Such a great book! I love this take on the Medusa origin story. It's wonderfully written and the changes to the story were thoughtful and fitting. I loved the converging timelines between the two main characters, and both are very likeable main characters. I went into this novel thinking that it was a standalone book, but was so happy to discover that there would be a second book for her sister. Thank you so much to Negalley, Sajni Patel, and the publisher for allowing me access to an early copy for my honest review! It was an absolute pleasure!

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


This is a retelling of Medusa's take from an Indian mythology lens. Two people bound to serve their people. One is the King's sword and the other is a simply fulfilling her destiny until she is assaulted. This is a darker mythology story, not as light hearted as some of the other Riordan series. However it provides balance and an alternate way of viewing the parts of mythology that are not so fun.

I adored Manisha and you will too.

Trigger warnings: snakes and sexual assault

I requested this due to my love of Rick Riordan Presents. However, I have a severe snake phobia and didn't read the sypnosis closely enough- obviously this hit major trigger points for me and I couldn't get too far into the book. I know this will be a big hit, though!

This is definitely a darker one of Rick Riordans presents book out of what I've gotten my hands on and it's definitely intended for an older audience, but it's so good. Definitely read the authors note in the beginning to watch for triggers because I would have had some trouble with this book if I hadn't seen those and wasn't prepared.

I highly appreciated that some of the darker elements of the original medusa story were included in this but oh how this book pulls you in. So often the SA of the original story is left out but in this book it made our character do the impossible. After she is pushed off a cliff into a den of vipers she refuses to die despite hundreds of snake bites and instead becomes a powerful nagin who turns men to stone and has incredible powers.

The king sends someone to kill her but things get complicated when that man discovers she was who he planned on marrying. Drama!

This was the first Rick Riordan presents book I didn’t enjoy. At 53% through the book, I was still waiting for the story to really pick up. I know this is meant to be for an older audience than most of the presents books as well, but it was so much darker than I am used to. I wish it had focused more on the mythology aspect. I think the story had great potential, but didn’t quite reach my expectations.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I like how Manisha stays true to herself, how she keeps fighting regardless of whether she’ll get killed or not and how she tries to right the wrongs. This looks like another great series in the Rick Riordan universe and I can’t wait for the next book.

This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the characters and the journey they went on. There were heart pounding moments and I loved the plotline. I will be recommending this book to all of my family and friends.

Sajni Patel takes the Rick Riordan series in a fascinating direction for slightly older readers. I enjoyed Drop of Venom for the artistry, the mythic elements, and the very real and human message of the story -- and I hope to read more books like this in this series, especially for older readers who have grown up with Riordan's work and want to continue digging into stories that are relevant to them.