Fantasy published by Harper 07 Feb 23
Natalie Haynes is probably my favorite Greek mythology retelling author. I loved A Thousand Ships, and Stone Blind is even better. She bounces around between multiple players, each with a distinct voice and personality.
With this tale we get Medusa’s side to the story. Perseus isn’t the hero we always thought he was, and we get a front row seat to all the gods’ pettiness. What I love most about Natalie’s retellings is the sarcasm of certain characters. The dry wit is perfect and keeps me thoroughly entertained.
You’d think it’d be weird to get POV from olive trees and snakes, but, nope, makes the story even more engrossing. If you love Greek mythology retellings like The Song of Achilles, Circe, or A Thousand Ships, you need to add Stone Blind to your collection immediately!
Grade: A
Summary:
They will fear you and flee you and call you a monster.
The only mortal in a family of gods, Medusa is the youngest of the Gorgon sisters. Unlike her siblings, Medusa grows older, experiences change, feels weakness. Her mortal lifespan gives her an urgency that her family will never know.
When the sea god Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athene’s temple, the goddess is enraged. Furious by the violation of her sacred space, Athene takes revenge—on the young woman. Punished for Poseidon’s actions, Medusa is forever transformed. Writhing snakes replace her hair and her gaze will turn any living creature to stone. Cursed with the power to destroy all she loves with one look, Medusa condemns herself to a life of solitude.
Until Perseus embarks upon a fateful quest to fetch the head of a Gorgon . . .
No excerpt available.
