Medusa's story is well-known in its many variations and in recent years she has become the face of sexu*al ab*se to many including myself.

Her story is the epitome of victim shaming in so many ways and Jessie Burton has written a beautiful and heartbreaking retelling of this story born from myths of the Greek Gods. With stunning artwork helping to add to the beauty, darkness and strength of the story by Olivia Lomenech Gill, this is one of the best stories devoted to Medusa told from her perspective.

I couldn't put this book down, cried at moments for Medusa (and myself if I'm honest) and cursed these Gods for their cruelty. The story doesn't need explanation but I will say Burton's devotion to give Medusa her voice is felt on every page and I'm so glad she (Medusa) has stories like this to remind us all she was the victim all along and not the temptress.

This is a beautiful book to look at, the artwork is exquisite and is as much a part of the book as the words...

I'm so glad I read this, and I raise my voice alongside Medusa's to say she's so much more than her myth and the snakes that framed her beauty.

A retelling of Medusa, the woman and the mythical monster. Feminist in outlook, in this version of the story Medusa is the blameless heroine (raped by Poseidon and punished by Athena) and Perseus the monster.

Very similar in approach to Haynes’ Stone Blind and equally as enjoyable, perhaps more so for its relative brevity and its twist in the tail.

I devoured this brilliant book in one sitting! I loved the mythical re-telling of Medusa as a young adult on an island and exploring the themes of identity, loss, social statuses and jealousy. The discussions between Perseus and Medusa were so fraught with love ridden angst and it was heartbreaking already knowing the outcome. I've never felt such compassion for a Gorgon before!

Absolutely brilliant writing and would love more like this

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for arc.

Brilliant book ordered a lot for a stand alone table.

Fantastic telling of the Medusa tale that highlights the injustices behind this mythic tragedy. Filled with beautiful illustrations this book is suitable for 13+ due to scenes of assault and the aftermath. This essential feminist tale is sensitively handled but uses anger and vitriol at the perpetrators of Medusa's pain subtly.

I love Jessie Burton and this is absolutely glorious I will be buying the actual hardback for sure as I think this is a book that needs to be read in its physical form especially with regards to the illustrations.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

To be perfectly honest I found this one in the bottom of my pile when clearing out my netgalley. I have read and enjoyed Jessie Burton before, and I appreciate the opportunity to read this, but I found it too sad for my taste.

A glorious feminist retelling of the story of Medusa. If you enjoy Greek myths, then this portrayal of Medusa is perfect. Beautifully illustrated too.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for a review.

I had the chance to read this book with my book group, and we loved the strong, positive message of this new interpretation of a famous myth – female empowerment and body positivity. It is unfortunately an accurate account of what women can go through, even when they have done nothing wrong.

Being a teenage girl sometimes feels like a burden (especially because they are more often judged on their appearance), so it is important for them to come into their own powers – to find within themselves the strength to turn things around. It is still a sad story (and a sad character): sexual harassment, rape, death. But when we could be tempted to see Medusa as a victim, her journey allows her to reclaim her story – and to change the ending.

Similar to: "The Burning" by Laura Bates.

What an an emotive version of Medusa’s story. Nobody tells you her background,, you just accept that she is a damned creature with no thoughts or feelings. This version brings her to life, involves you in her story and you want so much for her to win out.

Not a classic retelling, but so evocative!

I really enjoyed this take on the classic story of Medusa. The story is eerie and there is this sense of dread that carries you through the novel. What a great retelling, anyone that loves retellings will love this!

Medusa has always been a character that interests me from mythology. I love how this story was told from her perspective and that she is portrayed to be a victim here, rather than the monster that she so often is. The development of the relationship was slow and touching and made the ending that much sadder. I loved the illustrations throughout- it was a lovely way to experience the story. I wonder if Jessie Burton will write any more myth retellings in this way. If she does, I will definitely be reading them!

Give me Greek Myths any day and I will devour it
This was beautifully told story with the most sunning illustrations. This is truly the story Medusa deserved

I would struggle to be able to review this book due to issues with the file/download. The issues stopped the flow of the book. The issues are:
- Missing words in the middle of sentences
- Stop/start sentences on different lines
- No clear definition of chapters.

Not sure if it was a file/download issue but there were lots of gaps and stops/starts which really ruined the flow.

Whilst not as good as Jessie Burton’s other books this is a fresh take on a well known topic as well as being enjoyable and educational - 3.5 stars

I'm a fan of Jessie Burton and I'm a fan of myth-retellings but I think this is definitely one that you need to read a physical copy of in order to really appreciate. But, this version has piqued my interest enough that I will be doing just that.

I absolutely adored this, the illustrations were beautiful and the story was magical but I expected nothing less from Jessie Burton. I hope there's more books like this as I would definitely read and recommend!

I will immediately pick up and buy anything that Jessie Burton writes, and this one doesn't disappoint! The illustrations perfectly match the beautiful writing and overall is a must-read for any Burton fans or anyone who likes reading retellings of classic myths.

This novel was beautiful, sad, empowering and wonderful.

I'm usually triggered by SA in novels, but the tender care used to handle this subject was greatly appreciated and expertly done. We see Medusa with all of her humanity, and as the novel progresses, the tension growing between Burton's narrative and what the audience already knows about the myth was palpable. And this made the ending all the sweeter.

I did find the opening few pages overly lyrical, which felt more like Burton was trying to copy someone else's style rather than find her own. And it didn't escape my notice when the characters comment on how 'strange' Medusa speaks. As if this plot device had to be explained to editor, audience and characters at some point.

But overall it was a wonderful retelling, perfect for fans of Natalie Haynes and Madeleine Miller.