This was a fun read! I think I was hoping for a little of the cooperative sass I remember from the movie, but even still, this was a sweet exploration of the Muses' backstory. While I felt that some of the adventures resolved almost too neatly and easily, it IS based on Greek mythology, so I can't really fault the author for that. I will likely add this, in the print version, to my HS library, and I suspect it will be an easy sell to students who enjoy their mythology stories.

I don’t think I could have asked for a more beautiful book. Taking five beloved characters that there is very little known about and giving them such a dynamic story is just perfection. I love Greek mythology so getting to learn a little bit more about the muses was something I was really excited about, and this book didn’t disappoint. I love how each sister’s voice comes through so distinctly, and how they find out they are stronger together, but find ways to still be unique and true to themselves and talents. I hope readers fall in love with this book just as much as I did.
Thank you to Disney Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

⭐️⭐️💫

My personal thoughts is that “Hercules” is one of Disney’s most underrated musicals. With that, this is the origin story of the five muses, who go on to narrate the Hercules story. With Greek mythology, one of my favorites, it weaves together a fun story about the muses and their quest to save their mother, and in the process learning who they are and the gifts that were bestowed upon them.

#netgalley
@netgalley
#netgalleyreader
#netgalleyreviewer
#netgalleyarc
#readersofinstagram
#bookstagram
#bookstagrammer
#readmorebooks
#readmorebooksbywomen
#bookish
#mybookishlife
#wearebookish
#lovereading
#alwaysreading
#readinggoals
#readin2025
#goodreads
#audiobook

I’ve never been one for origin stories, but this is one I could never pass up. And yeah, it was so good. The muses have always been my favorite part of Hercules’ movie, so this was a no brainer. I knew I had to read this one ASAP.

Ok so the one thing I loved about this was the characters. As we know, all the Muses had their own thing and they all got to showcase them in the book. And I loved even more that they had no idea that these were their gifts. They were so naive and it was almost comical. I had to keep reminding myself that they were teens because all this happened to their mother and like, kids, listen to your parents. Even when it seems annoying lol And I also really loved the portrayal of Hades. He was terrible and also hilarious. Just like in the movie. I hope this is how they make him in the live action too if we ever get there.

The plot was good too. It was an origin story so I wasn’t thinking there would be a lot of action, but there was. From finding a labyrinth to having something that would be akin to a comedy show back in the day. It reminded me of all the things that make me happy in real life. It was so funny that I was reading this because I never thought of myself artsy before, but then I read this. All of the muses are me rolled up in one, so I loved this. This really was a lot of fun.

After reading this I can’t wait to see what Disney decides about the live action remake. I REALLY hope this is going to show them that this is the one we need next. I wish we had more of a look into their future than just the ending, but I get why Rochon didn’t. She wanted to give them their own shine. Which they deserved. (It’s me. I’m the problem. Because I just wanted more nods to the movie lol) And while we’re here talking about the movie…. Stop playing with my girl Amber Riley’s top! If I hear ANYONE ELSE sing, “Bless my soul, Herc was on a roll!” I’m going to lose it. But for now, this Disnerd Adult is happy with this!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook! I absolutely loved this story so much. This was such a fun and engaging narration. My 90s baby heart has always loved Hercules (especially the muses) and getting to hear about their origin story was so magical.

This is the adorable story of how the Muses came to be. If you've seen Disney's Hercules, you know how integral the Muses are to that story. A wonderful creation story. Even the gods and goddesses are portrayed as kind and beneficent.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Press for this digital audio e-arc.*