Becoming Medusa

Myths and Monsters #2

by Emma Hamm

They called her monster.

He called her friend.

But he still cut off her head.


Sending Medusa away to work in Athena's temple was supposed to keep her safe. To shield her from wandering eyes, because her mother feared such beauty could bring her death. Soon, she would learn, that fear was indeed a prophecy.

All it took was one glimpse for Poseidon to know he had to have her. One look. One fateful night. And life would never be the same again.

Athena, furious about what happens that night between her priestess and her brother, cares not that Medusa was an unwilling participant and curses her so that no man will ever want her again.

But Perseus doesn't care that Medusa is a monster. No matter how many women he encounters, he's haunted by her memory. So he stands by her, a friend...until given the opportunity to marry a princess and take his rightful place as son of Zeus.

Now he will stop at nothing to obtain his throne. Even if that means killing his friend.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Romance, Greek Mythology, Fiction, Fantasy Romance, Adult

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2021

About the author

We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.

Reviews

[Yeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tears burned down her cheeks and she snarled, “I will kill poseiden. Someday, I will wrench his head from his neck. I will bathe in his blood until the touch of his hands is finally gone.”

Same medusa, same.

[Lessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I didn’t expect this book to pierce my heart but here we are.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply it gutted me

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a great job of completely flipping around what is people normally read about Perseus, Pegasus, Medusa, etc. and creating a story that fits into the myth but with its own twist. There is romance but it is not the straight guy rescues girl but the girl overcoming her internal battles and saving herself in the process. Looking forward to trying her other kindle books.

[ann; · Rating 3 out of 5]

«—A veces, la vida termina demasiado pronto para los que son dignos. A veces, se prolonga demasiado para los que merecen un castigo.»

[Sonya Kamell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful.

What an excellent read. Deep thoughts, clearly tons of research went into this. I love these retelling of the Greek gods. They were horrifying and I'm so glad they are not being white washed in this series.

[brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so gut wrenchingly beautiful, i was not expecting this to be as lovely as it was

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medusa’s story is not one told often and she is normally always the monster in need of slaying. But here she is a survivor, beloved and failed by the gods.

As is know in her legend Medusa is raped and it is here in the story too but not graphically told. It is still extremely upsetting but it holds a message. No matter what happened to her she picked herself up and survived! She built herself back up, not as the same sweet girl as before but as a woman who will survive and find happiness again by taking charge of her own life. I really detest the Olympians and their horribleness.

Just as we learn of Olympia and her struggle to accept her new life we also get a great story of Medusa before her curse and the beginning of a love story that lasts beyond the bonds of a mortal life. Alexios is an amazing character and has the biggest heart of gold ever! I loved his story and his point of view throughout his story and struggles.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me costó, realmente me costó ponerme a leerlo, pero valió cada minuto.
Amo la mitología, y con la griega tengo una debilidad, y cuando encontré este libro con el que contaban la historia de Medusa, de una forma diferente al mito que todos conocemos pero que se aferra mucho a lo que es este supe que tenía que leerlo. Adoro como se fue dando la historia, las partes que me dieran toda una vida, las injusticias que vimos, y los personajes que me gusta creer, alguna vez fueron reales. La dinámica que cualquiera puede ser un héroe, porque hay varios tipos de ellos.
No sé, no tengo mucho que decir, simplemente ame y espero que todos puedan leerlo, aunque les guste o no la mitología, deja muchas enseñanzas para la vida.

Nota de lectura:

Poseidon te odio, TE ODIO CON MINCHIWYITAS COML VAS A HACERLE ESO, OBLIGARLA PUTO HIJO DE PUTA ANDATE A CAGAR FORRROS MORITEEEEEEE
Las hermanas inmortales me caen taaaaan bien las amo.
Atenea, tenés mis respetos debe ser una posición muy difícil en la cual estar
No jodas está embarazada wtf
Perseo me cae mal, pelotudo
Boludo voy re lento, se me está haciendo eterna la historia estaaaaaaa
Tal vez no era el momento para leerla pero ya estamos en este barco y no nos vamos a bajar.
Pasan tantas cosas en tan pocas páginas

[Shoshanna Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Emma Hamm is a master. Of course, as this is a story about a girl whose story hinges upon her being raped, consider this a trigger warning. This book contains things that are difficult to read. That being said, Emma treats it with sensitivity. It is not too graphic, but it does happen. 

I love Medusa. Her story is heartbreaking, but still lovely. As always, the world building is fantastic. Emma Hamm paints a glorious picture of a fantastical world. The characters are all fantastic. The dual POV is fun to read. Alexios is a perfect hero. I adore him. He is a pure hearted hero. 

I am impressed that Emma Hamm included Chrysaor. I was not expecting that. That is my bad for underestimating Emma. The story is amazing. Emma Hamm takes a very dark story that ends in sadness, and turns it into a glorious story of love and triumph. Medusa is strong. She is a victim. She is strong. 

[BloodyKelpie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 52%
I’m pretty interested in this book, come on look at the cover !!! But I’m getting a little bored in the introduction, I thought we could start with her being already cursed , Not all the introduction and how their lives were before…

Yeah I’m skipping all the blah blah blah , for gods sake !!! It’s just to much uninteresting information…. The point is we get that Medusa was a innocent girl before, good in heart and with such beauty that even Aphrodite could feel envy, but is time to get to the point … damn Medusa is a fool for not seeing how much Alexios wants her, come on girl … bring a priestess? Are you serious ? Athena can be a lot of things, but she is ruthless about her crew meddling with mens … and Medusa feel something for Alexios too, it’s obviously going to end bad.

Was he in love with her? No, that wasn’t possible. He couldn’t be in love with her, and even if he was, that was wrong. She knew better than to ruin a good thing, and what they had was a memory she would cherish for a lifetime.

She’s a idiot that my conclusion … I’m almost dropping this one… the author said she was going to make Medusa justice and then she come with all this … boring background history, and paints Medusa being a fool before, ok I get it because of her innocence she will pay a great price… but come on … the storyline just is so damn boring, she’s scared of fucking things up with Alexios so guess what ? Yeah she just fucks things up anyways… see ? A genius uh?

I’m really astonished I’m not liking this book, because I absolutely like this author, yeah sometimes I get angry because it’s too machist sometimes, but this one is getting in another level, of female lead trying to grow a spine and being a fucking damsel …

Well tag me shocked Alexios isn’t Perseus … and Perseus the great hero is a spoiled boy … hahaha I’m not impressed, well Poseidon is a rapist not news eithe, he’s a old god and sometimes when you live enough the lines just get blurred and you just are a empty shell of your true self, Medusa didn’t deserved what happened to her, yes she was naive for not fallowing her feelings and being with the man she loved, but Athena how her goddess should have protected her, it’s was her fucking duty, why could someone worship a war goddess if this bitch couldn’t even protect her own priestess from being raped for another god ?

She looked down at her body, then back at Athena. “You’re right. We aren’t the same. You are willing to kill me when I have dedicated my entire life to you, just to keep yourself safe. Just to show that you would stand by a man who did this to a mortal woman. Hard choices must be made. Choices neither of us want to make.”

FINALLY we’re coming to the good part of this book, fucking hell im seriously why all that boring shit in the beginning, absolutely uneventful and tiring yeah that’s it I’m done, can’t anymore too boring to continue.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Hamm, I salute you.

This book invoked a lot of feelings in me. Joy, bitterness, sorrow, pain, rage & happiness. It was so profound & well written that there are life lessons that I’m still/will be reflecting on for an age. Whilst the book certainly features unsavoury scenes (I skimmed & skipped triggers), it’s ultimately about love, healing, forgiveness & most importantly, not judging a book by it’s cover - pun not intended. It’s also about how one can take ownership & wrestle back control that has seemingly been stripped from them. Moral of the story is that regardless of how beaten down or the odds seem against you, you give yourself a chance to fight. My own interpretation anyway.

The bond between the Gorgon sisters, Alexio’s devotion to both Medusa & Chrys, the father & son relationship/bond and their dialogues had me tearing up several times. Alexio simply stole the show for me, if ever a man deserved a HEA, it was him. I know he’s fictional but I pray the man I marry is at minimum, half the man Alexio was.

Loved, loved, LOVED this book!

[Breathless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.

I didn't think I could still shed tears considering I just finished reading a similar plot in Medusa, A Love Story.

I honestly loved Medusa's portrayal. Her will to live and acceptance of her lost innocence left me with much relief. I also admire Alexios' determination to give her some form of justice in anyway he could (even if it meant turning his back on a friend, climbing Mount Olympus with a babe strapped to his back and threatening goddesses).

All in all it was a solid pass for me and I'd like to explore more rewrites of mythological stories (Greek or otherwise). If anyone's got a rec I'd be happy to check it out.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medusa walked away from friends and family, including an offer of marriage, to serve in the temple of Athena. A whole new set of friends and responsibilities, she was settling in, enjoying her new life, when Poseidon visited. One night, when everything she held dear would be taken from her.

Athena sends her from the temple, cursed so no man would look upon her and want her ever again.

But Perseus does want her. A hero in the making, son of Zeus, he is on his path to fame, and Medusa's head is one step toward his goal. Never mind that his companion was once Medusa's friend, and the one who offered marriage.

Didn't enjoy this one as much as book 1 in the series (3.5 stars, rounded up), but was still an enjoyable read.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 65%
TRIGGER WARNING: this is about Medusa's story so there are heavy themes of sexual assault and ON PAGE rape.

I expected this to be dark i really did. It is hard to find a book about Medusa that is not dark of course because her life was tragically affected by the gods. But this was hard to read. The rape and sexual assault scenes (while typically does not trigger me) were very difficult to stomach. This may be the intention of this novel of course, but I typically rate on enjoyment and I did not enjoy this. I did skip to the end and it was nice I guess.
I hate that I didn't enjoy this because Medusa's story means so much to me, but this story was affecting my mental health and I could not make it through the end.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we please take a moment - Emma Hamm has taken a tragic life and made it into something for woman to be strong for themselves.

The story of Medusa is one of sadness and tragic circumstances in her life. Betrayed by God's, forced to be feared by men, to being used as a "weapon" - used is the best way to describe her life. But, in the end she turned into something strong and symbols for that strength.

Love the duel POV - duel stories that end up crossing. I ended up hating Perseus - thats a new one as he was always shown in good light (but that's when you get one side of a story). And, Persephone (loved Emma Hamm Persephone from Tempting Hades)

If you are wanting to add more Ancient Greece myths to your bookshelves i would look at both this and Tempting Hades.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that this book was going to be the death of me from the very beginning.
Emma Hamm's storytelling about the Medusa myth was so delicate and well thought, sending me through a journey of emotions, that ended on a bittersweet note.
This is not an easy story to read, and despite it all, it was lovely - if painful.
I don't know what else to say, only that I'm at lost for words of how beautiful this story was - I'm still still drying my tears after finishing so fast.
But also: Perseus can eat dirt.

[Celine Spryks (Taylor’s Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an amazing retelling of the myth of Medusa. It gives heroes a different light and was written in the perspective of the anti hero and the supposed villain of the story. I absolutely adore Alexios and Medusa’s tragic love story. How Medusa had overcome what had happened to her and Alexios’ undying love towards Medusa as she was. He loved her as she was, monster and human. I cried so much in the end. It’s a tragic, and the most beautiful story about Medusa thus far. As a person who had suffered SA, it was empowering to read. Thank you, Author.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most modern retellings of Greek myth like to centre the female in order to give her the voice she was denied in the ancient myth.

This book has the main character be a man. And not just any man… a simp!

Christ, Alexios got right on my nerves. I spent the last quarter of this book wishing Perseus would use Medusa’s head on him just to put me out of my misery.

I am genuinely confused by Athena’s characterisation in this book. It’s all over the place. I prefer her being the man-preferring, woman hater of ancient myth because at least that’s consistent.

[Jessika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful rendition of the Classic Medusa story
The whole story was enchanting, and while it was sad, I was happy to have a more substantial story in regards to Medusa the woman. It was a nice change to see how Medusa's life was shaped and how she was failed by the Goddess she worshipped. The additional Pov from Alexios was a real gem. There were quite a few quotes that I absolutely loved and highlighted to save. Definitely a good read.

[Kala McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Gorgeous stars

This book may possibly be one of Emma’s best yet. This story was emotional and raw and beautifully tragic. I was blown away at how this story was spun. I kept thinking to myself, how is this going to end good? But when the ending came and I had tears spilling down my face, it was perfect. Medusa’s story was nothing short of amazing and a big bravo to Emma for making it so beautiful.

[Shereen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching but beautiful!

Oh my gods... These monsters and myths stories are amazing. This book did start off a bit slow but once you get to the main events of Medusa's mythos the story takes off. Personally I couldn't put the boom down and was so sad for Medusa, Alexios and her children. The story within a story works well and blends beautifully into the story as a whole. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes romance and is interested in Greek mythos.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heart-wrenching it gutted me. My poor little heart shattered into millions of pieces for Medusa.

Medusa is one of my favorite characters. Her story is heartbreaking, but it is also beautiful. The world-building is fantastic, as it always is. Emma Hamm creates a stunning depiction of a fantastical world. All of the characters are fantastic. The dual POV is entertaining to read. Alexios is the ideal hero. He is my hero. Loved me some Alexios.

[Dorothy Poole]

And the Oscar goes to....

Emma's best work yet. I swear I nearly cried in every chapter from the depth of feeling. A true reflection of overcoming impossible obstacles and the devotion of real unconditional love. I've always known the true story of Medusa but this is the best version of it by far. Emma's ability to take a trauma and deliver it so delicately is phenomenal. Can we give her the book version of an Oscar for this?

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐⭐🌟2.5 stars

I really wanted to like this book. I enjoy Greek mythology and Medusa has always been one of my favorite characters. I just could not get into it. By Chapter 18, I almost stopped. But I kept on, hoping it would get better. It did a little, but not much. You know how in school, when learning to write, they taught you "show, don't tell"? This entire book was telling, no showing. It TOLD me how the characters felt, it TOLD me their intentions. It didn't SHOW me. It made the writing feel very juvenile and boring.
And some things didn't make sense because of this. Yes, Perseus was a bad guy. But it didn't SHOW me his descent into evil. It just told me. Euryale and Stheno immediately became "sisters" with Medusa because she was different. Okay, what happened to make them feel that way? What made them want to become friends? Especially since they gave up their physical bodies and almost their lives for her.
Olympia and her part of the story did and contributed nothing to the overall book. In the end, Alexandra tells her the moral of the story was that Medusa healed by herself. That's not what happened at all! Her sisters surrounded Medusa, and the entire book she regretted not staying with Alexios and starting a family! Also, Olympia gave up her unborn child, where in the story Medusa keeps hers and rises above her experience. That's not the same at all.

"She supposed she understood the desire to not marry. She hadn’t thought about it before, but life would be a lot easier if she didn’t have to think about a husband and children."
I understand this story is written for empowering women, however, I wish the feminism stance didn't demonize the role of being a wife. There are many women who want to do that.

"He’d already rehearsed his speech more times than he could count. She would see that he was a good match. And even if she didn’t believe it now, he’d make her life a dream just so that eventually she would realize how lucky she’d made him. How loudly she made his heart sing and how badly he wanted to make hers do the same. Alexios knew in his heart of hearts that no man would ever worship her the way he did. And not because of her beauty, which was renowned throughout the towns outside of Athens. Not because of her kindness, because of course she was. He worshipped her because she was his very best friend, the person whose soul sang the same song as his. And he couldn’t let that slip away so easily."
Like, why wouldn't you want to be a wife if you found a man that loves you like this?


"Even her own reflection was difficult to look at in the water. All she could see was the writhing mass of snakes. Their red eyes glared back at her, and already they whispered.
“You were the beloved daughter of a family who didn’t want to let you go. You were too selfish to stay with them, and thus, brought about your own downfall. Everything that happened to you is your fault. Punishment for such a life has already been wrought.”
Ughhh… pretty much.


“No, no, not that one. He’s the one with the bad thoughts.” Deino blindly reached for her sister’s hand and shifted it toward Alexios. “Look at that one. He’s the handsome one with the nice thoughts. We should invite him inside.”
Love how the Graeae like Alexios over Perseus cause he has nice thoughts about their lives and on how he'd try to woo them🤣

"But the son of Zeus would rise to any battle, even one of words. He leaned forward, dangerously close to both flame and blade. “What would you have me do, Alexios? Leave my mother in the clutches of that monster? Settle for loving a normal woman and not accepting the fate of becoming a king? I'm the son of a god. I have more in my blood than a common life."
"And hat is so wrong with a common life?” Alexios leaned forward as well. “You seem to look down on us who wish to live a quiet tale and force yourself to take the unnecessary steps in becoming someone far more than what you were born as.”
“I was born as the son of Zeus himself!” The shout echoed around them, likely warning the Gorgons there was someone outside their door. “He was the one who birthed me in a golden shower. He chose me to walk this path himself. You can deny Athena all you want because she didn’t care if you see her, but you cannot deny what you saw with your own two eyes.”
Oh no, you won't become a king? How terribly devastating for you🙄


“Yes, if you look at me, I’ll turn to stone. That part of the myth I realized is very true.” He tapped his knife against the nearest stone soldier. “These also prove it. You have a wicked sense of decorating style, Medusa. I don’t remember you being so morbid."
Alexios flirting is adorable.

"Alexandra nodded. “Do you believe she was happy and whole because a man came to find her? No, that was never Medusa. Time healed all her wounds. Medusa had no control over Alexios or how long it took him to complete his quest, or if he would even succeed. But wandering in the Underworld gave her the right time to heal and piece herself back together. It was good he found her, for a happy ending is far more satisfying than a dark one. But she was already healed by the time she got there."
Okay, now that's ridiculous. That's not what the story infers at all!

[Mara Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siento que para cerrar este año de lecturas, este libro fue el broche de oro. Medusa, tan ingenua como trágica, Alexios como un hombre enamorado que fue hasta el fin de mundo por la mujer que ama. De todos los mitos, Medusa siempre resultó en uno de mis favoritos y para mí, uno de los más tristes pues su único error fue servir a la diosa que adoraba y esta en retribución, no la protegió. Creo que este libro es precioso y triste por igual; agridulce.

[H.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This story is so much better than the first one. The passage of time in it still feels a little off, but the love between Medusa and Alexios feels real, as well as the love between Alexios and Chrysaor. The story is sad, but also has hope.

[Bego Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never ever look at Medusa with the same eyes again. This story is so much more worthy of her memory. - Of Medusa, the woman and not Medusa, the monster. Sometimes, no matter how one chose to walk the path, a god or goddess will come and mess it up.

[Falecia McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medusa story

Medusa story had me in tears before it was all said and done. I'm so glad that I read this. I must admit it even gave me a different look at her myself and all the pain she had inflicted on her by the hands of Gods/Demigods. So happy that she ended up with happiness

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a Greek romance. This was really an amazing love story but not a romance book. It was very good though and told a truthful story of Medusa. I didn’t realize the story I knew was so wrong. Clash of the titans is the story Perseus would have wanted you to know. Shame on that movie.