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Fate of Eros #1
Medusa's Desire
** The Fate of Eros Series: Book 1 * Exploring the Dark Side of Love **
When Medusa was beautiful, finding a man to love her was easy. Poseidon fought for glances from her heavy-lidded eyes against suitors who proposed whenever she left her house. Even goddesses weren't treated with such worship.
Athena grew jealous. She allowed Medusa to be violated in the Parthenon and turned her into a monster for her indiscretion.
Now when Medusa stares into the eyes of men, they scream as their skin hardens into stone. A caress against her cheek will be rewarded with the poisonous bites of the snakes that slither on her head.
No man is brave enough to approach her, until Perseus is ordered by the gods to kill her.
When they meet, desire sizzles between them. They are willing to risk it all-death, the wrath of the gods, the destruction of their families-if it means they can spend one more night together.
When Medusa was beautiful, finding a man to love her was easy. Poseidon fought for glances from her heavy-lidded eyes against suitors who proposed whenever she left her house. Even goddesses weren't treated with such worship.
Athena grew jealous. She allowed Medusa to be violated in the Parthenon and turned her into a monster for her indiscretion.
Now when Medusa stares into the eyes of men, they scream as their skin hardens into stone. A caress against her cheek will be rewarded with the poisonous bites of the snakes that slither on her head.
No man is brave enough to approach her, until Perseus is ordered by the gods to kill her.
When they meet, desire sizzles between them. They are willing to risk it all-death, the wrath of the gods, the destruction of their families-if it means they can spend one more night together.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2012
17 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
E.B. Black
16 books472 followersE.B. Black’s life changed the moment she learned how to read. She had an active imagination and books allowed her to visit new worlds and meet new people that she’d otherwise never know. As a teenager, she often neglected schoolwork and sleeping in order to get in more reading time.
Now, she writes fantasy, science fiction, and romance books. She hopes to captivate her audience in the same way she’s been captivated all her life by books.
She lives in southern California with her husband and a dog that she loves and spoils.
Now, she writes fantasy, science fiction, and romance books. She hopes to captivate her audience in the same way she’s been captivated all her life by books.
She lives in southern California with her husband and a dog that she loves and spoils.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 19, 2012
I’m finding it quite difficult to review Medusa’s Desire, mainly because the book invoked a rollercoaster of emotions inside me, and I have trouble finding out what emotion was the strongest. The story, quite literally, haunts me. I’ve always been a fan of Medusa, and the legend about how she used to be a beautiful young woman who was transformed into this terrible monster because Athena grew jealous of her. I’ve always found it fascinating – I think Greek mythology in general is fascinating – but I never thought about what could’ve happened to the monster Medusa is she fell in love with the man destined by the Gods to kill her – Perseus – and if, in return, he fell in love with her. That’s what Medusa’s Desire is about, in a nutshell.
The story provides many more layers though. Medusa’s relationship with her siblings and parents is touched upon. For me, the most heartbreaking moment of the entire book is when Medusa meets her mother after Athena’s curse was placed upon them. Athena, in her jealousy, didn’t only want to torment Medusa, but her entire family. I would’ve liked to see a bit more reasoning behind the God’s decisions. Athena torments a family because she’s jealous, and endangers the entire world by releasing immortal monsters into it. Zeus wants to make out with every woman he lays eyes upon, without much depth or insight. I’ve always known the Gods as superficial in most books based on Greek mythology, but it would’ve been refreshing to see a change to that. However, Medusa’s Desire provides more than enough not to dwell on the woes of Gods for too long.
Medusa’s relationship with Perseus is complex and intriguing, for two reasons. She’s ugly – a monster – and on top of that, they have to keep up the charade that Perseus killed her, thus he has to keep her a secret from the outside world. This weighs on Medusa, especially when they meet an exotic princess named Andromeda who runs away from her family to be with Perseus, convinced he’s a lonely hero who could use some love. Perseus is already in love with Medusa, but for the latter’s safety he can’t spill the beans. But each day he spends growing closer to Andromeda, is a day Medusa loses more and more of her humanity. She’s battling the monster within, while fighting for Perseus’ affections, and that battle is so touching, her love so delicate, that it made me feel horribly sorry for her. She’s been dealt a tough card in life, but she’s strong-willed and determined to make the best of it, naief enough to still believe in love, yet strong enough to sacrifice everything for love. This made me admire the character of Medusa a great deal. I also admired Perseus, although sometimes he did things that seemed a bit out of character. I would’ve liked to see inside his head as well, but the way the story is told now, from Medusa’s POV, does add more mystery to his persona. I admired him though, for being able to look past the monster, and see the spirit growing within.
You can best compare this story to a turn-around of Beauty and the Beast, with raw, painful emotions and a vivid imagination to illustrate it all. The writing style was fluent and the character’s voice were easily recognizable. I look forward to reading more books by E.B. Black. Medusa’s Desire moved me in a way not a lot of books do.
The story provides many more layers though. Medusa’s relationship with her siblings and parents is touched upon. For me, the most heartbreaking moment of the entire book is when Medusa meets her mother after Athena’s curse was placed upon them. Athena, in her jealousy, didn’t only want to torment Medusa, but her entire family. I would’ve liked to see a bit more reasoning behind the God’s decisions. Athena torments a family because she’s jealous, and endangers the entire world by releasing immortal monsters into it. Zeus wants to make out with every woman he lays eyes upon, without much depth or insight. I’ve always known the Gods as superficial in most books based on Greek mythology, but it would’ve been refreshing to see a change to that. However, Medusa’s Desire provides more than enough not to dwell on the woes of Gods for too long.
Medusa’s relationship with Perseus is complex and intriguing, for two reasons. She’s ugly – a monster – and on top of that, they have to keep up the charade that Perseus killed her, thus he has to keep her a secret from the outside world. This weighs on Medusa, especially when they meet an exotic princess named Andromeda who runs away from her family to be with Perseus, convinced he’s a lonely hero who could use some love. Perseus is already in love with Medusa, but for the latter’s safety he can’t spill the beans. But each day he spends growing closer to Andromeda, is a day Medusa loses more and more of her humanity. She’s battling the monster within, while fighting for Perseus’ affections, and that battle is so touching, her love so delicate, that it made me feel horribly sorry for her. She’s been dealt a tough card in life, but she’s strong-willed and determined to make the best of it, naief enough to still believe in love, yet strong enough to sacrifice everything for love. This made me admire the character of Medusa a great deal. I also admired Perseus, although sometimes he did things that seemed a bit out of character. I would’ve liked to see inside his head as well, but the way the story is told now, from Medusa’s POV, does add more mystery to his persona. I admired him though, for being able to look past the monster, and see the spirit growing within.
You can best compare this story to a turn-around of Beauty and the Beast, with raw, painful emotions and a vivid imagination to illustrate it all. The writing style was fluent and the character’s voice were easily recognizable. I look forward to reading more books by E.B. Black. Medusa’s Desire moved me in a way not a lot of books do.
February 8, 2013
Oh wow! I didn’t expect this book to be quite so heart wrenching. Black takes the story of Medusa and shows how she became the myth that she is. It was an extremely different outlook on this story, throughout which she made medusa and her problems seem quite real as she showed how Medusa was wronged at every turn of events.
The gods, goddesses, and the mythology surrounding the story itself stayed quite consistent. In fact, all details throughout the story remain consistent. Nothing takes a drastic change from one chapter to the next nor do you find yourself finding holes in the mythology or setup of the story. The descriptions that Black uses (or doesn’t use) could stand a bit of beefing up. They aren’t lacking to the extent that they detract from the story, however, they aren’t very strong either.
Although the character of Medusa was quite well developed, I found that the rest of the characters remained quite superficial. I found myself pulling directly from Greek mythology to fill in the blanks about people, which still left them quite without personalities.
After reading this book, you won’t be able to look at Medusa or Perseus the same way. It does, however, put a bit of a hole in the theory that true love conquers all.
The gods, goddesses, and the mythology surrounding the story itself stayed quite consistent. In fact, all details throughout the story remain consistent. Nothing takes a drastic change from one chapter to the next nor do you find yourself finding holes in the mythology or setup of the story. The descriptions that Black uses (or doesn’t use) could stand a bit of beefing up. They aren’t lacking to the extent that they detract from the story, however, they aren’t very strong either.
Although the character of Medusa was quite well developed, I found that the rest of the characters remained quite superficial. I found myself pulling directly from Greek mythology to fill in the blanks about people, which still left them quite without personalities.
After reading this book, you won’t be able to look at Medusa or Perseus the same way. It does, however, put a bit of a hole in the theory that true love conquers all.
June 2, 2014
Not In A Million Years Would I Ever Thought I’d Be Sorry for Medusa
That day has come. As an avid reader of Greek Mythology, I have seen quite a few versions of the Gorgon, Medusa.
Even the ancient story of her creation wasn’t as informative as this book. Ms. Black has taken the origin of this popular character and gave it a lot of meat, with a lot of bite.
You get to know Medy (Medusa), her life as a human… the suffering she endured because of the actions of a fickle god.
I finally got to read a version on why her sisters were cursed and I really appreciated the authors clever way of incorporating the sea monster who threatened to destroy the princess, Andromeda.
Just like the Greeks did in ancient times, Ms. Black has come up with a very believable story to explain the unexplainable.
The love story between Medusa and Perseus felt so real to me, that I even cried when Medusa made a life changing decision close the end.
I could keep talking about this all day, I loved it so much, but I don’t want to give out spoilers. One thing, this would make a great movie. The idea that Medusa, the most hated creature in the universe, can be likable and pitied is an awesome feat I feel this author has accomplished.
That day has come. As an avid reader of Greek Mythology, I have seen quite a few versions of the Gorgon, Medusa.
Even the ancient story of her creation wasn’t as informative as this book. Ms. Black has taken the origin of this popular character and gave it a lot of meat, with a lot of bite.
You get to know Medy (Medusa), her life as a human… the suffering she endured because of the actions of a fickle god.
I finally got to read a version on why her sisters were cursed and I really appreciated the authors clever way of incorporating the sea monster who threatened to destroy the princess, Andromeda.
Just like the Greeks did in ancient times, Ms. Black has come up with a very believable story to explain the unexplainable.
The love story between Medusa and Perseus felt so real to me, that I even cried when Medusa made a life changing decision close the end.
I could keep talking about this all day, I loved it so much, but I don’t want to give out spoilers. One thing, this would make a great movie. The idea that Medusa, the most hated creature in the universe, can be likable and pitied is an awesome feat I feel this author has accomplished.
January 1, 2013
This story has so many levels, I've read it twice and each time came out with something new. I was a little averse at first to read a romance novel, but it has a sense of magic, obvious mythology, adventure, and a deep, interesting history of the main character, Medusa. E.b. Black is such a talented author to express the vulnerability and doubts that Medusa has as she uses her 'powers' in different ways; and in this, the author grips us in for the ride. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next (some parts I couldn't even believe happened). I was really impressed at how the author humanized the demon Medusa throughout the book and how she struggled with power and her ability to turn people to stone, even if it was a loved one. The ending, I thought, was extraordinary and left the entire series open. Read this. Overall, it was a great retelling of the mythology with the incorporation of love and humanity.
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December 16, 2012Wow! I'm honestly not at all sure how to review this book. I must say that it is well written. The author has managed to make me see Medusa in a whole new light. She is both a likeable and sympathetic character.
However I must also admit that I could not finish this book, I just couldn't stomach it. The brutality and injustice being suffered by her made me so sick to my stomach that I had to stop reading more than once and ultimately after a little over 40% of the book I just could not continue. Therefore, while I do think that many people will like this book and feel that I should reccomend it, I do so for only those who have a strong consitution.
I wish to acknowledge that I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
However I must also admit that I could not finish this book, I just couldn't stomach it. The brutality and injustice being suffered by her made me so sick to my stomach that I had to stop reading more than once and ultimately after a little over 40% of the book I just could not continue. Therefore, while I do think that many people will like this book and feel that I should reccomend it, I do so for only those who have a strong consitution.
I wish to acknowledge that I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 3, 2017
Medusa's Desire is a wonderful read, with a main character who is strong-willed and risks herself for a friend in need. There are some heart wrenching moments mingled in this piece, but I enjoyed every step through the story, watching Medusa take on one challenge after another. The way the author shows us the class and ranking system during this time was wonderfully done, magnifying the significance in the decisions and actions our main character takes. It took me a while to finish, but I am a notoriously slow reader and much chaos imploded... despite that, I kept coming back! Even after a several month hiatus, I knew where I left off and jumped back into the story with ease! It leaves quite the impression. Highly recommend this novel for Romance and Mythology fans!
March 15, 2019
3 1/2 stars
February 17, 2013
This is not a book that I normally would've picked up, but, nevertheless, I was blown away by E.B. Black's unique take on the well-known Medusa myth.
Before she became the fearsome gorgon of Greek mythology, Medusa was the beautiful daughter of a gambler, forced to do many of less than honorable things to keep her her family from drowning in debt. Yet despite her family's financial situation, she refused to marry a man for money, refused to give anyone that kind of power over her. Medusa worshipped the gods and looked up to Athena more than anyone. But all that changed when Poseidon raped her in the temple of Athena.
As the story goes, Medusa's hair turned to snakes, her body became covered in scales, and her gaze could turn anyone to stone. She is banished to the Underworld, where she waits for the blessing of death, until Perseus comes, at the order of the gods, to kill her. Only instead of killing her, he falls in love with her. In this retelling, Medusa's death is faked and Perseus takes her back into the human world for a second chance at life and love.
I really liked the evolution of Medusa's character throughout the story, from the innocent yet stubborn human girl to the monster trying desperately to retain her humanity. This story was an emotional roller coaster, both for me as the reader and for Medusa as the main character. Her journey felt like one tragedy after another; each time something good happened to her, it was only a matter of time before she lost it. It was hard not to root for her happiness.
However, I am one of those people who needs to have strong, developed characters to really love a book, and in the case of Medusa's Desire, I felt like the majority of the characters were quite flat and hard to relate to. It wasn't that they weren't tested enough to show growth, it's simply that I thought they did certain things because they had to in order to move the story along, not because it fit with their characterization. The reasons behind their actions seemed too weak to be plausible. And--I'm pretty sure this is just a strange peeve of mine--I was really annoyed by the fact that Medusa would constantly refer to Perseus as her boyfriend. Honestly, in the grand scheme of things, this detail is pretty minor, but for some reason it just bothered me. "Boyfriend" is such a contemporary term that it was hard for me to think of the story as having happened in ancient Greece, but I also couldn't think of the setting as present day so it was..... very jarring.
In terms of mythology, I think Black did an incredible job of retaining the original Medusa myth, but spinning it in an extremely unexpected and original way. I also enjoyed how many other aspects of mythology were incorporated into this one story-- from Hades and Persephone, the "birth" of Pegasus and Chrysaor, and even the creation of vampires. I definitely didn't see that last one coming, but I enjoyed how it all came together, nonetheless.
All in all: I think anyone who likes Greek mythology and its various retellings would enjoy this story, and if you like romance too, then there's a bonus. There is some mature content in the book though, so I wouldn't recommend this for all ages.
**I received a copy of this book for review from the author in exchange for an honest review
Before she became the fearsome gorgon of Greek mythology, Medusa was the beautiful daughter of a gambler, forced to do many of less than honorable things to keep her her family from drowning in debt. Yet despite her family's financial situation, she refused to marry a man for money, refused to give anyone that kind of power over her. Medusa worshipped the gods and looked up to Athena more than anyone. But all that changed when Poseidon raped her in the temple of Athena.
As the story goes, Medusa's hair turned to snakes, her body became covered in scales, and her gaze could turn anyone to stone. She is banished to the Underworld, where she waits for the blessing of death, until Perseus comes, at the order of the gods, to kill her. Only instead of killing her, he falls in love with her. In this retelling, Medusa's death is faked and Perseus takes her back into the human world for a second chance at life and love.
I really liked the evolution of Medusa's character throughout the story, from the innocent yet stubborn human girl to the monster trying desperately to retain her humanity. This story was an emotional roller coaster, both for me as the reader and for Medusa as the main character. Her journey felt like one tragedy after another; each time something good happened to her, it was only a matter of time before she lost it. It was hard not to root for her happiness.
However, I am one of those people who needs to have strong, developed characters to really love a book, and in the case of Medusa's Desire, I felt like the majority of the characters were quite flat and hard to relate to. It wasn't that they weren't tested enough to show growth, it's simply that I thought they did certain things because they had to in order to move the story along, not because it fit with their characterization. The reasons behind their actions seemed too weak to be plausible. And--I'm pretty sure this is just a strange peeve of mine--I was really annoyed by the fact that Medusa would constantly refer to Perseus as her boyfriend. Honestly, in the grand scheme of things, this detail is pretty minor, but for some reason it just bothered me. "Boyfriend" is such a contemporary term that it was hard for me to think of the story as having happened in ancient Greece, but I also couldn't think of the setting as present day so it was..... very jarring.
In terms of mythology, I think Black did an incredible job of retaining the original Medusa myth, but spinning it in an extremely unexpected and original way. I also enjoyed how many other aspects of mythology were incorporated into this one story-- from Hades and Persephone, the "birth" of Pegasus and Chrysaor, and even the creation of vampires. I definitely didn't see that last one coming, but I enjoyed how it all came together, nonetheless.
All in all: I think anyone who likes Greek mythology and its various retellings would enjoy this story, and if you like romance too, then there's a bonus. There is some mature content in the book though, so I wouldn't recommend this for all ages.
**I received a copy of this book for review from the author in exchange for an honest review
January 20, 2013
Medusa’s Desire is a retelling of the well-known myth of the monster that turns people into stone. This book gives us a new look to Medusa’s life and her personality but most of all, it gives her a human side, making her more sweet and innocent of how we might have pictured her.
Medusa has a tough life. With a gambler father, she tries her best to help her family and her mother. The difficulties in her life lead her to a turbulent path, which eventually take her to be the fatal monster we all know. After being rape by Poseidon she is sent to the Underworld, where she suffers a cruel punishment and an awful torment. Perseus is sent to end her life, but things don’t go as planned and they fall in love.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions to say the least. The suffering, the hate, the sorrow, even the love is increased by the fantastic ability of the author to transmit the feelings. It may seem violent or too hard to read but is all part of the world where Medusa is destined to live in. It has really hard moments, some that even would classify as adult content, but they are well written and they are a good read.
One of the strongest points of the book is the battle occurring inside Medusa, there is a constant struggle between her good and bad side, and the tinniest step moves the balance to one side or the other. The love she has for Perseus makes her do horrible things, but is difficult to judge her. She has to face horrendous situations which make her a strong and willing woman but also alter her vision of good and evil.
Overall, it has a fast rhythm, good and well built characters and a fantastic and unexpected ending. If you like strong emotions, hard situations, strong characters, adult content and retellings, this book is for you. Overall, it has a fast rhythm, good and well development characters and a fantastic and unexpected ending.
If you like strong emotions, hard situations, strong characters, adult content and retellings, this book is for you.
(I received an ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review).
Medusa has a tough life. With a gambler father, she tries her best to help her family and her mother. The difficulties in her life lead her to a turbulent path, which eventually take her to be the fatal monster we all know. After being rape by Poseidon she is sent to the Underworld, where she suffers a cruel punishment and an awful torment. Perseus is sent to end her life, but things don’t go as planned and they fall in love.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions to say the least. The suffering, the hate, the sorrow, even the love is increased by the fantastic ability of the author to transmit the feelings. It may seem violent or too hard to read but is all part of the world where Medusa is destined to live in. It has really hard moments, some that even would classify as adult content, but they are well written and they are a good read.
One of the strongest points of the book is the battle occurring inside Medusa, there is a constant struggle between her good and bad side, and the tinniest step moves the balance to one side or the other. The love she has for Perseus makes her do horrible things, but is difficult to judge her. She has to face horrendous situations which make her a strong and willing woman but also alter her vision of good and evil.
Overall, it has a fast rhythm, good and well built characters and a fantastic and unexpected ending. If you like strong emotions, hard situations, strong characters, adult content and retellings, this book is for you. Overall, it has a fast rhythm, good and well development characters and a fantastic and unexpected ending.
If you like strong emotions, hard situations, strong characters, adult content and retellings, this book is for you.
(I received an ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review).
June 24, 2013
Medusa's Desire is about Medusa, how she started off as a beautiful, young, and pure woman, trying to make a living to support her family, as her father gambled everything they had away. Things were going okay, up until a vicious rumor started, and Medusa was thrown out of her home. Staying one night secretly at Athena's temple, Medusa had something horrible happen to her, and in turn was accused by Athena herself for doing wrong in her temple, and cursed Medusa into a gorgon.
Many years passed, as Medusa lived in Hades lord of the underworlds domain. Up until Perseus shows up on a quest from the Gods to kill her. Instead of killing her, he falls for her. Rescues her from Hades Realm, and from there the embark on an adventure of their own, on a conquest to fight the Gods. On their travels they come across Andromeda, chained up on a cliff, as a sacrifice from her people.
They rescue Andromeda, and from their the adventure takes all sorts of twists and turns. Going from romantic warm moments, to a lot insecure moments from all parties.
I'm not sure how I really feel about this book, it was really good at the beginning, then about half way through I got a little bored, then near the end I was sad, very sad. I liked it enough to give it a 3-3.5 but I'm not fully sure on whether I will continue on with the series or not, it's something I will have to ponder on for a bit.
Many years passed, as Medusa lived in Hades lord of the underworlds domain. Up until Perseus shows up on a quest from the Gods to kill her. Instead of killing her, he falls for her. Rescues her from Hades Realm, and from there the embark on an adventure of their own, on a conquest to fight the Gods. On their travels they come across Andromeda, chained up on a cliff, as a sacrifice from her people.
They rescue Andromeda, and from their the adventure takes all sorts of twists and turns. Going from romantic warm moments, to a lot insecure moments from all parties.
I'm not sure how I really feel about this book, it was really good at the beginning, then about half way through I got a little bored, then near the end I was sad, very sad. I liked it enough to give it a 3-3.5 but I'm not fully sure on whether I will continue on with the series or not, it's something I will have to ponder on for a bit.
November 5, 2013
This was an unusual take on the myth of Medusa and Perseus. We get a plausible background story of how Medusa came to be the monster she was. How her life as a human girl was filled with trials and how she was blamed for actions beyond her control and transformed by Athena. She later meets Perseus as he was sent to kill her and that's where the story takes a turn for the strange (as if it wasn't strange enough) Perseus and Medusa fall in love an go on a series of adventures.
Medusa was definitely the strongest character. She kept her humanity despite all that happened to her. Perseus and Andromeda on the other hand were weak. He couldn't have accomplished anything without Medusa and Andromeda was definitely a spoiled princess. However, it was the relationship between Perseus and Medusa that seemed so implausible. How could he not know what she really looked like? How could she be a vegetarian? That didn't seem natural at all.
The story itself was a roller coaster of emotions. Parts were dark and sad and others were passionate and loving. The ending itself was dark and menacing too but fitting in many ways. I don't think it could have ended differently. Overall, it was a fairly good read, and definitely for readers over 18. If you like a bit of dark erotica you might want to pick this one up.
Medusa was definitely the strongest character. She kept her humanity despite all that happened to her. Perseus and Andromeda on the other hand were weak. He couldn't have accomplished anything without Medusa and Andromeda was definitely a spoiled princess. However, it was the relationship between Perseus and Medusa that seemed so implausible. How could he not know what she really looked like? How could she be a vegetarian? That didn't seem natural at all.
The story itself was a roller coaster of emotions. Parts were dark and sad and others were passionate and loving. The ending itself was dark and menacing too but fitting in many ways. I don't think it could have ended differently. Overall, it was a fairly good read, and definitely for readers over 18. If you like a bit of dark erotica you might want to pick this one up.
December 30, 2012
Medusa's Desire was not something that I would typically read but I did find it enjoyable none the less.
I found it interesting in the way it was told from Medusa's point of view so the reader got to feel her emotions and reasons as to why things happened to her the way they did.
In a way this makes the reader feel that Medusa is the one who was hard done by and who suffered for something that wasn't her fault, rather than think of her as the monster that has been portrayed through Greek mythology for centuries. You really wanted to see things work out for poor Medusa even though you already know from history that they don't go that way.
One thing that I did find difficult was all the references to the Greek Gods and other creatures in the story. I've never had much exposure to Greek mythology so only know the very basics, and I think this meant that a lot of meaning in the story was a bit lost on me because I didn't really know the background to the God or other creature that was being discussed.
If you are a fan of Greek mythology and are interested in seeing a popular story told in a different and refreshing way, then Medusa's Desire is a story that I would definitely recommend.
I found it interesting in the way it was told from Medusa's point of view so the reader got to feel her emotions and reasons as to why things happened to her the way they did.
In a way this makes the reader feel that Medusa is the one who was hard done by and who suffered for something that wasn't her fault, rather than think of her as the monster that has been portrayed through Greek mythology for centuries. You really wanted to see things work out for poor Medusa even though you already know from history that they don't go that way.
One thing that I did find difficult was all the references to the Greek Gods and other creatures in the story. I've never had much exposure to Greek mythology so only know the very basics, and I think this meant that a lot of meaning in the story was a bit lost on me because I didn't really know the background to the God or other creature that was being discussed.
If you are a fan of Greek mythology and are interested in seeing a popular story told in a different and refreshing way, then Medusa's Desire is a story that I would definitely recommend.
May 17, 2013
As a teenager, I watched Clash of the Titans so many times that my father threatened to take the television out of the house and give it away. One of the most fascinating parts of the movie was Medusa, so I was intrigued by the idea of this book. At first, I kept thinking, "Wait, that's not how the story goes." But then, the author won me over.
In Medusa's Desire, Medusa gets a story worthy of her bad reputation with the twist of showing her vulnerability and insecurity. There's something so intriguing about discovering what makes the villain tick. But, who knew Medusa could steal my heart? I found myself rooting for her and wanting her to find a way out of her curse.
I must note that this is NOT a young adult novel--there are some gritty scenes inappropriate for younger readers. Some of those scenes were hard for me to read, but they helped illustrate the depth of Medusa's pain and mistreatment. Kudos to E. B. Black for not shying away from the underbelly.
If you like mythology, especially with a twist, take a chance on Medusa's Desire. Just know--it's not for the faint of heart.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
In Medusa's Desire, Medusa gets a story worthy of her bad reputation with the twist of showing her vulnerability and insecurity. There's something so intriguing about discovering what makes the villain tick. But, who knew Medusa could steal my heart? I found myself rooting for her and wanting her to find a way out of her curse.
I must note that this is NOT a young adult novel--there are some gritty scenes inappropriate for younger readers. Some of those scenes were hard for me to read, but they helped illustrate the depth of Medusa's pain and mistreatment. Kudos to E. B. Black for not shying away from the underbelly.
If you like mythology, especially with a twist, take a chance on Medusa's Desire. Just know--it's not for the faint of heart.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
June 2, 2014
Not In A Million Years Would I Ever Thought I’d Be Sorry for Medusa
That day has come. As an avid reader of Greek Mythology, I have seen quite a few versions of the Gorgon, Medusa.
Even the ancient story of her creation wasn’t as informative as this book. Ms. Black has taken the origin of this popular character and gave it a lot of meat, with a lot of bite.
You get to know Medy (Medusa), her life as a human… the suffering she endured because of the actions of a fickle god. I finally got to read a version on why her sisters were cursed and I really appreciated the authors clever way of incorporating the sea monster who threatened to destroy the princess, Andromeda.
Just like the Greeks did in ancient times, Ms. Black has come up with a very believable story to explain the unexplainable.
The love story between Medusa and Perseus felt so real to me, that I even cried when Medusa made a life changing decision close the end.
I could keep talking about this all day, I loved it so much, but I don’t want to give out spoilers. One thing, this would make a great movie. The idea that Medusa, the most hated creature in the universe, can be likable and pitied is an awesome feat I feel this author has accomplished.
That day has come. As an avid reader of Greek Mythology, I have seen quite a few versions of the Gorgon, Medusa.
Even the ancient story of her creation wasn’t as informative as this book. Ms. Black has taken the origin of this popular character and gave it a lot of meat, with a lot of bite.
You get to know Medy (Medusa), her life as a human… the suffering she endured because of the actions of a fickle god. I finally got to read a version on why her sisters were cursed and I really appreciated the authors clever way of incorporating the sea monster who threatened to destroy the princess, Andromeda.
Just like the Greeks did in ancient times, Ms. Black has come up with a very believable story to explain the unexplainable.
The love story between Medusa and Perseus felt so real to me, that I even cried when Medusa made a life changing decision close the end.
I could keep talking about this all day, I loved it so much, but I don’t want to give out spoilers. One thing, this would make a great movie. The idea that Medusa, the most hated creature in the universe, can be likable and pitied is an awesome feat I feel this author has accomplished.
February 26, 2013
I won this book through a giveaway from Wholly Books.
Medusa's Desire is not normally the type of book I would normally read but the blurb sounded really interesting. This book is not just for anybody. It is graphic, haunting, and heartbreaking. I have always known about Medusa and her story but reading this just takes it to a whole new level. I wanted to cry for her. If you like mythology, I think you will really like this book.
Medusa's Desire is not normally the type of book I would normally read but the blurb sounded really interesting. This book is not just for anybody. It is graphic, haunting, and heartbreaking. I have always known about Medusa and her story but reading this just takes it to a whole new level. I wanted to cry for her. If you like mythology, I think you will really like this book.
March 16, 2013
Honestly, I wasn't expecting this one to be as graphic as it was and filled with, well, sex and prostitution. I thought this was going to be a nice mythology story about Medusa with a twist.
I honestly couldn't finish this because it just wasn't for me so I am not going to bother rating it because it wouldn't be fair to the author.
I honestly couldn't finish this because it just wasn't for me so I am not going to bother rating it because it wouldn't be fair to the author.
October 13, 2016
The book was good. I got through to the end. There were a few writing mistakes that were confusing. Not spelling errors. Read it for yourself and see what you think.I will not be reading book number two and my phone prevents me from giving 2 1/2 stars.I love reading mythology and I'm sure I had a take away or two that made the book worth reading.
March 6, 2013
This was an different take on the tale of Medusa. I found the character of Perseus to be weak and Medusa mediocre. There was potential to make this a gripping tale; instead I found it lackluster and rather boring. The ending was lame and overall I was left with the sense of "why did I read this?"
December 13, 2016
It was oaky. Slow in parts. Okay in others. Didn't like the ending and didn't like the endless angst and insecurity of Medusa. Wasn't too crazy about the Perseus character either. Won't be reading any more of this author's books.
kindle-i-own-to-read
January 1, 2013Amazon Freebie 01/01/2013
February 19, 2013
A lot of detail, it was hard to follow at first and was not an easy read but well put together.
Read
June 6, 2015DNF @ 67%
The back story was interesting and sad, but now I'm bored. Plus, Perseus is making me wary.
The back story was interesting and sad, but now I'm bored. Plus, Perseus is making me wary.
February 8, 2015
I can't finish this! I tried but I don't like it.
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