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Loves of Olympus #1
Medusa, A Love Story
It's said love can change a person. Medusa wasn't always a monster...
Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She's no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. When Olympus frees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves... and curses her as the creature with serpent locks.
Ariston goes to war with a full heart... and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her.
Poseidon will use Greece's war to get what he Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.
Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She's no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. When Olympus frees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves... and curses her as the creature with serpent locks.
Ariston goes to war with a full heart... and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her.
Poseidon will use Greece's war to get what he Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.
325 pages, ebook
First published April 22, 2012
67 people are currently reading
4678 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Summers
132 books831 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sasha Summers writes stories that celebrate the ups and downs, loves and losses, ordinary and extraordinary occurrences of life. Sasha pens fiction in multiple genres and hopes each and every book will draw readers in and set them on an emotional and rewarding journey. When not writing, she’s reading or spending time with her family somewhere in the Texas Hill Country. With a puppy on her lap and her favorite Thor mug full of coffee, Sasha is currently working on her next novel.
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
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November 28, 2018
He drew in a harsh breath before he whispered, "The love I have for you gives me breath and strength. You will always hold my heart. Let it give you the strength to do what must be done. For you will be my lady, forever."
I read this book for a challenge in one of my book groups and I'm glad I did as I loved it! I felt so bad for Medusa and Ariston, but this retelling was very satisfying against all the odds
"Wisdom will rule this day on, your constant lullaby their serpents song. Only those with an innocent heart, women and children, are set safely apart. A heart of stone is your curse to bear as they turn man to stone with their ruby stare. Keep them safe and keep them whole, or to Hades you will send their soul. Your disloyalty causes man's life to end, but through your death, they live again."
But some stories will still find their happy ending ....
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
My Blog
May 11, 2016
3.5/5 stars. Buddy read with Ana. To read her review, kindly click on her name.
Recommended to all the Greek Mythology enthusiasts and lovers out there! And if you care for a lovely take on the much scorned character, Medusa, do read this and learn about the serpent lady.
In the late versions of the myth, Medusa was described as a fearful woman with snakes in place of hair whose gaze could turn men to stone. Only those pure of heart - children - and women were spared. The fate of Medusa is no secret. She dies by the hand of Perseus, Zeus' son. It was something I had to acknowledge before starting this book. First Achilles and now Medusa. I don't know why I torture myself so. I guess the pages before matter, the story before the end, and Sasha Summers, it seems, is very sympathetic to Medusa's character. She made me so too.
You might have heard monstrous tales of Medusa, but before that there was Medusa in love. Medusa, fair, ethereal, graceful and gentle. Medusa was the mortal daughter of the sea titans Ceto and Phorcys. Her sisters were Gorgons in all sense of the word, but she was set apart for her beauty, mortality, and her fertility. She was no more than a bargaining chip. All her life she had been - for those very traits - traded and offered in place of favors. Medusa is what it means to be a pawn of the gods. Something to be toyed and played with. In this story, Medusa becomes a victim.
⏩ I sure as hell blame the gods
The gods are cruel. It's a known fact. They are gods, they do not cater to the welfare of man unless it suits them. They are proud and ruthless and they take delight and glory in being so. How easily they break ties and cast away those who have been faithful in service for years over some small slight. It never ceases to amaze and intrigue me, honestly. I couldn't help but wonder. This servitude, priesthood and whatnot, isn't this akin to slavery? The unfairness of Medusa's curse was truly so unsettling. What wrong did she do but love? Was it her fault that she was sandwiched between deities and used for sport? A priestess of the goddess Athena who demanded purity, lusted after by Poisedon who demanded and took whatever he wanted. Who takes responsibility for that? There are versions of the myth which say Medusa was raped, and others that she was seduced by Poisedon. Whatever variant you choose, it doesn't make the outcome any less twisted. I guess all that's for the reader to dissect. I liked that we were involved with each character's thoughts. Man and gods alike. The gods were fully involved in this story. That's what we want to read about! About those I found intriguing enough for mention.
◾ Hera, goddess of marriage, women and family, her delicateness and thoughtfulness was quite endearing.
◾ Ares, god of war, never ceases to be repulsive. No matter where I meet him
▪ I have always felt a certain tenderness for Poseidon. I liked him best of all. He was my favorite Olympian. But this story painted him in a villainous light. But we can't be too judgemental because after all he is a god.
Pompous ass. Yes. This is me jumping ship. Unashamedly. I don't want it anymore
My heavy thanks to the author for the disillusionment. I still mourn. Somewhere along the way Hades became my favorite Greek god. Please don't ask how.
He is just so apart from the Olympians. Cast away, but I found him so fascinating after reading just a few pages with him.
⏩ Medusa's Character
I could not love. Or be the slightest bit involved in. Her character did not incite interest, forced sympathy and pity, yes - but nothing more. I felt the kind of empathy I feel for a stranger who is suffering. There's a certain level of affection that defines involvement and I couldn't feel that with her. That didn't stop me from cheering her on
What makes Medusa's character notable is her passion and loyalty. Medusa was given to the service of the goddess Athena, as a priestess, from a very young age of twelve. She embraced this pronouncement and entered her role with purpose and humility. She felt as much as love for Athena. As a woman, she grew to yearn and want for the things normal women who roamed the streets of Athens do. Love - to love and be loved, to be held and comforted. She thought of family and kids. Things which turned transgressive in the light of her vow to Athena. She couldn't touch a man or be touched by one. How woeful is it that she fell in love? Ariston and Medusa were electric. Their love was frankly, sensual, albeit it wasn't rushed, it escalated quite quickly - which I thought was a good thing. It's a story of only 300-something pages, no need for the drag along torture. It's true nothing much happened, nothing earth shattering, nothing startling or heart-racing, but I didn't mind at all. A story need not shock to be loved, I think. That's not to say I loved this. Hot and feverish is just as well, sensual I found, can be lovely too. I really liked Ariston and Medusa together. I was happy for them. For Medusa. No matter her fate or how short-lived her love was.
I'll get to the point. Forbidden love is smexy(in books. In real life - I can imagine it involves a lot of tearfulness.)
I hold my peace and say no more.
And here again we find the topic of the perils of immortality quite prominent.
Medusa was offered this gift at some point in this story. What did she say?
Well. I and Ana do. But we won't be tellingggg. I think it's fair to say there's been enough discussion, in my corner, about this topic to stay in current circulation for a long time.
⏩ A stinging thought
The coldness and severity of marriage unions in the early days baffles me. And while I read the exchange of vows between Ariston and Medusa, I couldn't help but wonder: Are you buying a cow or wedding a woman?
This was a romance story through and through, and I was in the mood for it. It was also a pretty quick read, albeit my slow reading because of my exams.
One last quote ...
Recommended to all the Greek Mythology enthusiasts and lovers out there! And if you care for a lovely take on the much scorned character, Medusa, do read this and learn about the serpent lady.
“Wisdom will rule you from this day on, your constant lullaby their serpent’s song. Only those with an innocent heart, women and children, are set safely apart. A heart of stone is your curse to bear as they turn man to stone with their ruby stare. Keep them safe and keep them whole, or to Hades you will send their hardened soul. Your disloyalty brings man’s life to an end, but through your death they live again.”
In the late versions of the myth, Medusa was described as a fearful woman with snakes in place of hair whose gaze could turn men to stone. Only those pure of heart - children - and women were spared. The fate of Medusa is no secret. She dies by the hand of Perseus, Zeus' son. It was something I had to acknowledge before starting this book. First Achilles and now Medusa. I don't know why I torture myself so. I guess the pages before matter, the story before the end, and Sasha Summers, it seems, is very sympathetic to Medusa's character. She made me so too.
You might have heard monstrous tales of Medusa, but before that there was Medusa in love. Medusa, fair, ethereal, graceful and gentle. Medusa was the mortal daughter of the sea titans Ceto and Phorcys. Her sisters were Gorgons in all sense of the word, but she was set apart for her beauty, mortality, and her fertility. She was no more than a bargaining chip. All her life she had been - for those very traits - traded and offered in place of favors. Medusa is what it means to be a pawn of the gods. Something to be toyed and played with. In this story, Medusa becomes a victim.
⏩ I sure as hell blame the gods
The gods are cruel. It's a known fact. They are gods, they do not cater to the welfare of man unless it suits them. They are proud and ruthless and they take delight and glory in being so. How easily they break ties and cast away those who have been faithful in service for years over some small slight. It never ceases to amaze and intrigue me, honestly. I couldn't help but wonder. This servitude, priesthood and whatnot, isn't this akin to slavery? The unfairness of Medusa's curse was truly so unsettling. What wrong did she do but love? Was it her fault that she was sandwiched between deities and used for sport? A priestess of the goddess Athena who demanded purity, lusted after by Poisedon who demanded and took whatever he wanted. Who takes responsibility for that? There are versions of the myth which say Medusa was raped, and others that she was seduced by Poisedon. Whatever variant you choose, it doesn't make the outcome any less twisted. I guess all that's for the reader to dissect. I liked that we were involved with each character's thoughts. Man and gods alike. The gods were fully involved in this story. That's what we want to read about! About those I found intriguing enough for mention.
◾ Hera, goddess of marriage, women and family, her delicateness and thoughtfulness was quite endearing.
“Ares, not all of Athens’ soldiers are skilled. The cost of such a war
the loss of so many husbands, sons and fathers – is no slight thing,” Hera chided him, turning her huge brown eyes upon the God of War.
“Not all are so eager to find glory,” Hera bit back.
◾ Ares, god of war, never ceases to be repulsive. No matter where I meet him
"War is war, Hera. Death is part of the journey to glory,” Ares countered.
▪ I have always felt a certain tenderness for Poseidon. I liked him best of all. He was my favorite Olympian. But this story painted him in a villainous light. But we can't be too judgemental because after all he is a god.
Poseidon was known for his conquests. He’d sired more children than any other God, by women willing or taken by force. Hera had often chided him, comparing his temperament to that of his kingdom, the sea.
He preened under such comparisons.
Truly, was there a more glorious thing than the untamed sea? His affection ebbed and flowed, he took what he wanted – regardless of the destruction it might cause. He was a selfish deity, but he felt no shame for it. Why should he? He was a God.
Pompous ass. Yes. This is me jumping ship. Unashamedly. I don't want it anymore
My heavy thanks to the author for the disillusionment. I still mourn. Somewhere along the way Hades became my favorite Greek god. Please don't ask how.
He is just so apart from the Olympians. Cast away, but I found him so fascinating after reading just a few pages with him.
⏩ Medusa's Character
I could not love. Or be the slightest bit involved in. Her character did not incite interest, forced sympathy and pity, yes - but nothing more. I felt the kind of empathy I feel for a stranger who is suffering. There's a certain level of affection that defines involvement and I couldn't feel that with her. That didn't stop me from cheering her on
What makes Medusa's character notable is her passion and loyalty. Medusa was given to the service of the goddess Athena, as a priestess, from a very young age of twelve. She embraced this pronouncement and entered her role with purpose and humility. She felt as much as love for Athena. As a woman, she grew to yearn and want for the things normal women who roamed the streets of Athens do. Love - to love and be loved, to be held and comforted. She thought of family and kids. Things which turned transgressive in the light of her vow to Athena. She couldn't touch a man or be touched by one. How woeful is it that she fell in love? Ariston and Medusa were electric. Their love was frankly, sensual, albeit it wasn't rushed, it escalated quite quickly - which I thought was a good thing. It's a story of only 300-something pages, no need for the drag along torture. It's true nothing much happened, nothing earth shattering, nothing startling or heart-racing, but I didn't mind at all. A story need not shock to be loved, I think. That's not to say I loved this. Hot and feverish is just as well, sensual I found, can be lovely too. I really liked Ariston and Medusa together. I was happy for them. For Medusa. No matter her fate or how short-lived her love was.
It was folly to imagine what could have been if she were not a priestess or the daughter of a Sea Titan.
But, for a brief moment, she did.
To be a woman from a family of no import, with little or no responsibility beyond that of daily life to carry out…to just be
I'll get to the point. Forbidden love is smexy(in books. In real life - I can imagine it involves a lot of tearfulness.)
I hold my peace and say no more.
And here again we find the topic of the perils of immortality quite prominent.
The Gift? Was immortality a gift?
Medusa was offered this gift at some point in this story. What did she say?
Well. I and Ana do. But we won't be tellingggg. I think it's fair to say there's been enough discussion, in my corner, about this topic to stay in current circulation for a long time.
⏩ A stinging thought
The coldness and severity of marriage unions in the early days baffles me. And while I read the exchange of vows between Ariston and Medusa, I couldn't help but wonder: Are you buying a cow or wedding a woman?
“It is a fair agreement, binding according to the laws of Athens and Greece. Medusa is now my property and my family.”
“I give myself to you, Ariston of Rhodes, for the purpose of providing legitimate children and increasing your oikos.” Medusa’s voice did not waver.
This was a romance story through and through, and I was in the mood for it. It was also a pretty quick read, albeit my slow reading because of my exams.
One last quote ...
War was men’s work, and they seemed eager for it.
April 7, 2017
3.5 stars (:
This book is so sad..
Like, really sad..
All I did during reading the book was shout, "WHY????"..
I was really disappointed though.. I read this book after reading For the Love of Hades, which I loved.. This book on the other hand, not so much..
Still, it was a really nice SAD book :'D..
This book is so sad..
Like, really sad..
All I did during reading the book was shout, "WHY????"..
I was really disappointed though.. I read this book after reading For the Love of Hades, which I loved.. This book on the other hand, not so much..
Still, it was a really nice SAD book :'D..
May 25, 2012
Beautiful Job Sasha!!
First of all, let’s all take a look at this cover………
I’m going to say that it depicts what’s inside perfectly.
I haven’t ever thought about Medusa outside of the ever ingrained images in my mind from Clash of the Titians. I’m talking the old Clash of the Titans with Harry Hamlin.
As I read this book, I looked up a little of the Greek Mythology surrounding Medusa, and it appears there is tale that she wasn’t always the hideous creature that she became. Sasha Summers took this story and made it sweet, beautiful, sad and heartbreakingly gorgeous.
Medusa is the human daughter of Phorcys, a Sea Titan, who has bartered her more than once in her life. Now the Priestess to the Goddess Athena since she was a child, Medusa has lived a life of servitude, never being free to make her own choices. She and her guard, Artison start to fall in love, and all she longs for is to be free to be herself, and know this beautiful man that holds her heart.
Medusa is beautiful beyond measure, and Poseidon has set his sight on her, and will not back down until he has her, thus setting in motion all the evil games that are played at the cost of Artison and Medusa. Finally Medusa gains her freedom, and the first person she runs to is Artison. With only two days before he is to set out to war, they are finally able to be together. This was such a sweet time in the story, and I fell in love with Artison from the beginning. He was so sweet with Medusa, and their short time together was beautiful. And a short time would be all they would have.
The Gods seem to enjoy toying with others like pawns. ME INCLUDED!! There were times I had to stop reading because it was breaking my heart what was happening to these two. It was like there was constantly an obstacle, and the fates were not on their side. It seemed as though nothing good could possibly come of this story.
Sasha Summers did a beautiful job with her writing, and the characters. I'm really looking forward to the next book! If you like Greek Mythology I highly recommend this book.
First of all, let’s all take a look at this cover………
I’m going to say that it depicts what’s inside perfectly.
I haven’t ever thought about Medusa outside of the ever ingrained images in my mind from Clash of the Titians. I’m talking the old Clash of the Titans with Harry Hamlin.
As I read this book, I looked up a little of the Greek Mythology surrounding Medusa, and it appears there is tale that she wasn’t always the hideous creature that she became. Sasha Summers took this story and made it sweet, beautiful, sad and heartbreakingly gorgeous.
Medusa is the human daughter of Phorcys, a Sea Titan, who has bartered her more than once in her life. Now the Priestess to the Goddess Athena since she was a child, Medusa has lived a life of servitude, never being free to make her own choices. She and her guard, Artison start to fall in love, and all she longs for is to be free to be herself, and know this beautiful man that holds her heart.
Medusa is beautiful beyond measure, and Poseidon has set his sight on her, and will not back down until he has her, thus setting in motion all the evil games that are played at the cost of Artison and Medusa. Finally Medusa gains her freedom, and the first person she runs to is Artison. With only two days before he is to set out to war, they are finally able to be together. This was such a sweet time in the story, and I fell in love with Artison from the beginning. He was so sweet with Medusa, and their short time together was beautiful. And a short time would be all they would have.
The Gods seem to enjoy toying with others like pawns. ME INCLUDED!! There were times I had to stop reading because it was breaking my heart what was happening to these two. It was like there was constantly an obstacle, and the fates were not on their side. It seemed as though nothing good could possibly come of this story.
Sasha Summers did a beautiful job with her writing, and the characters. I'm really looking forward to the next book! If you like Greek Mythology I highly recommend this book.
June 26, 2012
A tragic romance like no other!
As priestess to the Goddess Athena, Medusa's sole purpose is to serve. When she meets the handsome warrior guard Ariston, Medusa begins to question her duty to the Goddess. As time passes, Medusa finds herself falling for Ariston and when she is set free from her duties to Olympus she wastes no time in marrying her true love. Their time together is short lived with Ariston called off to war and when the truth of their union is revealed, jealousy consumes the Gods who threaten to come between the two young lovers.
Sasha Summers takes your breath away with a riveting story of love, loss and sacrifice in Medusa, A Love Story. Many of us have heard of Medusa in Greek mythology, but most of us automatically characterize her as a monster. This story shows a young and innocent woman in love who's cursed by the Gods in their selfishness and endures pain and heartbreak but is never broken. Medusa's character is loyal and pure of heart, it's easy to love this heroine and never see her as a monster. The love between Ariston and Medusa is the reason romances are written...their story is captivating and heart wrenching, I couldn't put it down (you'll have to read it to find out why).
Medusa, A Love Story is a beautifully written "forbidden romance" that pulls at your heartstrings and keeps you on edge. With a stellar romance, Gods as villains and wonderful imagery, it has all the elements to satisfy a voracious reader (like myself). It's the kind of story that leaves you breathless and impatiently waiting to devour next book. Whether you're a fan of Greek mythology or just love to read a true romance that whisks you away to another world, you'll be captured by Ms. Summer's allure.
{ebook courtesy of author via Bewitching Book Tours for review.}
Original Romancing the Darkside Review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
As priestess to the Goddess Athena, Medusa's sole purpose is to serve. When she meets the handsome warrior guard Ariston, Medusa begins to question her duty to the Goddess. As time passes, Medusa finds herself falling for Ariston and when she is set free from her duties to Olympus she wastes no time in marrying her true love. Their time together is short lived with Ariston called off to war and when the truth of their union is revealed, jealousy consumes the Gods who threaten to come between the two young lovers.
Sasha Summers takes your breath away with a riveting story of love, loss and sacrifice in Medusa, A Love Story. Many of us have heard of Medusa in Greek mythology, but most of us automatically characterize her as a monster. This story shows a young and innocent woman in love who's cursed by the Gods in their selfishness and endures pain and heartbreak but is never broken. Medusa's character is loyal and pure of heart, it's easy to love this heroine and never see her as a monster. The love between Ariston and Medusa is the reason romances are written...their story is captivating and heart wrenching, I couldn't put it down (you'll have to read it to find out why).
Medusa, A Love Story is a beautifully written "forbidden romance" that pulls at your heartstrings and keeps you on edge. With a stellar romance, Gods as villains and wonderful imagery, it has all the elements to satisfy a voracious reader (like myself). It's the kind of story that leaves you breathless and impatiently waiting to devour next book. Whether you're a fan of Greek mythology or just love to read a true romance that whisks you away to another world, you'll be captured by Ms. Summer's allure.
{ebook courtesy of author via Bewitching Book Tours for review.}
Original Romancing the Darkside Review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
December 4, 2017
Sometimes beauty is a curse... as poor Medusa finds out…
Cursed by Athena for lies and lust of Poseidon, her life has never been her own. Given as slave by her father, given as priestess to Athena, she’s deeply honorable still.
And what her honor and gentleness grants her? Nothing but despair… and pain…
Her story is heartbreaking. Her love for Ariston, and his for Medusa, is doomed from the beginning, but it will resist everything, even the wrath of Gods. And only death can reunite them…
Those spiteful, selfish, power-hungry Gods… Who do not mind the humans but treat them like cattle and toys… They steal, they lie, they cheat, they prey upon humans, but they pretend slavish obedience and adoration…
A rather grim tale, where hope doesn’t exist and the only way to right the wrongs done by Gods themselves is death and reunion in the afterlife…
Cursed by Athena for lies and lust of Poseidon, her life has never been her own. Given as slave by her father, given as priestess to Athena, she’s deeply honorable still.
And what her honor and gentleness grants her? Nothing but despair… and pain…
Her story is heartbreaking. Her love for Ariston, and his for Medusa, is doomed from the beginning, but it will resist everything, even the wrath of Gods. And only death can reunite them…
Those spiteful, selfish, power-hungry Gods… Who do not mind the humans but treat them like cattle and toys… They steal, they lie, they cheat, they prey upon humans, but they pretend slavish obedience and adoration…
A rather grim tale, where hope doesn’t exist and the only way to right the wrongs done by Gods themselves is death and reunion in the afterlife…
April 13, 2013
~I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.~
Medusa begins in a scene anyone who’s seen Clash of the Titans will be familiar with. A daring young man, armed with a sword and shield, walks into the ruined temple to slay the cursed Gorgon, Medusa. He knows his chances aren’t good; every man who’s come to this island before him has tried and died. The monster surprises him, though, offering instructions on how to take her head.
The novel then rewinds about a year, to when Medusa was a cherished priestess of the goddess Athena. Her guardian has recently been replaced by Ariston of Rhodes, a loyal soldier who’s worth much more to Athens on the battlefield than babysitting Medusa. He doesn’t really mind though, as she’s beautiful and engaging. His loyalty to Athena becomes a problem for him. His job is to protect Medusa, whose vow of purity demands that she not be touched. Within days, touching her is all he wants to do.
Sasha Summers is a master of the tiny detail. Her characters, Ariston and Medusa, are intimately aware of their own breath, their own heart beats, even the slightest tickle the other causes under their own skin. I am of the opinion that there are few devices quite as powerful as sexual tension, and while the innocent Medusa serves Athena, the desire between her and Ariston builds into a palpable force.
Much of fun of Greek mythology is the tragic course it takes, and the author plots two trails through purgatory for her pair. One leads Medusa to torture, divine curse, and the hospitality of her Gorgon sisters, while the other leads Ariston literally to hell and the mercy of Hades, the god of death.
The characters of this creative twist are exceedingly well rounded, particularly the gods. Poseidon is a selfish, game-playing boar. Yet, while not quite guilt for his actions, he is the god on Olympus who seems most concern that her punishments continue. Athena, traditionally a wise and just goddess, is anything but when she’s offended (and it doesn’t take much.) Hades, typically feared for being heartless, displays great mercy. The author displays the Greek gods as we’ve come to know them: noble and concerned for Greece most of the time, yet at other times, they are conceited, petty, and cruel. And still, Summers manages to make the key players surprising.
I would recommend this book to any lover of Greek myth and romance.
Medusa begins in a scene anyone who’s seen Clash of the Titans will be familiar with. A daring young man, armed with a sword and shield, walks into the ruined temple to slay the cursed Gorgon, Medusa. He knows his chances aren’t good; every man who’s come to this island before him has tried and died. The monster surprises him, though, offering instructions on how to take her head.
The novel then rewinds about a year, to when Medusa was a cherished priestess of the goddess Athena. Her guardian has recently been replaced by Ariston of Rhodes, a loyal soldier who’s worth much more to Athens on the battlefield than babysitting Medusa. He doesn’t really mind though, as she’s beautiful and engaging. His loyalty to Athena becomes a problem for him. His job is to protect Medusa, whose vow of purity demands that she not be touched. Within days, touching her is all he wants to do.
Sasha Summers is a master of the tiny detail. Her characters, Ariston and Medusa, are intimately aware of their own breath, their own heart beats, even the slightest tickle the other causes under their own skin. I am of the opinion that there are few devices quite as powerful as sexual tension, and while the innocent Medusa serves Athena, the desire between her and Ariston builds into a palpable force.
Much of fun of Greek mythology is the tragic course it takes, and the author plots two trails through purgatory for her pair. One leads Medusa to torture, divine curse, and the hospitality of her Gorgon sisters, while the other leads Ariston literally to hell and the mercy of Hades, the god of death.
The characters of this creative twist are exceedingly well rounded, particularly the gods. Poseidon is a selfish, game-playing boar. Yet, while not quite guilt for his actions, he is the god on Olympus who seems most concern that her punishments continue. Athena, traditionally a wise and just goddess, is anything but when she’s offended (and it doesn’t take much.) Hades, typically feared for being heartless, displays great mercy. The author displays the Greek gods as we’ve come to know them: noble and concerned for Greece most of the time, yet at other times, they are conceited, petty, and cruel. And still, Summers manages to make the key players surprising.
I would recommend this book to any lover of Greek myth and romance.
March 21, 2018
A really great retelling of the Medusa Myth. I really enjoyed myself!
May 2, 2013
When I was first asked to read this, I didn't know if I would like it, especially since I wasn't sure if it would have a Happy ending (which is a must for me) but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading Medusa. At first I had a bit of a hard time getting into it, I don't know if it was just me or what, but I just had a feeling I needed to stick with it. However once I read the first chapter or two I was instantly drawn into this passionate love story that almost broke my heart. There were many different aspects that I liked about this. For one, is the theme of mythology that is almost the center of the culture and surroudings in this story. I have always been fascinated with greek mythology, and I really enjoyed seeing the interaction of the different gods in this one, and how in the end they were pretty much cheering for the couple (just like me!!:) But I also found the plot to be very on the edge type. There was non stop intensity and it felt so tragic at times. This is the type of romance that you want to make sure you have some tissues next to you---guaranteed to put your emotions through the ringer. It has been a while since I have read a story that had so much heartfelt emotions and almost makes you feel like you are on a roller coaster. Another aspect I like is that this author decided to go with Medusa. With most people, even me, I have found Medusa to be one of my least favorite characters, in greek mythology. I enjoyed seeing Medusa being put in as the good side of things, and we see a innocence about her and you feel like you can relate with her in a mortal way. There was also such a vibrancy to the style of writing that is used, somewhat different than what I am used to (which I found to be Awesome!) It was as if Summers was trying to reach out to her readers and share a special story, a story that has totally captured my heart. There was such a beautiful connection between the characters, their love so enthralling!!! If you are looking for a sweet love story, that is full of intensity, unsurmountable conflict (like the sea) and a couple that are so fully dedicated they risk everything for each other!!! A love story to bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your heart.
Favorite Quote
The love I have for you gives me breath and strength. You will always hold my heart. Let it give you the strength to do what must be done. For you will be my lady, forever.
Favorite Quote
The love I have for you gives me breath and strength. You will always hold my heart. Let it give you the strength to do what must be done. For you will be my lady, forever.
August 5, 2012
Add this book to your to be read pile immediately. Mythology fascinates so many people. Many movies and books have been inspired by mythology. There is something about crazy, power hungry deities that appeal to so many people. Although I'm familiar with Medusa, this is the first book I've read that has taken a closer look at the history of Medusa, who wasn't always a monster.
Medusa was once a beautiful woman. She served as priestess at Athena's temple. Medusa is loyal, kind, and devout. She is a favorite of Athena, and has attracted the attention of Poseidon. The attention is unwanted, because Medusa's heart belongs to a guard named Ariston. The gods will not be denied, and as you know they can be a vengeful lot. Poseidon gives her a choice that could destroy her either way as well as incur the wrath of Athena. If you're familiar with her story, even a little bit, you can guess what happened.
Summers does a fantastic job with this story. Even though I was familiar with the legend of Medusa, this book kept my attention from beginning to end. The love that Medusa and Ariston share is an all-consuming love that even the gods cannot deny. Ariston is not only a brave warrior in battle, he also fights for those he loves, and not even Hades can stand in his way. I absolutely love the story line, the characters, and everything in-between. Summers gives a new understanding to Medusa the woman, and Medusa the monster. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year.
If you're a fan of mythology you should check this book out. If you're not, this book could change your mind. Medusa is the first book in the Loves of Olympus. The next book, For the Love of Hades, comes out in January 2013. I can't wait!
Medusa was once a beautiful woman. She served as priestess at Athena's temple. Medusa is loyal, kind, and devout. She is a favorite of Athena, and has attracted the attention of Poseidon. The attention is unwanted, because Medusa's heart belongs to a guard named Ariston. The gods will not be denied, and as you know they can be a vengeful lot. Poseidon gives her a choice that could destroy her either way as well as incur the wrath of Athena. If you're familiar with her story, even a little bit, you can guess what happened.
Summers does a fantastic job with this story. Even though I was familiar with the legend of Medusa, this book kept my attention from beginning to end. The love that Medusa and Ariston share is an all-consuming love that even the gods cannot deny. Ariston is not only a brave warrior in battle, he also fights for those he loves, and not even Hades can stand in his way. I absolutely love the story line, the characters, and everything in-between. Summers gives a new understanding to Medusa the woman, and Medusa the monster. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year.
If you're a fan of mythology you should check this book out. If you're not, this book could change your mind. Medusa is the first book in the Loves of Olympus. The next book, For the Love of Hades, comes out in January 2013. I can't wait!
July 9, 2012
I adore Greek mythology and the idea of painting Medusa as someone other than the villain really appealed to me. To have the Gods be the villains was genius. We all know parts of Medusa's story, we know that she was once mortal and that she became the monster we all know her as because she angered Athena.
But this story, this story tells it all...
I have always loved reading about Poseidon and to have this new selfish cruel take on him made for such an interesting and suspense filled read. One that I wasn't anticipating being so good.
It was really hard to put this one down. I found myself picking it up whenever I had a few moments to read.
To have Medusa portrayed as something other than the foul creature that most know her as was really a very brilliant move on Summers part. It completely drew me into the story and I felt like I was transported back into ancient Athens along with Medusa and her warrior guard, Ariston.
This story flowed so beautifully.
The love between the beautiful Medusa and the handsome Ariston was magical. Such a sweet passionate romance. I absolutely loved watching the love between them grow and flourish, there were some pretty heated scenes between them that I wasn't expecting but flowed nicely with the storyline.
I loved watching as the views and feelings between all the characters, morals ad gods alike changed.
The ending was perfect. I won't say anymore because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone else but I will leave with these last words, if you love mythology this really is a book that you should read.
But this story, this story tells it all...
I have always loved reading about Poseidon and to have this new selfish cruel take on him made for such an interesting and suspense filled read. One that I wasn't anticipating being so good.
It was really hard to put this one down. I found myself picking it up whenever I had a few moments to read.
To have Medusa portrayed as something other than the foul creature that most know her as was really a very brilliant move on Summers part. It completely drew me into the story and I felt like I was transported back into ancient Athens along with Medusa and her warrior guard, Ariston.
This story flowed so beautifully.
The love between the beautiful Medusa and the handsome Ariston was magical. Such a sweet passionate romance. I absolutely loved watching the love between them grow and flourish, there were some pretty heated scenes between them that I wasn't expecting but flowed nicely with the storyline.
I loved watching as the views and feelings between all the characters, morals ad gods alike changed.
The ending was perfect. I won't say anymore because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone else but I will leave with these last words, if you love mythology this really is a book that you should read.
April 30, 2012
I'm not into mythology--at all really--but I am now!!!
I'd always thought of Medusa as a nasty old thing...but Sasha Summers paints a very unique and surprising picture of this mythological creature.
And she did it WELL! Such great writing had me yanked into each and every page. I felt like I was right there in that era. Feeling what they were feeling. I just love that in a story.
The love between the hero and heroine is enviable. It's what love stories are made for, really. It just tugged at me and kept me thinking about it long after I read the book.
It was captivating! Nicely done, Sasha Summers!
I'd always thought of Medusa as a nasty old thing...but Sasha Summers paints a very unique and surprising picture of this mythological creature.
And she did it WELL! Such great writing had me yanked into each and every page. I felt like I was right there in that era. Feeling what they were feeling. I just love that in a story.
The love between the hero and heroine is enviable. It's what love stories are made for, really. It just tugged at me and kept me thinking about it long after I read the book.
It was captivating! Nicely done, Sasha Summers!
June 11, 2021
What I knew about Medusa as I entered into this book: she was evil (bad at least), had snakes for hair and men who looked upon her were turned to stone. I have always been mildly intrigued by mythology, but not overly compelled to dig in. I chose this book because I knew if anyone could pull me into a story shaped by the myths that are widely known and keep me turning pages, it is Sasha Summers.
Sasha tells a story so very well. I often state that when I am reading one of her books I feel like I am in the story and watching it unfold around me. This book was no different. Every time I sat down to read, I found myself absorbed completely.
Medusa’s story is heartbreaking and a tale and testament to what people are willing to do for love. The Gods of Olympus are painted so well and I was amused and angered at their antics. Anger won out as the overall feeling as they seemingly treat humans like chess pieces in their own personal game.
This story is wonderfully written but be warned that the trials of love Medusa and her love endures are not for the faint of heart.
Sasha tells a story so very well. I often state that when I am reading one of her books I feel like I am in the story and watching it unfold around me. This book was no different. Every time I sat down to read, I found myself absorbed completely.
Medusa’s story is heartbreaking and a tale and testament to what people are willing to do for love. The Gods of Olympus are painted so well and I was amused and angered at their antics. Anger won out as the overall feeling as they seemingly treat humans like chess pieces in their own personal game.
This story is wonderfully written but be warned that the trials of love Medusa and her love endures are not for the faint of heart.
July 7, 2020
A retelling done beautifully!!
I love retelling especially when done so beautifully! Medusa brings images of just a mythological creature! Sasha Summers brings a personal side to the myth. She portrays Medusa as a beautiful,emotion filled person. As a reader I wanted her to get her happy ending,I wanted her to be loved from the beginning of the story. Have your tissues handy. I am excited to read more in this series.
I love retelling especially when done so beautifully! Medusa brings images of just a mythological creature! Sasha Summers brings a personal side to the myth. She portrays Medusa as a beautiful,emotion filled person. As a reader I wanted her to get her happy ending,I wanted her to be loved from the beginning of the story. Have your tissues handy. I am excited to read more in this series.
September 11, 2012
I just knew I was going to love this book from the title.. And I was not let down. I'm always quite hesitant to give a book 5 stars, only because it's like anything, nothing is perfect, but for me this came jolly well close!
So, most people know the tale/myth of Medusa in part at least, and this was the same for me. Although, I've had a strange kind of love affair with the idea of her for years.. What I love so much about this book however is that it takes away the horror of it, in the normal 'horror' kind of sense. Here, Medusa is made very human and entirely female in want and desire.
I really admire this book, for taking such a well-known character in mythology and making it into a unique and capturing tale, I completely forgot myself while reading it.
Ok, let me sum up some of this so I don't waffle on too long:
The Good Bits
Characters - Ariston - This guy made it for me. Seriously, what a man! ^.^
Poseidon - He may have been a bit of a bastard (a bit?) But I loved the way he was written. He was a nasty piece of work, but he did suffer a little, internally, for his own lack of foresight. But I really love that he kept his troublesome nature, even after all that happened.
Hades - There was something about this guy (yes, I know who Hades is, but the wonderful thing about this book is that it makes all these characters something different and accessible) that I was drawn to. He put me in mind of a number of the characters from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. It's in that quiet, tormented kind of existence.. He wasn't just straight-up nasty, which he could have easily been cast as.
Needless to say, the male characters in this did it for me! Heh.
Emotional attachment - Ok, so at first, I was hesitant. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to let myself go in the story and the characters' plight. But it happened, gloriously. I felt the most stricken by Medusa. She was the constant victim, even when she stands up for herself, she's made to suffer.
The not-so Good Bits
There is very little here I can criticise.
Pronunciation - I'm not particularly familiar with Ancient Greek and how you correctly pronounce names and words etc.. Since this didn't extend to the main characters it wasn't such a big problem (don't you just hate that, when you can't say the protagonists name? Distracting!)
Getting stuck in the lull - Ok, so a plot should naturally roll up and down, peak and drop, this is what makes a good story. Fact. But I found myself drifting a little in the 'lull' of the plot. Like when Ariston makes his way to Crete.. I just wanted to skip right back to the action, I needed the clutch of the story to come back!! Again, this isn't really something to complain about, it only means I was too impatient to get to the crux of the action, rather than ride out the quieter parts.
Such a good book. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I became obsessed by it.. Medusa followed me around in my head all day! Another sign that this book is a winner.
Also.. Little Thea. Never has an owl been so cute! ^.^
Loved it. 5 by 5.
So, most people know the tale/myth of Medusa in part at least, and this was the same for me. Although, I've had a strange kind of love affair with the idea of her for years.. What I love so much about this book however is that it takes away the horror of it, in the normal 'horror' kind of sense. Here, Medusa is made very human and entirely female in want and desire.
I really admire this book, for taking such a well-known character in mythology and making it into a unique and capturing tale, I completely forgot myself while reading it.
Ok, let me sum up some of this so I don't waffle on too long:
The Good Bits
Characters - Ariston - This guy made it for me. Seriously, what a man! ^.^
Poseidon - He may have been a bit of a bastard (a bit?) But I loved the way he was written. He was a nasty piece of work, but he did suffer a little, internally, for his own lack of foresight. But I really love that he kept his troublesome nature, even after all that happened.
Hades - There was something about this guy (yes, I know who Hades is, but the wonderful thing about this book is that it makes all these characters something different and accessible) that I was drawn to. He put me in mind of a number of the characters from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. It's in that quiet, tormented kind of existence.. He wasn't just straight-up nasty, which he could have easily been cast as.
Needless to say, the male characters in this did it for me! Heh.
Emotional attachment - Ok, so at first, I was hesitant. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to let myself go in the story and the characters' plight. But it happened, gloriously. I felt the most stricken by Medusa. She was the constant victim, even when she stands up for herself, she's made to suffer.
The not-so Good Bits
There is very little here I can criticise.
Pronunciation - I'm not particularly familiar with Ancient Greek and how you correctly pronounce names and words etc.. Since this didn't extend to the main characters it wasn't such a big problem (don't you just hate that, when you can't say the protagonists name? Distracting!)
Getting stuck in the lull - Ok, so a plot should naturally roll up and down, peak and drop, this is what makes a good story. Fact. But I found myself drifting a little in the 'lull' of the plot. Like when Ariston makes his way to Crete.. I just wanted to skip right back to the action, I needed the clutch of the story to come back!! Again, this isn't really something to complain about, it only means I was too impatient to get to the crux of the action, rather than ride out the quieter parts.
Such a good book. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I became obsessed by it.. Medusa followed me around in my head all day! Another sign that this book is a winner.
Also.. Little Thea. Never has an owl been so cute! ^.^
Loved it. 5 by 5.
July 4, 2012
What a novel (and lovely) concept - delve into the history of the monster and make her human. Whenever I think of Medusa, it's that scene from the original 80s version of Clash of the Titans that comes mind, with Perseus holding her head aloft, the snakes still waving wildly, and triumphantly turning the Kraken to stone.
To think of Medusa as not just a sympathetic character, but a genuine love interest, is daring to the point of genius, but Sasha Summers pulls it off with Medusa A Love Story. It's a complex effort making such a significant change, but still remaining true to the original mythology, but somehow it all works.
The love affair between young Medusa (a priestess of Athena) and Artison (her assigned guard) is both tentative and touching. You honestly get the sense that there's something special between them, a bond of love and affection strong enough to justify her dangerous desire for freedom. Unfortunately, the gods of Summers' are just as capricious and cruel as they were in the original stories, and you know that their love is doomed from the start.
The opening scene tears apart your expectations and sets the stage for what is to come. The courageous quest of young Perseus is played very much as it was in the movies, but to hear Medusa lament her fate and invite her own death at his hands is quite startling. Later, when we see her become the Medusa of legend, it's equally startling to hear about her snakes biting her and inconveniencing her. In between, of course, is where the heart of the story lies . . . both literally and figuratively.
A lovely story, well-told, that has me intensely curious to see what Summers will do next with the immortal story of Hades.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
To think of Medusa as not just a sympathetic character, but a genuine love interest, is daring to the point of genius, but Sasha Summers pulls it off with Medusa A Love Story. It's a complex effort making such a significant change, but still remaining true to the original mythology, but somehow it all works.
The love affair between young Medusa (a priestess of Athena) and Artison (her assigned guard) is both tentative and touching. You honestly get the sense that there's something special between them, a bond of love and affection strong enough to justify her dangerous desire for freedom. Unfortunately, the gods of Summers' are just as capricious and cruel as they were in the original stories, and you know that their love is doomed from the start.
The opening scene tears apart your expectations and sets the stage for what is to come. The courageous quest of young Perseus is played very much as it was in the movies, but to hear Medusa lament her fate and invite her own death at his hands is quite startling. Later, when we see her become the Medusa of legend, it's equally startling to hear about her snakes biting her and inconveniencing her. In between, of course, is where the heart of the story lies . . . both literally and figuratively.
A lovely story, well-told, that has me intensely curious to see what Summers will do next with the immortal story of Hades.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
February 12, 2013
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I have such mixed feelings about Sasha Summers' Medusa, A Love Story that I hardly know where to begin. The piece hit the ground running so I started fairly optimistic. Unfortunately the book lost steam somewhere between points A and B and ultimately left me wanting. Don't get me wrong, I love how Summers adapted the mythology to her fiction, but the telling of it threw me. In the end, I feel most comfortable awarding three stars.
The myth itself is fairly common knowledge. Medusa was punished by the goddess Athena who erased her elegant features and transformed her beautiful hair into a tangled hissing mass of live serpents. Her altered appearance was so terrifying that anyone who looked on Medusa turned instantly to stone. Many attempted to defeat her, but it was the hero Perseus who found a means to her undoing.
Alone the legend is pretty cut and dry but Summers adds flesh to the bare bones, gifting the cast a degree of substance. She has absolutely no trouble breathing life into the myth, I didn't feel she dug as deep as she could have. Summers' characters are believable, but lack the complexity I look for.
My second concern was the pacing. The narrative slows so frequently and for such lengths that I often found my mind wandering. I don't like having to force myself through whole passages and though I appreciated the story as a whole, I can't say Summers' style of writing was quite in line with my personal taste.
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would, I am still optimistic about the series and hope book two, For the Love of Hades, more satisfying than its predecessor.
I have such mixed feelings about Sasha Summers' Medusa, A Love Story that I hardly know where to begin. The piece hit the ground running so I started fairly optimistic. Unfortunately the book lost steam somewhere between points A and B and ultimately left me wanting. Don't get me wrong, I love how Summers adapted the mythology to her fiction, but the telling of it threw me. In the end, I feel most comfortable awarding three stars.
The myth itself is fairly common knowledge. Medusa was punished by the goddess Athena who erased her elegant features and transformed her beautiful hair into a tangled hissing mass of live serpents. Her altered appearance was so terrifying that anyone who looked on Medusa turned instantly to stone. Many attempted to defeat her, but it was the hero Perseus who found a means to her undoing.
Alone the legend is pretty cut and dry but Summers adds flesh to the bare bones, gifting the cast a degree of substance. She has absolutely no trouble breathing life into the myth, I didn't feel she dug as deep as she could have. Summers' characters are believable, but lack the complexity I look for.
My second concern was the pacing. The narrative slows so frequently and for such lengths that I often found my mind wandering. I don't like having to force myself through whole passages and though I appreciated the story as a whole, I can't say Summers' style of writing was quite in line with my personal taste.
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would, I am still optimistic about the series and hope book two, For the Love of Hades, more satisfying than its predecessor.
March 26, 2012
I’ve always loved the myths and stories of the Gods & Goddesses on Mount Olympus. Sasha Summers has brought the Gods and Goddesses to life with her new series.
"Medusa, A Love Story" quickly rose to the top of my all-time favorite books. I was riveted from the very beginning of the story as the author took me on an incredibly joyous and tragic ride. I was caught up in the love story of Medusa and Ariston, and the clever machinations of the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus. I had never thought about Medusa as a person – just the Gorgon with the hair of serpents who can turn a person to stone with one look. Sasha has written Medusa as so much more – a woman torn between duty and the love of her life, Ariston.
This is a beautiful love story, and the beginning of a fantastic series. Do yourself a favor and read it as soon as it’s available. Sasha is a very gifted storyteller and has a rich way with words.
"Medusa, A Love Story" quickly rose to the top of my all-time favorite books. I was riveted from the very beginning of the story as the author took me on an incredibly joyous and tragic ride. I was caught up in the love story of Medusa and Ariston, and the clever machinations of the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus. I had never thought about Medusa as a person – just the Gorgon with the hair of serpents who can turn a person to stone with one look. Sasha has written Medusa as so much more – a woman torn between duty and the love of her life, Ariston.
This is a beautiful love story, and the beginning of a fantastic series. Do yourself a favor and read it as soon as it’s available. Sasha is a very gifted storyteller and has a rich way with words.
June 25, 2017
If you have any interest in Medusa, the Greek Gods, or romance in general then I strongly suggest you read this book. I would say it is more of a 4.75 out of 5 due to one particularly slow part (around 30 percent) but other than that this was a fantastic book.
This book is well-written, but that's not why it shines. It simply provides an excellent reading experience. The characters are essentially real people. The Gods are a mix of what you're used to hearing about them but different enough that it's interesting.
There must have been a lot of thought put into this book. The plot flows well and seems to fit perfectly with what Greek Mythology is all about.
I guarantee you can't read this book without it warping your view on Medusa.
This book is well-written, but that's not why it shines. It simply provides an excellent reading experience. The characters are essentially real people. The Gods are a mix of what you're used to hearing about them but different enough that it's interesting.
There must have been a lot of thought put into this book. The plot flows well and seems to fit perfectly with what Greek Mythology is all about.
I guarantee you can't read this book without it warping your view on Medusa.
big-fat-dnf
October 7, 2015Unfortunately, this book and I had to part ways. The two protagonists were undeniably sweet and well-intentioned and honorable. Not quite to a fault, but pretty close. There wasn't anything about the writing that was distracting or cumbersome, but there was also nothing about it that really struck a chord. I just . . . lost interest somewhere along the way. Well, that and the fact that I simply could not for the life of me get past the continual references to Athena's brown eyes. I kept hoping there would be a reason revealed for the wrong color but it kept not coming, and finally I had to bail.
May 4, 2014
I ALMOST stopped reading this because I was bored. Bored with their 'love story'. I think I just couldn't wait to get to her becoming the terrifying Medusa we all know. Then when she was cursed I began to fall in love with this story. She was so tortured but still so loved. I also enjoyed the meeting the gods would have together. ....and how their meeting, in this story, began the next book For the Love of Hades. I can't wait to start it.
July 2, 2012
4.5 stars.
There is nothing I love more than picking up a book that does something no book I've ever read has done before. Medusa, A Love Story did that for me and am happy to have found a new author to keep up with! Sasha Summers' writing style is beautiful and haunting and captured me from the first page. The tone is perfect for the time period and made me feel as if I'd traveled back to ancient Greece.
In other books and movies based on Greek mythology, Medusa is always the villain, the ugly, disgusting monster that everyone wants to behead or avoid. In this story, though, she is the heroine and is nothing like what we have been trained to think of when we hear the name Medusa. This tragic and gripping tale goes behind the villiany and the ugliness to show us just what exactly happened to Medusa. Once a young, innocent beauty, the cursed monster did little to deserve her fate and found herself a victim of the whims of fickle gods and goddesses. Stuck in the middle of a feud between Athena (who she serves as priestess) and Poseidon (who wants her body), Medusa is no more than a pawn in the game of the gods.
My favorite character in this book is Ariston. He is the ultimate romantic hero: strong and loyal, loving and gentle and will do anything for love...and I do mean anything! Not even death will keep him from her, and his devotion to Medusa is what makes Ariston not only engaging but sexy as hell! By the end, I wanted him for myself! The secondary characters are just as engaging. Medusa's sisters, the hideous Gorgons added a much needed touch of humor in an otherwise dark tale. The gods Athena and Poseidon are complex in a way that makes you hate them in some places and sympathize with them in others, particularly Poseidon. The god of the sea seems torn between his own lusty nature and the growing need for something more. He is plagued by jealousy and is more flawed than I expected, which gave him a quality of humanity hardly ever seen in the gods.
I adored this book and will be looking for book 2 in this series. Why not a full 5 stars then, you might ask? I will say that while this book has great writing, it drags a bit in places, mostly in the beginning. Some of the descriptions go on forever and I found it hindered the flow of the story for me. I will admit to skipping paragraphs in the beginning and a lot in the end because the dragging narrative slowed down the plot and I wanted to get to the point. This was enough for me to knock off only half a star, and was not so bad that I wasn't able to enjoy the book.
There is nothing I love more than picking up a book that does something no book I've ever read has done before. Medusa, A Love Story did that for me and am happy to have found a new author to keep up with! Sasha Summers' writing style is beautiful and haunting and captured me from the first page. The tone is perfect for the time period and made me feel as if I'd traveled back to ancient Greece.
In other books and movies based on Greek mythology, Medusa is always the villain, the ugly, disgusting monster that everyone wants to behead or avoid. In this story, though, she is the heroine and is nothing like what we have been trained to think of when we hear the name Medusa. This tragic and gripping tale goes behind the villiany and the ugliness to show us just what exactly happened to Medusa. Once a young, innocent beauty, the cursed monster did little to deserve her fate and found herself a victim of the whims of fickle gods and goddesses. Stuck in the middle of a feud between Athena (who she serves as priestess) and Poseidon (who wants her body), Medusa is no more than a pawn in the game of the gods.
My favorite character in this book is Ariston. He is the ultimate romantic hero: strong and loyal, loving and gentle and will do anything for love...and I do mean anything! Not even death will keep him from her, and his devotion to Medusa is what makes Ariston not only engaging but sexy as hell! By the end, I wanted him for myself! The secondary characters are just as engaging. Medusa's sisters, the hideous Gorgons added a much needed touch of humor in an otherwise dark tale. The gods Athena and Poseidon are complex in a way that makes you hate them in some places and sympathize with them in others, particularly Poseidon. The god of the sea seems torn between his own lusty nature and the growing need for something more. He is plagued by jealousy and is more flawed than I expected, which gave him a quality of humanity hardly ever seen in the gods.
I adored this book and will be looking for book 2 in this series. Why not a full 5 stars then, you might ask? I will say that while this book has great writing, it drags a bit in places, mostly in the beginning. Some of the descriptions go on forever and I found it hindered the flow of the story for me. I will admit to skipping paragraphs in the beginning and a lot in the end because the dragging narrative slowed down the plot and I wanted to get to the point. This was enough for me to knock off only half a star, and was not so bad that I wasn't able to enjoy the book.
July 12, 2012
The cover of this book was so beautiful. The colors worked so well together with the font. I could tell that the story behind it would be a beautiful love story. I was truly not disappointed. This book was a must read for me being a mythology lover.
This story tells the story of Medusa. I haven't really read any tales that portrayed Medusa in a good light. I loved that the author told her story through a love story. We get to see how loyal she was to the Gods and how much she was willing to give up for Hera. We meet Medusa and Ariston who was her guard. I loved to see the progression of their relationship. It was just simple and pure love.
We learn that Medusa hs caught the eye of Posiden. He was willing to do anything to have her. The Gods decide to put Medusa to a test to decide her fate. Things get interesting when Arsiton goes off to war because Medusa makes a decision that sets off a chain of events. I felt sto bad for Medusa and the cards she was dealt. I hated what the Gods put her through. It was nice to see the author's spin on thi old tale.
Ariston was such an amazing hero in this book. I loved his love for Medusa and how hard he was fighting for her. He would go to the anny lengths to get to her. He was still wanting to be with her even after he knew what she had cecome because of her curse. Their love was one that would last through time.
Overall I loved this book. It was so different from a lot of what's out there. It was great to see Medusa portrayed in a good light and to see who she was before the curse. The author's writing style was so awesome and well written. I literally didn't want to put this book down because I was so engrossed with it. I can't wait to read some of the author's books.
This story tells the story of Medusa. I haven't really read any tales that portrayed Medusa in a good light. I loved that the author told her story through a love story. We get to see how loyal she was to the Gods and how much she was willing to give up for Hera. We meet Medusa and Ariston who was her guard. I loved to see the progression of their relationship. It was just simple and pure love.
We learn that Medusa hs caught the eye of Posiden. He was willing to do anything to have her. The Gods decide to put Medusa to a test to decide her fate. Things get interesting when Arsiton goes off to war because Medusa makes a decision that sets off a chain of events. I felt sto bad for Medusa and the cards she was dealt. I hated what the Gods put her through. It was nice to see the author's spin on thi old tale.
Ariston was such an amazing hero in this book. I loved his love for Medusa and how hard he was fighting for her. He would go to the anny lengths to get to her. He was still wanting to be with her even after he knew what she had cecome because of her curse. Their love was one that would last through time.
Overall I loved this book. It was so different from a lot of what's out there. It was great to see Medusa portrayed in a good light and to see who she was before the curse. The author's writing style was so awesome and well written. I literally didn't want to put this book down because I was so engrossed with it. I can't wait to read some of the author's books.
February 20, 2015
I enjoyed parts of this book. Not as much as The Deep End of the Sea, not nearly as much as that book, but I found I enjoyed this more for the other relationships then for the romance. For instance Medusa's sisters, Stheno and Euryale, were vastly entertaining. The three together made quite the trio and I only wish we could follow Stheno and Euryale as they gad about Greece shrieking with joy whenever they spread tales of their monstrous actions (most of which are inside jokes, not real threats) longer.
The Olympians were also entertaining, flirting and threatening and poking at each other as only folk who have spent much too long with each other will.
So let's talk about what I deeply hated. Pretty much everything to do with Poseidon and Medusa and Athena.
In most of the Medusa based stories I've read Athena is painted as a shrewish, petty and bitch pretty much. And that's not any different here, though I would also like to add she's borderline psychotic. Poseidon, who's always painted as the villain, is...I'm not even sure how to describe him. Obsessive yes, but he doesn't stop there and it doesn't end once he's raped Medusa. He becomes obsessed with her love and in turn his actions begin to contradict his earlier behavior. He becomes sort of worried for her and how she's treated, arguing in her defense and even going so far as to admit his fault in her downfall.
Except none of that makes up for how he treated Medusa. He didn't just rape her, he brutalized her, brought the wrath of Athena down on her, broke his promise, then hid his involvement until his conscience pricks at him.
The Olympians were also entertaining, flirting and threatening and poking at each other as only folk who have spent much too long with each other will.
So let's talk about what I deeply hated. Pretty much everything to do with Poseidon and Medusa and Athena.
In most of the Medusa based stories I've read Athena is painted as a shrewish, petty and bitch pretty much. And that's not any different here, though I would also like to add she's borderline psychotic. Poseidon, who's always painted as the villain, is...I'm not even sure how to describe him. Obsessive yes, but he doesn't stop there and it doesn't end once he's raped Medusa. He becomes obsessed with her love and in turn his actions begin to contradict his earlier behavior. He becomes sort of worried for her and how she's treated, arguing in her defense and even going so far as to admit his fault in her downfall.
Except none of that makes up for how he treated Medusa. He didn't just rape her, he brutalized her, brought the wrath of Athena down on her, broke his promise, then hid his involvement until his conscience pricks at him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2012
I knew it was not going to be an HEA story. The little I knew about Medusa coming into this book made that clear. What I was not expecting was the depth of this beautiful, yet tragic love story. There was a time when they could finally be together and I wanted to close the book and pretend it was the end. Unfortunately or fortunately, as the case may be, I have no will power and found my self opening it again only a few minutes later. This was a beautifully written, emotionally poignant, and addictive book. I try to stay away from books where I just know it will not end well. I am so glad I did not, in this case.
I have a fascination, but not true knowledge of the ancient gods. From what I can tell, the author really did their homework when they wrote this book. It truly captured the way the ancient gods seemed to use humans as pawns in their games. If you had asked me a week ago, what I thought of Medusa, it would have been totally different than what I would say today. So much so, that I feel myself feeling bad for thinking so poorly of her before. To me, that is the sign of a great book. When I actually care about the characters as if they were real. Sasha did an amazing job with this retelling and I am so glad I was able to read it.
I have a fascination, but not true knowledge of the ancient gods. From what I can tell, the author really did their homework when they wrote this book. It truly captured the way the ancient gods seemed to use humans as pawns in their games. If you had asked me a week ago, what I thought of Medusa, it would have been totally different than what I would say today. So much so, that I feel myself feeling bad for thinking so poorly of her before. To me, that is the sign of a great book. When I actually care about the characters as if they were real. Sasha did an amazing job with this retelling and I am so glad I was able to read it.
February 13, 2013
okay so i choked, i actually choked up!
Medusa, a love story is a well written, well worded(yes that is a feature, because believe it or not to write ye olde English is difficult) To write a honeymoon scene and not make it sound erotic,
Each word, each sentence written could show the emotions, each scene described so well that you could imagine it.
If ever a love story that described star-crossed lovers...
I picked this book, because of the Greek mythology fan in me(huge huge fan of Greek myths!)
I was all ready for made up facts and brutalizing the myths, but the book surprisingly got most of it right even the immaturity and obnoxious nature of Gods (except of course for Ariston)
and I was already to hate Medusa from the beginning(i know i know...but come on all ever i had heard about her was that shes a monster!) but Summers weaved a beautiful picture of Medusa which could only make you feel sad for her fate.
The thing i didn't like , was the pace. I get it, its a period story(like really really old) but couldn't you have sped things up a bit?
The rest well, it was beautiful.
So all you Greek fans and not-Greek fans, read this!
Medusa, a love story is a well written, well worded(yes that is a feature, because believe it or not to write ye olde English is difficult) To write a honeymoon scene and not make it sound erotic,
Each word, each sentence written could show the emotions, each scene described so well that you could imagine it.
If ever a love story that described star-crossed lovers...
I picked this book, because of the Greek mythology fan in me(huge huge fan of Greek myths!)
I was all ready for made up facts and brutalizing the myths, but the book surprisingly got most of it right even the immaturity and obnoxious nature of Gods (except of course for Ariston)
and I was already to hate Medusa from the beginning(i know i know...but come on all ever i had heard about her was that shes a monster!) but Summers weaved a beautiful picture of Medusa which could only make you feel sad for her fate.
The thing i didn't like , was the pace. I get it, its a period story(like really really old) but couldn't you have sped things up a bit?
The rest well, it was beautiful.
So all you Greek fans and not-Greek fans, read this!
November 22, 2015
I picked this book up via Barnes and Noble the moment I saw it was free. I can never resist a book that is either based on Greek Mythology or a simple re-telling of Mythology.
This book can be lumped into a simple and magnificent retelling of Medusa's story.
The story opens with a young hero hunting down Medusa in a style much like from the movie, Clash of the Titans. Unlike the movie itself, Medusa is more sympathetic and much more willing to be free of the curse laid upon her as it keeps her from her beloved. She tells Perseus of how she comes to be the creature before him.
This story was a massive page-turner for me and I honestly no matter how much I tried to do house work or errands, I had a hard time either putting the book down or getting the book out of my head. I felt sorry for Medusa. She seemed so much more real as her story was woven with a love for a young guard and her ultimate change into the Gorgon that stood before Perseus ready for the strike of his sword.
If you have not tried this book, do so. You won't be disappointed. You will be drawn into its pages and be a witness to Medusa's life and even after the end, you will crave more of this series.
This book can be lumped into a simple and magnificent retelling of Medusa's story.
The story opens with a young hero hunting down Medusa in a style much like from the movie, Clash of the Titans. Unlike the movie itself, Medusa is more sympathetic and much more willing to be free of the curse laid upon her as it keeps her from her beloved. She tells Perseus of how she comes to be the creature before him.
This story was a massive page-turner for me and I honestly no matter how much I tried to do house work or errands, I had a hard time either putting the book down or getting the book out of my head. I felt sorry for Medusa. She seemed so much more real as her story was woven with a love for a young guard and her ultimate change into the Gorgon that stood before Perseus ready for the strike of his sword.
If you have not tried this book, do so. You won't be disappointed. You will be drawn into its pages and be a witness to Medusa's life and even after the end, you will crave more of this series.
March 19, 2013
Mobile review so may be short and choppy. Im going 4.5 and loved this book. This is more of a romance than a steamy PNR but i was hooked from the beginning.
I never really read anything with greek mythology and i liked the way this one was done. It was pretty much the major characters. Zeus, Athena, Poseidon etc... I loved Medusa! Not just the book the character. The story is the trials of Medusa and how love and loyalty wasn't enough for the gods and their precious ego. How her love and dedication to Arriston ultimately lead to her cursed existance. It was a little love at first sight but that didn't bother me. The romance was more of a sweet story than a steamy explosion which also didn't bother me although if the romance was more graphic it probably would have gotten the other half a star...haha I liked how theree wasn't an info dump on a every player. The story was told as if you knew who the players were and i think the story flowed much better because of it.
Definitely moving on with the series!
I never really read anything with greek mythology and i liked the way this one was done. It was pretty much the major characters. Zeus, Athena, Poseidon etc... I loved Medusa! Not just the book the character. The story is the trials of Medusa and how love and loyalty wasn't enough for the gods and their precious ego. How her love and dedication to Arriston ultimately lead to her cursed existance. It was a little love at first sight but that didn't bother me. The romance was more of a sweet story than a steamy explosion which also didn't bother me although if the romance was more graphic it probably would have gotten the other half a star...haha I liked how theree wasn't an info dump on a every player. The story was told as if you knew who the players were and i think the story flowed much better because of it.
Definitely moving on with the series!
April 30, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book!! Wow!! I dont know if this version was ever true, but I wish it was!!! It was so touching and full on epic romance. It really was nice to see how Medusa came to be "Medusa", this book had me glued to it constantly! I have never wanted two characters to have a happily ever after as I did with these two!
We have Medusa, who is a daughter of a sea Titan and a gorgon except that she is absolutely beautiful, unlike her two sisters who are absolutely hideous. She is the head priestess for Athena who slowly falls in love with a soldier who serves as her guard. But as per usual, all the Gods get involved in the matters of humans and it all goes haywire. But even though Medusa and Ariston face so many challenges ahead, their love never waivers.
For any fans of greek mythology, this one is a must read! I really cant wait to read the next in the series: For the love of Hades!!
We have Medusa, who is a daughter of a sea Titan and a gorgon except that she is absolutely beautiful, unlike her two sisters who are absolutely hideous. She is the head priestess for Athena who slowly falls in love with a soldier who serves as her guard. But as per usual, all the Gods get involved in the matters of humans and it all goes haywire. But even though Medusa and Ariston face so many challenges ahead, their love never waivers.
For any fans of greek mythology, this one is a must read! I really cant wait to read the next in the series: For the love of Hades!!
May 21, 2012
I'm not really good at reviewing books since I don't know what to do? REALLY review it with all inclusive which means spoilers? Or be vague and at the end say nothing more than you can read everywhere else?
Sooo I won't write a "complete" review. But guys...really...read this book. If you like stories about gods and such even a little and are not afraid of crying (and yes, I WAS crying half the time I read this book) then give it a try. You won't be disappointed. I certainly wasn't!
I'm not quite sure about the rating just yet...but it'll be 4 or 5 stars. Want to give it 4.5 but oh well...can't do it here, right?^^
EDIT: Well, I decided to give it 4 stars now. Because for me there's just a little something that's missing to make this great book incredible. Can't really put my finger on it though :(
Sooo I won't write a "complete" review. But guys...really...read this book. If you like stories about gods and such even a little and are not afraid of crying (and yes, I WAS crying half the time I read this book) then give it a try. You won't be disappointed. I certainly wasn't!
I'm not quite sure about the rating just yet...but it'll be 4 or 5 stars. Want to give it 4.5 but oh well...can't do it here, right?^^
EDIT: Well, I decided to give it 4 stars now. Because for me there's just a little something that's missing to make this great book incredible. Can't really put my finger on it though :(
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