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Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates.
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, 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. . . .
A 21st-century reboot of the Gorgon mythos.
Imagine yourself a teenager just arrived in San Francisco, in a new high school. It's an opportunity to reinvent yourself, to become more than the meek wallflower you left behind. Unfortunately, Grace is finding that a change of place doesn't automatically changeher. Life appears to be about the same as always...until she runs up against a Minotaur that only she can see. Things become even more bizarre when she sees a girl who looks exactly like her take out that monster as if it was a walk in the park. Gretchen, on the other hand, is used to returning monsters to their home world on a regular basis—it's finding a long-lost twin that she has trouble dealing with. Trying to build a bond between them, Grace finds there may be a third sibling out there and that their lives are bound up in ancient mythology, as descendants of Medusa. Starting with this cool, Percy Jackson–esque premise, this book is all about bringing the triplets together and setting up future action. Said action will probably include mysterious but luscious boyfriends, unknown dangerous foes and assistance from Ursula, a woman who rescued Gretchen from the streets but who is now in hiding herself. There's obviously a lot more to come in the sequel.
For teens who hunger for a chick-lit alternative to Rick Riordan. (Fantasy. 13 & up)
What made me START reading this book was its LOVELY AND BEAUTIFUL cover. I know, i know, you aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but to be honest, i DO. Anyways, i started reading this book without even reading its synopsis.
After i started reading it, the FIRST thing i loved was how every chapter or so was written from someone else's point of view. Like one chapter, Gretchen would be talking. The other chapter, Grace would be talking, and so on. This way, i got to know what ALL of them were thinking and how each one of them felt about each other and the situations they faced.
The writing was beautiful. I really fell in love with the book from the start. It was SO INTERESTING in a way i cant even describe. As soon as i started reading, i couldn't put the book down. Actually i had to, because i had to study and go to school, but you know what i mean.
Now let me talk about the characters. As soon as you read the synopsis, you will know that they are triplets. So i loved how every one of them was so different. Gretchen was so tough and cool. While Grace was so optimistic and always looking for the best in people. While Greer was a snob (at first), and cares too much about her "social calendar" as she says :P But in the end, i love all three of them to bits.
Even though this book is paranormal and talks about mythical monsters and all, it wasn't confusing to read. I really liked Tera's writing because even though i have never seen any of these monsters (maybe someday i will), it wasn't so hard imagining them. It wasn't even hard imagining the fights and stuff. So i really liked that.
So overall, this book (as you can see above) is rated 5 for me. I loved it, and i cant WAIT to read the second book of this series.
25 out of 30 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.FuzzyCoffeeBooks
Posted May 8, 2012
Sweet Venom is a must-read for anyone with an interest in mythology. Miz Childs has written a unique, engaging story with some kick butt characters that will drag you along with them as they battle monsters! It's a light with some great comedic timing and enough action to keep anyone interested. I'm a self-professed fan of Tera Lynn, and am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
13 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 5, 2012
I loved this book! The tree sisters were cool and had different personalities tht were interesting.
Grace was probably my favorite sister out of the three. She was the intergetic one who wanted to step out of her shell. I loved her little romance with her bros' friend, Milo. They were both cute and interesting.
My favorite boy in this story was Thane, Grace's brother. He was soooo mysterious and intreguing. But between Nick amd Milo, i would go with Milo hecause he was sweet and kind. I'm not saying Nick wasn't but he was kind of stalkerish to me bexause he kept on following Gretchen.
I loved this book SSSOOOOOO MUCHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! :))) <3
9 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Review by Jen: 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!
9 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 19, 2012
Haha Holy Goalie i loved that!!!! This book was soooo good i honestly cant wait for the next one
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 29, 2011
Holy Goalie! Did I ever love this book! :D haha and if you can't tell I also love Tera's different slangs. I loved how Grace said, "Holy Goalie!" and how Gretchen would say, "Hades" instead of Hell. :P It's such a small thing, but so adorable! :D
I've been wanting to read a Tera Lynn Childs book for so long now, and I'm so glad that I got the chance to read this one because I absolutely loved it! I love mythology, and I love when authors go all out and take a small element of myth and turn in into a fabulous story of their own, and Tera definitely did that. Medusa isn't a huge part of mythology, and I always felt like she got a bad rap. Before Perseus kills her she's actually raped by Poseidon...but does anyone feel bad for her...no! Instead Athena gets pissed off and curses her with her reptilian hair because said rape happens in one of her temples...isn't that horrible?! Anyways...now that you all know that poor Medusa was a victim...and not really the bad guy that everyone insisted she was, you're in a great mindset for this book...and at the moment, this review. ;P
In Sweet Venom, Gretchen, Grace, and Greer discover that they're all descendants of Medusa, destined to protect our world from the monsters who come through from their dimension. I loved this idea! The idea that Medusa wasn't evil, as I mentioned with her myth before, really appealed to me, and I loved that Tera took her story in a different way and made her someone who was misunderstood rather than the big villain. I loved Grace and Gretchen...Greer was alright, but she was kind of stuck-up...I choose to blame her parents for that though. :P haha I also loved Milo and Nick...cute boys just always make a book better, and I happened to love these two. ;) Grace's brother, Thane was awesome, too! He didn't say much...reminded me of my brother in that way. :P lol
My favourite part of this book was Grace discovering what she was. Her training with Gretchen was awesome, and I loved learning about their different abilities while she did. I also loved getting to see Gretchen be all hardcore, and the way that the relationship between Grace and Gretchen evolved...and once Greer came into the story, their relationship with her too. :D
I thought that Sweet Venom was a fabulous story! It kept me on my toes, and I loved that Tera managed to mix ancient mythology into a current setting, while putting a very welcome twist on the ancient mythology involving Medusa! I think that Sweet Venom is pretty much perfect for anyone! If you don't know mythology I think you'll like it, and if you do, I think you'll love it even more because it offers a welcome new perspective! :D
Seriously...I can't say it enough, go read Sweet Venom, it's fantastic! :D
***I originally received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review, but I also now have a finished copy.
7 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 24, 2011
We are first introduced to Gretchen, who is quite busy attending high school during the day and kicking demon butt at night. Gretchen has pretty much been abandoned by who she thinks are her parents. Then we meet geeky Grace who knows she is adopted and has a loving family. Her family moves to San Francisco in order for her to attend a prestigious private school where her already stellar computer skills can be improved. Finally, Greer is tracked down after Gretchen and Grace meet and start putting things together after they meet in a nightclub and recognize they look just alike. Greer has no clue she is adopted by her rich parents and thinks the monsters she has been seeing are some kind of mental breakdown. All three girls are descended from Medusa and have special gifts. Each have seen monsters appear during their childhood and how each deals with it is very telling. Gretchen kicks their butt, Grace pushes the thoughts away while Greer buries them.
The set up for this trilogy is just brilliant and I can't wait until the next one is released next fall. This is a much more mature book than Childs' other books and probably better suited for teens since there is some violence and language. Parental control is pretty much on the back burner here as well, but in order for the story to work, it is necessary. I mean, how can you kick demon butt if you always have to be home in time for dinner? There is so much empowerment for these three teens and I have my fingers crossed that the next installment will continue to show their growth, both physically and mentally. I really liked how each one of the triplets is a unique individual, yet still have traits that are common among them. This promises to be a wonderful trilogy!
6 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 8, 2012
The story had enough action and love interests to keep it entertainig. The momentum, however, often screeched to sudden stops when the point of view shifted. Despite the author's insistence that the three girls had completely different personalities, the way their POV was written felt like they were the same persn. Granted, theyre sisters and changing the writing style everytime the POV changed would be too exhausting for the author, but nevertheless it might have helped the story flow better. Thats one star. The other star accounts for the major cliffhanger. The story of these girls was enough to ensure that the readers (at least me) will get the sequel. Leaving the readers frustrated is definitely not the way to go.
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 2, 2012
Love this book!!!!! Awesome!!!!!
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 4, 2012
Really good book with really good plot...... really enjoyed reading
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 17, 2011
I couldnt put it down!"!!!"
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 15, 2011
I am a big fan of Tera Lynn Child's Mermaid series, so I was really looking forward to reading Sweet Venom. Greek myth, Gorgon triplets separated at birth and reunited as teens to fulfill their monster fighting destiny! How could I not be dying to read it? Sweet Venom started off with a bang and from there it told the story of sisters who find each other, and find themselves, and maybe their destiny along the way.
Gretchen is a monster hunting, kick-butt, full of attitude, take charge female. She's been keeping herself cut off from everyone but her guardian for a long long time. So when she discovers Grace is her sister it take her awhile to let her in. Grace is her opposite in every way. Grace is from a loving family, smart, but not much of one to take up for herself. So when she starts seeing monsters, she really needs Gretchen to teach her a thing or two or ten about defending herself. When at long last they discover Greer, Grace and Gretchen will realize they weren't as different from each other as they thought. Greer is a society princess, how will she even fit in to their monster fighting world? Or accept them as her sisters?
I really loved that all three girls were so vastly different. They played off of each other really well and there were some really fun moments of bickering that you only find between siblings. The fact that they were all raised in completely different ways, but suddenly shoved together and forced to face something none of them particularly want to really make these difference stand out. There were also so swoon-worthy male figures here and there along the way.
The only thing I didn't love about Sweet Venom was that I would have liked for there to have been a few more plot lines tied up by the end of the book. I understand that in a series you leave loose ends for book two, but I like for more of a conclusion with each book. I just felt like there wasn't enough with this one. Too much was still up in the air by the end for me.
Overall, I felt Sweet Venom was a great new take on Greek mythology, an exciting battle with interesting new monsters, and a beautiful tale of sisters reunited. I can't wait for Sweet Shadows to see where the sisters will go next! I recommend this one to fans of paranormal and mythology!
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Sweet Venom is one kick-ass story with tons thrilling moments and a new twist on the story of Medusa. I really enjoyed Sweet Venom and I'm dying to (pun intended) sink my teeth into book 2!
Sweet Venom literally kicks off with Gretchen who slays "beasties" and sends them back to their dimension. Gretchen is a descendent of Medusa and has grown up with her hypnotizing eyes and strength to slay beasties. While out on a hunt, Gretchen bumps into Grace who happens to look identical to her and can also see these creatures. After some communicating, Grace realized why she can see these creatures, that Gretchen and her are twins, and that their world seems to be getting more dangerous. As Grace trains, relationships develop, and more beasties are slayed, they girls find out that they are not only twins, but triplets. When they find their triplet Greer, she isn't the most welcoming, but the three girls learn quickly that they will have to stick together if they want to make it out alive.
There are so many relationships throughout this book. There is Gretchen and her mentor + Nick, Grace and her family + Milo, and Greer and her household + Kyle. Not to mention, all the school drama between Grace and Gretchen. You would think with three different view points being told, and everything going on it would be hard to follow, but guess what... it's not! Tera Lynn Childs does a beautiful job of weaving the three girls stories together in a way that makes you love reading about them. They're all so completely different too. Grace is the sweet, girl next door type. Gretchen is the hardcore, used to being alone, I'm going to kick ass type of girl. And finally Greer is the privileged one with expensive taste and a hot boyfriend.
I honestly loved Gretchen and Grace from the start... Greer had to grow on me, and I admit she did. All three girls come from completely different backgrounds. Now, of course there are other characters that I totally loved. I have to admit, Grace's brother Thane was my favorite character. I'm not sure why because he is the "quiet" type throughout the whole book, but there is something about him that I find alluring. Plus, his name is SO unique and hot, I definitely cannot wait to find out more about him in book2!! Another two boys we are introduced to are Milo and Nick. Milo has "mint green" eyes... which we all know is an instant win for me! And he's a soccer player... I like athletic! And finally Nick, Nick is just adorable. I honestly love his demeanor and how persistent he is. I found myself really liking him. I honestly cannot wait to find more out about these characters in book2!
Sweet Venom is a thrilling read with action around every corner... literally. Plus, the Greek mythology throughout the book is unique and I loved reading about it! Tera Lynn Childs writes the story beautifully and ending is one of those "Oh my god did that just happen?!?! WHERE IS BOOK 2?!" moments. There are so many questions I want answered, and so many things I want to know about. Sweet Venom was a truly exciting read and I loved it. Cannot wait to read the next one! :)
PS. I love when the chapter pages have designs... so the swirls on each chapter page in Sweet Venom = Love!
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 23, 2012
This book is one of the best books I have read. LOVED IT the
only bad thing is, I CAN'T READ THE NEXT BOOK YET! Oh ya and antomous is it WHY do you put wierd things on commments it is pretty annoying I was reading comments on a Warrior Cat book and you were yelling and cussing at someone. I WAS SO CREEPED OUT!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 29, 2012
A great read!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 7, 2011
Grace, Gretchen, and Greer are triplet-monster-fighting-descendants-of-Medusa-separated-at-birth. But they don't know that yet.
Underneath the busy San Francisco city-life, Tera Lynn Childs has interwoven her fresh outlook and witty humor with a gripping mythology and a dangerous destiny to be undertaken.
Sweet Venom is the first installment of Tera Lynn Childs' new trilogy. The story revolves around Grace, Gretchen, and Greer; their finding each other and discovering their legacy. And because Tera is an overachiever, we see the story unfold from viewpoints of all three girls, in alternating chapters. Tera does a magnificent job of creating unique voices for each of the girls.
Sweet Venom is action-packed epic awesomeness. Tera Lynn Childs has completely outdone herself.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Sweet Venom was definitely not what I was expecting in a positive and negative way. I was so excited to jump into this new mythological territory - I've never read a book about mythology before! I found that it was just a sometimes entertaining and a fast-pace read, but unfortunately it lacked pizzazz for me.
Gretchen has been a true huntress for four years now. Grace.not so much. But when the girls meet its difficult, as one would expect from randomly meeting you identical sister in a club. I really enjoyed the aspect that the girls didn't know each other. I think it brought humor and had an emotional pull. Gretchen is reluctant and tried to be hard all the time, but she still cared. Grace is the down to Earth sister - well until she sees beasties. Then there's Greer.the stylish social butterfly who has no time for 'sisters' and monsters.
Sweet Venom was written with three different perspectives - Gretchen, Grace and Greer. If you know me, I am a fan of this style and feel it always keeps the book fresh and different. It was a nice experience reading and understanding how each individual sister felt. I think this plays an important role in the reader making a connection to the triplets, even if its just with one of them.
The first half of the story was great and I was flipping the pages like no other. Then I noticed it started looping. I felt as if the story wasn't pushing through to the next level or phase of the plot. This was the major downfall here, because I wanted to be pumped up and ready to fight the monsters myself. Instead I was bored.
Another disappointment for me was a few loose ends by the final chapter. There were characters who seemed to fall of the face of the Earth - POOF! Gone. I felt there was no point for these characters and think they made no impact in the story so far. I hope to see more from them in future installments though!
The writing style was simplistic and I glided over the words. I enjoyed the three perspectives, characters and humor, but overall I wasn't as thrilled as I expected to be. I will however be checking out the rest of this series, because I am hopeful that it can only get better! I would suggest checking it out as a quick read.
Review based on ARC
3 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 23, 2013
You have your mythology, romance, action, and an odd twist on sisterhood packed into one book. I don't think this book one is for everyone, especially guys. Here are few things that might help you make a decision whether to read it or not.
1. A bit of romance, but not intense.
2. Lots of girls power!
3. Greek mythology, but not definately not as much as Percy Jaskson or anything. (More in the 2nd one)
4. Not much suspense.
5. It has a cheesy sisterhood thing going. (not too bad, tolerable)
So that about sums it up. If you read it, I hope you liked it. It is not a bad book, try it out.
-Krys
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 25, 2012
Very cute story! Switching point-of-views was done very well, and enhances enjoyment of the very well developed "Percy Jackson meets Buffy" characters.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 20, 2012
This was a neat story that mixed true life teenage angst with fantasy battles. Sixth grade and up.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates.
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 ...