Book Review: Snakehead

Book: Snakehead by Ann Halam

Edition: Hardcover

Description:

Perseus, the god-touched son of Zeus and a mortal princess, takes his easy life on the lively island of Serifos for granted -- but he knows he lives in troubled times. First the gods and then the politicians send trouble rumbling across land and sea.

When a beautiful stranger, a fugitive from another disaster zone, arrives on the island, Perseus is smitten. But Andromeda isn't all she seems. She must sacrifice herself to save her people, and a stunning, world-changing discovery will disappear with her -- unless Perseus abandons everything to confront the terrifying monster Medusa.



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Snakehead was an interesting re-telling of the Greek myth of Perseus. This story begins with Perseus (who is the son of Zeus) and his mother Danae waiting for a boat to take them back to the island of Serifos. While they were waiting, Perseus met a young woman who went by the name Kore, that wasn't her real name but that was the only name she felt comfortable giving at the time. He was immediately captivated by her beauty but it was her mysterious nature that truly intrigued him.

She ended up going to Serifos with them and they took her to the tavern (where they live and work) to speak with Dicty to see if they could get her a job and a room to stay in. Dicty was the owner of the tavern but also the rightful king of the island. Unfortunately his arrogant brother Polydectes sits on the throne wielding his power in a tyrannical way.

Kore fit in well working at the tavern and was quickly becoming friends with fellow employees (and Perseus' friends) Anthe and Palikari. But Perseus knew she was hiding something which only added to the mystery of who she really was. Eventually the truth was revealed and she told them she was Princess Andromeda and had run away because she was marked for sacrifice.

Perseus was determined to figure out a way to save her but that wasn't the only thing they had to contend with. King Polydectes challenged Perseus to bring back the head of Medusa, thanks to information from Zeus, Perseus knew ahead of time that the king was planning to issue the quest. The king had an ulterior motive, he believed that Perseus would not return from the daunting task which would give him an unhindered opportunity in marrying Perseus' mother Danae despite her having no interest in him. 

With the quest favored by the gods, Perseus received various gifts that would aid in his journey. But he wasn't going alone, Princess Andromeda who had come to terms with her fate, would travel part of the way with him in order to return home in time for the sacrifice. During their journey, they met some interesting people and beings while experiencing a few dangers a long the way but they parted ways when Perseus went to Medusa's lair.

Perseus had not given up hope of saving Andromeda but would he survive his task of capturing Medusa's head. Although he was immortal, Medusa's gaze could turn anyone who looked at her into stone. And even if he survived would he make it in time to save Andromeda?

This fast-paced story incorporates action, adventure and humor with a little bit of romance. I like that this wasn't the standard tale of Perseus, the author took an interesting approach with new takes while still leaving many of the key components to the story. I like how the author wrote the characters, she did a good of showing who they were.

Perseus is a hero and not because he is the son of Zeus but because he is a kind and caring person. I like that Perseus wasn't happy about wanting to kill Medusa, he reflected on how she was received two separate attacks from the gods with first being assaulted by one then turned into a monster by another. He felt she had endured so much pain and he didn't want to add to it. Despite his towering muscular appearance, Perseus was someone who thought things through and didn't let his temper get the best of him. And although he was the son of Zeus he had no desire to worship the gods. 

Andromeda is very intelligent and knowledgeable but also kind and caring. She has a strong sense of duty which is why once she accepted her sacrificial role, she was determined to go through with it.

This story also includes the romance between Perseus and Andromeda but it's slow burning. For the most part, Andromeda was so set on being a sacrifice that she didn't believe she would have a future. While Perseus prior to him finding out the truth about Andromeda tried not to fall for her because he believe that she wasn't interested in him and he also thought she was too good for him. But these two have a great chemistry with their friendship slowly leading to their inevitable romance.

It's been a while since I've read any mythology based books and Snakehead turned out to be a good read.