Medousa

We all know Medusa as the evil women in Greek mythology that turns people to stone. But why was she portrayed that way throughout history? What turned her into a “monster”?

Michael F. Butchin tells Medusa’s tale from her early beginnings in Sparta. She underwent many traumatic things that made her the women she is.

The story is told beautifully and very well written. We see Medusa not as the evil monster she is usually portrayed as, but as a human being who went through such pain and misery.

a complete epic about a woman and her life which strays away from the traditional narratives about Greek life and mythology. It’s expertly told and forces to reader to confront any preconceived notions of the gods and monsters and heroes.

I’m literally obsessed with Greek mythology. Every time I find a book related to the topic I have to get my hands on it and read it. Which is also what happened in this case.
The book follows the life of Medusa, it is described in great depth as it is also a very long book (probably the longest I’ve found on the argument) so it was rather impossible to be disappointed by it.
Also the writing was just sooooo good.
Highly recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Epikoros Publishing for an advanced copy to this novel.

Greek Mythology is a rich area for storytellers, filled with characters and situations that can be drawn on, adapted and even made richer and more complete with the addition of historical facts and modern sensibilities. Michael F. Butchin has done so in his novel Medousa, taking the character known for his stony gaze as the Gorgon and given life, love and a chance to share her story.

Medousa born of noble blood, enslaved, cursed by the god Athena who finds her end on an island at the end of the world, from a hero who is acclaimed for his great actions. A simple sounding story, but the story of Medousa is shaped by trauma and actions outside of her control. Nothing she does seems to ever go right, from helping innocents beset by foul creatures, who turn out to be offspring of friendly Titans. All the stages of her life things happen to her, that leave her more damaged, but she continues to strive on.

The book is well written, with a few different styles telling the story of Medousa at different stages. The characters are historical or mythological, and exist clearly in this world. The book is a lot to read, to maybe it would be best to read in stages. Sometimes the life she is given does wear at the reader, but the story is never dull, and never without something to think about. Not fun in the conventional sense, but a very compelling read.

I love mythology, folklore etc and so this book was a m-ust for me and it was such a fresh and refreshing read. I loved that it didnt just recycle the old myths again by retelling them but, however, retold them in a fresh way by telling the reader about Medusas life and how she got where she was, like most people in this wprld she was a victim of circumstance and injustice and was villified for that and this retelling explains her plight perfectly. I also loved the other aspects of Greek Mythology told in this book such as Troy again told with a fresh view. I loved it

I love Greek mythology and I always get excited to read something based on it. This book was a really well done read, the characters were great and I loved this take on Medousa.

I love Mythology and I was very intrigued by Medusa's back story. This was a fantastic book, though possibly a little bit long . I would still recommend
Thank you for this eARC

Great and Amazing Tale...................
Medousa by Michael F. Butchin is indeed an amazing tale of Medousa, a Gorgon. The author while narrating the story has portrayed a world where women are considered low in comparison to men. We have always read Greek Historical Fiction stories from a Hero's point of view. But, this book narrates the story from Medousa's point of view.

I loved the plot and there are some astonishing facts and anachronisms. But, they make the story more and more interesting. Medousa is not only a Greek Tale but an account of women of valor and strength. I would surely give the book 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.

I have always been fascinated by the tale of Medusa. I even wrote a short story with her as one of the main antagonists. So, when I came across this book, I couldn't wait to read it. I'm glad I wasn't disappointed.

First, this book is long. So long in fact that I found myself wanting to just skim everything to get to the end. Except, I already knew the ending so why the rush? It made me realize that this novel is not for those who are impatient, and yes, there could be some sections that could be left out, but at the same time I really found myself enjoying how Medusa was brought up and what she learned as she grew into a young and beautiful woman. What made this novel even more interesting was the fact that just like Homer and The Iliad, the gods are present in all their selfish and omnipotent glory. By the end I really hated Athena. Hated a few of the other gods and goddesses too.

Anyway, if you have always been a fan of Greek mythology, then I highly recommend this novel. And, thanks to Netgalley for the read.