A review by lunafox4
Go the Distance by Jen Calonita
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.