next.

This is an excellent book and a beautiful retelling of a girl who is continually demonized in history. I loved the depth that the author gives to Medusa and the way she unpacks the idea of what it means to be a strong woman, whether we should be happy with any kind of gender-based reduction of who we can be even if it’s packaged in empowering language, and what self-acceptance really looks like. I’d definitely recommend this with a HUGE trigger warning for sexual assault!

I LOVED THIS! Can we talk about how all Meddy wanted to do was find herself and how when she got right on track- hurdle. I really think Ayanna stuck her foot in this book. (Ebonics for she did amazing.). When you get the opportunity please check it out. Medusa never gets enough promo I loved this as much as jumping off point for looking for more books about her.

I would consider this book less a retelling and more a shift in perspective. Greek culture villainizes Medusa, but this book really emphasizes her position as a victim. Books like these always force a reader to consider these old stories and how they contribute to ongoing misogyny in society.

It might be a little early to post this review but I devoured this book and needed to talk about it with y’all!

Genre:
Greek mythology retelling

Fav Quote:
I highlighted like half of this book so I’m thinking of doing a little quote series to celebrate its publication day 👀 keep your eyes peeled on November 18.

What I Loved:
* With PJO roots and an obsession with Greek myths since childhood, I knew this was going to be right up my alley. Well, I’m here to tell you that Ayana Gray delivered with a devastating and gripping retelling that is glaringly relavent to what we’re experiencing in these times.
* She brilliantly highlighted the role and duties of women in a world where misogyny rules, while delving into the meaning of power and how it can be wielded as a tool for both justice and oppression.
* I loved the way relationships were explored in this book, particularly those with Medusa’s family. Ayana also did not shy away from delving into the more complex, negative, even manipulative nature of Medusa’s relationships, especially those with Athena and Poseidon. I appreciated the way she handled them within the story - she did them justice.
* Ayana beautifully captured the diversity of Ancient Greece - in relationships, love and identity.
* The portrayal of female rage!!!
* Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book ❤️

For Fans of:
* Madeline Miller
* Donna Tartt
* Natasha Pulley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this eArc! I, Medusa releases on 18 November 2025.