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Reviewed by Adrian Bouknight for Readers' Favorite
Medusa: Her Story by Cheryl L-G Trent is an origin story for the Greek legend of Medusa. This narrative follows Mehdi, a woman of unparalleled beauty, as she comes of age in the patriarchal society of ancient Greece. Beginning in adolescence, Mehdi's life is marked by men attempting to claim her as their possession. As an adult, Mehdi acquires the power to shapeshift into a serpent and can turn men to stone upon gazing into their eyes. Once Mehdi has this power, she takes on the identity of Medusa. Then, in a quest for justice, she seeks revenge against all men who had previously wronged her and becomes a protector of women facing abuse and mistreatment. On her journey, Mehdi encounters allies and adversaries in Greek mythology and is challenged by supernatural conflicts in her efforts to achieve peace and equality for women.
Medusa: Her Story by Cheryl L-G Trent has a well-structured plot. Themes such as systemic inequality and sexism are just as significant today as they were in ancient Greece. The narrative is well-paced. Events involving love and hate are amplified by the supernatural influences of the Olympians and Titans. These qualities play out well in Mehdi's unrelenting love for Alexios, a key figure in her life, and her extreme hatred of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This creates an exciting tale of passionate interactions and intense combat. Despite being controversial, the underlying themes of the inequality of women and sexual abuse are tastefully presented, making these challenging themes comfortably approachable throughout the story.