This was a great edition to all those other greek stories that have been going around the last few years. If you are into mythology then check this one out. I had a fun time reading it and it really opens your eyes about how life would be if you were immortal and living among those who are not. I had a hard time putting this one down when it was time to get things done.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
Medusa's Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear is a story about Medusa's life before she was cursed and killed, told in the style of a Greek tragedy.

My Reading Experience:
Bear states in the author's note, "Every woman has a voice that matters, a story worth telling." And she does just that with Medusa and her sisters. She tells a riveting and tragic tale of three sisters born to Phorcys (God of the sea's hidden dangers)and Ceto (Goddess of sea monsters) during the Golden Age of the Titans. Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa were born triplets, though Medusa came out looking like a human and mortal. In contrast, her sisters were born immortal and had attributes of sea monsters, particularly their eye color.

This is a journey story - a journey for the sisters to learn about the world of man and a journey of self-discovery for each of them. I loved watching them explore the world and all that humans and Gods are and how they interact. It is very descriptive of the world of mythology. Gods and Goddesses do not come out looking very good, as they regularly use humans to their own ends. They treated humans as lesser creatures they could use and abuse at will, presenting a tragic tale that the Greek playwrights could have only wished they had told. And Medusa, even though she wasn't truly human, is the saddest story of all.

I just loved this story, even though it broke my heart. I never knew Medusa's back story, and the one pieced together in this novel is full of wonder and goodness that turns dark and challenging. It's not one of a monster that needs slaying but one of the sister creatures cursed by a Goddess, punished by a God, and left to defend themselves on a lonely island in the middle of the sea.

The writing is beautiful - positively poetic in places, as you can see from my quote under "Characters." It flowed so ethereally that I was instantly drawn into this world and could revel in its wonder and beauty. I can't say enough good things about the writing, and I loved that it is in the style of a Greek tragedy (play). That was the perfect format for this story.

Characters:
I don't think I could even begin to describe Medusa better than Stheno does in the Prologue: "Medusa rarely angered. She was ebullient, the paradigm of magnanimity. Liquid sunrise poured into her soul, and she woke each morning full of hope. Even after all her suffering, if she were given the opportunity, I do not think she would have fought back."

“I am the vengeful sister. Me, Stheno. The hateful pariah who murdered more men than either of the other two Gorgons combined." However, she (Stheno) is also harsh in her own description. Stheno was her sisters' protector, always trying to balance letting them do their own thing and ensuring no harm came to them. I wouldn't describe her as vengeful - just protective, as a mom would me or the oldest sister in this case.

Euryale is the middle sister and wants, more than anything, to marry a God and live on Olympus. She studies love between a man and a woman to learn what it is and how to please a man so she can transfer that knowledge to appeal to the God of her choosing.

Narration & Pacing:
The story is told in third-person and first-person narration in alternate chapters. Stheno's chapters are in the first person, and Euryale's are in the third person but focused on her perspective. This sounds a bit confusing, but it all flows seamlessly and poetically. The pacing is more of a medium pace but is consistent throughout the story.

Setting:
The story takes place in Ancient Greece, a totally expected and appropriate setting for a story based on Greek mythology.

Read if you're in the mood for:
A Greek tragedy/Greek mythology
A riveting tale that brings out all the emotions
A sister-theme story

This book is definitely one of my top reads of 2023, and I’ve read a lot of Greek retellings as it’s kind of my favorite genre. Bear does an incredible job of bringing these “monsters” into real flesh and blood beings with families, hopes, and dreams.

If you loved Circe, Clytemnestra, or The Song of Achilles, this book is for you!

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.