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Reflection: The Untold Story of Medusa
Do you remember when Medusa was a mortal girl living in Athens? No? Certainly you remember her being a gorgon who can turn people to stone at a glance. This is what everyone remembers. But being a cursed monster is the end of her tale.
At the beginning, Medusa led a charmed life-living in a lavish villa with a loving family. A brewing war, magic and plague all threatened her comfortable life. All of these forces led her to join Athena's temple, but Athena was a jealous Goddess and Poseidon was a lustful God. The Fates had a plan for Medusa, it was woven into her tapestry starting at the moment of her conception.
What was she destined for?
At the beginning, Medusa led a charmed life-living in a lavish villa with a loving family. A brewing war, magic and plague all threatened her comfortable life. All of these forces led her to join Athena's temple, but Athena was a jealous Goddess and Poseidon was a lustful God. The Fates had a plan for Medusa, it was woven into her tapestry starting at the moment of her conception.
What was she destined for?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 11, 2022
I'm a sucker for the classics, and I especially love retellings that flip the established narrative on its head. Fuscaldo does a beautiful job here, showing us the human side of one of mythology's biggest villainesses. Richly detailed and filled with emotion, Reflection takes the reader down a new path of an oft-told story. Medusa is intelligent and vivacious. We can't help but fall in love with her. An altogether entertaining and informative read. Highly recommend!
December 9, 2023
when Medusa was 15 or 16 years old, her father told her that she needed to be married Within 2 months because he was leaving for war outside the city and he wanted his family provided for in case something happened to him. Medusa didn't want to be to forced to get married Because she did didn't want someone old and fat.
he thought Medusa was being difficult and told her that he had arranged for suitors young and old but she didn't want anything to do with them. Medusa's father would always tell Eudora that she was perfect and that she would make a great wife someday but he never said this to Medusa. Clearly Eudora was his favorite child.
Medusa went with her fathers plan because she didn't want to live the rest of her life knowing she disobeyed him. She met with Alexander and she seemed to like him.
Medusa finally found a husband and her parents were excited, she was even going to stay in her family home with her new husband.
I knew some of the story of Medusa, the part where she had been raped and went to the temple of Athena, where Athena turned her into this
monster. I really enjoyed the book it was really book! I knew some of Medusa's story it wasn't fair what happened to her, I just felt so bad for Medusa
4.6 rounded up
he thought Medusa was being difficult and told her that he had arranged for suitors young and old but she didn't want anything to do with them. Medusa's father would always tell Eudora that she was perfect and that she would make a great wife someday but he never said this to Medusa. Clearly Eudora was his favorite child.
Medusa went with her fathers plan because she didn't want to live the rest of her life knowing she disobeyed him. She met with Alexander and she seemed to like him.
Medusa finally found a husband and her parents were excited, she was even going to stay in her family home with her new husband.
I knew some of the story of Medusa, the part where she had been raped and went to the temple of Athena, where Athena turned her into this
monster. I really enjoyed the book it was really book! I knew some of Medusa's story it wasn't fair what happened to her, I just felt so bad for Medusa
4.6 rounded up
December 11, 2023
i just finished Medusa.
It was a wonderful book and how much it took me on a journey. I will say again a big thank you to the author and to Hazel's books for the opportunity they give me to get to know all these wonderful books.
I think the biggest thumbs up goes to the author who took me back to ancient Greece and I learned things I didn't know.
I am glad that I learned about her life and her story.
There were scenes of violence, love and pain in the book and they made it even better. I hope that at some point it will be translated into Greek because it deserves to be read by all of us.
Μόλις τελείωσα την μέδουσα. Ηταν υπέροχο βιβλίο και ποσο πολύ με ταξίδεψε.
Θα ξανα πω ενα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στην συγγραφέα κ στο Hazel's books για την ευκαιρία που μου δίνουν να γνωρίσω ολα αυτα τα υπέροχα βιβλία.
Πιστεύω το μεγαλύτερο μπράβο παει στη συγγραφέα που με γύρισε πισω στην αρχαία Ελλάδα και έμαθα πράγματα που δεν γνώριζα.
Χαίρομαι που εμαθα την ζωή της και την ιστορία της.
Σκηνές βίας, αγάπης και πονου δεν έλειπαν απο το βιβλίο και το εκαναν ακομη καλύτερο.
Εύχομαι κάποια στιγμή να μεταφραστεί και στα ελληνικά γιατί αξίζει να το διαβάσουμε όλοι.
It was a wonderful book and how much it took me on a journey. I will say again a big thank you to the author and to Hazel's books for the opportunity they give me to get to know all these wonderful books.
I think the biggest thumbs up goes to the author who took me back to ancient Greece and I learned things I didn't know.
I am glad that I learned about her life and her story.
There were scenes of violence, love and pain in the book and they made it even better. I hope that at some point it will be translated into Greek because it deserves to be read by all of us.
Μόλις τελείωσα την μέδουσα. Ηταν υπέροχο βιβλίο και ποσο πολύ με ταξίδεψε.
Θα ξανα πω ενα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στην συγγραφέα κ στο Hazel's books για την ευκαιρία που μου δίνουν να γνωρίσω ολα αυτα τα υπέροχα βιβλία.
Πιστεύω το μεγαλύτερο μπράβο παει στη συγγραφέα που με γύρισε πισω στην αρχαία Ελλάδα και έμαθα πράγματα που δεν γνώριζα.
Χαίρομαι που εμαθα την ζωή της και την ιστορία της.
Σκηνές βίας, αγάπης και πονου δεν έλειπαν απο το βιβλίο και το εκαναν ακομη καλύτερο.
Εύχομαι κάποια στιγμή να μεταφραστεί και στα ελληνικά γιατί αξίζει να το διαβάσουμε όλοι.
January 16, 2023
I am a huge fan of Greek mythology and Medusa has always been one of my favorites! The author uses the Medusa myth created by Ovid to tell her story, that of Medusa being "mortal" turned into a monster.
I enjoyed taking in this story from Medusa's POV. I always enjoy when the villains get to tell their stories. It was not one of a vain Medusa but a real girl with emotions, questions and hopes for her future. I liked the last few chapters and the very unique way it ended.
The reason why I just couldn't give it a higher rating is because it was really hard to get through the first few chapters. I always stick it out and finish reading whatever book I start, and I'm glad I did as I ended up enjoying it. There were also spelling and grammar errors throughout the book and in some sections it would turn from fiction to a detailed and long architecture or history textbook, which would be off-putting.
Overall, I am glad that I did finish it, like I said, as I really enjoyed once the Greek mythology aspect started coming into the story.
I enjoyed taking in this story from Medusa's POV. I always enjoy when the villains get to tell their stories. It was not one of a vain Medusa but a real girl with emotions, questions and hopes for her future. I liked the last few chapters and the very unique way it ended.
The reason why I just couldn't give it a higher rating is because it was really hard to get through the first few chapters. I always stick it out and finish reading whatever book I start, and I'm glad I did as I ended up enjoying it. There were also spelling and grammar errors throughout the book and in some sections it would turn from fiction to a detailed and long architecture or history textbook, which would be off-putting.
Overall, I am glad that I did finish it, like I said, as I really enjoyed once the Greek mythology aspect started coming into the story.
November 30, 2023
This one started off a little slow for me; hence the 4 star rating. But once it picked up it was highly enjoyable and the author did a very great job at explaining mythology to someone like me who has a very limited knowledge of the subject.
Medusa is the woman who turns mortals to stone-but did you ever wonder how she became the snake haired creature? This story will tell you all of that and more while guiding you through the life and times of BC era gods and Demigods. If you like historical fiction and mythology, this book is absolutely for you.
At almost 400 pages I never felt like what the author was discussing was overkill or anything repetitive. I commend the way they told this story and would absolutely read another mythology like book from them! Thank you so much to Hazels Booktours and Nina Fuscaldo for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinions.
Medusa is the woman who turns mortals to stone-but did you ever wonder how she became the snake haired creature? This story will tell you all of that and more while guiding you through the life and times of BC era gods and Demigods. If you like historical fiction and mythology, this book is absolutely for you.
At almost 400 pages I never felt like what the author was discussing was overkill or anything repetitive. I commend the way they told this story and would absolutely read another mythology like book from them! Thank you so much to Hazels Booktours and Nina Fuscaldo for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 7, 2023
We all know Medusa as being the vengeful snake-headed monster cursed for having an affair with Poseidon and taking joy from turning people to stone!
But this story really shows a different side to her altogether!
I have been loving all the re-tellings of the Gods - having been obsessed for so long, but never really being able to get into the old books about myths that just didn't hold my attention.
But medusa is such a well known figure that I've always been intrigued by her story.
This tells of her time before the curse and it's such a lovely story of a young girl growing up.
It was really easy to re-connect with her as she was and to see all her hopes for the future. It was really quite bittersweet, knowing what we know already.
The writing style grew on me. I found it a little hard to get into at first, but the premise of the story kept me going and after the first few chapters I was completely immersed.
A really great read and an inspired imagining.
But this story really shows a different side to her altogether!
I have been loving all the re-tellings of the Gods - having been obsessed for so long, but never really being able to get into the old books about myths that just didn't hold my attention.
But medusa is such a well known figure that I've always been intrigued by her story.
This tells of her time before the curse and it's such a lovely story of a young girl growing up.
It was really easy to re-connect with her as she was and to see all her hopes for the future. It was really quite bittersweet, knowing what we know already.
The writing style grew on me. I found it a little hard to get into at first, but the premise of the story kept me going and after the first few chapters I was completely immersed.
A really great read and an inspired imagining.
December 6, 2023
3.5 Stars
Is Medusa really a monster? Typically in Greek myth we only read that Medusa is a horrific monster terrorizing innocent people. In this retelling of the Medusa story, we get her whole backstory leading up to her turning into a "monster". I really enjoyed seeing the whole story through the eyes of Medusa. It was refreshing to read her perspective!
The story was a little slow in parts for me, and be sure to read the content warnings because there are mentions of and scenes of SA!
Thank you to Hazel's Book Tours for giving me a copy of the book. I was given a copy in exchange for a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Is Medusa really a monster? Typically in Greek myth we only read that Medusa is a horrific monster terrorizing innocent people. In this retelling of the Medusa story, we get her whole backstory leading up to her turning into a "monster". I really enjoyed seeing the whole story through the eyes of Medusa. It was refreshing to read her perspective!
The story was a little slow in parts for me, and be sure to read the content warnings because there are mentions of and scenes of SA!
Thank you to Hazel's Book Tours for giving me a copy of the book. I was given a copy in exchange for a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 9, 2023
That was a read that filed me with relief and comfort. A stroy that I needed to read and see from Medusa's point of view. And this view meant a lot!
I love retellings. But not all of them actually work for me. This came beyond my expectations. The descriptions, the characters' depth, the analysis, the scenes. Everything so awesome written.
With respect but yet with no fear it manages to pull the veil and reveal weaknesses even in powerful Olympian Gods.
A page turner that in every step takes the reade further and deeper in a world that was extremely interesting but definitely had its issues.
Medusa as a girl as a woman as a creature.
As for the ending...deeply and absolutely loved it!
I love retellings. But not all of them actually work for me. This came beyond my expectations. The descriptions, the characters' depth, the analysis, the scenes. Everything so awesome written.
With respect but yet with no fear it manages to pull the veil and reveal weaknesses even in powerful Olympian Gods.
A page turner that in every step takes the reade further and deeper in a world that was extremely interesting but definitely had its issues.
Medusa as a girl as a woman as a creature.
As for the ending...deeply and absolutely loved it!
December 5, 2023
This is a Greek Mythology Retelling / historical fiction and it’s so good!
Most people think they know the story of Medusa, the monster who turns people to stone with just a look. But what about Medusa before she was a gorgon and was just a girl.
This book takes us through her life, and how she became what she is known as today, as told by Medusa’s POV.
The writing is so wonderful and emotionally packed while still feeling informative and historically accurate.
Overall a really wonderful read and I strongly recommend it for those Greek mythology lovers out there 🖤
Most people think they know the story of Medusa, the monster who turns people to stone with just a look. But what about Medusa before she was a gorgon and was just a girl.
This book takes us through her life, and how she became what she is known as today, as told by Medusa’s POV.
The writing is so wonderful and emotionally packed while still feeling informative and historically accurate.
Overall a really wonderful read and I strongly recommend it for those Greek mythology lovers out there 🖤
November 14, 2023
This was really well done! As someone who never took any courses in mythology I really never thought much about Medusa besides her being a woman with snakes for hair and the ability to turn people into stone. I now know much more than I thought I would and I had a great time learning. It was interesting to see her more human side and also learn she didn't always have snakes for hair. I'd recommend this for anyone who likes history/accurate mythology mixed with the author's flair and fantasy.
December 2, 2023
Reflection was about Medusa the one who turns mortals to stone but did who ever wonder who she was before. This book was so good and will tell you who Medusa was and more. The author did a great job writing this book and I highly enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book to anyone especially if you like historical fiction or mythology books. Thank you to the author for this book in exchange of my honest review.
October 30, 2023
Great!
This book kinda got off to a slow start for me but the ending was gold! I am so happy I got to read this book!
This book kinda got off to a slow start for me but the ending was gold! I am so happy I got to read this book!
November 25, 2023
love Medusa and this book was perfect
December 5, 2023
Loved this book! Highly suggest!
January 29, 2024
Surely we all know the myth of Medusa… But do we know the full story?
In Reflection: The Untold Story of Medusa, Nina Fuscaldo allows the reader to be transported into ancient Greece and allows Medusa to tell her version of events. While one might consider Medusa the villain, this story flips the narrative and paints the picture of a girl growing up in Athens who is faced with trying times leading up until she is cursed by a vengeful Goddess.
The story has a slow build, but it is captivating and becomes difficult to put down. This reimagining of Medusa's tale is creative and inspiring. It is steeped in various points of Greek mythology while still being liberal and allowing for the story to stand out (in a good way).
In Reflection: The Untold Story of Medusa, Nina Fuscaldo allows the reader to be transported into ancient Greece and allows Medusa to tell her version of events. While one might consider Medusa the villain, this story flips the narrative and paints the picture of a girl growing up in Athens who is faced with trying times leading up until she is cursed by a vengeful Goddess.
The story has a slow build, but it is captivating and becomes difficult to put down. This reimagining of Medusa's tale is creative and inspiring. It is steeped in various points of Greek mythology while still being liberal and allowing for the story to stand out (in a good way).
December 3, 2023
3.75⭐️
Thank you to Nina and hazel book tours for sending me this arc for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have always had a fascination with Greek mythology. It’s always been so intriguing and when I saw the opportunity to read this Arc, I definitely took it.
Reading books similar to this (historical fiction) aren’t usually my cup of tea but it’s nice to step out of your comfort zone once in a while and I quite enjoyed this book.
Seeing the book from medusas POV was definitely very interesting and I loved how we got to see the villains POV.
It did start off slow but as you continued to read it definitely picked up and became quite enjoyable.
Would recommend to those who like Greek mythology or historical fiction.
Thank you to Nina and hazel book tours for sending me this arc for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have always had a fascination with Greek mythology. It’s always been so intriguing and when I saw the opportunity to read this Arc, I definitely took it.
Reading books similar to this (historical fiction) aren’t usually my cup of tea but it’s nice to step out of your comfort zone once in a while and I quite enjoyed this book.
Seeing the book from medusas POV was definitely very interesting and I loved how we got to see the villains POV.
It did start off slow but as you continued to read it definitely picked up and became quite enjoyable.
Would recommend to those who like Greek mythology or historical fiction.
February 7, 2024
Reflection: The Untold Story of Medusa by Nina Fuscaldo
5⭐️
Thank you, @hazels_booktours for this ARC!
5⭐️
Thank you, @hazels_booktours for this ARC!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews