calicat42's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book is good for some escape from the world; a way to adventure back into childhood with a twist. It certainly lacks deep character and plot development, but nevertheless is a nice way to make Meg the hero instead of the damsel, just the way she always wanted.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Death, Toxic relationship, and Child death
kiwii091's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
3.75
A really enjoyable book that helps give Meg and Hercules' relationship some more needed development and context, as well as helping to develop Meg's character far more. It was nice getting some more backstory on her and why she acted the way she did in the film, as well as making her a more interesting character overall. Was also really interesting to see more of the Greek gods involved in the story, and acting more how you'd expect them to.
Only problem I had reading it however, was that some of the quotes from the film felt a little forced at the beginning of the book. But as it went on they came to feel more naturally integrated with the story and characters, rather than being added in just for the sake of it.
Only problem I had reading it however, was that some of the quotes from the film felt a little forced at the beginning of the book. But as it went on they came to feel more naturally integrated with the story and characters, rather than being added in just for the sake of it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
rebeccalaur's review
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
3.5
This is a fun book for fans of Disney's Hercules film to try out. If you've seen the film you'll easily pick up on many direct quotes in the book used in different contexts - although wasn't sure whether I liked this or not!
Overall, it was easy to read, easy to picture everything described. I love the Disney film so it was nice to be back in the world of Hercules. It's definitely darker than the film but nothing extreme. Bit cheesy pie.
Spoiler
I liked that we got to find out Meg's back story including what really happened when she sold her soul to Hades.Overall, it was easy to read, easy to picture everything described. I love the Disney film so it was nice to be back in the world of Hercules. It's definitely darker than the film but nothing extreme. Bit cheesy pie.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Death, and Abandonment
Minor: Child death
rdmoreland0801's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
You never get to see how your favorite Disney stories ended. I love that we get to see Meg’s story continue as she embarks on her own hero’s journey.
Meg thinks she has to complete this quest alone, but quickly realizes that the true quest is about asking for help when needed and opening your heart to those around you.
Throughout the quest, Meg tries to figure out if she truly loves Hercules and is prepared to spend eternity with him.
It is only once she’s losing him does she realize her true feelings. Although she did not complete her quest in the given amount of time, Meg makes such an impression on Hera that she becomes a God anyway.
I loved the story and seeing Me push through all her worry and insecurities. The narrator is great, but doesn’t really give off the proper vibe for Meg. I missed the low, sassy drawl of the Disney movie.
Other than the narration, I would still recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Hercules as a child.
Spoiler
Meg thinks she has to complete this quest alone, but quickly realizes that the true quest is about asking for help when needed and opening your heart to those around you.
Throughout the quest, Meg tries to figure out if she truly loves Hercules and is prepared to spend eternity with him.
It is only once she’s losing him does she realize her true feelings. Although she did not complete her quest in the given amount of time, Meg makes such an impression on Hera that she becomes a God anyway.
Spoiler
I loved the story and seeing Me push through all her worry and insecurities. The narrator is great, but doesn’t really give off the proper vibe for Meg. I missed the low, sassy drawl of the Disney movie.
Other than the narration, I would still recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Hercules as a child.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Child death, and Injury/Injury detail
sarinaslibrary's review
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I literally saw this in a shop today, bought it and read it all.
To be completely honest, I only bought this because of Hades on the cover, the "What If..." was interesting, but Hades is my ultimate favourite Disney character, so you have to thank him otherwise I would have passed this up.
Reading along Meg's journey was alright but my main focus was on Hades and Persephone.
As soon as Persephone was mentioned I was squealing because I have been waiting forever for her to be included in Disney, as when Demeter said that she was missing I instantly knew that Hades was involved, and the thought of them being together really kept me going to read this book.
Interesting things to happen with Meg on her quest such as finding out that her lover looking for her for two years before moving on, and not a week like Hades told her, but I'm not really surprised that he lied.
Then we get to the part where we get Hades AND Persephone and they in love and just wanting to be together - if I was in the house alone I would have squealed loudly, but I could only do a silent freak-out.
I was surprised that it was Meg that gave the idea of Persephone living half a year with her mother then the other with Hades, there was one mention of pomegranate seeds and that was when they left the Underworld.
Hades and Persephone are just too cute, giving each other pet names and him genuinely caring for her. I was happy to see Persephone have fire in her and being excited to tell her mother what was going to happen because she wouldn't be happy - like yas girl get your man and rebel against your VERY overprotective mother, do it.
Most of this review is about Hades and Persephone but that was what really made me enjoy this book, now all I need to see her animated and be with Hades on screen. :)
To be completely honest, I only bought this because of Hades on the cover, the "What If..." was interesting, but Hades is my ultimate favourite Disney character, so you have to thank him otherwise I would have passed this up.
Reading along Meg's journey was alright but my main focus was on Hades and Persephone.
As soon as Persephone was mentioned I was squealing because I have been waiting forever for her to be included in Disney, as when Demeter said that she was missing I instantly knew that Hades was involved, and the thought of them being together really kept me going to read this book.
Interesting things to happen with Meg on her quest such as finding out that her lover looking for her for two years before moving on, and not a week like Hades told her, but I'm not really surprised that he lied.
Then we get to the part where we get Hades AND Persephone and they in love and just wanting to be together - if I was in the house alone I would have squealed loudly, but I could only do a silent freak-out.
I was surprised that it was Meg that gave the idea of Persephone living half a year with her mother then the other with Hades, there was one mention of pomegranate seeds and that was when they left the Underworld.
Hades and Persephone are just too cute, giving each other pet names and him genuinely caring for her. I was happy to see Persephone have fire in her and being excited to tell her mother what was going to happen because she wouldn't be happy - like yas girl get your man and rebel against your VERY overprotective mother, do it.
Most of this review is about Hades and Persephone but that was what really made me enjoy this book, now all I need to see her animated and be with Hades on screen. :)
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood and Child death
Child death is off screen.
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