I, Medusa - Ayana Gray

I, MEDUSA

AYANA GRAY

*****

Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else's story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents-both gods, albeit minor ones-she dreams of leaving her family's island for a life of adventure. So when she catches the eye of the goddess Athena, who invites her to train as an esteemed priestess in her temple, Meddy leaps at the chance to see the world beyond her home.

In Athens' colourful market streets and the clandestine chambers of the temple, Meddy flourishes in her role as Athena's favoured acolyte, getting her first tastes of purpose and power. But when she is noticed by another Olympian, Poseidon, a drunken night between girl and god ends in violence, and the course of Meddy's promising future is suddenly and irrevocably altered.

Her locs transformed into snakes as punishment for a crime she did not commit, Medusa must embrace a new identity-not as a victim, but as a vigilante-and with it, the chance to write her own story as mortal, martyr, and myth.

Exploding with rage, heartbreak, and love, I, Medusa portrays a young woman caught in the cross currents between her heart's deepest desires and the cruel, careless games the Olympian gods play.

MY REVIEW

*****

Stories retelling ancient myths from a more modern and often feminine perspective are quite popular at the moment. I really enjoyed ‘Aphrodite’ by Phoenicia Rogerson recently, and when I saw ‘I, Medusa’ by Ayana Gray which promises to tell the untold story of Medusa, the monster of legend, I was so excited to start reading it!

Meddy has always lived sheltered on an island with her parents and immortal sisters, until she gains the attention of Goddess Athena who asks her to move to Athens to become a Priestess. What evil lurks in the alleys of the busy city, and how much is Meddy willing to sacrifice for what she believes is moral and good?

I completely devoured I, Medusa and finished it in just one day. It is well written, and I immediately felt sympathy for the somewhat naïve girl who didn’t understand how the world worked but still always wanted to do the right thing to help people – even when that had consequences for her. The book seamlessly incorporates characters from the Greek myths – from Hermes to Athena and Zeus to Poseidon. There’s a glossary at the beginning to explain who everyone is, but you will perhaps get more out of it if you already know the stories of the Gods and some of the legends surrounding them.

This is one of those stories which fills you with feminine rage at how women in history were treated and dismissed and some of the moments felt mirroring to events going on today. When Meddy is cursed - her locs turned into snakes and her eyes able to turn people to stone, we understand her rage at those around her, and we empathise with that. I also enjoyed how much Meddy’s locs are such a focal point of the story, which makes her transformation especially tragic. It also brings a new dynamic to the myths and makes them accessible to a wider audience.

From the first chapter we are introduced to the fully transformed monster of legend, but most of the story is her origin story – she doesn’t get cursed until around 70% of the book. I think her ending was a little rushed, although I’m glad it was covered as I was a little unsure it was going to be before I started the epilogue! In my opinion, the blurb of the book gives a little too much away and I recommend just going in blind with whatever version of the story you think you know in your head. I appreciated the authors notes talking about the different versions of Medusa from history, and what different storytellers had added to the myth throughout the ages.

Overall, I, Medusa is a brilliant read and a Kindig Gem for me for 2025 – a fresh retelling of a fascinating myth about a layered and interesting character. Thank you to NetGalley & Bonnier Books UK – Zaffre for the chance to read the ARC in exchange an honest review.

LINKS TO BUY

Amazon UK Waterstones