I always love fantasy books and this one was no exception. I always love the settings and worlds that are built in fantasy books. Can I just live in this one??

Eight years ago, Dora’s parents passed away in a tragic accident leaving Dora in the care of her uncle. Edward has spent his life striving for more than a life binding books while working to forget the past. When the two meet, a series of events are set in motion that neither could have expected.

My official rating for this book is 3.5. I love Greek mythology & enjoyed the way the author was able to tie it into the story without making it seem completely absurd. The story itself was well thought out and written but I felt that it was very slow to start & then the ending was extremely rushed. While Dora, Edward & Dora’s uncle were clearly the focal point of the story, I felt that the characters with the best arc were Lottie & Ashmole. Although their roles were not nearly as large, the author was truly able to capture their importance and bring them to life.

Overall, I enjoyed the story but would have loved if the ending wasn’t so abrupt.

*Thank you #NetGalley & Harper Perennial for providing me with a free copy of #Pandora for my honest review*

I throughly enjoyed this novel. In fact, it’s one of the few lately that has held my attention throughout the entire story. While I could see a few things coming, I never felt like rushing though it. I would definitely recommend it to friends.

I received this from netgalley in exchange for a review.

I was not as familiar with the myth of Pandora’s Box, but this book was definitely intriguing. I really loved Dora, and enjoyed that the other characters felt so fully fleshed out. The switching between three points of view was a little bit to get used to, but then I enjoyed it. I’d like to have gotten a little bit more of what happened after the end of the book, mostly cause I enjoyed Dora so much and want to make sure she has all the good things.

Warning: there is a pet death in the book.

I really wanted to like this book and gave it the best try I could but DNF at about 40%.

Based on the description it had all the ingredients for a beautiful and magical story, combining 1799 England with Greek mythology, archeology, antique shops, and a little romance. However, it reads terribly slow, even the mysterious parts (from what I got to) felt mundane, and the characters never captured me.

I’m giving this book 2-stars because I think the premise has so much promise, it just didn’t live up to it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for providing this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars for me. The Greek mythology aspect is what made me love this book alot more than I thought!! The element of historical fiction into Greek myth was superb 👌

A mysterious artifact from Ancient Greece, murder, mystery, romance and Greek myths can be found within the pages of Pandora. Ms Stokes-Chapman’s debut novel introduces us to Pandora "Dora" Blake. After the death of her parents while on an expedition searching for the legendary Pandora's box, Dora now finds herself under the care of her often neglectful and irresponsible uncle. That legendary item would find its way back into Dora's life and turn her world completely upside down. Her own desires to become a jewelry designer and make her own way in the world bring her into direct contact with the mysterious artifact and bring about a chain of events that change her life forever.

A story with Greek myths, legends and forbidden romances that will have you racing to the finish line to find out the secrets of the pythos.

An atmospheric story set in Georgian England that combines elements of Greek mythology, with age old treachery, deceit, and greed. A wonderful story full of suspense and intrigue but also charming and delightful, as we take a trip into the fascinating world of antiques.
Both of three POVs kept my interest intact!
You are in for a treat!

Late 18th century London. A young girl, Pandora, assists her uncle, Hezekiah, in an antique store that sells frauds as authentic. The store belonged to her parents until their tragic death during an excavation; Pandora was pulled from the rubble.

A young man, Edward, desiring to make it into The Society of Antiquaries, fails for the second time and is losing when a chance meeting sends him into the antique store. When a pithos arrives through mysterious circumstances, Dora and Edward desire to use the piece for future possibilities. Instead they find more about their pasts.

I really enjoyed this novel. I’m not normally a historical fiction reader, but this one caught my attention fairly quickly and kept it. I liked the setting, turn of the 18th century in London. I was interested in the characters and their lives. Although the book was rather predictable, it was still fun.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Perennial for this ARC. Definitely one I would suggesting to others.

Very well written, interesting story. Interesting to learn that Pandora’s box was not actually a box but a vase. Very interesting take on that tale. Intriguing read. Content warning for some domestic violence and sex work/acts. Intriguing plot and characters. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

This is an interesting read! The writing style (third person present tense) makes it feel urgent and tense. I loved the characters and the twisting mystery. The author really put a lot of work into the historical details, and it shows.
However, for me it never fully grabbed me the way I look for in a historical fiction of this caliber. It's an enjoyable book though and I would recommend it.

Star Rating: 3/5

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a eARC of Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Set in Georgian London, Pandora Blake helps her uncle run her deceased parent's antiquities shop. The shop was once thriving 12 years ago, but is now disreputable under the care of her uncle and guardian. When Dora's uncle brings home a mysterious Greek vase, he begins act suspiciously.

Curious about the vase, Dora seeks the help of Edward. An aspiring antiquarian. The two soon find themselves wrapped up in the cursed history of the Grecian vase and Dora's own past.

Pandora was a lovely atmospheric read. I love the time period it is set in and the inclusion of Greek myths. This book packs plenty of twists and turns. I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I typically don't reach for historical fiction, but I was interested in the greek mythology element of it. I'm definitely glad I picked this up.

Pandora was a good quick read and I recommend it to anyone who loves Greek mythology or Historical Fiction.

Be prepared to be transported into 18th century London, the age of enlightenment, in Pandora. After her parents' tragic death, Pandora (Dora) goes to work for her uncle in his shop of antiquities. One day an unusual vase comes into the shop, and she and her newfound friend, Edward, are determined to uncover its origins, as everyone who comes into contact with it, has suffered an injury of some sort.
This is when the gothic, atmospheric bent of the book is set into motion. First of all, this is an amazing effort for a debut novel. The cover is gorgeous and the references to Greek mythology and history were quite fascinating. It was well paced, if a bit long, but held my interest. I wanted to find out how Pandora would fare in finding out the true history of the vase, as well as what happened to her parents! The potential for romance is also in play with Edward, once their common objectives and interests align. A wonderful first effort, highly recommended!

This book was incredibly engaging and well-written. I breezed through it in about 2 days—I could hardly put it down. Loved Dora's story and her passion for jewelry designing, and the Greek antiquities/archaeology focus. All the characters were well developed, and I especially enjoyed her interactions with Edward. Great book! Thank you so much, NetGalley, for the ARC!

What an immersive story! So beautifully and eloquently written, I loved it. I read the entire thing in two days and wish it hadn’t ended. It was a lovely ode to the mythology, I really enjoyed all of the antique talk. Dora and Edward were fantastic characters (though all were well written)I hope to see more from this author in the future.

I was excited to get the chance to read Pandora. I’ve always been fascinated with the tale. Even with this book beginning in a slow burn style it made me want to keep read and dive into Dora Blake and Edward Lawrence lives and how invested things would become. This was a great weekend read and perfect for a fall night by a fire.

This book was fascinating, it took a hold of me and kept me captive until the end. I loved it. I'm a big fan of mythology, so reading this was enjoyable. The descriptive writing was great, I could imagine more accurately. Romance with a dash of mystery and sprinkled antiques, it was a great book.

Absolutely lovely writing, fantastic character development, and a great setting set this novel apart.

Pandora is set in Georgian London, focused on Dora Blake, a young woman living with her uncle and helping to run a shop of antiquates. She dreams of independence and making her own way via jewelry design. Her uncle Hezekiah brings in a mysterious Greek vase, a pithos, and upon discovering the pithos in the shop basement, Dora enlists the help of Edward, a young man who yearns to be accepting into the Society of Antiquities. Together they research the pithos and other Greek objects found in the basement, all while Hezekiah becomes increasingly unhinged and dangerous to those around him.

As I mentioned, I very much enjoyed the writing, the character development, and the setting, but overall the book felt lacking. The conclusion was rather hurried and didn't feel fully fleshed out, and I was left feeling quite unsatisfied with the ending, with several storylines feeling like they were completely abandoned.

Thank you to Harvill Secker and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

I read Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman. I liked the characters and how they were developed. When I read the description I was really excited. Who can resist a historical romance with Greek mythology, antiquities, and a dangerous mystery? Honestly, I had a hard time understanding what was going on as well as keeping up with the plot. I was confused because the perspective kept changing a lot. While I enjoy reading multiple perspective pieces, I felt like I was missing something. The writing was beautiful, the characters were great, and the plot was great, I just had a really hard time reading it.

Pandora ( Dora) Blake lives with her nefarious uncle, Hezekiah, who deals in fraudulent antiquities. He is her guardian and she must work in his shop to earn her keep. Her renowned parents ( deceased) owned the shop, which her uncle now uses for illicit sales. Dora discovers a Grecian vase in the basement, and seeks help from expert Edward Lawrence to determine its origin. This is an engaging story about righting wrongs, and discovering your own worth. The 1799 time frame enhances this tale of mythology, romance, stolen antiquities and social class.