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Blind Beauty
On the isolated isle of Sarpedon, cold blood under scaly flesh pumps into a creature with snakes for hair, and serpentine features. Cast from society by the wrath of a Goddess, she is shielded by the bodies of stone along the shoreline. They warn off mortals; victims of her curse that had come to harm her. Soldiers, huntsmen, adventurers. Her curse afflicted all. All but one. A beauty by the name of Mirra washes ashore and doesn't succumb to Medusa's menacing sight. Thus begins the tragically romantic tale of a blind seer, and an untrusting gorgon.
This story contains discussion/vague depiction of SA, death, and gore. Read at your own discretion.
This story contains discussion/vague depiction of SA, death, and gore. Read at your own discretion.
80 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2022
41 people are currently reading
1254 people want to read
About the author
Jasmine Garcia
7 books40 followersJasmine Garcia, a part-time author, who works as a full-time nursing assistant. Though time management proves to be a challenge, she is always sure to sneak in a sentence or several here and there. Having been a storyteller long before she was able to put pen to paper, it was no surprise when at seventeen, she became a self-published author. Her works mostly revolve around aspects of romance, magic, paranormal creatures, and lots of gore, so her stories are not for the faint of heart. If such matters interest you, be sure to follow her social medias for more about the author, and to keep up with her new releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 15, 2024
3.5⭐️ That ending hurt soo bad. I knew it was coming but it still hurt 😭😭
The grammatical errors throughout the book threw me off however I enjoyed reading this. I disliked how much at the mercy of the gods the characters were but the bittersweet end to Medusa honestly made the ending good in a literary standpoint. A beautiful tragedy. And one of her snakes finding its way to mirra was so sad and beautiful and poetic.
The grammatical errors throughout the book threw me off however I enjoyed reading this. I disliked how much at the mercy of the gods the characters were but the bittersweet end to Medusa honestly made the ending good in a literary standpoint. A beautiful tragedy. And one of her snakes finding its way to mirra was so sad and beautiful and poetic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2023
how tf did they fall in love? there was barely any development.
June 2, 2023
I found the beginning of this book where it talks about buying your own copy to be very odd. I’ve never read a book where the author was against someone receiving their book as a gift. I think borrowing books is very common amongst book loving communities. It’s just weird to make such a strong claim and stance at the very beginning of your book in my opinion.
I am fully aware that this author is very new at writing books, and they also self published this book as well. So because of all of that, I will not be making many statements about typos, or anything of that nature. There were some typos, but overall they didn’t affect the reading too much. The main thing I could not get past was the “hissing“. I really could not take any moment where hissing took place seriously. The real downfall of this story is that it’s not long enough. I think that Mirra and Medusa‘s relationship was extremely rushed and we were given almost no time to get to know them or get to know their relationship. The relationship was very one-dimensional and undeveloped, and I really wish we had more time with them before the end of the story took place. Some of my other grips with this story I believe are more personal, because of how I like to view the Gods. How the Gods act amongst each other, and how things happen in myths are always up for interpretation; especially when it comes to retelling’s that are not necessarily fully “correct” to the myth.
A couple things that I did really like about this story was the portrayal of Athena. It’s a side we don’t see often in retellings, and I did like how her reasonings were described. I also liked how the author showed that Medusa had a fear of water after her curse was inflicted. I’ve never really thought about that ever until reading the story and it’s a smart detail to add into the book.
Overall, the story was bland. I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn’t.
I am fully aware that this author is very new at writing books, and they also self published this book as well. So because of all of that, I will not be making many statements about typos, or anything of that nature. There were some typos, but overall they didn’t affect the reading too much. The main thing I could not get past was the “hissing“. I really could not take any moment where hissing took place seriously. The real downfall of this story is that it’s not long enough. I think that Mirra and Medusa‘s relationship was extremely rushed and we were given almost no time to get to know them or get to know their relationship. The relationship was very one-dimensional and undeveloped, and I really wish we had more time with them before the end of the story took place. Some of my other grips with this story I believe are more personal, because of how I like to view the Gods. How the Gods act amongst each other, and how things happen in myths are always up for interpretation; especially when it comes to retelling’s that are not necessarily fully “correct” to the myth.
A couple things that I did really like about this story was the portrayal of Athena. It’s a side we don’t see often in retellings, and I did like how her reasonings were described. I also liked how the author showed that Medusa had a fear of water after her curse was inflicted. I’ve never really thought about that ever until reading the story and it’s a smart detail to add into the book.
Overall, the story was bland. I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn’t.
January 25, 2024
3 Stars
I thought this book would have a different ending to Medusa’s story because it was a retelling. I’ve always lamented Medusa’s story, so I naively hoped this one had a happy ending. However, when Perseus’s name came up, all hopes were dashed. Tears were shed in the end. I appreciate this retelling though.
I thought this book would have a different ending to Medusa’s story because it was a retelling. I’ve always lamented Medusa’s story, so I naively hoped this one had a happy ending. However, when Perseus’s name came up, all hopes were dashed. Tears were shed in the end. I appreciate this retelling though.
December 20, 2023
CW: Mentions Of Rape/Sexual Assault, Major Character Death, Death, Blood
2.5 /5 Stars
You know, maybe this book never had a chance, given the high expectations I had going in. But then again, was I really asking for too much? Would a good love story been truly so unthinkable? This is - obviously and as always - just my personal take on things, but boy was I dissapointed.
Enemies to Lovers is one thing, having two people not get along and slowly starting to appreciate the other over time, slow burn if one wills, another. But this book? Yeah? This book was neither. Medusa couldn't stand the woman that was about to become her girlfriend for most of the book until suddenly she could and they made out and I was left to feel confused and dissatisfied. The book does offer an in-world-explanation but I'm sorry for not being sorry: Aphrodite made them do it is just kinda the worst possible explanation for as to why those two would and did fall in love that the book could come up with.
Honestly, I didn't like the romance so much I'd be very willing and capable of writing a whole essay on the topic, but I'd prefer not to spoil the whole thing in case someone actually wants to pick it up - which I wouldn't reccomand. It's not a 1 star. It has its moments, an I appreciate aspects of it, but overall I was just left feeling sad and dissapointed and all the sad stuff. Not to mention the Content Warnings. I did not expect or sign up for MCD. Like, wow, okay. No thanks.
The sexual assault stuff was handled with care and yet I can't help but feel like we could have done more. It's literally THE most important part of Medusa's backstory.
Final Thoughts:
I guess if you want Retellings with a tiny bit of sapphic-ness to it, you might find something worth while, but I, didn't really walk away feeling that good.
2.5 /5 Stars
You know, maybe this book never had a chance, given the high expectations I had going in. But then again, was I really asking for too much? Would a good love story been truly so unthinkable? This is - obviously and as always - just my personal take on things, but boy was I dissapointed.
Enemies to Lovers is one thing, having two people not get along and slowly starting to appreciate the other over time, slow burn if one wills, another. But this book? Yeah? This book was neither. Medusa couldn't stand the woman that was about to become her girlfriend for most of the book until suddenly she could and they made out and I was left to feel confused and dissatisfied. The book does offer an in-world-explanation but I'm sorry for not being sorry: Aphrodite made them do it is just kinda the worst possible explanation for as to why those two would and did fall in love that the book could come up with.
Honestly, I didn't like the romance so much I'd be very willing and capable of writing a whole essay on the topic, but I'd prefer not to spoil the whole thing in case someone actually wants to pick it up - which I wouldn't reccomand. It's not a 1 star. It has its moments, an I appreciate aspects of it, but overall I was just left feeling sad and dissapointed and all the sad stuff. Not to mention the Content Warnings. I did not expect or sign up for MCD. Like, wow, okay. No thanks.
The sexual assault stuff was handled with care and yet I can't help but feel like we could have done more. It's literally THE most important part of Medusa's backstory.
Final Thoughts:
I guess if you want Retellings with a tiny bit of sapphic-ness to it, you might find something worth while, but I, didn't really walk away feeling that good.
November 26, 2022
a beautiful take on Medusa’s story
The romance was sweet, the writing had an effortless flow to it, and it was a short yet enjoyable read. I’m not well-versed in Greek mythology but I enjoyed this story. Jasmine’s writing is rich and descriptive and everything was woven together beautifully. Would definitely recommend for those who connect with what Medusa represents and her story.
The romance was sweet, the writing had an effortless flow to it, and it was a short yet enjoyable read. I’m not well-versed in Greek mythology but I enjoyed this story. Jasmine’s writing is rich and descriptive and everything was woven together beautifully. Would definitely recommend for those who connect with what Medusa represents and her story.
June 6, 2023
I loved the concept of this book so much as a queer Greek mythology fanatic! I really wish it was longer.
I think since it was such a short book, everything felt extremely rushed, the characters lacked substance and character development. I can also see how certain parts can be confusing especially to those who know little about the Greek myths.
I did love how Athena was depicted in this book and also pleasantly surprised at Aphrodite’s depiction as well.
I think since it was such a short book, everything felt extremely rushed, the characters lacked substance and character development. I can also see how certain parts can be confusing especially to those who know little about the Greek myths.
I did love how Athena was depicted in this book and also pleasantly surprised at Aphrodite’s depiction as well.
March 7, 2025
This novella was a mixed bag for me. There were a lot of things I liked, but also several things I didn’t. The writing was objectively good. It was a neat story, and a solid telling of the Medusa story. There were a lot of good individual scenes, and characters. There was a LOT packed into these pages, and it was quite the ambitious endeavor.
A big issue for me with this novella was that I disliked the ending. That said, the ending was simply “accurate to the story that was being retold”, which was somehow something I didn’t expect and didn’t like. I’m not holding this against the novella though because its probably just a personal opinion instead of an objective sort of thing.
My Rating: “C+”
Converted Rating: 3-Stars
The downsides:
• The romance plotline. This was why I picked up the novel, and it was really described as a romance. Unfortunately, the romance barely existed in this novel; there was hardly any development and it was mostly skipped over. 1.5/10 in the romance department.
• The POV. I think it’s called “third person omniscient” or something like that, but I just simply didn’t like it. The constant switching between characters was confusing.
• The novella tried to do a LOT with its page count and as a result everything felt underdeveloped and rushed. This should have either been longer or included a lot fewer plotlines.
• There was an explicit demand at the start of the book that it must NOT be shared or loaned to anyone and that ONLY ONE person can read each copy. This was strange! I haven’t seen this before and honestly that’s not how books work. Strange vibe. Off-putting.
• One last time: I didn’t like the ending. I think that a really good author could have delivered this ending in a way I would have liked, but this didn’t quite do it for me; too abrupt and blunt.
A big issue for me with this novella was that I disliked the ending. That said, the ending was simply “accurate to the story that was being retold”, which was somehow something I didn’t expect and didn’t like. I’m not holding this against the novella though because its probably just a personal opinion instead of an objective sort of thing.
My Rating: “C+”
Converted Rating: 3-Stars
The downsides:
• The romance plotline. This was why I picked up the novel, and it was really described as a romance. Unfortunately, the romance barely existed in this novel; there was hardly any development and it was mostly skipped over. 1.5/10 in the romance department.
• The POV. I think it’s called “third person omniscient” or something like that, but I just simply didn’t like it. The constant switching between characters was confusing.
• The novella tried to do a LOT with its page count and as a result everything felt underdeveloped and rushed. This should have either been longer or included a lot fewer plotlines.
• There was an explicit demand at the start of the book that it must NOT be shared or loaned to anyone and that ONLY ONE person can read each copy. This was strange! I haven’t seen this before and honestly that’s not how books work. Strange vibe. Off-putting.
• One last time: I didn’t like the ending. I think that a really good author could have delivered this ending in a way I would have liked, but this didn’t quite do it for me; too abrupt and blunt.
February 12, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. Sapphic greek mythology retelling where Medusa and a blind woman fall for each other? The concept checks SO many boxes for me. I'm sad to say this one fell a bit flat for me and did not meet my expectations.
Honestly I think the biggest issue was the length, if the book was longer we could have gotten more character development and a plot with substance. I love a good novella, but this one didn't button up nicely at the end as so many do, this one felt rushed throughout and left me disconnected from the characters and disappointed. The relationship between Medusa and Mirra felt extremely forced. The ending should have gutted me, but because I wasn't invested in the characters I didn't get the emotional impact I believe the author was going for.
I listened to the audiobook and a small gripe with the narration is that I found the hissing and snake noises to be a bit cheesy and took me out of what should have been more serious dialogue.
Honestly I think the biggest issue was the length, if the book was longer we could have gotten more character development and a plot with substance. I love a good novella, but this one didn't button up nicely at the end as so many do, this one felt rushed throughout and left me disconnected from the characters and disappointed. The relationship between Medusa and Mirra felt extremely forced. The ending should have gutted me, but because I wasn't invested in the characters I didn't get the emotional impact I believe the author was going for.
I listened to the audiobook and a small gripe with the narration is that I found the hissing and snake noises to be a bit cheesy and took me out of what should have been more serious dialogue.
January 28, 2025
It’s only because the story was short I finished it. Only halfway I started to like it a little bit. This book felt a little chaotic. The last chapter was the best, partly because it was the last one so it would be over but also because the ending was pretty decent.
August 4, 2023
3,5/5
I hope the person who recommend me this book as a "sweet" romance is currently crying worse than I am❤.
I'm not going to say anything about the characters and their relationship because of the end.
I hope the person who recommend me this book as a "sweet" romance is currently crying worse than I am❤.
I'm not going to say anything about the characters and their relationship because of the end.
July 12, 2023
Some notes:
* The book is very short and the focus is on Medusa and her sisters. However, we also get bits of Athena, Perseus and his shortened backstory, and Hermes visiting Hades, so it all cuts into the length. As a result, the main love story at the core feels short and abrupt.
* I appreciated the complexity with Atena's curse and her intentions. Medusa's impression of it as a cruel curse and Athena intending it as protection was an interesting spanner, but again, not enough time to explore the complexity of their relationship beyond that.
* Aside from the book itself, there is a note from the author to buy a copy of this book anew rather than lend or pass it on, which is very strange. Not sure I've seen such a thing before.
* Also as an aside, self-published so there will be some things that could be cleaned up in editing but they didn't bother me much.
* The book is very short and the focus is on Medusa and her sisters. However, we also get bits of Athena, Perseus and his shortened backstory, and Hermes visiting Hades, so it all cuts into the length. As a result, the main love story at the core feels short and abrupt.
* I appreciated the complexity with Atena's curse and her intentions. Medusa's impression of it as a cruel curse and Athena intending it as protection was an interesting spanner, but again, not enough time to explore the complexity of their relationship beyond that.
* Aside from the book itself, there is a note from the author to buy a copy of this book anew rather than lend or pass it on, which is very strange. Not sure I've seen such a thing before.
* Also as an aside, self-published so there will be some things that could be cleaned up in editing but they didn't bother me much.
April 28, 2024
what a letdown:(saying I had high expectations wouldn't cover it....the story was simply lacking in many aspects...🥲
“As the Goddess of Love, she knew not all love stories were meant to end blissfully. Some were tragic; heartbreaking. Lethal.
And the tale of Medusa and Mirra, a stony gorgon and a blind seer, ended no differently.”
“As the Goddess of Love, she knew not all love stories were meant to end blissfully. Some were tragic; heartbreaking. Lethal.
And the tale of Medusa and Mirra, a stony gorgon and a blind seer, ended no differently.”
August 19, 2024
This book is an extraordinary sapphic MUST READ. I’ve never had a touching sapphic book bring me to tears like this…I was balling while reading the last chapter.
This is a Medusa retelling with a twist. It sticks to the original mythological origins of Medusa but what would have happened if Medusa found love? She was cursed to never be loved by a man…but Athena never mentioned anything about women.
Medusa lives in a remote island with her two gorgin sisters, and one night while out on the island, she spots a woman struggling to find her way. The woman’s name is Mirra, and she was sent away to sea by people in her village because it was being destroyed. They did this to keep her and her gift safe, although she is blind she’s able to have visions of the future. Medusa refuses to let Mirra stay on the island but her sisters convince her to let her stay temporarily.
Medusa and Mirra grow very close. Mirra is a sweetheart and melts Medusa’s icy heart. The book’s not spicy, it’s about romance and a focus on the hurt/comfort trope. Medusa and Mirra are given a chance to fall in love thanks to Aphrodite. The 3rd part of the book is so captivating and unlike anything I’ve ever read in this genre. Jasmin’s research about Greek mythology and the lacing of it in the plot was very interesting. I’ve learned so much about Greek mythology thanks to this book.
The first time I came across a Medusa retelling book was with Serpentine Valentine, but that book doesn’t dive into Medusa’s story which left me with many questions. All of them were answered in this book and I can now understand Serpentine Valentine better.
Bravo to Jasmine Garcia for creating this beauty of a book!
This is a Medusa retelling with a twist. It sticks to the original mythological origins of Medusa but what would have happened if Medusa found love? She was cursed to never be loved by a man…but Athena never mentioned anything about women.
Medusa lives in a remote island with her two gorgin sisters, and one night while out on the island, she spots a woman struggling to find her way. The woman’s name is Mirra, and she was sent away to sea by people in her village because it was being destroyed. They did this to keep her and her gift safe, although she is blind she’s able to have visions of the future. Medusa refuses to let Mirra stay on the island but her sisters convince her to let her stay temporarily.
Medusa and Mirra grow very close. Mirra is a sweetheart and melts Medusa’s icy heart. The book’s not spicy, it’s about romance and a focus on the hurt/comfort trope. Medusa and Mirra are given a chance to fall in love thanks to Aphrodite. The 3rd part of the book is so captivating and unlike anything I’ve ever read in this genre. Jasmin’s research about Greek mythology and the lacing of it in the plot was very interesting. I’ve learned so much about Greek mythology thanks to this book.
The first time I came across a Medusa retelling book was with Serpentine Valentine, but that book doesn’t dive into Medusa’s story which left me with many questions. All of them were answered in this book and I can now understand Serpentine Valentine better.
Bravo to Jasmine Garcia for creating this beauty of a book!
September 1, 2023
A very short story that unfortunately lacked depth... I had very high hopes for it and was very hyped but was left kinda disappointed.
The story could've easily been way longer !
The plot is great but we don't really connect with the characters and I didn't quite catch the chemistry between Mira and Medusa.
Overall, it kinda felt like a fanfiction more than a novel itself ( which may be the point ? I don't know the author's background or anything) but it was still an enjoyable and quick read.
Would probably recommend it, as the ideas are very good and it's pleasing to see some wlw rep !
The story could've easily been way longer !
The plot is great but we don't really connect with the characters and I didn't quite catch the chemistry between Mira and Medusa.
Overall, it kinda felt like a fanfiction more than a novel itself ( which may be the point ? I don't know the author's background or anything) but it was still an enjoyable and quick read.
Would probably recommend it, as the ideas are very good and it's pleasing to see some wlw rep !
April 25, 2024
this book is only around 70 pages long, making it a quick read, but leaving you wishing there was more development. i love the idea of the retelling and it had so much potential (and i definitely cried at the ending) but it felt very rushed and the dialogue felt very disjointed. there were some beautiful paragraphs and i genuinely did love the whole concept and would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick sapphic book to read, but it missed the mark on a few occasions.
July 22, 2025
I was expecting smut....but there was none. But it was a great read. I wish it was a little longer and more detailed to show how the seer bonded with the sisters and how her love with Medusa grew more in depth.
It was kinda like Romeo and Juliet....you know how it's going to end, but you secretly hope it won't actually end like that. I cried a little. But it taught me things about Medusa that I never knew. So that was awesome.
It was kinda like Romeo and Juliet....you know how it's going to end, but you secretly hope it won't actually end like that. I cried a little. But it taught me things about Medusa that I never knew. So that was awesome.
March 18, 2024
Warning: NO HEA.
This was a quick read about Medusa and Mirra, a blind seer. This was so beautifully written, and although this was a quick read (70 pages) the Gods and Goddesses felt very real. Lovely quotes, and very visceral images. Well done, and looking forward to reading Seven Pomegranate Seeds!
This was a quick read about Medusa and Mirra, a blind seer. This was so beautifully written, and although this was a quick read (70 pages) the Gods and Goddesses felt very real. Lovely quotes, and very visceral images. Well done, and looking forward to reading Seven Pomegranate Seeds!
September 4, 2024
"I already feel dead, so how can I fear such a destiny?"
"How can you value your life so little?"
"What have I to live for? To live on this bleak island as a monster for eternity?"
Too fast paced, and not a lot of chemistry between Mirra and Medusa. However it was enjoyable and informative of the Greek myths.
"How can you value your life so little?"
"What have I to live for? To live on this bleak island as a monster for eternity?"
Too fast paced, and not a lot of chemistry between Mirra and Medusa. However it was enjoyable and informative of the Greek myths.
March 12, 2023
It was interesting, but the ending made me sad. At some points I was a bit confused, but that could just be the fact I don’t remember a lot of Greek mythology. However, if you like medusa retellings, then I recommend it!
March 2, 2024
Top read of the year so far! I am a person who has hyperfixated on all sorts of mythology for years, and this is definitely in my top 10 mythology related books. The writing style was just perfect in general, and I really like the way she described things.
May 28, 2024
A simple WLW tragedy. Don't go into it expecting a grand retelling. It's a short, bittersweet story that leaves you a little forlorn at the end.
I wouldn't have minded it being longer. The author has a romantic, poetic writing style that I really enjoy.
I wouldn't have minded it being longer. The author has a romantic, poetic writing style that I really enjoy.
July 14, 2024
Overall, the book was enjoyable. However, I would have preferred a different storyline from the original story. It does provide a fresh perspective on what we know, but that is all. It is simply a charming piece of fan fiction. 💛
July 28, 2024
3.5
plot ve etrafındaki hikayenin biraz derinleşmesini isterdim sanırım, karakterler ne ara aşık oldu vs. eksik kalmış gibiydi. yine de kahır uyandırdı bende gözlerim doldu ne diyeyim allah beni böyle sınıyor işte
plot ve etrafındaki hikayenin biraz derinleşmesini isterdim sanırım, karakterler ne ara aşık oldu vs. eksik kalmış gibiydi. yine de kahır uyandırdı bende gözlerim doldu ne diyeyim allah beni böyle sınıyor işte
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
My fucking heart. Please read this book. It was short and absolutely heartbreaking but oh so beautiful. From the writing to the characters. I recommend this to someone who loves a good sapphic heartbreak/angst.
February 4, 2023
A poignant and beautiful retelling of Medusa's story that serves as an example that not all love stories were meant to end blissfully.
June 4, 2023
just like what Aphrodite said not all love stories we meant to end blissfully.
June 9, 2023
nnmgngngnggn yes :)) I cried like a little baby🙌 I only wish it was longer
June 28, 2023
A quick little read, but such a beautiful and tragic story.
August 2, 2023
Short and sweet
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews