A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London, where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance.



There is a fine line between coincidence and fate...

I'm a great fan of Georgian England as a setting so knew this book would be a perfect match for me, and I was right. The cover design is also delicious!
It's a treat of a novel and I couldn't get enough of it!
Highly recommended :)

Enjoyed this book - kept me up reading well into the night. Interesting and unusual characters - certainly not your run of the mill types - Dora, studious and tall, keeps a pet magpie, Hermes. Edward is shorter and nervous. Hezekiah becomes slowly more grotesque and Lottie eventually develops a conscience. The Coombe brothers stink from the moment they appear on the page.

There's an atmospheric background, often dark or candlelit - though, again, not the usual sort of Georgian London of historical books. The characters seem more modern than Georgian - but that's not a criticism - this is not a 'Fie, Madam' sort of book.

The myth of Pandora is wound into the novel in the shape of a mysterious pithos - a Grecian jar that may be cursed.

What a stunning cover, perfectly portraying so many aspects of the story.
I loved this book, historical fiction woven with mystery and Greek mythology? What's not to love?! Dora was a gorgeous character, with heart and a passion for her art and jewellery, but who was living with her awful uncle after the death of her parents. And Edward, lovely Edward. A man who wanted recognition for his work on antiques, but was struggling to get it.
Then the pithos comes into play, and I am desperate to see this in a film. The descriptions in the book just scream 'stunning' and I am certain my imagination comes nowhere near its beauty.
The mystery surrounding the pithos keeps the reader turning the pages, and I definitely saw similarities between my favourite historical mystery 'The Lost Apothecary' and this one in terms of the gripping plot, keeping the reader engaged and thinking about it all day.
The ending was rather complex, but a book that tackles so many intricate details and myths is bound to be, and it was achieved very well.
This book is incredible for a debut!

Also posted to my Instagram and Facebook accounts Curling up with a coffee and a kindle.

i'm obsessed with the choice to set this in georgian england rather than going a similar route to madeline miller and jennifer saint, both of whom i really like. it's just excellent

This book is not what I thought it was. Whether it was an error on my part and I misread the description, or whether the marketing really focused on the Greek Mythology element that's so popular at the moment I'm not sure. But this is not a retelling of Pandora, it brings up the myth and is discusses it, but it is not a retelling. This is a historical fiction novel with an element of mystery; it focuses on the greed of people and what they will do to get what they desire, and the pithos is used as a tool to bring these elements out in people. Our heroine isn't Pandora reimagined, and I think I would've enjoyed the novel a lot more if I hadn't have gone into the book expecting Pandora reborn. I did enjoy the plot, I thought the mystery was intruging and it was fun to try and piece together what was actually going on in this novel. Nevertheless, things did drag a little for what felt like no reason, there were quiet moments in the novel (which I usually like) and yet when it came to this mystery I thought it could've been accomplished in a smaller novel. If we are having these quiet moments then it should be used for character development and backstory so we truly begin to care about the characters and understand why they do waht they do. Pandora got this development to a certain extent, Edward didn't. His backstory (which was so dark and so interesting) was barely touched on! He had all this trauma and it wasn't explored it was just dropped in and we were expected to believe he was okay now? Especially (spoiler alert) when he is locked in the safe, it is never address how he felt about it, how he reacted, what happened to him after expect 'an he lived happily ever after'. I just think with a backstory like his it either should be explored properly or not included at all. His character fell flat to me because of this. And don't get me started on his friend and how the only gay rep in this book was framed as a possessive, jealous person and Dora's romantic "foil", of course he got his small redemption but it wasn't enough for me. And because of that I wasn't routing for Dora and Edward at all, it felt forced and he definitely had more chemistry with other characters.
The jewellry making was a nice touch and overall there were moments of this book that had me hooked. I just think this should've been pushed as a historical mystery (like Stacey Halls or Laura Purcell) rather than leaning so heavily on the Greek Mythology element that wasn't even really that big. I wanted a Pandora retelling and unfortunately this wasn't one.

*Many thanks to Susan Stokes-Chapman, Random HOuse UK, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I quite enjoyed the story set at the dawn of the 19th century with an ancient mysterious vase as the silent charatcer in the centre of it. I have a general knowledge of ancient Geerk myths and it helped me meander through the tale. I was not drawn to any of the characters as they seemed a little static and they did not develop in the course of the plot. A piece of historical fiction which was good but not mind-blowing in my case.

‘Pandora’ is an incredibly atmospheric read set in the late 18th century. The book follows Dora Blake raised by her uncle following her parents’ deaths. They used to own a famous antiquities shop which now is just a shadow of its former self. But Dora wants more and dreams to be a jewellery artist. Her uncle’s suspicious behaviour possibly connected to the black market leads her to teaming up with Edward, who’s seeking acceptance into the Society of Antiquaries.

I have the story and the narration, but I think it was atmosphere which was my favourite element of this book. However, I think that at the moments I expected more mystery or mystical like events considering the topic and the premise. But overall, it was a nice and atmospheric read.

This book was so incredible, so breath-taking and just beautifully written that I only have one problem with it - if I've already found my book of 2022 so early in the year, how am I going to cope with every other book I read seeming rather inferior?
Honestly I was utterly transported by this novel and read it in two sittings. The blend of mystery and myth was striking and powerful and Pandora was an enchanting heroine. I feel like I've just surfaced from the world of Georgian London and I am rather bereft to have left the company of these characters. Having said that I should mention there are some truly horrible villains here too. The descriptions were so rich and evocative that I felt I knew these people and the setting was palpable.
Honestly, buy it, I defy you not love it!

Let's be real and say, what a gorgeous cover,Magpies interest me, have you heard thier call? It's a strange noise indeed, but thier plummage is so beautiful.

I read an exclusive sample of this and what i did read, i really enjoyed, i am going to get the whole book as i really need to find out what happens.

I found the writing really easy to read and the story flowed well from page to apge.

Pandora, a brilliant new historical novel set in Georgian London, follows Dora Blake, daughter of renowned antiquarians, and an aspiring jeweller. Dora spends her days toiling away at her designs, in hopes of raising her status, and returning reputation to her parent’s shop and name, long since diminished under the hands of her uncle, Hezekiah, a purveyor of forgeries.
When her uncle acquires a large Grecian vase, magnificently crafted with depictions of ancient mythology, Dora is suspicious, yet inspired by the beauty of the vase, and enlists the aid of would-be academic Edward Lawrence.
As misfortune begins to befall those around the vase, Dora must remember everything she can of her parent’s work, to dig up not just her her past, but the answers to mystery of the vase; so that she and Edward can have the futures they crave.

I loved this book. Fans of historical novels or Greek mythology should equally feel at home.
A cornerstone of any good historical is the setting, and the author nails it, with description and detail so vivid it borders on lurid when discussing physical ailments and injury.
This attention to detail also lends depth to the three main POV characters, who each feel real with distinct motivations, heightening the tension as their aims coalesce and diverge as the narrative unfolds.
The story is an inspired adaptation of the myth of Pandora’s Box, blending history, mystery, mythology, and romance, in perfect measure. As a result, Pandora is enthrallingly atmospheric, and an astounding debut novel by Susan Stokes-Chapman.

Georgian historical fiction mixed with Greek Mythology? Sold!

Well-written with a compelling story that moves at a good pace, Pandora is full of interesting (and hateful!) characters. I loved Dora's ambition and her love for her parent's shop. Edward is such a cutie and his backstory makes him even more endearing. The mystery of the jar itself was a great reveal and I loved it.

Any fan of historical fiction will devour this one - a huge thank you for the chance to read this gorgeous book!

Pandora was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and it was as glorious as I expected it to be!

I have always been fascinated with the story of Pandora’s box from Greek mythology and to have it combined with the setting of the Georgian era which is a period of time that I love reading about, I was totally in my element!

Mystery, romance, magic and myth all combine together to create a beautifully written story. It is told from three different points of view, Dora the main protagonist, Edward, who helps Dora investigate the jar and Hezekiah who is Dora’s conniving uncle.

The writing is mesmerising, captivating and vividly immersive. Descriptions of the poverty stricken streets of London are explained in such detail, you can picture it all clearly in your mind as if you are there, breathing the stench in the air and rot and experiencing the sights and sounds.

The pace of the book is slow at first but it soon picks up and escalates to a thrilling ending that will keep your eyes glued to the pages. I would love there to be another book to follow this up with as there are still some questions surrounding the mystery of the jar.

Pandora is a masterpiece of historical fiction that blew me away. An absolute triumph!

I was very excited to read this book, sadly it just didn't perform for me. I was a bit bored while I was reading it, and didn't connect to the characters at all, As such I haven't reviewed this book on my blog.
Thank you.

Set in Georgian England, this weaves a mystical ethos as it introduces the characters in this Greek-inspired story. It centres on a recovered vase taken from a shipwreck. Pandora faces misogyny in her aspirations to be a jewellery designer. Her parents died mysteriously, leaving her in the care of her uncle Hezekiah who squanders her parents' legacy. Edward, a young man with ambition, wants to study antiquities. He desires acceptance by the professional society, but his class prevents him despite sponsorship from a young aristocrat who has an emotional attachment to him.

The atmospheric ethos and complex characters create an intriguing mystery. I like the intricate characterisation and sensory imagery that evokes the sights and sounds of Georgian England, making this an immersive reading experience.

I received a copy of this book from Random House UK Vintage via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This was an interesting and absorbing historical fiction adventure. The writing was excellent and I felt a connection to Pandora aka Dora straight away. I did feel the story dragged a little bit in the middle but the final third really picked up and came to an exciting conclusion

I will definitely read the author's next book.

Really loved it! I've always been interested in Greek mythology and this beautifully intriguing twist on the myth of Pandora's box drew me in completely from page 1. The character of Dora and her determination to succeed in life doing what she loves the most really resonated with me, and her budding romance with Edward was really charming. Very impressive overall, especially if you think this is a debut!

Headlines:
Creepy atmosphere
Plundering of other countries
You can literally smell the evil

Pandora was such an all consuming read. I loved how it brought Georgian England together with Greek mythology. The result was a stunning story, with clever characters, ones to really invest in and some to revile.

Pandora ‘Dora’ was the orphaned daughter of two archeologists-excavators-plunderers but they were respected experts and sellers of antiquities prior to their deaths. Dora relied on her uncle Hesakiah who quite frankly was one of the most revolting characters ever, but I loved how well he was written. He was a dodgy dealer in all the ways.

The arrival of the jar brought a creepy atmosphere to the page and the house Dora lived in. She had assistance from Edward with regards to the jar and there were some interesting side characters in Cornelius and Lottie. The Coombes brothers situation made me shudder and I could literally smell some of the things going on, kudos to the description. I have to mention Hermes, Dora’s animal companion in the shape of a magpie. He was fierce, wiley and protective; I enjoyed him on the page.

There’s a small part of me that was uncomfortable reading about the colonial aspects of plundering and acquisition even though that was historically correct. I hate element of British history, our museums are still full of antiquities that are not ‘ours’.

This was a superb debut, easy to read and not overtly historical-heavy. Dora the explorer (look someone had to say it) made for great reading and I’d jump on another release from this author.

Thank you to Vintage Books for the eARC copy.

“The mind is its own place, and in itself Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” - John milton Paradise Lost (1667) - quoted in ‘Pandora’.

My thanks to Random House U.K. Vintage Harvill Secker for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Pandora’ by Susan Stokes-Chapman in exchange for an honest review.

I have been excited about this debut novel ever since it was announced: a combination of historical fiction set in the late Georgian period, Greek mythology in the form of the story of Pandora’s Box and a touch of the fantastical. I was delighted that my expectations were more than met. I immediately preordered its hardback and unabridged audiobook editions.

London 1799, Pandora (Dora) Blake had lost both her parents in an accident on an archeological dig. She was subsequently raised by her uncle, Hezekiah Blake, who also took over the running of her parents’ antique shop.

Dora has aspirations to become a jewellery designer and gain her independence from her uncle. While talented, she is not taken seriously by the male dominated jewellery trade.

When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered to the shop, Dora is concerned by her uncle’s unusual behaviour. She enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young man seeking acceptance into the Society of Antiquaries. They each have their own reasons to seek information about the ancient vase’s origins. For Edward it is a key to unlocking his academic future, while Dora sees it as her chance to restore her parents' shop to its former glory.

Their journey takes a number of interesting directions. In addition, a series of unlucky events seem to follow in the vase’s wake. Could it be cursed?

This proved an excellent multi-layered work of historical fiction. I loved Dora’s determination as well as her bond with her pet magpie, Hermes. Aspects of Greek mythology are intricately woven into the plot and the period detail was excellent.

In her Author’s Note Susan Stokes-Chapman provides details of her inspiration for the novel and background on the antique and jewellery trades of the period as well as where she took artistic license. I always appreciate when an author takes the time to do this.

The hardback edition was beautifully presented including a Georgian-themed jacket design. The Waterstones exclusive edition had a number of extra features including end papers and sprayed edges that elevated the edition to exquisite.

So in all, I loved ‘Pandora’ and feel that it well deserves a five star rating.

Highly recommended.

I was drawn in by the beautiful cover. I was really looking forward to this book but unfortunately it didn’t quite live up to the hype. Dora was a good character but the others weren’t as strong, however I did love the magpie. The writing style was good, it was a quick read but didn’t hold my attention as I though it would. The beginning was quite slow and other parts seemed rushed. Not a bad read just wasn’t as expected.

Thank you to Random House UK for this advance copy.