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Statues Crumble: A Sapphic Medusa Novella
They have called her monster.
She calls herself a curse.
For centuries, Medusa has hidden among the ruins of her own making, haunted by the stone faces of the ones she loved and lost. Alone is safe. Alone is penance.
Until a stranger — stubborn, and wholly unafraid — steps into her temple and refuses to leave. She brings her weaving, her quiet laughter, and her steady hands that treat even the snakes with reverence. She asks for nothing, and in doing so, unravels everything Medusa thought she knew about herself.
But desire is dangerous, and trust more so. As the two women grow tangled in each other’s lives, this woman becomes more than a guest, and Medusa must stay buried in the past, or finally lay her ghosts to rest.
A story of grief, gods, and the fierce tenderness that makes us want to live again — even when the world has called us unworthy of it.
Statues Crumble is a spicy, sapphic novella --- the complete story will be told within this book.
She calls herself a curse.
For centuries, Medusa has hidden among the ruins of her own making, haunted by the stone faces of the ones she loved and lost. Alone is safe. Alone is penance.
Until a stranger — stubborn, and wholly unafraid — steps into her temple and refuses to leave. She brings her weaving, her quiet laughter, and her steady hands that treat even the snakes with reverence. She asks for nothing, and in doing so, unravels everything Medusa thought she knew about herself.
But desire is dangerous, and trust more so. As the two women grow tangled in each other’s lives, this woman becomes more than a guest, and Medusa must stay buried in the past, or finally lay her ghosts to rest.
A story of grief, gods, and the fierce tenderness that makes us want to live again — even when the world has called us unworthy of it.
Statues Crumble is a spicy, sapphic novella --- the complete story will be told within this book.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
17 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 8, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC!
Statues Crumble is a great twist on the classic Greek myth of Medusa, and I really loved the idea of having Medusa's love interest be blind. I thought the sapphic and disability reps were both great, and the way that Medusa processes the trauma that resulted in her becoming a gorgon was well-executed. I enjoyed getting to see the two women heal and grow together, and I loved Evadne's sass!
However, I thought that the book would've benefited from having more context. We get only the tiniest glimpses into the backstories of both Medusa and Evadne, and those come largely at the end. Since this is of course a twist on the original tale of Medusa, I would've loved for the story to have started further back in the past, so that we could see what else had changed about the original myth. I'd also be interested to know how this story is going to conclude, given the trajectory of the OG myth. Yes, Medusa and Evadne have found happiness with each other, and I very much liked that, but the ending felt incomplete. Medusa has apparently been made immortal by her curse and is already several hundred years old. Will she be alone again after Evadne, who is very much mortal, dies? Will Perseus ever show up, or has he been removed from the narrative completely? If he does appear, will he succeed in killing this Medusa, or will that be another plot twist?
Evadne also exists in Greek mythology, but only on the very periphery of some lesser-known legends. Unlike with Medusa, I had to look her story up, and she seems mostly to be remembered for burning herself on her husband's pyre after Zeus strikes him down. Evadne has been dumped on Medusa's island because she refused to burn herself in this retelling, but that doesn't quite make sense to me, since this practice is called Sati and is primarily found in India and other parts of Asia. It wasn't typical for Greek wives to do this, so why is Evadne being punished for refusing to? Personally I think she should've killed her husband in self-defense, and that's why she was being punished, but that isn't how this story is written.
While the sapphic rep in this story was great, there was also a subtext that could potentially be interpreted to be minimizing the validity of sex between women. Medusa talks about how she used to be a priestess, and how she and her temple sisters would have all kinds of raunchy, hot sex together. The goddess they served (Athena, though she wasn't named in this novella) doesn't seem to be bothered at all by the copious amounts of lesbian sex, despite Athena being a virgin goddess. Generally, I don't think the Greeks required celibacy from their priests and priestesses, so that's all fine and good, but then Athena *does* take issue with Poseidon raping Medusa inside Athena's temple. That's how Medusa becomes a gorgon at all--Athena curses Medusa for having "defiled" the temple (which never made sense to me, seeing as it was Poseidon's doing, but that's how victim blaming goes). This begs the question, then--why was consensual lesbian sex inside the temple okay for years, but when one of those same women is raped, she deserves to be horribly cursed? Is the implication there that the sex between the priestesses couldn't be considered a "defiling" of the temple because sex between women isn't really sex? I would be surprised if that was the author's intent (again, the relationship between Medusa and Evadne was really well done), so that whole part just confused me.
Speaking of sex, I'm not usually a huge fan of spice, so maybe this is just a me thing, but it seemed like the majority of the story was either sex scenes or the lead up to sex scenes. I think this would've bothered me less if the language used to describe those sex scenes hadn't felt so out of place. The use of words like "ass" and "clit" and even "bed" (where before it had been a cot) felt extremely modern. The language used throughout the book was actually somewhat all over the place, with a hot mix of terms like "gown" or "chemise" instead of "tunic" or "chiton" or something else from Ancient Greece. (Fun fact: the word "chemise" first appears in the 1780s, loooooong after Medusa would've been around.) But we also had the ancient Greek word for "frying pan" (which I had to look up). So that created this historical jumble of terms that confused me and took me out of the story.
There were also a fair number of typos scattered throughout, and a reoccurring issue of using the term "them" when I'm pretty sure it should've been "us," since there were only two people involved and one of them was the narrator, speaking in a first person POV. Hopefully that doesn't bother most readers, but as a grammar nerd, it does irk me.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the book, and I thought the concept was really fantastic!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC!
Statues Crumble is a great twist on the classic Greek myth of Medusa, and I really loved the idea of having Medusa's love interest be blind. I thought the sapphic and disability reps were both great, and the way that Medusa processes the trauma that resulted in her becoming a gorgon was well-executed. I enjoyed getting to see the two women heal and grow together, and I loved Evadne's sass!
However, I thought that the book would've benefited from having more context. We get only the tiniest glimpses into the backstories of both Medusa and Evadne, and those come largely at the end. Since this is of course a twist on the original tale of Medusa, I would've loved for the story to have started further back in the past, so that we could see what else had changed about the original myth. I'd also be interested to know how this story is going to conclude, given the trajectory of the OG myth. Yes, Medusa and Evadne have found happiness with each other, and I very much liked that, but the ending felt incomplete. Medusa has apparently been made immortal by her curse and is already several hundred years old. Will she be alone again after Evadne, who is very much mortal, dies? Will Perseus ever show up, or has he been removed from the narrative completely? If he does appear, will he succeed in killing this Medusa, or will that be another plot twist?
Evadne also exists in Greek mythology, but only on the very periphery of some lesser-known legends. Unlike with Medusa, I had to look her story up, and she seems mostly to be remembered for burning herself on her husband's pyre after Zeus strikes him down. Evadne has been dumped on Medusa's island because she refused to burn herself in this retelling, but that doesn't quite make sense to me, since this practice is called Sati and is primarily found in India and other parts of Asia. It wasn't typical for Greek wives to do this, so why is Evadne being punished for refusing to? Personally I think she should've killed her husband in self-defense, and that's why she was being punished, but that isn't how this story is written.
While the sapphic rep in this story was great, there was also a subtext that could potentially be interpreted to be minimizing the validity of sex between women. Medusa talks about how she used to be a priestess, and how she and her temple sisters would have all kinds of raunchy, hot sex together. The goddess they served (Athena, though she wasn't named in this novella) doesn't seem to be bothered at all by the copious amounts of lesbian sex, despite Athena being a virgin goddess. Generally, I don't think the Greeks required celibacy from their priests and priestesses, so that's all fine and good, but then Athena *does* take issue with Poseidon raping Medusa inside Athena's temple. That's how Medusa becomes a gorgon at all--Athena curses Medusa for having "defiled" the temple (which never made sense to me, seeing as it was Poseidon's doing, but that's how victim blaming goes). This begs the question, then--why was consensual lesbian sex inside the temple okay for years, but when one of those same women is raped, she deserves to be horribly cursed? Is the implication there that the sex between the priestesses couldn't be considered a "defiling" of the temple because sex between women isn't really sex? I would be surprised if that was the author's intent (again, the relationship between Medusa and Evadne was really well done), so that whole part just confused me.
Speaking of sex, I'm not usually a huge fan of spice, so maybe this is just a me thing, but it seemed like the majority of the story was either sex scenes or the lead up to sex scenes. I think this would've bothered me less if the language used to describe those sex scenes hadn't felt so out of place. The use of words like "ass" and "clit" and even "bed" (where before it had been a cot) felt extremely modern. The language used throughout the book was actually somewhat all over the place, with a hot mix of terms like "gown" or "chemise" instead of "tunic" or "chiton" or something else from Ancient Greece. (Fun fact: the word "chemise" first appears in the 1780s, loooooong after Medusa would've been around.) But we also had the ancient Greek word for "frying pan" (which I had to look up). So that created this historical jumble of terms that confused me and took me out of the story.
There were also a fair number of typos scattered throughout, and a reoccurring issue of using the term "them" when I'm pretty sure it should've been "us," since there were only two people involved and one of them was the narrator, speaking in a first person POV. Hopefully that doesn't bother most readers, but as a grammar nerd, it does irk me.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the book, and I thought the concept was really fantastic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
This was a beautiful book and clearly written with so much care and thoughtfulness. I loved it! My only issue was the abrupt ending, it really felt like it could’ve gone on longer, but maybe that’s just my desire for a longer book lol. Either way, I really enjoyed this!
October 7, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Spice Level: 4 peppers
For Fans Of: Stone Blind, Hadestown
When Evadne, a blind widow being punished for her husband's crimes, washes up on the shores of Medusa’s island, Medusa is immediately confronted with the softness of a woman not there to kill her but there because she, too, has been abandoned by society as punishment for a man’s actions. Together they find ways to heal, and for Medusa to find the safety to open herself up to love again in.
This spicy/sweet sapphic romantasy creates a “new” myth for Medusa: rather than being a retelling of Medusa’s story -- which is often Perseus’ story before hers -- it imagines an end for Medusa that isn’t painful but is a soft reprieve where love was present again before an eventual violent end (or even the hope that Perseus never does make it to the island).
There are some bits that absolutely gutted me, and the way the author centers both the plight and the "redemption" of Medusa as a matter of loneliness and of love made for a beautiful story of softness through strength. Statues can, in fact, crumble, when we let ourselves feel love again. It's possible that you aren't supposed to cry so much reading a very steamy romance, but there were moments so poignant and piercing they couldn't go by without some tears.
While the story captured me, the writing can be a little clumsy, as if the author is trying to accomplish a rhythm but hasn’t quite mastered it; however that did nothing to damage my enjoyment of the novella. The explicit scenes were each their own rather than following a formula, and given the story’s basis on survivors of sexual assault, the exchange of power between Medusa and Evadne kept the steaminess inside the story rather than in random explicit scenes scattered between chapters of narrative.
Spice Level: 4 peppers
For Fans Of: Stone Blind, Hadestown
When Evadne, a blind widow being punished for her husband's crimes, washes up on the shores of Medusa’s island, Medusa is immediately confronted with the softness of a woman not there to kill her but there because she, too, has been abandoned by society as punishment for a man’s actions. Together they find ways to heal, and for Medusa to find the safety to open herself up to love again in.
This spicy/sweet sapphic romantasy creates a “new” myth for Medusa: rather than being a retelling of Medusa’s story -- which is often Perseus’ story before hers -- it imagines an end for Medusa that isn’t painful but is a soft reprieve where love was present again before an eventual violent end (or even the hope that Perseus never does make it to the island).
There are some bits that absolutely gutted me, and the way the author centers both the plight and the "redemption" of Medusa as a matter of loneliness and of love made for a beautiful story of softness through strength. Statues can, in fact, crumble, when we let ourselves feel love again. It's possible that you aren't supposed to cry so much reading a very steamy romance, but there were moments so poignant and piercing they couldn't go by without some tears.
While the story captured me, the writing can be a little clumsy, as if the author is trying to accomplish a rhythm but hasn’t quite mastered it; however that did nothing to damage my enjoyment of the novella. The explicit scenes were each their own rather than following a formula, and given the story’s basis on survivors of sexual assault, the exchange of power between Medusa and Evadne kept the steaminess inside the story rather than in random explicit scenes scattered between chapters of narrative.
October 19, 2025
⭐️2.5/5⭐️
I liked the idea, but there wasn’t much of a plot.
I liked the idea, but there wasn’t much of a plot.
August 25, 2025
beta review coming soon ❥
September 25, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed every moment of this story. The sapphicc twist to the Medusa story absolutely made me crumble. The heartbreak and the love that they find together between a blind woman cast to decide on this island as a criminal said to be a witch was blinded in a storm on her way to the island so when she got there, Medusa‘s stare didn’t turn her to stone and from there the emotions come the spice comes the yearning the tension the sad truth of Medusa story comes to life. It was a beautiful novella that I would absolutely love to see, turned into a novel and made into a full length story. I would love to know what happens next I would love to see their story continue medusa and evadine are a power couple I swear . Five stars amazing Read it overnight and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
September 26, 2025
I received an ARC of this novella.
I inhaled this book. It is a fresh take on Medusa, whose story is both ancient and modern. It is delightfully sapphic, and I love how both characters process their traumas.
My heart broke for Medusa over and over in this novella. Her pain was so well captured, and her path of healing was so realistic that it was a gut punch. The author beautifully captured how a sexual assault survivor is often afraid and hesitant to open up and receive affection.
Beautifully done.
I inhaled this book. It is a fresh take on Medusa, whose story is both ancient and modern. It is delightfully sapphic, and I love how both characters process their traumas.
My heart broke for Medusa over and over in this novella. Her pain was so well captured, and her path of healing was so realistic that it was a gut punch. The author beautifully captured how a sexual assault survivor is often afraid and hesitant to open up and receive affection.
Beautifully done.
January 4, 2026
5/5
I’m a sucker for the Medusa x Blind woman trope so I was super excited to read this novella
While not much plot happens, the characters and their emotional journeys were enjoyable to read
A bit of an abrupt ending but also not really?
I’m a sucker for the Medusa x Blind woman trope so I was super excited to read this novella
While not much plot happens, the characters and their emotional journeys were enjoyable to read
A bit of an abrupt ending but also not really?
October 8, 2025
this was a cute, slightly steamy retelling of Medusa. I was a little shocked at the abrupt ending, though. it was a beautiful FFMC love story.
November 12, 2025
I really enjoyed Medusa and Evadne’s story!
Even in the short span of this novella both of them had so much character growth that made me invested to know more about them and their backstory.
Even in the short span of this novella both of them had so much character growth that made me invested to know more about them and their backstory.
December 14, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is not suitable for readers under the age of 16. If you are not 16 or older, please do not continue to read this review or purchase the book.
Content Notes: disabled POV character (blind), death of a spouse, violence, sexual content, grief
I struggled with trying to decide what to rate this, because, in all honesty, this novella failed to capture my attention and I probably wouldn't have finished the book if it wasn't an ARC I had been given for free and a novella.
I found the prose to be a little too try-hard, and it — just like the titular statues — seemed to crumble apart during the sexual content in the last third of the book, when Medusa starts referring to Evadne by 'Vadne and baby, or when things that had previously been referred to as heat suddenly become the clit. I am all for calling things what they are, especially when it comes to sex scenes, but in this case the lack of consistent terminology was somewhat jarring.
In addition to this, I had trouble connecting to Medusa. The pacing of the novella didn't really allow for the feminist reframing of her character that I was hoping for, especially in connection with the sapphic relationship.
If you really love greek mythology and sapphic love stories and you need a quick palette cleanser between books, you may want to give Statues Crumble a try, but please don't go into it expecting Madeline Miller levels of masterful prose when it comes to greek mythology retellings.
I am looking forward to giving this author another try in the future.
This book is not suitable for readers under the age of 16. If you are not 16 or older, please do not continue to read this review or purchase the book.
Content Notes: disabled POV character (blind), death of a spouse, violence, sexual content, grief
I struggled with trying to decide what to rate this, because, in all honesty, this novella failed to capture my attention and I probably wouldn't have finished the book if it wasn't an ARC I had been given for free and a novella.
I found the prose to be a little too try-hard, and it — just like the titular statues — seemed to crumble apart during the sexual content in the last third of the book, when Medusa starts referring to Evadne by 'Vadne and baby, or when things that had previously been referred to as heat suddenly become the clit. I am all for calling things what they are, especially when it comes to sex scenes, but in this case the lack of consistent terminology was somewhat jarring.
In addition to this, I had trouble connecting to Medusa. The pacing of the novella didn't really allow for the feminist reframing of her character that I was hoping for, especially in connection with the sapphic relationship.
If you really love greek mythology and sapphic love stories and you need a quick palette cleanser between books, you may want to give Statues Crumble a try, but please don't go into it expecting Madeline Miller levels of masterful prose when it comes to greek mythology retellings.
I am looking forward to giving this author another try in the future.
October 9, 2025
*ARC Review* Thank you to L.V. Brooks for sending me a copy!
Intro:
This book is an FF romance between Evadne, a woman abandoned on an island as punishment and Medusa, cursed to change anyone to stone who looks at her.
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-Slow Burn
-Strangers to Lovers
-Hurt/Comfort
-Sassy FMC
-Gentle Snake Hair
-FF
-HEA
Likes:
-The way the author describes things
-Teasing banter
-Short, simple read
-Tenderness and soothing hurts
Neutrals/Criticisms:
-Some of the phrases were a bit repetitive
Favorite Quotes:
-"Well then, I'll do my best to earn my execution later"
-"Because every time I closed my eyes, I still felt Evadne's smile echo in the space where I had used to believe my heart turned to stone"
-"I wanted to tuck her away in some secret part of me, some place that no man could ever touch her again"
-"And also because your snakes have been spooning me all night, and honestly? That feels more like flirting than murder"
-"I could make you forget every man who ever laid a hand on you"
This story was the first I have read from this author and I love the way they retold Medusa's story. This story was tender and soft, full of budding connection and love between two women trying to understand each other and move past their hurts. Medusa sees herself as a monster and it was really heart warming to see that negative self talk be pushed out of her head. If you enjoy short, slow burns where both characters slowly heal each other then you may enjoy this book.
Intro:
This book is an FF romance between Evadne, a woman abandoned on an island as punishment and Medusa, cursed to change anyone to stone who looks at her.
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-Slow Burn
-Strangers to Lovers
-Hurt/Comfort
-Sassy FMC
-Gentle Snake Hair
-FF
-HEA
Likes:
-The way the author describes things
-Teasing banter
-Short, simple read
-Tenderness and soothing hurts
Neutrals/Criticisms:
-Some of the phrases were a bit repetitive
Favorite Quotes:
-"Well then, I'll do my best to earn my execution later"
-"Because every time I closed my eyes, I still felt Evadne's smile echo in the space where I had used to believe my heart turned to stone"
-"I wanted to tuck her away in some secret part of me, some place that no man could ever touch her again"
-"And also because your snakes have been spooning me all night, and honestly? That feels more like flirting than murder"
-"I could make you forget every man who ever laid a hand on you"
This story was the first I have read from this author and I love the way they retold Medusa's story. This story was tender and soft, full of budding connection and love between two women trying to understand each other and move past their hurts. Medusa sees herself as a monster and it was really heart warming to see that negative self talk be pushed out of her head. If you enjoy short, slow burns where both characters slowly heal each other then you may enjoy this book.
October 15, 2025
Whoops! I both started and finished this at work during my break. This was a very fast read and honestly I wish it was a bit longer. I turned the last page, expecting more but it was over.
Medusa is my favorite story from Greek Mythology so I hardly ever turn down a story about her and I love sapphic books. This was a match-made in heaven for me. I loved the characters and the story here. This wasn't the most complex book. We really only see the two female main characters throughout the whole story. A couple other characters are mentioned in passing, with the exception of one man landing on shore. I think the details could've been a bit more intricate if the book length had been slightly longer. Along with that, I would've preferred a slightly longer story so that the author could've developed more suspense between the two main characters, Medusa and Evadne. I normally like when a romance has a bit more tension prior to.
There were also a few moments when I felt that there could've been better revision for the writing. For example, similar words being reused close together which disrupted the flow a bit. This is all very overcritical though.
I liked seeing the depth of the characters and the trauma/healing that the author was able to convey within the short length of the book. If you're looking for a light-hearted, quick, and easy read then I definitely think this is the one for you.
Medusa is my favorite story from Greek Mythology so I hardly ever turn down a story about her and I love sapphic books. This was a match-made in heaven for me. I loved the characters and the story here. This wasn't the most complex book. We really only see the two female main characters throughout the whole story. A couple other characters are mentioned in passing, with the exception of one man landing on shore. I think the details could've been a bit more intricate if the book length had been slightly longer. Along with that, I would've preferred a slightly longer story so that the author could've developed more suspense between the two main characters, Medusa and Evadne. I normally like when a romance has a bit more tension prior to.
There were also a few moments when I felt that there could've been better revision for the writing. For example, similar words being reused close together which disrupted the flow a bit. This is all very overcritical though.
I liked seeing the depth of the characters and the trauma/healing that the author was able to convey within the short length of the book. If you're looking for a light-hearted, quick, and easy read then I definitely think this is the one for you.
October 8, 2025
Statues Crumble is more than just a sapphic Medusa retelling. It's a story of two broken, brutalized women finding healing.
We all know Medusa's tragic story, but Statues Crumble tackles the mental toll it would have taken on her. And Evadne understands all too well, as she was sent to Medusa's Island as punishment for not "properly" grieving her abusive late husband. Her blindness, caused by an accident on the boat that brought her to the island, protects her from Medusa's curse.
Evadne, despite now living in darkness, is such a sunshiny character. She views the island as a fresh start and is thrilled to be alive and permanently away from all the people who helped further abuse on her for not mourning another abuser. On the other hand, Medusa is rather grumpy. She's spent centuries imprisoned on an island, being used as an executioner of the criminals dropped in her shores. She really doesn't know what to do with Evadne. She's never had another soul last more than a day around her.
The more time they spend together the more they fall for each other (which terrifies Medusa beyond reason). Evadne is so patient and kind and always waits for Medusa to be ready for the next bit of intimacy. Because Evadne knows what it's like to be touched without consent and she refuses to continue that cycle.
Thank you so much L.V. Brooks for the opportunity to advance read. 💚
We all know Medusa's tragic story, but Statues Crumble tackles the mental toll it would have taken on her. And Evadne understands all too well, as she was sent to Medusa's Island as punishment for not "properly" grieving her abusive late husband. Her blindness, caused by an accident on the boat that brought her to the island, protects her from Medusa's curse.
Evadne, despite now living in darkness, is such a sunshiny character. She views the island as a fresh start and is thrilled to be alive and permanently away from all the people who helped further abuse on her for not mourning another abuser. On the other hand, Medusa is rather grumpy. She's spent centuries imprisoned on an island, being used as an executioner of the criminals dropped in her shores. She really doesn't know what to do with Evadne. She's never had another soul last more than a day around her.
The more time they spend together the more they fall for each other (which terrifies Medusa beyond reason). Evadne is so patient and kind and always waits for Medusa to be ready for the next bit of intimacy. Because Evadne knows what it's like to be touched without consent and she refuses to continue that cycle.
Thank you so much L.V. Brooks for the opportunity to advance read. 💚
October 5, 2025
CW: violence (off page), implied SA and/or rape (off page), sexual content, knife violence, grief, injury resulting in disability
🌟 Medusa Retelling
🌈 Sapphic MCs
🌈 Blind FMC
This was a nice unique take on the Medusa retelling.
Medusa is far more vulnerable in this example, having survived the circumstances that resulted in her curse. She has developed (understanably) intimacy issues due to her previous experience and a lot of her relationship building with Evadne surrounds her trusting Evadne and feeling safe to become intimate with someone. It was a much more tender depiction from the Medusa we usually see in media. She's also going through grief at the loss of loved ones who accidentally passed due to her curse so that really yanked on my heartstrings.
Evadne is cast from society towards punishment for not grieving her abusive husband who is now dead (what a shame) and becomes blind during the journey to Medusa's island. As much as her circumstances are difficult, she has such a positive and chipper attitude that she can't help herself when it comes to banter and making the most out of the circumstances she's in. She's so patient with Medusa as well, and heavy on the consent.
I would've happily read another 300 pages on these two.
🌟 Medusa Retelling
🌈 Sapphic MCs
🌈 Blind FMC
This was a nice unique take on the Medusa retelling.
Medusa is far more vulnerable in this example, having survived the circumstances that resulted in her curse. She has developed (understanably) intimacy issues due to her previous experience and a lot of her relationship building with Evadne surrounds her trusting Evadne and feeling safe to become intimate with someone. It was a much more tender depiction from the Medusa we usually see in media. She's also going through grief at the loss of loved ones who accidentally passed due to her curse so that really yanked on my heartstrings.
Evadne is cast from society towards punishment for not grieving her abusive husband who is now dead (what a shame) and becomes blind during the journey to Medusa's island. As much as her circumstances are difficult, she has such a positive and chipper attitude that she can't help herself when it comes to banter and making the most out of the circumstances she's in. She's so patient with Medusa as well, and heavy on the consent.
I would've happily read another 300 pages on these two.
September 25, 2025
Statues Crumble is a gorgeous sapphic Medusa retelling, and I am in love!! The writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the settings are vivid.
Since the novella takes place on a remote island, there are few characters, but the characters we meet are phenomenal. Medusa and Evadne each have their own traumas, and they help each other heal throughout the story. Watching Medusa learn to trust again and realize that she is deserving of a soft love had me scream-crying into a pillow. She is my precious baby, and I will defend her at all costs.
I feel similarly towards Evadne, a widow thrown onto Medusa's island for not mourning her terrible husband. She was so interesting to me because I didn't know her in the way I knew Medusa before reading Statues Crumble. I have a basic understanding of popular Greek mythology, and I had no problems following along with the story. Statues Crumble is definitely accessible for readers with any amount of knowledge about Medusa and the other Greek myths. I highly recommend this!!
Thank you to the author for my e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since the novella takes place on a remote island, there are few characters, but the characters we meet are phenomenal. Medusa and Evadne each have their own traumas, and they help each other heal throughout the story. Watching Medusa learn to trust again and realize that she is deserving of a soft love had me scream-crying into a pillow. She is my precious baby, and I will defend her at all costs.
I feel similarly towards Evadne, a widow thrown onto Medusa's island for not mourning her terrible husband. She was so interesting to me because I didn't know her in the way I knew Medusa before reading Statues Crumble. I have a basic understanding of popular Greek mythology, and I had no problems following along with the story. Statues Crumble is definitely accessible for readers with any amount of knowledge about Medusa and the other Greek myths. I highly recommend this!!
Thank you to the author for my e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
I received an ARC copy of Statues Crumble and I can firmly say it is among my top 3 books of 2025.
Everything about this book has been so pleasant and healing for me, especially as a fan of Greek Mythology. In the myths I know, Medusa was assaulted by a god and then punished by a goddess who wanted to be one of the boys (props if you know who I'm referring to). And that history is referenced in this book.
Medusa deserved so much better and L. V. Brooks gave it to her in Evadne. Evadne is tenderness and wildfire all rolled into one. The prefect mix of sugar and spice to lovingly remind Medusa of her worth. Her gentleness, patience, and intentional care warmed even my cynical heart.
The author's writing style brought emotion and a visceral reality to Medusa's struggles in a way that brought tears to my eyes. And Evadne's fire, mischief and mirth made me belly laugh more times than I can count.
So, if you're looking for a cozy, tenderness-infused, lesbian love story that makes you long for an epic love of your own, I would highly recommend Statues Crumble.
Everything about this book has been so pleasant and healing for me, especially as a fan of Greek Mythology. In the myths I know, Medusa was assaulted by a god and then punished by a goddess who wanted to be one of the boys (props if you know who I'm referring to). And that history is referenced in this book.
Medusa deserved so much better and L. V. Brooks gave it to her in Evadne. Evadne is tenderness and wildfire all rolled into one. The prefect mix of sugar and spice to lovingly remind Medusa of her worth. Her gentleness, patience, and intentional care warmed even my cynical heart.
The author's writing style brought emotion and a visceral reality to Medusa's struggles in a way that brought tears to my eyes. And Evadne's fire, mischief and mirth made me belly laugh more times than I can count.
So, if you're looking for a cozy, tenderness-infused, lesbian love story that makes you long for an epic love of your own, I would highly recommend Statues Crumble.
October 4, 2025
Oh, another one to add to my "I adored this" pile.
"'I hate you,' Medusa said, but it sounded like please. All I could do was grin. 'No, I don't think you do.'"
I expected more dark and gritty with a Medusa retelling, and while there are some dark themes, that is not the words I would use to describe this. I would use: Swoony, Romantic, Steamy, Lovely and any variation first and I am so so so in love with this story for that reason. I was working overtime highlighting passage after passage that just had me melting because the feelings were jumping right off the page. It's the ultimate sapphic grumpy x sunshine tale, with Medusa having all her walls sky high, and Evadne was the perfect partner to break them down because she never saw the monster the world had made Medusa, instead she saw a woman that she could love.
My one complaint? I wasn't ready for it to end. If you've ever wondered what it would be like if someone was able to look past the hurt and anger that was inflicted on Medusa and show love instead, this is the book for you.
"'I hate you,' Medusa said, but it sounded like please. All I could do was grin. 'No, I don't think you do.'"
I expected more dark and gritty with a Medusa retelling, and while there are some dark themes, that is not the words I would use to describe this. I would use: Swoony, Romantic, Steamy, Lovely and any variation first and I am so so so in love with this story for that reason. I was working overtime highlighting passage after passage that just had me melting because the feelings were jumping right off the page. It's the ultimate sapphic grumpy x sunshine tale, with Medusa having all her walls sky high, and Evadne was the perfect partner to break them down because she never saw the monster the world had made Medusa, instead she saw a woman that she could love.
My one complaint? I wasn't ready for it to end. If you've ever wondered what it would be like if someone was able to look past the hurt and anger that was inflicted on Medusa and show love instead, this is the book for you.
October 7, 2025
Spicy. Sapphic. Snakes. Oh my!!
I'm a total sucker for anything Medusa, and this novella was a beautiful, unique take on her story. Medusa has been living alone on her island with her stone statues of all the men who have come to her shores. Then, a woman named Evadne is sent to the island. Evadne has been blinded, so she does not fall victim to Medusa's snakes. Medusa is shocked to find a woman and, for the first time in a long time, finds herself wanting to have human connection and perhaps begin to heal from her pain.
This was a beautiful novella, and I would love to read more from this author. Loved the writing and the story was told with a lot of heart. I especially loved how the writing depicted not just the emotions and actions of Medusa, but also her snakes, like they were all their own individual characters. It reminded me of Stone Blind with its unique points of view. This short story is available on Kindle Unlimited and is definitely worth the read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. Release date 10/7/225.
OUT NOW.
I'm a total sucker for anything Medusa, and this novella was a beautiful, unique take on her story. Medusa has been living alone on her island with her stone statues of all the men who have come to her shores. Then, a woman named Evadne is sent to the island. Evadne has been blinded, so she does not fall victim to Medusa's snakes. Medusa is shocked to find a woman and, for the first time in a long time, finds herself wanting to have human connection and perhaps begin to heal from her pain.
This was a beautiful novella, and I would love to read more from this author. Loved the writing and the story was told with a lot of heart. I especially loved how the writing depicted not just the emotions and actions of Medusa, but also her snakes, like they were all their own individual characters. It reminded me of Stone Blind with its unique points of view. This short story is available on Kindle Unlimited and is definitely worth the read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. Release date 10/7/225.
OUT NOW.
September 30, 2025
I want to start by saying I enjoyed the story and thought the author had a wonderful writing style that flowed really well and made it very easy to keep flipping to the next page (metaphorically cause I read it on my kindle lol) I liked the characters, and the sweet moments they had together and thought that overall the story was really nice and showed how healing love, gentleness and understanding can be.
My only negative with this, is that I wish it were longer and fleshed out more. The Author is a great writer and could have EASILY made this a longer story by adding more details to their character development and love story. Like I would have easily read 400-600 pages of these characters and loved every second of it. Which I understand that not everyone has time to constantly be writing 600 page books so really this negative is me selfishly wanting more of these characters and story!
Anyways, loved everything else and will be jumping in to more from this author!
My only negative with this, is that I wish it were longer and fleshed out more. The Author is a great writer and could have EASILY made this a longer story by adding more details to their character development and love story. Like I would have easily read 400-600 pages of these characters and loved every second of it. Which I understand that not everyone has time to constantly be writing 600 page books so really this negative is me selfishly wanting more of these characters and story!
Anyways, loved everything else and will be jumping in to more from this author!
Read
October 3, 2025I received this book as an ARC.
This book is a Medusa retelling with a sapphic love story between Medusa and a blind woman.
This book has spice. I was warned it had spice. I do not like spice but I also didn't want to pass up on a sapphic retelling of medusa.
The first half of this book was mostly not spicy but then it started getting spicy and since I wasn't enjoying at all, I just decided to stop reading. I have no idea what is in the second half of the book.
Anyway, if you don't like spice, don't read this book.
Also, if you like slow burn? This book is not for you either. If you like for people to get know each other and become friend before they become lover? Not happening here.
The caracters don't know each other, they have been on the same island for only 3 days and they go straight from stranger to lusting about each other.
Anyway, not rating this book since it obviously wasn't for me and I didn't read more than 50% of it
This book is a Medusa retelling with a sapphic love story between Medusa and a blind woman.
This book has spice. I was warned it had spice. I do not like spice but I also didn't want to pass up on a sapphic retelling of medusa.
The first half of this book was mostly not spicy but then it started getting spicy and since I wasn't enjoying at all, I just decided to stop reading. I have no idea what is in the second half of the book.
Anyway, if you don't like spice, don't read this book.
Also, if you like slow burn? This book is not for you either. If you like for people to get know each other and become friend before they become lover? Not happening here.
The caracters don't know each other, they have been on the same island for only 3 days and they go straight from stranger to lusting about each other.
Anyway, not rating this book since it obviously wasn't for me and I didn't read more than 50% of it
October 7, 2025
**ARC REVIEW**
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay wow. As a fan of mythology based stories I ADORED this book. It gave Medusa a new story instead of just a retelling. It imagines an end for her that’s free of pain, and is instead a soft ending where love is present again before her end (WELL DESERVED)
The story had me absolutely enamoured from the start. The writing style was very new to me, where I could see the author was still trying to find her style.
My heart broke over and over again for Medusa in this Novella, her pain was so well written. And her path of healing was so real it hurt my soul. It perfectly portrays how a sexual assault survivor is mostly afraid to open up and receive affection. It’s a much more softer depiction of Medusa than what we normally see in the media, making you feel perfectly what was intended. Grief, empathy, happiness for the healing journey. Basically it’s well worth a 5 star LOL I RECOMMEND!!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay wow. As a fan of mythology based stories I ADORED this book. It gave Medusa a new story instead of just a retelling. It imagines an end for her that’s free of pain, and is instead a soft ending where love is present again before her end (WELL DESERVED)
The story had me absolutely enamoured from the start. The writing style was very new to me, where I could see the author was still trying to find her style.
My heart broke over and over again for Medusa in this Novella, her pain was so well written. And her path of healing was so real it hurt my soul. It perfectly portrays how a sexual assault survivor is mostly afraid to open up and receive affection. It’s a much more softer depiction of Medusa than what we normally see in the media, making you feel perfectly what was intended. Grief, empathy, happiness for the healing journey. Basically it’s well worth a 5 star LOL I RECOMMEND!!!!
September 25, 2025
wow wow wow!!!! where do i even begin?!
this book was beautiful and devastating all at the same time and i’m just, in awe.
the story of Medusa is so tragic and heartbreaking and there is so much injustice to her life, but then sweet Evande is thrown up on her shore and two strong woman who have been broken down for years (centuries even) are stuck co-existing. how are they stuck? how did Evande not get turned to stone? Read it and find out!
as Medusa and Evande start to open up and trust each other? good grief i was emotional.
there was so much love, support between these two in such a short book. i am truly a wreck. but in the best way possible.
thank you L.V. Brooks for letting me read this masterpiece early. i truly can not wait to force my book club to read this once it’s out!!
this book was beautiful and devastating all at the same time and i’m just, in awe.
the story of Medusa is so tragic and heartbreaking and there is so much injustice to her life, but then sweet Evande is thrown up on her shore and two strong woman who have been broken down for years (centuries even) are stuck co-existing. how are they stuck? how did Evande not get turned to stone? Read it and find out!
as Medusa and Evande start to open up and trust each other? good grief i was emotional.
there was so much love, support between these two in such a short book. i am truly a wreck. but in the best way possible.
thank you L.V. Brooks for letting me read this masterpiece early. i truly can not wait to force my book club to read this once it’s out!!
October 12, 2025
Statues Crumble is the Medusa story I didn’t know I needed. What is the Gorgon - fearsome, terrible, the most elusive of foes - to do when the newest challenger sent to her island is not a criminal in search of redemption but a blinded, beautiful widow?
Alternating POV chapters weave together a narrative of two women scarred in their own ways by the caprices of others. As the days unfold, something grows between them and reminds them and the reader that healing is always possible…even if it appears in unexpected ways.
The story moves quickly and avoids over-complication; in fact, Brooks makes a point to emphasize Medusa over the myth surrounding her. The gods are not important on this island, only Medusa and Evadne and their stories.
Note: Thanks to L.V. Brooks for the free advance copy of this book!
Alternating POV chapters weave together a narrative of two women scarred in their own ways by the caprices of others. As the days unfold, something grows between them and reminds them and the reader that healing is always possible…even if it appears in unexpected ways.
The story moves quickly and avoids over-complication; in fact, Brooks makes a point to emphasize Medusa over the myth surrounding her. The gods are not important on this island, only Medusa and Evadne and their stories.
Note: Thanks to L.V. Brooks for the free advance copy of this book!
September 25, 2025
TLDR: This is a great book and I’ve already recommended it to 2 of my friends.
I loved this book. The way the author treated sensitive topics in the book was both well done and refreshing. I loved that there was no point where miscommunication played a part in the conflicts in the book. I also loved the way she combined the tenderness of the characters with the sex scenes. I have so many lines highlighted in this book because it feels like poetry or things worth quoting again. It may be short but I truly fell in love with Medusa and Evadne. The ending of the book also reminded me of the same way Miyazaki films end - not with a flash forward but with a serene finish of the story the author meant to tell. It left me with the warm and fuzzies.
I loved this book. The way the author treated sensitive topics in the book was both well done and refreshing. I loved that there was no point where miscommunication played a part in the conflicts in the book. I also loved the way she combined the tenderness of the characters with the sex scenes. I have so many lines highlighted in this book because it feels like poetry or things worth quoting again. It may be short but I truly fell in love with Medusa and Evadne. The ending of the book also reminded me of the same way Miyazaki films end - not with a flash forward but with a serene finish of the story the author meant to tell. It left me with the warm and fuzzies.
October 4, 2025
🌶🌶🌶
I am absolutely SWOONING over this sapphic retelling of Medusa. OH MY GODS. This sweet, spicy, heartache filled novella was absolutely beautiful. The prose were so lyrical and poetic. I absolutely loved way everything from scenery, to emotions, to spice was so viscerally described and explored.
The story telling was immaculate and breathtaking. Once I picked this book up I did not want to put it down. I am blown away by the authors ability to write such a detailed and emotionally charged story in so few pages. This is an incredible example of how to write a novella that packs a punch and explores mythology retelling with twist that will leave you aching for more.
I will remember this perfect little novella for years to come. This author just became an instant favorite for sure.
I am absolutely SWOONING over this sapphic retelling of Medusa. OH MY GODS. This sweet, spicy, heartache filled novella was absolutely beautiful. The prose were so lyrical and poetic. I absolutely loved way everything from scenery, to emotions, to spice was so viscerally described and explored.
The story telling was immaculate and breathtaking. Once I picked this book up I did not want to put it down. I am blown away by the authors ability to write such a detailed and emotionally charged story in so few pages. This is an incredible example of how to write a novella that packs a punch and explores mythology retelling with twist that will leave you aching for more.
I will remember this perfect little novella for years to come. This author just became an instant favorite for sure.
October 6, 2025
✨ARC Review ✨
“Statues Crumble” by L.V. Brooks is a hauntingly beautiful sapphic reimagining of the Medusa myth. A short but powerful story of survival, defiance, and the quiet power of love blooming in the ruins of cruelty.
This novella was lyrical and healing, every sentence carrying the weight of history and the softness of something new. It’s Medusa and Evadne’s story, two women finding love, safety, and connection in a world ruled by men and gods who would rather see them broken than free. Their love feels like rebellion and sanctuary all at once.
Brooks writes with both rage and tenderness, reclaiming Medusa’s story and giving her the peace, passion, and love she’s always deserved. I devoured it in one sitting and wanted more. I want the whole world for Medusa and Evadne 🫶🏻
“Statues Crumble” by L.V. Brooks is a hauntingly beautiful sapphic reimagining of the Medusa myth. A short but powerful story of survival, defiance, and the quiet power of love blooming in the ruins of cruelty.
This novella was lyrical and healing, every sentence carrying the weight of history and the softness of something new. It’s Medusa and Evadne’s story, two women finding love, safety, and connection in a world ruled by men and gods who would rather see them broken than free. Their love feels like rebellion and sanctuary all at once.
Brooks writes with both rage and tenderness, reclaiming Medusa’s story and giving her the peace, passion, and love she’s always deserved. I devoured it in one sitting and wanted more. I want the whole world for Medusa and Evadne 🫶🏻
October 11, 2025
The modern Medusa retelling that my heart needed
I love twists on familiar stories, and Greek mythology is no exception. When I saw this book pop up on my feed, I immediately preordered it and I am SO glad I did.
I’m trying to find the words for this one and I am at such a loss. The banter, the heart, the YEARNING??? In a novella?? HOW?!
~
“Medusa made a strangled noise. “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
“Because you didn’t kill me,” I answered cheerily. “And also because your snakes have been spooning me all night, and honestly? That feels more like flirting than murder.”
The Gorgon made a sound like she was about to self-implode.
~
I love this version of Medusa and I’m obsessed with Evadne. Theirs is a story of heart, healing, and heat that I will be thinking about forever.
I love twists on familiar stories, and Greek mythology is no exception. When I saw this book pop up on my feed, I immediately preordered it and I am SO glad I did.
I’m trying to find the words for this one and I am at such a loss. The banter, the heart, the YEARNING??? In a novella?? HOW?!
~
“Medusa made a strangled noise. “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
“Because you didn’t kill me,” I answered cheerily. “And also because your snakes have been spooning me all night, and honestly? That feels more like flirting than murder.”
The Gorgon made a sound like she was about to self-implode.
~
I love this version of Medusa and I’m obsessed with Evadne. Theirs is a story of heart, healing, and heat that I will be thinking about forever.
November 27, 2025
ARC read -
10/10 I’m obsessed with this story!! It hits a spot in my heart that keeps Greek myths a big part of my personality.
The story of Medusa is iconic and powerful, but it is always overshadowed by the stories of the male heroes and how they defeated an evil monster…. This story has a fresh sapphic take on the story and turns her struggle into a strength. There is great representation throughout the book.
While I loved the new take on Medusa’s fate, the greedy part of me thinks the story could have been longer, with more information on how the fate of this new story changes the Greek story and gave us the happy ending we have always wanted for Medusa.
‼️ Thank you to the author for allowing me to read it early, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
10/10 I’m obsessed with this story!! It hits a spot in my heart that keeps Greek myths a big part of my personality.
The story of Medusa is iconic and powerful, but it is always overshadowed by the stories of the male heroes and how they defeated an evil monster…. This story has a fresh sapphic take on the story and turns her struggle into a strength. There is great representation throughout the book.
While I loved the new take on Medusa’s fate, the greedy part of me thinks the story could have been longer, with more information on how the fate of this new story changes the Greek story and gave us the happy ending we have always wanted for Medusa.
‼️ Thank you to the author for allowing me to read it early, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
October 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this novella. Everyone knows the tale of Medusa, and this is one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching twists of the tale I've ever experienced. Also, so unique in its story of two women wronged, hurt, and their journeys as they begin to heal together. It's beautiful and had me in tears multiple times. And, it's one of the few books I've had to clutch to my chest and just be with when it ended. I'm ordering a physical copy as soon as I can so I can have it in my collection, because this is definitely a reread for me in the future. Thank you, L V, for seeing us. My semi-broken and painfully healing soul needed this story.
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