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She Is Of Snake And Stone: Cursed maidens are not meant to survive... or, as it's told.
A MEDUSA VILLAIN-ORIGINS RETELLING
Cursed maidens are not meant to survive… or, as it’s told.
One day, Medusa – the beautiful maiden, and loyal priestess to her goddess Athena – tragically stumbled upon the darkness hiding within the light of her beloved temple.
Poseidon, the god of the seas, manipulated the young Medusa – and forced her to be his. Athena’s wrath led her to curse Medusa; very quickly, Medusa had no choice but to flee her home and leave everything she loved behind.
To mankind, there was no greater treasure than the glory Medusa’s gorgon head would bring she was not just ‘thrown to the wolves’ – instead, she had to become the very beast itself.
Until, on one day…
A rare second chance was with an unexpected olive-branch, and a handsome and kind sea-captain named Alexander.
Only… would Medusa accept this chance for a new destiny? Or, will the gorgon’s curse steal her soul… keeping her forever a prisoner, shackled to the shadows of others?
An imaginative, raw, and vulnerable adaptation of the Ancient Greek tale of Medusa, the famous snake-haired gorgon monster.
Tropes ✨:
🐍 Feel Her Wrath
😈 Maiden To Villain
🖤 Happy For Now > Happily Ever After
🔪 Touch ME And Die
🥀 Betrayed By Sisterhood, Forced To Flee
🏛️ Megara x Hercules
👑 Maleficent / Evil Queen Regina Vibes
❤️🔥 Woman Versus World
For fans of 📚:
Circe by Madeline Miller
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
…and dark retellings with tragic beauty, mythic reimaginings + greek mythology, and final-act pretending-to-be-friends-and-soulmate-found type of love -- but one which only comes, until after the heroine saved herself. And finally won her war (and he’s there to pick up the pieces).
Content Warnings:
This book contains mature themes, including sexual violence. Reader discretion is advised.
Cursed maidens are not meant to survive… or, as it’s told.
One day, Medusa – the beautiful maiden, and loyal priestess to her goddess Athena – tragically stumbled upon the darkness hiding within the light of her beloved temple.
Poseidon, the god of the seas, manipulated the young Medusa – and forced her to be his. Athena’s wrath led her to curse Medusa; very quickly, Medusa had no choice but to flee her home and leave everything she loved behind.
To mankind, there was no greater treasure than the glory Medusa’s gorgon head would bring she was not just ‘thrown to the wolves’ – instead, she had to become the very beast itself.
Until, on one day…
A rare second chance was with an unexpected olive-branch, and a handsome and kind sea-captain named Alexander.
Only… would Medusa accept this chance for a new destiny? Or, will the gorgon’s curse steal her soul… keeping her forever a prisoner, shackled to the shadows of others?
An imaginative, raw, and vulnerable adaptation of the Ancient Greek tale of Medusa, the famous snake-haired gorgon monster.
Tropes ✨:
🐍 Feel Her Wrath
😈 Maiden To Villain
🖤 Happy For Now > Happily Ever After
🔪 Touch ME And Die
🥀 Betrayed By Sisterhood, Forced To Flee
🏛️ Megara x Hercules
👑 Maleficent / Evil Queen Regina Vibes
❤️🔥 Woman Versus World
For fans of 📚:
Circe by Madeline Miller
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
…and dark retellings with tragic beauty, mythic reimaginings + greek mythology, and final-act pretending-to-be-friends-and-soulmate-found type of love -- but one which only comes, until after the heroine saved herself. And finally won her war (and he’s there to pick up the pieces).
Content Warnings:
This book contains mature themes, including sexual violence. Reader discretion is advised.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2025
6 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Eden Barnes
1 book3 followersEden Barnes writes women’s fiction, dark fantasy, and clean romance with a lyrical, emotional touch and a deep love for storytelling. Based in Queensland, Australia, she shares life with her fiancé Jesse and their (very spoilt!) mini dachshund, Bruno. Readers can connect with her on Instagram and TikTok (@edenbarnesauthor) or join her newsletter: subscribepage.io/edenbarnesauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 25, 2025
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
"Foolish are those who tempt the snake,
To reveal her serpentine face.
What a great big mistake,
To overestimate your mortal fate."
⚠️Content Warning⚠️ This book contains themes of sexual assault and trauma, which may be triggering for some readers. Scenes are handled with emotional sensitivity and are not graphic, but discretion is advised.
It took me a little bit to get into this story. I did struggle with the writing style a little at first, but once I was used to it, I started to notice how poetic, emotionally deep, and beautifully dark it was.
I honestly dont know alot indepth about Greek mythology, so i was going in a bit blind but I was really quite impressed with this Medusa retelling, and it opened up my mind. It painted Medusa in a whole different light. She is not the villain I know her to be. This made me feel for her and see how misunderstood she is.
If you like stories with poetic prose full of betrayal, grief, defiance, rage, and second chances with a dash of blooming romance, this one is for you. 🐍
"Foolish are those who tempt the snake,
To reveal her serpentine face.
What a great big mistake,
To overestimate your mortal fate."
⚠️Content Warning⚠️ This book contains themes of sexual assault and trauma, which may be triggering for some readers. Scenes are handled with emotional sensitivity and are not graphic, but discretion is advised.
It took me a little bit to get into this story. I did struggle with the writing style a little at first, but once I was used to it, I started to notice how poetic, emotionally deep, and beautifully dark it was.
I honestly dont know alot indepth about Greek mythology, so i was going in a bit blind but I was really quite impressed with this Medusa retelling, and it opened up my mind. It painted Medusa in a whole different light. She is not the villain I know her to be. This made me feel for her and see how misunderstood she is.
If you like stories with poetic prose full of betrayal, grief, defiance, rage, and second chances with a dash of blooming romance, this one is for you. 🐍
July 27, 2025
I really enjoy Greek mythology, especially Medusa’s 🐍 story … I have a soft spot for her and this retelling definitely gave me all the feels!
We all know how her story ends… and my heart was breaking the entire time. Watching it unfold through her eyes, getting a little piece of her mind and emotions? It was Torture. I just wanted her to have justice and a happy ending for once. 🥹
I’ve always felt Medusa’s fate was cruel but this retelling adds an entirely new depth. It paints her in such a raw, emotional and vulnerable light that made me feel both sadness and rage 😡🔥 for what was done to her.
The author’s writing is just gorgeous… lyrical, powerful, and perfectly suited for this mythic story. It carries Medusa’s pain, strength, and transformation so beautifully. You feel everything she’s feeling and I loved it ❤️🔥
This was a deeply emotional and exquisitely written book. One that leaves you raw and full of thoughts. I’m so, soooo glad I got the chance to read.
We all know how her story ends… and my heart was breaking the entire time. Watching it unfold through her eyes, getting a little piece of her mind and emotions? It was Torture. I just wanted her to have justice and a happy ending for once. 🥹
I’ve always felt Medusa’s fate was cruel but this retelling adds an entirely new depth. It paints her in such a raw, emotional and vulnerable light that made me feel both sadness and rage 😡🔥 for what was done to her.
The author’s writing is just gorgeous… lyrical, powerful, and perfectly suited for this mythic story. It carries Medusa’s pain, strength, and transformation so beautifully. You feel everything she’s feeling and I loved it ❤️🔥
This was a deeply emotional and exquisitely written book. One that leaves you raw and full of thoughts. I’m so, soooo glad I got the chance to read.
September 10, 2025
I read circe in between starting and finishing this book and I think that made it worse.
I love a Greek retelling but this one was all over the shop.
The proof reading of this book was non existent with frequent nonsensical word jumbles like "it alarmed the regrets of the other men listening".
A thesaurus was obvious kept near by and again used poorly with words that don't quite fit the sentence.
Some details are repetitively rehashed (like did we mention her platinum hair a thousand times)
The tone also was inconsistent. while some was more antiquated in word choice and subject and structure other times you got absolutely screeching modernisms like "Percy are you sure about this mate?" or just odd choices like 'madame Medusa' what in the French hell?
there was also inconsistent use of parenthesis which again stylistically really irked me especially as they just began appearing half way through the book.
the characters were eh and they changed drastically in parts. Athena when she placed the curse vs removing it were totally different and the emotions etc incongruous.
also the whole love story third part after the lifting of the curse moves is just getting very creative with the mythology.
Overall not a book I particularly enjoyed and not a book I'd recommend even if someone asked explicitly for Greek retelling I would be pointing them every other direction.
I love a Greek retelling but this one was all over the shop.
The proof reading of this book was non existent with frequent nonsensical word jumbles like "it alarmed the regrets of the other men listening".
A thesaurus was obvious kept near by and again used poorly with words that don't quite fit the sentence.
Some details are repetitively rehashed (like did we mention her platinum hair a thousand times)
The tone also was inconsistent. while some was more antiquated in word choice and subject and structure other times you got absolutely screeching modernisms like "Percy are you sure about this mate?" or just odd choices like 'madame Medusa' what in the French hell?
there was also inconsistent use of parenthesis which again stylistically really irked me especially as they just began appearing half way through the book.
the characters were eh and they changed drastically in parts. Athena when she placed the curse vs removing it were totally different and the emotions etc incongruous.
also the whole love story third part after the lifting of the curse moves is just getting very creative with the mythology.
Overall not a book I particularly enjoyed and not a book I'd recommend even if someone asked explicitly for Greek retelling I would be pointing them every other direction.
August 9, 2025
Thank you for the arc release of this book.
Before I start, I have to say that I am so upset at myself for not starting this book sooner however, oh my goodness. I don't think I have ever enjoyed a Medusa retelling as much as I have this one.
Make sure before you start this book you read the trigger warnings as it does contain quite graphic details of SA and many other harmful triggers.
I loved this book. Have I said that yet? I also read this in one day so if that doesn't say how much I enjoyed it...I don't know what will. Most people know the story of Medusa or at least know what Medusa symbolises in this day and age.
Medusa was a priestess of Athena who, unfortunately, was assaulted by Poseidon in Athena's temple. In most versions of the story, Athena took the rage out on Medusa, and as punishment, cursed her to be a gorgon with snakes for her hair, which causes people to turn to stone when they look at her.
This book tells Medusa's story well, in my opinion. The interactions between the gods themselves, between Athena and Medusa and also between Medusa and the other priestesses. All of the characters were well written, and it really broke my heart to read her story of the curse taking over her and then leading her to live in solitude, only to be broken when champions or hunters came after her.
What I absolutely loved is unlike other Medusa retellings, this book continued her story after her death *spoiler soz* and we are introduced to Alexander a sea captain who welcomes her on board after saving her life.
I won't spoil too much, just that I really enjoyed this and definitely will be recommending it to my friends.
Before I start, I have to say that I am so upset at myself for not starting this book sooner however, oh my goodness. I don't think I have ever enjoyed a Medusa retelling as much as I have this one.
Make sure before you start this book you read the trigger warnings as it does contain quite graphic details of SA and many other harmful triggers.
I loved this book. Have I said that yet? I also read this in one day so if that doesn't say how much I enjoyed it...I don't know what will. Most people know the story of Medusa or at least know what Medusa symbolises in this day and age.
Medusa was a priestess of Athena who, unfortunately, was assaulted by Poseidon in Athena's temple. In most versions of the story, Athena took the rage out on Medusa, and as punishment, cursed her to be a gorgon with snakes for her hair, which causes people to turn to stone when they look at her.
This book tells Medusa's story well, in my opinion. The interactions between the gods themselves, between Athena and Medusa and also between Medusa and the other priestesses. All of the characters were well written, and it really broke my heart to read her story of the curse taking over her and then leading her to live in solitude, only to be broken when champions or hunters came after her.
What I absolutely loved is unlike other Medusa retellings, this book continued her story after her death *spoiler soz* and we are introduced to Alexander a sea captain who welcomes her on board after saving her life.
I won't spoil too much, just that I really enjoyed this and definitely will be recommending it to my friends.
September 13, 2025
Thank you to Eden Barnes & Author Archive for the advanced copy.
It's been a while since I've read or consumed anything related to mythology-this book was a great retelling to get me back into the genre! I did take a while to become fully engrossed in the storyline, but we can blame my reading slump/mood reading for that... Overall, a beautiful fantasy read with elements of romance in the last third of the book.
This book is split into 3 different parts: 1) pre/during Gorgon curse, 2) embraced Gorgon-ness, and 3) Medusa's second chance (these are my own categorizations). Part 1 is filled with world and character building, the writing styles and descriptions immediately drawing me in (this section took me the longest, based on the above disclosure). I really enjoyed experiencing the different relationship dynamics between the Priestesses and their relationship with Athena. Once I reached Part 2, I could barely put the book down-Medusa's experience as a Gorgon has hardened her emotions, but omg is she hilarious. I loved reading all the chapters dedicated to individual heroes and their plans to conquer the perceived beast. Medusa's second chance, shown in Part 3, wraps up the story beautifully, and it was very bittersweet to watch her rediscover how to live life as a young maiden.
It's been a while since I've read or consumed anything related to mythology-this book was a great retelling to get me back into the genre! I did take a while to become fully engrossed in the storyline, but we can blame my reading slump/mood reading for that... Overall, a beautiful fantasy read with elements of romance in the last third of the book.
This book is split into 3 different parts: 1) pre/during Gorgon curse, 2) embraced Gorgon-ness, and 3) Medusa's second chance (these are my own categorizations). Part 1 is filled with world and character building, the writing styles and descriptions immediately drawing me in (this section took me the longest, based on the above disclosure). I really enjoyed experiencing the different relationship dynamics between the Priestesses and their relationship with Athena. Once I reached Part 2, I could barely put the book down-Medusa's experience as a Gorgon has hardened her emotions, but omg is she hilarious. I loved reading all the chapters dedicated to individual heroes and their plans to conquer the perceived beast. Medusa's second chance, shown in Part 3, wraps up the story beautifully, and it was very bittersweet to watch her rediscover how to live life as a young maiden.
July 19, 2025
From the very first line, this captivating story immerses you in a world rich with myth, raw emotion, and profound transformation. It redefines Medusa not as a mere monster, but as a tragic figure forged from pain and resilience. The image of her hair turning into snakes becomes a powerful symbol of anger— parasitic yet protective, and ultimately vital for survival.
The writing is nothing short of mesmerizing, weaving lyrical and haunting prose filled with vivid, mythic imagery that elicits both horror and heartbreak. You won’t merely read about Medusa’s transformation; you’ll feel it slither beneath your skin. This narrative goes beyond portraying a villain’s tale; it delves into the intricate journey of surviving a fate never intended for her.
What truly shines is how the author breathes life into Medusa’s fury, granting it both depth and dignity. Her rage is not just an outpouring of anger— it embodies history, grief, survival, and an unyielding spirit of defiance. As the story unfolds, you're taken on an unforgettable journey through the intertwining themes of mythology, identity, and an understated yet powerful strength.
Perfect for lovers of poetic prose, tragic myth retellings, and stories steeped in emotional depth and dark beauty.
The writing is nothing short of mesmerizing, weaving lyrical and haunting prose filled with vivid, mythic imagery that elicits both horror and heartbreak. You won’t merely read about Medusa’s transformation; you’ll feel it slither beneath your skin. This narrative goes beyond portraying a villain’s tale; it delves into the intricate journey of surviving a fate never intended for her.
What truly shines is how the author breathes life into Medusa’s fury, granting it both depth and dignity. Her rage is not just an outpouring of anger— it embodies history, grief, survival, and an unyielding spirit of defiance. As the story unfolds, you're taken on an unforgettable journey through the intertwining themes of mythology, identity, and an understated yet powerful strength.
Perfect for lovers of poetic prose, tragic myth retellings, and stories steeped in emotional depth and dark beauty.
July 21, 2025
A fantastical retelling of Medusas story! I must admit I was not as aware of the background of how Medusa came to be and hearing of her harrowing journey of being cast out by her sisters and the goddess she worshiped being the one to curse her, I empathized with her and even understood her dissension into madness as she tried to isolate herself and mankind still tried to hunt her down. I loved the additional details this book gave me on her story and showed how underneath the monster that the world saw was just a women who wanted to what was right and was only trying to be the best priestess she could be.
I loved the 3rd part of this story that showed her transformation back into a human and her learning to trust the world of men again after years of being hunted. I was so glad after all she endured she got a happy ending and this retelling really makes you think that not all who appear to be monsters truly are. My rating 4.4/5!
Thank you to the Author and The Authors Archive for the gifted copy of this book, all opinions given are my own!
I loved the 3rd part of this story that showed her transformation back into a human and her learning to trust the world of men again after years of being hunted. I was so glad after all she endured she got a happy ending and this retelling really makes you think that not all who appear to be monsters truly are. My rating 4.4/5!
Thank you to the Author and The Authors Archive for the gifted copy of this book, all opinions given are my own!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
⭐️ Overall Rating: 7.5/10
🌶️ Spice Level: 0/5
Hats off to Eden Barnes on this read! 👏 You can feel how much soul and research she poured into this story, and as someone who briefly studied classical mythology, I truly appreciated the accuracy and depth throughout. The way she brought Medusa’s tale to life? Round of applause.
Medusa has always been one of my favorite mythological figures—her story speaks volumes about the cruelty and selfishness of the gods. And reading this made me want to go into battle for her (even if I would’ve died quickly 😂). But hey, I’m stubborn and a fighter at heart, so I would’ve tried!
This book is haunting, soul-wrenching, but hopeful in the end. A beautifully crafted dark fantasy that I’d recommend to anyone who loves mythology retellings with heart and meaning.
🎧 Dedicated Song: Bottom of the River – Delta Rae
Perfectly captures the eerie, fierce battle energy of this read.
💬 Favorite Quote:
"Hearts of gold are often sold,
And then, they wonder
Why the world is cold."
🌶️ Spice Level: 0/5
Hats off to Eden Barnes on this read! 👏 You can feel how much soul and research she poured into this story, and as someone who briefly studied classical mythology, I truly appreciated the accuracy and depth throughout. The way she brought Medusa’s tale to life? Round of applause.
Medusa has always been one of my favorite mythological figures—her story speaks volumes about the cruelty and selfishness of the gods. And reading this made me want to go into battle for her (even if I would’ve died quickly 😂). But hey, I’m stubborn and a fighter at heart, so I would’ve tried!
This book is haunting, soul-wrenching, but hopeful in the end. A beautifully crafted dark fantasy that I’d recommend to anyone who loves mythology retellings with heart and meaning.
🎧 Dedicated Song: Bottom of the River – Delta Rae
Perfectly captures the eerie, fierce battle energy of this read.
💬 Favorite Quote:
"Hearts of gold are often sold,
And then, they wonder
Why the world is cold."
July 13, 2025
Thank you @edenbarnesauthor for gifting me an advanced copy of this amazing book!!! 😍😍😍
She is of Snake and Stone is a beautifully written Medusa fantasy retelling. The story follows Medusa, a beautiful and kind priestess, devoted to Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom. After a fateful encounter, she is cursed to be the creature we all known to fear.
This is such a well-written piece! I finished this in one day, that’s how invested I was with the story! The pacing was excellent, and I especially loved experiencing Medusa’s journey across different stages of her life. There is only a small element of romance in this book, but I found it perfectly suited to the story. I also loved that it has multiple POVs as it gives us insight into how other characters view Medusa.
Overall, this was such a captivating story and an easy 5-star read! If you love fantasy retellings, I highly recommend this one! 🖤✨
She is of Snake and Stone is a beautifully written Medusa fantasy retelling. The story follows Medusa, a beautiful and kind priestess, devoted to Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom. After a fateful encounter, she is cursed to be the creature we all known to fear.
This is such a well-written piece! I finished this in one day, that’s how invested I was with the story! The pacing was excellent, and I especially loved experiencing Medusa’s journey across different stages of her life. There is only a small element of romance in this book, but I found it perfectly suited to the story. I also loved that it has multiple POVs as it gives us insight into how other characters view Medusa.
Overall, this was such a captivating story and an easy 5-star read! If you love fantasy retellings, I highly recommend this one! 🖤✨
August 4, 2025
This was a very unique point of view on the Medusa myth and I loved the focus on the woman behind the monster, rather than just focusing on Medusa’s life as a gorgon after she’s been cursed.
As with a lot of Greek mythology, there is a trauma behind the women’s tales not often shared and I appreciated the mentality of Medusa after her assault and how that impacted her turning into the gorgon creature and eventually finding her redemption.
The writing is beautiful and lyrical weaving a story of heartbreak, fury and survival.
Thank you to The Authors Archive and the author for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review, I really enjoyed this one and appreciate the chance to read it
This book does come with some trigger warnings, please review before choosing to read this book
As with a lot of Greek mythology, there is a trauma behind the women’s tales not often shared and I appreciated the mentality of Medusa after her assault and how that impacted her turning into the gorgon creature and eventually finding her redemption.
The writing is beautiful and lyrical weaving a story of heartbreak, fury and survival.
Thank you to The Authors Archive and the author for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review, I really enjoyed this one and appreciate the chance to read it
This book does come with some trigger warnings, please review before choosing to read this book
August 9, 2025
🐍 ARC Review 🐍
I was in a serious reading slump and procrastinated starting this book for entirely too long. The writing style is quite sophisticated and the older style of the language was a stark comparison to the contemporary romance I have recently been bingeing.
Once I got past the first chapter or so though, I was a goner. I was immersed into the story of Medusa in a way I never have been before and thankfully it didn’t end the way I thought it was going to! It can be hard to take a well/known myth or story and recreate it so as to be engaging, close enough to accurate, while not predictable and this book has done exactly that.
I love all things Greek mythology so I knew I was going to love this book and I really did.
I was in a serious reading slump and procrastinated starting this book for entirely too long. The writing style is quite sophisticated and the older style of the language was a stark comparison to the contemporary romance I have recently been bingeing.
Once I got past the first chapter or so though, I was a goner. I was immersed into the story of Medusa in a way I never have been before and thankfully it didn’t end the way I thought it was going to! It can be hard to take a well/known myth or story and recreate it so as to be engaging, close enough to accurate, while not predictable and this book has done exactly that.
I love all things Greek mythology so I knew I was going to love this book and I really did.
July 15, 2025
I was fortunate to have received an ARC copy of this book.
Having been intrigued by the story of Medusa since I was a little girl, I was very excited to read this book!
The writing was beautiful, so descriptive. Having been to Greece multiple times myself, and visited historical sites there, I very much appreciated the care the author took in setting the scene. The description of Medusa’s transformation from beautiful maiden into a cursed, snake haired woman was done so well, you could really feel the confusion and fear.
I’m very grateful to have had the chance to experience this book. All in all, this was a very enjoyable read!
Having been intrigued by the story of Medusa since I was a little girl, I was very excited to read this book!
The writing was beautiful, so descriptive. Having been to Greece multiple times myself, and visited historical sites there, I very much appreciated the care the author took in setting the scene. The description of Medusa’s transformation from beautiful maiden into a cursed, snake haired woman was done so well, you could really feel the confusion and fear.
I’m very grateful to have had the chance to experience this book. All in all, this was a very enjoyable read!
July 27, 2025
⭐️ARC review⭐️
All I can say is, Wow! I have always been intrigued by Medusa’s story, but you don’t find many that tell her story from her POV.
This retelling was amazing. It explained the events leading up to Medusa’s curse, the pain and anguish she went through at the beginning of her curse, and the ongoing struggles with the darkness in her and using that darkness to protect herself from being hurt both physically and emotionally.
I am so glad I had the privilege to get to read this as an ARC. Eden Barnes has done an amazing job and had done Medusa’s story justice.
All I can say is, Wow! I have always been intrigued by Medusa’s story, but you don’t find many that tell her story from her POV.
This retelling was amazing. It explained the events leading up to Medusa’s curse, the pain and anguish she went through at the beginning of her curse, and the ongoing struggles with the darkness in her and using that darkness to protect herself from being hurt both physically and emotionally.
I am so glad I had the privilege to get to read this as an ARC. Eden Barnes has done an amazing job and had done Medusa’s story justice.
July 21, 2025
This was a truly poetic and beautifully written retelling of one of the most heartbreaking myths ! I’ve always felt such sadness for Medusa. And it was very hard to read the whole first and second part of the book. Her innocence at the beginning… poor soul :(
And the descent to madness… it was hard to read..
I wish her the best of the best in her new found life ♥️ I wish the author would give us some of her adventures at sea in the future !
And the descent to madness… it was hard to read..
I wish her the best of the best in her new found life ♥️ I wish the author would give us some of her adventures at sea in the future !
August 8, 2025
ARC Review 3.5 stars!
A Medusa Fantasy Adaptation Cursed maidens are not meant to survive… or, as it’s told.
I had the pleasure of reading this adaptation of the tale of Medusa.
Eden's writing is poetic and draws you in to the story of Medusa.
Medusa's trials and despair are heartbreaking and her growth and triumph, truly captivating.
A lovely read, highly recommend you read it for yourself
A Medusa Fantasy Adaptation Cursed maidens are not meant to survive… or, as it’s told.
I had the pleasure of reading this adaptation of the tale of Medusa.
Eden's writing is poetic and draws you in to the story of Medusa.
Medusa's trials and despair are heartbreaking and her growth and triumph, truly captivating.
A lovely read, highly recommend you read it for yourself
July 12, 2025
I do love a good mythical creature and gods story. This story was alright. Majority of it drug on for me. It got quite repetitive in the middle of the book. It took a minute for me to want to pick it back up and finish. The ending was definitely not what I was expecting. So that was a nice surprise. Overall I enjoyed the concept of the story.
July 13, 2025
From the first line of the story I was instantly hooked! Eden’s writing truly transported me to an ancient Athens, I felt like I was walking along side Medusa on every page.
Although there were parts that were heartbreaking, the incredible writing made even the hardest scenes somehow beautiful to read.
I absolutely am recommending She is of Snake and Stone to everyone I know!
Although there were parts that were heartbreaking, the incredible writing made even the hardest scenes somehow beautiful to read.
I absolutely am recommending She is of Snake and Stone to everyone I know!
July 24, 2025
This is the first book I’ve truly committed to reading and it was absolutely worth it. Medusa’s voice is powerful, emotional, and unforgettable. The writing is beautiful and raw, and the story hit me harder than I expected. I didn’t just read it, I felt it. The author is genuinely talented, and I can truly see the effort and heart she poured into this. It was really worth my time ♥️♥️♥️
July 13, 2025
Wow.
Just wow.
This was a book I struggled to put down and return to adulting. I knew the story of Medusa but this was so beautifully written that I felt everything that she felt and that is a powerful thing.
Thank you Eden!
Just wow.
This was a book I struggled to put down and return to adulting. I knew the story of Medusa but this was so beautifully written that I felt everything that she felt and that is a powerful thing.
Thank you Eden!
July 25, 2025
This was such an incredible poignant retelling of Medusa! She Is Of Snake And Stone takes you on a journey from revered priestess to reviled monster and beyond. Each page is so evocative, leading you through Medusa’s transformation and I was gripped until the very end!
July 29, 2025
Such a great Medusa retelling. Absolutely loved it.
It was a harrowing and captivating journey.
The character is so well written and draws you in. I felt such empathy for her. So much depth and raw emotion.
It was a harrowing and captivating journey.
The character is so well written and draws you in. I felt such empathy for her. So much depth and raw emotion.
August 1, 2025
I wont lie, I really struggled at first to get into this story - but once I did I, was absolutely mesmerised by every word. Im no stranger to the story of Medusa but this version just hit differently, the depth and consideration given to the character was new and inspired.
October 6, 2025
This was a very good book! Likeable characters and a lot of information about the origin of Medusa. Would definitly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2025
this was such a good story. there were parts that I had to push myself to read but over all it was definitely worth the read
August 4, 2025
I was so grateful to receive this book as an ARC!
What a staggeringly beautiful reimagining of Medusa's story! She Is Of Snake And Stone is poetic, almost lyrical in places and yet conveys such rage throughout Medusa's transformation.
I loved the shifting perspectives and how each character was so fully formed and separate; I always felt grounded in the story!
Hats off to Eden for a gorgeous story which gave me a thoughtful new perspective on the legend of Medusa.
What a staggeringly beautiful reimagining of Medusa's story! She Is Of Snake And Stone is poetic, almost lyrical in places and yet conveys such rage throughout Medusa's transformation.
I loved the shifting perspectives and how each character was so fully formed and separate; I always felt grounded in the story!
Hats off to Eden for a gorgeous story which gave me a thoughtful new perspective on the legend of Medusa.
August 8, 2025
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
"I used to sink my own ship, so that others may float on my leftover driftwood bits."
This is a captivating and emotional Medusa retelling which gives a deeper perspective into the her origins as a devout maiden. This book explores themes of a trauma and healing, a journey to belonging, and the shortcomings of humanity.
Highly recommend for those who love Greek mythology and villain POV.
"I used to sink my own ship, so that others may float on my leftover driftwood bits."
This is a captivating and emotional Medusa retelling which gives a deeper perspective into the her origins as a devout maiden. This book explores themes of a trauma and healing, a journey to belonging, and the shortcomings of humanity.
Highly recommend for those who love Greek mythology and villain POV.
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