Hello everyone! Today, I am hosting Promo and my Review of Sasha's Summer's Medusa, A Love Story. Oh my goodness, let me say first, this was impossible to put down...you have to read my review below, as I know I'm so tempted to write more right here, about how creative and...here I go again :) Anyways, you will see a Blurb below to get an idea what this story is about; a book trailer (sneak peak!); Excerpt; Author Bio and her links, so now continue to read below please :)
Praise:
"This tragic and beautiful retelling of one of the world's oldest stories tackles the eternal battle between duty and happiness. Medusa, A Love Story broke my heart then filled in the cracks with joy. Sasha Summers is simply a mesmerizing new talent." ~Stephanie Dray, Author of the critically acclaimed Song of the Nile
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.
Book Trailer:
Excerpt! (This is pretty good)
“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 to Athens.”
Ariston waited, willing himself to be strong.
“Who is this wife?” Hades asked.
“Medusa of Athens.” He paused. “Now of Rhodes.”
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? “As Olympus has 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.”
(End Of Excerpt)
My Review:
This was a beautiful written story! I loved reading it, I did! Summers has a wonderful talent; as she writes a story, a love story, that did take my breath away, yes I say it. It has been quite a while since I have read any mythology stories, and this novel made me want to read more about the Gods including, well Poseidon; I thought he was definitely an interesting and ok well I thought he was an intriguing character in this story (but rooting for Ariston). Aside from Poseidon, there was Ariston, who was just a perfect male lead. He is a great, honorable man, who will fight for his country, his Gods, and for his Lady, Medusa. I have heard of Medusa, but not much on why or how she was cursed. Reading this, I am definitely more interested in reading about her, and the other Gods, including Hades (which the second book in this series will feature!). Anyways, the characters, all were wonderfully written, and they were just so believable. They can literally come out of the book, they were so good. The dialogue, the language, in general was phenomenal, as it felt like older language used a long time ago. This is a story filled with a rich descriptive culture, a curse, surprises (good and bad), betrayal, anger, loss, love (important component) and passion (the love scenes were beautifully and tenderly written). I do hope you read this story, which is the first book, meaning there will be probably some more. As I finished this story, I was just awe-strucked, on how I really loved this mythological, love story, and how I did want more (didn't want it to end!) but I look forward to Book 2! With this said, I do Highly Recommend this novel, and hope you buy, read it and love it as well! :)
*My Rating: 5/5
*My Audience Rating: In Between PG-13 & R
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.
Her Links:
Facebook Author Page:
Twitter: @sashawrites
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing Medusa, A Love Story. It was a work of heart, so it means a great deal to know the story is touching readers hearts. I am so glad you enjoyed the book and truly thrilled that you recommend it!
ReplyDeleteI loved your story. It was just wonderful, and I definitely look forward to the second book in the series! :)
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