Medusa Blog Tour and Interview with Sasha Summers

Medusa A Love Story
By Sasha Summers

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.

"This tragic and beautiful retelling of one of the world's oldest stories tackles the eternal battle between duty and happiness. Medusa, A Love Story broke my heart then filled in the cracks with joy. Sasha Summers is simply a mesmerizing new talent."  


~Stephanie Dray, Author of the critically acclaimed Song of the Nile


When I received this book from the wonderful folks at Bewitching Blog Tours, I dove right in and didn't come up for air. Sasha Summers has crafted a unique story that will forever change the way I relate to mythology. Medusa has always been the proverbial monster hiding in the corner, waiting to reach out and turn any unsuspecting victim into stone (Percy Jackson series, Clash of the Titans) and this time you get a little more to the story.


I had heard about Medusa being pursued by Poseidon and being ravished in Athena's temple. This story gives Medusa a personality and life all her own. Not just a monster with hair issues. Nope. She was beloved of Athena, but as we all know, hanging out with Gods and Goddesses in ancient Greece has its ups and downs. Medusa could not win. No matter what she did, she was going to anger someone. 


What I loved about this book:


The voice of the novel grabbed me and did not let me put it down. Medusa became someone I cared about and had to see what happened to her. Graceful and lovely, she was the epitome of a priestess and beloved of the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus. Ariston was the perfect hero, risking death and beyond for his dearest love, Medusa and the life they were meant to share. This had me weeping more than once.


What I didn't:


It ended. By gosh, I want more Greek myths from this author!


Overall:


If you enjoy stories about Greek myths, you must grab this one! It does have some adult content (language, rape) but all done in a tasteful way that makes the story live and breathe. This is one story that will be up there with my favorites. The voice was good, the plot a page turner-even when you sort of know what the outcome will be, you are still left guessing because of the artful way Sasha Summers handles the story line. Excellent job!!! The sensual parts of the story are well done and dialogue believable. 


4.5/5

Excerpt:
“You asked for an audience, you have it. Now tell me, where do you belong?” Hades’ voice was deep, emotionless.
Ariston swallowed. “Athens.” He met Hades’ gaze, but the God revealed nothing to him.
“Why? You died with honor and glory. Is that not what every soldier wants?”  
  “My wife…” His voice wavered.
Hades brow lifted slightly. “Lives. You do not.” 
“She is in danger.”
“Earthly danger. She is no longer your concern, Ariston.” 
“The danger she faces is not earthly, but far from it…” Ariston’s voice was hoarse, his desperation mounting. He took a wavering breath before he began again. “She is everything to me. I am proud of my death, but it means nothing if she is in peril. I must know.” Ariston kneeled. “I beg you. I beg you to return me to Athens.”
Ariston waited, willing himself to be strong.
“Who is this wife?” Hades asked.
“Medusa of Athens.” He paused. “Now of Rhodes.”
Hades was silent, his dark blue eyes regarding him steadily.
“When I die—” Ariston began.
“You are dead,” Hades assured him. 
“When I return…die again, I would serve as guardian to Tartarus. I am a skilled warrior, a skill I might offer you.” He spoke with confidence.
“You vex me,” Hades muttered, the slightest crease appearing between his eyes. “You offer this to me for a woman?”
Ariston nodded. “She is worthy.”
Hades was silent again, his eyes shifting to the blue-white flames in the massive 
fireplace.  
“My words do not…adequately express the love I have for this woman. But I cannot leave her. She is at risk. I must return.” The words came without thought. How could he justify such emotion to a God who reviled affection or companionship? “As Olympus has my arm and sword, she has my heart – a mortal, and perhaps weak, heart.”
The room was silent for too long. He would have to fight his way out… 
“It is a weakness not reserved for mortals alone, Ariston of Rhodes.” Hades’ words were so soft Ariston feared they’d not been spoken. But Hades continued, strong and clear. “I will return you to your ship so that you may lead your men to victory. Too many have fallen from this war and I would see it end. When that is done, you may go to your wife.” He paused then added, “When you return to my realm, I will have your fealty.”
The God of the Underworld, Lord of Death, gave him mercy? Mayhap there was one God he might serve with honor.  
Ariston vowed, “You have it.”

Hi Sasha! Thanks for stopping by to visit at On the Broomstick! Here are some interview questions to help my readers get to know you better.

1.Medusa  has been portrayed in many different ways both in movies and in literature. What about her first captured your interest?

I had a hard time believing a woman could do such horrible things because she was ticked off. There had to be more to it… And, since I’m partial to tragedy, I sort of tossed around ideas until a dream cemented what I’ve always suspected. Medusa isn’t a bad girl, she’s a true heroine.

2.What are some of your favorite Gods and Goddesses in mythology? 

With each new Loves of Olympus book I write, I find a new favorite. Right now I’m working on Apollo’s story – so I’m in complete love with him. 

3.Do you listen to music while you write?  Did you make a playlist for Medusa?

Yes and absolutely! You can find it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLECD8D3D604769D10&feature=mh_lolz

They’re all a little moody – but they worked for me.

4.What are some favorite mythology books and movies?

I’ll watch any sword and sandal film – even if it’s not good. Clash of the Titans, the original, is still a fave of mine – in all it’s cheesiness! I also enjoyed the HBO series ROME and the first season of Spartacus, too.

5. If there was a book that made you want to be a writer, what was it?

Not so much one book, just the desire to create and share powerful stories. I’m a fan of stories – film, plays, books…

6.Are you more of an outliner or seat of your pants kind of girl?

Pantser. But I did have to do some research to tie in the history and make it ‘just right’.

7. Will you write more mythological books? If so, what are you currently working on?

Yes. I’ve completed Book 2 – For the Love of Hades. It will be out the beginning on 2013. And am working on Apollo’s story, then Ares, and so on.

8. Do you have any quirks as a writer? (habits or things you must have before you can write productively.)

Not really. I have four kids, so I write whenever I have time. Ideally, I have my music blasting and am ‘in the zone’ but I try to be adaptable.

9. What are some of your favorite hobbies when you are not writing?

Painting, reading and movies.

10. If you could tell perspective writers one thing, what would it be?

Write what you love not what’s in style. You have to ‘feel’ your stories for readers to really connect.

Thanks Sasha for taking the time to answer these questions! I can't wait to read your new books!

Here are some upcoming and new releases from Sasha:

Medusa, A Love Story (Book 1, Loves of Olympus a fantasy romance series), Available Now ~ ~ For the Love of Hades (Book 2) - January 2013

Hollywood Ever After (Book 1, Red Carpet Series contemporary romance) coming July 14, 2012 ~ ~ Hollywood Holiday - winter 2012

Galileo's Holiday part of the 2012 Carina Press SciFi Holiday Anthology - December 2012

Author Bio:


Sasha Summers is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, and travel. It's no surprise that her books visit times past, set in places rich with legends and myth. Her first play, 'Greek Gods and Goddesses' (original title, right?), 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.


Sasha is an active member of RWA and several Texas Chapters. A self-proclaimed movie-addict, she is full of all sorts of useless movie tidbits and trivia. 


Facebook Author Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sasha-Summers/213036208773108


Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5759214.Sasha_Summers


Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sashasummers/


Twitter: @sashawrites


Webpage: http://www.sashasummers.com