If I say I got signed up for this book just because of the blurb you can take it to heart. Me and mythology? We have never mixed well.

Still, even I know of Medusa – at least the basics.  Beyond that I knew nothing.  I didn’t know the original mythology or the reworking by Ovid (some of those old tales disgusted me when I checked on them after reading this book), I only knew what we all knew.

Medusa.   With the ‘hair’ and the turning people to stone.

Sasha Summers created out of old sexist mythology a tale that I could truly enjoy.  Medusa and Ariston were characters I fell in love with and got invested in.  Their love transcended duty and grew out of true affection.  They could not even touch each other for the first portion of the book.

By the time I got halfway through the book I became so enraptured with the love of the two that I didn’t want to go on.  Things were happy, things were beautiful – why on earth would I want to see the hell that would occur?  War, betrayal, and the eventual curse?

I did push through and I’m glad I did.  The ending brought everything to a satisfying conclusion and even though I still could care less for most of the Gods – the mortal beings were wonderful to behold.

Because I insist on being honest in my reviews I do have to comment on the one thing that bothered me and occasionally pulled me out of the story.  The frequent hard breaks and back tracking to switch POV’s in a chapter (or in a scene) wore on me after a time.  I also love to know what everyone is thinking, but not at the expense of losing the flow of what I’m reading.  Sasha hints in her epilogue at another story in this mythological world and I hope that this is addressed – because books like hers may be the only way I actually manage to learn any mythology at all.

My final ruling?  4 stars out of 5.

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[amazon_link id=”B007WSV5JI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Medusa A Love Story[/amazon_link]
By Sasha Summers 

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. WhenOlympusfrees 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 useGreece’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.

book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90fH7xoZiCo

 

Excerpt:

“You asked for an audience, you have it. Now tell me, where do you belong?” Hades’ voice was deep, emotionless.

Ariston swallowed. “Athens.” He met Hades’ gaze, but the God revealed nothing to him.

“Why? You died with honor and glory. Is that not what every soldier wants?”

“My wife…” His voice wavered.

Hades brow lifted slightly. “Lives. You do not.”

“She is in danger.”

“Earthly danger. She is no longer your concern, Ariston.”

“The danger she faces is not earthly, but far from it…” Ariston’s voice was hoarse, his desperation mounting. He took a wavering breath before he began again. “She is everything to me. I am proud of my death, but it means nothing if she is in peril. I must know.” Ariston kneeled. “I beg you. I beg you to return me toAthens.”

Ariston waited, willing himself to be strong.

“Who is this wife?” Hades asked.

“Medusa ofAthens.” He paused. “Now ofRhodes.”

Hades was silent, his dark blue eyes regarding him steadily.

“When I die—” Ariston began.

“You are dead,” Hades assured him.

“When I return…die again, I would serve as guardian to Tartarus. I am a skilled warrior, a skill I might offer you.” He spoke with confidence.

“You vex me,” Hades muttered, the slightest crease appearing between his eyes. “You offer this to me for a woman?”

Ariston nodded. “She is worthy.”

Hades was silent again, his eyes shifting to the blue-white flames in the massive

fireplace.

“My words do not…adequately express the love I have for this woman. But I cannot leave her. She is at risk. I must return.” The words came without thought. How could he justify such emotion to a God who reviled affection or companionship? “AsOlympushas my arm and sword, she has my heart – a mortal, and perhaps weak, heart.”

The room was silent for too long. He would have to fight his way out…

“It is a weakness not reserved for mortals alone, Ariston of Rhodes.” Hades’ words were so soft Ariston feared they’d not been spoken. But Hades continued, strong and clear. “I will return you to your ship so that you may lead your men to victory. Too many have fallen from this war and I would see it end. When that is done, you may go to your wife.” He paused then added, “When you return to my realm, I will have your fealty.”

The God of the Underworld, Lord of Death, gave him mercy? Mayhap there was one God he might serve with honor.

Ariston vowed, “You have it.”

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Author Bio:

Sasha Summers is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books visit times past, set in places rich with legends and myth. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ (original title, right?), 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.

Sasha is an active member of RWA and several Texas Chapters. A self-proclaimed movie-addict, she is full of all sorts of useless movie tidbits and trivia. 

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Webpage: http://www.sashasummers.com