Author: Hannah M. Lynn
Series: Yes ((1st in Trilogy)
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Brief Summary:
In the tradition of Wicked by Gregory Maguire, Athena's Child deals with the person behind the legend. In this case, that happens to be the infamous Gorgon, Medusa. Not only does the author tackle the history behind how the monster came to be, but Medusa's innermost thoughts and feelings as well. The prologue of the book provides an excellent summary of Medusa's journey:
Medusa's story starts with her induction as a young girl into the service of Athena. All was well for a time, and Medusa's prophetic abilities grew. However, tricked by the god, Poseidon, into committing an unthinkable act of betrayal, Medusa finds herself and those she loves cursed for eternity by the very goddess she had once sworn to serve. The story is her struggle to retain whatever shred of humanity is left in her, and the high cost of doing so.Some believe that monsters are born monsters. That some creatures arrive on this Earth with a darkness so all-consuming in their heart that no mere mortal's love could ever hope to tame it. Perhaps it is true. This story, however, in many ways, would be easier if the darkness had been born in her that way. But it was not. She was not. Medusa grew from monsters, but she was not born of them.
Here is what Goiodreads has to say:
My take:Daughter. Sister. Priestess. Protector.
Son. Brother. Demi-God. Hero.
Monsters.
Gifted and burdened with beauty far beyond that of mere mortals, Medusa seeks sanctuary with the Goddess Athena. But when the lustful gaze of mighty Poseidon falls upon her, even the Temple of Athena cannot protect her.
Young Perseus embarks on a seemingly impossible quest. Equipped with only bravado and determination, his only chance of success lays in the hands of his immortal siblings.
Medusa and Perseus soon become pawns of spiteful and selfish gods. Faced with the repercussions of Athena's wrath Medusa has no choice but to flee and hide. But can she do so without becoming the monster they say she is.
History tells of conquering heroes. Tales distorted by time. Medusa’s truth has long been lost. Until now. Now it is time to hear her truth.
Revel in this powerful retelling of one of mythologies greatest tales today.
I love getting to know the character-behind-the-character, so this was definitely an enjoyable read. You learn to identify with and know Medusa the girl long before she becomes Medusa the Monster, and if you are anything like me, you will find yourself alternately crying with sympathy for her and boiling with rage at the ones who put her in such a predicament.
I also like how, in the latter part of the book, you get introduced to Perseus and learn a bit more of his story as well. His interaction with his half-sister, Athena, is vastly different from the one Medusa had with the goddess (who I thoroughly despised at this point anyway). Hermes is mercurial with a hint of arrogance, and his relationship with Perseus is very much older-brother, younger-brother. It was one of the few things in the book that actually made me smile.
If you are looking for a happy ending, I hate to disappoint you. You won't get it, not really. But I can promise that you will come out with a much different view of Medusa and will never look at her the same again.
