Medusa – A Love Story By Sasha Summers

Loves Of The Olympus Series By Sasha Summers: Medusa – A Love Story

Name of the author: Sasha Summers

Name of the publisher: Crescent Moon Press

ISBN: 978-1-937254-51-3

E-ISBN: 978-1-937254-52-0

Format: Amazon Digital Services, Inc

Disclaimer:  I received an electronic copy of this book in exchanged of my honest review. This review is a part of the blog Enchantress of Books Blog Tours is organizing a Birthday Bash Party for "Medusa (Loves of Olympus, bk #1)" by Sasha Summers.

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The Book 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.

The Story...

When I started reading this book images of Uma Thurman was playing havoc in my inner mind. How the hell should I read a novel where the main protagonist has snakes dancing on her head, who is evil personified? Then Sasha Summers presents Medusa- A love story where she comes out as a beautiful priestess of Athena, whose beauty not only captures the eye of  mortals but also the Gods of Olympus.

She was not born a Goddess and due to circumstances is turned into a monster. Till now, even when I had read that it was a curse which had turned her such, I always thought she enjoyed turning people into stones. Medusa the evil woman was replaced by Medusa the wronged one.[If I had to go through what she went through, I would happily be turning every man to stone and then chipping them off- and the Gods would be part of my sculpture collection too!!]

Medusa was given to Athena to serve as her priests because her father had flooded the olive orchard of Athena. [What a way of life for the young child, not being given a choice of how to lead her own life!!] But she fulfilled all her duties with devotion and love. And then she met Ariston- a soldier of Athena, a guard for the priestess.

Medusa’s beauty was captivating and Ariston fell in love with her. But both of them knew their limitations and never crossed the line. Medusa had to remain chaste, not even a touch of a man was tolerated by Athena and after serving like that for many years, she was given the freedom for two days to lead her life as she wanted to. She chose to follow her heart.

What happens after that forms the core of the tragic tale of Medusa's lifestory. How Poseidon becomes the part of the love story and how Athena rewards her followers makes you wonder are we mortals so bad after all? Do the Gods have no responsibility at all? 

What I liked...

The relationships. They formed the core of this novel. Whether between the sisters of Medusa or between the two lovers – each had a place in the novel. Nothing was forced. The flow of the story kept me going[ Did I tell you I finished his book without taking a break and my DH did all the cooking :)] Well, to put it delicately-the power of the Gods was awesome and I found a writer whose books would always be a part of my collection. It was so damn interesting. [Need to freeze up some casseroles for the next book]

I loved the way Poseidon feels true love washing over him when he washed over the two lovers on the beach. It was the lover's feeling which is depicted through Poseidon’s emotional turmoil. Beautifully depicted, Sasha!

I also loved the way how the two lovers, Medusa and Ariston, worked towards keeping each other safe even without meeting each other. Such a tragedy to be a slave to another being's [even if he or she is a God] wrath or desire.

But mostly what I loved is the mythbuster that Medusa is all evil. The way she felt after she turned her first victims to stone was so unlike the image of Medusa, I had in mind.

What I didn’t like...

Nothing that I would want to change. Yes I am a Greek mythology nerd and I did watch Percy Jackson at least 12 times. So when I got to read a different version of Medusa, I lapped it up. Medusa is projected so beautifully not only physically but also in thoughts. Of course I did not like P……..[Sorry could not help it but I am sure after you read this book you all would agree with me. He is evil or what?] 

Ratings...

Reasoning....

The completeness of the story, the tragedy of the two lovers and the emotional battles fought in this story along with the real battles have all be very well justified. Sasha Summers has done a good research for this book and there is no question that is left unanswered by the author.

Author Bio...

Sasha is part gypsy. Born June 9, 1974, stories have always played an important role in her life. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ 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.

Meet Sasha Summers at:

Website|Twitter|Facebook|Goodreads|Pininterest|YouTube

Author Interview...

Tell us about your book?

SS: Medusa, A Love Story is what happens before the known Medusa/Perseus myth. We all know the snake-haired witch story... I wanted to understand why.

How did you come up with the title?

SS: I loved the contradiction. Medusa - Love? Wait, what?

What books have influenced your life ?

SS: WOW - that’s a tough question. Everything from Watership Down to Barbara Cartland to George Orwell to Diana Gabaldon, I’d love to think my story’s might touch reader.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

SS: Honestly, no. My mom has some stories from when I was little, so I guess I’ve been writing for longer than I remember. :)

Who designed the covers?

SS:  Jeannie Ruesch - love my covers.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

SS: The end. I was so torn. You don’t want to disappoint readers but you can’t change established mythology - or at least I couldn’t.

Do you have any advice for other new writers?

SS: Keep at it and write the story in your heart. Also, pay close attention to any contracts you’re offered, make sure it’s good for you and your story.

Do you ever experience writer's block?

SS:  YES. I’ve been in a drought for about four months now and it really bites! But, I’m on the mend and the words are flowing. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen again for a long long long long time. :) Actually, I’d be fine if I never had it again.

Do you write an outline before every book you write?

SS: Not really. I make notes and, as the story develops, a sort of outline takes place. But I’ve learned that if I try to plot too much of the story before I’m writing it, I get stuck or feel stifled.

What are your expectations for the book?

SS: I’d just love for more readers to discover Medusa, A Love Story. I’ve been really pleased with the response it’s received - I hope that continues.

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A Rafflecopter Giveaway:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Giveaway Prizes :) Grab it Readers.....

1. Autographed copy of “Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus Series, Bk #1)”
2. Autographed copy of “For the Love of Hades (Loves of Olympus Series, Bk #2)”
3. Thea (owl) Necklace
4. “Medusa” car charm
5. Series Swag

Death’s Servant – First Prequel Novel of the V V Inn Series- Jon’s Tale By C.J Ellison

Name of the book :      Death’s Servant

Name of the author :    C.J Ellison

Name of the publisher:Red Hot Publishing

Disclaimer:I got this book in an e mob format in exchange of my honest review.

Meet the author at: Goodreads| Website

Synopsis ...

This is the prequel of the V V Inn Series. Jonathan Winchester – a hot blooded Were decides that he wants to leave his pack and move ahead. The decision is taken out of his hand when he finds his 'mate' and his best friend cheating on him.  He leaves the pack in anger after nearly killing them and heads towards Nothern Virginia.

A part of him wanted to go and visit his parents, who thought he was dead after being attacked in his college campus. But he does not do it. The risk would put his family in danger and threaten the supernatural world to exposure.[So sad. The Humane in a wolf.]

He stops by a café where he meets the waitress,Raine. His alpha blood understands that she is the one for him. They go out for their first date where he realizes that he would want her for the long haul and decides to take things slowly. Surprisingly even when he felt that Renee is attracted towards him, she becomes aloof, to the point of reducing him to the role of a stalker.

He follows her to her place and to his horror, he finds it that she serves as  a feed for the blood sucking vampires. [Can you imagine all the supernatural talent to go for a toss if you just lose your free will and live only to serve the vampires!]

Anyways,  as luck would have it Jon is caught and his blood is drained out. But Raine saves him by giving him a special potion and helps him to escape. He goes to Washington, DC and encounters Dria and Rafe. Dria is a vampire [ for those who have not read the seriesJ] and Rafe is her mate. Now the story begins and many questions rise-  Can Dria a lone vampire manage to vanquish the cold blooded killer? Why would she agree to help Jon against her own kind? And finally, would they be able to come out unscathed after fighting with those monsters who had been sucking the werewolf blood for years?

What I liked ….

To be honest this is my first supernatural novel.The only other Supernaturals I  have read/seen are Twilight series and Harry Porter series [who hasn’t] and after I waded through all the bloodiness and furriness, I kinda got hooked on it. I would now really look forward to reading this series. And no I am not getting paid to say this ![ so stop snickering!!].

This short story had a heart. Literally,[ besides the one that is……J] There is a hidden sensitivity to the whole story. The way Jon wanted to have a permanent relation was an endearing quality about him [Learn Humans!!]  and then the relationship between Dria and Rafe- passionate, complete trust and understanding.[ any comments Humans?]

The best part was how Jon went out of his way to fight for something he truly believed in. He did not have to become a servant to Dria, just for the sake of saving those 'weres' whom he did not know also.

What I didn’t like…

Umm… if I really have to point out then maybe the fact that the scene were the vampires were drinking blood  was a bit too graphic for me. But then again this is a positive point onthe part of the writer, for C.J Ellison has created quite  vivid picture with her choice of words. Now that you got me interested in Supernatural Genre, I am ready to battle it out of my daughter’s shelf.[a mighty task indeed J]

Ratings...

Reasoning...

If a prequel can make you want to read the exploits of Jon, Rafe and Dria, it is truly well written.

Meet the Author...

C.J. Ellisson, author of contemporary fantasy lives near DC with her husband, two children aged 11 and 9, twoStaffordshire Bull Terriers and a young cat she's newly allergic to. After spending most of her working life dealing with real estate - either as a salesmanager in wholesale mortgage banking, a corporate trainer, a Realtor, or as a property manager - she's now writing full-time and happy for the first time in years. Writing has become her passion and to find people want to read her stories feels like a dream come true. 

A Chat with our author...

1. Tell us about your book.

This novella is a prequel book, meaning the story takes place before my existing series. It was written at reader demand for the fans who wanted to know exactly how and why the alpha werewolf, Jon, came to serve the temperamental ancient vampire, Vivian/Dria.

2. What books have influenced your life most?

I'd have to say it was the early urban fantasy and vampire books of the late nineties. Tanya Huff's Blood Ties, Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series, and PN Elrod's Vampire Files captivated me and had me reading way into the night. I loved the characters and edge of your seat action.

3. Death's Servant is a very strong and compelling name. How does it relate to your story?

My main character has referred to herself as "death" a few times. Her past and the things she's had to do tosurvive have plagued her over the centuries. She's lost many lovers and friends and has felt as if everyone she cares for eventually dies, like she is what has caused their demise.

4. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No. I'm very happy with the story and how it unfolds. I've received excellent feedback from the readers and from my early readers (my alphas) who read it as I was creating it. I knew the story answered questions and satisfied curious minds.

5. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I began writing when I could no longer work outside the home. My health concerns made me housebound and I was slowly going crazy. One night I went to a neighborhood book club meeting and discovered two friends were writing books. My first thought was, if they can do it, why can't I? I knew I had to give it a shot.

6. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I've recently submitted the second book in my Wild Side series to my publisher and am starting to map out future books I'd like to write. I need to complete the third book on my existing contract and then I'd like to begin a new series and work on my current vampire seres, too.

7. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I really like to write engaging sex scenes and making sure I never repeat a sequence of romantic interactions can be a challenge.

8. Do you ever experience writer's block?

Yes, I did. I didn't know that's what it was at the time, and some days I'm still not sure if it was a true "block" or not. I had an old acquaintance who said "anything that keeps you from writing is writer's block." Looking at a situation from that perspective means that even when you're plotting books, learning a new computer program or app, working on marketing, promotion, and reaching readers -- doing pretty much all the things you need to do to succeed in this industry it means you're not writing, and thus experieneing "writer's block." I've never been at a loss for words, but I have had times when it was too hard to write -- like forhealth or personal reasons.

9. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Learn all that you can about reaching readers and building a reader base. Yes, learning craft and improving your craft is key to getting a MS sold or published. But if you spend all your time interacting with other writers, socializing on writer loops, and basically sealing yourself up in a virtual world, you will have a hard time remembering what it's like to be a real reader and connecting with people who love the genre as much as you do.

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