Unfortunately, I think Greek retellings are just not for me. They never quite capture in the way they seem to capture others. It was fine but I felt pretty bored throughout. This is very much a me thing and not an author issue. I just don't think these books are for me.

This is the first Greek Myth re-telling I have read.- and I really enjoyed it. The writing is beautiful as are the characters. I'd definitely read more from this author.

Do give this a read if you like Greek mythology.

I am that person who will read every Greek mythology retelling and never get bored of them so I was very excited to receive this arc from NetGalley

In this book the author tells the story of Medusa and her two sisters Stheno and Eurayle whom I knew nothing about
The prose is absolutely stunning while the story flows so well and is so engaging that I found it hard to put down
This is one of the best books in this genre that I have read and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in mythology
I’m excited to see what else this author releases in the future

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers

Absolutely stunning take on the story of Euryale and Stheno. They are the lesser known sisters of Medusa and this book is told from their POV before, during and after the events we all know. The writing was beautiful and the story never gets any easier too read. The part in Athena’s temple? Truly gut wrenching.

This is the latest in a number of re-tellings of myth and history that have come out in recent years. Like Jennifer Saint, Natalie Haynes and Claire Heywood, Lauren J. A. Bear has now made a place for herself in the re-imagining of mythological characters.

As with so many other female characters in Greek mythology - perceived and defined through the lens of the male gaze - what is written about Medusa and her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, has never really done justice to them. Or told their full story.

Now, in the hands of a gifted narrator, the bonds between the three sisters are explored, as is their journey to the terrible fate that ultimately relegated them to the status of monsters in the Greek pantheon.

Unlike Medusa, who was at least granted - in exchange for what she suffered through, and was subjected to, as a victim of circumstances far beyond her control - a starring role as a villain of myth, Stheno and Euryale were not even accorded the dignity of having their stories told.

Instead, they were demonized and cast into the void of obscurity. And as a result, they have in exchange for what she suffered through and was turned into, as a victim of circumstance caught up in the crossfire of bigger players - largely forgotten. But with Bear's book, their time has well and truly come. A terrific read. Highly recommend it.