Bemused

by Farrah Rochon, Joniece Abbott-Pratt (Narrator)

The untold origin story of the 5 Muses from Disney’s Hercules is revealed in this fresh YA take on Greek mythology from Farrah Rochon, the bestselling author of Almost There.

The Muses narrated Hercules’s story. Now, they’ll narrate their own "gospel truth."

Living in a quiet seaside village with their overprotective mother, teenaged sisters Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia are talented performers with no audience. If Calli had her way, she'd pursue her dream of writing epic stories in the city of Thebes. But family comes first, and as the eldest, she'd never leave her beloved sisters behind.

Then, following a disastrous public music performance, their mother reveals a shocking she is Mnemosyne, the Goddess of Memory, and for nearly two decades, she’s been on the run from the gods of Mount Olympus, desperate to keep her daughters safe from their machinations. Before she can share more, she is kidnapped . . . and though the girls don’t know it yet, the villain pulling the strings is none other than Hades, fiery God of the Underworld.

Under Calli’s leadership, the sisters embark on a journey to save their mother and to learn more about their own divine origins. But the path ahead is filled with mythical trials and tribulations, and they’ll need to rely on both their individual talents and the strength of their sisterhood to ensure that they ascend from "zeroes" to "heroes"--or more accurately, heroines.

Penned by New York Times bestselling author Farrah Rochon, this YA fantasy uniquely blends a twist on a Disney classic with a fresh take on Greek mythology.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult, Retellings, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published January 7, 2025

About the author

A native of south Louisiana, Farrah Rochon officially began her writing career while waiting in between classes in the student lounge at Xavier University of Louisiana. After earning her Bachelors of Science degree and a Masters of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, Farrah decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a published novelist. She was named Shades of Romance Magazine's Best New Author of 2007. Her debut novel, Deliver Me, the first in her Holmes Brothers series, garnered rave reviews, earning Farrah several SORMAG Readers' Choice Awards.

In September 2010, Farrah joined the Kimani Romance family with the launch of her new series that follows the life of the fictional New York Sabers football team.

When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading her favorite romance novels, hanging around on Twitter, and trying to attend as many Broadway shows as her budget will allow. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons.

Reviews

[Books_and_Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily a new favorite Disney book!

Rochon perfectly captures the muses we know and love from Hercules the movie, and let's us see them in a new light. When their mother is taken by Hades, the girls have to work together to get her back. They face trials and tribulations where they will need each of their unique gifts to succeed.

I adored this story and related the most to Calli. Being the eldest sister, having to become the leader, the parental figure at times and most of all a role model - I understood her. Each of the sisters had such bright and vibrant personalities! I loved getting to know each one. I really hope Disney decides to add more books for these beautiful young women, there is so much more story to tell!

[Amanda]

Do you hear me screaming???? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! A book about the five Muses from Hercules? WE ARE SO BACK!!!!

[Nour (FREE PALESTINE) Books]

I NEED THIS
origin story of the muses of hercules YES PLEASE

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this original story. Such a cute plot so heartwarming 🥰

[Nic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story, just not really my thing. Definitely more middle grade than YA. It did make me want to rewatch Hercules though lol

[Vicky Flores · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gotta say I really like that it opened my mind up to Greek mythology. I knew nothing about GM before reading this. It was also well written for the audience it was intended for. For me personally, meh lol

[Megan Paszek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was great for a kid who wants to live in a Disney world. It’s so far from the standard of mythology that only a princess could survive in this world. And there isn’t even a princess to root for. Ugh. I wanted to like it bc I love Greek mythology, but it was just so saccharin.

[Fanny Reads ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

La historia del inicio de las musas, como y porqué fueron creadas y como todo eso se vino abajo en algún momento en la historia.

La primera parte del libro me recordó mucho a "Percy Jackson". La ambientación, la mitología y el humor me hicieron sentir como si estuviera leyendo una versión moderna y femenina de las aventuras de Percy.
Sin embargo, a medida que avanzaba la historia, mi interés comenzó a decaer. La trama se volvió más predecible y los personajes perdieron parte de su encanto inicial. Sentí que la historia se volvía demasiado "Disney", con una trama simplista y un final demasiado conveniente (todo se resolvió por el poder del amor y la amistad) Vibes de My little ponny.

La segunda mitad del libro se sintió como un descenso lento y constante. La trama perdió fuerza, los personajes se volvieron planos y el humor se volvió forzado. Esperaba mucho más de esta historia, especialmente después del prometedor inicio.
Tenía el material para ser un librazo, ósea dioses griegos, personajes mitologícos años y años de historia que pudieron haber sido explotados, entonces si me decepcioné un poquis.

[Yashoda Jaikaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a free audio copy from NetGalley.

Little did I know how much I needed a backstory of the Muses!
Wonderful work!

[Liberi Leggendo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Al centro del romanzo ci sono Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Tersicore e Thalia, cinque sorelle adolescenti cresciute in un quieto villaggio affacciato sul mare, lontane da ogni pericolo… o almeno così hanno sempre creduto. Ognuna di loro porta nel cuore un dono artistico straordinario, un talento che pulsa come una scintilla divina. Calliope, soprattutto, sogna qualcosa di più grande: storie epiche, avventure da raccontare, la città di Tebe come orizzonte dei suoi desideri.

Ma l’equilibrio della loro vita cambia improvvisamente quando la madre, sempre premurosa e protettiva, confessa un segreto inimmaginabile: lei non è una donna qualunque, ma Mnemosyne, la dea della memoria. Da decenni è in fuga dagli dèi dell’Olimpo, nel disperato tentativo di tenere al sicuro le figlie e il potere che portano dentro di sé.

Prima che possa spiegare davvero ciò che significa essere figlie della memoria, Mnemosyne viene rapita. E il responsabile è Ade, il dio degli Inferi, in una versione oscura, ardente e pericolosa, che apre le porte a un’avventura mozzafiato.

È qui che la narrazione esplode davvero: Calliope prende in mano il destino delle sorelle e le guida in un viaggio pieno di creature mitiche, prove impossibili, enigmi, alleati sorprendenti e verità nascoste. Le cinque giovani muse non cercano soltanto la loro madre, ma scoprono pezzo dopo pezzo la loro stessa natura divina, la storia dei poteri che portano nel sangue e il peso – e la bellezza – di essere parte dell’eredità dell’Olimpo.

Uno degli elementi più affascinanti è il legame tra le sorelle: un intreccio di amore, battibecchi, forza e vulnerabilità che Rochon racconta con una delicatezza vivida e autentica. La loro unità è ciò che permette alla storia di brillare davvero, trasformando ogni ostacolo in una tappa di crescita collettiva e personale.

L’autrice riesce a rendere la mitologia accessibile, modernissima senza perdere il fascino antico. È un libro che sprigiona ritmo, ironia, avventura e un senso costante di meraviglia.

Bemused. Il canto immortale è un romanzo che parla di arte, coraggio, famiglia e destino. Una storia che invita i ragazzi (e non solo loro!) a scoprire che il vero potere non risiede nel dono divino, ma nel modo in cui scegliamo di usarlo.

Un viaggio epico che incanta dalla prima all’ultima pagina.
Un canto immortale, davvero.

[Jada · Rating 3 out of 5]

I FINALLY finished this! 🎉🎉🎉 It's a bit of a feminist story, but the girl power themes aren't overwhelming, and it balances nicely with the Greek setting. I was a little disappointed that the majority of the story took place in Thebes, but it's not a huge deal-breaker.

Clio and Thalia were by far my favorite characters, and I didn't see the appeal of Sivas—he was complete cardboard, no personality other than being 'charming'.

As a whole, I liked it, but there's room to explore. Maybe a sequel?

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed this book to be: whimsical, humorous, and empowering. I don’t always connect with YA books, but this one absolutely did the trick. Those scene-stealing Muses from the Disney classic, Hercules, are just so entertaining. Their creation, their unique roles and talents in Greek mythology, and their special connection with humans - all of it! - was captured well here. It’s about time we got their story.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute & enjoyable

[Giaalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited & wished that it could've had a bit more. Not sure how to explain but 3.5

[Ambra | ambreadbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️
— This was a cute Disney YA novel. I loved reading the backstory of how they came to be.
— Reading this story made me want to immediately go and watch Hercules on Disney+

[Shannon M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Actual Rating: 3.5

The Important Highlights
This is a Disney retelling of the muses from the animated version of Hercules. This is a standalone novel that utilizes Greek mythology and sisterhood-driven adventures to bring a deeper understanding of the world created by Disney. This is a YA story.

Content Warnings: confinement and kidnapping

My Unhinged and Messy Thoughts
I didn't enjoy the audio as much as I hoped but I did enjoy the story in general. It felt like a lower stakes novel, due to it being YA in nature, but it was interesting all the same. I liked learning the backgrounds of the secondary characters from the original Disney story.

In Conclusion
If you're interesting in Disney stories, then this should automatically be on your TBR, but if you love the idea of getting different perspectives to already beloved stories, this is a must read.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hercules might be one of my favourite Disney movies EVER! Yes, Greek mythology is butchered all throughout the movie and yet they keep on showing that they know they're making a mess of it. So, when I saw that this book was released, I had to order it right away. And I loved it! The author did an amazing job giving all the muses their own personality and characters traits, while also keeping their power as a whole. I also love how the author managed to write so many Gods into this story. We got to see a little more of Hermes and Apollo, of course Hades was his Disney self and there were even some smart remarks alluding to the original tales. Normally I'm not a big fan of having characters run all over the place without a clear direction, but in this case it fit and it allowed the author to sneak in some very classic Greek mythology challenges. If it were up to me, this book could have easily been a series consisting of at least three installments!

[Cassie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

i had no idea disney made books like this and i am in love. follows as a prequel to Hercules for the Muses’ so well

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The donkey has gone mad”
me after reading this book

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute! Disney’s YA books have a tendency to read as more middle grade than true YA, I’ve noticed, but the story is compelling, the characters are lovable, and it’s a fun little bonus piece if you enjoyed the movie “Hercules.”

[Takeyrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Definitely Greek Methology with a Disney Filter. I'm here for it, though. Cute story of how the muses came to be. I enjoyed it.

[Cayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tbh i'm stuck between 2.75 and 3 stars. It's okay. I knew it was YA going into it, but this is definitely on the more juvenile end. It's cute, especially if you are a fellow 90's kid who was obsessed with Hercules. I did appreciate some of the mythology tie ins and the ending. I don't know that I would necessarily recommend this. Unless you are into middle grade/YA fiction.

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Bemused by Farrah Rochon is a standalone YA fantasy that gives us the origin story of the Muses from Disney's Hercules. This was a light read without much substance. It was the perfect book to read on vacation, and I found it moderately enjoyable, but nothing impressive.

We start by following the pov of Mnemosyne, the mother of the five muses, as she creates her daughters and hides from Zeus. We then follow the five muses: Calliope (Calli), the muse of epic poetry; Clio, the muse of history; Melpomene (Mel), the muse of tragedy; Terpsichore (Ree), the muse of dance; and Thalia, the muse of comedy. We get to know them all, but we only get pov chapters from Calli and Ree. Mnemosyne keeps them isolated and doesn't allow them to showcase their talents to anyone outside the family, but when the girls are old enough, devise a concert for their village on their mother's birthday. Doing so alerts their existence to Hades, who wants to use them in his pursuit to defeat his brother Zeus. Hades kidnaps Mnemosyne, and the girls must work together and discover their abilities in order to rescue her.

This was a pretty straightforward and predictable story. It is listed as YA, but I would put it closer to middle grade with how simple the writing was. I found a lot of the actions and "twists" to be telegraphed. Do you remember the Disney channel animated Hercules tv show? It kind of read like one of those episodes.

I didn't dislike the story, but there wasn't much to sink my teeth into. It was a light and easy read, that I think might be a good way to introduce Greek mythology to a younger reader, but I don't think I'll be going out of my way to read any other Disney books any time soon.

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how the Muses from Disney’s Hercules came to be? Because they have always been all of my favorite parts of the animated movie. When they came on screen, I was sat. Any chance I got growing up, I played their songs. They made that movie as epic as it is… and this book brought them to life once again.

The Titan Mnemosyne (who is also the Goddess of Memory) isn’t like her brothers. She doesn’t want to take over Olympus or kill and destroy. She wants to be a mother. When she comes to Zeus with an idea of who and how she wants to create her daughters, she also erases the memory of herself and her plans from everyone’s minds. She wants to live a simple life and not be a part of the God’s squabbles.

As the girls grow up, they grow into themselves and their powers begin to flourish. Where their mother has wanted them to be out of the people’s sight, they have become who they were always meant to be… which, of course, catches the eye of the worst God of them all: Hades.

This was a mythological journey to the Underworld, which always seems to peak my interest and then keep my attention rapt for the duration of a book. I started it today and ended it today, so you know it had to be good. Getting to know the Muses from childhood to becoming Goddesses themselves was exactly what I needed and wanted from the book.

10 out of 10, would recommend!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Farrah Rochon’s Bemused is a clever and lighthearted reimagining of Greek mythology that had me smiling from start to finish. With its amusing plot and sharp dialogue, the story blends ancient myth with modern flair in a way that feels fresh and relatable. Rochon shines in her portrayal of motherhood and sisterhood, grounding her divine characters in real-world emotional depth. The relationships between the women are heartfelt and authentic, offering a touching reminder of the strength found in family and chosen bonds.

What truly sets Bemused apart is Rochon’s vibrant figurative language and the nostalgic call backs to Disney’s Hercules—a beloved childhood favorite of mine. These references are sprinkled in with care, adding a sense of familiarity and charm for readers who grew up enchanted by those animated myths. The result is a story that feels both new and comforting, like stepping into a world you’ve always known but are seeing through a fun, grown-up lens.

Bemused is perfect for readers who enjoy mythology with a twist, especially those who appreciate witty banter, strong female leads, and a touch of nostalgia. Fans of romantic comedies, retellings, and character-driven stories will find a lot to love here. It’s a great pick for anyone looking for a feel-good read with depth, laughter, and a dash of the divine.

[Bek Bound By Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun read, and that’s the gospel truth! I’ve always thought The Muses were the best part of Hercules (aside from Hades’ bombastic comedy), but this takes my love for them to another level!

I loved learning about these characters. Calli & Ree are definitely the standouts with Thalia coming in third, and Mel and Clio becoming side-characters so as not to pull focus from the more in-depth POV characters. Hades is also heavily featured and very well written. I would’ve appreciated a little bit more description on each of The Muses. While a bit repetitive at times, we do get to know each of their gifts quite intimately throughout their journey.

There’s a point in this book in the last quarter where it kind of just feels like the whole story didn’t really matter but that it was about the lessons we learned along the way. I thought that was kind of a cop-out. I wish there was a little bit more purpose outside of character development for the middle-chapters to have existed. It left a poor taste in my mouth.

The ending was really well done and especially satisfying to see these sisters come together. I’d highly recommend this to any fan of Greek Mythology or the world of Disney’s Hercules

[Leanne Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I’ve been waiting for and didn’t even know it since I fell in love with the movie Hercules as a kid so many years ago. Told from the perspective of The Muses, we get to know each Muse and sister individually aswell as a collective and learn about their unique gifts and what makes them all so special.
When their mother is kidnapped, the five sisters set out on a journey of discovery to learn about who they are, what they can do and how they came to be while finding out their connections to the Gods of Olympus in an effort to save their mother.
SO good, I loved it. Each character was relatable and loveable and the storyline was brilliant. 5⭐️

[Cara Woodham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hercules is one of my favorite Disney movies and it is all mostly due to the Muses. So a story about the origin of the Muses was a necessary read for me. I enjoyed listening to the book. I like Greek mythology but for reason I have never looked into the Muses. This origin story is based on the Muses that are introduced in Disney Hercules and their Mom. Of course, Hades is the bad guy (the only disappointment of this book). Its a cute story that would be good for elementary age kids, maybe even middle school age kids.

[Angela Robinett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I LOVED this story of the Muses and their beginning. What an epic journey. We meet
Mnemosyne and her 5 girls, Calliope, Clie, Melpomene, Terpsichore and Thalia. They live a peaceful life until they decide to change things up and hold a concert for their village. Just when they find out a secret, their mother gets kidnapped by Hades. who knew they were in hiding and weren’t supposed to show their talents?! Can the girls find their mother and their strengths or will their wants and desires end everything? I can’t say anymore or I’ll just keep typing. Go read it!
It was an absolute thrill to read this book and I loved the animated Hercules, the muses were always my favorite!