Medusa – A Love Story By Sasha Summers

Loves Of The Olympus Series By Sasha Summers: Medusa – A Love Story

Name of the author: Sasha Summers

Name of the publisher: Crescent Moon Press

ISBN: 978-1-937254-51-3

E-ISBN: 978-1-937254-52-0

Format: Amazon Digital Services, Inc

Disclaimer:  I received an electronic copy of this book in exchanged of my honest review. This review is a part of the blog Enchantress of Books Blog Tours is organizing a Birthday Bash Party for "Medusa (Loves of Olympus, bk #1)" by Sasha Summers.

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The Book Blurb....

It's said love can change a person. Medusa wasn't always a monster... Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She's no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. When Olympus frees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves... and curses her as the creature with serpent locks. Ariston goes to war with a full heart... and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her. Poseidon will use Greece's war to get what he wants: Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.

The Story...

When I started reading this book images of Uma Thurman was playing havoc in my inner mind. How the hell should I read a novel where the main protagonist has snakes dancing on her head, who is evil personified? Then Sasha Summers presents Medusa- A love story where she comes out as a beautiful priestess of Athena, whose beauty not only captures the eye of  mortals but also the Gods of Olympus.

She was not born a Goddess and due to circumstances is turned into a monster. Till now, even when I had read that it was a curse which had turned her such, I always thought she enjoyed turning people into stones. Medusa the evil woman was replaced by Medusa the wronged one.[If I had to go through what she went through, I would happily be turning every man to stone and then chipping them off- and the Gods would be part of my sculpture collection too!!]

Medusa was given to Athena to serve as her priests because her father had flooded the olive orchard of Athena. [What a way of life for the young child, not being given a choice of how to lead her own life!!] But she fulfilled all her duties with devotion and love. And then she met Ariston- a soldier of Athena, a guard for the priestess.

Medusa’s beauty was captivating and Ariston fell in love with her. But both of them knew their limitations and never crossed the line. Medusa had to remain chaste, not even a touch of a man was tolerated by Athena and after serving like that for many years, she was given the freedom for two days to lead her life as she wanted to. She chose to follow her heart.

What happens after that forms the core of the tragic tale of Medusa's lifestory. How Poseidon becomes the part of the love story and how Athena rewards her followers makes you wonder are we mortals so bad after all? Do the Gods have no responsibility at all? 

What I liked...

The relationships. They formed the core of this novel. Whether between the sisters of Medusa or between the two lovers – each had a place in the novel. Nothing was forced. The flow of the story kept me going[ Did I tell you I finished his book without taking a break and my DH did all the cooking :)] Well, to put it delicately-the power of the Gods was awesome and I found a writer whose books would always be a part of my collection. It was so damn interesting. [Need to freeze up some casseroles for the next book]

I loved the way Poseidon feels true love washing over him when he washed over the two lovers on the beach. It was the lover's feeling which is depicted through Poseidon’s emotional turmoil. Beautifully depicted, Sasha!

I also loved the way how the two lovers, Medusa and Ariston, worked towards keeping each other safe even without meeting each other. Such a tragedy to be a slave to another being's [even if he or she is a God] wrath or desire.

But mostly what I loved is the mythbuster that Medusa is all evil. The way she felt after she turned her first victims to stone was so unlike the image of Medusa, I had in mind.

What I didn’t like...

Nothing that I would want to change. Yes I am a Greek mythology nerd and I did watch Percy Jackson at least 12 times. So when I got to read a different version of Medusa, I lapped it up. Medusa is projected so beautifully not only physically but also in thoughts. Of course I did not like P……..[Sorry could not help it but I am sure after you read this book you all would agree with me. He is evil or what?] 

Ratings...

Reasoning....

The completeness of the story, the tragedy of the two lovers and the emotional battles fought in this story along with the real battles have all be very well justified. Sasha Summers has done a good research for this book and there is no question that is left unanswered by the author.

Author Bio...

Sasha is part gypsy. Born June 9, 1974, stories have always played an important role in her life. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Meet Sasha Summers at:

Website|Twitter|Facebook|Goodreads|Pininterest|YouTube

Author Interview...

Tell us about your book?

SS: Medusa, A Love Story is what happens before the known Medusa/Perseus myth. We all know the snake-haired witch story... I wanted to understand why.

How did you come up with the title?

SS: I loved the contradiction. Medusa - Love? Wait, what?

What books have influenced your life ?

SS: WOW - that’s a tough question. Everything from Watership Down to Barbara Cartland to George Orwell to Diana Gabaldon, I’d love to think my story’s might touch reader.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

SS: Honestly, no. My mom has some stories from when I was little, so I guess I’ve been writing for longer than I remember. :)

Who designed the covers?

SS:  Jeannie Ruesch - love my covers.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

SS: The end. I was so torn. You don’t want to disappoint readers but you can’t change established mythology - or at least I couldn’t.

Do you have any advice for other new writers?

SS: Keep at it and write the story in your heart. Also, pay close attention to any contracts you’re offered, make sure it’s good for you and your story.

Do you ever experience writer's block?

SS:  YES. I’ve been in a drought for about four months now and it really bites! But, I’m on the mend and the words are flowing. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen again for a long long long long time. :) Actually, I’d be fine if I never had it again.

Do you write an outline before every book you write?

SS: Not really. I make notes and, as the story develops, a sort of outline takes place. But I’ve learned that if I try to plot too much of the story before I’m writing it, I get stuck or feel stifled.

What are your expectations for the book?

SS: I’d just love for more readers to discover Medusa, A Love Story. I’ve been really pleased with the response it’s received - I hope that continues.

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A Rafflecopter Giveaway:

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The Giveaway Prizes :) Grab it Readers.....

1. Autographed copy of “Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus Series, Bk #1)”
2. Autographed copy of “For the Love of Hades (Loves of Olympus Series, Bk #2)”
3. Thea (owl) Necklace
4. “Medusa” car charm
5. Series Swag