MM Reviews: Special Affair

Title: Special Affair
Author: slumflower
Type: Original Fiction
Genre: Romance | Fantasy | Tragedy
Rating: R

“This is your story and you are a snake for the way you strike, you are a raven for the way your claws latch, and you are a wolf for the way no one will own you, not even the moon.”

Classic Greek mythology has been the inspiration for many stories throughout history. Overwhelmed with an abundance of tragedy, heartbreak, and treachery, the stories usually hold no warmth or love to give. Though the idea of powerful beings such as gods, goddesses, and creatures like nymphs appeals to a lot of people, it can be hard to detach the horrors that most stories were born with. A good example of this is the well-known story of Medusa, a girl that became a Gorgon after a horrific trauma and was hunted by heroes until she was slain by the infamous Perseus.

Special Affair takes that classic story and rewrites it with a power to rival the ocean.

Medusa is a beautiful maiden that cares for her ill parents and their land with determination and strength. She often prays to the deities, questioning why they curse mortals like her, but despite it all, she perseveres – until she meets Poseidon in Athena’s temple. After being torn down into what she feels is nothingness, she begs to never be weak again until a brokenhearted Athena transforms her hair into serpents and gives her the sharp teeth she longed for. Spanned over decades to even centuries, Special Affair depicts the love that grew between Medusa and the goddess – and how Medusa was just as human as the immortal deities, even with her desire for vengeance.

Written with beautiful and fluid prose that reads like poetry, slumflower details the intricate emotions and pain in the characters’ hearts in a world that blossoms from beginning to end. Although the content can make your heart feel heavy, it will also give you a soft feeling of hope as the author rewrites mythology into something wonderful.

With a tone that reads like classic mythology and a mesmerizing portrayal of love, Special Affair is a one-shot that you can really get lost in, finishing at nearly 3,000 words. Even if you don’t know anything about Greek mythology, this story should definitely be on your to-read list.

Special thanks to losing control. and Audrey T for editing.