Quick Synopsis – Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else’s story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents—both gods, albeit minor ones—she dreams of leaving her family’s island for a life of adventure. So when she catches the eye of the goddess Athena, who invites her to train as an esteemed priestess in her temple, Meddy leaps at the chance to see the world beyond her home.

In the colorful market streets of Athens and the clandestine chambers of the temple, Meddy flourishes in her role as Athena’s favored acolyte, getting her first tastes of purpose and power. But when she is noticed by another Olympian, Poseidon, the course of Meddy’s promising future is suddenly and irrevocably altered.

Song This Reminds Me Of – Rise Up by Audra Day

Date Released – Nov. 18, 2025

Bookshop Link – I, Medusa by Ayana Gray

Content Notes – This is a heavy book. There is on page sexual assault, rape, violence against women, domestic violence, misogyny, classism, sexism, and racism.

Spicy Rating – 🌶️

Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5

Review – I feel like this book should be required reading. It is so breathtakingly heartbreaking. If you cannot stomach books with a lot of violence against women, do not read this book.

Many people have heard the tale of Medusa and how she became a gorgon. But this book really immerses you in the world of Medusa. Even the women who have power are still beaten down by the men around them. Medusa grows up as the only mortal child of two primordial sea Gods. She grows up in a fairly sheltered house, witnessing her drunken mother and volatile father try to play politics with the new Olympians. When Medusa turns 17 her parents decide that it’s time for their daughters to be married off. Medusa quickly realizes that there is a lot of violence in the world. Especially against women, celestial or not. When she gets the chance to join Athena’s temple as priestess, she jumps at the chance.

This book really encapsulates rape culture and how both men and women perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Even the all-powerful Athena views Medusa more as a pawn or an object to be used. When Medusa is taken advantage of, instead of taking her side, Athena strikes her down. There are multiple instances in the book where Medusa is filled with fury for the way others are treated and other people keep trying to convince Medusa that’s just the way the world is. I could read this book over and over because it is so devastating and well written. It really reminds me of Song of Achilles, you know this book is going to hurt your feelings, but you read it any way.

If you like Greek Myths, I feel like you’ll love this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.