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Cora #1
Cora: The Unwilling Queen
What if the ancient story of Persephone and Hades wasn't just a myth?
Cora Dell has, up until her junior year, lived the ordinary life of an ordinary teenager. But that was before the dreams started-vivid dreams of another world and a darkly seductive stranger who whispers intriguing promises into her ear. When her dreams turn into nightmares, however, she suspects that her nightly journeys into this foreign world may be more than fantasy. With the help of her two best friends-and an unexpected ally-Cora struggles to find a solution that will keep her safely in the world she calls home.
Cora Dell has, up until her junior year, lived the ordinary life of an ordinary teenager. But that was before the dreams started-vivid dreams of another world and a darkly seductive stranger who whispers intriguing promises into her ear. When her dreams turn into nightmares, however, she suspects that her nightly journeys into this foreign world may be more than fantasy. With the help of her two best friends-and an unexpected ally-Cora struggles to find a solution that will keep her safely in the world she calls home.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2012
6 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Amy Hutchinson
3 books29 followersAmy Hutchinson likes to think of herself as a Renaissance woman because that sounds flattering. Others may accuse her of lacking focus and the ability to choose one profession. Some of her passions include: reading, writing, traveling, teaching, painting, woodworking, kung fu, boxing and scuba diving. She also loves science and is considering a PhD in one of the biological sciences, but that is only after she finishes writing all the novels she has planned, which could take several years.
Right now, Amy Hutchinson is a traveler and a writer, but not a travel writer. She teaches 4th grade to adorable children in Shanghai, China, and she would say that her Mandarin is pretty good, but her students would disagree.
Right now, Amy Hutchinson is a traveler and a writer, but not a travel writer. She teaches 4th grade to adorable children in Shanghai, China, and she would say that her Mandarin is pretty good, but her students would disagree.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 26, 2021
Cora Dell is just a normal kid. Or she was until she started visiting the Underworld in her sleep. It isn't long before her dreams turn to nightmares and Cora starts looking for a way out. But will she find one? Or is she doomed to live out her days as the Queen of the Underworld?
The first time I read this, I was around 14 years old, and I am so glad that I loved it just as much now, at 23.
Hades and Persephone retellings are fairly popular nowadays, and I have yet to make my way through them all, but this is one of the best ones in my opinion.
It's so addicting and easy to read. The characters are great (even though I wish Søren didn't exist because he's getting in the way) and it's simply magical.
I didn't have the chance to finish the story back then, but I do now and I'm so excited for it. The ending is a very cruel cliffhanger that has been at the back of my mind for years.
All the stars, I love this book.
The first time I read this, I was around 14 years old, and I am so glad that I loved it just as much now, at 23.
Hades and Persephone retellings are fairly popular nowadays, and I have yet to make my way through them all, but this is one of the best ones in my opinion.
It's so addicting and easy to read. The characters are great (even though I wish Søren didn't exist because he's getting in the way) and it's simply magical.
I didn't have the chance to finish the story back then, but I do now and I'm so excited for it. The ending is a very cruel cliffhanger that has been at the back of my mind for years.
All the stars, I love this book.
June 4, 2016
A great modern retelling of Hades and Persephone. I enjoyed the switching between dream sequence (where we see Cora's life in the underworld) and the third person narration (which gives us a glimpse of her real life). Cora was a great MC. I could relate to her easily. She is not your average silly teen. I liked that she was level headed and strong willed even when she was in the underworld and her life seemed to be crumbling around her. I also liked seeing the relationship she had with her friends and family. It showed she had a kind and gentle heart. The minor characters were equally fleshed out which was refreshing because many times, you see them either sidelined or forgotten about.
The underworld was described quite well in my opinion. Throughout each dream part we got glimpses of the world and the variety of people that inhabited it. It definitely seemed like a horrible and desolate place. The romance was just perfect. It wasn't rushed or very insta-romancey. There is a connection between Cora and Soren but it felt natural. And there is no love geometry of any kind even though Hades wants to make her his queen. Hooray!
The only character which I would have liked to see developed a little more is the villian (Hades). He appears quite a few times in the book but I only got undercurrents of his nastiness. I would have liked to see more. I mean, what's the point of him being the bid baddie if you don't get to see that? Hence, I removed a star.
Other than that, I can well and truly say I enjoyed this dark fantasy and I can wait to read more about Cora and her journey in the underworld. :)
The underworld was described quite well in my opinion. Throughout each dream part we got glimpses of the world and the variety of people that inhabited it. It definitely seemed like a horrible and desolate place. The romance was just perfect. It wasn't rushed or very insta-romancey. There is a connection between Cora and Soren but it felt natural. And there is no love geometry of any kind even though Hades wants to make her his queen. Hooray!
The only character which I would have liked to see developed a little more is the villian (Hades). He appears quite a few times in the book but I only got undercurrents of his nastiness. I would have liked to see more. I mean, what's the point of him being the bid baddie if you don't get to see that? Hence, I removed a star.
Other than that, I can well and truly say I enjoyed this dark fantasy and I can wait to read more about Cora and her journey in the underworld. :)
December 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! Although it is not in my usual genres, it contains everything that makes a good book for me: a little romance, a little humor, a gripping and fast paced plot, and great characters. The first chapter blew me away, and I was happy to see that the rest of the book lived up to my expectations of a great read! In fact, it was one of those I did not want to put down, so it was read over the weekend :-) (hmmm, guess that makes it my last book of the year!)
Although the story is somewhat based on the Greek myth of Hades/Persephone (Hades, the ruler of the underworld, kidnaps a reluctant Persephone to be his queen), it has a very contemporary feel to it, and Cora, the main character, is a teenager you can relate with and root for. I also loved how the author switches back and forth from the riveting, altho sometimes disturbing, 'dream' chapters and Cora's 'regular' life.
The author promises us a sequel, so I will be waiting for it to come out!
Although the story is somewhat based on the Greek myth of Hades/Persephone (Hades, the ruler of the underworld, kidnaps a reluctant Persephone to be his queen), it has a very contemporary feel to it, and Cora, the main character, is a teenager you can relate with and root for. I also loved how the author switches back and forth from the riveting, altho sometimes disturbing, 'dream' chapters and Cora's 'regular' life.
The author promises us a sequel, so I will be waiting for it to come out!
dnf
September 26, 2024DNF @ 22%
I can’t, the writing is just awful
I can’t, the writing is just awful
January 14, 2013
A great first novel by Amy Hutchinson!
Not all books have kept me reading like this one did; I began not knowing what to expect, with the wonder I start every book. But from the first page to the last, I found myself wanting to find out more about the mystery that surrounds Cora, and the dreams and nightmares she has every night. The fact that it's slightly based on the Greek Myth of Hades and Persephone (with a modern twist), made me even more hooked!
Cora: The Unwilling Queen is a fun and intriguing book, all balanced with a perfect touch of somewhat disturbing moments that add to the mystery, and in fact became my favorite chapters in the book.
I can't wait to know what happens next! Will Cora's friends be there for her like they where in the first book? What new adventures (and maybe nightmares) will Cora face? Hopefully we won't have to wait long to find out!"
Not all books have kept me reading like this one did; I began not knowing what to expect, with the wonder I start every book. But from the first page to the last, I found myself wanting to find out more about the mystery that surrounds Cora, and the dreams and nightmares she has every night. The fact that it's slightly based on the Greek Myth of Hades and Persephone (with a modern twist), made me even more hooked!
Cora: The Unwilling Queen is a fun and intriguing book, all balanced with a perfect touch of somewhat disturbing moments that add to the mystery, and in fact became my favorite chapters in the book.
I can't wait to know what happens next! Will Cora's friends be there for her like they where in the first book? What new adventures (and maybe nightmares) will Cora face? Hopefully we won't have to wait long to find out!"
February 15, 2013
I read a lot of YA fiction because I have teenage daughters and like to talk to them about what they are reading as well as suggest new books/authors. I thought 'Cora' was a very interesting concept and I enjoyed reading it. There are some editing errors and that is a pet peeve for me, but they weren't bad enough to ruin the flow of the story. I appreciated the switching of perspective and font from this world to the underworld as that made it much easier to follow Cora's life from waking to 'dreaming'. If you don't like series or books that are not stand alone, then this book is not for you. I think most popular YA fiction has switched to the series/sequel model, though, so it wasn't surprising that this book didn't have a satisfying, definitive conclusion. Overall, I would recommend this book to my daughters and I look forward to the next book to find out how it all turns out.
February 10, 2013
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway! (aka First-reads)
I Loved it!!! I'm also excited for the sequel!!! Lots of loose ends... making me eager for the next one!!!
I actually finished this book in less than 6 hours. It was a very slow night at work... and I was so engrossed with the story, I just couldn't put it down anyway.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I was also excited/suprised to find out that my book was signed!!!! So awesome!!!
I Loved it!!! I'm also excited for the sequel!!! Lots of loose ends... making me eager for the next one!!!
I actually finished this book in less than 6 hours. It was a very slow night at work... and I was so engrossed with the story, I just couldn't put it down anyway.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I was also excited/suprised to find out that my book was signed!!!! So awesome!!!
January 8, 2013
This was a well written tale for older YA. Loosely based on the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone, some of the ideas paralleled that myth, however this book has a contemporary flavour that will suit readers of the YA genre. This book is obviously the first in a 2 or 3 part series which concludes in a logical place leaving the reader wanting to read the next tale.
Want to read
January 24, 2013I'm excited to have won this book as a first reads! The reviews make it sound promising. A lot of writers are going with the Greek mythology theme these days, so I'm hoping this one puts an interesting new twist on this theme. I will update my review once I have received and read this book.
December 31, 2012
This book was very easy to read in one sitting. Great YA book. Looking forward to the next one! I really want to know how Cora will handle being the Queen of the underworld.
January 20, 2013
I loved the concept of this book. It took a little while for me to get into the book but I am glad that I stuck with it and look forward to the conclusion of this story.
February 12, 2013
Cora Dell is a 17-year-old high school junior who lives with her parents in San Francisco, California. She has the usual compliment of teenage concerns, including whether or not she'll have enough time to finish reading Brave New World and stylistic conflicts with her best friends Joanna and Roxy. (If the trio were the Powerpuff Girls, Cora would be the Blossom, Joanna would be the Bubbles and Roxy would be the Buttercup.) Oh yeah, and she also has super-realistic dreams in which she visits the Underworld and is courted by its unnamed ruler, who wants her to be his wife. In some ways, Cora resembles the mythological Persephone, who was also called Kore in her maiden aspect. Her mother, Deidre, works in a plant conservatory and is a vegan, reminding readers of the plant-loving earth goddess Demeter of classical Greek mythology. Like Persephone, Cora is promised to the Underworld ruler by her father without her mother's knowledge or permission.
The Underworld ruler is never called Hades (or Aidon), and he already has a wife/queen who, when Cora meets her, states that she's not Persephone but started out as a mortal woman just like Cora. The Underworld itself seems to resemble the classical Greek version thereof, a bleak sunless landscape in which the souls of the dead slowly lose their individual identities, although some are better off than others. There seems to be the possibility of moving to a more heaven-like afterlife (perhaps similar to the Elysian Fields), and those in the Underworld seem to be able to die a second death, after which they are completely annihilated. This is the very fate that Cora wishes to avoid for Soren, an Underworld resident whom she comes to care about. In fact, Cora is willing to make an enormous sacrifice for Soren's life; she agrees to marry the Underworld ruler and stay with him for half of the year (the Persephone deal, although in some versions of the myth, Persephone spends only the winter in the Underworld).
I really enjoyed this book, and particularly the way it combines Cora's normal teenage life with her nocturnal (and ultimately more long-term) visits to the Underworld. It's obvious that Cora isn't merely dreaming the Underworld or making it up inside her mind, but it's also not entirely clear what it is that makes her different from other teenage girls, other than the fact that her biological father's an enormous jerk. The novel ends with quite a cliffhanger, with Soren's fate hanging in the balance and Cora not knowing what's going to happen once she becomes queen. (The last page says the conclusion is to come in Summer 2013.) I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys mythologically-inspired books like The Lightning Thief (which I haven't read, but which my niece adores - 'Cora' will be passed to her next), The Goddess Test and The Shadow Thieves. I'll be excited to read the conclusion and, perhaps, have some of my questions answered.
The Underworld ruler is never called Hades (or Aidon), and he already has a wife/queen who, when Cora meets her, states that she's not Persephone but started out as a mortal woman just like Cora. The Underworld itself seems to resemble the classical Greek version thereof, a bleak sunless landscape in which the souls of the dead slowly lose their individual identities, although some are better off than others. There seems to be the possibility of moving to a more heaven-like afterlife (perhaps similar to the Elysian Fields), and those in the Underworld seem to be able to die a second death, after which they are completely annihilated. This is the very fate that Cora wishes to avoid for Soren, an Underworld resident whom she comes to care about. In fact, Cora is willing to make an enormous sacrifice for Soren's life; she agrees to marry the Underworld ruler and stay with him for half of the year (the Persephone deal, although in some versions of the myth, Persephone spends only the winter in the Underworld).
I really enjoyed this book, and particularly the way it combines Cora's normal teenage life with her nocturnal (and ultimately more long-term) visits to the Underworld. It's obvious that Cora isn't merely dreaming the Underworld or making it up inside her mind, but it's also not entirely clear what it is that makes her different from other teenage girls, other than the fact that her biological father's an enormous jerk. The novel ends with quite a cliffhanger, with Soren's fate hanging in the balance and Cora not knowing what's going to happen once she becomes queen. (The last page says the conclusion is to come in Summer 2013.) I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys mythologically-inspired books like The Lightning Thief (which I haven't read, but which my niece adores - 'Cora' will be passed to her next), The Goddess Test and The Shadow Thieves. I'll be excited to read the conclusion and, perhaps, have some of my questions answered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2013
I got this book through Goodreads Firstreads
and okay, I never ever get the mail, I don't know why but I usually just leave it for my little sister to get when she comes home from middle school a few hours later, but when I enter in the giveaways those are the only times I'll do it :3 and when I saw a white package that came all the way from Chicago I got so excited that I ran up my driveway which is about a mile long and went straight home to get a cookie and sit down to read this.
I was only to read the first few pages of the main character being haunted by her livid dreams until I had to do my chores but I'm super excited to read through a book that looks just for me ^-^
----
alrighttyy
so I shame myself for finishing this wonderful book by Amy Hutchinson quite some time ago- and not sharing my opinion.
I think this review isn't going to be like over the top and just so ostentatiously complex- because that's not how this book was. It wasn't like "gasp gasp gasp" and then "triple quadruple gasp" because it was so shocking with complicated and deep plot twists and character twists and just twists and curves all over da place.
No.
it was a light read. It passed the time-- but just because it passed the time, doesn't mean that time was time well spent.
I loved most of the characters (imma try not to spoil anything, but still hit base to base) like the protagonists friends; the two of them, plus the protagonist... they were probs the most different people to meet continuously in one group daily, let alone spend so much time together. But they were all super witty and just the comedic relief to the whole gist that this girl Cora's been having weird dreams. Not the weird dreams that make her wake up and pee her pants. No, the dreams that pass and then blur the line of what reality is. The dreams that aren't dreams, but they're just places that you go after you're done with reality.
The only main problem I had with this book was, the dreams weren't totally comprehend-able ALL the time, but i mean, it happens, and the main love interest. He was... he was... hmmm... interesting. He was one of those guys that I found creepy, in a sort of attractive way, but creepy nonetheless, and the guy that I could totally see as the star in a BDSM movie as he was demanding and extremely dominant over Cora Dell in aspects of like what he gave to her and whether or not she would accept it and even things beyond that like her own personal dreams, her privacy, and her life.
Either way though, this story was strung beautifully, kudos to you Amy, and seriously- thank you for the memories.
I recommend this for all ages of people and to the people who want to read a haunting love story that raises goose bumps. To the people that are believers. To the people that are dreamers. and to the people that want something exciting while the pass menial time.
and okay, I never ever get the mail, I don't know why but I usually just leave it for my little sister to get when she comes home from middle school a few hours later, but when I enter in the giveaways those are the only times I'll do it :3 and when I saw a white package that came all the way from Chicago I got so excited that I ran up my driveway which is about a mile long and went straight home to get a cookie and sit down to read this.
I was only to read the first few pages of the main character being haunted by her livid dreams until I had to do my chores but I'm super excited to read through a book that looks just for me ^-^
----
alrighttyy
so I shame myself for finishing this wonderful book by Amy Hutchinson quite some time ago- and not sharing my opinion.
I think this review isn't going to be like over the top and just so ostentatiously complex- because that's not how this book was. It wasn't like "gasp gasp gasp" and then "triple quadruple gasp" because it was so shocking with complicated and deep plot twists and character twists and just twists and curves all over da place.
No.
it was a light read. It passed the time-- but just because it passed the time, doesn't mean that time was time well spent.
I loved most of the characters (imma try not to spoil anything, but still hit base to base) like the protagonists friends; the two of them, plus the protagonist... they were probs the most different people to meet continuously in one group daily, let alone spend so much time together. But they were all super witty and just the comedic relief to the whole gist that this girl Cora's been having weird dreams. Not the weird dreams that make her wake up and pee her pants. No, the dreams that pass and then blur the line of what reality is. The dreams that aren't dreams, but they're just places that you go after you're done with reality.
The only main problem I had with this book was, the dreams weren't totally comprehend-able ALL the time, but i mean, it happens, and the main love interest. He was... he was... hmmm... interesting. He was one of those guys that I found creepy, in a sort of attractive way, but creepy nonetheless, and the guy that I could totally see as the star in a BDSM movie as he was demanding and extremely dominant over Cora Dell in aspects of like what he gave to her and whether or not she would accept it and even things beyond that like her own personal dreams, her privacy, and her life.
Either way though, this story was strung beautifully, kudos to you Amy, and seriously- thank you for the memories.
I recommend this for all ages of people and to the people who want to read a haunting love story that raises goose bumps. To the people that are believers. To the people that are dreamers. and to the people that want something exciting while the pass menial time.
February 12, 2013
First, I would like to say thank you to the author and to Goodreads for my copy of "Cora: The Unwilling Queen" which I received through Goodreads First-Reads giveaways.
WARNING: if you have not read the book yet this review may have a few spoilers.
"Cora: The Unwilling Queen" is a story about none other then a girl named Cora. Cora is your typical teenage girl with normal problems. That is until she starts having dreams about a strange man. With the help of her two best friends she comes to realize that these dreams are not dreams, but in fact she is really being taken to the underworld everynight at midnight. The strange man that is bringing her there is actually the ruler of the underworld and means to make her his queen.
She defies him and will not agree to marry him. He of course get angry with her and decides to show her how mean he can be by everynight putting her into her own personal nightmare in the underworld, in a sense. In the mean time, during the day while she is in the real world, her and her two friends try to find a solution and a way out of becoming the queen of the underworld.
As time goes by so does her 'personal nightmare' everynight until something happens and she starts receiving help from a stranger named Soren who lives in the outskirts of the underworld with a group who wants nothing to do with the king and who refuse to do his bidding. Cora and Soren both feel that they are connected to each other in a way and he continues to help her while she tries to find a way around her 'destiney'.
Finally, things start looking up because they might have found a solution and a way out for Cora. Right when you think Cora might be home free the king throws a little curve-ball which leaves Cora with two option. Willingly become the queen of the underworld or watch the boy she's come to care about so much suffer and ultimately be destroyed. She remembers the greek myth of Hades and Persephone and offers the king a compromise. For Soren's safety she would willing stay with him for six months out of every year if she was also allowed to return home for the other remaining six months to be with her family and friends. The king agrees but send Soren somewhere in hopes that Cora would be unable to ever see him again.
Even after making the deal with the king Cora and her friends are still hopeful about finding a way for Cora to leave the underworld for good...
Will Cora find a way out of the underworld? Will she ever see Soren again? Or will she be doomed to half a life for eternity? Definitely looking forward to reading the second book of this new series and finding out the answers.
WARNING: if you have not read the book yet this review may have a few spoilers.
"Cora: The Unwilling Queen" is a story about none other then a girl named Cora. Cora is your typical teenage girl with normal problems. That is until she starts having dreams about a strange man. With the help of her two best friends she comes to realize that these dreams are not dreams, but in fact she is really being taken to the underworld everynight at midnight. The strange man that is bringing her there is actually the ruler of the underworld and means to make her his queen.
She defies him and will not agree to marry him. He of course get angry with her and decides to show her how mean he can be by everynight putting her into her own personal nightmare in the underworld, in a sense. In the mean time, during the day while she is in the real world, her and her two friends try to find a solution and a way out of becoming the queen of the underworld.
As time goes by so does her 'personal nightmare' everynight until something happens and she starts receiving help from a stranger named Soren who lives in the outskirts of the underworld with a group who wants nothing to do with the king and who refuse to do his bidding. Cora and Soren both feel that they are connected to each other in a way and he continues to help her while she tries to find a way around her 'destiney'.
Finally, things start looking up because they might have found a solution and a way out for Cora. Right when you think Cora might be home free the king throws a little curve-ball which leaves Cora with two option. Willingly become the queen of the underworld or watch the boy she's come to care about so much suffer and ultimately be destroyed. She remembers the greek myth of Hades and Persephone and offers the king a compromise. For Soren's safety she would willing stay with him for six months out of every year if she was also allowed to return home for the other remaining six months to be with her family and friends. The king agrees but send Soren somewhere in hopes that Cora would be unable to ever see him again.
Even after making the deal with the king Cora and her friends are still hopeful about finding a way for Cora to leave the underworld for good...
Will Cora find a way out of the underworld? Will she ever see Soren again? Or will she be doomed to half a life for eternity? Definitely looking forward to reading the second book of this new series and finding out the answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2013
**This is a Window Seat Blog review http://www.readinginthewindowseat.blo...**
It was really hard for me to decide what I wanted to rate this book. I was torn between three stars and four...In the end, I think it's more like 3.5, but seeing as how we can't do that, I went with 4. The idea behind this book follows a little more closely to that of the myth of Persephone. Hades, we don't actually know his name so I'll stick with that one, finds Cora (somehow) and decides that he wants her to be his next queen (for some reason). In order to get her, however, he has to make a bargain with someone. I won't tell you who, or go into too many details about the book because I don't want to give anything away. Basically though, Cora has to make a choice to either stay in the underworld and marry him or return to her world, the latter of which is not as easy as it sounds. I read the book in one day, so it's a quick and easy read, however there were a few problems that I had with it. For one, most things are said, "there is" and "I will" and "I did not". This made it so hard for me to stay in the story. Most people say, "there's" "I'll" and "I didn't", so it wasn't very believably that the characters felt the need to say every single word. It got frustrating really early on. Another thing was how easily she started liking Soren. They barely new each other. The connection between them was interesting, and I hope it'll be explored more in the next book, but it was still off putting in this one because it felt too much like inst-love. Not believable. Their journey through the underworld...was why too condensed. It was rushed, and that was another thing that made me shake my head and think, "this is a little too hard to buy into". The ring? Too easy. And again, with no explanation. We didn't get enough answers in this book I feel, and I really really hope that we get them in the next book. I would have also liked to see more scenes with Hades in it, and more interactions between the two of them. It felt like the characters fell by the way side because I never got to actually see them. I think the author had a really clear image of who these people were and what was going on, and because of that we weren't given as much knowledge of it. I am still looking forward to reading the second book, especially after how this one ended. I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in mythology, because it does still stick closely to the actual myth, while adding in some interesting changes.
It was really hard for me to decide what I wanted to rate this book. I was torn between three stars and four...In the end, I think it's more like 3.5, but seeing as how we can't do that, I went with 4. The idea behind this book follows a little more closely to that of the myth of Persephone. Hades, we don't actually know his name so I'll stick with that one, finds Cora (somehow) and decides that he wants her to be his next queen (for some reason). In order to get her, however, he has to make a bargain with someone. I won't tell you who, or go into too many details about the book because I don't want to give anything away. Basically though, Cora has to make a choice to either stay in the underworld and marry him or return to her world, the latter of which is not as easy as it sounds. I read the book in one day, so it's a quick and easy read, however there were a few problems that I had with it. For one, most things are said, "there is" and "I will" and "I did not". This made it so hard for me to stay in the story. Most people say, "there's" "I'll" and "I didn't", so it wasn't very believably that the characters felt the need to say every single word. It got frustrating really early on. Another thing was how easily she started liking Soren. They barely new each other. The connection between them was interesting, and I hope it'll be explored more in the next book, but it was still off putting in this one because it felt too much like inst-love. Not believable. Their journey through the underworld...was why too condensed. It was rushed, and that was another thing that made me shake my head and think, "this is a little too hard to buy into". The ring? Too easy. And again, with no explanation. We didn't get enough answers in this book I feel, and I really really hope that we get them in the next book. I would have also liked to see more scenes with Hades in it, and more interactions between the two of them. It felt like the characters fell by the way side because I never got to actually see them. I think the author had a really clear image of who these people were and what was going on, and because of that we weren't given as much knowledge of it. I am still looking forward to reading the second book, especially after how this one ended. I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in mythology, because it does still stick closely to the actual myth, while adding in some interesting changes.
July 14, 2014
It seems like many authors are trying their hands at retellings of popular mythology. As a fan of Rick Riordan, I’ve read a great deal of Greek/Roman/Egyptian mythology retellings and I’ve become quite a fan of the genre. When I saw that copies of Cora, The Unwilling Queen were up for grabs on Goodreads, I had to enter. Luckily, I was chosen as one of the winners!
Cora, The Unwilling Queen is a retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone. I find this particular mythological story interesting, as I haven’t really come across any that have focused on it. Hutchinson did a great job of weaving the story into Cora’s life. I thought it was particularly fitting that the pomegranate was on the cover! Haha.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Cora is a relatable character, as she was the kind of person to sort of blend into the background in high school and really let her friends help to define her. She isn’t drop-dead gorgeous or popular or a girlfriend of the hottest guy in school. She’s really a girl that you could get to know and be friends with. Her best friends, Joanna and Roxy are also interesting to read about, particularly the latter. It’s nice that they were there to help and support her through the trials she encountered during the story – though, admittedly, it would have been nice to have Cora a little more involved in her own troubles. Roxy was the one who found out that she was experiencing something similar to Persephone and when she’s in the Underworld, Soren is always coming to her rescue. Having Cora a little more active would have been a nice change to ultimately see.
Also, I felt that the pace of the book was rather fast. I felt that Cora’s story could have been fleshed out to where we learned a little more about her family and Soren and her friends. If Hutchinson had done that, I think that a 250 page book could have easily been a 350+ one. There were a few editorial issues here and there with double words but there really weren’t enough to take away from the story. I understand that the book is self-published and I hope to see if picked up by an actual publisher; it would be interesting to see how the story would change with an editor’s eye and encouragement. I think that it is entirely possible that they would be interested.
Cora had its drawbacks, but overall it was an enjoyable book. I look forward to reading the conclusion later in the year!
Cora, The Unwilling Queen is a retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone. I find this particular mythological story interesting, as I haven’t really come across any that have focused on it. Hutchinson did a great job of weaving the story into Cora’s life. I thought it was particularly fitting that the pomegranate was on the cover! Haha.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Cora is a relatable character, as she was the kind of person to sort of blend into the background in high school and really let her friends help to define her. She isn’t drop-dead gorgeous or popular or a girlfriend of the hottest guy in school. She’s really a girl that you could get to know and be friends with. Her best friends, Joanna and Roxy are also interesting to read about, particularly the latter. It’s nice that they were there to help and support her through the trials she encountered during the story – though, admittedly, it would have been nice to have Cora a little more involved in her own troubles. Roxy was the one who found out that she was experiencing something similar to Persephone and when she’s in the Underworld, Soren is always coming to her rescue. Having Cora a little more active would have been a nice change to ultimately see.
Also, I felt that the pace of the book was rather fast. I felt that Cora’s story could have been fleshed out to where we learned a little more about her family and Soren and her friends. If Hutchinson had done that, I think that a 250 page book could have easily been a 350+ one. There were a few editorial issues here and there with double words but there really weren’t enough to take away from the story. I understand that the book is self-published and I hope to see if picked up by an actual publisher; it would be interesting to see how the story would change with an editor’s eye and encouragement. I think that it is entirely possible that they would be interested.
Cora had its drawbacks, but overall it was an enjoyable book. I look forward to reading the conclusion later in the year!
February 6, 2013
I've always loved the myth of Persephone and Hades. There's just something about having to spend half your life in the confines of the Underworld that seriously creeps me out.
In her debut novel 'Cora: The Unwilling Queen', Amy Hutchinson takes Persephone's story and re-imagines it, casting in Persephone's place everyday teenager Cora.
Cora has been having these dreams. Really strange dreams that she struggles to remember when she awakes. Dreams that enable her to take possessions in and out of her dream world. And that's seriously not normal, right? As the dreams get stranger and stranger, causing her to collapse into a deep sleep each night at midnight and dream about a handsome stranger who wants her to be his bride, Cora turns to her best friends, in the hope that they can help her solve the mystery of the dreams before it's too late.
This book sucked me in and had me hooked until the very last line. The story was utterly compelling and the story flicked back and forth between Cora's waking life and dream world seamlessly. The dream sequences didn't have any of the awkwardness that they seem to possess in other novels. It really felt natural to slip into Cora's dreams with her and sneak out upon her waking.
As a heroine, Cora was perfect. She didn't have any of that annoying woe-is-me stuff going on that I loath in teenage protagonists. Instead, she was a strong, crafty survivor who made the most of her situation and didn't rely on others to rescue her.
I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel and can't wait to see where Cora's adventure leads. I'd recommend this novel to anyone who likes strong female characters and a plot that gives a contemporary take on myth.
In her debut novel 'Cora: The Unwilling Queen', Amy Hutchinson takes Persephone's story and re-imagines it, casting in Persephone's place everyday teenager Cora.
Cora has been having these dreams. Really strange dreams that she struggles to remember when she awakes. Dreams that enable her to take possessions in and out of her dream world. And that's seriously not normal, right? As the dreams get stranger and stranger, causing her to collapse into a deep sleep each night at midnight and dream about a handsome stranger who wants her to be his bride, Cora turns to her best friends, in the hope that they can help her solve the mystery of the dreams before it's too late.
This book sucked me in and had me hooked until the very last line. The story was utterly compelling and the story flicked back and forth between Cora's waking life and dream world seamlessly. The dream sequences didn't have any of the awkwardness that they seem to possess in other novels. It really felt natural to slip into Cora's dreams with her and sneak out upon her waking.
As a heroine, Cora was perfect. She didn't have any of that annoying woe-is-me stuff going on that I loath in teenage protagonists. Instead, she was a strong, crafty survivor who made the most of her situation and didn't rely on others to rescue her.
I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel and can't wait to see where Cora's adventure leads. I'd recommend this novel to anyone who likes strong female characters and a plot that gives a contemporary take on myth.
July 24, 2013
While this book wasn't written extremely well - and I got rather tired of reading about the "scary" dreams over and over again - I thoroughly enjoyed the imagination that the author took in making the story of persephone and hades into a classic Modern-day story. Will I read the second book? Possibly, it may be interesting to see what happens, but I was also a little frustrated that after the WHOLE book Cora was running and running and running from "the underground" and then she succumbs to it in the end? That was super disappointing. It's the classic stereotype of a woman - run, run, run - give up - let the man take over - don't stand your ground - don't fight for anything that's too hard. And that disappoints me. Women are worth so much more than that. We are tough! But I hate it when books portray us as WANTING to be tough, but in the end being weak. Maybe you'll disagree with me after reading this book - maybe you'll think that she was "tough" by making a deal to stay above ground for 6 months and below ground for 6 months - but to me, I felt that after the whole fight she gave throughout the whole book - that she just caved in too easily. I mean seriously - let's fall in love with a dead person that we'll never see again and that's why you want to go underground for 6 months? Protect him and his community? HAH! I'm not buying it. But, I can't be too harsh because (like I said earlier) it was a clever idea to take an old story and put a modern twist on it. Hopefully the second book redeems Cora as a strong woman instead of a weak one.
February 15, 2013
I can't wait to read this! It looks and sounds amazing! The cover looks brilliant! I wish it would hurry up and arrive!
After it arrived...
First of all, I would like to point out how impressed I am with this book. The story line was great and it has a very pretty cover. I will definitely be reading the sequel and can't wait until it comes out.
The Plot:
A girl named Cora begins to have nightmares about a dangerous stranger. Soon enough, the dreams begin to become nightmares. However, there is more to it than just nightmares. Those nightmares are reality. Cora will need all the help she can get from her two best friends, who will help her discover just where she's going and how she can remain in this world. This is based on the Hades and Persephone myth.
The Characters:
Cora- Cora is likeable and relatable, which are great qualities in a protagonist. She is also a bit of a nobody at school, unlike her two best friends who are very different.
The Good:
-I loved the way that it was based on the Hades and Persephone story.
-I enjoyed the dream parts of the chapter.
-the characters were great.
-the story was very, very good.
The Bad:
-at times I felt as though the writing was a little basic. The dreams were fine, it was more the dialogue between Cora and her friends.
I would recommend this book to young adult readers and people who love the fantasy genre. People who enjoy retellings, or modern twists on myths will probably also like this.
After it arrived...
First of all, I would like to point out how impressed I am with this book. The story line was great and it has a very pretty cover. I will definitely be reading the sequel and can't wait until it comes out.
The Plot:
A girl named Cora begins to have nightmares about a dangerous stranger. Soon enough, the dreams begin to become nightmares. However, there is more to it than just nightmares. Those nightmares are reality. Cora will need all the help she can get from her two best friends, who will help her discover just where she's going and how she can remain in this world. This is based on the Hades and Persephone myth.
The Characters:
Cora- Cora is likeable and relatable, which are great qualities in a protagonist. She is also a bit of a nobody at school, unlike her two best friends who are very different.
The Good:
-I loved the way that it was based on the Hades and Persephone story.
-I enjoyed the dream parts of the chapter.
-the characters were great.
-the story was very, very good.
The Bad:
-at times I felt as though the writing was a little basic. The dreams were fine, it was more the dialogue between Cora and her friends.
I would recommend this book to young adult readers and people who love the fantasy genre. People who enjoy retellings, or modern twists on myths will probably also like this.
June 19, 2013
I won this book for free from the Goodread's First Reads giveaway.
This book is moreso directed at ages 13 to 18. From an adult's point of view I would of rated the book 3 out of 5, but trying to judge from a teenager's perspective I would think 3.75 out of 5 (It would of been an easy 4 if the ending was different).
I thought the plot of the story was really great; I actually did not want to put the book down and couldn't wait to see what happened. Some of the plot was missing some important details though. I don't understand how every night Cora was awakened by her alarm clock, but the night she ran off with Soren she was not awoken until many days later when she found a portal. That just did not make sense to me. The ending was a little disappointing and I found myself disliking Cora for her weakness. Why go through the whole process of trying to escape just to give in at the end? I hope she is more grown up and stronger in the sequel.
The owner's writing style is really great for teenagers. It is really easy to follow and it is very easy to distinguish between the real world and the underworld. Some parts involving school and the girls activities were not necessary and dragged on a little bit for an adult reader.
I would highly recommend this novel to preteens and teens! I am very happy I won this book and was able to read something very different and unique.
This book is moreso directed at ages 13 to 18. From an adult's point of view I would of rated the book 3 out of 5, but trying to judge from a teenager's perspective I would think 3.75 out of 5 (It would of been an easy 4 if the ending was different).
I thought the plot of the story was really great; I actually did not want to put the book down and couldn't wait to see what happened. Some of the plot was missing some important details though. I don't understand how every night Cora was awakened by her alarm clock, but the night she ran off with Soren she was not awoken until many days later when she found a portal. That just did not make sense to me. The ending was a little disappointing and I found myself disliking Cora for her weakness. Why go through the whole process of trying to escape just to give in at the end? I hope she is more grown up and stronger in the sequel.
The owner's writing style is really great for teenagers. It is really easy to follow and it is very easy to distinguish between the real world and the underworld. Some parts involving school and the girls activities were not necessary and dragged on a little bit for an adult reader.
I would highly recommend this novel to preteens and teens! I am very happy I won this book and was able to read something very different and unique.
May 9, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book! Cora: The Unwilling Queen is a book that will get you hooked from the first page. I am not really a fan of mythology and I admit that I like the retellings more than the original stories. Maybe because the retellings were often set in a modern world and were told in a more realistic way.
The book has an interesting plot and the characters are all adorable and plays a vital role in the story. Cora is a likeable character and she is someone you might actually cheer for. I love her character in the story. When Cora learned about her trips to the underworld and the burden it would give to her, I expect that she will act immaturely and just cry and weep in a corner just like a typical teenage girl. However, she is brave and she faced this maturely. I also love her friends! They are very helpful and supportive to Cora. They did their best just to help her and they did not judge her. They believe her.
In general, I can say that this book is a good read! I like the twists and turns of the story! I also like how the author managed to write about the two different worlds without confusing her readers. The author promised a sequel and I am definitely looking forward to it!
The book has an interesting plot and the characters are all adorable and plays a vital role in the story. Cora is a likeable character and she is someone you might actually cheer for. I love her character in the story. When Cora learned about her trips to the underworld and the burden it would give to her, I expect that she will act immaturely and just cry and weep in a corner just like a typical teenage girl. However, she is brave and she faced this maturely. I also love her friends! They are very helpful and supportive to Cora. They did their best just to help her and they did not judge her. They believe her.
In general, I can say that this book is a good read! I like the twists and turns of the story! I also like how the author managed to write about the two different worlds without confusing her readers. The author promised a sequel and I am definitely looking forward to it!
May 22, 2013
Reading this book, to me, is like watching a really good high school play, in that while it doesn't have the polish of established writers, there is a lot of promise in it, and I can't help but root for its success.
First, to get the criticism out of the way, I recommend approaching this book knowing it is probably the author's first book. The place this is most evident is in the pacing. A good rule of thumb is to give what is most important, the most space on the page. Here, Hutchinson often instead feels the need to establish full timelines of who is going to what class and when, instead of just jumping right to the important conversation of the scene. Most cases, it doesn't matter that Cora had English class, lunch, and another couple of classes before meeting up with her friends after school.
That said, I found it easy to excuse the need for a good editor, because I am a sucker for new takes on old mythologies, and while the intelligence of these characters is insulted somewhat by how long it takes them to clue in, the angle Hutchinson is building around the myth is intriguing and exciting, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
First, to get the criticism out of the way, I recommend approaching this book knowing it is probably the author's first book. The place this is most evident is in the pacing. A good rule of thumb is to give what is most important, the most space on the page. Here, Hutchinson often instead feels the need to establish full timelines of who is going to what class and when, instead of just jumping right to the important conversation of the scene. Most cases, it doesn't matter that Cora had English class, lunch, and another couple of classes before meeting up with her friends after school.
That said, I found it easy to excuse the need for a good editor, because I am a sucker for new takes on old mythologies, and while the intelligence of these characters is insulted somewhat by how long it takes them to clue in, the angle Hutchinson is building around the myth is intriguing and exciting, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 12, 2013
Cora: The Unwilling Queen is the first part in a great re-telling of the Persephone myth (which happens to be one of my favorites). Cora has been selected by the ruler of the underworld to be his new queen, taking her away in her dreams to try and convince her to stay with him. She's suspicious and holds off his advances while she discovers the truth about what her dreams may really mean. She meets several other people of the underworld along the way, with one being quite memorable to her and the reader.
I enjoyed the character of Cora and her two best friends. None of them were perfect, but there were genuinely good people that cared about each other. The only part I found hard to swallow was how accepting Cora's parents were of her situation. I know it's fiction, but there was very little "shock factor" that was written in when she told them of her trips to the underworld.
All in all an enjoyable first part to the Persephone myth re-told in modern days. The myth itself is even mentioned a few times as the girls try to figure out what is going on.
I enjoyed the character of Cora and her two best friends. None of them were perfect, but there were genuinely good people that cared about each other. The only part I found hard to swallow was how accepting Cora's parents were of her situation. I know it's fiction, but there was very little "shock factor" that was written in when she told them of her trips to the underworld.
All in all an enjoyable first part to the Persephone myth re-told in modern days. The myth itself is even mentioned a few times as the girls try to figure out what is going on.
May 12, 2013
Style of Writing: 3.0 Stars - The style of writing reminded me of how I used to write a couple of years ago. The sentence were straight to the point, adding little details. "I did this. My friend did this. Then we went to go do that. After we did that..." I'm not asking for John Steinbeck writing, but just a bit more of an adult-like sound. The main character is a junior in high school after all.
Plot: 4.5 Stars - This story had the makings to be one of my favorites, if the other components of the novel were more my taste. Once I started reading, I was immediately sucked into to how the plot was going to advance.
Characters: 3.5 Stars - Many of the characters in this novel seemed flat. I think the best friends believed Cora too easily. The mother seemed a bit unrealistic.
Ending: 4.0 Stars - The ending was great and left me desperately wanting the next book.
Overall: 4.0 Stars
Plot: 4.5 Stars - This story had the makings to be one of my favorites, if the other components of the novel were more my taste. Once I started reading, I was immediately sucked into to how the plot was going to advance.
Characters: 3.5 Stars - Many of the characters in this novel seemed flat. I think the best friends believed Cora too easily. The mother seemed a bit unrealistic.
Ending: 4.0 Stars - The ending was great and left me desperately wanting the next book.
Overall: 4.0 Stars
June 19, 2015
I had the pleasure of winning this book, and I literally did not sleep last night due to reading throughout the night. I was just gonna read a few chapters than go to bed but I ended up reading the whole thing and I can not wait for the sequel to know what happened to Soren (can not figure out how to do the proper o) and his village, what becomes of Cora's life? The book is spell binding and quite hard to put down once you start as you can tell from my all nighter. The characters are very endearing where you fall in love with them right away especially the ones that appear shortly, especially Paul and Celia who you wish for their happiness the moment you read about them (hmm kinda awkward way of putting it put that is the only way I can express it). I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE, SUMMER TO FAR AWAY!!!!
January 25, 2014
I won this through the Goodreads first reads! This is a story about a teenager named Cora, who starts having weird, almost real dreams, then comes to find out THEY are real, and they're not dreams. When she is supposed to be asleep, the king of the underworld is taking her and trying to persuade her to marry him, much like the story of Hades and Persephone which is actually referenced in the book.
I REALLY enjoyed this book. When it was time for Cora to go to sleep, I was actually looking forward to it because I wanted to see what was going to happen next! I think the author did a superb job, especially with this being her first
Book. It was very well written. There is supposed to be a sequel and I can't wait!
I REALLY enjoyed this book. When it was time for Cora to go to sleep, I was actually looking forward to it because I wanted to see what was going to happen next! I think the author did a superb job, especially with this being her first
Book. It was very well written. There is supposed to be a sequel and I can't wait!
February 5, 2013
Really enjoyed this book! I love retellings of myths and legends and this one is spot on! A great twist on the Persephone story, it takes place in today's world. Our hero Cora is being drawn to the underworld by the king, in the hopes that she will become queen. The way it goes between her dream life and "real" life is handled very well. The characters are all very likable, and you really find yourself rooting for Cora and her friends, both the ones up top and in the underworld.
My only issue with this book (being a parent of 4 girls myself) is how easy her parents believe her and "allow" her to go to the underworld. I know they didn't really have a choice- but I would have stood by my kids bed all night hoping to protect her!
My only issue with this book (being a parent of 4 girls myself) is how easy her parents believe her and "allow" her to go to the underworld. I know they didn't really have a choice- but I would have stood by my kids bed all night hoping to protect her!
April 9, 2013
As someone who really enjoys reading about mythology I was looking forward to this book. It's simply written and there aren't a lot of characters so it's easy to keep them straight and the font made it easy to see which "world" she was in. It doesn't have as much of the mythology theme as I was hoping for until the end but at least it had some. I did wish that the author hadn't felt the need to describe every single outfit worn in our world but it's not a completely negative thing just a bit repetitive. Looking forward to reading the "finale" in the next book this summer. Worth a read.
*I won this book in a GoodReads First Reads giveaway*
*I won this book in a GoodReads First Reads giveaway*
March 18, 2013
This book is the first part in a new twist of the Persephone myth. Cora has been selected by the ruler of the underworld to be his new queen. He is taking her away in her dreams to try and convince her to stay with him. She's suspicious and holds off his advances while she discovers the truth about what her dreams may really mean. She also discovers that her father is not her birth father. I did find it hard to believe how her parents reacted. I know my reaction would have been more the whole drug test route. I received a copy of the book thru Goodreads First Reads.
February 12, 2013
I received this free book from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I absolutely loved it. It is a wonderful story where the characters are so believable even if some of the storyline is set in a 'different world". Amy Hutchinson was able to effortlessly transport me along with Cora in her adventure. All I can say is that this is a great read and Amy is a wonderful author where you get immersed quickly into the story. The creativity found in this book is amazing. I can't wait to read other books by Amy.
I absolutely loved it. It is a wonderful story where the characters are so believable even if some of the storyline is set in a 'different world". Amy Hutchinson was able to effortlessly transport me along with Cora in her adventure. All I can say is that this is a great read and Amy is a wonderful author where you get immersed quickly into the story. The creativity found in this book is amazing. I can't wait to read other books by Amy.
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