What a journey. I absolutely loved this book. I am so enjoying the Greek mythology that seems to be appearing left, right and centre at the moment, and this is definitely one of the better books I have read!

The research for this book was obviously done to an extremely high standard, I felt totally immersed in the scenes and the story which only added to the richness of the overall events and storyline.

A great historical read.

I like it when you read a period of history you know nothing about, the facts that are included makes me feel really knowledgeable after.
The Vase is the key to escape but with it brings Questions and mysteries that should probably stay that way....... i don't think you should read it......... Unless the pull of the mystery is calling you and you really need to know........

This is such an intriguing and richly imagined book. From Dora's tragic backstory, the ambitions of Edward to enter the Society of Antiquaries, the mysterious white haired man and central to the plot is the curious vase that Hezekiah Blake has determined holds immense value, but seems to the reader to perhaps hide a curse that will wreak havoc for all the protagonists. Weaving these people together is a story of betrayal, romance, ambition and greed ,with a soupçon of the supernatural. It is an absolutely delicious concoction.

The characterisation is superb, so succinctly does Susan Stokes-Chapman capture the essence of the protagonists in a small action or speech, yet passes no judgment upon them. Similarly the atmosphere is richly created, I actually needed to spray some perfume as the 'soils of London's streets' were described.

I absolutely loved this book and I eagerly await what Ms Stokes-Chapman has in store for us next.

My thanks go to the publishers and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.

Reading the sampler of this book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the full version. A feisty, independent, female lead? A pet magpie? A Georgian London setting but with Greek myth elements? Absolutely, sign me up now!

The story centres on Dora Blake, a young woman living in her family's antiquities shop in London, 1799. She dreams of being a jewellery designer and escaping her oppressive situation as Uncle Hezekiah runs her parents' shop into the ground after their tragic deaths. When an ancient Greek pithos arrives, surrounded by secrecy and rumours of a curse, Dora wants to draw the vase's designs for use in her jewellery, However, the pithos seems to hold mysterious power - and is also in the sights of Edward Lawrence who sees it as his ticket to acceptance within the hallowed walls of the Royal Society. The vase becomes the focus for so many people's hopes and dreams - but holds some disturbing secrets that Dora will bring to light.

There was so much that I liked about this novel, but especially the way that the curse of the pithos manifested itself in creepy and low-key ways. It seemed absolutely fitting that those involved with essentially stealing the vase from its Greek home would suffer in some way - and the slowly spreading sense of infection was developed effectively, adding a repulsive and decaying quality to those who disturb the past. This worked perfectly with the vivid (but often grim) Georgian setting - especially the gloomy bindery where Edward worked, the antiquities shop packed with corruption and forgeries, the streets of less-salubrious areas of London, the docks, the Royal Society... I loved the sense of setting and enjoyed the authenticity of the period detail.

I also found the character of Dora appealing - I admired her willingness to be unconventional and to try to independently forge her own path in a world hostile to women, Her pet magpie, Hermes, was a nice touch and also important to the story. I liked the fact that Dora developed as a character throughout the novel, becoming someone who was prepared to defy her uncle, join forces with Edward in a way that society probably wouldn't condone for a young lady and seek her truth.

My only reservation was that the book - beautifully-written and rich - took a while to hook me. I loved the setting and characters, but thought the actual plot was a little slow at first. Once it takes hold, it's an absolute joy to follow as it rattles along at quite a pace towards the satisfying ending - but it did take me a while to get fully involved.

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with plenty of colourful and striking detail. You'll feel at times that you can see, touch and smell Georgian London - although maybe you'll want to skip the latter! There's lots to admire in Stokes-Chapman's take on the Greek myth of Pandora and there are some unexpected events along the way to keep things interesting.

Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Sadly, Pandora was not the book for me. I didn’t believe in the characters or their motives and constantly got distracted by irrelevant details - how could a lantern work underwater in 1799? why was Dora so distant from and weird with someone she’d lived with for 12 years? why did everything smell so revolting? why is lemonade (made from Sicilian lemons) being served in a London winter?

Maybe this is one for those who are more willing to suspend their disbelief than I am.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.

“𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙𝙨.”

I've had Pandora on my TBR for a while and I've seen several good reviews about it. The moment I read that it's a Greek Mythology retelling of the well-known Pandora's Box I knew I needed to read it.
Set in Georgian London in 1799, the reader meets Dora (Pandora) Blake and her uncle who owns an antiquities shop, previously owned by her parents who died years earlier.
With shelves lined with antiquities and an uncle who cons customers into paying more than what the items are worth, Dora tires of living under her uncle's rules and lies. She dreams of becoming a jewellery artist but her designs lack something.

One day a mysterious vase arrives at their shop and immediately Dora is drawn to it. I went into the story thinking that the entire story would be about the vase, but the majority of the story revolves around Dora and Edward, a young man who is sent to their shop to meet Dora. Dora yearns for independence while Edward seeks to belong. There were side characters that added to the mystery and danger of the story as well as history about certain characters that leaves the reader emotional.

The story has a steady pace and the character development is evident after each chapter. The mystery about the vase and a hint of magic lures the reader into reading 'just one more chapter'.
Don't be fooled by appearances, something as simple as a vase can hold the power to change life as you know it.
This book is perfect for fans of The Leviathan by Rosie Andrews.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for gifting me an electronic copy of this book.

This book had beautiful writing and a gorgeous cover, but not much substance to keep me invested. The characters felt one dimensional and the plot was confusing at times.

I have always been a great fan of Greek myths and legends so you can imagine my excitement when I heard about this book. Pandora.

Firstly, let me say that the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful.

Pandora took me a few chapters to get into but once I did I didn't want it to end. I was hooked. Who could fail to love a book with a pet magpie in it?

The author has a rich, vivid writing style and I lived every moment along with Dora.

"Hezekiah Blake's Emporium for Exotic Antiquities stands out against the coffee-house and haberdasher's it sits between. It's window is large and bowed, obtrusive to passers by who often find themselves compelled to stop due to it's sheer size. But the street is where many of these passers-by stay - nowadays few linger when they realise the window with its peeling frame has nothing more exotic in it than an armoire from the last century and a landscape painting reminiscent of Gainsborogh. Once a booming establishment it now houses only forgeries and dust-furred curiousities that hold no real appeal for the public, let alone a discerning collector."

Dora is a charming character. Fierce and indendent but also with a streak of innocence and a shade of vulnerability. I loved how she developed through the book.

Combining Greek mythology with Georgian England, Pandora was a fantastically atmospheric and all-consuming read. The story follows Dora, who lives with her uncle above the family's antique shop, and the events which unfold following the day the receive a mysterious Greek artefact.
The characters were cleverly written and the scene-setting was strong - highly recommend if you're interested in historical fiction/mythology-based novels.

Pandora is a bit of a slow burn to start with but is utterly immersive and beautifully written. I really enjoyed that it wasn't a strict myth retelling.

Did Not Finish
Its not that there is anything intrinsically wrong with this book but I just lost interest at around 40% the way in. I guess I never really cared what happened to Dora but I don't know why.

An intriguing premise but I just couldn't gel with the authors writing style enough to become invested in the characters or their story. That said, writing style is a very 'personal taste' issue, so Pandora could well be a great fit for other readers.

Appeared at The List

An aspiring artist, a young bookbinder and one devious uncle populate a debut novel which sparkles with intrigue

That title ensures anyone with even the barest smattering of Greek-myth knowledge will begin Susan Stokes-Chapman's novel with a sense of foreboding. Very quickly that feeling will be rewarded by a claustrophobic opening and the tantalising glimpse of a mysterious shipwrecked crate. Pandora swiftly establishes itself as a fun Georgian thriller, complete with artistic heroine and dastardly uncle.

Set in 1799, the story centres on Dora (the eponymous Pandora) Blake, an orphan who wishes the best for her parents' antiques shop. Hezekiah, the aforementioned uncle, soon reveals himself to have nefarious dealings, many of them centred on an ancient Greek pithos and its strange siren call. Help for Dora comes in the form of Edward Lawrence, a young bookbinder with hopes of securing a place for himself in the Society Of Antiquaries.

Sure to appeal to fans of Greek myth who are keen on applying their knowledge to the unpicking of a fresh mystery, Pandora bubbles along at a good pace, throwing in enough hints of curses and intrigue to beguile the reader. With mysterious accidents, indications of romance and a variety of perfectly dislikeable characters (as well as some the reader is more than happy to root for), Pandora has plenty to offer. One of the book's particular pleasures are the descriptions of Dora's love of jewellery-making and her aspiration to secure her future as an artist. Likewise, the forays into ancient mythology and Edward's struggle to carve a name for himself in the world of antiquities add extra depth to the tale.

Pandora was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish College 2020 Fiction Prize and is Stokes-Chapman's debut novel. Perfect for fans of The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester or The Binding by Bridget Collins, this is a compelling historical novel that will tempt you to keep lifting the lid and read just one more chapter …

I enjoy books about Greek mythology and was interested to read this one.
I really enjoyed the themes of love and hope and thought the characters were great - i really liked them.
It was an immersive read and as a lover of historical fiction I thought it was exceptionally well written full of interesting details
I would recommend this book to those interested in Greek mythology or historical fiction.
Thanks to the author and publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review

Greek myth and the Georgians two of my favourite topics in fiction. Pandora by Susan Stokes Chapman neatly combines the two. Dora’s archeologist parents were killed on a dig in Greece when she was a child, her uncle took her in but neglects both her and her parents business. Edward hopes to be accepted by the Society of Antiquaries but needs something to write a paper about. One day a mysterious vase arrives for Dora’s uncle. Dora and Edward set about solving its mystery.

What a stunning debut set in the Georgian era, a firm favourite of 2022! I found this a deeply compelling journey of discovery both of the self and the storytelling in general. The focus on belonging and legacy was brought to the forefront through a sprinkle of Greek Mythology which I thought was clever and intriguing.

I found the writing to be a really smooth narrative filled with mystery and magic that had me falling in love with the characters.

I was reminded of Jessie Burtons style in this novel and can’t wait for more from this author - a gripping piece of historical fiction!

'Pandora' is split into 3 parts and I really felt it. The first part I was not sure what was going on and I struggled to get into it. In the second part, my interest grew and I started to be intrigued and then in the third part I was fully invested and gripped. The latter half of the book definitely saved this book and boosted the rating.
Once the book progressed, I was really invested in the links to Greek mythology and how that was linked into the plot.

ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Read if you like :
- Greek mythology
- strong female lead
- stories from oppressed women
- consuming story line

I enjoy historical fiction where the plot weaves fact and fiction. This clever tale brings the myth of Pandora’s box to life in a reimagined tale of deception, secrets, love and loss. It’s beautifully written, set in Georgian London and there’s a real feel for the time and manners of the period.

Dora, the central character, helps in her uncle’s shop. He deals in antiquities and a vase is brought in. She becomes intrigued by the design and history of the vase, seeing it as inspiration for her own interests as a jewellery designer. She meets Edward, an antiquarian book binder, and together, they discover numerous secrets, treachery and involving the old vase. It’s a well crafted tale with two very likeable central characters and who bit by bit unravel a rather sad and sordid story. There’s a live element, but it’s not essentially a romance. I liked the nod to Pandora’s box; the theme of opening and delving and unleashing the unexpected is well explored. A gentle mystery and one I really enjoyed.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

A truly addictive, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
A perfect mix of historical fiction, fantasy, mystery and romance.