Medea by Rosie Hewlett

Medea by Rosie Hewlett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 2 days

Pages - 432

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Shunned by her mother. Beaten by her father. Separated from her sister. Medea has never fit in because she possesses a unique and dangerous power - witchcraft.

When the dashing young hero and leader on the famed Argonauts, Jason, arrives to claim the Golden Fleece that her father fiercely protects, Medea takes her opportunity to escape.

Her offer to help Jason overcome the trials set by her father sets in motion a journey that will test see her battle monsters, dethrone kings, fall in love and reclaim her power.

But when faced with the ultimate betrayal, just what will Medea be prepared to do for love?


My Review

Holding my hands up guys I do not know a lot about the Greek mythology but have found myself picking up and enjoying these retellings. I do feel I should probably get some of the originals but when I come upon these I will be picking them up. This one focuses on Medea and Jason of the Argonaughts. Medea first, her upbringing, how poorly she is treated and how her father uses her for her magic. So when Jason comes and is kind, attractive and promising all sorts Medea takes her chance to try and get some freedom, something for herself and of course love. In doing so she embraces her power for which she has always been judged, shunned, used and of course betrays her loved ones which is a huge no no in any civilisation.

So I liked it, I obviously don't know Medea's actual story nor how close to it this author kept, the few Greek mythology I have read the women have been powerful. Yes Medea is powerful, she is a powerful witch but I was so desperate for her to stand up for herself and I don't think she ever really did. Ok maybe once but I mean like really stood up for herself and Carrie White everyone who was bad to her. I don't feel like she really got her redemption although does anyone ever really in these stories.

And I know I know it happens in these stories, animal harm because of the sacrifices and offerings to the Gods but I really wish they wouldn't. It is just horrible and I hate that stuff, it does impact the enjoyment of the stories like come on, can't we offer other stuff.

Poor Medea couldn't catch a break and made so many bad bad decisions, I did feel sorry for her and a wee bit annoyed at times. It was good but not my fave and if you know her story I am not sure if you will love this or not because I don't know just how different it varies. Sometimes you love a retelling when things are changed for what you consider the better but it swings the other way too, overall 3.5/5 for me.

View all my reviews

Medusa by Rosie Hewlett

Medusa by Rosie Hewlett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 272

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

GORGON. KILLER. MONSTER.
VICTIM. SURVIVOR. PROTECTOR.

You know her name, you know her story. Just not the right one.

Within the depths of the Underworld the formidable snake-haired Gorgon has finally had enough. Tired of being eternally and unjustly brandished a villain, Medusa has found the courage to face her tragic past and speak out. Determined to expose the centuries of lies surrounding her name, Medusa gives unparalleled insight into her cursed life, from her earliest memories and abandonment at birth, right through to her tragic and untimely death at the hands of the hero Perseus. Through telling her story, Medusa finally reveals the lost truth behind antiquity’s most infamous monster.

MEDUSA breathes new life into an ancient story and echoes the battle that women throughout millennia have continued to wage – the opportunity to simply be heard.


My Review

Guys! I have been loving these retellings! Medusa I vaguely remember from stories and games as a kid, that she was a monster with snakes for hair and turned anyone who looked at her to stone. I didn't know how she came to be like that, her backstory or how she actually met her end.

This one is told diary like almost, she is talking to you, the reader as if she is sitting across from you, speaking from her voice, her words, her story. If you haven't read this story there are many potential triggers, the Gods do as they please and take what they want especially from attractive young female humans. Abused, violated, cast aside, unfairly judged and cursed then hunted down, honestly I felt so heart sorry for her.

If you are familiar with Medusa's story I think you will still enjoy this because it is coming from her point of view, her feelings as these things were forced upon her. Imagine serving a God, praising her, leaving gifts and caring for her most holy place and then that God unfairly judging you after you were hurt/wronged/violated. Ugh it is such a shame and anger educing, she deserved so so much better. Gripping, sad, anger provoking, unfair, unjust but also family, friendship, personal journey, motherhood, survival and love. Medusa deserved so so much better, 4.5/5 for me!

View all my reviews