Medusa
A Love Story
By
Sasha Summers
Blurb:
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.
book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90fH7xoZiCo
"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
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.”
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:
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sashasummers/
Twitter: @sashawrites
Webpage: http://www.sashasummers.com
2 comments:
I've always loved the story of Medusa, and your retelling sounds fabulous. Great excerpt too!
Thanks so much for having me today Aubrie!
Christine - I hope you'll let me know what you think!
Have a great 4th of July!
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