I really enjoyed this book, and felt it was a unique take on the current trend for mythology retellings.

A brilliant use of the structure of the source myth to tell a new story. Heads and shoulders above the more rote myth retellings that have come out recently.

This is such a beautifully written book within a magical setting, weaving historical fiction with mythology. Very unique and I'm excited to read more of Stokes-Chapman's work.

"Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman delivers a captivating blend of Greek myth, late-18th century historical mystery, and the alluring enigma of Pandora's Box. The story revolves around orphaned Pandora Blake, whose life is overshadowed by the malevolent presence of her uncle, Hezekiah. Hezekiah has taken control of her parents' antiquary shop and tarnished its reputation with a collection of forgeries. Yet, what truly concerns Pandora is the enigmatic artifact he has hidden in the basement - a relic shrouded in secrets, for which Hezekiah is willing to resort to any means to unveil.

Pandora, an aspiring jewelry designer, and her newfound companion, the young bookbinder Edward Lawrence, are determined to uncover her uncle's intentions. Pandora seeks liberation from Hezekiah's influence, while Edward aims to unveil the treasure and gain entry into the Society of Antiquaries. However, Hezekiah's determination to protect his secret leads to a perilous clash.

This story offers an enthralling reading experience. The allure of mythology and mystery saturates every page, guiding readers through the intricate world of late 18th-century London, with its veneer of opulence and concealed treachery. Pandora emerges as an immediately relatable character, her quest for independence resonating deeply with readers. Edward is portrayed as a complex figure, harboring his own enigmatic secrets, including his perplexing loyalty to his friend Cornelius Ashmole and the inexplicable animosity Cornelius directs toward Pandora.

The narrative bears an almost Dickensian ambiance, yet it is considerably more approachable than Dickens' works. It masterfully evokes the atmosphere of London's society two centuries ago, complete with its opulence and the underlying murkiness of life. The book introduces a diverse array of characters, including the wicked uncle Hezekiah, the coarse yet compelling Coombe brothers who work covertly for him, the brassy housekeeper Lottie, and the snobbish Lady Latimer. While colorful and well-drawn, the characters manage to avoid descending into mere caricatures.

Susan Stokes-Chapman's skillful use of rich descriptive prose weaves a narrative that pulses with peril and riddles, blending elements of the supernatural with real-world dangers. It conjures a vivid and immersive story, making Pandora a delightful and engaging read.

A brilliant take on the myth of Pandora's Box. I especially loved the backdrop of Georgian London in all its horrors. Emotive and descriptive language and a plot to keep you turning the pages long into the night!

An interesting take on a mythical/historical retelling. I think the concept is great - a book inspired by a myth rather than a straight and out retelling. It was engaging for the most part, with interesting characters and elegant prose although at times I felt like the dialogue and descriptions could be a little more concise, and while I enjoyed it on the whole it did take a little while for me to get through.

I must admit, I was never really interested in Greek mythology until recently but Pandora, which combines Greek mythology and Georgian London was right up my street! An interesting retelling of the myth, Pandora is gripping and atmospheric throughout, a real page turner, and I fell in love with the story and the characters. An intriguing plot with some clever twists, I definitely recommend!

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

I enjoyed this book but sadly it didn’t quite work for me. It had an interesting premise but it didn’t quite capture my attention fully.

I love Greek mythology and this book blended this into in 18th century London perfectly! Pandora is an impressive debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - it had a cast of interesting characters, engaging narrative, and a mystery based on Greek myth of Pandora. I love the atmospheric setting and though the novel was well-paced - slow enough to build the story and help you find yourself in 18th century London amongst its pages but with enough twists and turns to keep you reading. I found the detailing facets of the antiquarian trade and illegal practices in the sale of valuable artifacts prevalent in that era very interesting. I would definitely recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction who are open to adding myth and fantasy to the mix.

An intriguing story retelling Greek mythology woven into Georgian England. It had a great combination of mystery and historical fiction to keep me interested to the end! Super cosy book to snuggle up with.

I found this story to have a slow start. It was difficult to connect the characters, which is possibly why it felt like a slow read. The characters weren’t that likeable and I found it hard to relate to. Overall a very well articulated book but not for me. However it wouldn’t put me off recommending it to others as I know people who enjoy this genre would potentially like it.

An absolutely gripping Greek myth retelling. Would recommend to anyone who loves Madeline miller or simply any feminist Greek retellings.

A book about archelogy and greek mythology? Yes, please. I was intrigued by the blurb about a mysterious greek vase (could this be the famed Pandora's vase?) and the book was ok. I did find the story to drag now and then and it was a bit predictable with the romance and who's good and who's bad. Actually, my favourite character was Cornelis, Edwards's best friend. I found his story to be most tragic and I would have loved him to take a more central place instead of the usual pairing of a young woman meets a dashing young man and the usual cliché romance. Not that I disliked Dora and Edward, but it's the usual pairing and I do like more memorable characters.

The book was ok, but not as thrilling to listen to as I had hoped it to be. But if you like archelogy and greek mythology isn't it a bad book to read.

Pandora is an atmosphonic historical fictional story set in Georgian England. That mixes the greed, trechery and deceit of the antiquaries business with the fascinating World of Greek Mythology.

PLOT:Pandora follows the story of Pandora know to others as “Dora”.As she tries to follow her dreams of being a Jewellery designer and escaping her uncle as he contines to run her deceased parents antiques shop into the ground with his fakes. Until he brings in a item that is real. Between Dora and a book binder Edward they start to uncover the truth. The plot builds and drags you in. You want Dora and Edward to get their dreams but the mystery and Dora uncle devolving really interested me.

CHARACTERS: I do like Dora and Edward the main two character.They are abit self involved so they don't alway see what is going on around them.

WRITING STYLE: Susan stokes Chapman writing style is easy to read. The story flowed effortless for me.

THEMES: History, romance, Fantasy, abuse, sexuality.

OVERALL: An enjoyable historical mystery with a dash of romance. A good book especially if you like Greek mythology and Antique.

My rating for Pandora is 4 out of 5

This story is set in 1799, Georgian London, where two fates are bonded together by a mysterious Greek pythos. Pandora is an orphaned, aspiring jewellery maker who lives with her uncle in her late parent's shop of antiquities. Edward is a book-binder, aspiring to join the Society of Antiquaries, and needless to say, neither Pandora and Edward have achieved their dreams yet. They are sort of fellow dreamers or kindred spirits. When Pandora's uncle brings this strange, apparently cursed pythos into the basement, a lot of weird things start happening.

What I liked:

- The writing. I just get special joy in reading sentences like: ''If you wait here, I shall furnish you with some refreshment.'' Well, furnish me with champagne and let's cheer to the author's ability to bring this time to life through her writing.
- The pacing was great. There wasn't a single moment where I felt the story was dragging or that it was unreasonably sped up.
- The author managed not to put the romance at the forefront of the story. I loved how the love story progressed slowly, and I enjoyed how it was demonstrated through their growing friendship and respect for each other.
- Loved all the characters, but Pandora was my absolute favourite. She was charming, intelligent, sweet, kind, humble. The touch of having a beautiful magpie named Hermes, and her bond with the lovely bird was just a bonus.
- The author really paints a full picture of Georgian London, especially of the parts that weren't so glamorous, which really contributes to creating the atmosphere in the story. I mean, envisioning Pandora's dress dragging through dirt, muck and shit, are the kind of details that really brings you back in time.
- Overall, it was suspenseful, but not actually nail-bitingly intense. It was fun as well, especially when you get pictures such as a capuchin monkey sitting on a red cushion next to the refreshment table at a fancy soiree, letting its tail dangle in the punch.

There isn't a dislike section, because there isn't anything that I disliked. Maybe only the fact that Dora releases the breath she has been holding quite a few times?

Would I recommend this? Yes, and I will. To anyone who likes historical fiction, mystery, Greek myths.

My deepest apologised to the publishers and author for such a belated review, due to my absence last year.

Super wonderful book set in Georgian London.

Pandora's parents die leaving her gross uncle to swoop in and take over their exceptionally cute-sounding antique store. Instead of being a nice human being, Uncle Hezekiah decided it was best to use the shop to scam their customers into paying more whilst gathering up more artefacts at the same time.

Their world changes when an especially large crate appears in the basement 👀

Pandora is such a wonderful binge-worthy novel that should be on any historical fiction fan's shelves.

In 1799 London, Pandora 'Dora' Blake lives in a once-renowned antiques shop that has fallen into disrepair since being taken over by her uncle after Dora's parents' deaths.
Dora dreams of restoring the shop to its former glory, and hopes to make a living from designing jewellery.
When Dora's uncle's behaviour starts to become strange after a Greek vase is delivered and then locked away in the basement, Dora is determined to find out what her uncle is up to.
Dora meets Edward Lawrence, a scholar desiring membership to the Society of Antiquities, who agrees to help Dora research the vase.
Dora and Edward's quest will lead them to buried secrets and could be more dangerous than either of them had imagined.
Is there more to the strange vase than meets the eye?
Will Pandora and Edward achieve their dreams?

The concept of a strange Greek vase in 1799 London really intrigued me, and I was excited to read this to see what happened.
Pandora 'Dora' Blake was a likeable and relatable protagonist. I empathised with her and hoped she would get away from her horrible uncle. I also liked Dora's pet magpie, Hermes, and Edward, whose relationship with his best friend Cornelius was interesting, as was Edward's past.
The setting was intriguing, and I found it easy to imagine the once-great Blake's Emporium on a dirty, smoky London street.
The plot was interesting and held my attention, but I wasn't gripped or particularly surprised by anything that happened.
The writing style was easy to follow.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

A beautifully written story set in 1799 in London with such an authentic feel of that era.

The narrative has an almost Dickensian feel, with its atmospheric and colourful evocation of life a couple of centuries ago, and its variety of characters like evil uncle Hezekiah, housekeeper Lottie, the salty Coombe brothers who work covertly for Hezekiah, and snobby entitled Lady Latimer.
A plot that crackles with danger and mystery that may or may not have its roots in the supernatural, and a colourful cast of characters all make this a joy to read.

You can tell the author has done her research into antiques and the Era it’s set, just due to the detail, and how you feel like you’re there walking the streets with Dora. The details gone into the antiques and book binding really gives you a clear picture of what they look like and how they are made.

Dora (Pandora) an aspring jewellery designer, and her new acquaintance, young book binder Edward Lawrence, are determined to discover her uncle's plans. They are both brilliant, strong characters with depth, that you really get invested in them and their missions. I felt so much for Dora with what shes been through with her parents death, then constantly being knocked down by the men in her life - her uncle and the jewellery maker.

Such a brilliant debut novel, I can’t wait to read more by Susan Stokes-Chapman

As a huge lover of Greek myths and historical fiction, Pandora was on my TBR from the moment I read the blurb. Set in a very atmospheric Edwardian London and telling the story of a mysterious Greek vase that appears in the basement of Dora's antique shop, this hit all the right notes for me. You can't beat a good strong female protagonist and Dora doesn't disappoint, there were definitely similarities between her and her namesake. I also loved Lady Latimer, who had the potential to be a dreadful character but showed a generous and kind side.

The negatives? The plot was a little slow to get going and slightly predictable but the story didn't suffer for it. Overall, a very enjoyable read!