Today I''m bringing you my five star review of Heather Lyons new book, The Deep End of the Sea! This is the story of Medusa, but in a way you've never read before!
Synopsis
What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?
Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.
But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.
My Review
This is the tale of Medusa. But it's not the one you're use too. No, this is a spin on Medusa's story that has heart and makes you feel for this poor ol Medusa and the struggle she went through. I will say I wasn't too familiar with her story, so as I started to read this I took a minute to read the original story. To say I was pleasantly surprised with this book would be an understatement, I was ecstatic with this retelling.
"It out to be noted I have some of the most wretched luck ever to be doled out."
Now, I'm not one to recap the story in my reviews, I feel like it takes away from reading the book so instead I'm going tell you all the wonderful things I loved about it. The first is Medusa herself. This is her story. Yes, there is a romance in it (swoon) but it's more than that. This is a story of redemption and finding you're way back to the living after being shunned for ages. Medusa has a lot to prove but underneath her worries and her fear, she is very strong. Yes, it's scary for her to try all these new things, to open herself up for these emotions she has had to keep hidden, but she does it. She takes the steps necessary to live a life worth living. And I loved watching her on this journey, finding the strength within herself.
"When I look up at him, all I can think is, he won't let me fall."
She has help along the way. Oh heeeyy there Hermes. Hermes was a character that surprised me. He was soft and kind and loving to Medusa. I was expecting that. And I guess since they have known each other for so long, their emotions made sense, how they were already kind of there. What did surprised me was how...alpha male he could get. That, I was not expecting. I mean, he is a God, I guess it makes sense. And I know he was doing it to protect Medusa. Because he does protect her, he does everything within his power for Medusa.
The other part that was real plus in this story is the talent of Heather Lyons to weave the mythology in this book so effortlessly. There is a lot to keep track of and she does so magically! I loved all the Gods and loved how they were portrayed.
The ending. Again it was a way I was not suspecting the story to go but I did enjoy it! I was so proud of Medusa and all of the things she did. She truly become a strong independent female. And one of the last scenes, where everything is coming undone, secrets revealed, it was great. I couldn't put the book down until I found out everything!!
Medusa's journey in Heather Lyon's book is a tale of love, strength, family, and overcoming the cards that have been dealt to you. I loved this book. I was different and keep you on your toes and had total swoon worthy moments where you just melt into a puddle of awwww. This is a book to pick up!
The other part that was real plus in this story is the talent of Heather Lyons to weave the mythology in this book so effortlessly. There is a lot to keep track of and she does so magically! I loved all the Gods and loved how they were portrayed.
"For the first time in two thousand plus years, time stands still. I pray it stays that way, because this moment here? Divine."
The ending. Again it was a way I was not suspecting the story to go but I did enjoy it! I was so proud of Medusa and all of the things she did. She truly become a strong independent female. And one of the last scenes, where everything is coming undone, secrets revealed, it was great. I couldn't put the book down until I found out everything!!
"Love makes every misery, every struggle, every moment of life worth it."
Medusa's journey in Heather Lyon's book is a tale of love, strength, family, and overcoming the cards that have been dealt to you. I loved this book. I was different and keep you on your toes and had total swoon worthy moments where you just melt into a puddle of awwww. This is a book to pick up!
Purchase The Deep End of the Sea
About the Author
Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.
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I've been waiting for this book to come out. I love stories with mythology intermixed. Great review, Caitlin!
ReplyDeleteGreat post thaankyou
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