I have to admit—I’m a huge fan of science fiction. So when I picked up Medusa’s Sisters by Lauren J. Bear, I was excited. It’s actually one of the first sci-fi books I’ve read in a long time, and honestly, it reignited my joy for reading.
Before diving into the book, let’s talk about Medusa. Most of us know her as the snake-haired monster from Greek mythology whose gaze could turn anyone to stone. But here’s the thing—Medusa wasn’t always a monster. Originally, she was a beautiful mortal woman. Her transformation came after an encounter with Poseidon in Athena’s temple, which enraged the goddess and led to Medusa’s curse. Eventually, Perseus famously beheaded her using a mirrored shield to avoid her deadly gaze.
That’s the version we all grew up with. But Medusa’s Sisters tells a much richer, more nuanced story—and here’s the twist: it’s told entirely from the perspective of her sisters, not Medusa herself. That alone makes this book fascinating.
Did you know Medusa wasn’t an only child? I didn’t! She was actually one of three sisters—triplets, in fact. The others were Stheno (the oldest) and Euryale (the middle). This revelation adds so much depth because sibling bonds are powerful, complicated, and consuming. And yet, we rarely hear about them in mythology.
Medusa was the only mortal among the three, which made her life fragile from the start. In fact, her mother tried to discard her at birth because she wasn’t immortal. One of her older siblings saved her, and that moment set the tone for the entire story. It’s heartbreaking, but it also makes you root for Medusa from page one.
The book paints vivid portraits of each sister:
- Stheno, the protector, carries the weight of responsibility. She narrates much of the story with hindsight and regret, reflecting on how her choices shaped their fate.
- Medusa, the youngest, is radiant—not just in beauty but in spirit. She’s kind, warm, and courageous, but her innocence makes her vulnerable.
- Euryale, the middle sister, is complex. Vain and craving attention, she envies Medusa—not out of malice, but from a longing to shine in her own light.
Their journey takes them from adolescence and adventure to Athens, where everything changes. Stheno discovers music and a sense of self beyond her role as protector. Euryale explores her sensuality and grapples with her desires. Medusa, ever curious, spends time at Athena’s temple—setting the stage for tragedy.
The book doesn’t shy away from the darker truths of Greek mythology. The gods were cruel, capricious, and obsessed with mortals. When Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athena’s temple, it’s not just an act of violence—it’s a power play meant to humiliate Athena. And Athena’s response? She punishes Medusa, not Poseidon. Out of hurt and pride, she transforms all three sisters into Gorgons.
From there, the story becomes even more poignant. Isolation strains their bond. Stheno feels guilt for failing to protect Medusa. Euryale resents her for the curse that destroyed her dreams of love and family. And Medusa—well, we know how her story ends, slain by Perseus in a mission born of spite.
But what makes Medusa’s Sisters so compelling is how it reframes everything we thought we knew. It’s not just a tale of monsters and heroes—it’s a story about family, love, envy, and survival. It gives voice to characters who were silenced for centuries.
If you love mythology, strong character dynamics, and stories that challenge the old narratives, this book is a must-read. It’s haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable.
In everything I read and watch, I always find pieces of myself in the story—and this book was no exception. In fact, I related to all three sisters in different ways, both good and bad.
Stheno reminded me of my own sense of duty. As a mother, sister, and daughter, I often feel the weight of responsibility. Like Stheno, I want to protect and provide for those I love. But her story is a warning: don’t lose yourself in duty. Sometimes, we need to pause, breathe, and be a little selfish—to smell the roses before life passes us by.
Euryale’s journey hit close to home when I thought about love and relationships. Her hunger for attention and affection blinded her to manipulation and selfish motives. Unlike Stheno, Euryale shows us the cost of too much self-focus—it breeds envy, resentment, and lust. Her bitterness strained her bond with her sisters, and that resonated with me. I’ve learned that unchecked emotions can damage relationships. Yet, Euryale’s redemption—becoming a mother and finding grace—was inspiring. It reminded me that growth is always possible.
Medusa, though, taught me the hardest lesson: naivety can be dangerous. She lived in her own world, open-hearted and trusting, and people adored her for it. But her innocence cost her everything—her life, her sisters’ freedom, their happiness. I, too, tend to live in my own universe, and her story was a wake-up call to stay aware of what’s happening around me. While my experiences weren’t identical, I’ve faced betrayal and trauma born from misplaced trust. Medusa’s fate reminded me that awareness is just as important as kindness.
Books like this may be fiction, but the truths they explore are deeply human. The only difference is that fiction isn’t bound by reality—it can dive deeper into emotions and consequences. And that’s why I adore stories like Medusa’s Sisters: they entertain, but they also teach.
I encourage you to read Medusa’s Sisters and share your thoughts. Which sister did you relate to most? What lessons did you take away?
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