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
shannasbookshelf's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"'On the contrary, it's very important. You are going to war, Megara. And in war, one must have the will to fight for what they want or they will fall in battle as swiftly as a sword cuts through air.' Meg stifled a sigh, careful not to offend the god in front of her. What do I want? she asked herself."
This book was a good read. I really enjoyed it. However, I wish Meg's quest wasn't stated as part of the book's synopsis. Why? It's not something you learn right when Hera gives Meg the quest - it's a couple of chapters after that. I would have enjoyed the twist of having to save her ex-boyfriend's wife from the Underworld if that had been revealed to us at the same time it was revealed to Meg. The author/publisher/marketers for this book could have easily said "to prove her worth of godhood, Meg goes on a quest to save a soul from the Underworld" without actually stating on the cover/in the synopsis who she's saving. (Because, honestly, if she has to go to the Underworld to save a soul, she would have to deal with Hades again, which I think would intrigue any fan of Disney's Hercules movie. [And who doesn't want more Hades?]) There were some parts of the book that had me asking "Really?", which is what docked it down to 4 stars for me. Overall, I do recommend this as a read - it's a great story and a great take on the possible idea that Meg had to become a goddess to be with Herc.
This book was a good read. I really enjoyed it. However, I wish Meg's quest wasn't stated as part of the book's synopsis. Why? It's not something you learn right when Hera gives Meg the quest - it's a couple of chapters after that. I would have enjoyed the twist of having to save her ex-boyfriend's wife from the Underworld if that had been revealed to us at the same time it was revealed to Meg. The author/publisher/marketers for this book could have easily said "to prove her worth of godhood, Meg goes on a quest to save a soul from the Underworld" without actually stating on the cover/in the synopsis who she's saving. (Because, honestly, if she has to go to the Underworld to save a soul, she would have to deal with Hades again, which I think would intrigue any fan of Disney's Hercules movie. [And who doesn't want more Hades?]) There were some parts of the book that had me asking "Really?", which is what docked it down to 4 stars for me. Overall, I do recommend this as a read - it's a great story and a great take on the possible idea that Meg had to become a goddess to be with Herc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Minor: Grief, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
Spoiler
Speaking of Hades . . . we actually went down the Hades x Persephone route for this!!! The minute I read that Persephone was missing (Chapter 1, I believe, but not further than Chapter 2), I KNEW where it was going. Although a small part of me does wish that we got the beginnings of a Hades x Persephone romance rather than being in the middle of it - because Meg comments that she had "never seen Hades so docile." Like, WHAT?! How did we get there? Although I do think that where their relationship was worked best for the story. Although I do want a Disney Hades x Persephone story from Calonita now.Spoiler
The main examples: (1) Hera, of all the goddesses (goddess of marriage), is the one to send Meg on the quest. [I know this isn't a spoiler, but I wanted to keep these examples together.] This is something I see Zeus or [Disney's portrayal of] Hades doing, not Hera. (2) Meg's almost-constant insecurity for roughly the first half of the book. I get it - I would be too if I were in her shoes. But I felt like the constant insecurity didn't fit well with who she was by the end of the movie. This does let up around the halfway point, though. (3) Phil just up & leaves Olympus without saying goodbye to Herc. This is a little thing, but still...
More...