Medusa

The Dark Victorian Penny Dreads #2

by Elizabeth Watasin

Winner, 2015 Rainbow Awards, Best Lesbian Fantasy & Fantasy Romance

Blind Elvie Chaisty discovers a breathing British Museum marble and soon more “living” statues appear in London. Meanwhile, a masked, monocled sculptress invites guests to her provocative marble garden, to be experienced by touch alone. The rich and the specially invited Elvie are enchanted by the sculpted bodies that can be discerned beneath their hands until one visitor dares to make a deadly discovery. Journalist Helia Skycourt and her stick for hire, Ellie Hench, must find out: is the monocled woman the centre of a death cult, one helping young women to an eternal state? Helia and Ellie race to solve the mystery before the sculptress’s fascination for Elvie seduces Elvie into her marble garden, permanently.

With a special appearance by Artifice, artificial ghost and heroine of the steampunk Dark Victorian series, MEDUSA is a gothic, romantic horror set in an 1880, mechanical and supernatural London. A mythological F/F historical romance and paranormal gaslamp fantasy.

Editor: JoSelle Vanderhooft

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Lesbian, Romance, Queer, LGBT, Historical

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2015

About the author

Elizabeth Watasin is the author of the Gothic steampunk series The Dark Victorian, The Elle Black Penny Dreads, the cyberpunk Darquepunk series, and the creator/artist of the indie comics series Charm School, which was nominated for a Gaylactic Spectrum Award. Winner of a Rainbow Award 2015, Best Lesbian Fantasy and Fantasy Romance, for Medusa: A Dark Victorian Penny Dread. A twenty year veteran of animation and comics, she lives in Los Angeles with her black cat named Draw, busy bringing readers uncanny heroines in shilling shockers, science fiction, and diesel fantasy tales.
Follow the news of her latest projects at A-Girl Studio.

Reviews

[lov2laf · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's such a joy to reread this after being away so long. I love it just as much as the first time.

This is one of the only books I've read that I could say is romantically written and that makes the reading extra fun...as in the prose itself is romantic.

And there's something very innocent about the book too probably because Elvie is such a pure character...pure as in lives one's truth not pure as in a goody goody though she is sweet.

It's helpful to have this on a kindle because Watasin uses words and historical references I've never heard of before. Being able to look them up quickly helps. For ex, words such as "callipygian" meaning well shaped buttocks. :D

This sort of acts as a fourth book in the Dark Victorian world so it's helpful to at least read Risen and Bones first. If really pressed though I think it could work as a standalone...just know that 1) Lady T. is really something if Helia, someone who runs toward and thrives on danger, is completely terrified of her and 2) Ellie, though "blind", is a total bad ass. She's a bodyguard and stick for hire and we see that the most in Bones.

Absolutely wonderful. Can't recommend highly enough.

*************

Man, I love this author's ability to tell a story. Once again, Elizabeth Watasin weaves a fantastic, magical tale with a big dollop of mystery thrown in. This time, however, we also get a sensuous and innocent romance.

In this book we are introduced to a new character, Elvie, a blind woman with a love for sculptured art. Ellie, the blind body guard we met in 'The Dark Victorian: Bones' book, is Elvie's friend and confidante. We follow the two as they meet a most intriguing and mysterious woman, Lady Thanatou, an accomplished sculptress in her own right. She has her sights set on Elvie, but is she friend or foe?

This was a really interesting story to follow and I was intrigued the entire read. Watasin's use of language is practically poetic and the story feels so rich, especially as it's written mostly from Elvie and Ellie's perspectives. Every scene between Elvie and Lady Thanatou feels thick with sensuality and seduction, in an extremely satisfying way. Elvie is a lovable and admirable young woman, Ellie is piss and vinegar AND we get scenes with Helia Skycourt and Artifice, as well!

I not only loved the author's descriptions in this story but her use of humor is most unique and wonderful. There seems to always be a joke beneath the surface if it's not already blatantly said out loud and it really makes the book ring with charm.

The only blight I have against it, is the book's two main character's names, Ellie and Elvie being so similar. Luckily, these ladies are unique and strong enough that they are soon easy to distinguish and it was no longer an issue to keep them straight after the first few pages.

Whole-heartedly recommend this read! It is definitely a favorite.

Also, be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book as they're engaging and enlightening, giving some good background to the story.

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give more than 5 stars? :-) Because I would!

Oh my Goddess, yes this is a book about goddesses and Greek Mythology and the senses (mostly touch) and sculpture and love and loss. Medusa is again another written masterpiece. Elizabeth Watasin's words are perfection, luscious like rich chocolate. I cannot sing her praises high enough.

Go and buy, read and re-read this woman's books!

(May 4, 2017) Whilst Book Club buddy D. is totally beguiled of the Dark Victorians I had to take advantage and re-read Medusa for her. And what a trip it was. Greek Goddesses, sculptures, sticks for hire, oh my. Some of my old favorites (and some new) were back for action and intrigue once more.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this one was a lot of fun. Watasin's prose is unlike anything out there (That I've read). It really just draws you in. This was Elvie's story. The setting remains in her paranormal steampunk London universe. Art and Helia are still around, but didn't see mention of the talking skull, Jim. Ellie who is also blind like Elvie, but has a very unique way of 'seeing' that is really well done. This was more of a romance really with Elvie and the Lady Thanatou. Prior penny dread and such that I've read have all been crime mysteries with Art. Really loved this one. Thanks to Lov2laf for dangling the carrot in front of my nose :p

[Becky Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things to love about this book! From the re-imagined Medusa myth to the fascinating characters to the paranormal ... all set in a Victorian steampunk world. Can't get much better than this.

Though Elvie and Ellie share similar sounding names (which kept me on my toes in order to keep them straight while reading), I like these two characters very much. They are so unique. It is fascinating how Ellie "sees" the world with her preternatural gift, and I love "seeing" the world by way of Elvie's touch and sound. It is as magical as Ellie's gift, though definitely more sensual. I seriously enjoyed watching Elvie and Lady Thanatou's relationship begin to blossom.

One thing I like about this story is that while it is F/F, it's not overpowering. Medusa - like all of Elizabeth Watasin's stories - strikes just the right balance between womanly relationships, beautiful writing, a rich and detailed background world, and interesting plot.

[Pam Faste aka Peejakers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! It's Victorian Steampunk Gothic & F/F romance, full of fascinating characters, ideas & imagery, humor, sensuality & tenderness. There are also kick-ass women and Greek mythology (the Medusa myth re-imagined or reinterpreted).

This was the 2nd book of a series & I haven't (yet) read the first, but I'm told the first book focused on different characters. Anyway, it was fine, there were a couple of references to things that have happened previously but it just whets my interest to read the other books & find out :)

Several characters possess superhuman powers & abilities & there's quite a bit of the magical or paranormal in this book. All of that is quite original & unique. One is an "artificial ghost"! And yet it all felt realistically Victorian at the same time. The ever-present concern about propriety juxtaposed with an under-layer of , the limited freedom of women (at least of ordinary women!), the

Also, main character Elvie is blind & I was really struck by the realism & attention to detail taken with her portrayal. She's a strong character, but is not presented as "super blind lady" either, she's as vulnerable as she is determined, there is quite a bit in the story about her struggle to be independent & to pursue her art (she is a neophyte sculptor) & the severely limited opportunities available to do so for blind persons in her world. Her perception of the world based on sound & touch was so beautifully described, I felt, & often strikingly sensual.

My only complaint, and this isn't really a complaint, just sort of noticing with a sense of bemusement & amusement, is the fact that there are so many characters with similar sounding names. Main character Elvie, her friend & protector Ellie, another character called Elle . . . Though, to be fair, Elle was just a one-time mention, she doesn't appear in the book. Then there is a Helene & a Helia, though they are twins so I guess this makes more sense. Still, when you take into account the relationship between "Hel" & "El" in names like Helen & Ellen, which are essentially the same name if you trace the origins, it's quite remarkable. And slightly confusing, especially with regard to Ellie & Elvie. It didn't in any way detract from the book - just sort of strange.

[Tami Veldura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Medusa.

If you're into victorian, lovecraft, steampunk ladies, get this book. If you're not sure about victorian, lovecraft, steampunk ladies, this book will completely sell you on the genre.

There are some amazing lesbian stories out there and this is one of them. While it took me the majority of the book to sort out who was Elvie and who was Ellie, I can honestly say that the confusion of names is my ONLY complaint about this entire adventure.

Elvie is curious, bold, and sweet. Lady Thanatou is cautious with her, deliberate, and protective. This is a fluff romance with some excellent adventure woven in. I want more.

The voice in this novel is so strong. I was utterly transported while reading. The characters are each unique and hysterical. I found the plot lively but the real gem is the budding relationship between Elvie and Thanatou.

Have I mentioned I want more? I want a direct sequel to this book. I want a whole series just about Elvie, Lady Thanatou, and the chaos that Ellie and Art bring into their worlds. I WANT TO KNOW ALL THE THINGS.

[Laianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book, marketed as a f/f Victorian Medusa retelling, but I was wildly deceived by all the positive reviews. Within the first few pages I realized that this was not going to be the book for me. The writing style is, at best, idiosyncratic, and at worst, terribly written. Getting through this text was like reading another language; I recognized some of the words, but I’m not sure I got their meaning. Rarely have I read a passive voice so abrasive. I had to reread almost every sentence to figure out who was talking or what was taking place. It did not help that the main characters are named Ellie, Elvie, Envy, and Helia. Side characters include Helene and Elle. WHO DOES THIS?? It was agonizing trying to decipher one from the other, especially at the beginning when there was almost no character introduction or scene-setting. I’m guessing it would help to read the first book, but as a stand-alone this novel was incredibly disappointing.

I enjoyed the basic premise of a young blind sculptress becoming enamored with a Gorgon, but the characters were so flat that the romance was basically nonexistent. Without any world-building the frequent references to body parts felt downright lewd, and it didn’t help that with her accented speech, Ellie read like a female Hagrid. I could have rated three stars but I feel obligated to counter a prospective reader’s expectations given the weird multitude of five star reviews.

[Jess Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started out a little slow, but picked up quickly and finished beautifully, and I always appreciate the extra context and explanation Elizabeth includes at the end of her books, it’s always interesting to learn where authors get there ideas and inspiration.

[Robert Cubitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Penny Dreadful, or Penny Blood as it was originally called, is a type of book popular in the 19th century. It doesn’t refer to the quality of the writing, which is a popular misconception; it refers to the intention of the author to shock or terrify the reader.

This book, “Medusa” by Elizabeth Watasin, bears the subtitle of “The Return of The Penny Dread” and is written in the style of those 19th century novels. Those of you that enjoy the work of Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Arthur Conan Doyle, WW Jacobs and others may find this novel quite appealing. In the end notes the work is described as “Gothic Steam Punk”. I admit that I had to look that up to find out what it meant and it means a type of sci-fi or fantasy story that describes steam powered or old fashioned technology rather than more futuristic inventions.

The story is set in 1880s London, but a London that is home not just to the sort of people we might recognise, but also to strange beings who might, or might not, be the living embodiment of Greek mythology. This is the gothic fantasy part of the story. There are also strange characters who are described as members of HRH Secret Commission though this term, sadly, is not explained and may be a carry-over from another story.

The focus of the story is Elvie Chaisty who is blind and lives in a home for the blind. She loves sculpture and models her own sculptures from clay, having a particular interest in the styles of the ancient Greeks. If a blind person sculpting seems unlikely then I would suggest you look up Felice Tagliaferri , a blind Italian sculptor, whose work Cristo Rivelato (Revealed Christ) is quite astonishing in its accomplishment.

When she goes out Elvie is chaperoned by Ellie Hench, who is also blind. However, Ellie is able to perceive her world through a sort of fluid awareness (I didn’t really understand this) and can function almost as well as a sighted person. She carries a big stick which she isn’t afraid to use and because of this is valued as a body guard. At this point it helps to be able to suspend your disbelief.

While studying the sculptures in Room 84 of the British Museum Elvie encounters a strange woman and becomes fascinated by her. The woman turns out to be a talented sculptress and sets out to befriend Elvie. At the same time strange statues of real women start to appear around London. With the title of the book giving away the game somewhat you start to see where this is going quite early on.

I won’t give away any more of the plot than that, other than to say things are not quite what they seem and you shouldn’t think you know how the story is going to end.

There is a sub plot within this story involving an evil Countess and I was rather disappointed that the author didn’t make a little bit more of that. There is a rescue scene which would have been interesting to have witnessed from a reader’s point of view, but which was glossed over so rapidly that I wondered why it was mentioned at all. It was like offering me a slice of cake and then only giving me the crumbs from the plate.

The style of writing of this book is fairly easy to read, though it should be borne in mind that the author is trying to recreate times past and uses appropriate forms of language. I would have liked more explanation of the origins of some of the characters as I struggled to make sense of them, especially a sort of female giant by the name of Artifice. While I could go and read the author’s other books to try to find out about them it didn’t help me while reading this one. That and the skimpy sub plot is the main reason that I have only given the novel 4 stars.

Only one of the major characters in the story are male so the story is told from a particularly female perspective. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking this is the stuff of Mills and Boon or Barbara Cartland. These characters are no shrinking violets. If they faint it’s because they are ill and in real life I wouldn’t want to upset a character like Ellie Hench.

All in all this is an enjoyable read for those who enjoy mysterious goings on. It won’t frighten you enough to give you nightmares, as nowadays we are used to far greater horrors than this author describes. Just watching the evening news can be far more terrifying, but the author handles the story well and I found myself wanting to turn the page to see what would happen next. Pity about that sub plot though!

[Brienne Dubh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watasin stepped up again with this second instalment in her wonderful Steampunk 'Penny Dread' series. Like the first (Ice Demon, reviewed in July) Medusa is a canonical detective story set in dark Steampunk Victorian populated by an awesome cast of amazing women.

“The stranger's attention appeared to be upon them, though if Ellie's senses could discern eyeballs and the direction of such eyes (and this, she could not, for it had something to do with pupils, which were mere flat things to her), she could affirm her ascertainment that the woman's gaze dwelled solely upon Elvie.
Ellie ran her fingers along her lines of Braille and marked how she might reach Elvie should the woman choose to approach her...
And she smells funny, Ellie thought. The way them Catholic churches do. Except with roses in 'em.
The woman took a step and Ellie stood up.
“Ellie?” Elvie cried. (p11)

Watasin's universe continues to be rich and enjoyable, her characters diverse and kickass. Art, Mr Dastard and the cast of the first novel are back for more, their relationships with each other and their rich back stories add to the great new plot. Plus there's a host of new and fascinating characters such as Ellie and Elvie, the blind women whom open the novel and set the scene for what is to come. The plot of Medusa had me even more hooked than the first, and I have no qualms in likening it to Conan Doyle. I didn't want to put it down.
Anyone wanting to cosplay or LARP Penny Dread with me, I'm free anytime! :D

Rating: 9 out of 10 – faultless Steampunk goodness in a bite-sized 145 pages so you'll definitely be done before the water gets cold!

Reviewed by Vikki Heaven @ Escapology Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

solid 3.5. Action fun, research impeccable and some moments of insight into characters that grabbed my attention. But I like more of the why characters get together. if you want a romantic romp with a strong sense of justice, your rating might be higher. Watasin's world and character building skills continue to impress.

[W. Tinkanesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per usual the words are delicately chiseled. I'll write a review soon.

[Elisa Rolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medusa: A Dark Victorian Penny Dread by Elizabeth Watasin: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)