Medusa's Sisters

By: Lauren J. A. Bear

Narrated by: Taylor Harvey, Zura Johnson

Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

A vivid and moving reimagining of the myth of Medusa and the sisters who loved her.

A gorgeously crafted retelling of Greek mythology, Medusa’s Sisters is a celebration of the many faces love can wear.”—BookPage (starred review)

"Perfect for fans of Circe, this is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Prepare to be enthralled!”—Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of Her Lost Words

*A BookPage Best Book of 2023: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror*

The end of the story is only the beginning....

Even before they were transformed into Gorgons, Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale were unique among their immortal family. Curious about mortals and their lives, Medusa and her sisters entered the human world in search of a place to belong, yet quickly found themselves at the perilous center of a dangerous Olympian rivalry and learned—too late—that a god's love is a violent one.

Forgotten by history and diminished by poets, the other two Gorgons have never been more than horrifying hags, damned and doomed. But they were sisters first, and their journey from lowly sea-born origins to the outskirts of the pantheon is a journey that rests, hidden, underneath their scales.

Monsters, but not monstrous, Stheno and Euryale will step into the light for the first time to tell the story of how all three sisters lived and were changed by each other, as they struggle against the inherent conflict between sisterhood and individuality, myth and truth, vengeance and peace.

©2023 Lauren J. A. Bear (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Debut novelist Bear has artfully fashioned an entrancing tale that not only perfectly captures in poetic prose both the fabled glories and gritty realities of ancient Greece, but also features a trio of sisters, who, despite being mythological beings, seem all-too real and relatable by virtue of Bear’s gift for incisive characterization."—Booklist

“Fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe will want to check out Medusa’s Sisters, a feminist take on the infamous Gorgon and her siblings Stheno and Euryale. Like the best mythological tales, Medusa’s Sisters is about more than gods and monsters, exploring the bonds of sisterhood and the quest to leave a lasting legacy.”—Parade

“Medusa’s two almost-forgotten sisters—Stheno and Euryale—come to enchanting life, telling their own stories, bound to Medusa yet separate and fiercely free to make their own destiny. Medusa’s Sisters gives us an intimate look at what it means be an immortal yet walk and live among human beings. Lyrical, exquisitely detailed, and poignant.”—Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Helen of Troy and The Confessions of Young Nero

worth a listen and\or read

I got a physical copy on a whim (I've always liked Medusa and because of a since closed app had found an appreciation for her sisters) and then saw it was here. this was amazing. it never pretended to be something it wasn't and the three women didn't knowingly either. I wish, as ever, that they would've talked more openly with each other but that could be said for everyone. beautiful and tragic. seriously this is great for all the reasons, for every detail and it's very powerful message.

If you liked “Circe” read this!

This book randomly showed up as an add on my Instagram feed, so I gave it a shot. So glad I did! So many Greek myths perfectly melded into this story. Told alternating POVs of Medusa’s two sisters. If you liked “Circe” definitely give this one a listen!

Great story

This is very well written, and it is great to get this story of medusa from this perspective.

Highly recommend

Brilliantly written! Absolutely loved the book and how beautifully this story was told. Looking forward to upcoming books from this author.

Amazing!!!

Fantastic and beautiful!
Captivating!
I found myself looking up last night to pay my respects to Orion. From one mother to an other.

Love love love

I loved this book. As someone who was nicknamed Medusa in the 5th grade because of my frizzy hair, I especially appreciated the perspective this book takes on her as a misunderstood and beautiful person. Because of the memories I have of being called Medusa, she holds a special place in my heart and now because of the insight of this book, I can allow her to stay there. I loved the sisterly dynamics and hearing the story from their side! Beautiful and sad.

A lovely ode to sisterhood

I really enjoyed this grand story, interweaving various myths into one narrative. It is a love note to having sisters, to knowing your truth, and sharing your story. The author wrote very articulately, often forcing me to look up new words. I appreciated the author’s adherence to mythological canon and ancient sources, despite the occasional flare of artistic license. I will say I was thrown by the twist involving a certain goddess. It was…interesting nonetheless! I did find Euryale insufferable, but that is part of the story. I look forward to more works by this author.

A Great ride

More about family and sisterhood,told thru the eyes of character's we think we know and understanding that mythology's relationship to woman are always told thru the eyes of men. I bet You can name the male"heroes" Hercules,Jason, to name 2, but how about any of the woman, well you can but everyone one of these woman are either killing their kids or starting wars or being beat up by the wife of the god who raped them,and no one ever seems to ask what happened to you.I really like how the mythology of the mythology is starting to change and Media's Sisters goes a long way towards helping this along,loved the narration and the great ride they have taken me on.

Torn

This book truly embraces the numerous faces and personalities women embody, highlighting the various roles they play and the societal expectations they navigate.

From the very beginning, I found myself devouring the pages. The author fearlessly confronts the labels placed on women, whether it's being regarded as a mother, manipulator, whore, wife, vengeful spirit, worrier, hag, or maid. Through the characters, we witness the struggles and triumphs of these identities, realizing that at times, women can embody all, some, or none of these labels.

At times, I must admit, the constant nagging and spitefulness between the sisters became a bit tiresome. However, I implore readers to persevere, for beneath the surface lies a profound message that unfolds beautifully. The book challenges us to confront the difficult truths that women face, and it does so unapologetically. Some parts were uncomfortable to listen to, but I believe that discomfort is crucial for understanding the voices of others, even when they are hard to hear.

Medusa Sisters, successfully captures the essence of women's struggles, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the multifaceted lives we lead. It encourages empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse experiences and emotions that women navigate daily. Great listen!

A Gripping Story!

This book was absolutely stunning! I’m probably blinded by my own bias because I’m a slut for all things Greek mythology and the story of Medusa has ALWAYS intrigued me so take what I say with a grain of salt lol

But I can honestly say this book was amazing. I was engrossed from the very first chapter and it just got more enthralling as I went along. It’s a story about things that happened centuries ago, but still told in a way that carries a very relevant message to what women are still going through today. I just absolutely love when authors are able to tell a story that leaves you completely enchanted, but also reflective. A well deserved five star rating!