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Medusa
In one of the most compelling tales from classical Greece since Mary Renault's Bull from the Sea and Fire from Heaven, author Scot Hines retells the legend of Medusa in a way that makes her feel like a contemporary millennial girl with very special problems.
Despite a semi-miraculous birth in the temple of Athena, Medusa is nothing more than a devoted priestess of the goddess, distinguished only by her beauty and piety. But after she is raped by the god Poseidon, her entire world is ripped asunder and she flees Poseidon's wrath through ancient Greece and beyond for the inconceivable crime of resistance.
In her wanderings, she encounters dangers and horrors, but also friends in unexpected places. Pursued by Poseidon's fury and his assassins, she is finally cornered in Egypt with only two choices: fight back or be destroyed with all she loves. But her only hope lies with the father of her children, the great love of her life and the man who is prophesied to kill her: Perseus.
Despite a semi-miraculous birth in the temple of Athena, Medusa is nothing more than a devoted priestess of the goddess, distinguished only by her beauty and piety. But after she is raped by the god Poseidon, her entire world is ripped asunder and she flees Poseidon's wrath through ancient Greece and beyond for the inconceivable crime of resistance.
In her wanderings, she encounters dangers and horrors, but also friends in unexpected places. Pursued by Poseidon's fury and his assassins, she is finally cornered in Egypt with only two choices: fight back or be destroyed with all she loves. But her only hope lies with the father of her children, the great love of her life and the man who is prophesied to kill her: Perseus.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
20 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Hines
2 books4 followersCurrently living in Alaska and providing health care to the Alaskan Natives, S.D.Hines loves hiking, backpacking in remote places, being a dad, and (obviously) writing. The Author of MEDUSA and ARIADNE: A Tale of the Minotaur, he is working on ARACHNE (all on Kindle).
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 4, 2018
OK. The reason I enjoyed this novel is because I managed to disassociate everything I know about Greek mythology and took this book as is, a good story. But, if you are a hardcore fan of Greek mythology I do not recommend this book because it will make you loose the will to live.
March 8, 2020
Long
The story was good, though it seemed drawn out. I had a hard time maintaining interest and it took a long time to complete. There were also grammatical errors that I had a hard time overlooking.
The story was good, though it seemed drawn out. I had a hard time maintaining interest and it took a long time to complete. There were also grammatical errors that I had a hard time overlooking.
May 5, 2020
It was a little slow to start, but I enjoyed it. It was a fresh take on the usual Medusa story you hear of her being a villain.
June 3, 2014
**** Review Originally Posted at
Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict ****
"Medusa" by S.D. Hines is a tale of epic proportions. It's also a story of Medusa like we've never seen before. We're used to seeing Medusa as the bad guy – the one with creepy snakes for hair that turns innocent victims into stone with just one look into her eyes. That's the Medusa that we're used to, but it is not the one Hines portrays.
The Medusa from this story is a kind hearted and gentle woman, who is on the run after being raped and having her life threatened by the god Poseidon. Instead of being on the offensive like the monster she's been portrayed over the years, she goes out of her way to help people and makes friends with the people she encounters on her journey.
Medusa's travels take her far and wide. She goes all through Greece, and even as far as Egypt, in her trek to save herself from Poseidon's wrath. This is an epic journey that reminded me of the one Odysseus faced. Both had to go on an adventure that lasted for years that also threw challenges and smaller battles in their way. Medusa was forced to protect herself and others during her wanderings, and as a result, was able to grow as a person and become stronger.
Something that I found interested was the little mentions about other stories that were littered throughout Medusa's. For example, while passing through Troy, she muses on how formable their boundary walls are and that it would be a very hard city to take. We also meet Moses as a baby, as Medusa was there when he was found in his basket in the reeds. I greatly liked that Hines incorporated these small asides into Medusa's travels, and it gave the reader a little something extra to hold on to.
I've already compared Medusa's story to that of Odysseus, but they aren't exactly the same. The epic journey that Hines writes is written in a way that's a lot clearer to follow with plainer language, making it an easier read than "The Odyssey". Although there are some points that got a bit too descriptive at times making the story drag a bit, it still wasn't difficult to get through.
Medusa in this story is the epitome of a good person, however we know her as anything but. Hines also finds a way to deal with this change of perception. While we get to see Medusa and how she really acts, we also get to hear the rumors that surround her on her travels since rumors travel faster than any horse. Her deeds and battles and the things she are a part of get twisted and skewed like a game of telephone, and the rumors that spread are usually a far cry from what really happened.
I always like reading about the Greek gods and myths, and "Medusa" was not an exception. I loved that Hines took a different way of looking at the character and made a new story out of something we all thought we already knew. Even though at times, it could be a slow read, it was still enjoyable and I would recommend it.
Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict ****
"Medusa" by S.D. Hines is a tale of epic proportions. It's also a story of Medusa like we've never seen before. We're used to seeing Medusa as the bad guy – the one with creepy snakes for hair that turns innocent victims into stone with just one look into her eyes. That's the Medusa that we're used to, but it is not the one Hines portrays.
The Medusa from this story is a kind hearted and gentle woman, who is on the run after being raped and having her life threatened by the god Poseidon. Instead of being on the offensive like the monster she's been portrayed over the years, she goes out of her way to help people and makes friends with the people she encounters on her journey.
Medusa's travels take her far and wide. She goes all through Greece, and even as far as Egypt, in her trek to save herself from Poseidon's wrath. This is an epic journey that reminded me of the one Odysseus faced. Both had to go on an adventure that lasted for years that also threw challenges and smaller battles in their way. Medusa was forced to protect herself and others during her wanderings, and as a result, was able to grow as a person and become stronger.
Something that I found interested was the little mentions about other stories that were littered throughout Medusa's. For example, while passing through Troy, she muses on how formable their boundary walls are and that it would be a very hard city to take. We also meet Moses as a baby, as Medusa was there when he was found in his basket in the reeds. I greatly liked that Hines incorporated these small asides into Medusa's travels, and it gave the reader a little something extra to hold on to.
I've already compared Medusa's story to that of Odysseus, but they aren't exactly the same. The epic journey that Hines writes is written in a way that's a lot clearer to follow with plainer language, making it an easier read than "The Odyssey". Although there are some points that got a bit too descriptive at times making the story drag a bit, it still wasn't difficult to get through.
Medusa in this story is the epitome of a good person, however we know her as anything but. Hines also finds a way to deal with this change of perception. While we get to see Medusa and how she really acts, we also get to hear the rumors that surround her on her travels since rumors travel faster than any horse. Her deeds and battles and the things she are a part of get twisted and skewed like a game of telephone, and the rumors that spread are usually a far cry from what really happened.
I always like reading about the Greek gods and myths, and "Medusa" was not an exception. I loved that Hines took a different way of looking at the character and made a new story out of something we all thought we already knew. Even though at times, it could be a slow read, it was still enjoyable and I would recommend it.
June 22, 2014
As suggested by the title, Medusa is the tale of the classical Greek creature of myth. But in this exciting and heart wrenching version of the story, we meet Medusa the woman. Medusa, who was attacked by a god and then forced to flee for her life for fighting back. Medusa, brave and strong and doomed to die by the hand of the only man she ever loved.
From the island temple in which she was born, to the distant land of Ethiop, Medusa's travels bring her in contact with numerous figures of Greek mythology, as well as the mythology of Egypt.
Medusa is a story of love and vengeance, of two people who come together time and again, only to be separated by circumstances beyond their control. Medusa the character is an amazing woman who retains her grace and selflessness despite the cruel hand life has dealt her. A warrior and a healer, Medusa sacrifices all she holds dear in order to protect innocent lives from the wrath of Poseidon.
It's nice to read a story that speaks of Medusa as something other than a monster. Her story is a sad one, but not without its triumphs. There were times when the transitions between scenes were a little choppy, and some scenes could have been better fleshed out to be more immersive, but for the most part I found this to be a very entertaining story. It held my attention and in the end left me feeling more than a little distraught at the way things turned out. But not every story can end with Happily Ever After, and though the conclusion of the story is in most parts a sad one, it fit the story perfectly.
From the island temple in which she was born, to the distant land of Ethiop, Medusa's travels bring her in contact with numerous figures of Greek mythology, as well as the mythology of Egypt.
Medusa is a story of love and vengeance, of two people who come together time and again, only to be separated by circumstances beyond their control. Medusa the character is an amazing woman who retains her grace and selflessness despite the cruel hand life has dealt her. A warrior and a healer, Medusa sacrifices all she holds dear in order to protect innocent lives from the wrath of Poseidon.
It's nice to read a story that speaks of Medusa as something other than a monster. Her story is a sad one, but not without its triumphs. There were times when the transitions between scenes were a little choppy, and some scenes could have been better fleshed out to be more immersive, but for the most part I found this to be a very entertaining story. It held my attention and in the end left me feeling more than a little distraught at the way things turned out. But not every story can end with Happily Ever After, and though the conclusion of the story is in most parts a sad one, it fit the story perfectly.
April 15, 2014
Romance and action under new personas in Greek Mythology.
I was ten years old when I read my first book of Greek mythology and it fascinated me. Later movies ran like “Jason and the Golden Fleece.” Thus these mythological tales cemented the personalities and actions of these Greek gods.
The author has taken the names of a few of these characters such as Medusa, Perseus, Andromeda, Posiden, Himoncles and the Amazonians and created an entirely new fairy tale of romance in a sci-fi action world. The author brought new emotions to these characters, making them more real than the original myths portrayed them.
This tale would be intriguing to the YA genre and even younger teenagers. It may also appeal to older adults who still like to relax in this other world. I recommend it to readers who enjoy books in these categories.
I was ten years old when I read my first book of Greek mythology and it fascinated me. Later movies ran like “Jason and the Golden Fleece.” Thus these mythological tales cemented the personalities and actions of these Greek gods.
The author has taken the names of a few of these characters such as Medusa, Perseus, Andromeda, Posiden, Himoncles and the Amazonians and created an entirely new fairy tale of romance in a sci-fi action world. The author brought new emotions to these characters, making them more real than the original myths portrayed them.
This tale would be intriguing to the YA genre and even younger teenagers. It may also appeal to older adults who still like to relax in this other world. I recommend it to readers who enjoy books in these categories.
May 3, 2014
I grew up with the stereotype of Medusa from the movie Clash of the Titans (1986). So, thought she was just an ugly monster with killer looks.
This book brought a better perspective of this mythical creature (so complex) and historical background that puts Medusa in a better light (in my eyes).
The relationship development between Medusa and Perseus was also interesting to read about especially knowing how it would end between them.
This book brought a better perspective of this mythical creature (so complex) and historical background that puts Medusa in a better light (in my eyes).
The relationship development between Medusa and Perseus was also interesting to read about especially knowing how it would end between them.
July 2, 2021
Retellings are one of my favorites things to read. I like seeing how make a story that has been told countless times unique without losing it completely.
It's clear that this book is meant to be the “real” story of Medusa and the popular myths we know are what came about from outsiders' perspectives of the events. So I won't recommend this to those who don't want to read “inaccuracies” in their fiction.
It's clear that this book is meant to be the “real” story of Medusa and the popular myths we know are what came about from outsiders' perspectives of the events. So I won't recommend this to those who don't want to read “inaccuracies” in their fiction.
February 26, 2014
A fine blending of myths
This is an entertaining tale of Medusa unlike any other. It is written like a story being told around the fires at night. We are introduced to the Amazon society, the Egyptian princess who saved the baby in the reeds, and a world rich in knowledge expanding its borders. I really liked this tale and will look for more
This is an entertaining tale of Medusa unlike any other. It is written like a story being told around the fires at night. We are introduced to the Amazon society, the Egyptian princess who saved the baby in the reeds, and a world rich in knowledge expanding its borders. I really liked this tale and will look for more
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May 13, 2016Estoy harta de que los malos escritores se crean que con ver unas pelis de griegos y romanos ya están capacitados para escribir una novela "histórica", incluso aunque sea con un marco mitológico. Un poco de documentación, por favor. Personajes esteriotipados y sin gracia. Si vas a usar clichés, al menos no los vomites por aquí y por allá sin orden ni concierto. Dios.
July 1, 2015
Not great
It was,a fun read, but all of the inaccuracy really got to me. I will not be reading book two.
It was,a fun read, but all of the inaccuracy really got to me. I will not be reading book two.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews