Favor of the Gods

by Ali Winters

"Like Icarus, you flew too close to the sun. Someone had to bring you back down to reality. You don’t belong with princesses, heroes, or demigods."

Ever since Medusa unwittingly crossed her school’s resident mean girl, her life has been hell.

If only she could keep her distance from Perseus who has a knack for always being in the wrong place at the right time.

But rivalry goes too far when a curse that can destroy the village is cast.

Only the favor of the gods can reverse it, but the gods are vengeful and not always forgiving.

10.8k

Genres: Audiobook, Paranormal, Mythology, Young Adult, Romance

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2018

About the author

Born and raised in the PNW, Ali Winters is a USA Today bestselling and the award-winning author of The Vampire Debt series and The Hunted series.


She’s been mesmerized by the extraordinary worlds within books for as long as she can remember. One evening an idea for a book formed and refused to leave until she wrote it. She jumped headfirst into the career that has called to her since she opened her first book. And there hasn’t been a single moment without a story begging to be told since.


Follow Ali on these platforms:

www.aliwinters.com

www.facebook.com/authoraliwinters
www.instagram.com/authoraliwinters
www.twitter.com/aliwinters_
www.bookbub.com/authors/ali-winters


Ali's Books

The Hunted series (complete)
The Reapers
The Exodus
The Moirai
The Fallen
Flirting with Death

The Hunted omnibus (complete series set)

In The End (complete)
Sound of Silence
Light in Darkness

In The End omnibus (May 2021)

Shadow World
www.thevampiredebt.com

The Vampire Debt
The Vampire Curse
The Vampire Court
The Vampire Oath
The Vampire Crown (March. 2022)
The Vampire Betrayal (A prequel/origin bonus story. Release date: TBD)

Reviews

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this twist on a classic myth! Ali Winters posses such a magical and inventive way with her words. Her stories capture you and take you hostage ♡ She's absolutely gifted and every story is such a beautiful present that gets more enthralling the more you open it ♡♡♡♡ Reading her novella about Medusa makes you feel for a creature that I never thought to feel empathy for before ♡ This is the ultimate tale of understanding a monster that most shy away from spending their reading time upon. The whole twist of our hero saving the day was such a creative turn of events!! For a whole new and refreshing view on Medusa, make sure you read this!

[Evie Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Ali Winters has been on my radar (and my Kindle) for a while now, this is the first time I've actually read (or, in this case, listened to) any of her work.

I really enjoyed it. This was a short YA paranormal romance set in the realm of the gods—an original premise for sure, and a feel-good twist on a classic myth, narrated beautifully by Sarah Puckett who really did bring these characters to life. It's short, and usually I prefer my reads a little longer for development purposes, but Winters has the pacing well and I certainly didn't feel like it was rushed.

I'm greatly looking forward to reading more.

[Amber K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favor Of The Gods by Ali Winters is a great, short read. Well written and I love the unique twist on Greek mythology. Definitely has a Mean Girls vibe to it. I always picture Medusa as the villain but after reading her pain and torment in the story, I am rooting for her and hope she gets revenge!
My only complaint, that the story was so short... I want more!!!

[Emilija · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was a really cool twist on a Greek myth. I found it to be engaging and interesting, albeit with a tiny dash of insta-love. This was well written and really enjoyable.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I listened to the audio for Favor of the Gods, and the narrator does a great job. I'd recommend listening if you can; it's a very quick listen.

In Favor of the Gods, Medusa is a teenage gorgon in a high school with other teenage mythological people, she pisses off mean girl, Andromeda, when she talks with Perseus; the guy Andromeda thinks is hers, so Andromeda makes it her mission to make Medusa's life Hell. I liked Medusa, and it was sad how she was treated! I would've liked for her to stand-up more for herself! She's too much of a pushover. I like her though. Perseus was a bit of dweeb, and it would've been good for him to man up. The story does have some sweet moments between Perseus and Medusa. This is a pretty short story, so things couldn't be fully brought to life, but I would've liked for there to be more of an ending. The ending felt unfinished to me, but the story presented was interesting, and I enjoyed it! The premise is a good one, and could've really developed to be great. Overall, the story is entertaining and the idea felt unique to me. Looking forward to more from Ali Winters!

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best way to describe Favor of the Gods was as if Means Girls met up with Greek mythology.
Medusa is staring at a new high school and without even trying to, she made enemies with the most powerful girl at her school- as well as her clique- all over the affections of an unknowing boy.
I usually don't read short stories, which this is at roughly 60 pages and 1 hour as an audiobook, but I thought the idea for this was really unique and interesting and I am always a sucker for Greek mythology.
Overall this seemed like a great idea, but I wanted more. There was just the start of world building, and just the start of developing characters, but there was not enough time for a whole lot more than starts. I would love for Ali to expand this into a full length book, I would read that in a heart beat. I think that Ali has an engaging writing style and I will for sure check out other books from her. The audiobook narrator did a really good job trying to give the characters personality, while mixing the Greek-ness and teen attitude perfectly.

[Liz H {Redd's Reads} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally listened to this audiobook and I really liked it. Seeing these mythical characters as high school students fits the overall angsty nature of the original myths while making it more accessible to modern readers. Given the shortness of this story, there isn’t much time for character development. I would have liked to see some growth in the side characters.

It was also nice to switch POV towards the end of the tale to see instead another character’s head. Even if it was a bit frustrating when the character was too clueless to put certain things together.

This was a super quick read, so if you’re looking for a quick story or a fun retelling, pick this one up!

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very unique story. I really enjoyed it. The narrator was very great as well. This is a great book for something short and sweet. Something you can listen to all in one sitting. Like while doing chores or working out. It adds a nice twist to Greek mythology as we know it.

My only critique is that it just wasn't long enough. I felt like there were many issues that should have been enhanced upon. I'd of liked to see more scenes that were mentioned or referenced but not really put in. That being said, it was great the way it was. I fully recommend.

[ME E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short retelling of Medusa. I enjoyed the almost modern day feel and atmosphere of the school. Hearing Medusa's story told like this had me emotional, rooting for her and Perseus as a couple and wanting to seek revenge on those who wronged her. I was so absorbed in this story that I was sad when it came to an end. But the good news is I loved the way it was written so much that now I am dying to read Ali Winters' other work.

[Natcole Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the concept of the story. but I hated how the main character was so weak. and I hated that the God just took one person's word for what was going on without investigating it herself. I do like that it is in a high school setting. I would love to read a series on Gods in high school.
maybe some more of a back story on the MC and main cast would have been good but it was a quick listen and you can't really cram alot into a short story.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even amongst gods and goddesses, jealousy can be found - maybe even more so than amongst mortals. And things can turn really ugly ... A beautiful way highlighting what happens at schools throughout the world, on every level. Sometimes it does take a hero to help out, but the damage done cannot always be reversed or erased.

[A Belle & A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review
5 Story
5 Performance
5 Overall

Favor of the Gods is a unique take on the early story of Medusa. I didn't think it was possible to relate to or feel sorry for Medusa but this view certainly did just that. It's Mean Girls on Mount Olympus.

The narrator, Sarah Pucket, is one of my favorites! She did a fantastic job of conveying Medusa's pain.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this auto book free by my request and I am leaving this unbiased review. Absolutely love this book! Was a very quick listen but very enjoyable. How did Medusa become how she was? That is answered in this book where you see her as a teen surrounded by others that have their heritage tied to the gods.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favor of the Gods was a good quick read by Ali Winters. Medusa is new at her school and unintentionally has made the schools mean girl angry. Everything gets worse when the mean girl goes to a god to curse Medusa. The only way to reverse the curse is to ask a favor of another god. This was a good quick read.

[Bob Platypire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible of this, and uuuuuugh I want more! I mean, the story was complete in itself, but I could have kept on reading this for much longer and not gotten tired of it! I loved the new view on Medusa's curse, thought the whole story was just wonderful.

The narrator did a wonderful job, as well!

5 Platypires to it all around!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favor of the Gods by Ali Winters was a great story! I listened to it on Audible.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
I’ve never thought of the gods or demigods of Rome having to go to high school, but why not? Loved the two main characters and how they interacted. Plot had a definite twist! I throughly enjoyed it!

[Jutta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure where this was going to go, but suddenly it all made sense as it progressed. I really enjoyed it. The characters were brought beautifully to life by Sarah Puckett and I could feel them around me as I listened. I would love this story to carry on more as I am intrigued by the characters, but saying that it is short but perfectly formed.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Medusa. This novella explains how Medusa became cursed and it is very interesting to listen to. I enjoyed it and will be looking further into this author to hopefully find more.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Morgan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic message

While seemingly fun and entertaining, the message in this short story is powerful. Ali Winters did a fabulous job bringing this into an entertaining read, rather than listening to school administrators drone on about bullying

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually one for short reads, but this was cute. I use cute as a description due to the age of the main characters. A different spin on a story we all know well. I would love to see where it goes.

[Tatenisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medusa is new at the school and unintentionally made the mean girls mad by speaking to the wrong guy. When bullying her does not work they lies to the gods who punish her by changing her. Good twist to this story.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new take on Medusa. The story line was well thought out and the characters of Medusa and Perseus flowed wonderfully. The message hidden within this story about anti- bullying was well weaved in. I hope to read more similar to this great book.

[Gizel Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

audiobook Review

Short, Bully, and Clean

A retelling of Medusa's fate.

while there's some bullying from a jealous HS setting fellow student the love interest isn't so this is more of a YA version of the Greek story.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always thought Perseus had killed Medusa, but in this story Perseus is the one to help her at least at first who knows what happens years down the track. Either way this book whilst short is an amazing quick read/listen.
Well done to Sarah for her effort in narrating this story.

[Susanne Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short story using a classic Greek myth retold in a unique way to show how dangerous bullying can be. Well done.

[Deann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was far too short. Was really starting to get into it; then it was over. Would definitely be interested in hearing more.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio : I really enjoyed this gem of a read. Was a story I wasn’t entirely sure of but was super enjoyable. Writing is fun and narrator was enjoyable to listen too.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this new twist on the tale of medusa. If you are looking for a quick listen then this one is worth checking out.

[Trish Beninato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love novels about mythology. I was able to get the on audible and couldn’t stop listening. I finished it in one evening and a little less sleep. And it was definitely worth it!

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Well written and held together. I loved how the gods are in high school and have all normal teenage emotions. Highly reccomend