MEDUSA (The Myth of Monsters, 1), by Katherine Marsh, Clarion Books, Feb. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-12)
A girl discovers mythical ancestors while attending a boarding school for the descendants of Greek monsters in Medusa, by Katherine Marsh.
Ava Baldwin has always tried to keep her anger in check, just like her mom taught her. But when know-it-all classmate Owen King tries to speak over her yet again, Ava explodes . . . and Owen freezes, becoming totally unresponsive.
Although Owen recovers, Ava’s parents whisk her off to her mother’s alma mater, the Accademia del Forte, a mysterious international boarding school in Venice. There, Ava and her brother, Jax, discover that the Olympian gods founded the Accademia to teach the descendants of mythological monsters how to control their emotions and their powers and become functioning, well-adjusted members of society.
But not everything at the Accademia is as it seems. After her friend Fia is almost expelled for challenging a teacher, Ava realizes the school is hiding a dangerous secret. To uncover the truth, Ava and her new friends embark on an adventure that could change the way they view history, mythology—and themselves—forever…or end their lives. —Synopsis provided by Clarion Books
Medusa is the first book in a new series — The Myth of Monsters — that should appeal to fans of Percy Jackson and the Descendants books.
Medusa employs the popular school trope, and it works for good reason. The boarding school aspect of Medusa allows for lots of characters — young and old — friendships, learning possibilities and enormous growth.
At the center of the story is Ava, a bright young woman who feels like she’s living her brother’s shadow. He’s seemingly perfect, and Ava can’t seem to control her temper. But when they arrive at the Accademia, it’s Ava who begins to shine. And despite everything, she finds herself with a good group of friends.
Medusa delves deep into Greek mythology, with a stronger focus on women’s roles throughout. And given that it takes place now, the story takes a much more progressive lens. The strong female characters will particularly appeal to girls, but the gods aspect and strong friendships make the book attractive to a large audience.
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