5++ stars for Taking Medusa by S.M. McCoy #romanticfantasy #medusa #ku #bookreview
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  • N. N. Light
    • Oct 10, 2023
    • 3 min read

5++ stars for Taking Medusa by S.M. McCoy #romanticfantasy #medusa #ku #bookreview



Title: Taking Medusa

Author: S.M. McCoy

Genre: Romantic Fantasy Adventure, Greek Mythology Retelling


Book Blurb:


My blood can cure death, but it can also be the deadliest poison on Earth, and the gods will try to kill me just for existing.


Hades wants me to join him. Zeus is still bitter about an age-old prophecy that the dark gods, the monsters of Tartarus, will rule Olympus. And Poseidon is the key to everything, maybe even my heart, but his son, Triton, rules Atlantis, and I accidentally killed his daughter, Coraline.


All I know for certain is the gods have mistreated us ‘monsters’ long enough, and I’m yanking through the ribbons of fate to change my history before I’m beheaded all over again.


My name is Alessandra, most call me Aless, and I had no idea my family was more than just superstitious, they were hiding me from the gods, and lying about who I was.


I was Medusa.


And now that the gods have found me… I’m destined to die.


My Review:


Think you know Greek mythology? After reading this book, you’ll discover the real story behind Medusa. I admit, I love Greek mythology. What I love even more is this imaginative retelling of Medusa. It has everything an immersive romantic fantasy adventure ought to have: engaging characters, gods and goddesses playing with people’s lives, and a love so great and powerful, it defies prophesy.


It starts and ends with the world-building. S.M. McCoy takes the myth of Medusa, spins it on its head, and modernizes it for today’s readers. She incorporates so many layers to her world, it’s a pleasure to read. The best part is the consistent continuity throughout the tale. Impressive.


The characters’ names may be familiar to you, but these characters are original and such a joy to read. I truly loved seeing Aless’ eyes open to who she is and what is happening around her. I connected with her and found myself rooting for her. The rest of the characters are written so well, they leap off the page.


I have to talk about the writing for a moment. I’ve read a lot of Greek mythology retellings and most of them are mediocre. Taking Medusa is addictive and plunges the reader into the story. Sure, the author uses certain writing techniques to accomplish this feat but it’s not apparent to the reader. The story flows seamlessly and without flaws. I am able to suspend belief and transport into the story. Brilliant from start to finish, I can’t wait to read it again.


My Rating: 5++ stars


Buy it Now:

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited!








Author Biography:


S.M. McCoy is a mom of two tiny humans in training, narrates audiobooks for fantasy/sci-fi indie authors, and when she isn’t writing (which is MOST of the time) you can find her consuming copious amounts of coffee, promoting indie authors, reading alien smut, fantasy, sci-fi and romance books, chowing down on Indian butter chicken, and when she actually hangs out with people in person, in real life, outside of the internet, (gasps) she’s playing board or card games. All around nerd, lover of the strange, and all things fantastical.


Social Media Links:



Reviewed by: Nancy

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