This book is in the vein of Circe, Ithaca, and other mythological retellings of recent years. Stone Blind takes the myth of Medusa and fleshes it out in a way I've not seen done before. Medusa takes back her myth in this story. It is heart-wrenching, painful, and poetic. Those who enjoy Claire North, Madeline Miller, and Jennifer Saint will likely find themselves taken in by this story too. Narration by the author is an added bonus.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an audio ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was an okay read for me. I found that there were just a lot of characters, and maybe a bit too much going on in this one. It felt a little overwhelming to read. I didn't feel lost in the story, I felt like I had to really concentrate to get what was happening. It was just a bit too much for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was addicting to listen to. The narrator was wonderful and the voice that Natalie Haynes gives to all the characters included in this book was wonderful - there was a great snarkiness that kept me reading. However, it wasn't my favorite Greek mythology retelling - I was actually very confused that the cover and description make it seem like the book would center on Medusa, but in reality, she was only a small part of the book. I would have enjoyed a novella of her story more than a book like this that felt muddy because of the huge cast of characters. But despite that, I did enjoy the read.

This was great! A wonderful addition to all the greek retelling that keep coming out! Perfect addition for YA collections.

I went into this book wit no other expectations than Medusa Retelling and I was not disappointed. While the entirety of the narrative doesn't follow her, I think the way the story showed how what happened to her was influenced by and then affected so many others was really good. This version showed Medusa as a very sympathetic victim of the gods' whims and games of politics which happens to be my favorite interpretation of the myth so this whole thing was right up my alley. On a larger scale it also showed the ways in which the famous myths of gods and heroes cause destruction in their wake to the non-players, so to speak, and the actual horror of that. This was exemplified in the wedding scene.

As the story continued I wasn't sure how it was going to wrap up but I loved that ending. I think it really put an emphasis on just how different and out of touch the gods are to mortals in both their experiences and worldview. Highly recommend to fans of mythology retellings.

I love mythology, especially Greek Mythology & Folklore. I grew up watching tv shows like Hercules and Xena, which created a lifelong fan of the heroes and gods’ stories. Medusa has long been a favorite historical figure/character of mine and I consume any story of her that I can find. So when I saw that Stone Blind would be coming out, I knew I would be reading it ASAP.

Now, my biggest complaint about the book is that while Medusa is in it, she isn’t the sole focus. I didn’t read the synopsis, so I was just going off the name and cover for what the book is about. So it could have been stated that this isn’t her story and I just assumed. That is on me!

I do love all of the interweaving stories and backstories for many of the gods and deities. I do really love Natalie Haynes writing style and definitely feel that I need to binge every one of her books that I haven’t read yet.

If you are a fan of mythology, pick this book up. Just don’t have any expectations on which characters are the focus.

This is a retelling of Medusa’s story in Greek Mythology. Medusa has long been one of my favorites and I always thought she got the wrong end of the stick. Imagine my happiness when I came across a retelling showing her side of the story! I liked the story, but the very end didn’t make sense to me. I wanted it to, it was beautiful, but the pieces just didn’t fit. It didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story though, it’s definitely worth checking out!

We all know Medusa’s story. But they always say history is written by the victors. So this retelling is from Medusa’s side of the story. It is full of Greek myths and deities, and I enjoyed the appearances of others in this retelling. Witty and entertaining, this made for an enjoyable read.

Thank you to @harperaudio for providing me with an ALC of Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes through @netgalley! This was my first book by Haynes and once I started it, it was hard to stop listening.

I will admit that Stone Blind didn't end up being what I expected. I was expecting Medusa's story told in a similar way to Madeline Miller's Circe where we see the whole story from her perspective. Stone Blind actually contains quite a few character perspectives, and although I wish there had been more focus on Medusa herself, I really enjoyed Haynes' storytelling.

If you're familiar with Medusa's story, then you'll know that this book does contain rape (not described on the page in any great detail) and the victim, Medusa, is the one punished for it. I felt Haynes took this seriously, showing the injustice and rage of Medusa and those who cared for her. But there are also lighter, funnier moments in the book, especially where we see the capriciousness and ridiculousness of the gods. While I do think this book could've done with a few less perspectives in the narrative, I think Haynes captured the mythology of Medusa well overall. This book wasn't perfect, but it was absolutely worth reading.

Content warning: as with any book centered around Greek mythology, there’s an abundance of sexual assault happening on the page.

I appreciate that this is a full picture retelling of Medusa’s story - which, sure, means that Medusa isn’t the focal point of each chapter, or even the majority of the novel. But you can’t truly understand what happened to Medusa without knowing how truly self centered and petty (and vindictive) the Gods were, understanding Medusa’s fate means understanding the world she was living in. Haynes does a really great job of all that.

A few things kept me from loving this book though, one was how abrupt some of the chapters ended - it was jarring and made me feel like I was missing something. Another was how MANY characters were being talked about/having their stories told, it was overwhelming at times. And lastly, the shouty chapters from our “unknown” narrator, they make sense once you know WHO it was, but that didn’t change the experience of having to read so many chapters that felt like the narrator was shouting at the reader.

I’m usually hesitant to try an audiobook where the author narrates, but Haynes does a good job. Part of me feels like this book would do really well as a full cast audiobook so readers had another level in their experience of hearing from so many characters.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Audio in exchange for an honest review.

This fairly true-to-mythology retelling of Medusa was a compelling look into the life of one of the most interesting figures from Greek Mythology. Featuring a wide array of POVs, we get to see the entirely of the story, though the narrator is always sympathetic with Medusa as is good and right. I particularly loved the intersections from Medusa's beheaded head who is full of indignant fury. TW for lots of rape, because, you know, Greek gods.

Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for the AudioARC in exchange for my honest review.

Stone Blind written by Natalie Haynes reimagines the story of a misunderstood gorgon, Medusa. While the cover of the book highlights Medusa, keep in mind that Medusa’s story is highly intertwined with Perseus. Therefore, this story, while focusing on Medusa, must also share center stage with Perseus.

With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the perspective that Natalie Haynes gave to Medusa. She describes Medusa as a beauty, who after being taken advantage of by a god endures the wrath and punishment from all. Doomed to live with the inability to truly see the world around her Medusa’s voice in this book is one I would have never expected. Filled with empathy, passion, wit, and fury.

Perseus is described as the asshole that he truly is. Selfish and power hungry in all his forms. I appreciated having Medusa’s voice throughout his tale, because someone had to tell it how it really was, right?

Beautifully reimagined and 100% needed. The way that Natalie Haynes intertwined their tales allowed the story to flow smoothly and almost seamlessly. Not only that but the little details that may seem tedious, were what was needed to create the entire picture.

Can we also talk about the cover?! Gorgeous!
Natalie Haynes’ narration of the book not only demonstrated her passion for the story, but you could hear the emotion behind each perspective.

This will definitely be a book I reread.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#bookstagram #audiobook #ARC #audioARC #nataliehaynes #stoneblind #netgalley #harperaudio #audiobook #bookreview #bookrecommendations

This was beautifully written, especially for those who may know the story well. 'Stone Blind' is not solely about Medusa, but about those surrounding her and how their choices have a direct effect on her life. Most know Medusa's story, but this definitely builds more from the stories of her sisters and how tragic Medusa's life was set to be from birth.

This was written in an easily digestible way, while also keeping the truth and vitality within the stories. While I wish we would have had more with Medusa, I loved the stories between her chapters and the cheeky manner in which all the Gods behave towards each other. Very happy to add this to my ever growing collection of Greek retellings and can't wait to see what Haynes has in store for us next.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for the audio ARC.

4.25 out of 5 Stars

This is one of my favorite reads so far this year. The story and writing themselves are beautiful . I adored the narrative - it was entertaining and humorous at times. Listening to this on audio only made the experience better. I understand that the title and synopsis can be misconstrued as misleading but personally, I thought it was an interesting choice. I enjoyed reading about the other, minor characters and how snippets of their stories affected Medusa's overall journey. I do wish we heard more from Medusa but overall it was an interesting art direction that paid off for me.

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

I love mythology retellings and this one did not disappoint! Unlike some retellings, this story involves a lot of characters and point of views. What I find so interesting is that every character truly believes they are in the right and it was so intriging to see the same plot point from everyone's point of view.

I will say, if you are looking for simply a Medusa retelling, you may be disappointed. Medusa is only one small part of this story but her scenes are captivating and give you a point of view from her that you've never seen.

By the end of this story, I truly couldn't decide who was in the right and who our true 'hero' was. Perfect for fans of Madaline Miller and Jennifer Saint, I can't wait to see more from Natalie Haynes!

Stone Blind was released on February 7th and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Harper Audio for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

<b>*PLEASE NOTE: This review had been held due to Harper Union strike.*</b>

This was an excellent story, but Medusa isn’t really the main character. I was disappointed as I read and only got glimpses of Medusa and Gorgoneion’s perspectives.

I would have liked to hear more of Euryale and Stheno’s story, and raising Medusa together. There was A LOT about Perseus, which I didn’t like, and about other people that affected Medusa’s life.

I can see that the author did try to show readers the Inter-connectedness between the survivors of Zeus and Poseidon’s rape. Athene, a daughter born of rape, punishes Medusa for being raped in her temple. It’s all connected and awful and heartbreaking, but it could have been more powerful if focused less on Perseus’ journey. However it does show the spiteful nature of men and their need to have control over the women they choose (but who don’t always choose them back).

I read and listened to this at the same time. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this Greek retelling of Medusa’s story!! Great narration by the author, this book also has multiple alternating POVs but I really felt I got a good sense of how Medusa’s story came about and I loved that we still heard from her after her “death”. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! If you like Greek mythology Natalie Haynes is one of the best. Also recommended for fans of Claire Heywood or Jennifer Saint.

This was AMAZING. while I do wish it was more solely focused on Medusa, I might have a new favorite character in mythology.

I love reading Lore Olympus, but this was a refreshing *real* take on the mythology!

Cover is amazing. Writing is amazing. Book is amazing!!

I thought this story would be told more from Medusa’s POV, but it was actually multiple POV’s, which was a bit disappointing. But the story itself was entertaining: Medusa’s bond with her sisters was sweet, the antics of the Gods were both amusing and horrifying, and I genuinely really loved that the author was the audiobook narrator; she did an amazing job and brought her story to life flawlessly. Would recommend.

𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘺 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 (𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶!). 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Thank you netgalley for the audio book arc. Stone Blind is a new take on Medusa, her beginning and her life. There is multiple POVs converging together. Different story lines that add to the story for different characters. Medusa is a mortal gorgon living with her immortal sisters. Perseus son of Zeus goes on a quest to take a gorgon's head, he of course ends up taking medusas.
This new take really makes you feel for medusa and her plight, how she was raised by loving sisters, how she was assaulted by Posiden and punished by Athene. The way she lost her hair and gains her snakes, how her eyes become the eyes we know from stories, turning people to stone with a moments look. it was almost humorous at some points, hearing about the different tales in to make the beginnings of the stories. Athene's temper and yelling, Perseus's whining.
I absolutely enjoyed this and am very glad i ordered this for my bookshop

“They will fear you and flee you and call you a monster.”

This is the first work by Haynes I’ve read and it won’t be my last.

Not only did she weave a fantastic story of gods, (both full and demi), mortals, monsters and mayhem, she narrated the work herself and she was STELLAR.

Am I sad that Medusa’s character only factored into 1/4 of the book?

Yes. Am I sad that she didn’t get a happy ending. Also, yes.

But the story she did have was poignant and heartfelt and lyrical.

I loved the way all the MANY characters puzzle-pieced together.

I loved that the behaviours of all were called out for exactly what they were: Rape. Pettiness. Cowardice. Apathy.

I loved that the narrator had zero time for Perseus.

I LOVED the chapter from the snakes POV.

I’ll be tracking down this author’s backcatalogue for sure.

8.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for this mythical ARC.