A Holder of Hope: A Pandora Retelliing

by Jane McGarry

Her name personifies disaster. Her deed unleashed all evil. Now, her story is told.Pandora lives a quiet life on the idyllic island of Lemnos until the eyes of the Olympian gods fall on her. Plucked from the comforts of home, she must concede to their wishes and wed the immortal Titan, Epimetheus. In honor of their marriage, the gods present her with a jar full of blessings. However, gifts from the gods do not come without a price. While Pandora builds a fulfilling life with Epimetheus, her divine jar captures the interest of his brother, Prometheus. When greater forces wield Pandora as a pawn in power games between Titan and Olympian, she struggles to protect all that she cherishes. But can the resolve of one woman overcome the will of the gods?

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Greek Mythology

274 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

YA writer, voracious reader, wife, mom & cat lover. Visit me at www.janemcgarrybooks.com

Reviews

[Megan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora; the one Greek Mythology blames for the condemning of humanity with the ills of the world. But isn't she the victim of the Gods' quarrels? Jane McGarry allows Pandora's voice and tale to be told in this feminist retelling of Pandora's Box.

A Holder of Hope was an interesting rewriting of history's oldest "Curiosity Killed the Cat" story and I fell in love with it instantly. I always felt bad for liking the original myth: Pandora was taken advantage of by the Gods for their own pleasures, quarrels and revenge against the Titans, but McGarry had me falling in love with this tale all over again.

Pandora was such a great character that was opinionated, scared, naive, kindhearted, and so much more. Pandora is shown as a full, three-dimensional person with her virtues and faults on display, making me feel even more connected to her.

The ending was perfect and had me reaching for tissues. It was sad, it was hopeful, and it shows exactly how the story is and the myth's lasting legacy. A Holder of Hope was a gem to read and is a must-read for those who love a well-rounded female lead in a retelling that does her justice.

Thank you, NetGalley and JM Books for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review with all my thoughts on this to come 🫤

(FINAL REVIEW):

Once again, I really wanted to like this since it’s a Greek mythology retelling, but some things just fell rather flat for me. 😕

As a Pandora retelling, I thought it was great getting a book focused on how she was a victim of the gods and not a vessel of evil doing. Her spunkiness and pragmatism felt right for a woman who is almost too curious for her own good. But the decision to make her a 16 year old felt rather odd to me as I thought she was too young for a story that is about a woman who unleashes evil on the world. 👹

Epimetheus was a kind soul and genuinely loved Pandora. I really enjoyed his portrayal here more so than that of his brother. As the creator and guardian of humanity, I found Prometheus to be boorish and downright rude to what we’re supposed to be his beloved creations. That and for a man whose name means foresight, he’s pretty thick when it comes to certain things in the plot. 🔥

As much as I love an Athena appearance in any case, there were some problems I had with her in this story. While I loved a softer approach to her characterization, like Prometheus, she was rather oblivious to certain situations and outcomes; this left a rather bad taste in my mouth because she’s the goddess of wisdom. . . . Isn’t she supposed to have contingency plans on top of contingency plans?? 🦉

In general, the story was slow to start with then picked up the pace way too quickly towards the end. The characters, while sometimes enjoyable, were just a bit too off for my liking, and the word choice here and there felt too modern for a Greek myth retelling. Also, it felt rather odd to make Pandora out to be an average girl who is born AFTER the likes of Odysseus, Perseus, and Theseus. . . A lot of eus-es if you know your Disney Greek mythology. 😆

Would recommend this to those who enjoy Greek mythology, but warning them to go in with a grain of salt. Thank you goes to NetGalley and the author for accepting my request to read in exchange for an honest review. 💛

Publication date: February 6! 🏺

Overall: 3/5 ⭐️

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

I love the tale of Pandora but it always bothered me how she was such a victim within it. This story takes the premise and gives her agency, intelligence, wisdom. That last bit really is the clencher—she is still a plow in the will of the Gods but now, she has an ally: Athena.

I adore how the Gods are characterized here—petty, inner fighting and there is a domineering nature to Zeus that is terrifying. It’s truly a battle of wits to stay ahead of him and Athena makes a perfect foil. The subtle ways she reaches out to Pandora are just what I expect from the Goddess of Wisdom.

Pandora is a beautiful main character. She has spirit and agency but also admits the limitations that both the gods and her society place on her. But she doesn’t let it stop her, instead, she learns and crafts her own way around them. You root for her wholeheartedly.

The only reason I can’t give five stars is the beginning is a little slow. There’s not much conflict and it doesn’t really let the personalities shine. I would have liked to see more earlier. But that’s a pleasant problem to have.

A great reimagining of a popular myth that calls on wisdom as the trump card.

[Heather Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discover the captivating tale of Pandora, a woman who defies the constraints of her stereotype, brought to life by the enchanting touch of a Holder of Hope. After years of being trapped in the role of a femme fatale, she finally finds her voice and personality, breaking free from the shackles of expectation.

Within the pages of this book, you'll be transported to a world where mortals and gods collide, their interactions beautifully portrayed in a way that will leave you spellbound. It's a feat that is not easily achieved, but the author masterfully captures the complexities of these relationships, leaving you craving for.

And then there's the love story between Pandora and Epimetheus, a tale that unfolds with unexpected beauty. It's a refreshing twist on Greek mythology retellings, breathing new life into the genre while still retaining the essence that draws us in. Prepare to be captivated by a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you yearning for more.

[Fitore Louise]

I finished A Holder of Hope and I am in love with it. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone wanting a cute fuzzy feeling semi-HEA YA quick read (for most) It's a Pandora's Box retelling and I hadn't heard the myth so I kind of went in blind but it's still a myth that's not wrote about a lot and I just really loved it. I wish I could give it more than 5 Stars! In the beginning it was a little slow in the description of Pandora and Epimetheus' lives before they got married but once they met I couldn't stop smiling because their love and how it developed was so adorable and sweet. The way the author wrote that part is fantastic! I do feel like the ending could have had more creativity with it. I know there wasn't much the author could stray from but I just feel like it was missing something with how Prometheus tricked Pandora. But overall such a fantastic book! 10 Stars from me!

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was lucky enough to receive an arc from Netgalley and Victory Editing in exchange for an honest review.*

A Holder of Hope gives Pandora a voice and personality after so many years of being made into a stereotype, one of the original femme fatales. The interactions between mortals and gods can often be difficult to capture in these books and I think it was done really well.

The love story between Pandora and Epimetheus was beautifully written and really unexpected but I loved it so much. It felt a little bit different from other Greek mythology retellings which I really enjoyed but still retained everything I love about the genre.

A Holder of Hope comes out 6th February 2024

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Pandora finds herself wedded to Epimetheus, complete with a divine jar full of blessings. Spoiler alert: gods aren't known for generosity. As Pandora tries to live her best immortal life, she becomes the ultimate pawn in a game of chess between Titan and Olympian. Will her resolve outshine the will of the gods, or is she just a hapless pawn in a divine interference?

Pros:
🌟 Four stars for this mythological rollercoaster! "A Holder of Hope" delivers a wonderful story that's a fresh retelling of Pandora.

😄 Pandora is not just a disaster magnet; she's downright likeable. Move over, Odysseus; there's a new hero in town, and she's got a divine jar to prove it.

🌈 The deities, especially Zeus, are portrayed as petty and meddlesome – a revelation that's more entertaining than Olympus on a Saturday night.

Cons:
🕰️ The slow start might make you wonder if you accidentally picked up "The Slow Scroll of Sisyphus," but fear not – the pace picks up like a winged sandal-wearing messenger delivering your order from the gods.


🏺 In conclusion, "A Holder of Hope" is a mythological romp that'll make you rethink Pandora's bad rap. Kudos to Jane McGarry for serving up a divine blend of comedy, chaos, and a jar full of surprises! 🏛️📚

Disclaimer: A god-sized thank you to NetGalley and Jane McGarry for this ARC. All opinions are as uniquely mine as a Cyclops at a 3D movie. 🌌📚

[Silent Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: The author provided me with the book for this review, but all opinions stated are my own honest thoughts. The links are not affiliated in any way.

Summary:
A Holder of Hope is a retelling of the myth of Pandora, who is the protagonist depicted as a curious young person with an endless supply of questions. Unbeknownst to her, a feud has formed between the ever-discontent Zeus and the fire-thief Prometheus, who many of the Olympians seek to punish him for his slights – even if the approach is rather indirect. Pandora is selected to be the chosen bride of Epimetheus, brother of Prometheus, where the couple are gifted a pithos of “blessings” that must remain sealed by the gods. Strong-willed Pandora, the guardian of the only key and the only being capable of opening it, vows never to go against the warning, but can she ever truly live a peaceful life, when she is an oblivious pawn in a divine game of misplaced revenge?

The Specifics of the Edition:
I read a digital advanced reader’s copy, but it can also be purchased in paperback. I was impressed by the formatting of the ARC and liked the decorative chapter headings, more so when the symbolism of the dragonfly became apparent by the end of the story.

My thoughts:
A Holder of Hope is a careful weaving of the traditional myths surrounding Pandora, modern twists and the author’s unique perspective to create a wonderfully entertaining narrative. Unlike in the original myths, Pandora is the centre of her own story and is more important as a character in her own right than as a character defined by what has/will happen to her. The reader learns about her thoughts, feelings and opinions on various matters and the bulk of the story focuses on how she chooses to move on, rather than centring on her opening on the jar, which would be the more obvious approach to her story – ie it is an effective retelling that shifts the roots of the myth around.

I was somewhat sceptical at the beginning, as other mythological retellings I have read recently have been written in a more serious tone, such as a mimicking of the (now mostly outdated) English translations of ancient texts/plays, where it is clear the majority of these books use as sources. In this case, I think the more relaxed dialogue made it a good option for an entry book into the emerging genre of retellings. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style: she was beautifully descriptive, ensuring the reader had a firm grasp of setting and feeling, but not dragging out scenes with it. I think the story would be enjoyed by young adults especially (note: there is not explicit sexual detail, but there is a scene in the story where it occurs), as the writing is rich, the story entertaining and it is a good blend of common language with a heavy integration of more unusual words; I was pleased to come across one or two myself!

The characters were all well-written and fleshed out, but I felt more time could have been spent for each one. For instance, Epimetheus’ relationship with the animals was fascinating and (incoming spoiler) more page time could have been allocated to watching their daughter grow up, instead of the large time skips. The pace was variable, but I would class the first half as much slower than the second – either way I was thoroughly absorbed by the story and the chapters flew by!

Conclusion:
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to enthusiasts of Greek mythology, soft romances and the retelling of common myths in a female-centred manner. It has many similarities to other mythological retellings that have dominated the bestselling lists for the past few years, so would be a perfect read for fans of authors like Jennifer Saint, Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes.

Get your copy: A Holder of Hope: A Pandora Retelliing: Amazon.co.uk: McGarry, Jane: 9798989592517: Books

Find the author here: janemcgarryauthor | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

The official blurb:

Her name personifies disaster. Her deed unleashed all evil. Now, her story is told. Pandora lives a quiet life on the idyllic island of Lemnos until the eyes of the Olympian gods fall on her. Plucked from the comforts of home, she must concede to their wishes and wed the immortal Titan, Epimetheus. In honor of their marriage, the gods present her with a jar full of blessings. However, gifts from the gods do not come without a price. While Pandora builds a fulfilling life with Epimetheus, her divine jar captures the interest of his brother, Prometheus. When greater forces wield Pandora as a pawn in power games between Titan and Olympian, she struggles to protect all that she cherishes. But can the resolve of one woman overcome the will of the gods?

Blog link: https://thesilentreviewerblog.wordpre...

[Hilma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of us know a little bit of the story of Pandora, the curious girl who was not allowed to open a box, but did it anyway and that way evil got into the world. So when I learned Jane McGarry wrote A Holder of Hope telling the story of this myth I was eager to read it.

Now that I have read it I am a little bit disappointed. The writing style was not so flowing, it was a bit too slow for my taste, it seemed more like a sort of documentary book instead of a “normal” book.

Pandora is a curious girl and from a young age is asking a lot of questions. As the Olympian Gods are looking to control one of them, Pandora seems just the one they need. Being just a human girl, she gets no say in the matter and for that I felt sorry for her. In this book the Gods come across as fighting amongst eachother and Jane McGarry wrote the tension really well. Thankfully one God is on Pandora’s side and gives her Hope.

The building relationship and love story between Pandora and Titan Epimetheus was lovely to read, as both are shy.

But during the story I found myself loosing a little but interest in it and that I found a shame really, because I had such high hopes for reading this book as I love all legends and myths. But having said that, I think Jane McGarry has written a nice story, but it was not the book I was hoping to read. But she has given Pandora a voice and I know now more about her than in before I read this book. If you like mythology and want to learn more about Pandora, I can recommend it.

[Wylde-reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A holder of Hope is a feminist Pandora retelling. Pandora has lived on the island of Lemnos her entire life, unhappily training to one day be a dutiful wife. When the opportunity comes for a woman to be chosen by the gods as a wife for the Titan Epimetheus, the last thing Pandora wants is to be selected. The gods however, have other plans. Pandora is quickly married to Epimetheus, and begins to build a life she never expected. However, will one woman’s resolve be enough to hold the will of the Gods at bay?

This book features:
- Strong and smart FMC
- Soft-hearted MMC
- Greek mythology
- Female friendships
- Multiple POV’s
- Pregnancy


I gave this book 4⭐️. I really loved this twist on the myth of Pandora. Changing the narrative and giving her more free will was a lot of fun to read. I did find that the first third of the book was slow going. The journey from Lemnos to the wedding took up a decent chunk of the book that didn’t further the plot as much as I felt it should have. Once the wedding occurs however, the book picks up and carries through right to the ending. While action packed in the majority, I did find that this book features several POV’s, which took me out of the story at some points. Overall I really enjoyed this retelling, and look am hopeful the author publishes more Greek retellings in the future.

[Kathrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was moving very fast. There were a lot of time jumps. But it was still captivating, I was not confused at any point. At times it almost had a cozy feel to it. I really enjoyed this book and when I checked my progress for the first time, I was surprised that I was already over halfway through the book.

The plot
The plot was easy to follow. It's definitely not an action-packed book where the main characters are fighting dragons from the first page, but it was very hard to put the book down. The story of Pandora is interesting, peaceful and easy to read.

The characters

Pandora is a likable main character. I didnt connect to Epimetheus that much, since he didn't have much space in my eyes. Their relationship didn't develop right before our eyes due to the time jumps, but I could still feel a connection between the two. I really liked the secondary characters, even if they didn't have that much space. The gods... they were definitely interesting to read about and I was looking forward to their parts of the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

I was given this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love any books based on Greek mythology and I was very excited to read this. This author is new to me and their work did not disappoint.

In this retelling of a classic tale, Pandora is given new life through independence, strength, autonomy, and an engaging personality. The author did very well with their portrayal of an old character, this did not feel "redone" or overused. This was a fresh take on the myth that highlighted previously unexplored aspects of this story. The characters were compelling and easy to connect with. They were realistic, yet complex. Their relationships and dynamics were interesting and moved the plot forward.

The only thing that took away from the book was the slow start. The beginning of the book was a bit tough to get past (though the rest was certainly worth it). The slow start did not highlight characters nor did the plot really move so it felt like the book was just in a holding position- waiting until it was time to actually begin the real story. I feel like much of this could've been reworked or removed to the benefit of the rest of the story.

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Holder of Hope by Jane McGarry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
First! I want to say thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
Next, I am a SUCKER for Greek mythology retelling, and I will read anything I can find in that category. That being said, I didn't know much about Pandora other than the fact that she had a box, and it was important to keep it closed.
Pandoras' story was captivating! Her tendency to have a million questions, but keeping them at bay because no one wants to hear them gripped me from the start. I relate to that on a deeply personal level, so it endured me to the character a lot. And Epimetheus' willingness to answer all of said questions made me SWOON for him! Their relationship was amazing, fun, kind, innocent, sweet, loving, but also tragic, sad, and heartbreaking.
I loved that the timeline of the story flowed so smoothly. Years and years pass, but it isn't done in a way that makes it choppy or leaves us feeling like we're missing out. The development of all the characters, not even just the main ones, was so we'll done!
McGarry did an amazing job! It's smooth, heartwarming, intense, fun, cozy yet exciting, and full of love and growth!

[stephanie cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Holder of Hope, a retelling of the Pandora myth by Jane McGarry, offers an interesting take on the classic story of the curious girl who opened the forbidden box, unleashing evil into the world. I was intrigued by the concept and eager to see how McGarry would approach the tale.

Pandora is portrayed as a curious and inquisitive girl, asking questions from a young age. The Olympian Gods, seeking control over one of their own, see her as the perfect pawn. As a human, Pandora has no say in the matter, which made me feel sympathetic towards her. The Gods are depicted as being at odds with each other, and McGarry does a good job of conveying the tension between them. Thankfully, one God is on Pandora’s side, offering her the gift of Hope.

The romance between Pandora and the Titan Epimetheus is sweet, especially given that both characters are shy and hesitant. While the story has some engaging moments, the pacing and depth didn’t fully capture me, and the characters’ development felt a bit underwhelming. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it didn't quite stand out for me as much as I had hoped.

[Sydney Victorson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I’m a lover of all things Greek mythology, so of course I jumped at the chance to read A Holder of Hope, a retelling of the story of Pandora. I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It was fast paced while still maintaining a cozy element to it. I loved the relationship between Pandora and Epimetheus, though I wish we got to see just a little more interaction between the two just because I enjoyed their dynamic so much. I also really enjoyed the way Athena is written in this book. In most retellings I’ve read, Athena is cold and very much not a girl’s girl, and while this book doesn’t really imply differently, it was nice to see a softer side of Athena. She had a soft spot for Pandora, and I thought that was wonderful.

If you have liked retellings in the same vein as Circe and the Songs of Penelope trilogy, I think you’ll enjoy A Holder of Hope!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Jane McGarry for the ARC of A Holder of Hope. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her name personifies disaster. Her deed unleashed all evil. Now, her story is told.

This is a feminist retelling of the story of Pandora, and in this it shows her being manipulated by the gods rather than being a source of evil.

The characters are well developed. I really like how Pandora is portrayed as an inquisitive yet thoughtful woman, who cares about the people around her. And I love Epimetheus, he is such a kind soul.

I love their love story, though it is an arranged marriage, they develop a friendship which leads to romance and it's quite beautifully written and cozy, I was giddy at some of the scenes.

The story itself was good, it was slow starting in the first half and it did pick up in the second half. But there is a lot of time jumping in the second half. I did enjoy the portrayal of the gods but I feel Athena needed to be fleshed out more.

But overall, it was a good retelling and would be a great recommendation for greek mythology fans!

I want to thank Jane McGarry for giving me an ARC for this book!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and JM Books for a free Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who loves Greek mythology, I really enjoyed this book! It's a Pandora's Box retelling, but it serves as its own story, introducing the characters and story as original. This could be helpful for someone that isn't familiar with the figures of mythology or the myths themselves, but if you have knowledge about them already, some of the descriptions can seem repetitive.
I appreciated the deeper dive into Epimethius and Pandora's relationship. The only part I didn't enjoy was the repetitive language around how small she is and how big he is. (That's not specific to this book, but it's a trope I dislike in romance.)
As in any retelling, there are differences from the original story, and I think they were done so well in this novel!
Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone interested in Greek mythology.

[Nikki's Dragon Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read this was! I absolutely love retellings (just incase you hadnt noticed) and this was just brilliantly done. This is the myth like you havent heard it before. An innocent girl, forced into a situation in which she had no control and then forced to sholder the blame alone.

In between the the scenes from mythology is a complex and intricately woven tale about the girl behind the myth. A daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother, and as the lies and tales of men say, the evil in which women kind decend. My perceptions and beliefs have been challenged and i feel richer for it. Jane has done an amazing job of making me believe this as the real story as if she were there and simply recounting as evidence and not just fabricating a story.

Not only did A Holder of Hope have a rich basis, but the characters themselves were flawed and lovable; plagued by doubt, indecision and confusion, making them relatable.

[Bryony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pandora retelling, beautifully written from the POV of Pandora. Pandora is a maiden and she is chosen to marry Epimetheus, we are taken through this journey as she is gifted a jar from the jobs. As the legend goes this jar is full of dark and horrible things.

As the reader we go through all these emotions with Pandora, when she finds herself in a position she never saw coming but makes a go of it anyway. She is kind and bright, she has great passion for the people she finds herself to be with. However just when things get going she then finds herself in hot water with this jar. She is this figure of hope, for a lot of people right from the start of the tale, but especially by the time she becomes married.

The writing is beautiful, the descriptions are beautiful and we really get to visualise the world she lives in. Which by the end of it she becomes The Holder of Hope.

[MrsB (Angi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because you have to mark a book “read” to leave a review, I’m marking it incorrectly. I have yet to finish this book….but not because it’s a bad read. I’m a mood reader and the mood isn’t there yet.

What I will tell you is that if you like books based on mythology, you will love this. Maybe, because I tried reading while sick and during the craziness of the holidays, my headspace wasn’t right. However, I will be coming back to it, because it is definitely a book I will enjoy when the time is right.

It is an easy read and very well written. The story is based on Pandora and how she becomes a pawn in a conflict between two other Gods. The writing is rich and flows smoothly.

I will update my review once I’ve actually finished the book, but I am certain it will end up being a 5 star. I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review.

[Sarah Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This modernised version of the Pandora myth is a great Greek mythological retelling - something that I always love!

Most of us know the story of Pandora, who is usually depicted as a woman too curious for her own good who ends up unleashing all manner of evils on mankind. However, this clever retelling flips that story on its head, instead showing Pandora as a pawn in the machinations of the gods of Olympus. She is a great character, and very relatable – I found myself really rooting for her even though I knew how the story would end.

Her relationships with other characters, particularly Epimetheus, are great, and I loved seeing Pandora in this much broader context, even if it does take a few liberties with the original story! All in all, a very satisfying addition to the genre.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

[Books with Nynke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy off this book from Netgalley but the opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book for what is was.

It follows the story of Pandora and Epimetheus and her Pithos (box but the jar is used which is. more correct so nice detail)
This story. about a more female empower version of this the myth which is always nice take on the greek myths.

There are some little buts for this books.
1. it tries a bit to hard to be a Jennifer Saint book
2. it feels like the myth is weirdly placed in the myth timeline

Did those things really bother my enjoyment of the book no those where just somethings that got me out of the story.

Will I buy this book to have on my greek retelling myths shelf probably

[Colleen Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Holder of Hope was such a fun read!

While I'm torn, this felt more like a reimagining than a retelling. I also found the aging of Pandora slightly off. Sixteen just was a hair on the young side for this character to me. I think if she had been aged up, on the brink of adulthood (say 18-ish) it would have tied things together a little more.

The writing was exquisite. The pacing a perfect melding of quick action and cozy slowdowns. We are enraptured by the emotions Pandora is feeling throughout this novel, making her a hard character to shake once the book comes to a close.

* I received an ARC copy for my honest review.

[MarryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology or of retellings but this was such a comfortable book to read.

I really loved the way the characters were written and it really made me care about them. From the curious Pandora to the kind Epimetheus and everybody in the small town.
I don't think I can really put how this book made me feel but it was really immersive and it really made me feel like I was living right there with them. Of course, the ending was really bitter, but we all know de story of Pandora (or so I hope) and it was expected, but it ended better than it could have.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion

[Samantha Dietz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC read in exchange for my honest opinion. I have to say I DNF this book however it wasn’t due to a bad story or lack of interesting characters. For me when I read a book it becomes a movie in my head and this book didn’t grab my mind like most books do. It felt more like a text book than a mythological story. I think for the right reader this book is epic however it just wasn’t the world for me. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mythology though in hopes they are able to dive completely into this story.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Regrets cannot turn back the clock.”

“A Holder of Hope” by Jane McGarry is a Greek mythology retelling. Pandora lives in Lemnos until the gods interfere by setting up a trap for the titan Prometheus’ brother. Zeus wants to punish Prometheus and has decided that his brother Epimetheus is to wed a beautiful girl from Lemnos. Pandora becomes an unwilling pawn for the gods to deal their “justice”.

I loved this book. I loved the characters of Pandora and Epimetheus that she wrote. I loved that Pandora wasn’t the bad guy. I was so sad in the end. This is one of the books I will definitely be rereading over and over again. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Greek Myth Retelling
-Arranged Marriage
-Gods
-Titans
-Pregnancy

[Donna Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love happy endings! But this book had many surprise twists and did not end as I'd anticipated. Pandora's story unfolded in a blissful and sweet childhood, adored by those she loved. Circumstances beyond her control changed the trajectory of her imagined future in ways never imagined. Evil is unstoppable despite every effort to the contrary and the will to fight it equally indomitable. McGarry captures imagination on every level creating believable characters, emotions and conflicts that most can relate to. Highly recommend this book.
-ARC reader review

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.

This was a beautiful retelling of Pandora from her POV. As an avid enjoyer of greek mythology retellings, I was delighted by this story. Pandora is a tenacious, free-thinking woman who is chosen by the gods to punish Prometheus through his brother. This retelling paints the gods as sniveling and bored.

The writing was beautiful and the pace of the book was perfect. While there was beauty in the descriptions the story was never stagnant.

Favorite quote, "...for hope is a balm to all who embrace it."

[Alex Drzewiecki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was very well written. Lovely storytelling and characterization. I could see this being a 5 star read for many people. It was just a bit mild for me. I am just a person that needs a bit more impact for a book to really click with me. I need an exciting plot or stunningly lyrical prose or devastating emotion or consuming relationships (especially friendships) or dreamy atmospheres and worlds.

[Stacia | stacialovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a someone who considers themselves a scholar of Greek mythology, it’s always nice to see a fresh take on a well-known tale.

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My only qualm with this book, and not even really the book is ZEUS. why can’t he ever just go after he’s mad at instead of all these backhanded revenge plots. Ugh.

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Shouts to the author for letting me read this book ahead of its release in exchange for an honest review!