Genre: Fantasy/Mythology/Historical
Release Date: February 21st, 2023
Pages: 304
Publisher: Penguin Group Dutton
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“Nationally bestselling author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative and female-centered reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, told through the voices of three women who are sidelined in the traditional version—his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda—but whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all.
Danae: Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, the king of Argos, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone in a remote fishing village. It’s a harsh new world for a young woman who grew up as a coddled princess, and forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.
Medusa: As a member of a reclusive band of women who live deep in the woods, known as the Gorgons, Medusa has eschewed all contact with the outside world. That is, until the day she finds an injured boy named Perseus in the forest.
Andromeda: When a harsh sandstorm threatens to destroy her nomadic desert tribe’s way of life, Andromeda knows that a sacrifice will be required to appease the gods and end the storm. But when a forceful young Perseus interferes, Andromeda’s life is set on an entirely new path.
As Perseus becomes increasingly obsessed with the promise of his own destiny, his heroic journey casts a shadow of violence and destruction across all three women’s lives. But even as he tries to silence them, the women may find that reclaiming their voices is their only hope for lifting themselves into a better future.”
My Review:
This is a new version of the mythological tale of Perseus. Traditionally painted as a great hero, this story brings new light, or rather darkness, to the legend of Perseus.
It is told from the perspective of three influential women throughout his life: his mother, Danae; the monster, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda.
These three characters are illustrated in unique ways as they fight for their voices to be heard in a male-dominated society. As Perseus’s obsession with his destiny that an oracle foretold, he becomes more violent and destructive, a detriment to everyone around him and even himself.
I love mythology-based fantasy; it’s one of my favorite sub-genres. And this one delivered in every way I could have hoped for.
The trend of bringing women in Greek myths to the forefront of the story is such an intriguing concept and brings so much more depth to these stories and fables.
All three women are wonderfully endearing, even if hopelessly tragic. The story is deeply emotional and will have you wishing to provide encouragement and support to these women.
The writing and prose are precise yet exceptionally sweeping, without feeling pretentious or academic. The imagery is a vividly crafted experience that will transport you into the story.
The author forgoes the more fantastical elements from these tales. She leaves us with a note that details her thorough research with the intention of creating a story that is depicted as historically accurate as possible.
It really made the characters’ lives feel real and believable as to what they would have been like during the time period. I really enjoyed this narrative decision because it made the experience of the story more gritty and authentic.
This book had me hooked and I loved every minute of it. I highly recommend this one to readers of all genres. I think everyone will find something they love about this story.
It is definitely a five-star read for me and I can’t wait to see what this author blesses us with next!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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