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| Cover Art: Jeannie Reusch |
Let me begin with the cover art, which I found haunting and
full of hidden secrets. The dead vines
that grace the background look like barbwires.
They’re not, but it gave me that feeling of danger, keep out. The grey to white background alludes to a
veil between worlds or cloudy mist. The other objects,
snakes, pedestal and a muscular leg in stone keeps in line what we already know
about Medusa. At the top of the image, a plaque of a God stares out ever vigil to the
unfolding of the story. The beauty of
the cover art is its simplicity and subtleness to foreshadow what is to come.
Sasha Summers has weaved a story full of Greek and Roman mythology,
historical events in keeping with that time and lush settings that I could
almost touch.
It’s a story of Medusa before snakes crowned her head. A time before the Gods cursed her. This story carves out a new twist to the old
myth that belongs to Medusa. It’s a
story of pure love between Medusa and Ariston, the lust of Poseidon for Medusa
and duty to the Gods and family. The
richness of the story belongs to the words chosen by Summers to push the
emotions of the reader, to elicit a feeling of being there in her world. There
are moments where the pace slowed to describe the setting, but all in all it’s
a enchanting read and drew me in. If you
love mythology and romance this is a book for you.
Blurb: Medusa A Love Story by Sasha Summers
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.
Format: Kindle and Paperback
Pages: 294
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
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 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."
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.
Twitter: @sashawrites
Do you have a favorite myth that you loved to see another
side to it?
Till later,
Elizabeth
WINNER to last week's giveaway of Sandy Hunter's Elanraigh - The Vow is Kayle Allen. Congratulations Kayle.
WINNER to last week's giveaway of Sandy Hunter's Elanraigh - The Vow is Kayle Allen. Congratulations Kayle.
Please note Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of Medusa A Love Story from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obligated to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
1 comment:
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing Medusa, A Love Story. I am so happy you enjoyed the book. Have a great weekend!
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