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xandra_lyn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
This was such a cute story!! I really loved the characters and the plot was intriguing.
It started off a tad slow - but sped up after about 100 pages.
I'm not the intended audience, and I don't think I will read the next book; but I'd definitely recommend it to someone in that age group!
It started off a tad slow - but sped up after about 100 pages.
I'm not the intended audience, and I don't think I will read the next book; but I'd definitely recommend it to someone in that age group!
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
lprongs's review against another edition
3.0
A wholesome mythology adventure a la Percy Jackson. A borderless girl squad, plus sized Cuban American MC, and great depiction of complicated middle school friendships/emotions. Anyone can be a hero.
shipwrecksteph's review against another edition
3.0
Stumbled onto an ARC. Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2020.
Read a retelling of a classic of the canon, fairy tale, or myth by an author of color
I debated not giving this a rating since I'm not the target demographic. But I rate all the other middle grade books I read, so I'll let it stand for now.
The concept is really cool. I can easily see this being a series (and more easily see it being a TV series). The setup is all there. Multiple characters with interesting personalities and different powers. International setting. A nemesis that can go on forever. They can go on different adventures every week. It's perfect for that.
The story did take a bit of time to get started. And the MC's power was a bit hard to work out for awhile. I thought her friend had gotten powers for a few chapters before realizing what was actually going on. And the narrative whips back and forth between seemingly deep consequences and huge swaths of Magic ex Machina making everything ok again. Why setup everyone at the school only to scatter them 2 chapters later? It's hard to feel there are stakes when everything gets cleaned up so fast.
This seems like it would be good for it's target demo. Kids will probably enjoy this. But I wouldn't recommend it to adults who like kids books.
Read a retelling of a classic of the canon, fairy tale, or myth by an author of color
I debated not giving this a rating since I'm not the target demographic. But I rate all the other middle grade books I read, so I'll let it stand for now.
The concept is really cool. I can easily see this being a series (and more easily see it being a TV series). The setup is all there. Multiple characters with interesting personalities and different powers. International setting. A nemesis that can go on forever. They can go on different adventures every week. It's perfect for that.
The story did take a bit of time to get started. And the MC's power was a bit hard to work out for awhile. I thought her friend had gotten powers for a few chapters before realizing what was actually going on. And the narrative whips back and forth between seemingly deep consequences and huge swaths of Magic ex Machina making everything ok again. Why setup everyone at the school only to scatter them 2 chapters later? It's hard to feel there are stakes when everything gets cleaned up so fast.
This seems like it would be good for it's target demo. Kids will probably enjoy this. But I wouldn't recommend it to adults who like kids books.
cyngharris's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.75
rosasparks's review against another edition
4.0
This is super cute! I love girl squad YA books and this is the perfect mix of classic greek mythology and friendship with a mix of some magic.
spaceykate's review against another edition
4.0
Such a great book!!!! I originally picked it up because it sounded like the Percy Jackson series but #girlpower and while it was in essence, it was also so much more than that! Written for a younger audience but something any lover of Greek myths could enjoy. I found myself muttering multiple times while reading that I wish I'd had this book to read growing up. Instead of boys saving the world, this was all female forward! Fun story, awesome blending of different cultures and identities, and a wonderful crew of adventurers that I can't wait to read more of in the future.
aliciakindlereads's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed reading about the different muses’ and what “powers” they offer. The take on the spin of turning an enemy into a friend was really nice to read. I’m glad I have the second book because I’m excited to see what’s next.
nyrabloodreaver's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
katymul's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this take on the Muses, and the story has a lot to say about supportive friendship, inspiration, and the true nature of the hero. The plot meanders but in a fun way, and I certainly didn't mind visiting all of the sites in the story!
The one sour note is Callie's use of her powers to change two characters' appearances, both times making them more traditionally good-looking as part of her inspiration of them to heroics and confidence...it just left a sick twist in my guts. And it doesn't help that Callie, despite being self-described as fat, is depicted as thin on the cover.
The one sour note is Callie's use of her powers to change two characters' appearances, both times making them more traditionally good-looking as part of her inspiration of them to heroics and confidence...it just left a sick twist in my guts. And it doesn't help that Callie, despite being self-described as fat, is depicted as thin on the cover.