The beginning of this book was a bit slow for me, but I kept with it and it quickly picked up and held me captive. The narrator was fantastic, the story mysterious, intriguing, and whimsical.

I don't think I've read a lot of novels that incorporate the Pandora myth. It's partly why this novel is such a highly anticipated release for me. Set in London in the late 1700s, Dora lives above her uncle's antiquities shop crafting jewelry and trying to make her own place in the world. A mysterious vase shows up and her uncle starts acting weird.

That's just the start though. This story blends historical fiction and myth alongside the paths of family mystery and romance. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the beautifully atmospheric writing style of the author. I had the pleasure of receiving the audiobook before Harper Perennial gifted a gorgeous copy my way. The audiobook is eloquently narrated by Olivia Vinall at an immersive pace with emotion and tone. She captures the essence of Dora with spirit and heart. It was done so well.

The historical aspects and how the myth was tied into this book were some of my favorite parts. The family history that surrounds Dora and her almost Cinderella existence make her easily relatable. Each character has a depth I didn't expect at the level it was.

The romance isn't overpowering and the mystery elevates the overall storyline. I'd highly recommend this novel to those who love historical fiction and the old myths. Thank you Harper Audio and Harper Perennial for the gifted audio and physical copies in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

“A story of myth and mystery, secrets and deception, fate and hope, Pandora is an enchanting work of historical fiction as captivating and evocative as The Song of Achilles, The Essex Serpent, and The Miniaturist.“

I love a good retelling. Whether it’s The Red Tent, Lamb (the story of Biff, Christ’s childhood pal), Hester, or whatever, I like when an author can take existing intellectual property and make it their own.

This book, a modern (read: Edwardian) retelling of, Pandora and her Box, was fairly enjoyable.

I liked the London setting, the nods to Grecian, the character of the countess, and the friendship between the two men.

I found the storyline predictable, though, the characters fairly flat, and the Zeus cameo unnecessary.

I look forward to more from this debut author.

6.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for this mythical ARC.

Stokes-Chapman takes a few elements from the Pandora myth and sets them in a 1799’s London romantic suspense plot. Listeners should be aware that while the novel seems to be part of the wave of Greek legends retold, it is not. It shares more with classic gothic suspense novels, if the crumbling manor house is switched with a disreputable antiquities shop with more counterfeits than treasures. There are hints of the supernatural to add a little spice to the story, without ever becoming central enough to the tale to be truly addressed. Rather, it’s the sins of the past and escaping a detestable guardian that will drive the heroine into the arms of a kind stranger. Olivia Vinall, who narrates the book, truly sells the characters. She brings courage and urgency to Dora’s struggles to find her place in London society, even when it feels as if her voice will never be heard. The other points of views come from Edward, the scholar and love interest, and the scheming uncle Hezekiah.

Pandora overall is a fine read. It's not what I expected when I started the book but was still interested enough to continue through to the end. The book is set in London 1799 and features the tale of Pandora. The characters are likeable and those you aren't supposed to like you don't. There's not much for me to comment on its a fairly told story.

I am always drawn to stories about Greek myths and this ended up being more historical fiction than a retelling of Pandora's Box. There was a good mystery surrounding the pythos though so it kept me intrigued. While I loved the setting, it was a bit too long with how it was paced and I couldn't really connect with any of the characters. Dora came off pretty one dimensional but I did love how committed she was to making it with her jewelry designs and her love for her bird, Hermes. I think this will work best for historical fiction fans!

“Steeped in mystery and rich in imagination, an exhilarating historical novel set in Georgian London where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations, and romance.”

This book is such a ride.. it’s reminding me of so many other books I’ve read and enjoyed! If you’ve read and loved any of these books, then add it to the TBR!
📖 THE CLOISTERS - for the art appreciation
📖 THE LOST APOTHECARY - for the setting
📖 ANATOMY: A LOVE STORY - for the romance and adventure
📖 A SECRET HISTORY - for the Greek references

This one took a little while to find its feet, but once the plot started to take shape, I was all in. Georgian London is the setting for this historical gem, and the best word I can find to describe the vibe of the story is "atmospheric." As a long-time fan of Greek mythology, I did enjoy this take on the story of Pandora's box, and our heroine, Dora, is an orphan, a jewelry designer, and a spitfire of a woman who can hold her own even under the restrictive culture of the time.

This tale is told through three points of view. Dora, of course, but also her uncle Hezekiah, who is her corrupt and frankly awful guardian, as well as Edward, a lovely young bookbinder seeking acceptance into to an exclusive antiquarian society. The supporting cast includes housekeeper-with-benefits Lottie, whose redemption arc unfortunately felt a little bit forced and contrived, as well as Edward's friend, benefactor, and ardent admirer Cornelius. And let us not forget Hermes, Dora's faithful and feisty magpie companion.

If you are interested in this title, I highly recommend the audiobook. Narration by Olivia Vinall was delightful and brought some real depth to the characters. I would definitely seek out more of her work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Harper Audio for providing an advance listening copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun read!! Not every book has to be a life-changer, and this book reminded me of that. I really enjoyed this book and the mystery behind the plot. It was such an exciting book populated by likable characters and mythology references. I definitely recommend this for HF lovers!

The first half of this audiobook was a bit of a snoozefest. I had a hard time getting into it. I almost stopped listening.

But then, the second half came in like a wrecking ball and I really enjoyed it! In the end, I understood that the first 50% of the book was just setting up understanding for the last 50%. The MC's arc ended up being really great.

So, I would recommend this one - but it would come with a warning that you have to get through the first half for the enjoyable second half.

I read Pandora and thought, "This author wrote this book for me." It was like Susan Stokes-Chapman put all the things I adore in one book and wrapped a bow on it: history; antiquities; fussy British people; a smart female main character; Ancient Greek; London; and romance. Pandora takes place in 1799 London and involves the dark side of the antiquities trade. Our main character, Dora, short for Pandora, lost her charming educated parents at a young age and must make do with her corrupt uncle, her bird, her love of ancient things and her jewelry designs. Enter the eager ambitious male antiquarian, a secret crate which our girl must open and a mystery unravels. I could not have enjoyed this book more, except for one tiny issue at the end. 4.5 stars. Thanks for writing this one for me.

The cover drew me to the book. I loved that this book had it all: Greek mythology, historical fiction, a love story and “who dun it.” Beautifully written.

I was initially drawn to the book because of its title & cover, but stayed for the unique blend of mythology and history. Pandora takes place in 1799 Georgian England, and is told from three different perspectives. While not all characters are likeable, we learn that each has their own motives, histories, and ambitions.

After losing her parents in an archeological dig, Dora, who loves to design jewelry, is living with and helping her uncle run her parents' antiquities shop. When her uncle receives a mysterious vase, he begins to act strangely. Dora, with the help of her new friend Edward, starts to unravel its mystery. It feels like the more they uncover about the piece and its connection to Dora’s family, the more there is to learn.

As a lover of all things British, Greek, and historical, I really enjoyed the premise, and unraveling the mystery of the pithos...and I'm still left wondering about the mythological, the magical that doesn't quite tie itself up in the end.

I recommend this audio book. I like the reader and the story was engaging. The book is good for fans of Circe and Charles Dickens.

I really enjoyed this! I have been loving Greek inspired stories lately so I was pumped to see this one would be hitting the shelves (and the cover drew me in). Stokes-Chapman has a great writing style that kept me invested in the story.

The narrator did a fantastic job.

I received this as an audio galley to listen to for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for giving me access.

Stokes-Chapman weaves an amazing story that encompasses what was modern day London for 1799 with light touch of Greek Mythology. While the mythology was really only in the form of artifacts, there is a semblance between the story and that of what we know as Pandora’s box

This was a little less mythological than what I was hoping for, but was still an exceptional read. After all, what is not to love about a historical fiction novel with a touch of mystery?

Amazing!
Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman is a lush and vivid novel set in the seedy underbelly of London's antiquities trade at the end of the 1700s. The story's main protagonist, Dora Blake, is the daughter of English and Greek antiquities dealers and procurers who were killed during an excavation when Pandora was a young girl. She is now a young woman, minding her parents' shop, which has fallen into ruin in the hands of her vengeful and corrupt uncle, and trying to establish herself as jewelry designer. Intertwined is the story of Edward Lawrence, a young bookbinder, straddling the world of his low birth and that of the aristocracy of his childhood friend and benefactor. Edward's life goal is gain admittance to an exclusive antiquarian society and seeks out Dora's advice. Embroiled in a mystery involving a Greek pithos (giant jar) that may or may not have mythic origins, the two protagonists develop a relationship in the threatening shadows of secrecy and deceit.

Stokes-Chapman weaves a narrative of taut suspense, keeping the tension not only of the mysteries at the core of the story, but also of just how much truth there is to a world of ancient myths and curses. Her world building is exceptional (historical fiction at its best), and her characters are engaging.

The audiobook is a special treat with Olivia Vinall's narration adding extra dimensions of tension and urgency that grip the listener from the very first words. This was by far the best audiobook I've listened to in awhile, and I'm a fairly voracious listener!

I thought the writing was beautiful and very descriptive, but I felt like things didn’t pick up until the end. I would’ve loved to see more action throughout.

I wish there was a bit more to Dora’s character, I didn’t think just being a jewelry artist was enough.

Thank you for the copy!

3 Stars

If you’re looking for something cozy with hints of romance and history this winter,
give this one a try.
Set in 18th century england this retelling of pandora’s box has an unfolding mystery solved by a headstrong young woman trying to make her way in the world despite havinf an odious uncle for a guardian. She meets a curious cast of HELPFUL supporting characters along the way to achieving her dreams, solving the mystery and getting out from under her uncle.
i very much enjoyed the cabinets of curiosities/historical vibes in this one.
An easy 4/5

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚
𝐁𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐬-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐦𝐚𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏.𝟏𝟕.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬!


𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒖𝒕!

This is the tale of Dora Blake, a young woman who lost her parents and now lives with her foul uncle.

Set in 1799 London, Dora’s uncle now runs the antiquities shop her parents once owned. When a trunk with a vase is delivered one day, Dora is intrigued, but her uncle quickly has it taken to storage in the basement - away from the public and especially Dora.

Yet, Dora’s uncle is acting strange and odd events begin to occur. Dora seeks help from a young scholar, Edward, to get answers. But as they dig for the truth, Dora discovers things she may not want to know.

I thought that the Greek myth of Pandora would play a much larger part in the narrative. Instead, it is beautifully woven into this mystery. I loved the historic setting, the sense of evil that hung in the air, and even the touch of romance.

The pace is not rushed, which allows the intrigue to build - so take time to enjoy the details.

Thank you @harperperennial for this gifted copy and @harperaudio for the complimentary audiobook.