Review Detail

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC.

We all know the story about Medusa, the snake-headed gorgon who Perseus killed. And how her gaze would turn someone into stone.

Or do we?

In SWEET VENOM, Medusa and her gorgon sisters have been maligned in myth. Ever since Medusa's assassination, her descendants have been fighting monsters that escape their prison by way of a crack in the seal between worlds, left there by one of those pesky gods (of course). Once in our world, the monsters disguise themselves as humans. Only descendants of Medusa can see their true forms.

The book begins with Gretchen biting a hydra to send it back to its world. That's totally normal.

Then Grace moves to San Francisco and begins seeing monsters. That's less normal. Grace's life is not supposed to have monsters.

Things quickly get even more complicated: Gretchen's mentor goes missing, one of the boys at school is immune to their hypnotic eyes, and . . . they have a third sister, Greer.

The rules of their monster-fighting world are changing. Something big is going on, and it has to do with the seal between worlds.

This is Tera's third series (following OH. MY. GODS. and FORGIVE MY FINS), once again centering on Greek mythology. Tera always amazes me with her knowledge, flawless prose, and fresh look at a popular subject. This book is no exception. And while you might worry that a story about triplets could have them all behaving the same, this never happens. Not once. Each girl has a distinct voice, her own personality, and unique reactions to the world they live in.

If you like Tera's other books? Read this one.

If you're craving a book about kick-butt monster-fighters? Read this one.