e-Audio, 09:39:04
Narrated by: Joniece Abbot-Pratt
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Published by: Disney Press
Read from: December 20-26, 2024
Stand-alone
Source: Netgalley (I received a copy of this e-ALC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)
Content Warning:
For Readers Interested In: Historical, Media Tie In, Mythology, Fantasy, YAThe untold origin story of the 5 Muses from Disney’s Hercules is revealed in this rollicking YA fantasy filled with mythical adventure, music, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
The Muses narrated Hercules’s story. Now, in this novel for fans of the New York Times bestsellers Go the Distance and Fire & Fate, they’ll narrate their own “gospel truth.”
Living in a quiet seaside village with their overprotective mother, teenaged sisters Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia are talented performers with no audience. If Calli had her way, she’d pursue her dream of writing epic stories in the city of Thebes. But family comes first, and as the eldest, she’d never leave her beloved sisters behind.
Then, following a disastrous public music performance, their mother reveals a shocking secret: she is Mnemosyne, the Goddess of Memory, and for nearly two decades, she’s been on the run from the gods of Mount Olympus, desperate to keep her daughters safe from their machinations. Before she can share more, she is kidnapped . . . and though the girls don’t know it yet, the villain pulling the strings is none other than Hades, fiery God of the Underworld.
Under Calli’s leadership, the sisters embark on a journey to save their mother and to learn more about their own divine origins. But the path ahead is filled with mythical trials and tribulations, and they’ll need to rely on both their individual talents and the strength of their sisterhood to ensure that they ascend from “zeroes” to “heroes”–or more accurately, heroines.
Penned by New York Times bestselling author Farrah Rochon, this YA fantasy uniquely blends a twist on a Disney classic with a fresh take on Greek mythology.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I’ve never been one for origin stories, but this is one I could never pass up. And yeah, it was so good. The muses have always been my favorite part of Hercules’ movie, so this was a no brainer. I knew I had to read this one ASAP.
Ok so the one thing I loved about this was the characters. As we know, all the Muses had their own thing and they all got to showcase them in the book. And I loved even more that they had no idea that these were their gifts. They were so naive and it was almost comical. I had to keep reminding myself that they were teens because all this happened to their mother and like, kids, listen to your parents. Even when it seems annoying lol And I also really loved the portrayal of Hades. He was terrible and also hilarious. Just like in the movie. I hope this is how they make him in the live action too if we ever get there.
The plot was good too. It was an origin story so I wasn’t thinking there would be a lot of action, but there was. From finding a labyrinth to having something that would be akin to a comedy show back in the day. It reminded me of all the things that make me happy in real life. It was so funny that I was reading this because I never thought of myself artsy before, but then I read this. All of the muses are me rolled up in one, so I loved this. This really was a lot of fun.
After reading this I can’t wait to see what Disney decides about the live action remake. I REALLY hope this is going to show them that this is the one we need next. I wish we had more of a look into their future than just the ending, but I get why Rochon didn’t. She wanted to give them their own shine. Which they deserved. (It’s me. I’m the problem. Because I just wanted more nods to the movie lol) And while we’re here talking about the movie…. Stop playing with my girl Amber Riley’s top! If I hear ANYONE ELSE sing, “Bless my soul, Herc was on a roll!” I’m going to lose it. But for now, this Disnerd Adult is happy with this!
Overall, I give this
