Book Review - The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

4.5 GREEK STARS! ★★★★☆ 

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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.

{CLICK TO READ MY 4.5-STARS REVIEW}

   

  "I love you. Hold onto that. I did not wait two thousand years for your love only to lose it so easily." 

 In the name of almighty Zeus, this. book. is. AMAZING. What an absolutely unique concept that breathes life into the Greek mythology. This book is like a birthchild of what happens when mythology meets contemporary and being a fan of this subject, I was completely enthralled by this read.

   

  The Deep End of the Sea is the modern day retelling of the Greek myth, Medusa. Remember the legend of the lady with a hair of snakes and a single look into her eyes will turn anyone into stone? Yup we're talking about the same lady. Once a mortal, Medusa had worshipped Athena but a tragic event had left her being cursed. Thus, turning her into a monster and had her exiled to an island for almost 2,000 years. The freedom she longed to seek has never seemed so real until the day her best friend, Hermes attempts to free her from the curse.

“I am a monster. The worst kind of monster. The kind that people have told stories about for thousands of years. The kind that daredevils will seek out, even though many believe I’m nothing more than a myth.”

 

  I loved how Medusa was being portrayed in this one. For starters, she wasn't what I expected her to be at all as the myth creature itself is nothing like her. She feels remorse for her accidental kills and despite being isolated for 2,000 years, I've never met a woman as strong-willed as her. Although she came off as psychically weak, do not be mistaken by the fighter spirit she has in her. Her character appealed to me in many ways that I simply couldn't not love her. 

  And sweet loving God that is Hermes. My insides completely turns into goo thinking about him. Hermes is the exact definition of my book boyfriend; caring and loyal and protective and OH SO CHARMING THAT IT MELTS MY HEART. All those beautiful words he uttered every single time, I just want to lock them in a jar and keep with me forever ♥

"When we fall in love, it’s forever love. Even if you decide one day that you do not love me anymore, I will still always feel this way for you."

 

 What I really enjoyed a lot about this read is the modern twist that the author brought into an ancient mythology. It's done brilliantly in a way that even if you removed the Greek element from the story, it'll still be an amazing contemporary love story taking place in the modern world. Having that mythology element there was definitely a plus for me. 

  Heather Lyons simply breathes life into these characters and portrays them so differently that constantly leaves me in awe. Even Hades, the God of the Underworld is one of the most likeable characters in this read. I know, what a shocker! But it simply works in this book and I love that I'm being surprised by it. 

   

  The dynamic between all the Greek gods was an interesting one to read about and I admit that at times, it felt rather comical to see how the Gods are acting like mortals with fancy cars and going shopping.

   

 Overall this certainly proved to be an out-of-the-box read and one that you will almost never come across for being so unique. I was completely mindblown towards the end of the read and it's SO RARE that a contemporary read could achieve that! 

Despite some spelling/editing errors, I was not robbed of the pure enjoyment I got out of this read. Heather Lyons spun a beautiful love story that will have you swooning and leaving you to melt in a puddle of sweet feels. Her characters were well-written and there were moments that left my heart pacing. 

Whether you're a fan of Greek mythology or not, I believe that this story will appeal to everyone alike as long you're a romance junkie.

"I will wish, however, that someday you will experience love for yourself. Love makes every misery, every struggle, every moment of life worth it."