Thank you Netgalley, Hachette Audio and Nataly Gruender for the audio arc of Medusa.
Narrated by Helen Laser

New to the genre of Greek mythology ( apart from the books I read as I child ) and the odd greek adventure films like Jason and the Argonaughts, this is the first greek mythology book I've read as an adult. I was really impressed how this retelling of Medusa and how the gorgon sisters can to be, both insightful and delightful. I liked Nataly's pacing and writing style and I was pleasantly surprised how engaging Medusa was. I didn't actually want the story to end, even though I knew how it would end. I loved Medusa, the subtle messages within the storyline and the characters were fleshed out and likeable ( or not in some cases )

Favourite Quote " Women giving power to their emotions will rip the world apart "

This is a definitely a great book for introducing a novice, a pro or anywhere in between for that matter to Greek Mythology and the story of Medusa.

This audio book was narrated by Helen Laser who has a superb voice for this narrative .

4.5 star Storygraph . 5 Stars for other review sites

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Medusa was such a fun book to dive into today. I really enjoyed this retelling version because we get to see a side of Medusa we aren't quite used to. Seeing her before she was cursed by Athena and then how she adapts and eventually finds peace after was quite beautiful. I do wish that she got more time with her sisters throughout the book, but it is what it is.

I definitely recommend the audiobook for this one because the narrator does such an amazing job. Also, I look forward to Nataly's next book that comes out later this year. I'm sure I'll be in the mood for some mythology then.

In a time when it feels like Greek mythology retellings are too many and often uninspiring, this book stood out for me for it’s unique subject and vulnerable storytelling. The novel begins with the introduction of the Gorgons, including the infamous Medusa (the only one of her three sisters to be a mortal). When her sisters and herself leave their native island and travel to Athens, a story of violence and pride and power unfurls which challenges previous notions of the snake-headed gorgon.

I really liked the way that Gruender uses the idea of fate in this book to push and pull the story as every character, both god and mortal alike, have to grapple with their threads and decide if they will see their outlined paths as comfort or hindrance. I had no previous knowledge of Medusa as one of three gorgons, and the development of her relationship with her sisters throughout her life injected life into the novel. The audio narrator did a really fantastic job of differentiating all of the different characters whilst still focusing in on Medusa as the main protagonist.

The pacing was a little slow at the start which set me off to a stunted start, but I do understand the need to develop Medusa and this ancient world pre-Poseidon (IYKYK).

I think this book accomplished everything a retelling of its kind should. It taught me some more about Medusa and her origins, but also humanised her to leave me coming away with applicable lessons and feelings about my own mortal life, just as the original Greek myths sought to do.

A thoughtful and well-executed retelling of the story of Medusa and the Gorgons.

This works almost exclusively from primary source mythological material, which I really appreciate for accuracy’s sake. But this version also does a nice job of putting an original spin on the story and examining the story and its themes through a modern critical lens.

It’s a really interesting study of what makes a monster, who gets to decide what a monster is, and how a montrous figure might reach that state. Medusa’s story has always made her a bit more sympathetic than most of mythology’s villains because she is an assault victim and was cursed by a god for revenge on another god because of it. Perhaps we might all become a bit monstrous under those circumstances.

And Medusa—despite her curse, her appearance, and the fact that she is essentially blamed for something she was actually the primary victim of—does not. It’s interesting how much humanity remains in the “monster,” perhaps a much more enlightened look at the theme of revenge and the idea that we often misunderstand (by accident or design) anything that is not like us. It’s something that comes up a lot in Frankenstein retellings, and I suppose in a lot of villain origin stories in fantasy and graphic novels.

It’s a worthy way to examine Medusa’s story as well, and while a lot of the mythological retellings we are getting lately are silly romances or things that lack quality that seek to capitalize on a trend in fiction, this book falls into neither of those traps, and gives a voice to a figure from literary history who perhaps deserves to be seen in a very different light.

I support women's rights and women's wrongs (except Athena)! I have always loved the story of Medusa and I have always felt a kinship with her. She was just a woman who was hurt and wronged by so many people and she learned how to defend herself despite her situation and meanwhile learned how to love and trust again. This book was just so beautiful and had so many incredible quotes (omg THE ENDING) and every time I picked it up, I just wanted to keep reading. This author did such a great job taking such a well known story and writing it from the point of view of a woman who never really got the spotlight in the stories she was featured in. I will never take any Medusa slander ever again. And I will read any other myth retelling this author writes!

The audiobook was just incredible too. It was super easy to follow and the narrator did a great job of telling the story. I was never confused on who we were following!

unfortunately not for me

Thank You to Nataly Gruender, Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the audio digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Medusa by Nataly Gruender offers a fresh, empowering retelling of the Greek myth, reimagining the infamous Gorgon as a complex, multidimensional character. Gruender’s lyrical prose and intricate storytelling bring Medusa’s tragic journey to life, exploring themes of transformation, power, and vengeance. This is a bold, thought-provoking read for fans of mythology with a modern twist.

A captivating and fierce retelling that redefines an ancient legend.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Thank you to Nataly Gruender (author), Helen Laser (narrator), Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing, and Netgalley for this free advanced listener copy of "Medusa" for an honest review. As we continue to wade into the world of rewritten Greek and Roman myth, especially saving & repositioning the female characters of yore, I was quite pleased to finally see Medusa get her due. While this won't fit well into my current curriculum, I'm definitely keeping a place for it in mind for the day when I'm teaching Mythology or World Literature again.

dnf @ 17%

Please... why can't people come up with a worldbuilding of their own instead of assigning made-up concepts to other people's culture so as to make it more edgy and book-adaptable? Not even going to try to get over the whole priesthood thing, because the author obviously didn't try very hard either.

"Medusa" by Nataly Gruender, and read by Helen Laser, is the tragedy of Medusa with a not-so-traditional happy ending. First, I will start by saying that Helen Laser is an excellent narrator and I will absolutely listen to books narrated by her in the future.

Medusa's story, per Gruender, is beautifully told from her youngest memories with her parents and sisters, to her death and beyond. Medusa was never a monster, rather used and abused by the gods in their greed and desires. Throughout Medusa's story she finds purpose and self-love, and makes friends with what would have at one point seemed the unlikeliest of friends. I particularly loved the relationship Medusa developed with her snakes, as they were both separate and an intimate part of her. The end chapter with Medusa facing Athena again was perfect, and allowed for growth and forgiveness for both Medusa and Athena.

I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Greek myth retellings, as well as any readers who enjoy stories of monsters/villain origin stories, and those interested in feminist retellings.

Nataly Gruender spins an incredible story about Medusa as a young girl living on a secluded island with her sisters. Medusa was the only mortal child born to her immortal parents. Medusa is also a triplet that has gorgeous blonde curly hair while her sisters have dark hair. At her older sister’ wedding her other sisters known as The Grey’s sees Medusa as not a beautiful woman but rather a monster that others will fear her. When the triplets turn 18 they leave their secluded island and head to the mainland of Greece. The triplets are separated when Medusa joins Athena as one of her priestess. Medusa live with the other priestess until one fateful night that Athena punishes Medusa by making her immortal with the power to turn anyone into stone just by her looking at them in the eyes. Medusa’ beautiful curly hair are turned into serpents. This retelling gives the reader to really know what Medusa was before she was turned into an immortal monster and after. She had a big heart that didn’t change her when she was cursed. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Grand Central Publishers for letting me have an advanced copy of this audio book.

I could NOT put this book down. What a wonderful twist on a story that's been told as a cautionary tale. I enjoyed the development of the story and particularly the conclusion!

This book was utterly amazing it was devastating beautiful hopeful and tense it had action it had family dynamics it also had found family I loved this take on Medusa's story .. I will admit it is the first time I have read a book about her but I am somewhat familiar with her story

This book left my jaw on the floor from its brilliance. It is everything and so much more than I expected. As a pagan, I have always known there was so much more to the story of Medusa, but this writing was brilliant in its depiction of her. I understand her so much better now, she was an absolutely beautiful woman and monster, and it's okay to be both. This author gets props for bringing tears to my eyes so many times. Five stars is not enough. I will be looking for other writings by this author.

In 2018 I read Madeline Miller's Circe and fell in love not just with retellings but with the idea of exploring the POV of a woman known to history as a villain. Nataly Gruender perfectly fleshes out Medusa, a character you probably already had an idea of in your head without ever learning much about her. Enthralling, Medusa is the story of a woman running from fate.

The narration in the audio version was top notch and I would definitely recommend listening to this one. It made the story come alive.

Everyone knows the stories of Medusa turning men to stone with just a flick of her eyes, but how many of you actually know the story behind her making?

I started this book with a decent understanding of Medusa and her history but walked away with so much more.
Medusa has always been portrayed as a monster, but that isn't really the whole story. She was born the only mortal child of two sea God's and experienced loneliness and neglect due to her mortal status. She became a priestess of Athena and sought to do good. In a turn of events that were out of her hands, she was cursed and thrown out of the temple that was her home. With a head full of snakes and the inability to look at any living creature without turning them to stone, she sets out to find safety for herself and others. Along the way, she experiences some cognitive dissonance as she works through her anger and adapts to her new life. It's so easy to let fear and anger consume you and seek revenge when you have been wronged, but it's even harder to let go of your morals when you are a good person.

What an insightful and fascinating retelling of such a well-known greek "villain". This story absolutely filled me with rage for Medusa and for women in general. Yet the lessons we learn from Medusa definitely make this a must-read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hachette Audio, for an advanced copy of Medusa by Nataly Gruender in exchange for an honest review. It was an exceptional read! The story is amazing and I loved the audiobook because Helen Laser is a phenomenal narrator.

OMG, you guys! I just finished this book and I am, like, totally blown away! 🌟 It's an absolute gem! 💫 I mean, we’ve all heard the Medusa story, but this version is like, a whole new level of amazing. The author gives Medusa such a personal and feminist twist, and it’s so refreshing! 😍 I loved how it delved into Medusa’s background. It was, like, totally bittersweet and my heart was, like, so full of feels! 💔✨

And the audiobook? OMG, it was like, totally awesome! Helen Laser was the perfect narrator and made the story come alive in such a fab way! 🎧📚

Thank you so much, NetGalley, for the audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review. This book is a must-read for sure! 💖

4.5 Stars rounded up!

I thought I "knew" Medusa's story, but it was always as a side character, or from someone else's perspective. Medusa by Nataly Gruender gives us a first hand account of Medusa's life and I absolutely loved it. I, like many other reviewers, am shocked this is Nataly's debut novel and I definitely can't wait to see what she comes out with next! It would be cool if she did more greek mythology novels as this is one of the best I've read.

A really unique perspective was the sweet relationship Medusa had with her snakes. They made me smile so many times and I loved how Medusa and her sisters' relationships progressed throughout the book.

I will be (not so) patiently awaiting Nataly's future work. This was amazing, thank you for the opportunity to listen to this! I also really enjoyed the narrator.

Really enjoyed this retelling of the story of Medusa. I don’t read a lot of this genre, Greek mythology historical fiction, but whenever I do I really like them!
I didn’t know the story of Medusa other than-snakes for hair and turns anyone who looks in her eyes to stone. But as with many villainous monsters’ origin stories, there is a lot more to it. Medusa was a girl who was mistreated and cursed. She was fated to become the monster we’ve all heard of but she goes on a journey. She finds friends and reconnects with family and in the end it is up to her if she becomes the monster the world knows her as.
Great debut! Loved the audiobook. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!