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Sight of Stone: The untold story of Medusa
What if Medusa could speak?
For centuries, her story has been carved in stone... feared, misunderstood, and silenced. But what if we finally heard her side of the legend?
In Sight of Stone, step into the heart of Ancient Greece and witness the untold story of once a revered priestess of Athena, betrayed by the gods, cursed with a deadly gaze, and cast into exile. Her transformation into a Gorgon is not just a punishment; it’s a story of pain, resilience, and a fight to reclaim her voice.
As Medusa struggles with her tragic fate, she and her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, navigate a world torn between gods and mortals, where ancient grudges shape lives and legacies.
A gripping reimagining of a myth that challenges everything you thought you knew...where monsters and heroes blur, and compassion reveals hidden truths.
Perfect for fans of dark mythology, feminist retellings, and epic fantasy with heart.
Unlock the legend behind the stone and see Medusa as you’ve never seen her before.
Please The font and spacing are designed to be ADHD and Dyslexia friendly.
The repetition throughout this book is intentional; it mirrors the memory lapses, loops, and confusion that many sexual assaults survivors experience during their healing journey.
You may also notice shifts in narrative style and voice. These changes are designed to create moments of discomfort, reflecting how survivors often feel disoriented and uncomfortable in their skin.
This story has also been written as a contrast to the Clash of the Titans narrative—woven together with both Greek and Roman myth to portray Medusa’s voice in the most authentic way possible. By grounding her myth in this hybrid form, the aim is to give her back the voice that history and legend have so often stolen.
This book is not just meant to be read; it is meant to be felt. Thank you for honoring that experience.
For centuries, her story has been carved in stone... feared, misunderstood, and silenced. But what if we finally heard her side of the legend?
In Sight of Stone, step into the heart of Ancient Greece and witness the untold story of once a revered priestess of Athena, betrayed by the gods, cursed with a deadly gaze, and cast into exile. Her transformation into a Gorgon is not just a punishment; it’s a story of pain, resilience, and a fight to reclaim her voice.
As Medusa struggles with her tragic fate, she and her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, navigate a world torn between gods and mortals, where ancient grudges shape lives and legacies.
A gripping reimagining of a myth that challenges everything you thought you knew...where monsters and heroes blur, and compassion reveals hidden truths.
Perfect for fans of dark mythology, feminist retellings, and epic fantasy with heart.
Unlock the legend behind the stone and see Medusa as you’ve never seen her before.
Please The font and spacing are designed to be ADHD and Dyslexia friendly.
The repetition throughout this book is intentional; it mirrors the memory lapses, loops, and confusion that many sexual assaults survivors experience during their healing journey.
You may also notice shifts in narrative style and voice. These changes are designed to create moments of discomfort, reflecting how survivors often feel disoriented and uncomfortable in their skin.
This story has also been written as a contrast to the Clash of the Titans narrative—woven together with both Greek and Roman myth to portray Medusa’s voice in the most authentic way possible. By grounding her myth in this hybrid form, the aim is to give her back the voice that history and legend have so often stolen.
This book is not just meant to be read; it is meant to be felt. Thank you for honoring that experience.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Shavonne Bulmer
6 books23 followersShavonne Bulmer is an author whose remarkable journey inspires her storytelling. At a pivotal moment in her life, she courageously walked out of an abusive relationship when she was 34 weeks pregnant, demonstrating immense strength and resilience. Her experiences have fueled her passion for writing, which she employs to craft books with profound underlying messages for society.
Shavonne, through her writing, aims to be a catalyst for positive change. She firmly believes that literature has the power to transform, offering hope, encouragement, and raising awareness on crucial issues. Her books are not just stories; they are instruments of change, sparking conversations, fostering empathy, and promoting understanding.
Shavonne Bulmer's commitment to her craft and her mission to influence society is evident in every word she writes. With each book, she strives to uplift, inspire, and shed light on the complexities of human existence. Her narratives are an invitation for readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future.
Shavonne has a great passion for promoting independent authors. It has started a small business called Unbox Africa that supports small businesses and local independent authors in South Africa internationally.
If you would like to follow her on social media:
Instagram: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
TikTok: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
Threads: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
Facebook Page: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
Shavonne, through her writing, aims to be a catalyst for positive change. She firmly believes that literature has the power to transform, offering hope, encouragement, and raising awareness on crucial issues. Her books are not just stories; they are instruments of change, sparking conversations, fostering empathy, and promoting understanding.
Shavonne Bulmer's commitment to her craft and her mission to influence society is evident in every word she writes. With each book, she strives to uplift, inspire, and shed light on the complexities of human existence. Her narratives are an invitation for readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future.
Shavonne has a great passion for promoting independent authors. It has started a small business called Unbox Africa that supports small businesses and local independent authors in South Africa internationally.
If you would like to follow her on social media:
Instagram: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
TikTok: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
Threads: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
Facebook Page: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 4, 2025
Thank you to Willow Trading SA for a published copy in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
I'm not sure where to start. So, I will be blunt.
This novel needs an editor.
This book was 'typed' and 'spaced' for people who have ADHD and dyslexia. I have dyslexia, and all I received from this is a headache. I feel the type set and spacing are designed to get the novel to 220 pages.
This novel feeds you repetition to make you believe it is Medusa's transformation, dealing with everything that has happened to her. . . Honestly, I feel this is a lack of writing skills. Medusa is such a one-dimensional character; you have to believe the author who tells you Medusa is kind and everyone loved her as a person, and she is so beautiful, when Medusa NEVER interacts with anyone else except Callista and Thalia. All Medusa hears is how beautiful she is. This makes the character vain.
The author brushes over many aspects of Medusa, like interacting with other people outside of the temple. So, how am I to believe that Alecto from Poseidon's temple and all the other priestesses envy Medusa when there is NOTHING to support the sudden envy?
I had no connection towards Medusa as a character because nothing was fleshed out to make me want to connect with any of the characters. Perseus was brushed over; he had no personality. The gods felt like an afterthought.
Page 56: Callista and Thalia get turned into gorgons and slither away under a cover in the darkness. Next paragraph: they felt the weight of their new forms with every painful step. (Gorgons can't step now, can they?)
This novel overuses the following words in all their variants:
Beauty: 67
Yet: 53
Resolve: 27
Profound: 23
Solace: 22
Awe: 14
Intellectual words are used to describe one thing when the author could have used the opportunity to improve the narrative. On page 35: Panic gripped me as I turned to flee, but Poseidon's power was all-encompassing. (Why not: but Poseidon's power was a turbulent sea that threatened to engulf me?)
There are a few more, but can we please change the word annals to records, or chronicles?
A small passage inside the cover gives you a summary of Medusa's myth. Perseus, armed with a polished shield, winged sandals and a celestial sword, ventured into her lair and cut off her head. - On page 111, it became an adamantine sword. So which is it?
On page 19: Stained glass windows at a Greek temple? Stained glass windows did not exist in ancient Greece.
On to the book's Greek Mythology:
1. The underlying plot of Perseus killing Medusa is the same as the movie, The Clash of the Titans, in 2010.
2. The Kraken does not exist in Greek mythology. The creature you were looking for is Cetus. The Kraken is from Scandinavian folklore.
3. The demigods were never pawns of the Titans. They were often used in the gods' schemes.
Looking at Gaia's story and myths, personally, I don't think she would have interfered in Medusa's tale at all. Gaia's actions shaped the course of Greek mythology, leading to the rise of the Titans and eventually the Olympian gods. She is often depicted as a nurturing figure, but also one capable of great wrath when her children are harmed.
I'm not sure where to start. So, I will be blunt.
This novel needs an editor.
This book was 'typed' and 'spaced' for people who have ADHD and dyslexia. I have dyslexia, and all I received from this is a headache. I feel the type set and spacing are designed to get the novel to 220 pages.
This novel feeds you repetition to make you believe it is Medusa's transformation, dealing with everything that has happened to her. . . Honestly, I feel this is a lack of writing skills. Medusa is such a one-dimensional character; you have to believe the author who tells you Medusa is kind and everyone loved her as a person, and she is so beautiful, when Medusa NEVER interacts with anyone else except Callista and Thalia. All Medusa hears is how beautiful she is. This makes the character vain.
The author brushes over many aspects of Medusa, like interacting with other people outside of the temple. So, how am I to believe that Alecto from Poseidon's temple and all the other priestesses envy Medusa when there is NOTHING to support the sudden envy?
I had no connection towards Medusa as a character because nothing was fleshed out to make me want to connect with any of the characters. Perseus was brushed over; he had no personality. The gods felt like an afterthought.
Page 56: Callista and Thalia get turned into gorgons and slither away under a cover in the darkness. Next paragraph: they felt the weight of their new forms with every painful step. (Gorgons can't step now, can they?)
This novel overuses the following words in all their variants:
Beauty: 67
Yet: 53
Resolve: 27
Profound: 23
Solace: 22
Awe: 14
Intellectual words are used to describe one thing when the author could have used the opportunity to improve the narrative. On page 35: Panic gripped me as I turned to flee, but Poseidon's power was all-encompassing. (Why not: but Poseidon's power was a turbulent sea that threatened to engulf me?)
There are a few more, but can we please change the word annals to records, or chronicles?
A small passage inside the cover gives you a summary of Medusa's myth. Perseus, armed with a polished shield, winged sandals and a celestial sword, ventured into her lair and cut off her head. - On page 111, it became an adamantine sword. So which is it?
On page 19: Stained glass windows at a Greek temple? Stained glass windows did not exist in ancient Greece.
On to the book's Greek Mythology:
1. The underlying plot of Perseus killing Medusa is the same as the movie, The Clash of the Titans, in 2010.
2. The Kraken does not exist in Greek mythology. The creature you were looking for is Cetus. The Kraken is from Scandinavian folklore.
3. The demigods were never pawns of the Titans. They were often used in the gods' schemes.
Looking at Gaia's story and myths, personally, I don't think she would have interfered in Medusa's tale at all. Gaia's actions shaped the course of Greek mythology, leading to the rise of the Titans and eventually the Olympian gods. She is often depicted as a nurturing figure, but also one capable of great wrath when her children are harmed.
October 21, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this retelling of Medusa. It was a quick read, finished it in a few hours.
This book was thoughtful and thought provoking and borders on so many “real-life” occurrences that one can not but feel drawn to this character and to try and understand how this character felt.
To have everything taken away by you purely on how you look or are as a person would break even the strongest of persons.
I like Greek mythology but I am not an expert, so to say I knew everything that happened with every character would not bu true but one thing this book did do for me is do a bit of research afterwards.
At the end of the day, that is what we all want in a book. A story that makes us question our reality and envoke necessary questions🫶🏼
I really enjoyed this retelling of Medusa. It was a quick read, finished it in a few hours.
This book was thoughtful and thought provoking and borders on so many “real-life” occurrences that one can not but feel drawn to this character and to try and understand how this character felt.
To have everything taken away by you purely on how you look or are as a person would break even the strongest of persons.
I like Greek mythology but I am not an expert, so to say I knew everything that happened with every character would not bu true but one thing this book did do for me is do a bit of research afterwards.
At the end of the day, that is what we all want in a book. A story that makes us question our reality and envoke necessary questions🫶🏼
November 17, 2025
this book will have you randomly pausing and reflecting on life and how there are certain experiences or things happening around us and we don't understand the full circle of it. i love how we got to see different points of the story and understand how different people view things. miss cupcake you did not sugar coat is the best part , we get the real raw parts of this story. greek mythology being one of my favorites from a child and reading this brings back memories. i need to find every greek mythology book and movie out there to read or watch immediately.
December 10, 2024
ARC reader // This is such a well written story, with some thought provoking contents. Life is all about how we look at the hand we are dealt, especially how we deal with things out of our control. Medusa's story, as captured here, is one worth reading. I felt like I'd travelled back in time to ancient Greece as the author beautifully drew me in with her descriptive writing style. Can't wait to read what's next!
April 1, 2025
I had to DNF the book. It's not that it was bad per se, it was that it just wasn't my cup of tea. Re-tellings are not my fav and as I didn't love the overall story. It fell a little disjointed. Writing itself was fine. Honestly if these re-tellings and the story of medusa you enjoy, then you will like this. It just wasn't for me. If I finish it I will update. I got about 60% through.
December 24, 2025
This is a beautiful book with many thought provoking and heartfelt moments. It's a short read but it sticks with you. It teaches you valuable lessons and really touches your heart, especially the end note from the author. I really appreciate how much the author loves and cares for her readers and it shows in her writing.
I like how the author portrayed Medusa and her relationships with others, as well as how she deals with her hardships. It reminds us to always keep our head high, to never lose our good hearts and that our friends and loved ones are our biggest supporters.
I hope many more people enjoy this book as much as I did!
I like how the author portrayed Medusa and her relationships with others, as well as how she deals with her hardships. It reminds us to always keep our head high, to never lose our good hearts and that our friends and loved ones are our biggest supporters.
I hope many more people enjoy this book as much as I did!
February 18, 2025
Sight of Stone by Shavonne Bulmer is an epic fantasy book written around the myths about Medusa. I received an ARC of the book, and here goes my review.
The book follows the life of Medusa from being a celebrated priestess of Athena to becoming a Gorgon (one of three monstrous sisters) because of Athena’s curse. And I loved the idea of a story from the POV of Medusa.
Its execution, however, didn’t feel satisfactory. It’s written like a grandma retelling Medusa’s story to her granddaughter. I loved that style, but the storytelling of the novel puzzled me. The use of “intelligent” words also made it difficult for me to visualise the setups.
And the more I read, the more its chapters felt like individual stories about Greek mythology put together. Maybe it was just that, a compilation of short stories.
This can be a book to read for a glimpse into Greek mythology. But it didn’t appeal to me much.
The book follows the life of Medusa from being a celebrated priestess of Athena to becoming a Gorgon (one of three monstrous sisters) because of Athena’s curse. And I loved the idea of a story from the POV of Medusa.
Its execution, however, didn’t feel satisfactory. It’s written like a grandma retelling Medusa’s story to her granddaughter. I loved that style, but the storytelling of the novel puzzled me. The use of “intelligent” words also made it difficult for me to visualise the setups.
And the more I read, the more its chapters felt like individual stories about Greek mythology put together. Maybe it was just that, a compilation of short stories.
This can be a book to read for a glimpse into Greek mythology. But it didn’t appeal to me much.
July 8, 2025
The gods mold the myths. But it’s the survivors who shape the truth.
Bearyani's eyes are still wide, little paws still holding the book tight.
Sight of Stone is not the Medusa tale you think you know - and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
Narrated through the framing voice of a grandmother sharing a story with her granddaughter, Sight of Stone reimagines the Medusa myth as one of survival, sisterhood, and reclamation. The novel begins with Medusa’s initiation into Athena’s temple, marking the start of a life-altering journey that will transform her body, her fate, and the myth itself.
The novel draws brilliantly from both Greek and Roman traditions, reweaving the myth to include Medusa’s sisters Stheno and Euryale in bold, surprising ways. There is tragedy here, yes, but also fierce beauty, burning resilience, and a voice long silenced now roaring to life. What unfolds is a reimagining that interrogates power, godhood, and the mythologies we’ve accepted without question. This is a book about survival. About what happens after trauma. About a woman navigating the monstrous within, reclaiming her story, and finding community, self-worth, and power in places the gods never intended.
🐻 Bearyani’s Bite:
🪞 A poignant story of reclamation and survival: this isn’t about what broke Medusa - it’s about how she rebuilt.
💫 Deeply reflective on trauma, identity, and bodily autonomy.
👭 Powerful portrayal of sisterhood, divine injustice, and what it means to endure.
🌿 A quiet commentary on how mortals are seen (and discarded) by gods - especially mortal women.
🕊️ An emotional climax that turns the myth on its head in utterly unexpected ways.
The story’s mythic scope is vast, and there are moments where divine timelines and shifting identities may require a second glance. Additionally, the book shifts perspectives frequently, which may feel jarring to some readers. You might also notice some repetition, but within the greater context of a trauma survivor’s journey, it becomes a poignant echo. For those who’ve lived through it, the retelling of pain is rarely linear, and never simple. Bulmer seems to understand this deeply, using narrative cycles to emphasize how survivors often relive their experiences again and again - not for drama, but because memory itself can become a kind of trap, or ritual.
Bearyani's eyes are still wide, little paws still holding the book tight.
Sight of Stone is not the Medusa tale you think you know - and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
Narrated through the framing voice of a grandmother sharing a story with her granddaughter, Sight of Stone reimagines the Medusa myth as one of survival, sisterhood, and reclamation. The novel begins with Medusa’s initiation into Athena’s temple, marking the start of a life-altering journey that will transform her body, her fate, and the myth itself.
The novel draws brilliantly from both Greek and Roman traditions, reweaving the myth to include Medusa’s sisters Stheno and Euryale in bold, surprising ways. There is tragedy here, yes, but also fierce beauty, burning resilience, and a voice long silenced now roaring to life. What unfolds is a reimagining that interrogates power, godhood, and the mythologies we’ve accepted without question. This is a book about survival. About what happens after trauma. About a woman navigating the monstrous within, reclaiming her story, and finding community, self-worth, and power in places the gods never intended.
🐻 Bearyani’s Bite:
🪞 A poignant story of reclamation and survival: this isn’t about what broke Medusa - it’s about how she rebuilt.
💫 Deeply reflective on trauma, identity, and bodily autonomy.
👭 Powerful portrayal of sisterhood, divine injustice, and what it means to endure.
🌿 A quiet commentary on how mortals are seen (and discarded) by gods - especially mortal women.
🕊️ An emotional climax that turns the myth on its head in utterly unexpected ways.
The story’s mythic scope is vast, and there are moments where divine timelines and shifting identities may require a second glance. Additionally, the book shifts perspectives frequently, which may feel jarring to some readers. You might also notice some repetition, but within the greater context of a trauma survivor’s journey, it becomes a poignant echo. For those who’ve lived through it, the retelling of pain is rarely linear, and never simple. Bulmer seems to understand this deeply, using narrative cycles to emphasize how survivors often relive their experiences again and again - not for drama, but because memory itself can become a kind of trap, or ritual.
March 4, 2025
I am a great lover of the Greek myths and Medusa is one of those classics that everyone knows. At this point we all know that Medusa herself is a victim of the pettiness of the Greek Gods and it can be difficult to get something new and fresh from the story.
When the book opened I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen as we are introduced to a potter telling her grandaughter a story. This turns into the story of Medusa and along the way there are some changes made to the original tale which are actually really interesting and I wouldn't want to give those away.
What I will say is that I quite liked getting to know Medusa before she was transformed, back when she was a priestess of Athena and her interactions with those around her. The sisterly love that led the others to also be cursed and the empathy she kept with her through the whole journey even as others called her 'monster.'
I also liked that we had some extra time with the gods as they discussed and argued between themselves and some time with Perseus as he is told this dangerous quest is just for him.
I would say if you like a Greek myth retelling then you should definitely check this one out. It kept a lot the same but was different enough to stand out.
When the book opened I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen as we are introduced to a potter telling her grandaughter a story. This turns into the story of Medusa and along the way there are some changes made to the original tale which are actually really interesting and I wouldn't want to give those away.
What I will say is that I quite liked getting to know Medusa before she was transformed, back when she was a priestess of Athena and her interactions with those around her. The sisterly love that led the others to also be cursed and the empathy she kept with her through the whole journey even as others called her 'monster.'
I also liked that we had some extra time with the gods as they discussed and argued between themselves and some time with Perseus as he is told this dangerous quest is just for him.
I would say if you like a Greek myth retelling then you should definitely check this one out. It kept a lot the same but was different enough to stand out.
April 21, 2025
Unveiling Strength: The Story of 'Sight of Stone
"Sight of Stone" by Shavonne Bulmer takes readers on an unforgettable journey through Greek mythology with a fresh and compelling vision. This indie gem reintroduces us to the tale of Medusa, transforming her story into one filled with emotion and depth.
Bulmer brings familiar mythological characters and settings to life in a way that feels both exciting and new. One standout quote, "The past may have shaped you, but it does not define your future," perfectly captures the empowering themes woven throughout.
This book offers a new and relatable take on an ancient tale, making it a must-read for anyone looking to see mythology from a different angle. Get ready to have your perception of Medusa—and the myths you thought you knew—completely transformed.
"Sight of Stone" by Shavonne Bulmer takes readers on an unforgettable journey through Greek mythology with a fresh and compelling vision. This indie gem reintroduces us to the tale of Medusa, transforming her story into one filled with emotion and depth.
Bulmer brings familiar mythological characters and settings to life in a way that feels both exciting and new. One standout quote, "The past may have shaped you, but it does not define your future," perfectly captures the empowering themes woven throughout.
This book offers a new and relatable take on an ancient tale, making it a must-read for anyone looking to see mythology from a different angle. Get ready to have your perception of Medusa—and the myths you thought you knew—completely transformed.
April 2, 2025
No spoilers in this review
This was a beautiful story of Medusa, as we have always read of her as a monster. We never had a point of view from Medusa. This story gives her, her humanity and is written in a unique fashion. We have first POV, third POV and as a grandmother storytelling to her granddaughter. I found it a beautiful read and please read the pages after the story from the author. A story of hope and resilience. Looking forward to reading more from this author
This was a beautiful story of Medusa, as we have always read of her as a monster. We never had a point of view from Medusa. This story gives her, her humanity and is written in a unique fashion. We have first POV, third POV and as a grandmother storytelling to her granddaughter. I found it a beautiful read and please read the pages after the story from the author. A story of hope and resilience. Looking forward to reading more from this author
January 20, 2025
‘Hold your head high and confidently step forward, knowing the world needs your unique light’
This Medusa retelling, from her perspective was an incredible read. The way it opens, drawing the reader in as a traveller wandering an ancient Athenian marketplace, and then experiencing a story of Medusa, as told from her perspective was uniquely immersive.
Highly recommend this book!
This Medusa retelling, from her perspective was an incredible read. The way it opens, drawing the reader in as a traveller wandering an ancient Athenian marketplace, and then experiencing a story of Medusa, as told from her perspective was uniquely immersive.
Highly recommend this book!
March 30, 2025
for me it is a 4⭐️
I liked that it is told by a grandmother to her granddaughter
I just wished it was deeper on the characters and events, it was too quick for me to be immersed completely but if you are looking for something efficient this is the book
The book is good, well written and poetic, you will like Medusa and her sisters, Medusa POV is good and show very well the complexity of her situation
I just think it needed more balance when it came to what happened to her and how she felt about it
But it is a short book and it went direct to the point which is nice, if you like greek mythology retelling you will enjoy this one and it is a great introduction to this famous character
I liked that it is told by a grandmother to her granddaughter
I just wished it was deeper on the characters and events, it was too quick for me to be immersed completely but if you are looking for something efficient this is the book
The book is good, well written and poetic, you will like Medusa and her sisters, Medusa POV is good and show very well the complexity of her situation
I just think it needed more balance when it came to what happened to her and how she felt about it
But it is a short book and it went direct to the point which is nice, if you like greek mythology retelling you will enjoy this one and it is a great introduction to this famous character
April 1, 2025
One of my favourite myths is Medusa, the most misunderstood and tragic story that stirred my heart the first time I read it years ago. What also stirs my heart is how this incredible author resurrects this story, breathing new life into it, giving it a familiar yet unique taste. It speaks to inequality, bias and as aptly stated, "Medusa's story reminds us to look past what we see" as narrator, Lyra, takes us on an adventure with teeth, an adventure with heart, an all encompassing adventure, an adventure through the eyes of an old grandmother, who's not just a simple grandma, carrying a secret or two... The entire approach is fresh, it's new, it's enticing. And the personal message by the author at the end, a dedication to any who've ever felt lesser, been through trauma, she leaves these profound words, "You are worthy, just as you are".
As with all of Shavonne's books, it's not what's says that has me riveted, it's what's between the lines, the rawness of her prose exposes something uniquely HER, and as the story begins, so too, I, like the little girl, listen raptly too as "her grandmother's words are like a spell, pulling me deeper and deeper into a world of gods and mortals, beauty and betrayal" Following a naive and innocent Medusa into the temple of Athena, her heart, her love, her purity immediately resonates, I can feel her excitement and enthusiasm. She meets 2 young women who embrace her as much as she them, a sisterhood of sorts. Callista and Thalia, one effervescent, the other calm, cautious. But as other priestesses observe Medusa becoming more powerful, the flavoured one by Athena, jealously rears it's head and she's caught up in a rivalry between the gods. And this game escalated in true horror form, all on Medusa. First she's violated by a god, then she's made to feel she was at fault, that she had somehow brought this on herself, no one cares that she's been defiled, she's been abused, she's innocent. Remember I said "read between the lines"? How absolutely relevant, how absolutely real these acts and feelings are, so true to many in "real life" this highlights how fickle society is, whether thousands of years ago or now, in the present.
This story, whilst very gruesome and horrific, cut into my core at the injustice, the self despising, the hopelessness of the situation. But then the author turns it around, then the author allows Medusa, and me, to harden our hearts, especially after what Athena does to Callista and Thalia, then the author brings Gaia into the mix... and then the other gods. What a fabulous, twisted version of the original. What a fabulous story of fickle gods and deities showing us a side of them that's far from benevolent. And what a fabulous story of redemption. What I found interesting and indeed very well done, was how seamless the narrative went from 1st person to 3rd, adding an extra layer of depth to the descriptive prose. As with the characters, she coats them in many layers, exposing all the good, the bad and the ugly, delicately, truthfully opening up each to show vulnerabilities, doggidness, guilt, remorse. I swear anyone could see my heart shattering on my sleeve! And when Perseus enters the fray, well shoot, I'm finished! Awesome, complex, and varied stand out characters.
Veering between Medusa, the gods and a little old granny smoothly, faultlessly, opening a chasm in my heart. Very emotionally penned, a story of such realism, handled with great sensitivity, great skill and respect. A reminder that no matter how dire a situation might be, there is always someone ready to lend a helping hand, ready to bring an end to injustices. A message that, if the resolve is strong enough, healing can take place, one can overcome even the worst of deeds, with a little help and a lot of determination. A tragic tale, yes, but one so insightful and beautiful, even the most horrific vile actions, can be a place for growth, a place to find peace and the will to do so. If I found Medusa's story heartbreaking before, this author has me writhing like the snakes on Medusa's head, twisting my emotions into a tangled mess! This quote epitomises the entire story, "Being a hero isn't about fighting monsters, it's for standing up for what's right, being kind and never giving up, no matter how hard things get"
Shavonne does write novels she gives us something more, I uplifting tragic fantasy with underlying realism everyone can relate to. Impressed? Heck VERY!
As with all of Shavonne's books, it's not what's says that has me riveted, it's what's between the lines, the rawness of her prose exposes something uniquely HER, and as the story begins, so too, I, like the little girl, listen raptly too as "her grandmother's words are like a spell, pulling me deeper and deeper into a world of gods and mortals, beauty and betrayal" Following a naive and innocent Medusa into the temple of Athena, her heart, her love, her purity immediately resonates, I can feel her excitement and enthusiasm. She meets 2 young women who embrace her as much as she them, a sisterhood of sorts. Callista and Thalia, one effervescent, the other calm, cautious. But as other priestesses observe Medusa becoming more powerful, the flavoured one by Athena, jealously rears it's head and she's caught up in a rivalry between the gods. And this game escalated in true horror form, all on Medusa. First she's violated by a god, then she's made to feel she was at fault, that she had somehow brought this on herself, no one cares that she's been defiled, she's been abused, she's innocent. Remember I said "read between the lines"? How absolutely relevant, how absolutely real these acts and feelings are, so true to many in "real life" this highlights how fickle society is, whether thousands of years ago or now, in the present.
This story, whilst very gruesome and horrific, cut into my core at the injustice, the self despising, the hopelessness of the situation. But then the author turns it around, then the author allows Medusa, and me, to harden our hearts, especially after what Athena does to Callista and Thalia, then the author brings Gaia into the mix... and then the other gods. What a fabulous, twisted version of the original. What a fabulous story of fickle gods and deities showing us a side of them that's far from benevolent. And what a fabulous story of redemption. What I found interesting and indeed very well done, was how seamless the narrative went from 1st person to 3rd, adding an extra layer of depth to the descriptive prose. As with the characters, she coats them in many layers, exposing all the good, the bad and the ugly, delicately, truthfully opening up each to show vulnerabilities, doggidness, guilt, remorse. I swear anyone could see my heart shattering on my sleeve! And when Perseus enters the fray, well shoot, I'm finished! Awesome, complex, and varied stand out characters.
Veering between Medusa, the gods and a little old granny smoothly, faultlessly, opening a chasm in my heart. Very emotionally penned, a story of such realism, handled with great sensitivity, great skill and respect. A reminder that no matter how dire a situation might be, there is always someone ready to lend a helping hand, ready to bring an end to injustices. A message that, if the resolve is strong enough, healing can take place, one can overcome even the worst of deeds, with a little help and a lot of determination. A tragic tale, yes, but one so insightful and beautiful, even the most horrific vile actions, can be a place for growth, a place to find peace and the will to do so. If I found Medusa's story heartbreaking before, this author has me writhing like the snakes on Medusa's head, twisting my emotions into a tangled mess! This quote epitomises the entire story, "Being a hero isn't about fighting monsters, it's for standing up for what's right, being kind and never giving up, no matter how hard things get"
Shavonne does write novels she gives us something more, I uplifting tragic fantasy with underlying realism everyone can relate to. Impressed? Heck VERY!
December 10, 2024
I had the opportunity of receiving an ARC copy.
"Sight of Stone: The Untold Story of Medusa" by Shavonne Bulmer offers a fresh and empathetic retelling of the Medusa myth. The narrative delves into Medusa's transformation from a revered priestess to a Gorgon, exploring themes of betrayal, resilience, and redemption. Bulmer's portrayal humanizes Medusa, challenging traditional perceptions and inviting readers to reconsider the nuances of her story. The novel intertwines elements of mythology with profound emotional depth, making it a compelling read for those interested in reimagined legends and the complexities of ancient tales.
Highly recommended.
"Sight of Stone: The Untold Story of Medusa" by Shavonne Bulmer offers a fresh and empathetic retelling of the Medusa myth. The narrative delves into Medusa's transformation from a revered priestess to a Gorgon, exploring themes of betrayal, resilience, and redemption. Bulmer's portrayal humanizes Medusa, challenging traditional perceptions and inviting readers to reconsider the nuances of her story. The novel intertwines elements of mythology with profound emotional depth, making it a compelling read for those interested in reimagined legends and the complexities of ancient tales.
Highly recommended.
dnf
August 31, 2025DNF @ 13%
I love retellings, and I was really excited to read this Medusa retelling. I thought the story was told in a unique way. However, there were things that didn't make sense to me. Like the fact that Medusa only interacted with Callista and Thalia and no one else? Why was Alecto jealous of Medusa if they weren't even in the same temple? Things like that that didn't add up and took away from the story.
I love retellings, and I was really excited to read this Medusa retelling. I thought the story was told in a unique way. However, there were things that didn't make sense to me. Like the fact that Medusa only interacted with Callista and Thalia and no one else? Why was Alecto jealous of Medusa if they weren't even in the same temple? Things like that that didn't add up and took away from the story.
December 22, 2024
Wow that was beautifully written. Getting the story from Medusa’s point of view was a story I didn’t know I needed to read. The details, the imagery, it was just well written!
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
September 21, 2025
The version I never knew I needed
The way that Shavonne has written this story is so raw and relatable that it almost makes you feel like you are part of the story... In a way only a survivor can.
Highly recommend.
The way that Shavonne has written this story is so raw and relatable that it almost makes you feel like you are part of the story... In a way only a survivor can.
Highly recommend.
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