Review: The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

The Deep End of the Sea

By: Heather Lyons

Pub. Date: February 13, 2014

Publisher: Cerulean Books

Source: Author for blog tour

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

 I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many stories written lately about the Greek Gods and Goddesses in today's time. But none of them deal with Medusa, the evil monster who loves turning innocent men and women into statues. The Deep End of the Sea is about her, and while she believes herself to be a monster, she isn't. She is just as innocent as her victims and I loved that about this story. Heather Lyons has taken something that has been done over and over again and put a completely new and fresh spin on it.

Medusa was just an innocent maid to Athena when Poseidon raped her. When Athena saw the two of them together she didn't care that Medusa was forced and banished her to live for eternity as a monster alone. Medusa, in her 2,000 years tried to never hurt anyone, but mistakes happened. I absolutely loved her. She was so sad and lonely and I felt so bad her. Her only companion was a blind Greek man and Hermes, who thought his sister was wrong in her punishment.

I loved seeing all the Gods and Goddesses in another light. Hermes was absolutely wonderful. He was sweet and caring and I love how he took care of Medusa. My favorite couple was Hades and Persephone though. Now they were adorable together!

I enjoyed the twists and turns at the end. I really had no idea how this story was going to go, but I enjoyed every moment of it. I highly recommend it!