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Medusa
Lissa Two is a thief of the ocean cities, struggling to make enough money to clear her debts and take care of her traumatised sister, scratching a meagre living as best she can. So she has enough worries without her life getting more complicated...but when a boy named Hattan literally falls from the sky, she can't just let him drown. It's a decision she comes to regret, a decision that will change not only her life, but the lives of everyone she loves. If they survive...
264 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2014
21 people want to read
About the author
Tony Talbot
29 books47 followersTony Talbot started writing short stories in 2008, after a dream he had and couldn't shake; Finally his wife told him to write it down or stop talking about it.
He wrote his first Young Adult novel, Over the Mountain, in 2008, and has completed several others and a growing raft of short stories since.
He lives in a village in Leicestershire UK, with an American wife he met online and a cat called Boo. As well as writing, he enjoys reading, playing on the Wii-U and not getting enough exercise.
Over the Mountain - 2008
Taken - 2009
American Girl - 2011
Eight Mile Island - 2012
Medusa - 2014
He wrote his first Young Adult novel, Over the Mountain, in 2008, and has completed several others and a growing raft of short stories since.
He lives in a village in Leicestershire UK, with an American wife he met online and a cat called Boo. As well as writing, he enjoys reading, playing on the Wii-U and not getting enough exercise.
Over the Mountain - 2008
Taken - 2009
American Girl - 2011
Eight Mile Island - 2012
Medusa - 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 28, 2014
This review (and others) can be found on My Full Bookshelf
A free copy of this book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't really sure what to expect going into Medusa. The cover was what initially drew me to the book, and the blurb sounded fantastic, but Tony Talbot was a new author to me, so I was a bit nervous at the same time. My fears quickly dissipated. After reading only a few lines, I knew this book would be good!
The plot:
The plot is really great. It's original, which is always a plus. When I say original, I mean original. The only book that came to mind when reading this was The Search for WondLa, simply because the main character in that book was called Eva Nine, and the main character of this book was called Lissa Two. If that is the only connection I can make, I think it's safe to say that this book was original.
It's also really, really exciting. There's pirates, betrayal, and killer clouds. Does that not sound awesome? I think part of the reason I liked it so much was because it's science fiction and I don't think I've read a "real" science fiction book in a while.
I liked that there was no over excessive romance; there was a bit, but I mean a miniscule amount. I was afraid that the relationship between Hattan and Lissa would turn into a case of insta-love, but that's not how it plays out at all...I won't give anything away though...
Setting:
I got sucked into the world of Medusa almost immediately. Technically, it's what happened to the Earth after an apocalyptic event, but it doesn't feel like that. It feels like stepping into a completely new world, due to how changed the Earth has become.
Characters:
The author made me like a ship. Connie, aforementioned ship, may be the most complex characters in this book. I'm not saying that snarkily. She really is a well-thought out character. She has a past that she would rather forget, so much so that she walled the memory away. And even though she is not technically a person, she has emotions, really well-written emotions.
Lissa Two is a perfect heroine. She's fierce and kick-butt, but she has a soft side as well. She really loves her sister and would do anything to protect her. I loved their relationship.
There are a couple typos, but they are easily overlooked and they don't interfere with the overall reading experience.
I enjoyed every second of Medusa. I am really curious to see if there will be a sequel, because Goodreads doesn't say anything about one but it seemed like there might be one. Either way, it was a great book!
A free copy of this book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't really sure what to expect going into Medusa. The cover was what initially drew me to the book, and the blurb sounded fantastic, but Tony Talbot was a new author to me, so I was a bit nervous at the same time. My fears quickly dissipated. After reading only a few lines, I knew this book would be good!
The plot:
The plot is really great. It's original, which is always a plus. When I say original, I mean original. The only book that came to mind when reading this was The Search for WondLa, simply because the main character in that book was called Eva Nine, and the main character of this book was called Lissa Two. If that is the only connection I can make, I think it's safe to say that this book was original.
It's also really, really exciting. There's pirates, betrayal, and killer clouds. Does that not sound awesome? I think part of the reason I liked it so much was because it's science fiction and I don't think I've read a "real" science fiction book in a while.
I liked that there was no over excessive romance; there was a bit, but I mean a miniscule amount. I was afraid that the relationship between Hattan and Lissa would turn into a case of insta-love, but that's not how it plays out at all...I won't give anything away though...
Setting:
I got sucked into the world of Medusa almost immediately. Technically, it's what happened to the Earth after an apocalyptic event, but it doesn't feel like that. It feels like stepping into a completely new world, due to how changed the Earth has become.
Characters:
The author made me like a ship. Connie, aforementioned ship, may be the most complex characters in this book. I'm not saying that snarkily. She really is a well-thought out character. She has a past that she would rather forget, so much so that she walled the memory away. And even though she is not technically a person, she has emotions, really well-written emotions.
Lissa Two is a perfect heroine. She's fierce and kick-butt, but she has a soft side as well. She really loves her sister and would do anything to protect her. I loved their relationship.
There are a couple typos, but they are easily overlooked and they don't interfere with the overall reading experience.
I enjoyed every second of Medusa. I am really curious to see if there will be a sequel, because Goodreads doesn't say anything about one but it seemed like there might be one. Either way, it was a great book!
April 11, 2014
It was the cover of this book that initially drew me in. The blurb is short and enticing but it doesn't reveal much. There was really no way to know what to expect from Medusa without reading it.
I don't want to give away too much of the storyline, because I think that mysterious allure really works in its favour. But I will say it follows the story of Lissa Two, a young woman struggling to keep her sister safe in a post-apocalyptic world fraught with danger.
Lissa is brave, resourceful and willing to fight for what she believes in. She's a really strong character, and while she's completely in control of surroundings, there is also an element of vulnerability to her. She keeps you on side at all times, and when the challenges hit, you definitely go along for the ride.
This story has everything a good book deserves. The storyline is original, the pacing works really well, and there are also lots of subplots to keep you engaged as you follow the characters. There are some unexpected twists and turns, betrayal, redemption and just a tiny hint of romance.
There is plenty of action but it's well balanced by the detail of the characters, and the depth of the world they live in. I certainly have to give extra points to Tony for such a richly imagined setting. It stands to reason that in a time so far removed from our own, everything would be different, and he didn't spare any of the finer points. There is added technology, different illnesses, even the language has evolved. It can be really tricky to do, but he took on the challenge and made it work.
If I was going to make any complaints about this book, it would be that the terminology was a little overwhelming at first. But given the difficulty in using alternative language, I don't think there is any way to avoid it. Although initially a little confusing, it doesn't take long before everything fits into place. And I think the book wouldn't be the same without it, because it does, after all, make the world complete.
Finally the writing style suits the mood of the book just right. The words flow really well, and it makes for easy reading. At the same time, I feel there is a dark undertone to Tony's writing, a sense of creepiness, that isn't thrown in your face but subtly weaved into the background. It helps build tension and leaves you with a feeling of something sinister on the way. Which is perfect for the post-apocalyptic genre.
Overall, an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend to sci-fi fans.
I don't want to give away too much of the storyline, because I think that mysterious allure really works in its favour. But I will say it follows the story of Lissa Two, a young woman struggling to keep her sister safe in a post-apocalyptic world fraught with danger.
Lissa is brave, resourceful and willing to fight for what she believes in. She's a really strong character, and while she's completely in control of surroundings, there is also an element of vulnerability to her. She keeps you on side at all times, and when the challenges hit, you definitely go along for the ride.
This story has everything a good book deserves. The storyline is original, the pacing works really well, and there are also lots of subplots to keep you engaged as you follow the characters. There are some unexpected twists and turns, betrayal, redemption and just a tiny hint of romance.
There is plenty of action but it's well balanced by the detail of the characters, and the depth of the world they live in. I certainly have to give extra points to Tony for such a richly imagined setting. It stands to reason that in a time so far removed from our own, everything would be different, and he didn't spare any of the finer points. There is added technology, different illnesses, even the language has evolved. It can be really tricky to do, but he took on the challenge and made it work.
If I was going to make any complaints about this book, it would be that the terminology was a little overwhelming at first. But given the difficulty in using alternative language, I don't think there is any way to avoid it. Although initially a little confusing, it doesn't take long before everything fits into place. And I think the book wouldn't be the same without it, because it does, after all, make the world complete.
Finally the writing style suits the mood of the book just right. The words flow really well, and it makes for easy reading. At the same time, I feel there is a dark undertone to Tony's writing, a sense of creepiness, that isn't thrown in your face but subtly weaved into the background. It helps build tension and leaves you with a feeling of something sinister on the way. Which is perfect for the post-apocalyptic genre.
Overall, an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend to sci-fi fans.
June 1, 2014
I just finished Tony Talbot’s great new book Medusa. This is the second book of Tony’s I’ve read and I was not disappointed.
We meet Lissa Two – captain of a strange ship with some interesting technical skills – in an apparently post-apocalyptic world of water. Giant ‘seasteads’ form the main areas of civilisation and Lissa uses her ship – Connie – and the particular powers she has, to salvage items for sale in the underground souks in her own seastead home. A random meeting with a man thrown from a strange flying machine; the mysterious disappearance of an apparently strong seastead and Lissa’s own questions about Connie provide the ingredients for a fast-paced, cocktail of adventure.
I really like Tony’s writing style, he has a real way with words (helpful if you’re a writer, I know!) But what I mean, what really stands out in this book for me, was his ability to create a world you felt completely transported to: there is beautiful description throughout the book, whilst he walks his characters through the fast-paced plot, leaving you the feeling that you could reach out and touch the world Lissa inhabits. Now and again, I would find myself noticing something, not because it jarred, but because it just flowed so naturally. Unfortunately, some of the best examples I highlighted would need spoilers to explain – so I’d say you have to check it out to know what I mean.
Medusa is one of those books you get sucked into quickly and struggle to find a place to pause, when reading – you just want to know ‘what next’ the whole time. Especially once Lissa’s questions start taking her down interesting paths, it gets even harder to stop: I read the second half of the book in one day. And it was worth it! :)
Overall, I’m going 4.5* for Medusa, I thought the characters, pace and writing in the book was even better than Eight Mile Island, the main reason it gets the same rating is because I loved the way EMI sucker punched me in it’s concluding chapters. I didn’t get quite the same left-field shock as I did with that one, but overall, I would say I enjoyed Medusa more and if you’re thinking of trying one of Tony’s books, this is the one I’d recommend.
Recommended for: fans of dystopian YA / post-apocalyptic world settings; I think people who liked the relationships in Angelfall would enjoy this, as well as Hunger Games / Blood Red Road fans looking for something with a feisty female protagonist in an unusual setting.
We meet Lissa Two – captain of a strange ship with some interesting technical skills – in an apparently post-apocalyptic world of water. Giant ‘seasteads’ form the main areas of civilisation and Lissa uses her ship – Connie – and the particular powers she has, to salvage items for sale in the underground souks in her own seastead home. A random meeting with a man thrown from a strange flying machine; the mysterious disappearance of an apparently strong seastead and Lissa’s own questions about Connie provide the ingredients for a fast-paced, cocktail of adventure.
I really like Tony’s writing style, he has a real way with words (helpful if you’re a writer, I know!) But what I mean, what really stands out in this book for me, was his ability to create a world you felt completely transported to: there is beautiful description throughout the book, whilst he walks his characters through the fast-paced plot, leaving you the feeling that you could reach out and touch the world Lissa inhabits. Now and again, I would find myself noticing something, not because it jarred, but because it just flowed so naturally. Unfortunately, some of the best examples I highlighted would need spoilers to explain – so I’d say you have to check it out to know what I mean.
Medusa is one of those books you get sucked into quickly and struggle to find a place to pause, when reading – you just want to know ‘what next’ the whole time. Especially once Lissa’s questions start taking her down interesting paths, it gets even harder to stop: I read the second half of the book in one day. And it was worth it! :)
Overall, I’m going 4.5* for Medusa, I thought the characters, pace and writing in the book was even better than Eight Mile Island, the main reason it gets the same rating is because I loved the way EMI sucker punched me in it’s concluding chapters. I didn’t get quite the same left-field shock as I did with that one, but overall, I would say I enjoyed Medusa more and if you’re thinking of trying one of Tony’s books, this is the one I’d recommend.
Recommended for: fans of dystopian YA / post-apocalyptic world settings; I think people who liked the relationships in Angelfall would enjoy this, as well as Hunger Games / Blood Red Road fans looking for something with a feisty female protagonist in an unusual setting.
March 17, 2014
I got this book through the making connections group by the author For a review.
First reaction after reading a few pages left me a bit confused but as the story progressed i got what was happening and the wording used, The world described by the author is quite interesting since i imagine that is how people would react if they slowly lost knowledge and their history.
Power corrupts most people and makes them do things that they might regret later on, but some people differ from the general term "power corrupts" and strive to do good where others do not, our protagonist is one such person, even though Lisa two is a thief she follows her morals in a world that practically has none, and all that to keep a promise and protect her loved ones.
Sci-fi and fantasy readers will enjoy this book, it has strong characters ,a good base story and above all it is believable and isn't sugar coated as most books and on that note i would say ,Warning! to the reader, this book provides you with a description for a lot of death in the body of the story as it is post apocalyptic.
First reaction after reading a few pages left me a bit confused but as the story progressed i got what was happening and the wording used, The world described by the author is quite interesting since i imagine that is how people would react if they slowly lost knowledge and their history.
Power corrupts most people and makes them do things that they might regret later on, but some people differ from the general term "power corrupts" and strive to do good where others do not, our protagonist is one such person, even though Lisa two is a thief she follows her morals in a world that practically has none, and all that to keep a promise and protect her loved ones.
Sci-fi and fantasy readers will enjoy this book, it has strong characters ,a good base story and above all it is believable and isn't sugar coated as most books and on that note i would say ,Warning! to the reader, this book provides you with a description for a lot of death in the body of the story as it is post apocalyptic.
March 30, 2015
I received this ebook through booklikes giveaways.
Lissa Two is a thief of the ocean cities, struggling to make enough money to clear her debts and take care of her traumatised sister, scratching a meagre living as best she can. So she has enough worries without her life getting more complicated...but when a boy named Hattan literally falls from the sky, she can't just let him drown. It's a decision she comes to regret, a decision that will change not only her life, but the lives of everyone she loves. If they survive...
I really enjoyed Medusa, I just wish I had had more time to read it in a few days instead of two weeks. Medusa is a futuristic adventure and an idea of whats to come. This book is a must read if enjoy Science Fiction and has lots of action and twists and turns. It is not a romantic story, Its more of a survival type story. If this sounds like your type of read I recommend reading it and even if it isn't read it anyways because its a good book.
Lissa Two is a thief of the ocean cities, struggling to make enough money to clear her debts and take care of her traumatised sister, scratching a meagre living as best she can. So she has enough worries without her life getting more complicated...but when a boy named Hattan literally falls from the sky, she can't just let him drown. It's a decision she comes to regret, a decision that will change not only her life, but the lives of everyone she loves. If they survive...
I really enjoyed Medusa, I just wish I had had more time to read it in a few days instead of two weeks. Medusa is a futuristic adventure and an idea of whats to come. This book is a must read if enjoy Science Fiction and has lots of action and twists and turns. It is not a romantic story, Its more of a survival type story. If this sounds like your type of read I recommend reading it and even if it isn't read it anyways because its a good book.
October 19, 2014
It has been a while since I read anything and I am trying to get back into books. I read this book and really enjoyed it. It kept me interested at the beginning and to me had a really surprise ending. It was full of surprises along the way and I kept looking for what was coming next.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews