Hi everyone! I’m back and excited for spooky season! I have two other non-horror books to review and then I’ll get to the creepy stuff. For now, I just had to read another Greek Mythology related book. You all know that I love some Greek Mythology and I have been particularly hyperfixated as of late. I have plenty of other recommendations on my blogs so you are more than welcome to check those out. It is time to talk about my latest read. Let’s discuss The Shadow of Perseus.

Content Warning: Discussions of Misogyny, Sexual Assault, Violence and Gore, Abuse

From a young age, Perseus was obsessed with becoming a hero and fulfilling his destiny. His journey, though, comes at a cost. His mother Danae must watch her son grow from a sweet boy to a fiersome young man. Medusa, a woman trying to reclaim her life, comes face to face with the man who will be her undoing. Andromeda, his wife, is forced to leave behind the life she knows for a stranger. The three women are bound together by one man’s journey to greatness and it will cost them all dearly.

The Shadow of Perseus offers a different perspective on the classic tale of the young hero. Instead, we get a realistic take on the story through the eyes of the women who definitely suffered for the sake of revenge. It isn’t just a simple retelling. Haywood explores the mistreatment of women, nature versus nurture, and how famous myths often come from exaggerated tales. Haywood presents complicated characters who are all just trying to survive. She doesn’t praise Perseus, but she doesn’t allow for too much sympathy. Danae, Medusa, and Andromeda are all relatable as they struggles against oppressive gender roles. Haywood faces these issues head on and doesn’t dance around the reality of women during this particular time period. Overall, The Shadow of Perseus is a refreshing take on the male-dominated Greek hero myths and I would certainly recommend it.