miad3's review
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
lunafox4's review
4.0
I recently received this book as a gift from my lovely partner, and now I have finished it. Full disclosure, I have never read any of the Twisted Tales, so this was my first one. I should also probably mention that I adored Megara growing up.
Go The Distance is a YA fantasy fiction novel that starts with an alternate ending to Hercules. Instead of Hercules stepping down to rejoin Meg, Zeus refuses. Feeling pity (or perhaps curiosity), Hera gives Meg a quest. The prize for completing her quest? Godhood (that word sounds positively awful).
What ensues is moments of action, poignancy, and returns from some of our favorite characters. Some characters, such as Phil, I think are done particularly well. His dialogue fits in well with the movie's dialogue and helps the narrative along. The growth in Meg and Phil's relationship is also done well. Surprisingly, although Hercules is in it, the conversations with him are much more simple. There are not many moments where we can understand their relationship on a deeper level. In addition, it was also nice to see some of the backstory pertaining to Meg's relation with Hades (although it is never quite answered as to why no god answered her prayer besides him, but I guess these things happen often in this world).
While this is all enjoyable, I think demographic needs to be discussed here. As someone with nostalgia, I read this book primarily because a) it is fairly short and b) it seems fun. I would say that Go the Distance is geared much more towards adolescents, particularly adolescents who just finished watching Hercules and want to stay in that world a bit longer. It's fun, it's happy, and the themes of love are done well. However, if you are expecting something truly dark or heavy, look elsewhere. Go the Distance in an odd way, almost feels like a precursor before someone begins to read Holly Black books.
All in all, fun nostalgic read. 3.5/5 stars for me.
Go The Distance is a YA fantasy fiction novel that starts with an alternate ending to Hercules. Instead of Hercules stepping down to rejoin Meg, Zeus refuses. Feeling pity (or perhaps curiosity), Hera gives Meg a quest. The prize for completing her quest? Godhood (that word sounds positively awful).
What ensues is moments of action, poignancy, and returns from some of our favorite characters. Some characters, such as Phil, I think are done particularly well. His dialogue fits in well with the movie's dialogue and helps the narrative along. The growth in Meg and Phil's relationship is also done well. Surprisingly, although Hercules is in it, the conversations with him are much more simple. There are not many moments where we can understand their relationship on a deeper level. In addition, it was also nice to see some of the backstory pertaining to Meg's relation with Hades (although it is never quite answered as to why no god answered her prayer besides him, but I guess these things happen often in this world).
While this is all enjoyable, I think demographic needs to be discussed here. As someone with nostalgia, I read this book primarily because a) it is fairly short and b) it seems fun. I would say that Go the Distance is geared much more towards adolescents, particularly adolescents who just finished watching Hercules and want to stay in that world a bit longer. It's fun, it's happy, and the themes of love are done well. However, if you are expecting something truly dark or heavy, look elsewhere. Go the Distance in an odd way, almost feels like a precursor before someone begins to read Holly Black books.
All in all, fun nostalgic read. 3.5/5 stars for me.
amyftw's review
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
maddy_smith45's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lunashadowwolf123's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
well for me I don't really know the original story of Meg but this was a fun read since i do love Greek Mythology , tho I didn't really remember what happen I the movie, so I was kind of going into the book blind, but it turns out to be a pretty good book and a good and sad backstory but it brought more realism into the book
jdalton's review
5.0
Gigantic thanks to NetGalley and Disney publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
This is my second Twisted Tales book I’ve read and my goodness I enjoyed it. I was filled with so many emotions and I kept thinking “these are the same characters from a childhood favorite?”
In this book, the focus is on Megara, and rightfully so. Though while this book feels more like a sequel, the twisted part of this is “what if Zeus didn’t allow Hercules to stay on earth with Meg? And Meg had to do her own heroic quest?”
What I loved about that, is Zeus refusing to let Hercules become mortal again felt more in character of non Disneyfied Zeus and therefore felt more realistic (as realistic as you can get with Greek Gods that is).
I definitely recommend this for fans of Hercules, especially fans of Meg. Even if you’re not and you’re just a Greek Mythology fan in general, definitely recommend giving this a read.
This is my second Twisted Tales book I’ve read and my goodness I enjoyed it. I was filled with so many emotions and I kept thinking “these are the same characters from a childhood favorite?”
In this book, the focus is on Megara, and rightfully so. Though while this book feels more like a sequel, the twisted part of this is “what if Zeus didn’t allow Hercules to stay on earth with Meg? And Meg had to do her own heroic quest?”
What I loved about that, is Zeus refusing to let Hercules become mortal again felt more in character of non Disneyfied Zeus and therefore felt more realistic (as realistic as you can get with Greek Gods that is).
I definitely recommend this for fans of Hercules, especially fans of Meg. Even if you’re not and you’re just a Greek Mythology fan in general, definitely recommend giving this a read.
reemofbookingdom's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
This turned out even better than I was expecting! It felt like reading a disney movie (duuh).
I love how the author nailed every single character and the vibrant world.
This turned out even better than I was expecting! It felt like reading a disney movie (duuh).
I love how the author nailed every single character and the vibrant world.
agirlsnightbookbash's review
5.0
A wonderful mix of Disney, mythology, and original story telling..
There are a ton of Twisted Tale books at this point. Go the Distance by Jen Calonita is the first I've read, but it makes me want to read more of them.
The story starts right before the movie ended, with Hercules telling Zeus he wanted to remain on Earth with Meg. Well in this version Zeus shot that down. And our story begins.
Calonita did a fantastic voice bringing the vibe of the movie characters into this new story but still kept them fresh and exciting.
I loved Hercules growing up. I loved Megara with her zero f's to give way before it was cool. And Hades is just the funnest of all the Disney Villains. Combine that with a great story and you have the Elixir of the Gods
There are a ton of Twisted Tale books at this point. Go the Distance by Jen Calonita is the first I've read, but it makes me want to read more of them.
The story starts right before the movie ended, with Hercules telling Zeus he wanted to remain on Earth with Meg. Well in this version Zeus shot that down. And our story begins.
Calonita did a fantastic voice bringing the vibe of the movie characters into this new story but still kept them fresh and exciting.
I loved Hercules growing up. I loved Megara with her zero f's to give way before it was cool. And Hades is just the funnest of all the Disney Villains. Combine that with a great story and you have the Elixir of the Gods
harleequill's review
5.0
I wish I could give this book more stars! Five just isn’t enough for how much I loved this one. The second Twisted Tale I’ve read so far…and I was disappointed with the first, but this one exceeded my expectations.
This book is exactly what I wanted…a fresh story with the same lovable characters. It ties into the Hercules storyline so well, the characters personalities ring true to the movie. There are even some throwback lines straight from the movie.
I loved loved LOVED this one.
This book is exactly what I wanted…a fresh story with the same lovable characters. It ties into the Hercules storyline so well, the characters personalities ring true to the movie. There are even some throwback lines straight from the movie.
I loved loved LOVED this one.