Nataly Gruender's Medusa offers a fresh retelling of the classic Greek myth, presenting its titular character as complex and multi-dimensional rather than the one-dimensional monster often portrayed in traditional narratives. The novel's modern, conversational tone makes the ancient tale accessible to contemporary readers, inviting them to connect deeply with Medusa's journey of self-discovery. Through her experiences of love and reconnection with her Gorgon siblings, Medusa's humanity shines through, challenging preconceived notions of monstrosity.
Gruender skillfully explores what truly defines a monster, prompting readers to question historical celebrations of heroic acts. This is evident in the portrayal of Perseus, whose actions are framed as murder rather than heroism, highlighting the hypocrisy in his use of Medusa's curse. By reconsidering the human aspects of mythological figures, Gruender reminds us that even infamous characters have depth and complexity often overlooked in traditional tellings. This character-driven approach creates a compelling read for those seeking a thoughtful exploration of Greek mythology.

Gruender's beautiful writing and insightful commentary on power dynamics add depth to this retelling. While its character-driven nature may not appeal to all, Medusa offers a gripping, emotionally resonant exploration of Greek mythology. For fans of the genre, it stands out as a poignant narrative that provides a fresh perspective on a well-known tale, solidifying its place among the best Greek mythology retellings.

I have read a few different books that focus on Medusa's story and this by far is my favorite of them all. Medusa's story always varies depending on the POV and way they are wanting to represent her. Nataly's version of Medusa humanizes her and shows every shade of her. We get to see her as a daughter, a dedicated priestess, a friend, a sister, and even a monster at times. Medusa knows her fate from the beginning and essentially her life has become a clock of different events where she tries to find the little moments of peace and happiness before her end. Medusa's journey was one where we were introduced to different characters along the way that she formed a connection with and impacted her life. Some of these characters I wouldn't have thought she would cross, but I enjoyed her friendships with them. I will always always recommended this book to friends that love Medusa and Greek Mythology. So thankful to have read this book that gives Medusa's story justice and paints her perfectly. Also, the narrator was wonderful!

I cannot pass up a Medusa retelling and this was a unique look at a well known myth. I loved how Gruender incorporate other figures from Greek myths. You can’t help but root for Medusa even though you know her sad fate. I think the comparisons to Madeline Miller are fair so if you’re a Circe fan than you’ll want to read this one! The narration was great and I would highly recommend it.

Debut novel?! Are you serious?? This was wonderful!

I loved Circe and The Song of Achilles and this one seemed to have some similar vibes so I snatched it up pretty quick! It's definitely not a summer read, but it's perfect as we move into cozy season!

You are given such a full humanization of Medusa here and I gobbled it up! We know how this story ends, we know Medusa is a monster but honestly, that made this story so much more intriguing to me. We get to see her grow and develop and I found myself rooting for her. It was emotional from start to finish and I found myself feeling all the things, and that to me makes any book a wonderful one!

I did the audio of this gem and cannot recommend it enough. All around, fabulous read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this brilliant novel.
Medusas story is tragic, and the author was able to capture her pain in growth in a beautiful way.
The reading was captivating and beautifully done.

"A monstrous woman is not a terrible thing to be."

This is how a retelling should be done! With retellings of greek myths, you usually know how it´s going to end, which is why it´s so important how the author lays out the journey to that ending.
Nataly Gruender made me hurt, hope and rage with Medusa and painted a picture of a woman learning to come to terms with the monstrosity and rsulting fate, that was thrust upon her. This book challenges the traditional view of what a monster is and within that, what a woman can be.

The characters are vibrant and don´t just feel like side characters, that are a means to an end for Medusa to get where she needs to go. They are full of personality, however brief their role in the book.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any and all greek mythology lovers.
I´d also recommend the audiobook, since it´s well narrated and easy to follow.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the audio ARC. This review will be published on Netgalley, Goodreads and Storygraph.

Nataly Gruender's Medusa sits in an interesting space of covering dark topics like sexual assault and victim blaming while also having an almost cozy feel to the narrative, as strange as that sounds.

The story centers on Medusa, a mortal woman born to minor gods, who became collateral damage in a fued between Athena and Poseidon. While serving as a priestess in the temple of the goddess of wisdom, Medusa is raped by the sea god. Since Athena can't punish her uncle, Poseidon, without starting a war between the hods, Medusa is used as a scapegoat. While Athena's victim blaming of Medusa is given additional complexity and motivation, it is not excused. While this is good, there was one point where it became a little preachy. The point was rightly made and made and made multiple times one particular scene. That could have been brought back a little.

While the assault Medusa survives is treated with the appropriate amount of severity, she is also depicted developing friendships, engaging in a romance, healing her relationships with some of her sisters, and bonding with her new head of snakes. Particularly sweet were the scenes between Medusa and one of her nephews. But over it all, looms the prophecy of her doom due to the curse Athena forced on her.

I'm rating this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars, but rounding up to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5/5 Stars.

I liked Medusa, but found the first 30-40% to be very similar to other Medusa retellings I've read. After that point it felt more fresh and I was more engaged with the story. The audio was done really well and I enjoyed the ending.

This should be required reading in regards to your love and hyperfixation of Greek Mythology. Even if it isn't a hyperfixation, this feels so true to Medusa's story and giving her the voice that she so rightfully needs. Loved this telling of Medusa's background and the importance that the author ensured that the POVs were always within a woman's POV. The author approached the sensitive nature of Medusa's story with such delicacy. Would 10000% recommend.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a physical copy of the ARC and thank you to Netgalley for providing an ALC. The narrator was perfect and I would read again both traditionally and through audio.

Please note I will follow up with additional links to this review when a podcast episode goes up for ACOFAE PODCAST with a discussion with the author.

Book review 🐍-
I don’t know about you but I’m sucker for a Greek mythology retelling! Something about these stories that have been passed down for years and everyone having their own take is so interesting to me. Enter Medusa by Nataly Gruender.

❤️ What I liked about it:
-I love that it takes a feminist stance and gives power to female rage.
-I like that we get to know Medusa before she becomes the “monster” everyone thinks she is.
-Some LBGTQ romance with my mythology? Here for it! 👏🏽
-I love this this story is also about family-both the one you’re born into and the one you cultivate yourself.

🖤What I didn’t love:
-Well Medusa is a wordy girl. I’m not here to silence her but there were a few parts that dragged for me and the book itself is pretty long.
-although the story was very interesting, I also feel like I was waiting for more to happen if that makes sense?

All in all it was enjoyable read that did both physically (thanks @hbgcanada and @grandcentralpub ) and on audio (thanks @hachetteaudio )! The narrator Helen Laser’s voice was beautiful and soothing that I highly recommend that format!

Medusa is out tomorrow!!

This is a hard review for me to write because a) I always want to support new authors, and b) I love Greek myths. BUT I didn't care for this book. It's a 2.5 star rounded up, but I almost talked myself into DNFing it, but I powered through because it is an advanced reader copy.

Why a low score? Lots of telling instead of showing, not a lot of interesting dialogue, lots of greek myth info dumping, and a list of things happening to Medusa, without an actual story arch.

Telling instead of showing—Rather than showing us how a relationship builds over time, the author just tells us something happened. The sisters coming to realize they felt guilty, for example, was the oddest piece of storytelling. One minute, the sisters acted like jerks, and the next, they had an epiphany and decided they wanted to seek her out and apologize. Did anything lead up to this revelation? Not that I could tell.

The dialogue was just bland. There were lots of day-to-day interactions, but nothing that helped me really understand the characters more or build them into people I wanted to care about.

Even as a Greek myths fan, there were at least two times in the book (that I can remember) when the author just dumped information about who folks were, who they were married to, and their relationship with each other. Again, I'm not sure how it served the story or helped give us context, but it just served to confuse.

My biggest complaint overall was that the overall story arc fell flat. Medusa was cast out after the incident at the temple and wandered from place to place. Usually, when something like this happens, it is a 'character-driven story' instead of a 'plot-driven story,' and so I tried to have patience. Still, by the end of the story, I didn't feel like Medusa had grown in an exciting way (usually needed in a character-driven story). Of course, I love the idea of Medusa being the right one and Perseus just being a young spoiled brat. Still, besides that twist (and Medusa getting a brief stint with a queer love interest (which wasn't explained or built up properly), the story overall was disappointing.

Nataly Gruender's ”Medusa” offers the book readers’ community a refreshing and empowering perspective on one of mythology's most tragic figures. The book challenges the traditional narrative of Medusa as a villain, instead presenting her as a symbol of resilience and empowerment. The reimagining presented by Gruender delves deep into Medusa's emotional and psychological journey, changing her narrative from that of a frightening monster into a complex and relatable heroine.

The novel explores Medusa's transformation from a beautiful mortal to the feared Gorgon, but it's her internal journey that truly captivates. The portrayal of Medusa's struggle with her curse, isolation, and eventual acceptance of her fate is both compassionate and inspiring. The supporting characters, including Medusa's sisters and Perseus, are given more depth than in traditional retellings, adding richness to the story. Gruender's exploration of themes such as victimhood, vengeance, and the reclaiming of power is particularly powerful, making the novel deeply feminist, especially since the story is presented not only from Medusa’s viewpoint, but also from those of the secondary characters. For those seeking an adventurous story, it’s worth saying that the emphasis is mostly on Medusa's inner turmoil, which can be seen as overshadowing other aspects of the plot for those seeking more action or traditional mythological adventure.

The audiobook version of *Medusa*, narrated by Helen Laser, is a perfect complement to the written text. Laser's performance is both sensitive and powerful, capturing the nuances of Medusa's emotions and the complexities of her relationships with other characters. Her voice is soothing and expressive, making the story even more immersive.

Overall, *Medusa* is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant retelling of a classic myth. Gruender's fresh perspective on Medusa, combined with her exploration of powerful themes and the exceptional narration by Helen Laser, makes this novel a must-read for fans of mythological retellings, especially those with a feminist lens.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #Medusa #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

3.75 stars

Medusa is a symbol nowadays. A mythological figure with so much meaning and power for many women. If you feel for her, if you are looking for a retelling of her story; one done with care, love and respect, I think you will enjoy this book. I think your appreciation will grow even more after reading Gruender's take on Medusa's story.

Medusa is the daughter of Phorcys and Ceto. One of the three sister known as the Gorgon. But as opposed to her immortal beautiful sisters, Medusa was born a mortal. Because of it, she was always apart.
Medusa, Stheno and Euryale grew up together in a little house at the beach. Their parent, divinities of the sea, barely visited them. So Medusa's childhood was lonely, her sisters always mocking her and ignoring her. One day, at the celebration of Echidna's wedding, one of Medusa's older siblings, Medusa receives a prophecy. A monstrous future awaits her.
This is the fateful night that changes Medusa's life forever. That day, she meets both Athena and Poseidon and her fate is written.

If you know her story, later Medusa becomes a priestess for Athena. And after, Poseidon will assault her in Athena's temple. Because of it, for this desecration, Athena will punish Medusa. She will become a monster in mortals eyes, and later she'll be hunted by Perseus. This book, however, examines Medusa's whole life with such care, she knows her fate, yet the growth she goes through from transformation to death is so beautifully done. From rage, to shame, to acceptance of both her fate and herself, everything is done with much love for this character.
Medusa's journey is one full of tragedy, but also one with a peaceful end. One where she finds people to love, and people who love her back. One where her monstrous snakes become her beloved companions.

I think one of the strength of this retelling is that, as opposed to others, the character of Medusa internally changes and grows so much. And this is done in an organic way. The problem for me with Greek retellings is that, once the prophecy is revealed you are just waiting for that tragic thing to happen. It feels like the plot meanders, like the middle part of the book is very shallow. With this book though, even if Medusa is just travelling around after her transformation, all the people she crosses path with, all of those moments help her understand herself and her fate. She stops being ashamed and scared, and it's so good to see that.

As for the narration, I think Helen Laser does a wonderful job conveying Medusa's inner thoughts, and she especially shines in emotional scenes. I really liked the audiobook overall.

This was a fantastic Greek mythology retelling of Medusa as we get to know her story through her eyes. I love the humanity and emotions that the author was able to convey through this story.

This was a great debut!

Dear Author,

There’s always more than one side to every story other than the main character’s biased account. What about the sidekick’s back story, what they struggle internally with while adventuring, or what about the villain? Who were they? What did they feel? Were they the villains? Your wonderfully written tale of Medusa did just that; it told us the other side of the Greek myth. I really enjoyed it; it was well written and highly entertaining. Emotionally, a rollercoaster that I wouldn’t be able to handle myself. Women throughout time, in every area of this world have to struggle through some horrible shit. They are not our villains. They are our heroes.
 
You had me from chapter one, I didn’t want to stop listening. The narrative was superb, and I didn’t struggle to differentiate between the characters.

I’m so glad I read your book!


Yours truly,
J. D. McCoughtry

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to listen to this e-arc audiobook!

Reading challenge category - 2024 Flourish and Blotts - Care of Magical Creatures - Blast-Ended Skrewts: Includes a slimy character (Poseidon & Athena in personality, Medusa and Echidna for their snickety snakes)

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC Audio of this work.

Since I can remember, when given the option of Princesses or Witches, I've chosen Witches; Angels or Demons, I choose Demons; Goddesses or Gorgons... I choose Gorgons. And so the myth goes... Medusa was a beautiful young mortal born to the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto. Medusa and her two sisters make up the Gorgons. Medusa becomes one of Athena's priestesses. While at the temple, Poseidon rapes Medusa. For this, Athena punishes Medusa by changing her golden hair into snakes and cursing her so that anyone who meets her gaze will be turned to stone. (One of the first instances of victim blaming, perhaps?) Medusa then tries to escape without harming anyone, but this doesn't go as planned. She is labeled a monster, and the son of Zeus, Perseus, is ordered to behead her and return her head to one of the kings.

Medusa is known as a monster, but her origin story isn't discussed. There's always an antecedent to a behavior. It's a prime example of why, in real life, victims often do not speak up; they are afraid that people will not understand, that they will be judged, that they will be blamed. I love that this retelling shows us the vulnerability of Medusa, but also reframes the 'curse' as a gift for Medusa to protect herself from the brutality of men. There's a line in the book that talks about how there is a part of every woman that others could label as a 'monster.' We have to embrace and own this part of ourselves, claiming or reclaiming what others may use against us. I will always pick the Gorgon.

This is a retelling of Medusa's story from her point of view. It is mainly the story of how she survives her rape by Poseidon, is turned into a monster, recovers from this trauma through good friendships, and eventually uses her power to rise above herself.

Even though we are mainly in Medusa's head, I found it refreshing sometimes to get the thoughts of other characters. Athena's thoughts were a wonderful addition to the narrative. I thought it was great in the storytelling that Medusa starts as the victim of something terrible, but continues to be a story of her overcoming this victimhood status.

To The Narration on the Audiobook: The narration was incredibly well-spoken. The voice was approachable, the emphasis on point and the emotions of speech and narrative parts were beautifully expressed.

*Medusa* by Nataly Gruender offers a powerful reimagining of the well-known Greek myth, breathing new life into the tale of one of mythology's most tragic figures. Gruender’s version of Medusa’s story delves deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of the character, turning her from a mere monster into a richly complex heroine.

**Plot and Characters:**
Gruender portrays Medusa not just as a victim of a god's wrath but as a woman trying to find agency and power in a world where she’s been wronged. The novel focuses on her transformation from a beautiful mortal to the feared Gorgon, but more importantly, it explores her internal journey. Medusa’s struggle with her curse, her isolation, and her eventual acceptance of her fate are poignantly depicted, making her both relatable and tragic.

The supporting characters, like her sisters Stheno and Euryale, are given more depth than in traditional retellings, serving as both her protectors and emotional anchors. Perseus, too, is more than just a heroic figure; his role in the story is nuanced, showing the moral complexities of his quest.

**Themes:**
One of the strongest elements of Gruender’s *Medusa* is its exploration of themes such as victimhood, vengeance, and the reclaiming of power. The book is deeply feminist, highlighting the injustices faced by Medusa and other female characters at the hands of the gods and society. Gruender also challenges the traditional narrative of Medusa as a villain, instead presenting her as a symbol of resilience and empowerment.

**Writing Style:**
Gruender’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing both the beauty and horror of Medusa’s world. The atmospheric descriptions of the island, the temple, and Medusa’s lair contribute to the haunting mood of the story. The author’s use of imagery, particularly in scenes involving Medusa’s transformation and her interactions with Perseus, is particularly striking.

**Critique:**
While *Medusa* is a compelling read, some readers might find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the middle sections where Medusa grapples with her new identity. Additionally, the heavy emphasis on Medusa’s inner turmoil might overshadow other aspects of the plot for those looking for more action or traditional mythological adventure.

**Conclusion:**
Overall, *Medusa* by Nataly Gruender is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant retelling of a classic myth. It offers a fresh perspective on a character often reduced to a monstrous figure, instead presenting her as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the complexities of womanhood. For fans of mythological retellings, especially those with a feminist lens, this novel is a must-read.

I love a good feminist Greek mythology retelling and for some reason the Medusa story is particularly interesting for me.

Many books have been written about Medusa by new to me author, Nataly Gruender really did a great job personalizing Medusa. I especially enjoyed the emphasis in this book on Medusa's relationship with Athena and how she cursed Medusa.

Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of authors like Natalie Hayes or Jennifer Saint. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and gifted finished copy of this new release!

Such an engaging story! Of course, anyone familiar with Greek mythology knows about the monster, Medusa and I think she is mostly portrayed as evil and reviling - snakes for hair and a gaze that can turn gods and mortals to stone sounds terrifying. But this rendition of Medusa’s story offers another side to her; that of an innocent young woman who is cursed due to a petty disagreement between Poseidon and Athena. I have read about Medusa from her Gorgon sisters’ perspective and this book really focuses on Medusa’s side of things. The author made the story very interesting and her character development, especially of Medusa is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and I don’t think the narrator could have done a better job. I highly recommend this book, especially the audio version for fans of retold mythology.