really loved this book and learning more about medusa and her learning in the temple and how it slowly changed from what happened with king of the sea. loved her sisters and she found someone.

A powerful and beautifully written Medusa retelling that completely pulled me in. I’ve read a few versions of her story before, but this one stands out—it’s emotional, accessible, and full of heart. You don’t need to be a Greek mythology expert to follow along, and by the end, I was fully invested in Medusa’s fate, wishing her story could end differently. An unforgettable take on a familiar myth—highly recommend.

I loved that it followed the original closely but also was so unique and had its own spin on it, it felt completely different for what everyone knows and loves but also still had a familiar feel to it. It was a wonderful read and if greek mythology is something you're drawn to, you will love this book!

I really enjoyed this!
Medusa's story is one I've always been interested in, especially how Athena punished her and not Poseidon, at least not to the extreme she did to Medusa. I loved the history of Medusa and how Ayana Gray explored her background prior to becoming the famed Gorgon.

Medusa's story is tragically heartbreaking by default given the fact that, regardless of the retelling, her beauty is stolen from her on one of the worst nights of her life. She's punished by the Gods she loved and devoted herself to, and her beauty is stolen from her in an act which is made so much more painful in this retelling because of Medusa's deep connection with her locs and the way that their care and maintenance connect her to her sisters.
I knew from the first moment that Medusa expressed a deep love for her hair, and the time in which it takes to maintain such beautiful locs, that this novel would hurt me. The feminine rage that builds as Medusa goes through her life effectively being beaten down every time she tries to better herself, to make wrongs right, and to stand up for the people she loves is so very relevant to the times as a woman right now. I hate that the effective cruelty in this novel is something that many women can so easily relate to. I hate that her rage is something that I feel burning too often in my own chest - but I love the reminders that I'm not alone. That there are other women, like Medusa's sisters, who love you no matter what and let no time, distance, or argument change that.

what an incredibly beautiful and nuanced retelling of medusa's story. fans of madeline miller and jennifer saint will absolutely enjoy this. i really don't have much to say about this other than read it, it's worth it.

While I’m not a fan of retelling, I am definitely a fan of this Medusa re-telling. Lots of anger, love, and heartbreak. Such a great read. Thank you NetGalley for the advance readers copy!! This is one of those books that will be living rent free in my head and heart. ❤️

I devoured this retelling of Medusa’s story ! Amazingly written we get to follow “Meddy’s” life as a young girl living as a mortal among a family of immortals, her journey as an acolyte for the Goddess Athena, the reason behind her curse and how her life plays out. This book is filled with heartache and sadness, love, rage, growth, tough decisions, the bonds of family, family detachment and so much more. It puts a beautiful perspective on Medusa as a person and not just a monster. I give this five stars and would definitely recommend.
Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGally for the opportunity to enjoy an ARC of this book.

I couldn't put this book down and absolutely loved Medusas backstory as it added more to her story instead of following the usual narrative. This was the right way of introducing a myth that people are already familiar with while also making it individual to the owner. I can't wait to purchase it when it's released. Thanks Random house for the ARC of this book.

4.25 stars

I, Medusa is such a powerful and refreshing take on a story we think we know. Getting to hear Medusa’s side of things? Loved that. Ayana Gray really gives her a voice, and it’s raw, emotional, and totally changes the way you see her.

One of my favorite parts was the complicated dynamic between Medusa and her sisters. Their bond wasn’t perfect—it was messy, emotional, and real. It added so much depth to the story and made the characters feel fully human (or, you know, as close as immortal beings can get).

The book tackles some heavy stuff, but it does it in a really thoughtful way. Gray doesn’t hold back when it comes to showing the damage caused by power imbalances and how history has been shaped by insecure men trying to destroy powerful women. It’s intense, but so important.

My only complaint is that some of the events toward the end felt a bit rushed. After such a rich, layered build-up, I wanted just a little more time for the ending to breathe. Still, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the arc!

You know when you read a book and just KNOW that it's going to make top 10 for the year? Yeah, me too.

I, Medusa gives us a long-awaited look into the life of Meddy, prior to her becoming the monster she's depicted as. The story follows her from Mortal, to Maiden, to Mistress, to Monster. Showing the reader what a brilliant, kind, and real person she was/could have been.

I've been sitting here after finishing this arc, trying to find the words to describe why you need to pre-order the book when it comes out this fall (preferably do so asap). If you have ever felt stuck. If you've ever felt wronged and guilty for the anger that comes with it. @ayanagray_ gave us a character who is so authentic that she jumped right out of the page for me. Meddy isn't perfect, and that's what kept her humanity after everything she went through. And I will hold her in my heart for the rest of my life.

I, Medusa by Ayana Gray is a powerful reimagining of the classic myth, offering a fresh and empathetic take on the infamous Gorgon. Told through the eyes of Meddy, a young Black woman navigating the injustices of ancient Greece, the story reclaims her narrative from villainy to victimhood. Gray tackles heavy themes like sexual assault, power abuse, and victim-blaming with emotional depth and nuance. The prose is lyrical and immersive, and the audiobook narration has been praised for bringing Medusa’s voice vividly to life. Though some readers wished for more focus on Medusa herself, the novel stands out as a bold and resonant addition to modern myth retellings.

This was amazinnggggg. I’ve never read a retelling quite like I, Medusa. Learning and growing with Meddy was an emotional adventure and I am here for it. Loved it! Great adult debut! I will recommend this a million times!

Thank you NetGally for the chance to read this early.

Release date November 18, 2025

As someone who grew up on tales from Greek mythology, I was intrigued by the premise of this novel. The author chose a villain as her protagonist and imagined a fascinating backstory for her that explained her metamorphosis from maiden to monster. I appreciated the commentary on rape culture (trigger warnings for SA) and the vilification of victims. I found the plot fairly interesting and the characterization well executed. I did feel that the story ended a bit abruptly and there were moments that I found myself less than captivated, but overall this was a solid 3 1/2 stars for me.

I, Medusa is easily the best Greek mythology retelling I've read in ages! It is a bold and captivating entry into the already impressive canon of Medusa stories. I couldn't put this book down; it's a five-star read! In classical mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgon sisters, a mortal woman who became best known as a monster, though many today view her with sympathy. Ayana Gray, in her debut adult novel, offers a fresh and modern perspective on Medusa by reimagining her as a young, queer person of color who grapples with the whims of the Olympic gods and goddesses while struggling to find her way.

What makes someone become a monster? Were they born this way? What set them on the path to infamy? In this story, we follow Medusa—affectionately known as Meddy—a mortal child born of immortal gods who has always been treated as a weaker afterthought in her family. Due to her intellect and curiosity about the greater world beyond the island she has always called home, she unexpectedly catches the eye of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. Given the opportunity to train in Athens to become a priestess, Meddy leaves her home and embarks on an enlightening journey where she learns about the beauty and betrayal of the gods she once worshipped. The book features rich, complex characters and explores the lessons surrounding power imbalances among men and women, as well as between the wealthy and the poor. This story is a masterpiece from start to finish. Fans of Madeline Miller will find that Gray's modern interpretation of Medusa resonates deeply. If you enjoyed Song of Achilles or Circe, this should be your next read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC.

This book is going to be big.

I, Medusa is the captivating story about the broadly known myth, Medusa, and her evolution from a victim to a woman seeking -much deserved- justice.

I LOVED this book. It’s unmistakably clear that Ayana Gray did her research- further confirmed by the Author’s Note. (I didn’t know Medusa had sisters- and BOY do I love them). She stripped an iconically monstrous figure to the roots, and made her relatable & likeable. Gray has submerged this story in the everyday woman’s struggle to crawl from beneath the control of men- especially men in positions of power. She addresses topics like consent, domestic abuse, rape, manipulation and all of the muddled lines in between- things we still see prevalently today. But she does it in a tactful, elegant manner that doesn’t weigh you down. This book didn’t leave me feeling heavy- it left me feeling empowered. And on top of all of that, it is just such a good story. I would go as far to say that this book should be a required read for everyone.

I could go on and on and on. If you liked “Song of Achilles” even a little bit, definitely read this. If you like Greek mythology, read this. If you like good, quality fiction with stellar world building, deep themes, and complex characters - this is your sign. I’ll be picking up every book she comes out with next.

Ayana Gray already said it, but I’ll say it again- Here’s to the girls who got mad. I’d recommend to anyone.


(Find this review on my Fable, Goodreads, or Instagram today! Review will be uploaded to Amazon on Nov 1, 2025.)

I know they say to not judge a book by its cover, but I knew I'd love this book from the cover alone. It encapsulates the the theme of the novel perfectly, in my opinion.

This was a heartbreaking story that beautifully encapsulates the vast range of emotions that comes with being assaulted and blamed as the victim. But Medusa took her power back and used that power to punish those that would continue to harm the women and children of her community.

This story was written so well, I could feel everything that Meddy felt. This retelling was handled with the care and grace of an incredible storyteller. I've always been partial to Medusa's myth, always sympathizing with her, and this story only revalidated my view.

I, Medusa is captivating and evocative. Anyone who enjoys Greek mythology should enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for allowing me access to an eARC in exchange for my 100% honest review!

I, Medusa by Ayana Gray is a searing, powerful reclamation of one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures. This isn’t just a retelling—it’s a revolution. Bold, lyrical, and emotionally devastating in all the best ways, Gray breathes new life into the legend of Medusa with a voice that is equal parts fury and grace.

Almost everyone knows the myth—but this is Medusa’s story, finally told on her terms. From the moment we meet Meddy, she’s quietly yearning for more: more than being the overlooked sister, more than existing in the shadow of her divine family, more than simply surviving. Her transformation from curious, bright-eyed dreamer to silenced survivor to fierce, unrelenting force of justice is nothing short of magnetic.

Gray’s writing is incredibly accessible yet rich with emotional weight. The pacing is tight, never wasting a word, and yet every moment feels meaningful. The world she builds—Athens, the temples, the tension between mortal and god—feels grounded, even as the story ascends into mythic heights. And while this is a deeply imaginative origin story, it doesn’t shy away from hard truths: the abuse of power, the erasure of women’s voices, the injustice baked into the stories we’ve been told.

What truly sets this book apart is how it re-centers Medusa—not as a villain or a cautionary tale, but as a person. A young girl full of hope, crushed by cruelty, and forced to claw her way back to herself. Her rage is righteous. Her sorrow is real. And her evolution into myth is painted with such emotional nuance that I found myself breathless by the end.

Ayana Gray has crafted a story that is timeless and urgently modern. I, Medusa is a haunting, gorgeous reminder that monsters are often made—not born—and that sometimes, survival is the most radical act of all. I devoured this book and left it changed.

This book truly incredible. The writing was easy to follow and understand. It was fast paced, imaginative villain origin story. I’m not very well versed in Greek mythology but I was able to follow along perfectly fine, as the author does a great job of making things easily digestible. I probably could have read another 100-200 pages honestly.

This was the villain backstory I didn't know I absolutely needed! This was so, so wonderful and I can't wait for more by this author!