I have read a few Greek mythology retellings before, including the Persephone and Hades retelling by Scarlett St. Clair, but this was my first Medusa-focused story. While I was generally familiar with Medusa’s myth, the assault, the snakes, the punishment, I had never experienced her story explored in depth from her own perspective.

I, Medusa is both compelling and deeply sad. The novel does an excellent job of showing how manipulation and grooming can happen gradually, how easy it is to be oblivious in the moment, and how clarity often comes only afterward. That emotional realism gives the story much of its impact. Because of these themes, I strongly recommend reading the trigger warnings before starting the book.

The writing style is smooth and accessible, making the book very fast-paced and easy to read without diminishing the seriousness of the subject matter. Visually, the book is stunning. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, it is one of the prettiest books I own.

If you are looking for a mythology retelling that reads quickly but still feels meaningful and emotionally weighty, this is a great choice. I rated it four stars. I genuinely enjoyed it, but it did not contain many surprising or distinctive elements that set it apart structurally from other mythology retellings. I believe I will remember it in a year, primarily because of the importance of Medusa’s story rather than the book itself.

Overall, this is a solid and impactful read for fans of Greek mythology. Ayana Gray is a strong writer, and I would happily read more mythology-inspired works from her in the future.