Rating: 5/5 Stars

The first time I was introduced to the character of Medusa was the 1981 film Clash of the Titans. When I first heard that an origin story called I, Medusa was in the works, I knew I had to read it. How did Medusa come to have snakes for hair? Did she have parents? Could the monstress love? All of these questions  are answered in I, Medusa.

Born by the forgotten Sea Gods: Ceto and Phorcys and the youngest of three is Medusa. Meddy by those who love her. She is a free-spirited brown skinned woman who wishes to travel. When she’s given the opportunity to become a priestess in training by the Goddess Athena she bites at the chance to travel beyond her island. The novel is both cinematic with its  scenery of the island & city of Athens while evoking emotions with its important messages about injustice and men abusing their power. 

It was so lovely seeing Apollonia and Meddy reunited, the nostalgia really hit! Apollonia wasn’t scared of Meddy’s snakes!!! (cries). I was overjoyed and surprised to see the romance between them too! As a reader you just want to tell Meddy to stay with Apollonia in Cyrene!!

The transformation scene was phenomenal. It makes it all the more shattering when the first person Medusa turns to stone is her best friend Theo. Can we talk about her sisters too?? Stheno and Euryale stand by Meddy’s side through it all and sacrifice themselves also becoming Gorgons. That is Sisterhood right there! The bond the sisters have is what keeps this story coiled together. 

I felt like Athena was jealous of Meddy because of the blessings. Athena was also angered with Poseidon and took it out upon Medusa. Poseidon took advantage of Meddy. The toxic masculinity of him denying his actions made it even more infuriating.  Athena is the also the one who helps send the “champion” to eventually behead Medusa. 

The writing was thrilling with poetic prose and Medusa’s powers were written with live action and prestige. Thank you Random House and Ayana Gray for the ARC and the opportunity to share this new release to the online book community.