Candidly, this book made me understand that greek mythology might not be my jam.

This story is a very in-depth retelling of Medusa's life from birth through adulthood. Those who enjoy mythological elements will definitely enjoy this story.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary copy.

Fans of Madeline Miller are going to SWOON for this debut!!! This was one of the most beautifully written retellings I’ve ever had the delight of reading. Before going into the book, I wasn’t even aware Medusa HAD siblings, but man do they make an impact. With beautiful prose and extensive research, Stheno and Euryale make their own debuts with incredible impact. I loved how sisterhood is highlighted in this story; showcasing both the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. I also loved how each of the sisters was finding themselves while also being with each other, and the struggle of “who am I? Is this all I’m to be?” This novel was also great at showing how easily women’s stories are manipulated or completely erased, whether it be due to man or gods. This retelling was so amazing that I find myself completely disinterested in any other retellings of Medusa and/or her sisters. That’s how completely amazing this book was. After I finished this book I had to sit with my thoughts for a while (it’s one of those novels). 10/10 would read anything by this author (she is now an auto-buy). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I’ve always loved reading books inspired by Greek mythology but Medusa’s story has always been one that hit my heart strings the most. This was a fresh take on Medusa’s story that people familiar with the story will enjoy and written accessible for people who don’t know much about Greek mythology.

This book is told from the point of view of Medusa’s two sisters. Even before they were transformed into Gorgons, Medusa and her sisters, Steno and Euryale, were unique among immortals. Curious about mortals and their lives, Medusa and her sisters entered the human world in search of a place to belong, yet quickly found themselves at the perilous center of a dangerous Olympian rivalry and learned-too late--that a god's love is a violent one.

I loved getting to know Medusa’s sisters they were characters with distinct personalities and aspirations that I was able to connect with. I loved the exploration of sisterhood, individuality, jealousy, grief, and humanity.

The small twists added to this story is what kept this story fresh and one of my new favorites. Athena’s motivations for cursing Medusa made SO much sense in this story and is the only way I can imagine this story from now on. I loved the weaving of other mythology stories and legends in this book as well.

Overall this was such a fun read and I didn’t want to put it down definitely recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC!

This is like the Wicked of greek myths! It was interesting to the see the events from their immortal eyes instead of Medusa’s. The sisters were so realistic and unique. Bear has some stunning prose and is a very talented writer. I love the changes she made to parts of the myth and can’t wait to see what she writes next. This should be on any Greek myth fan’s TBR.

It was fun to read a Greek mythology that didn’t revolve around the Trojan Horse . Little is known or written about Medusa’s sisters. I enjoyed this one!

There is a lot of history and mythology in this story about Medusa and her sisters. Told from a feminist's point of view, we learn more about the three sisters and how they are torn between two worlds. The writing pulls you into the world in a way that makes you feel you are amongst the Gods and Goddesses.

Have you ever heard the names of Medusa's sisters? No? Don't worry, you're not the only one. This book tells the story of the three Gorgons before and after their accursed transformations. Medusa is actually a minor character, with the focus on oldest sister Stheno and middle sister Euryale. The three girls become women together, learning tough lessons but reveling in the relationships they forge and the love they share, no matter the ultimate cost.

Read this if you:
🏛 could eat, sleep, and breath mythology retellings
👯‍♀️ have sisters, are a sister, have friends you consider sisters, etc
💧 love an emotional tale with vibrant characters

You guys. I have not loved a mythology retelling this much since The Song of Achilles. Euryale has my entire heart, but Stheno clawed her way in there by the end as well. I don't know if this book hit me so hard because sisterhood is a role I struggle with, but I'd love to hear your thoughts when you end up reading Medusa's Sisters!

I absolutely adore the way Lauren J.A. Bear chose to write this narrative — she brings a new perspective to "old" myths and origin stories, even intertwining some characters that you've never seen cross paths before. The prose itself is beautiful, and the alternating viewpoints of Stheno and Euryale are each emotional and impactful. At first, I wasn't sure why Stheno's voice is first-person while Euryale's is third-person, but I understood by the end.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and everyone, but even more so if you have a penchant for mythology or stories of strong women and their relationships. This is the first five stars I've granted in my last 126 books 😳

Thank you to Ace/Berkley, Lauren J.A. Bear, and NetGalley for my advance digital copy.

What a fantastic retelling. Hands down one of my absolute favorites.
Beautiful writing that is wonderfully poetic, and the story we didn't know we needed.
In an age of retellings this one stands out among the rest.
This book is so addictive you won't want to put it down.

I recently read retelling of Perseus from the perspective of the women in his life, including Medusa. My lack of knowledge of Medusa still begged for more - and this book gave it to me. A slow build, but oh the rage I felt on her behalf.
This is the story of Medusa that should be told; women are begging for this retelling. Strength. Independence. Inspiring fear. Living life on her terms - what a story.
One of my favorites for the year.

A stunning new Greek Myth retelling, in Medusa’s Sisters Laura J. A. Bear writes a sensitive portrayal of Medusa and her sisters, Stheno and Euryale trying to find their place in the world as women, and later, gorgons.

I love Greek retellings and this one did not disappoint. I liked seeing the story of Medusa being told from a different perspective than what we usually get. I think the author did a great job differentiating each sister's voice, and even if the titles hadn't been the sister's names, you would've been able to distinguish who was narrating. I did enjoy the overall growth & development of the characters.

I did find one of the sisters to be unbearable, and I just disliked her character so much, that it made it hard to read through her chapters, and although I love an advanced vocabulary, I felt distracted by the some of the vocabulary used at times. Even with not liking the one sister, it was still an entertaining book, and I enjoyed it a whole lot.

Medusa’s Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear is enthralling and complex, focusing on a unique perspective, the sisters of Medusa and creating a story that is distinct and moving reimagining of the myth of Medusa. One of the reasons that Lauren J. A. Bear’s tale is so fantastic is the creative use of Medusa’s sisters to tell a story that we think we know but Bear creates a new perspective by telling the story from the viewpoints of Stheno and Euryale. Not only does she bring to light their voices, their hopes and dreams but she creates an emotionally compelling new viewpoint on Medusa herself. It is creative, complex and gives a voice to the female voice that is so often kept silent. 

One of the other ways that Bear creates a new viewpoint is in spinning the tale of how Medusa is changed is by exploring a new aspect to the myth using LGBTQ themes to add depth and layer to the tale. We also get a beautiful and authentic exploration of early civilization in Greece, especially music and women’s roles in society. I love how we get to know Stheno and Euryale and their impact on Medusa as well as her impact on them both living and dead. The retelling adds unexpected twists and turns to the story and I love both the different perspective and an unexpected outcome. Even though we know Medusa’s ending, we may not know the full truth and I especially love the outcome of her sisters. 

If you love Greek mythology, history and unique voices, this is the story to read. The story is enthralling and complex, emotional and compelling and the unique perspective of the female voice is worth hearing. You will find unexpected truths and depth in this fantastic retelling of the Gorgon myth.

I received this advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is a highly original take on Medusa, and two sisters who made up her childhood, and provided strong foils throughout her story and myth. Although I had difficulty becoming engaged with the storyline, I do find it overall a good novel for those who are interested in feminist retellings of Greek mythology.

when I say that this book was pretty good, and that it surpassed my very low expectations, I mean it genuinely. even though the feminist mythology trend is so incredibly overdone. this book was a good example of the form, and well-plotted despite the uneven prose. like all good tragedies, I forgot it was going to end so poorly

With stunningly beautiful prose, Lauren J.A. Bear has deftly tugged on myths of old to weave a fresh and feminist modern legend from the dusty references of Medusa’s once-forgotten sisters. Perfect for fans of CIRCE, this is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Prepare to be enthralled!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Ace for this e-arc.*

MEDUSA'S SISTERS was impossible for me to put down. There were several moments where I was holding my breath because I KNEW what was going to happen and the anxiety was killing me. Plenty of foreshadowing too, which lended to the air of unease I had during this whole book. But that's not a bad thing, just true - to me, if an author can make you care this deeply about a story in which you already know the ending, that's a feat. Don't say "I'm over Greek mythology retellings" before giving this one a shot.

I received a gifted galley of MEDUSA’S SISTERS by Lauren J.A. Bear for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

MEDUSA’S SISTERS is a retelling of the mythology surrounding Medusa and her sisters Stheno and Euryale. The sisters were torn between the worlds of humans and the gods. Becoming the focus of tensions between Olympians, the women find themselves in danger and fighting for their own agency.

Medusa is a figure that is recognizable from my reading in mythology, but very little of her sisters is depicted. The trio are often portrayed as monstrous, so I found it interesting how the author reimagines them as being monstrous in some ways, but very relatable and almost human in others. I really liked the way their relationships were portrayed and how they changed throughout the book.

As with the mythology in general, there are a lot of trigger warnings in this one. Women in Greek mythos were often mistreated and that is definitely the case here as well. The difference here is that women are given more voice and agency and are more fully fleshed out in general. I do enjoy this trend in myth retellings.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me get an advanced reader's copy.I loved this book! It has been my favorite retelling of Greek Mythology, from a female point of view.

Every now and then my reads fall into a pattern, the most recent being a trio of reimaginings of Greek tales. Medusa’s Sister’s, by Lauren J.A. Bear falls in between the other two in terms of the reading experience, with engaging characters, good narrative voices, a moving close, and a nice refocusing of the ancient story of Medusa and Perseus (rather than of Perseus and Medusa).

Bear begins, well, at the beginning (after an excellent opening that gives us right away the classic Perseus-Kills-Medusa moment, though she paints it in less than heroic fashion), with the birth of Medusa and her siblings Stheno and Euryale. For various reasons, Medusa is the only one of the trio who end up mortal, a difference that will loom large throughout the novel. Bear fills in the early details and family relationships, which in most versions are either wholly ignored or appear as a charted family tree. The story really picks up with the advent of the Olympians and their domineering, mercurial, volatile manner.

The three sisters end up entangled in the actions and machinations of both the gods and the relatively newborn human race. Medusa in particular is fascinated by humans. Euryale, meanwhile, is more captivated by the god Poseidon, who makes clear his interest in her, though she fails to see just how dangers such an interest can be, despite all the lessons she could have taken from the human lovers the gods take (“lover” of course often being a warped euphemism for “rape victim”). Including a lesson they all directly witness as they befriend the princess Semele, who enters into an affair with Zeus that ends (spoiler alert for the millennial-old story) with her incinerated when she is tricked into asking him to reveal his true self to her. Stheno is the most reserved, least confident of the three sisters, and also the one who worries the most about the others and who often steps in to play peacemaker.

Plot-wise, the story follows the three through their early years, then as they become guests/friends of Semele and suffer the trauma of her death. Afterward they visit Athens where Euryale sets out to learn the “ways of love” in a brothel so as to better catch/maintain Poseidon’s interest, Stheno becomes more self-confident, and Medusa starts spending a lot of time at the temple of Athena. Eventually it all comes crashing down as Medusa suffers a horrific violation, and then Athena curses all three sisters such that Medusa becomes the “snake-haired monster” known to most people. Exiled to a small island, the three eke out an existence there but of course, any potential happiness is cut short by the appearance of “the hero” Perseus, who cuts off Medusa’s head and flies off with it. The story continues past that point, but as much of this is original to Bear, I won’t go into detail so as to avoid spoilers.

Structurally, the narrative is split between a first-person point-of-view from Stheno and a third-person limited point of view from Euryale’s perspective. The downside to this is Medusa is less fleshed out, seen solely through her sister’s biased eyes, and she remains a bit distant as a character, which does somewhat lessen the impact of what happens to her. On the other hand, the book is entitled Medusa’s Sisters, so the choice of POVs makes perfect sense. The two sisters have different outlooks on life, different goals, different desires and fears, different attitudes toward Medusa and the gods, and thus the combination of POVs does an excellent job in creating a multi-faceted narration.

Given two female narrators, and other major (Medusa, Semele) and minor characters (Leto, Pandora, and others) who are also female, the book as one would expect takes a far less male-centric stance toward the Greek myths. At the very start, rather than the courageous monster-slayer, we get a Perseus who throws up at “the very wrongness of what he did. Perseus slaughtered a sleeping woman. An unarmed, innocuous stranger to him and his people . . . And she was pregnant.” Hardly the stuff of legends. Time and again we see men attempt and often succeed in dominating women, violating them, raping them. Time and again our narrators note the way the poets (you can almost hear the sneer when they use that word) erase the women in the stories. As with the tale of Zeus and Danae:

Zeus transformed himself into a golden rain and descended into Danae’s chamber … Did she welcome the rain … Dance in the puddles? When she saw the wonder for what it was, a violation, did she rage?... I’m sure no poet thought to ask her.

When Euryale is horrified at the way the brothel madame sometimes leaves the babies at the outskirts of the city for dead, the brothel owner Charmion replies: “The mothers must survive in a world where men and god — and men who think they’re gods — limit their choices … To have choices is to have power. Most women have neither.”

The narration isn’t just a champion of women, though. The toxic concept of male heroism and need for dominance is also viewed through the lens of monsters and non-monsters. As Stheno notes:

We had entered the age of heroes, and we were beasts … Medusa was the opening attack in a losing battle. All of Echidna’s children would be sacrificed to humans and demigods on quests for notoriety … Moral men who would write their names in the viscera of Echidna’s slaughtered offspring … For what? For a story. For a song.

A final, more intimate focus is the relationship between sisters which is portrayed in ways that feel wholly natural and realistic, with all the attendant joys and jealousies, pride and singular envy, protectiveness and pettiness (or so I assume, being male and having only one sister).

I said at the start that Medusa’s Sisters fell into the middle of the three most recent Greek retellings I’ve read. And in my overall hierarchy of such works, I’d say that holds true. I absolutely loved and was wholly captivated by stories like Madeline Miller’s Circe or Pat Barker’s Silence of the Girls. I didn’t fall in love the same way with Medusa’s Sisters, but that’s more testament to the rare excellence of the other two than any criticism of Bear’s work, which features engaging voices, a bitingly insightful feminist viewpoint, a well-chosen structure, and, particularly after Medusa’s death, a poignant and moving latter part of the novel. Recommended.

"Medusa's Sisters" by Lauren J. A. Bear is a compelling and imaginative retelling of Greek mythology, centered around the captivating stories of Medusa and her sisters. The author skillfully reimagines these mythical characters, giving them depth and complexity that breathe new life into the tales.

Bear's writing is beautifully descriptive, painting a vivid picture of ancient Greece and its legendary beings. The interweaving of emotions, sisterhood, and empowerment make the stories relatable and inspiring.

In "Medusa's Sisters," Lauren J. A. Bear crafts a captivating narrative that celebrates the strength of women, showcasing the power of reclaiming their own stories. This collection is a must-read for fans of mythology and those seeking stories that challenge traditional narratives.