Grace, Gretchen and Greer are three teenage triplets who had no idea that the others existed until they run into each other in the streets of San Francisco. What's more, Grace and Greer have no clue that they're descendants of Medusa. I liked this book a lot. It was a fun easy read and it was a new take on some of the Greek myths. OK, so it was a little reminiscent of Percy Jackson but, hey, Childs is shining a good light on Medusa. ( )

I hate it when I think a book is just a novel, then get to the end only to find its book 1 in a series.
*grrr*
And, this IS in a series. With that ending? It sure as shit better be.

( )

When I was a kid I wanted to have superpowers. I also wanted to have a twin or even be one of triplets. So this book is right up my alley.

Grace, Gretchen, and Greer never knew each other existed. They lived different lives, far from each other, until coincidence brought them together. Gretchen is the only one who knows their background as descendants of Medusa and monster hunters. But now that the monsters know about them, Grace and Greer need to start fighting, too. ( )

Sweet Venom (Medusa Girls #1) by Tera Lynn Childs is a uniquely different take on mythological creatures and super heroes. Our heroes are descendants of Medusa, although the stories are all wrong about her but this story sets it right, lol. They fight creatures of evil that come to our realm. They hid their try identity with glamour. Only they they can see the true creatures. It is really a fun read. There are boy trouble with this too. The Medusa prophecy also says the girls guardians come in triplets. That is when it really gets wild. There are also other secret things going on. There is lots of action, lots of mini mysteries, fun silly things that keep things going strong, humor, emotions, and it is just a fun action story. Lots of fun all the way around. Going in my favorite folder! Immediately looked up the next two books online at the library so I had those! ( )

Made it about 30% of the way through the book and just couldn't keep going. It was just so juvenile and not in a good way. So much of it felt unrealistic, mainly the characters themselves. It read like a cheesy Buffy episode with a splash of morphed mythology. Not for me.

A very enjoyable read set in a San Francisco, the city just a short drive north of my home town of Santa Cruz. I loved the scenes on Fisherman's Wharf and China Town because they took me there instantly. Tera Childs has a great style for YA and the right mix of emo, risk/danger and self-searching.

There is a great set-up for the next book. It's always tricky creating enough closure to allow the reader to feel like certain story arcs are complete yet there's more to come, with more left unresolved. In this book I felt like I wanted more resolutions! Definitely have to see what happens in the next episode! ( )

Grace and her family have just moved to San Francisco. Starting at a fancy new school, it's a move full of tons of new possibilities. One of thing, however, that Grace wasn't expecting to be a possibility was monster sightings. . . Yet, when a minotaur strolls into the room, that's just what happens. Matters get even more complicated when a girl that looks just like here shows up to fight the unbelievable creatures.

Gretchen's definitely more used to monsters than Grace - she's been after them night after night for years. They complicate her life, but it's something that has to be done. That night's monster is just another evil thing that needs to be gotten rid of, to her, only a little out of the ordinary. What is very of the ordinary is the girl who looks just like her.

Now that the two girls have seen each other, Grace will learn why she's seeing these 'monsters,' creatures she thought were only mythological beings. And Gretchen will have to share her knowledge, that she - and now, apparently Grace, too - is a descendant of the Gorgon Medusa and it's up to them to protect the mortal world. The evil creatures are only supposed to be able to enter the human world one at a time - and Gretchen finds them and kills them, sending them back, but now there are more.

The girls will have to figure out why . . . all while figuring out their relationship.


Sweet Venom was an incredibly enjoyable read. There have been a lot of books to twist or draw on different aspects of Greek mythology for their plot, but I don't think any (or at least any I have read) have used Medusa and the Gorgons, at least no in this sense. It was very refreshing.

It was great that each of the girls has their own story for how they were being raised. They were each different yet also very believable. It made them unique characters and gave them very different backgrounds. Each story was something not boring or ordinary- no girl got standout story and no girl got the standard, pat story, either.

It made things more interesting when they were brought together. It was obvious that they had their own personalities but once they interacted for a while, you could see the connection and that they were sisters even.

It's also amazing that there was an overlying problem/evil facing them. Throughout the book there was the story of Grace starting at the new school, Gretchen missing Ursula, the sisters' reuniting and their relationship but their was also the Big Bad(ness) storyline.

With a Big Bad storyline spanning the whole novel, Sweet Venom mirrors a Buffy season: Buffy always had to deal with interpersonal (and intrapersonal) things aside from whatever baddie she was dealing with and the sisters in Sweet Venom have to do the same. With kickbutt girls, boys I can see become crush-worthy, and monsters galore - it's like a Buffy fix in book form. I LOVE it!

This is the first in a trilogy and while there was a conclusion at the end of the book, there were also several things at the end of the book left unresolved - it left me eagerly awaiting the next book.

9/10


thank you to the publisher for my copy of this book

Loving this book from the start, Sweet Venom gave me just what I need. A fresh read that enticed me to the end.

Told in three point of views, I love that each sister is very different. You have Gretchen, Grace, and Greer. All part of ancient mythology prophecy in which the girls must unite. I love that each look into the girls you get just enough of what you need. Each girl has a certain voice that you can pin point and understand. For me, that is important in reading a book with many main characters.

Each girl either has a love interest or a potential love interest. I'm anxious to see where they go cause I have a feeling that these guys will either help or hinder them. Again, every guy is completely different matching the girls personalities. Even though their parts are small, you get enough to know the guy. Some I liked, the others not so much.

Sweet Venom deploys a magical tale you can't resist. Woven together wonderfully, Sweet Venom brings out power and knowledge. It leads the reader on a hunt to find answers. Complete with great drama, Sweet Venom is astounding! ( )

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Childs brings us fun, unique and ultimately kick-ass heroines in this spin of an old monster myth.

Opening Sentence: Hydras have a distinctive odor.

The Review:

Turns out, you don’t know the story of Medusa like you thought you did. Maligned by the vicious goddess Athena, Medusa and her sisters’ reputations have been degraded for millennia. In truth, they’re the guardians of the mortal world. They protect us from the real monsters and send them back into the abyss they crawled out of. There’s a cracked door between the abyss and the mortal realm, left there in a loophole by the gods on Olympus. (There’s always a loophole.)

Gretchen’s grown up in San Francisco and fighting monsters is as normal as being late to first period Biology. What isn’t normal is the number of monsters haunting the city. Neither is hunting a griffin and suddenly seeing herself in the crowded club. Kidnapping Grace, her sister separated at birth, is the first step in figuring out what in Zeus’s name is going on. When Gretchen’s mentor goes missing and Grace discovers they aren’t twins, but triplets, they begin to realize everything is connected.

I adore these heroines. Three first-person perspectives isn’t something I thought I’d like to read. Two first POV’s can get confusing enough. Childs manages to give these girls distinct voices so the readers have no problem telling which is which when the chapters switch. As if that wasn’t enough, they’re also three funny, endearing voices. You have Gretchen, the runaway foster kid who was raised by Ursula to know all about the monster underworld. She’s sarcastic and a smart ass with some serious authority issues and even worse people skills. Grace is our sweet hippie whose adoptive parents raised her to be smart and strong. Better with computers than fighting, she’s a fast learner who’s eager to fulfill her destiny. Then there’s Greer, who wouldn’t be misplaced as Blair Waldorf’s BFF in a Gossip Girl novel. Her parents are too important to be around and raised her to accept the responsibility of her social status. Finding out she has two identical sisters? Not a part of the plan.

Nick, the guy who can’t take a hint behind Gretchen in Biology, is a potential love interest who’s character is still up in the air. What’s he doing bugging Gretchen when she clearly doesn’t want him? Then there’s Milo, Grace’s older brother’s best friend, who’s a hot soccer goalie and super sweet. Not to mention Grace’s older brother himself, Thane, who’s going to be another love interest eventually because no other boys have been introduced. He’s silent and broody and protective and I’m really, really hoping he ends up with Greer instead of surfer-dude Kyle. The stage get’s set pretty early and obviously, but it doesn’t detract from the anticipation.

Not that a lot has time to happen. This isn’t a book with a complete plot arc so much as a series with one overarching plot. The first book is about discovering each other, the second, I think, about finding out what’s going on, and the final book will be when they save the world. Even without a complete plot, there was enough going on for me to get seriously invested in the characters and their future. And that ending—be glad Sweet Shadows is out so you don’t have to hang on that cliff for long! If you like mythology, Medusa Girls is definitely a series for you.

Notable Scene:

As I stab my fangs into the creature’s wrist—not the pulse point, apparently, because the lizard doesn’t go anywhere—the girl turns around.

With a gasp, I drop the creature’s wrist. Standing there, in the middle of a dance floor surrounded by dozens of ordinary teens, is a girl who looks exactly like me. I mean exactly like me. And, I realize as we blink at each other, she saw the lizard’s tail.

Just then, a stab of pain sears across my neck. Tick tock, tick tock.

Without stopping to think, I step forward, grab the girl by the waist, and fling her over my shoulder.

FTC Advisory: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins provided me with a copy of Sweet Venom. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. ( )

Fans of Greek Mythology do not want to miss out on Sweet Venom. Three sisters who are descended from Medusa must discover who they are, save the world from mythological creatures, and try to have some sort of a normal life.

There is just so much to love about Sweet Venom. My favorite part was undoubtedly the sisters. Grace, Gretchen, and Greer are nothing alike. Aside from some DNA and the same face, these three couldn’t be more different. Their personalities really make the story more dynamic, and readers should be able to relate to at least one of the three girls.

The epic monster fighting actually reminded me a lot of the first Percy Jackson novel. There are so many questions surrounding the monsters that it is hard to tell if the plot will still be similar to Percy Jackson or if the parallels will end with fighting scary monsters.

Sweet Venom is an action packed novel perfect for mythology lovers. Those with big families will particularly enjoy the odd family dynamic. Tera Lynn Childs will really suck you in with this novel and have you running out to grab the next novel, Sweet Shadows. ( )

Medusa, you had kids??

That was my first reaction to hearing that Gretchen, Grace, and Greer were descendants of Medusa.
And the answer to that question was: yes, yes she did. And her kids had kids, and their kids had kids, and so on until we reach Grace, Gretchen, and Greer's generation.

In Sweet Venom, Tera Lynn Childs plays with the Medusa myth and expertly creates a story where these three kick-ass sisters kick the monsters' behinds like they were meant to be doing it. Funny, touching, and action-packed, Sweet Venom is a unique novel that opens us up to more Greek myths.

The badass, the good girl, and the princess.

Gretchen, Grace, and Greer all have different personalities and live different lives.
Gretchen, for example, had been fighting monsters ever since Ursula took her in when she was twelve. She's known about her destiny and who she is longer than Grace and Greer has.
Gretchen knows how to take these monsters down and she does it like a pro.
But Gretchen's life hasn't been easy and she's struggled constantly, which makes her a tough cookie and a hard nut to crack.
I loved reading from her POV the most, probably because she's the tough cookie and it's always nice to see what's going on in their head.

Grace is lovable, cute, and determined. If I had to pick which character I instantly connected with, it would be Grace.
All she wanted was a new start, to be braver and bolder. When she moves to San Francisco, that's what's she's hoping for. She didn't expect to meet her twin sister, let alone find out that they're triplets and descends of Medusa.
But when she does, she accepts what she has to do and is willing to train and learn. Family is her motivation. Grace understands how important it is now that the sisters have found each other and she will do everything to keep them together. Grace and Gretchen bond over training, and the more time they spend together, the more they grow to like each other.
Between the three, Grace is the one who will easily come to love her sisters.
And she has such an adorable crush on Milo.

My first impression of Greer was that she was a snob. Rich and popular, the whole "princess" attitude completed Greer's personality. She was the hardest to convince about her destiny and she's stubborn. This I expected. Characters like her are always the hardest to sway. But eventually, they give in.
What I like about Greer is that she struggles to come to terms with the truth and she becomes likable when she finally accepts it.
Though I have to say that because Greer came later into the novel, I didn't get to know her as much as I knew Grace and Gretchen. But I was on a need-to-know basis and Greer's personality was the easiest to recognize.

Sister power!

If there's one big theme of this book, besides mythology, it would be the love between sisters.
I'm a sucker for books like that.

In Sweet Venom, there's a whole lot of sister love, especially towards the end. I think that it's powerful to show the relationship between sisters than focus on romance between couples. While there are very adorable, crushable guys in this novel, I'm glad to have taken a break from all the romance and focus on the story and the relationship between these sisters.
I love how the girls realize that they need each other and I think it's funny how all three of them go an epiphany at the same time. I loved reading how they worked things out and decided to be together.

Sister power, man. There's nothing better than that.

This was sweet.

Sweeeeeet. Totalllyy.

Sweet Venom was a brilliantly thought of take on mythology and Tera Lynn Child's characters were lovable and realistic. With detailed action scenes that'll get the reader pumped up, this book will catch the attention of it's readers.

I don't know how many times I'm going to say this, but I loved the Medusa myth factor in this novel. And the mythological Greek creatures included in this novel were creepy and accurate.
It's just brilliant.

I can't wait for Sweet Shadows! ( )

From HarperTeen:

"Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they’re triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight. "

The story is simple enough, three young girls, each adopted as children. Each into very different families. Fate brings them back together, the latest guardians, protecting humans from the creatures of myth. For me, there were six main characters, the girls, Gretchen, Grace and Greer. The boys (of course we have to mention the boys!) Nick, Milo and Thane. Nick is a new student at Gretchen's school and he is full of cocky swagger and fun. Thane is Grace's adopted brother and is the strong, silent type. Then there's Milo. I'm not really sure what to think of Milo yet, but he seems sweet (those are always the most dangerous)...

I have read almost everything Tera Lynn Childs has written (she has two self-published chic lit books I haven't gotten to yet). Sweet Venom marks my 5th TLC book and it is her best yet. Sweet Venom is fun, action-packed and chock-full of intrigue. The story ended with a bang and left me wanting more! I thought it was a little bit Greek mythology and a little bit Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And seriously can you have too much of either?

Book two, Sweet Shadows is due out in 2012 (I'm guessing in the fall, but if anyone at Katherine Tegen Books/HarperTeen is reading, I would be grateful if you could get it out earlier, please).

~Shel

www.bibliojunkies.blogspot.com ( )

Reviewed by Jen
ARC provided by Big Honcho

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with mythology and a young adult focus, but what I got was a page turner that kept me interested until the last page.

The book actually begins with Gretchen out on a hunt and the reader is left wondering why such a young girl is out fighting mythical creatures. Then we meet Grace whose (adopted) family has just moved to San Francisco. She's a bit more normal for a 16-year old... that is until she comes back to face with a minotaur. But meeting Gretchen is even more exciting since it may answer questions about her biological family. Unfortunately for Grace, Gretchen doesn't really want anything to do with her until they learn of a third sister and a prophecy about the three of them.

This book has it all. There's a little romance, lots of action (but not too graphic since it is YA), an interesting plot and characters, and a cliffhanger that will make me pick up the sequel as soon as it's available. I have enjoyed the mythological world that Ms Childs has created and can't wait to delve into it further. I encourage paranormal YA fans to pick this one up and enjoy! ( )

I loved it. It was exciting and it makes you crave for more, with the tales of Mudusa and her sisters' living on and Greek mythology intervening with the human world. Q5P4 AHS/Hailey K.

Grace moves to San Francisco to attend a prestigious private school that will better her chances of attending a major college. She has had a great life with her adopted parents and brother. Gretchen was kicked around by her parents and lived on the streets for awhile. That is, until Ursula found her and traine her for her destiny - hunting mythological monsters because she's a descendant of Medusa. But she's also a teenager and she wishes it wasn't just her job. Greer is a social whirlwind living a the high and extremely orderly, planned life. She has no room for monsters or sisters. I really enjoyed this book! I liked that it was told from all three girls' points of view alternately. It WORKED, because each girl has a distinctive voice and personality. They don't bleed together. I hope Greer plays a much bigger narrative part in the next book because she was barely in this one at all, and I would like to see more of her. There is some sweet romance subplot with Gretchen and Nick, the new boy in school and also Grace and Milo, her brother Thane's friend from the soccer team. The girls have to fight extra hard because a bounty has been placed on their heads. Someone is trying to get rid of them and they ARE NOT playing! Thane had some mystery surrounding him as well and near the book he goes off on his own, refusing to tell anyone where he went. Grace's wimpy, effusive nature does sort of get annoying every once in a while, as does Gretchen's toughness that can turn mean-spirited occasionally. But overall this was a cute, enjoyable read for people who like mythology and good YA. I would recommend it for those people. Also, don't go in expecting brain food, but brain candy and you'll go away satisfied.

VERDICT: 4/5 Stars

*No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.* ( )

I loved this book! I loved all three sisters and how they came together. I loved how each one of them were completely different. I want to read more. I hate how it just ends with such a dramatic ending.... it just makes you want the next book. It leaves you with quite a cliffhanger. ( )

I got an ARC of this book through the Amazon Vine program. I was excited to read this because I love books based around mythology. This was a very creative and well done book. I enjoyed the premise of Medusa having descendents that are supposed to be Guardians of the human race. This book is the first of a planned trilogy, the seond book (Sweet Shadows) is scheduled for a 2012 release.

Gretchen has known from a young age that she is a Guardian. She uses her powers as Medusa's descendant to fight the evil creatures that cross over into San Francisco. Grace has moved to San Francisco in hopes of a new start; but when she starts seeing monsters roam the streets and meets Gretchen she isn't sure what to think. Greer has is all put together and has hopes of presidency in her future; but when Grace and Gretchen show up on her doorstep claiming to be her sisters her world starts to fall apart. Can these three sisters save humanity from the monsters that hunt them?

I really enjoyed this book, it was a lot of fun. I was a bit worried that switching between the three sisters' points of view would be distracting, but it wasn't...the story flowed beautifully and I enjoyed how each sister had such a unique voice to add to the story.

This is a world very similar to other YA paranormal worlds I've read about but with more rules and restrictions. There can only be one bad monster out at a time and it is up to the girls to send the monster back home. They are supposed to keep balance and prevent San Francisco from falling into chaos.

Each of the sisters has some admirable traits and some quirks. They all come off as being very human and are very easy to relate to. They also all have love interests: Gretchen's love interest is the most interesting, this boy Nick that keeps following Gretchen around has some interesting predictive powers that I can't wait to learn more about.

The majority of the book deals with Grace discovering monsters and then learning how to cope, so most of the story is from Grace's point of view. A good portion of the story is also told from Gretchen's POV; there are some awesome action scenes in Gretchen's parts. Greer doesn't join the story until much later in the book.

The book was an easy and fun read, I enjoyed the premise and some of the creative elements to the monster hunting. I loved how the story was tied in with Greek mythology. There are a number of tantalizing mysteries that are left unsolved at the end of this book; this book mainly served to set up the world and introduce the characters.

Overall a great book and a fun read. Those who enjoyed The Demon Trapper's Daughter, Every Other Day, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer should enjoy this story; basically this is a paranormal story with a monster hunting bent to it. The characters are likable, the story engaging, and there are some creative elements to the world Childs has created here. I enjoyed how mythology tied into the main premise of the story and am absolutely dying to know what happens next. I can't wait to read Sweet Shadows when it comes out in 2012. ( )

Grace's move to San Francisco seems easy enough. The Alpha Academy is filled with kids just like her old high school. However, one night out with her brother and a new friend, Grace sees what looks like a monster. Both Grace and her brother are adopted, but Grace doesn't know too much about her own birth parents. We also meet Gretchen, who could pass as Grace's twin, as she is out battling the monsters she sees on the San Francisco streets. The story doesn't move too quickly, as the first two girls have to eventually connect with a third, named Greer, and discover they have a battle to wage. I enjoyed Childs' creative use of the Medusa tale (perhaps she has been unjustly slightly in stories throughout the years) and can't wait to see how this Gorgon tale plays out. This was a great set up for the next part of the story. ( )

Grace is adopted. She's always known and has a wonderful family and life. Because Grace received a scholarship to a very prestigious school, the family has recently moved to San Francisco.

As Grace is acclimating herself to the Bay Area, she starts seeing monsters, but it's clear she is the only one who can see them. That is until Gretchen bursts onto the scene and takes out one of these monsters. And Gretchen looks just like Grace! Yep, you guessed it, Gretchen is adopted as well.

It turns out both Grace and Gretchen are descendants of the Gorgon Medusa and her mortal husband. And it is their duty to protect the world from the mythological creatures that slip through the crack between Frisco and the Underworld.

This book was OK. Primarily is was the set-up for the future books. We were hit with several mysteries, only a couple of which were partially answered before the book ended. There really wasn't any huge climaxes, just small ones leading up to the cliffhanger ending. I'm hoping that next book will have more story and more action...because this one lost momentum about half way. I did put it down and read another book then forced myself to finish it out.

I did enjoy the new mythology that Childs created for the Gorgons and see a lot of potential in future storylines. I just hope she can get the story up and running then keep it there. ( )

Grace moves to San Francisco and is eager to start over at her new school. Her life is full of new possibilities, but it’s also a bit scary. It gets a whole lot scarier when she sees mythical creatures that shouldn’t exist and other people don’t even notice. She thinks she might be going crazy until she meets Gretchen, her twin. Gretchen has been fighting mythical creatures and returning them to their realm for four years, ever since she ran away from her abusive parents and learned about her destiny as a descendant of Medusa from her new guardian, . Balancing her monster-slaying and school is hard, but she’s managed to do a pretty good so far. That is until there are more monsters than there are supposed to be and it ceases to be something she can handle. When Grace shows up, she’s torn, but eventually decides to train her to fight. The monsters seem to want to capture or kill them (which is new) and they discover that whoever brings them in dead or alive gets a free pass to live on Earth forever. They also discover there is a third descendent who is completely unaware. Can they make it to her before the monsters do? Together can they somehow banish the creatures permanently?

Sweet Venom is an interesting new take on Greek mythology. The Medusa we know of is a hideous, evil Gorgon that turns people into stone with her gaze. In actuality, Medusa is a guardian of our world against mythical creatures and she was murdered by Perseus because of Athena’s hatred and possible jealousy. Her name even means guardian or protectress, so this alternative mythology has some basis in reality. Medusa has immortal sisters, named Euryale and Stheno, who I haven't heard much about in my mythological education. Through my research, I found out that Medusa and her sisters were turned into monstrous beings by Athena because Medusa was raped by Poseidon in Athena's temple and Athena decided to blame Medusa. In reality, it was probably more because Athena was jealous of Medusa's beauty. This villainous side of Athena is really interesting, but unfortunately isn't explored in this part of the series (which feeds into some of my annoyance with this book). I hope to see more in the next books in the series.

The three descendants of Medusa, Grace, Gretchen, and Greer, are all engaging characters that are completely different from one another. Grace is my favorite because she is a technology enthusiast. She works to make the vital information easier to access and practically impossible to lose by digitizing the dossiers on the different monsters. Grace brings a more analytical and intellectual side to their job. Through her research and general nosiness, she discovers the prophecy about her and her sisters and more details about their immortal ancestors. Gretchen , on the other hand, is more enthusiastic about fighting with her preternatural strength. She's a little more mature and jaded than the other girls because of her past: escaping from abusive parents, living on the streets, and then living without much supervision with her mentor and guardian while nightly fighting mythological baddies. Her sense of realism grounds her sisters and shows them the reality of being a descendant of Medusa that often isn't as easy as they might think. Greer comes in really late in the book. Her life is completely different from her sisters', full of parties, designer clothes, and expensive shoes. The revelation is a rude awakening for her not only because of the undignified fighting ahead, but also because she didn't know she was adopted. She is my least favorite, but she showed potential to become less annoying and vapid by the end.

My biggest problem with Sweet Venom is that there is no real ending. The story line isn't resolved in any way. Most books in series have a few loose ends to make a sequel plausible, but this one just feels incomplete. Other than that, Sweet Venom is a really enjoyable read and one of the most unique mythology based teen books I've read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. ( )

Gretchen is a teenager torn between two worlds. While trying to keep up with school, she hunts monstrous creatures from the underworld at night. Meanwhile, Grace is new to San Francisco and her elite school. Then one night she sees a minotaur right out of Greek mythology, making her question her sanity. But the next time she sees a monster, Grace is confronted with a girl that looks exactly like her. Greer is living the high life with money, popularity, and a wannabe-surfer boyfriend. But when two girls that look just like her arrive on her doorstep claiming that they are triplets descended from a Greek myth with a destiny as hunters, Greer will have to reevaluate her priorities in life.

With a creative twist on Greek mythology, Childs has created a world where Medusa was misunderstood and cursed by a jealous Athena. Now, her teen descendents must join forces and become huntresses and fulfill a mysterious destiny. The three sisters could not be more different. Gretchen is jaded, standoffish and wholly embraces her huntress lifestyle. Grace is quiet, geeky and a bit of a pushover. And, at least on the surface, Greer is the typical spoiled, rich girl. Childs' characters are incredibly vivid and complex.

First in a new series, Sweet Venom had me hooked from the start with great characters and plenty of fast-paced suspense, mystery and action. It's highly entertaining and captivating. The Greek myth aspect of the story certainly adds a fun spin to this promising new series for young adults. With surprising revelations and a major cliffhanger, readers will be left wanting more. I, for one, can't wait for the sequel. ( )

Sweet Medusa's stony stare! This was full of awesome!! I took my time reading this one savoring every bit of mythology and loving every little bit of discovery the girls came across, first Gretchen and Grace, then all three with Greer added! I have to say, and I know you aren't going to like me for this I loved Greer! This was a girl that was not going to let seeing monsters get in the way of her social obligations! "This monster fighting gig cannot...interfere with my social schedule."(p.338) Then later she admits "I'm joking." but she is serious. I just love that she fights a monster in Jimmy Choos and Kate Spade!

But seriously could any three girls be more different and yet have such a common goal and common powers and destinies? I totally loved everything about this book. The boys with names like Thane and Milo and the irreprssible Nick. I have a feeling there will be some mixing and matching going on and that Thane will somehow meet Greer. I just can't tell which boy is on who's side. Somebody has to be working for the other side. This story is full of holes and not in a bad way, just lots of questions for the next book. And I seriously am having withdrawal for the next one which seems like light years away. I don't think I've ever been left on such a huge cliff hanger. Who did that to them? And I loved that place! It was so cool, but obviously compromised.

So I've rambled enough, just to say, Sweet Venom is the beginning of a series worthy of the gods! You know how jealous they are so they'll all be clamoring for their own story, but this one belongs to one particular goddess I believe. And I love how Tera Lyn Childs has set this one up. It's got everything I love about YA. Mystery, mythology, danger, characters that wouldn't be together thrown together by circumstance and a little romance. I love it! And poor Medusa, misunderstood all these years!

I highly recommend this for all teens! Unless you're squeamish about killing monsters. ( )

This book was super cute and entertaining! I had never read anything by Tera Lynn Childs before, but had read good things about her mermaid books. When I was offered an ARC of Sweet Venom, I pounced on it.

First, I loved the plot of this novel. Triplets, separated at birth, who are descended from the gorgon Medusa. It's their job to protect the world from the monsters and other beasties who managed to escape their own realm and pop into ours. Gretchen is very accustomed to the monster killing routine. She's been saving the world, one monster killing at a time, for over 4 years. Grace and Greer are a whole other story. They know nothing of their heritage or a world where monsters can make a cameo at any moment. When the world of the three sisters collide, both hysterics and monster ass-kickings ensue.

I love mythology and a lot of YA is currently employing mythological references in their plots. I love how Childs re-wrote the mythology we know and tailored it to fit her novel. Mythology is YA is definitely my favorite trend right now.

I also loved that this novel was super quick to read because you just couldn't put it down. I had to know what was waiting around each plot twist. I also really enjoyed the light quality this novel has. The plot of Sweet Venom could have been very dark, but it was almost upbeat. There was the right mix of mystery, action, peril-inducing situations, without angst and a lot of the darkness that generally surrounds this kind of tale.

And then there's the triplets themselves. Love, love, love Gretchen, Grace, and Greer! They were all so different with really unique voices and unique lives. I was totally engaged by them. I love that they were very human despite not being totally human. The 3 Gs are great characters.

I really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait for the sequel! ( )

This was such a fun read. It's certainly a new take on the Medusa story (no turning people to stone here or slithering tresses). I am such a sucker for myth retellings, and this one did not disappoint.

I LOVED the characters. Well, most of them. For some reason, the surly Gretchen was my favorite. She was fiesty, independent, and always kicking monster butt. While she came across all touch and stone cold, she had a soft spot too. That made her even more likable. Then there was Nick, the boy who shows up at her school and won’t stop hitting on her. She resists (reluctantly) but he is one persistent fella. I really liked Nick. He was a nice touch of comedic relief to Gretchen’s Gorgon-ish side.

The other sisters really didn’t do much for me. You get a sense of their unique personalities, but they aren’t that likeable. Grace is a geek (in a good way). She’s a major techie, which is a nice touch since so many girls aren’t thought of that way (in books and real life). I liked her well enough; but, she wasn’t my favorite. I did like her “real” feel—even for a girl that is a descendant of Medusa. She has self-esteem issues, gets tongue-tied around a super cute boy, and can’t find the confidence to stand up to the school bully. Well, that last part isn’t 100% true. She does find some courage to take a small stand. Baby steps… As for Greer, eh. She comes across as a social climbing, stuck up snot. I would, however, like to have her EBT card and shoe collection. She’s definitely a fashionista.

You don’t meet Greer until much later in the book, which is why I don’t think I cared for her as much. I didn’t have enough time to connect with her character. I suspect she will have a MUCH larger part in Sweet Shadows since she has one of the most important Gorgon gifts of all (or so I think). As for other characters I hope to see more of in Sweet Shadows: Nick and Thane. I KNOW these boys are HUGE in this storyline, I’m just not sure what their roles are yet. I have a sneaky feeling that one is representing evil and the other the goodness factor. I have my suspicions as to which one is on which side too, but I won’t share. I do hope I’m wrong. I loved both of these guys. I also hope there is more romance between Milo and Grace. Their chemistry was so well written and subtle. It was a refreshing side story.

Overall, I really liked this book. It was different from what I expected it to be, but in a good way. I was expecting some sort of Paranormal Romance like The Goddess Test. (I was wrong.) Sweet Venom is definitely more about kick butt girls out to save the world, with a smidgen of school girl crushes thrown in. If you like myth retellings, you should check this one out. ( )

Ooooh WHY did I wait so long to read this book??? Right from the beginning, I knew I was going to LOVE Sweet Venom!

Gretchen is a complete butt kicking, rock your face off kind of chick- from her Kevlar wrist cuffs to her military grade daggers, and she's ready to take down whatever beasties get in her way!

Grace, having just moved from Orangevale, Nowhere to Alpha High School in San Francisco and is sure that this is her big chance at a brand new start... Then her older brother brings home a very swoon-worthy Milo after their first day of school. They all decide to go for dinner, and while at the restaurant a man walks in- but he has the head of a BULL! And no one else sees it but her!!!

Greer, is well... Fairly snobby and stuck up! But totally and completely likable in her own way! I loved her just as much as Gretchen and Grace!

Come to find out, these three girls are the descendants of none other the Medusa herself! And TRIPLETS to top it all off! I love how they find each other, and completely compliment the others with their emerging abilities! Seriously, I was completely in love with each of these girl's characters... Not to mention Nick and Milo... *swoon* and truth be told... I totally had a thing for Thane (Grace's *adopted* brother) who I HOPE plays a huge part in the rest of the books... Maybe for Greer??

While, I LOVED the whole twist on Medusa as the misunderstood- 'feel sorry for me', I'm really the good guy and Athena is "so horrible"... *ahem* Being that I LOOOVE Greek mythology hardcore- and Athena has ALWAYS been my favorite goddess of all of them. I chose to ignore the Athena bashing, and enjoy the story! :) Because it was AMAZING!

(and just to point out there are several versions of the myth to WHY Athena turned Medusa in the monster she is... Not just the one that painted Athena as evil and malicious beyond compare in this book!)

Sweet Venom is NOT to be missed, completely action packed, amazing, fabulous and I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! ( )