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Myths of Stone #2
Rise of the Gorgon
BEING IMMORTAL IS GREAT.
Except when you’re an outcast.
Then it sucks.
It really, really sucks.
(Really).
Euryale, sister of Medusa, longs to be accepted, but no matter what she does, all she gets is more of the same: heroes who want to kill her; strangers who want to manipulate her; and gods who want to torment her.
But there’s only so much a gorgon can take.
So when Euryale finally snaps and seeks vengeance, she discovers an ancient being who offers her a way to bring all of her enemies to their knees—if she’s willing to pay a hefty price.
And for a girl who’s shunned by all, what’s one more curse to bear?
Rise of the Gorgon is the wild, adventurous sequel to The Gorgon Bride, but is also a perfect jumping-on point for new readers.
Except when you’re an outcast.
Then it sucks.
It really, really sucks.
(Really).
Euryale, sister of Medusa, longs to be accepted, but no matter what she does, all she gets is more of the same: heroes who want to kill her; strangers who want to manipulate her; and gods who want to torment her.
But there’s only so much a gorgon can take.
So when Euryale finally snaps and seeks vengeance, she discovers an ancient being who offers her a way to bring all of her enemies to their knees—if she’s willing to pay a hefty price.
And for a girl who’s shunned by all, what’s one more curse to bear?
Rise of the Gorgon is the wild, adventurous sequel to The Gorgon Bride, but is also a perfect jumping-on point for new readers.
356 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2019
46 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 22, 2019
The second book in the Gorgon series is another well crafted tale full of adventure and excitement. Just the idea to bring back the Greek Gods and have them interact with the modern 21st century world opens up myriad storylines from entertainment to sports to military.
Rise of the Gorgon brings to mind all the best aspects of Game of Thrones plus all the drama and backstabbing from an episode of The Bachelor. The author creates a plotline that is so rife with double cross on top of double cross on top of double cross on top of...that the reader will not know who is doing what to who until very late in the book. This is a mind-blowing kind of mystery/conspiracy of the first rate. With action, intrigue and suspense and yes, love, this book will appeal to anyone anywhere. An edge of your seat fantasy that even has some well placed laughs.
A super read that will keep the reader looking for more.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Rise of the Gorgon brings to mind all the best aspects of Game of Thrones plus all the drama and backstabbing from an episode of The Bachelor. The author creates a plotline that is so rife with double cross on top of double cross on top of double cross on top of...that the reader will not know who is doing what to who until very late in the book. This is a mind-blowing kind of mystery/conspiracy of the first rate. With action, intrigue and suspense and yes, love, this book will appeal to anyone anywhere. An edge of your seat fantasy that even has some well placed laughs.
A super read that will keep the reader looking for more.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
October 22, 2019
The second book in the Gorgon series is another well crafted tale full of adventure and excitement. Just the idea to bring back the Greek Gods and have them interact with the modern 21st century world opens up myriad storylines from entertainment to sports to military.
Rise of the Gorgon brings to mind all the best aspects of Game of Thrones plus all the drama and backstabbing from an episode of The Bachelor. The author creates a plotline that is so rife with double cross on top of double cross on top of double cross on top of...that the reader will not know who is doing what to who until very late in the book. This is a mind-blowing kind of mystery/conspiracy of the first rate. With action, intrigue and suspense and yes, love, this book will appeal to anyone anywhere. An edge of your seat fantasy that even has some well placed laughs.
A super read that will keep the reader looking for more.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Rise of the Gorgon brings to mind all the best aspects of Game of Thrones plus all the drama and backstabbing from an episode of The Bachelor. The author creates a plotline that is so rife with double cross on top of double cross on top of double cross on top of...that the reader will not know who is doing what to who until very late in the book. This is a mind-blowing kind of mystery/conspiracy of the first rate. With action, intrigue and suspense and yes, love, this book will appeal to anyone anywhere. An edge of your seat fantasy that even has some well placed laughs.
A super read that will keep the reader looking for more.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
October 20, 2019
Rise of the Gorgon - a review by Rosemary Kenny
I absolutely adore Galen Surlak-Ramsey's take on/the characters in his re-imagination of Ancient Greek myths and legends, with Euryale (the eponymous Gorgon) starring alongside husband Alex, a human/hero who's immune to attack by enemies, their twins Ario and Cassandra, (who turn out to have supernatural powers of their own), an unusual - to say the least - change in the 'frenemy' status between Euryale and Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and the latter's lover Ares the God of War. Epic battles are fought, involving all the above plus the pantheon of gods on Olympus and sinister spider demi-goddess, Arachne and Aphrodite's cuckolded husband, Hephaestus, (God of the Forge and weapon-maker to the gods). Meanwhile, Zeus, (Aphrodite's Dad( and his fellow-gods are betrayed and poisoned by a very unexpected adversary, before joining the final battle.
Huge battles ensue, meaning Euryale and her family must risk all to support Zeus and his daughters, against those whose power may now have become strong enough to overcome and destroy their loved ones. The story is appealing and engaging on so many levels you definitely won't want to miss it.
Grab your copy today & tell all your friends about Rise of the Gorgon, by Galen Surlak Ramsey too!
I absolutely adore Galen Surlak-Ramsey's take on/the characters in his re-imagination of Ancient Greek myths and legends, with Euryale (the eponymous Gorgon) starring alongside husband Alex, a human/hero who's immune to attack by enemies, their twins Ario and Cassandra, (who turn out to have supernatural powers of their own), an unusual - to say the least - change in the 'frenemy' status between Euryale and Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and the latter's lover Ares the God of War. Epic battles are fought, involving all the above plus the pantheon of gods on Olympus and sinister spider demi-goddess, Arachne and Aphrodite's cuckolded husband, Hephaestus, (God of the Forge and weapon-maker to the gods). Meanwhile, Zeus, (Aphrodite's Dad( and his fellow-gods are betrayed and poisoned by a very unexpected adversary, before joining the final battle.
Huge battles ensue, meaning Euryale and her family must risk all to support Zeus and his daughters, against those whose power may now have become strong enough to overcome and destroy their loved ones. The story is appealing and engaging on so many levels you definitely won't want to miss it.
Grab your copy today & tell all your friends about Rise of the Gorgon, by Galen Surlak Ramsey too!
November 16, 2019
An action packed and humorous page turner!
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if the Greek Gods existed in present time? Well, apparently I am not the only person who has thought about that because here we have an amazing book that gives us a picture of what that would look like! The Goddess of love creating a dating app? Ares owning the NFL? Why the heck not? But what happens when the things from ancient myths come back to haunt them?
At first we are in Elysium with Euryale (Medusa’s sister) as she tries to hunt a chimera before Perseus (yeah THAT Perseus) and his hunting party get it. Unfortunately for Euryale she can’t kill him for revenge BUT she can certainly embarrass him, and that she does! Anyway, back to why I adored this book! All of the characters were amazing. At first I thought Aphrodite was a bit annoying but her character development was amazing. I was happy to see that the female characters were just as strong in their own right! Euryale and Aphrodite weren’t just there for Alex and Ares to save them….they were out trying to solve the riddle of who was trying to over throw the gods and destroy the world!
The pacing of this book was excellent! I will admit the first couple of chapters were a little slow, but once the big bad was introduced it was nonstop fun. I loved meeting the different gods and creatures in this book and I enjoyed the back and forth between Aphrodite and Euryale. You have this amazingly gorgeous goddess and a gorgon literally stuck together for a portion of the book. In the beginning I hated Aphrodite and how she treated Euryale, but things change for the better.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and was glad that even though it was book 2 in the series, I didn’t feel lost. There were times that I did laugh out loud and moments where I had goose bumps. Let’s just say there was a moment where a monster was charging at Euryale’s twins and what happened next gave me goosebumps. And of course after those events were over there was a moment of laughter. It was a lot of fun stepping back into the world of Greek myths and legends. They were my favorite stories growing up and this book did a great job reminding me why. If you are looking for a fun and adventurous fantasy novel with Greek Gods, this is the book you are looking for.
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if the Greek Gods existed in present time? Well, apparently I am not the only person who has thought about that because here we have an amazing book that gives us a picture of what that would look like! The Goddess of love creating a dating app? Ares owning the NFL? Why the heck not? But what happens when the things from ancient myths come back to haunt them?
At first we are in Elysium with Euryale (Medusa’s sister) as she tries to hunt a chimera before Perseus (yeah THAT Perseus) and his hunting party get it. Unfortunately for Euryale she can’t kill him for revenge BUT she can certainly embarrass him, and that she does! Anyway, back to why I adored this book! All of the characters were amazing. At first I thought Aphrodite was a bit annoying but her character development was amazing. I was happy to see that the female characters were just as strong in their own right! Euryale and Aphrodite weren’t just there for Alex and Ares to save them….they were out trying to solve the riddle of who was trying to over throw the gods and destroy the world!
The pacing of this book was excellent! I will admit the first couple of chapters were a little slow, but once the big bad was introduced it was nonstop fun. I loved meeting the different gods and creatures in this book and I enjoyed the back and forth between Aphrodite and Euryale. You have this amazingly gorgeous goddess and a gorgon literally stuck together for a portion of the book. In the beginning I hated Aphrodite and how she treated Euryale, but things change for the better.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and was glad that even though it was book 2 in the series, I didn’t feel lost. There were times that I did laugh out loud and moments where I had goose bumps. Let’s just say there was a moment where a monster was charging at Euryale’s twins and what happened next gave me goosebumps. And of course after those events were over there was a moment of laughter. It was a lot of fun stepping back into the world of Greek myths and legends. They were my favorite stories growing up and this book did a great job reminding me why. If you are looking for a fun and adventurous fantasy novel with Greek Gods, this is the book you are looking for.
October 28, 2019
Rise of the Gorgon was a fun read for anyone who loves stories revolving around Greek mythology. I've always loved stories of Greek mythology and Galen writes an entertaining story about the every day lives of these gods, demigods and creatures.
Having not read the first book in the Myths of Stone series (yet), I wasn't sure how easy it would be to jump into the middle of the story. Turns out, it was no trouble at all. Galen does a great job of filling in all the necessary details that you need to jump in here and continue with the story. You'll want to go back and read the first book if you enjoy this one, but this book could be read on its own also.I loved Euryale's struggle to find acceptance, which is a theme most people can relate to easily, even if the details are based in mythology. The characters were fun to read about and trying to unravel the mystery in this book will keep you guessing.
If you like mythological stories, I feel this book is a no-brainer to read. I'm definitely looking forward to checking out the first book in the series and will be anxiously awaiting the third in the series as well. I'm enjoying Galen's stories. They have a great mix of humor and adventure and the books have a decent length to them.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Having not read the first book in the Myths of Stone series (yet), I wasn't sure how easy it would be to jump into the middle of the story. Turns out, it was no trouble at all. Galen does a great job of filling in all the necessary details that you need to jump in here and continue with the story. You'll want to go back and read the first book if you enjoy this one, but this book could be read on its own also.I loved Euryale's struggle to find acceptance, which is a theme most people can relate to easily, even if the details are based in mythology. The characters were fun to read about and trying to unravel the mystery in this book will keep you guessing.
If you like mythological stories, I feel this book is a no-brainer to read. I'm definitely looking forward to checking out the first book in the series and will be anxiously awaiting the third in the series as well. I'm enjoying Galen's stories. They have a great mix of humor and adventure and the books have a decent length to them.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 29, 2019
I had been seeing the cover of The Gorgon Bride, the predecessor to this book, for a while. When this one came out, I jumped at the chance to read it. You do not NEED to have read the other book, first, as this one stands alone. But it might help to set the scene, as there are references to the prior story, and it would help to know not only the cast of characters, but some of their backstory, as well.
I have read other books by this author and he is a really good story-teller. THIS book is much like a Greek epic, in the same general ballpark of an Odyssey or Iliad. In fact, Odysseus is mentioned in THIS book, a number of times. I was going to dock the Author for including him. I always understood Odysseus to be fully human, in a ginormous struggle against the Olympian gods. When I did a bit of research on this, though, there was speculation that he was a demigod, at least. So no points docked for that.
This was a good story, and VERY different than a lot of other books I read. Anyone with an interest in the Greek gods would enjoy it, as well as those who like mythology, epics and good storytelling.
In the interest of full disclosure, I did receive an ARC of this story. This review represents my genuine opinion of the book, after reading it, in its entirety.
I have read other books by this author and he is a really good story-teller. THIS book is much like a Greek epic, in the same general ballpark of an Odyssey or Iliad. In fact, Odysseus is mentioned in THIS book, a number of times. I was going to dock the Author for including him. I always understood Odysseus to be fully human, in a ginormous struggle against the Olympian gods. When I did a bit of research on this, though, there was speculation that he was a demigod, at least. So no points docked for that.
This was a good story, and VERY different than a lot of other books I read. Anyone with an interest in the Greek gods would enjoy it, as well as those who like mythology, epics and good storytelling.
In the interest of full disclosure, I did receive an ARC of this story. This review represents my genuine opinion of the book, after reading it, in its entirety.
October 29, 2019
BEING IMMORTAL IS GREAT.
Except when you’re an outcast.
Then it sucks.
It really, really sucks.
(Really).
Euryale, sister of Medusa, longs to be accepted, but no matter what she does, all she gets is more of the same: heroes who want to kill her; strangers who want to manipulate her; and gods who want to torment her.
But there’s only so much a gorgon can take.
So when Euryale finally snaps and seeks vengeance, she discovers an ancient being who offers her a way to bring all of her enemies to their knees—if she’s willing to pay a hefty price.
And for a girl who’s shunned by all, what’s one more curse to bear?
Rise of the Gorgon is the wild, adventurous sequel to The Gorgon Bride, but is also a perfect jumping-on point for new readers.
This was a great fun read.
Greek mythology has been brought into the 21st century.
Well written plot and story line that was fun and engaging.
Characters are very well written and fleshed out well.
This is the second in the series but there is enough backstory done that you can easily pick up and not be left out.
Really enjoyable read!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Except when you’re an outcast.
Then it sucks.
It really, really sucks.
(Really).
Euryale, sister of Medusa, longs to be accepted, but no matter what she does, all she gets is more of the same: heroes who want to kill her; strangers who want to manipulate her; and gods who want to torment her.
But there’s only so much a gorgon can take.
So when Euryale finally snaps and seeks vengeance, she discovers an ancient being who offers her a way to bring all of her enemies to their knees—if she’s willing to pay a hefty price.
And for a girl who’s shunned by all, what’s one more curse to bear?
Rise of the Gorgon is the wild, adventurous sequel to The Gorgon Bride, but is also a perfect jumping-on point for new readers.
This was a great fun read.
Greek mythology has been brought into the 21st century.
Well written plot and story line that was fun and engaging.
Characters are very well written and fleshed out well.
This is the second in the series but there is enough backstory done that you can easily pick up and not be left out.
Really enjoyable read!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
October 22, 2019
This is a whole new take on the old Greek myths that have been told for centuries. The story revolves around a gorgon and her husband, and the jealousy and exclusion shown by the Olympians. Even though Euryale is a demi-god, she is looked upon as not much more than dirt under their feet. When a power coup is being planned and her family is threatened, it becomes time for Euryale to shed her human veneer and let the Gorgon loose. After all, a gorgon can only stand so much.
I never thought that I could feel anything other than disgust or hatred for a gorgon. But Euryale is such a sensitive creature that I couldn't help pulling for her. Any creature that puts her family's safety and well being before her own is all right in my book!
I received an ARC of this book, but I review books because I want to. I hope that the author continues this series as it is so different than anything else I have read. And I loved it!!
I never thought that I could feel anything other than disgust or hatred for a gorgon. But Euryale is such a sensitive creature that I couldn't help pulling for her. Any creature that puts her family's safety and well being before her own is all right in my book!
I received an ARC of this book, but I review books because I want to. I hope that the author continues this series as it is so different than anything else I have read. And I loved it!!
September 1, 2020
First off, I just want to say that this is a beautiful cover, it’s the first thing that caught my attention. This was such a great read, it made me remember how much I love Greek mythology and Surlak-Ramsey did an amazing job at storytelling and character development. I really enjoyed his take on bringing old characters into the present, it was very fun to see.
Once I got into the book, the pacing was good, no lagging once we are set in the story.
I had not realized this was the second book, however I did not feel lost at all, the backstory is there. I look forward to reading more from this author and series.
Thank You to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once I got into the book, the pacing was good, no lagging once we are set in the story.
I had not realized this was the second book, however I did not feel lost at all, the backstory is there. I look forward to reading more from this author and series.
Thank You to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2019
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was easy enough to get into but staying involved was a bit difficult.Very interesting take on the Gods and Goddesses. I enjoyed reading about them in this unique manner and how all their stories intertwined in some way or another. Was not looking to read so much about all of them, more just wanting Eurie and Alex. I understand that to have their story the others were needed, but I will not be continuing if there is more
This was easy enough to get into but staying involved was a bit difficult.Very interesting take on the Gods and Goddesses. I enjoyed reading about them in this unique manner and how all their stories intertwined in some way or another. Was not looking to read so much about all of them, more just wanting Eurie and Alex. I understand that to have their story the others were needed, but I will not be continuing if there is more
November 3, 2019
I absolutely loved this brilliant and amusing book about the trials of Medusa’s sister’s life and her evolving relationship with Aphrodite as they are forced to work together to save the world. Trust, betrayal, intrigue, bullies, family dysfuntion (understatement), friendship, courage, forgiveness, sacrifice, hope, and love are some of the underlying themes in this wonderful, modern day, mythological adventure. I warmly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I was given a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I was given a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
January 25, 2020
BEING IMMORTAL IS GREAT.
Except when you’re an outcast.
Then it sucks.
It really, really sucks.
A re-telling of a mythological classic, the Rise of the Gorgon utilises all the best parts of mythology to create a novel that is enjoyable from start to finish. Grasping the reader firmly as they're taking on a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, dynamic relationships, and the idea of immortality that you don't want to have. A breath of fresh air in an otherwise over-saturated genre-niche.
Except when you’re an outcast.
Then it sucks.
It really, really sucks.
A re-telling of a mythological classic, the Rise of the Gorgon utilises all the best parts of mythology to create a novel that is enjoyable from start to finish. Grasping the reader firmly as they're taking on a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, dynamic relationships, and the idea of immortality that you don't want to have. A breath of fresh air in an otherwise over-saturated genre-niche.
October 22, 2019
Greek Gods and modern people! What a combination. It is a fun read. This is the continuation of Euryale and Alex's story in the Myths of Stone series. Poor Euryale and Alex can't catch a break and the Gods are forever crossing and double-crossing each other. This is a much better book than the first and I am looking forward to see how things work out.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2020
As a fan of Greek Mythology, I thought, a book about a gorgon, that’s new. I didn’t have a chance to read the first book in this series, so I was a little concerned about missing something important, but the author did a nice job of summing things up. It was easy to get into, plenty of comedy to break up the story, but the middle lagged a little for me. Once the bad guys were revealed though, it ramped back up. One of my favorite parts was when Euryale brought home a pet. What her kids did when they were threatened by the bad guys was great though. I loved that. Overall, an entertaining story and I would most likely go back to the first book and see what I missed too. I received an eaudiobook arc in exchange for my unbiased review.
May 6, 2020
A decent read
This is a solid story that reminds us what assholes the Greco-Roman pantheon were, while letting the downtrodden make good.
Amusingly, the author seems to have recently fallen in love with the word 'purfle'.
In any case, the writing flows well and there are practically no glaring spelling or grammar errors, making this a relaxing read in that regard.
This is a solid story that reminds us what assholes the Greco-Roman pantheon were, while letting the downtrodden make good.
Amusingly, the author seems to have recently fallen in love with the word 'purfle'.
In any case, the writing flows well and there are practically no glaring spelling or grammar errors, making this a relaxing read in that regard.
July 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book a lot. I didn't want it to end, it was funny , it had a love story and also adventure in it. I certainly hope a third book in this series comes out. I think there is more to the characters stories. I would like to know what happens to Alex and Euryale now that Euryale has a throne in Olympus.
November 8, 2019
This was an exciting story. While I did not know it was the second in a series till about half way in. it is very stand alone. I was not lost even when they referenced the other one. I love that the gods are in modern times and that we get to see them kind of vulnerable while people are getting tired of their self righteousness and want them to pay for the things that have done.
July 17, 2020
I really enjoy the Gorgon series, I loved the first book so I was excited to read the second one. This didn't disappoint it had what I liked about the first and improved on it. I hope there's more in the series.
dnf
October 22, 2019DNF - Abandoned, just not for me.
March 25, 2022
another fun book in the Gorgon series
July 14, 2025
Even better then the first one!
September 14, 2025
I was very entertained.
February 27, 2021
I love Euryale as the main character of this story just as much as I loved the Gorgon Bride. Reading this second book in the Stone Myth series, I am even more convinced they would be excellent movies, especially this second book. Being cast as one the two heavy female roles, Euryale or Aphrodite, that can kick the ass of any creature in their way (god, monster, or even titan) would be an extraordinary feat and a huge feather in any actresses cap!
I love the way the author relays information as well. Instead of always just describing things that are happening, he adds in a bit of playfulness by allowing the readers to figure it out by action. A very successful way to pull the reader in to bond with the characters and the story. Thanks for a delightfully told story. It certainly has made me eager to read the next episode - On to A Storm of Blood and Stone: Myths of Stone Book 3!
I love the way the author relays information as well. Instead of always just describing things that are happening, he adds in a bit of playfulness by allowing the readers to figure it out by action. A very successful way to pull the reader in to bond with the characters and the story. Thanks for a delightfully told story. It certainly has made me eager to read the next episode - On to A Storm of Blood and Stone: Myths of Stone Book 3!
November 9, 2019
Rise of the Gorgon (Myths of Stone Book 2) continues the story of The Gorgon Bride. It is essentially the story of Greco-Roman gods living contemporary lives in Elysium and Earth. The story does not take itself too seriously which adds an appropriate amount of lightness to the material and makes the characters and plot a lot more tolerable and enjoyable.
The primary protagonist is Euryale, Medusa’s sister. Medusa was murdered and Euryale holds a grudge against the Olympian that murdered her along with the other Olympians on the island who seem to not care that Medusa was murdered. This barely contained rage drives her actions and is the cause of the various situations she finds, or places, herself in throughout the book. Alex, her husband and an Olympian, is always there to support her.
There are a lot of plotlines and characters to follow but the author does an excellent job of making it easy to keep track of who is doing what and why. This is quite the feat considering the scope of the story and number of characters involved. Despite being one who does not know, or at least doesn’t remember, much about the Greco-Roman gods, it was not difficult to follow or understand the motivations behind each character.
This is a fun story with lots of interesting characters. The idea to place ancient gods in modern situations makes for an interesting setting and keeps things fun. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book with a sense of humor and memorable characters.
The primary protagonist is Euryale, Medusa’s sister. Medusa was murdered and Euryale holds a grudge against the Olympian that murdered her along with the other Olympians on the island who seem to not care that Medusa was murdered. This barely contained rage drives her actions and is the cause of the various situations she finds, or places, herself in throughout the book. Alex, her husband and an Olympian, is always there to support her.
There are a lot of plotlines and characters to follow but the author does an excellent job of making it easy to keep track of who is doing what and why. This is quite the feat considering the scope of the story and number of characters involved. Despite being one who does not know, or at least doesn’t remember, much about the Greco-Roman gods, it was not difficult to follow or understand the motivations behind each character.
This is a fun story with lots of interesting characters. The idea to place ancient gods in modern situations makes for an interesting setting and keeps things fun. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book with a sense of humor and memorable characters.
November 11, 2019
Ok first the good. It's very cute. Fun, light, and sure to delight if you enjoyed the first.
That said, novels like this always delve into very weird territory when they deal with horribly mistreated characters. The answer always, and I've seen this from plenty of fantasy, seems to be people don't need to pay for their misdeeds and those who've suffered deserve sympathy but should not attempt to get revenge or upend a system which only benefits perpetrators. Doing so labels you a "bad guy". But really, in this greek pantheon, morality barely registers, a point which the author makes but never does anything with. The problem with this is not that the author doesn't believe in morality, the problem is that they want to have it both ways. They've created a nihilistic pantheon but somehow expects us to see right and wrong in the payoff of the story, which always feels empty exactly because no one ever really has to atone for their past crimes.
But, if you ignore that, it's worth your time.
That said, novels like this always delve into very weird territory when they deal with horribly mistreated characters. The answer always, and I've seen this from plenty of fantasy, seems to be people don't need to pay for their misdeeds and those who've suffered deserve sympathy but should not attempt to get revenge or upend a system which only benefits perpetrators. Doing so labels you a "bad guy". But really, in this greek pantheon, morality barely registers, a point which the author makes but never does anything with. The problem with this is not that the author doesn't believe in morality, the problem is that they want to have it both ways. They've created a nihilistic pantheon but somehow expects us to see right and wrong in the payoff of the story, which always feels empty exactly because no one ever really has to atone for their past crimes.
But, if you ignore that, it's worth your time.
February 16, 2020
"Rise of the Gorgon" was a humorous and a bit irreverent take on the story of the Greek gods, imagining how they would fit into the modern world, deal with the technological advancements and having to always be in the public eye.
I had a hard time getting into it at first, maybe because this is the second book of the series and I haven't read the first one, so everything seemed slightly confusing. The story picked up though and got more and more interesting towards the end. It was fast-paced and I though that the gods' characters were depicted in line with the legends that we all know about. So overall this was an ok read for me - not too complicated and with enough entertainment value to keep the reader occupied.
I had a hard time getting into it at first, maybe because this is the second book of the series and I haven't read the first one, so everything seemed slightly confusing. The story picked up though and got more and more interesting towards the end. It was fast-paced and I though that the gods' characters were depicted in line with the legends that we all know about. So overall this was an ok read for me - not too complicated and with enough entertainment value to keep the reader occupied.
November 6, 2019
The second book in the series is written more from Euryale’s perspective. It’s as fast paced and engaging as the first, bringing the Greek myths into the 21st Century. It’s a great fun read with some larger than life characters. Would definitely recommend reading The Gorgon Bride first
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