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Pawning Pandora
What if the first woman created was never meant to be a gift––––but the gods most dangerous pawn?
Pandora has lived her entire life among the gods and goddesses at the base of Mount Olympus, the first mortal woman to exist. For twenty years, she’s wondered what she was created for, what her purpose is, and why Zeus has always treated her as such an object of importance. She’s never fought the Olympians’ control, fearing exile outside the borders, which would surely result in her death. But as the Centennial Celebration of Man approaches, Zeus demands Pandora trade the one thing she always swore she’d never give her heart.
Epimetheus never expected to return to Olympus, but when he and his twin brother, Prometheus, are invited to a celebration held in their honor, the Titan twins have no choice but to return to the realm that was once their home. As an unknown poison plagues their people in the Realm of Man, and with whispers of a rebellion outside the walls of Olympus, the last thing Epimetheus wants is to fall for the raven-haired beauty Zeus has promised to his brother. But it seems this celebration is about to challenge everything.
In a world where friends are family and family are foe, who’s to say the rebellion has not already arrived? It’s a war of hearts and hate—who will rise and who will fall?
Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Natalie Haynes, Jennifer Saint, and readers craving an immersive fantasy setting full of myth, romance, and rebellion told through a fresh feminist lens that feels both timeless and new.
Pandora has lived her entire life among the gods and goddesses at the base of Mount Olympus, the first mortal woman to exist. For twenty years, she’s wondered what she was created for, what her purpose is, and why Zeus has always treated her as such an object of importance. She’s never fought the Olympians’ control, fearing exile outside the borders, which would surely result in her death. But as the Centennial Celebration of Man approaches, Zeus demands Pandora trade the one thing she always swore she’d never give her heart.
Epimetheus never expected to return to Olympus, but when he and his twin brother, Prometheus, are invited to a celebration held in their honor, the Titan twins have no choice but to return to the realm that was once their home. As an unknown poison plagues their people in the Realm of Man, and with whispers of a rebellion outside the walls of Olympus, the last thing Epimetheus wants is to fall for the raven-haired beauty Zeus has promised to his brother. But it seems this celebration is about to challenge everything.
In a world where friends are family and family are foe, who’s to say the rebellion has not already arrived? It’s a war of hearts and hate—who will rise and who will fall?
Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Natalie Haynes, Jennifer Saint, and readers craving an immersive fantasy setting full of myth, romance, and rebellion told through a fresh feminist lens that feels both timeless and new.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
18 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
August 23, 2025
જ⁀➴ 3.5 stars
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy! Pawning Pandora will be officially published on August 26th, 2025!
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊
This was a solid debut! I can't wait to see what's in store for the second book, because that ENDING?!
Pandora is the first mortal woman. She spends her life on Olympus, living and training with the gods and goddesses to survive in the world. She answers to Zeus, who tells her that she is to court Prometheus at the Celebration of Man, where Prometheus and his brother, Epimetheus, are to visit Olympus again after spending time on Earth creating humans. When things start going wrong in the perfectly crafted and designed world of Olympus after Prometheus and Epimetheus arrive, Pandora starts to realize that something much darker is lurking beneath the surface of the only world she's ever known- and she learns what she has to do to survive and protect her heart.
First, I want to say that this is such a unique take on the myth of Pandora! I haven't read a Greek mythology retelling that revolved around Pandora before, so I thought it was cool to finally read about a character that is so well-known yet rarely written about, since so many of the Greek mythology retellings I've read so far revolve around the main gods and goddesses with the occasional Oddessey and Iliad retellings.
I also loved the fast pace of the story- right away we're learning about the setup of Olympus and how everything works, and it almost felt...modern(?) in a way. I'm not sure if it's the right word for that, but there were shops, restaurants, vineyards, and beaches on Olympus for everyone to enjoy. Usually, authors will try to keep things somewhat historically (mythologically? Not sure if that's a word at all haha) accurate and make the dialogue and setting more in an ancient Greece setting, and I went into the story thinking that was going to be the case, but it felt very vibrant and modern which was an interesting take and again, something I don't really see at all in Greek mythology retellings!
However, as much as I loved the fast pace of the story, I believe it was also the book's biggest weakness. For starters, the first 10-15, maybe 20, chapters (out of 60) were just info dump after info dump. It was a TON of information about the entire Greek pantheon of gods, goddesses, minor gods and goddesses, the nymphs, the Titans, and everyone else in between. For reference, I took a Greek mythology elective during my undergrad years in college before pharmacy school, and even I thought the info dumps at the beginning were a lot to take in. The book has a wide cast of characters, with most, if not all, of the 12 main gods and goddesses making an appearance at least once throughout the story, and everyone else getting name-dropped or mentioned in some form or another.
Due to the fast pacing of the book, I feel like the entire story didn't feel fully fleshed out enough, from our leading lady, Pandora, to the storyline as a whole. I didn't really feel like we spent enough time in any given place in the story to feel like I was fully immersed in what was going on, and I couldn't really tell you who Pandora is as a person because she felt one-dimensional at times. There were a lot of moving parts, lots of characters involved, and when you combine both of those things, I can see how readers who don't know a ton about Greek mythology may either lose interest or not fully understand what's going on. With that being said, while I don't believe readers need to have a really good understanding of Greek mythology to enjoy this book (due to the info dumps at the beginning), I do believe that having some amount of working knowledge about who's who and some of the more popular Greek myths would be extremely beneficial to understanding the backstory behind some of the storyline. For reference, the book is about 360 pages long, and I wouldn't have minded if the book were around the 400-450-page range if it meant we got more worldbuilding and character development and the plot slightly slowed in comparison to how fast it actually is.
As for the romance, don't go into this story expecting a spicy romantasy by any means. The story is entirely clean, and anyone who doesn't like spice in their books will definitely enjoy this! Personally, I don't care either way whether or not a book has spice or not for me to enjoy it, but I thought this was worth mentioning for anyone who steers clear of spice or maybe people like me who don't seem to mind either way!
Additionally, I also didn't feel like the romance was fleshed out either. For starters, it was barely there. I think it was because the book was so fast-paced that not even the romance felt fully developed to me, but had I not known the actual Greek myth behind Pandora, Prometheus, and Epimetheus before reading this, I wouldn't have been sold on the romance at all or thought there was even SUPPOSED to be romance.
Overall, while I enjoyed the fast pace of the book and the setting, I thought the storyline as a whole could've been developed more and coupled with a slower pace. The ending sets us up for a second book in what could be the start of a duology, trilogy, or a longer series as a whole, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊
Trigger/content warnings: graphic fantasy violence, graphic depictions of injuries
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (8/10/25): Am I currently reading like, 5 other books right now? Yes. Do I also have the free will to start another one? Also yes. I'm hoping I love this!🏛️🏺
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (7/23/25): The book is finally up on Goodreads! This is my first-ever ARC from another PR company that's NOT NetGalley! This is my first-ever ARC from The Nerd Fam! I love how they try to support and uplift indie authors, and I'm so grateful and excited to be reading a debut novel that touches upon one of my favorite things ever: Greek mythology!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy! Pawning Pandora will be officially published on August 26th, 2025!
"Even if having mortality in this divine world was a curse that could come crashing down on me with one wrong move, I vowed from this moment on, I would never stop fighting to survive."
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊
This was a solid debut! I can't wait to see what's in store for the second book, because that ENDING?!
Pandora is the first mortal woman. She spends her life on Olympus, living and training with the gods and goddesses to survive in the world. She answers to Zeus, who tells her that she is to court Prometheus at the Celebration of Man, where Prometheus and his brother, Epimetheus, are to visit Olympus again after spending time on Earth creating humans. When things start going wrong in the perfectly crafted and designed world of Olympus after Prometheus and Epimetheus arrive, Pandora starts to realize that something much darker is lurking beneath the surface of the only world she's ever known- and she learns what she has to do to survive and protect her heart.
First, I want to say that this is such a unique take on the myth of Pandora! I haven't read a Greek mythology retelling that revolved around Pandora before, so I thought it was cool to finally read about a character that is so well-known yet rarely written about, since so many of the Greek mythology retellings I've read so far revolve around the main gods and goddesses with the occasional Oddessey and Iliad retellings.
I also loved the fast pace of the story- right away we're learning about the setup of Olympus and how everything works, and it almost felt...modern(?) in a way. I'm not sure if it's the right word for that, but there were shops, restaurants, vineyards, and beaches on Olympus for everyone to enjoy. Usually, authors will try to keep things somewhat historically (mythologically? Not sure if that's a word at all haha) accurate and make the dialogue and setting more in an ancient Greece setting, and I went into the story thinking that was going to be the case, but it felt very vibrant and modern which was an interesting take and again, something I don't really see at all in Greek mythology retellings!
However, as much as I loved the fast pace of the story, I believe it was also the book's biggest weakness. For starters, the first 10-15, maybe 20, chapters (out of 60) were just info dump after info dump. It was a TON of information about the entire Greek pantheon of gods, goddesses, minor gods and goddesses, the nymphs, the Titans, and everyone else in between. For reference, I took a Greek mythology elective during my undergrad years in college before pharmacy school, and even I thought the info dumps at the beginning were a lot to take in. The book has a wide cast of characters, with most, if not all, of the 12 main gods and goddesses making an appearance at least once throughout the story, and everyone else getting name-dropped or mentioned in some form or another.
Due to the fast pacing of the book, I feel like the entire story didn't feel fully fleshed out enough, from our leading lady, Pandora, to the storyline as a whole. I didn't really feel like we spent enough time in any given place in the story to feel like I was fully immersed in what was going on, and I couldn't really tell you who Pandora is as a person because she felt one-dimensional at times. There were a lot of moving parts, lots of characters involved, and when you combine both of those things, I can see how readers who don't know a ton about Greek mythology may either lose interest or not fully understand what's going on. With that being said, while I don't believe readers need to have a really good understanding of Greek mythology to enjoy this book (due to the info dumps at the beginning), I do believe that having some amount of working knowledge about who's who and some of the more popular Greek myths would be extremely beneficial to understanding the backstory behind some of the storyline. For reference, the book is about 360 pages long, and I wouldn't have minded if the book were around the 400-450-page range if it meant we got more worldbuilding and character development and the plot slightly slowed in comparison to how fast it actually is.
As for the romance, don't go into this story expecting a spicy romantasy by any means. The story is entirely clean, and anyone who doesn't like spice in their books will definitely enjoy this! Personally, I don't care either way whether or not a book has spice or not for me to enjoy it, but I thought this was worth mentioning for anyone who steers clear of spice or maybe people like me who don't seem to mind either way!
Additionally, I also didn't feel like the romance was fleshed out either. For starters, it was barely there. I think it was because the book was so fast-paced that not even the romance felt fully developed to me, but had I not known the actual Greek myth behind Pandora, Prometheus, and Epimetheus before reading this, I wouldn't have been sold on the romance at all or thought there was even SUPPOSED to be romance.
Overall, while I enjoyed the fast pace of the book and the setting, I thought the storyline as a whole could've been developed more and coupled with a slower pace. The ending sets us up for a second book in what could be the start of a duology, trilogy, or a longer series as a whole, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊
Trigger/content warnings: graphic fantasy violence, graphic depictions of injuries
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (8/10/25): Am I currently reading like, 5 other books right now? Yes. Do I also have the free will to start another one? Also yes. I'm hoping I love this!🏛️🏺
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (7/23/25): The book is finally up on Goodreads! This is my first-ever ARC from another PR company that's NOT NetGalley! This is my first-ever ARC from The Nerd Fam! I love how they try to support and uplift indie authors, and I'm so grateful and excited to be reading a debut novel that touches upon one of my favorite things ever: Greek mythology!
Read
August 10, 2025dnf at 36% so i won’t rate.
the pace in this was really off, and the world building was a little much- it was like a complete info dump in the first 10 chapters and then all the characters were randomly interacting with each other.
unfortunately this was not for me, but thank you to the Nerd Fam for sending me an early ARC! i think this author 100% has promise, the world is very heavy into the greek mythology, i think if this had maybe had a couple more rounds of edits this would’ve been killer.
i do have to note, that i have to do a book tour for this book for the Nerd Fam, so if you see me posting it, pls mind ya business.
the pace in this was really off, and the world building was a little much- it was like a complete info dump in the first 10 chapters and then all the characters were randomly interacting with each other.
unfortunately this was not for me, but thank you to the Nerd Fam for sending me an early ARC! i think this author 100% has promise, the world is very heavy into the greek mythology, i think if this had maybe had a couple more rounds of edits this would’ve been killer.
i do have to note, that i have to do a book tour for this book for the Nerd Fam, so if you see me posting it, pls mind ya business.
July 19, 2025
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I love Greek mythology retellings and I was excited for this one because the concept of the FMC being the first mortal woman is intriguing. However, I could not get on board with the writing style. The beginning especially was flooded with too much information all at once, and the world building felt rushed. I read to 20% in and still didn’t understand what the main plot of the book was going to be because there were too many ideas being presented. I also felt like the dialogue was unnatural and the FMC had minimal personality. I wish this author only the best and hope this book finds its perfect audience.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for sending me this ARC.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for sending me this ARC.
August 10, 2025
*Arc review*
If you like romantasy/fantasy and Greek mythology then this is for you.
This book flowed lovely, the world building was beautiful. Truly felt like I was there and I loved all the Greek mythology info throughout.
The Fmc though just fell a little short for me. That being said I still had a fun time reading this one
Thank you to the Nerdfam and author for yet another opportunity to read a good fantasy
If you like romantasy/fantasy and Greek mythology then this is for you.
This book flowed lovely, the world building was beautiful. Truly felt like I was there and I loved all the Greek mythology info throughout.
The Fmc though just fell a little short for me. That being said I still had a fun time reading this one
Thank you to the Nerdfam and author for yet another opportunity to read a good fantasy
dnf-0star
August 14, 2025
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Thank you to NerdFam for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I started reading this and realized that I am not the target audience for this book. While I believe there are a lot of people out there who will love this book, I couldn't finish it. There are aspects to this story that are not enjoyable for me.
Points of Issue:
- long winded world building / info dumping
- awkward dialogue
Thank you to NerdFam for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I started reading this and realized that I am not the target audience for this book. While I believe there are a lot of people out there who will love this book, I couldn't finish it. There are aspects to this story that are not enjoyable for me.
Points of Issue:
- long winded world building / info dumping
- awkward dialogue
August 21, 2025
Despite some of the bad reviews, I actually liked this. I appreciate TheNerdFam for the eARC, this Greek retelling was pretty interesting. I can see why others thought the beginning was kind of slow, and it sort of was. I definitely felt bad for Pandora, being the only mortal woman surrounded by Olympians, where most look down on here in disgust. She was created without knowing why or what her purpose was and with so many unanswered questions. Zeus was a douchebag but like, who doesn’t know that anyways. It felt like things were starting to finally get interesting and pick up, and then it leaves off on a slight cliffhanger, so I’m hoping next book will continue where it left off and keep that same pace as the ending. And Epimetheus? Yummm lol I’d be interested to know what happens next in book 2.
August 1, 2025
If you like your romance to burn very, very slow and a cast full of characters with so many red flags they could pull them out of their pockets one after another like a magician, then Pawning Pandora just might be the book for you.
This is the first book in a series that seems to be somewhat epic in scope, with the entire ancient Greek polytheistic pantheon–from the primordials to the Olympians and all that’s in between–involved in a complex and multifaceted war over Olympus and the fate of mankind. The star of the show may be the mortal woman Pandora, but there are so many characters in this book that the breadth of gods and monsters is kind of dizzying.
Pawning Pandora clocks in at 362 pages, but I honestly felt like it could’ve been longer, with more time taken to get to know Pandora and overall tell more of the story or not just rush by every single plot point. This book moves at a pretty fast pace and I don’t think it was that necessary. It would have been nice to spend more time with the people Pandora loves the most, for instance.
Congratulations to Willow B. Dawes, because writing a book is a big thing and publishing it is an even bigger one. Taking on a series is a huge accomplishment and I hope she goes on to even bigger and brighter things!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. All reviews three stars or under will not appear on my main social media channels. Thank you.
This is the first book in a series that seems to be somewhat epic in scope, with the entire ancient Greek polytheistic pantheon–from the primordials to the Olympians and all that’s in between–involved in a complex and multifaceted war over Olympus and the fate of mankind. The star of the show may be the mortal woman Pandora, but there are so many characters in this book that the breadth of gods and monsters is kind of dizzying.
Pawning Pandora clocks in at 362 pages, but I honestly felt like it could’ve been longer, with more time taken to get to know Pandora and overall tell more of the story or not just rush by every single plot point. This book moves at a pretty fast pace and I don’t think it was that necessary. It would have been nice to spend more time with the people Pandora loves the most, for instance.
Congratulations to Willow B. Dawes, because writing a book is a big thing and publishing it is an even bigger one. Taking on a series is a huge accomplishment and I hope she goes on to even bigger and brighter things!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. All reviews three stars or under will not appear on my main social media channels. Thank you.
August 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've always been a fan of Greek mythology, and I definitely always love books that have greek mythology as the center of the story.
Pawning Pandora was fresh while leaning on mythology that was vaguely familiar. It didn't make the Olympians seem shiny and bright, but rather dark and scheme-y.
Pandora, our only female mortal in existence, goes through a JOURNEY in this book. It was a true joy watching her go from oblivious and semi-happy to strong and (understandably) rage-fueled. Her character building is my absolute favorite part of this book.
I'm also obsessed with our little love triangle with the Titan twins. This is such a great example of being torn between heart and head and I was there for it every step of the way. Even with the single POV, you could feel one MMCs yearning from afar and I loved every second.
The world building is dense. There is a lot to cover in the present as well as needing to give backstory. That being said, Dawes does a REALLY great job at breaking it down and spreading out throughout the story so it isn't overwhelming. There are a lot of players, and they are all important, so that world building is/was crucial.
There is a lot of foreshadowing and layers in this story, some are obvious and you really have to pay attention to, and this leads to fun reveals in this book and I believe we will have some surprises in the next installment as well.
overall: recommend
spice: romance, no spice
Pawning Pandora was fresh while leaning on mythology that was vaguely familiar. It didn't make the Olympians seem shiny and bright, but rather dark and scheme-y.
Pandora, our only female mortal in existence, goes through a JOURNEY in this book. It was a true joy watching her go from oblivious and semi-happy to strong and (understandably) rage-fueled. Her character building is my absolute favorite part of this book.
I'm also obsessed with our little love triangle with the Titan twins. This is such a great example of being torn between heart and head and I was there for it every step of the way. Even with the single POV, you could feel one MMCs yearning from afar and I loved every second.
The world building is dense. There is a lot to cover in the present as well as needing to give backstory. That being said, Dawes does a REALLY great job at breaking it down and spreading out throughout the story so it isn't overwhelming. There are a lot of players, and they are all important, so that world building is/was crucial.
There is a lot of foreshadowing and layers in this story, some are obvious and you really have to pay attention to, and this leads to fun reveals in this book and I believe we will have some surprises in the next installment as well.
overall: recommend
spice: romance, no spice
August 26, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
Pawning Pandora was definitely written for the Greek mythology-obsessed in me. That’s why I was drawn to it. Author Willow B. Dawes doesn’t just lightly touch upon. The reader gets fully immersed in the world of all Greek mythology gods and goddesses, from Zeus, Dionysus, Hecate, Prometheus, Epimetheus, and Pandora. There’s an entire cast of them. Does it mean you have to know about Greek mythology? I don’t think so. But I think those like me will geek out like I did over this story!
I went full-out giddy for this story of Pandora. I came in only knowing a few bits and pieces of Pandora herself. I liked how the author builds Pawning Pandora, laying enough history/world-building to provide enough foundation to comprehend Pandora’s intent and Zeus fully. The two brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, the arranged marriage, the world below, and the war are all interesting conflicts within the story. It is a slow burn, though, with a ton of information leading to a cliffhanger. I’m hoping Book 2 will be out soon!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘳𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊.
Pawning Pandora was definitely written for the Greek mythology-obsessed in me. That’s why I was drawn to it. Author Willow B. Dawes doesn’t just lightly touch upon. The reader gets fully immersed in the world of all Greek mythology gods and goddesses, from Zeus, Dionysus, Hecate, Prometheus, Epimetheus, and Pandora. There’s an entire cast of them. Does it mean you have to know about Greek mythology? I don’t think so. But I think those like me will geek out like I did over this story!
I went full-out giddy for this story of Pandora. I came in only knowing a few bits and pieces of Pandora herself. I liked how the author builds Pawning Pandora, laying enough history/world-building to provide enough foundation to comprehend Pandora’s intent and Zeus fully. The two brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, the arranged marriage, the world below, and the war are all interesting conflicts within the story. It is a slow burn, though, with a ton of information leading to a cliffhanger. I’m hoping Book 2 will be out soon!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘳𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊.
July 18, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #pawningpandora #thenerdfam"
@thenerdfam. and Willow B Daws for this e-ARC
I read Pawning Pandora and I was expecting it to be something different than what it turned out to be. To see how the author did her research so much in the Greek Mythology took me and drew me in because I truly enjoyed reading this book very much. This book is based in Olympus and our FMC is Pandora as you get in to the story you see what her purpose is and and how she is striving to never give up. You also have Epimethues and his twin brother now they have to return to Olympus and let’s just say they are not happy campers that’s how I perceived it ! I truly did enjoy this book if horn looking for a Greek Mythology. romanstay book I say this is it !
@thenerdfam. and Willow B Daws for this e-ARC
I read Pawning Pandora and I was expecting it to be something different than what it turned out to be. To see how the author did her research so much in the Greek Mythology took me and drew me in because I truly enjoyed reading this book very much. This book is based in Olympus and our FMC is Pandora as you get in to the story you see what her purpose is and and how she is striving to never give up. You also have Epimethues and his twin brother now they have to return to Olympus and let’s just say they are not happy campers that’s how I perceived it ! I truly did enjoy this book if horn looking for a Greek Mythology. romanstay book I say this is it !
July 26, 2025
I just finished Pawning Pandora and I’m still reeling. Pandora was raised among the gods, burdened by Zeus’s secrets, and yet she finds strength in the darkest moments. Her path to healing feels so real and earned. The slow-burn romance gave me butterflies, but it never overshadows the book’s powerful themes of growth and hope. The writing is sharp and aching, the emotions are heavy but healing. I couldn’t look away.
Let me just say: I cannot wait for book 2. I need answers, growth, and more of that slow-burn tension like yesterday. 😭🔥
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
Let me just say: I cannot wait for book 2. I need answers, growth, and more of that slow-burn tension like yesterday. 😭🔥
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
August 25, 2025
3.5 STARS
I am a sucker for a Greek mythology inspired retelling so this was a fun read for me. This was an interesting take on Pandora's story and I'm intrigued to see where it goes in future books as this was left on quite a cliffhanger. There was a lot of tension between the love interests, with very little payoff, so definitely a SLOW burn that we'll have to wait to see where it ends up. I did like that there were a lot of references to the Greek Gods throughout, but as there are many, it can feel overwhelming if you are not familiar with these characters.
Some things did not fully hit the mark for me, such as some of the dialogue, pacing, and occasionally the FMC's internal thought process. However, I definitely think the good outweighed any of these negatives and thought this was well worth the read. If you are a fan of stories about the Greek gods, you should give this one a go!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #pawningpandora #thenerdfam
I am a sucker for a Greek mythology inspired retelling so this was a fun read for me. This was an interesting take on Pandora's story and I'm intrigued to see where it goes in future books as this was left on quite a cliffhanger. There was a lot of tension between the love interests, with very little payoff, so definitely a SLOW burn that we'll have to wait to see where it ends up. I did like that there were a lot of references to the Greek Gods throughout, but as there are many, it can feel overwhelming if you are not familiar with these characters.
Some things did not fully hit the mark for me, such as some of the dialogue, pacing, and occasionally the FMC's internal thought process. However, I definitely think the good outweighed any of these negatives and thought this was well worth the read. If you are a fan of stories about the Greek gods, you should give this one a go!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #pawningpandora #thenerdfam
August 27, 2025
http://www.unbrindelecture.com/2025/0...
l'histoire de Pandore au sein de l'Olympe. C'est riche, captivant et rythmé. J'ai adoré lunivres mythologique, la toute puissance de Zeus et la menace des titans. Cette jeune humaine tente de trouver sa place dans ce monde viril et tout puissant et a su capter toute mon attention de lectrice. Vivement la suite !!!
the story of Pandora in Olympus. It's rich, captivating and fast-paced. I loved the mythology, the omnipotence of Zeus and the threat of the titans. This young human is trying to find her place in this virile, all-powerful world and captured my full attention as a reader. Can't wait for the sequel !!!
l'histoire de Pandore au sein de l'Olympe. C'est riche, captivant et rythmé. J'ai adoré lunivres mythologique, la toute puissance de Zeus et la menace des titans. Cette jeune humaine tente de trouver sa place dans ce monde viril et tout puissant et a su capter toute mon attention de lectrice. Vivement la suite !!!
the story of Pandora in Olympus. It's rich, captivating and fast-paced. I loved the mythology, the omnipotence of Zeus and the threat of the titans. This young human is trying to find her place in this virile, all-powerful world and captured my full attention as a reader. Can't wait for the sequel !!!
July 22, 2025
OMG MORE PLEASEEEEEE . This was a great book with lots of mystery and adventure , plot twists and turns and the way this author brought the mythology front and center . I have no idea how long I’ve waited for someone to write Zeus in this type of way . This book makes me feel powerful . This books goes through all of the gods and goddesses and mortals and titans and so much more then I expected. The detail to the lives and how one mortal woman can be the key to taking down Olympus . The plot twist , the “bad guy” of sorts kinda saw it coming but not in the way she spun the story . It was a great ending as well tiring up our first book and making us ready to charge into book two (witch I will be impatiently waiting for ) all in all I couldn’t out it down I would recommend reading it and I will continue the series if the author writes more !!! If u love the intricate gods and goddesses of Olympus Greek mythology this is the book for you . Twin titan brothers fighting for my little mortal heart yes please !!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
Pawning Pandora by Willow B. Dawes is a gripping Greek mythology inspired fantasy romance that reimagines the story of Pandora, the first woman on Earth. In this unique spin-off, Pandora’s fate is laid out for her by those around her, but she refuses to sit back and just let it happen. Instead, she undergoes intense training, endures heart-wrenching betrayal, and emerges stronger than ever.
One of the most refreshing parts of the story is how it brings together Greek gods we don’t often see in retellings. They all play a role in raising and training Pandora, which was one of my favorite aspects. It felt rich and emotionally layered. Watching her grow under the guidance of divine beings gave the story real depth and freshness (if we forget about the “why” for a sec…).
The romance is a slow burn, leaning toward enemies to lovers, although it doesn’t fully follow that trope. The main characters definitely do not get along at first, but there is something undeniable pulling them together. On top of that, the love is forbidden. She is not allowed to be with him, which only adds to the tension. It is never said outright, but there is a very clear torture and die for each other kind of emotional intensity simmering beneath the surface, and I was all for it.
It took me a few days to really get into the story. I was only reading about ten pages at a time, but something shifted on the third read and I suddenly found myself completely hooked. I finished the rest of the book in one sitting, which says a lot about how engaging it becomes once you are in.
Be prepared for an open ending. I wasn’t expecting it, and now I am eagerly waiting for the next book. As an ARC reader, it feels like a privilege to get an early look at such an exciting story, but it also means a longer wait for the sequel, which is a little painful.
If you are looking for a Greek mythology fantasy romance with a strong heroine, emotional tension, betrayal, forbidden love, and that irresistible pull between two people who should not be together, this is definitely a book to pick up. I rated it 4.5 stars and honestly cannot wait for the sequel.
One of the most refreshing parts of the story is how it brings together Greek gods we don’t often see in retellings. They all play a role in raising and training Pandora, which was one of my favorite aspects. It felt rich and emotionally layered. Watching her grow under the guidance of divine beings gave the story real depth and freshness (if we forget about the “why” for a sec…).
The romance is a slow burn, leaning toward enemies to lovers, although it doesn’t fully follow that trope. The main characters definitely do not get along at first, but there is something undeniable pulling them together. On top of that, the love is forbidden. She is not allowed to be with him, which only adds to the tension. It is never said outright, but there is a very clear torture and die for each other kind of emotional intensity simmering beneath the surface, and I was all for it.
It took me a few days to really get into the story. I was only reading about ten pages at a time, but something shifted on the third read and I suddenly found myself completely hooked. I finished the rest of the book in one sitting, which says a lot about how engaging it becomes once you are in.
Be prepared for an open ending. I wasn’t expecting it, and now I am eagerly waiting for the next book. As an ARC reader, it feels like a privilege to get an early look at such an exciting story, but it also means a longer wait for the sequel, which is a little painful.
If you are looking for a Greek mythology fantasy romance with a strong heroine, emotional tension, betrayal, forbidden love, and that irresistible pull between two people who should not be together, this is definitely a book to pick up. I rated it 4.5 stars and honestly cannot wait for the sequel.
August 26, 2025
ARC Review
Pawning Pandora is a Greek Mythology retelling that brings us Pandora. Pandora, the first mortal woman created by the Gods and Goddess, unknown about her sole purpose of her creation. That is, until Zeus informs her that she is to be gifted to the Titan Brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, to provide a cure to a poison in their realm and as a gift to remind them of importance and faith in the Gods.
This was such an interesting take on Pandora's story. I did enjoy that it was Greek Mythology since I love anything Greek Mythology inspired and I have not read anything yet with Pandora's story.
I will say, it was a slow start for me because about 20% of the book is information being told to the reader. It did not start the plot until the Centennial Celebration of Man. However, when the plot happened, it picked up fast and was action packed!
I wasn't really buying the love triangle because I love Epimetheus haha. I adored him just when they first met each other and the way he educates and shows Pandora a new world that she is unknowingly in.
This is a quick read after the plot starts to pick up! If you love Greek Mythology and action, this is your next read!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
Pawning Pandora is a Greek Mythology retelling that brings us Pandora. Pandora, the first mortal woman created by the Gods and Goddess, unknown about her sole purpose of her creation. That is, until Zeus informs her that she is to be gifted to the Titan Brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, to provide a cure to a poison in their realm and as a gift to remind them of importance and faith in the Gods.
This was such an interesting take on Pandora's story. I did enjoy that it was Greek Mythology since I love anything Greek Mythology inspired and I have not read anything yet with Pandora's story.
I will say, it was a slow start for me because about 20% of the book is information being told to the reader. It did not start the plot until the Centennial Celebration of Man. However, when the plot happened, it picked up fast and was action packed!
I wasn't really buying the love triangle because I love Epimetheus haha. I adored him just when they first met each other and the way he educates and shows Pandora a new world that she is unknowingly in.
This is a quick read after the plot starts to pick up! If you love Greek Mythology and action, this is your next read!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
July 15, 2025
I’ve always been so interested in Greek mythology specifically when it comes to Hades, Persephone, and Medusa but reading this made me extremely interested in Pandora. If that name sounds familiar to you then that’s because you know about her box aka Pandora’s box. A lot of people don’t know a lot about Pandora (myself included) but reading this book and seeing how much research/knowledge this author had on not just Pandora but all the Greek gods and goddesses is amazing. This book has already become one of my favorites of the year and if I can rate this book high than a 5 star on here then I would. On my Instagram I rated it a 7 star and I 1000% stand by that. Willow B. Dawes has now become and instant buy author for me just because of this beautifully written book!
August 4, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #pawningpandora #thenerdfam
Holy Greek Mythology Batman!
I adore all things Greek mythology and mythology retellings. This book is FULL of lore/backstory/world building. With that being said, sometimes I did feel like it dragged the plot down a bit. There’s just SO much information that it was a little overwhelming, even for someone who is semi-well versed in the subject. With this being the first book of a series (I’m assuming) I do hope that further books will benefit from this and it will end up helping the plot further a bit more.
Pandora was a very interesting MC. Some places I did feel like she fell a little flat, but I do think that also had to do with such intense lore being shared throughout the book. I am looking forward to seeing her growth more as more books are published.
I did LOVE the imagery. The writing did make me feel like I was in Olympus with Pandora, it was done so incredibly well.
Overall I would recommend for any Greek mythology lovers. 🏛️
Holy Greek Mythology Batman!
I adore all things Greek mythology and mythology retellings. This book is FULL of lore/backstory/world building. With that being said, sometimes I did feel like it dragged the plot down a bit. There’s just SO much information that it was a little overwhelming, even for someone who is semi-well versed in the subject. With this being the first book of a series (I’m assuming) I do hope that further books will benefit from this and it will end up helping the plot further a bit more.
Pandora was a very interesting MC. Some places I did feel like she fell a little flat, but I do think that also had to do with such intense lore being shared throughout the book. I am looking forward to seeing her growth more as more books are published.
I did LOVE the imagery. The writing did make me feel like I was in Olympus with Pandora, it was done so incredibly well.
Overall I would recommend for any Greek mythology lovers. 🏛️
July 21, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #pawningpandora #thenerdfam @thenerdfam
This book was amazing! I cannot believe the cliffhanger at the end. I wish I could jump right into book 2 but I know that might be awhile before we get that! Pandora had so much growth throughout the book. She started to take control of her destiny. I also loved all the portrayals of the gods. I was happily surprised by how kind the gods and goddesses were to Pandora.
This first book definitely set up book 2 for some twists and turns. I am so excited to see Pandora’s upcoming relationships evolve and change. I’m absolutely hooked!
This book was amazing! I cannot believe the cliffhanger at the end. I wish I could jump right into book 2 but I know that might be awhile before we get that! Pandora had so much growth throughout the book. She started to take control of her destiny. I also loved all the portrayals of the gods. I was happily surprised by how kind the gods and goddesses were to Pandora.
This first book definitely set up book 2 for some twists and turns. I am so excited to see Pandora’s upcoming relationships evolve and change. I’m absolutely hooked!
Read
August 17, 2025Soft DNF @ 22% i just really can’t get into this story right now and i don’t know if the writing can pull me back in. Kinda in a weird reading place right now though, so I may come back to finish this!
Thank you to Nerdfam and the author for the gifted copy. Check out my Tiktok this week for a giveaway with them!
Thank you to Nerdfam and the author for the gifted copy. Check out my Tiktok this week for a giveaway with them!
Read
July 23, 2025DNF'ing unfortunately, I just don't feel invested in this at all.
July 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Ok I need book 2.
Thank you Nerd Fam and Willow for my ARC!
I LOVE Pandora. It was nice to get an FMC who was smart and kind and not a powerful fighter on page 1
The world building was alot as I’m not huge into Mythology but it kept my attention the whole time!
I LOVE the MMC and the world and can’t wait for book 2!!!
Ok I need book 2.
Thank you Nerd Fam and Willow for my ARC!
I LOVE Pandora. It was nice to get an FMC who was smart and kind and not a powerful fighter on page 1
The world building was alot as I’m not huge into Mythology but it kept my attention the whole time!
I LOVE the MMC and the world and can’t wait for book 2!!!
September 14, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Willow B Dawes for the eARC. This was a fun read. I will say I really enjoyed the Greek mythology and Pandoras story. I’m excited to follow Pandoras journey in book 2!
July 19, 2025
6⭐️
What a wholesome read. Definitely one of my favourite books of all time, the magical system was impeccable, the characters were completely ingenious, and the story was simply very beautifully written. I quickly became addicted to the plot, and I can’t wait for the sequel omg!!! What a time to be alive. I loved it, loved it, loved it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. @thenerdfam
What a wholesome read. Definitely one of my favourite books of all time, the magical system was impeccable, the characters were completely ingenious, and the story was simply very beautifully written. I quickly became addicted to the plot, and I can’t wait for the sequel omg!!! What a time to be alive. I loved it, loved it, loved it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. @thenerdfam
August 26, 2025
What an amazing Greek Mythology retelling 💛
I truly enjoyed this story. On one hand, we have the almighty gods and goddesses of Olympus, with their scheming and devious personalities, each one obsessed with their own palace and power. On the other hand, there's Pandora, the only mortal living among the divine, crafted to embody beauty. But she soon discovers the truth about her creation and its purpose, and it's far from the perfection they designed her to be.
When the Titan twins arrive to the Centennial Celebration of Man, Pandora must ensure they receive what they need, not matter to cost to herself.
This is the first book of the Realm of Aether and I can't wait to know how the story goes and how Pandora will endure her future.
These are the Tropes:
❤️🔥 Slow Burn Romance
🏛️ Greek Mythology
⚔️ Rebellion & Betrayals
💔 Love Triangle
👑 Corrupted Kingdom
🧜♀️ Magical Creatures
Thank you Willow and The Nerd Fam for this ARC.
I highly recommend it 🙌🏻
I truly enjoyed this story. On one hand, we have the almighty gods and goddesses of Olympus, with their scheming and devious personalities, each one obsessed with their own palace and power. On the other hand, there's Pandora, the only mortal living among the divine, crafted to embody beauty. But she soon discovers the truth about her creation and its purpose, and it's far from the perfection they designed her to be.
When the Titan twins arrive to the Centennial Celebration of Man, Pandora must ensure they receive what they need, not matter to cost to herself.
This is the first book of the Realm of Aether and I can't wait to know how the story goes and how Pandora will endure her future.
These are the Tropes:
❤️🔥 Slow Burn Romance
🏛️ Greek Mythology
⚔️ Rebellion & Betrayals
💔 Love Triangle
👑 Corrupted Kingdom
🧜♀️ Magical Creatures
Thank you Willow and The Nerd Fam for this ARC.
I highly recommend it 🙌🏻
August 25, 2025
What a wild ride this one was! I absolutely loved being in Olympus and having all of these beloved Gods and Goddesses be on the page while I was reading. YOUR HONOR, I LOVE EPIMETHEUS!!!! This has a lot of world building, action, and betrayal and I love feeling like I was actually there in Olympus with all of the descriptions. The love triangle between her heart and her head kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I’m so anxious to see how Book 2 continues it.
By the Gods, this gets ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
If you like Greek Mythology inspired/retellings, you’ll like this one. Slow Burn, Rebellion, Magical Creatures, Action/Battle, etc.
By the Gods, this gets ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
If you like Greek Mythology inspired/retellings, you’ll like this one. Slow Burn, Rebellion, Magical Creatures, Action/Battle, etc.
July 19, 2025
ARC Review: Pawning Pandora by Willow B Dawes
Entertainment 🎭🎭🎭🎭
Literary ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶
Sometimes you pick up a wine simply because the label speaks to you—elegant, intriguing, maybe even a little mysterious. That’s exactly how I ended up reading Pawning Pandora. I didn’t know a single thing about the plot, but the cover? Absolutely stunning. Darkly enchanting, like something pulled from a forgotten attic. I was sold before I’d even opened the first page… and to my delight, the story inside was just as intoxicating.
Pawning Pandora pours out with the smooth complexity of a well-aged vintage. The setting is rich and evocative, the main character, Pandora, is a quiet firecracker. She’s the crisp white wine with unexpected body. Enter Edward, an antiquarian with a conscience—he's the earthy, grounded red. Together, they make a perfectly balanced blend.
The story simmers with an undercurrent of myth, courtesy of a mysterious Greek pithos—think Pandora’s Box, but heavier with secrets. The mythological element is subtle, like a splash of spice in a classic wine—it doesn’t overpower the palate, but it lingers just enough to intrigue. There’s mystery, a hint of the uncanny, and the ever-present question: what are we really willing to risk for truth, or freedom?
Even the pacing felt like a deliberate pour—measured, thoughtful, and rewarding. The tension builds slowly, drawing you in with each page like a wine that opens up as it breathes. Some might find the middle a bit mellow, but for me, it felt like swirling the glass—savoring the aroma before the final, bold finish.
This book was the ARC equivalent of buying wine based solely on the label and realizing it belongs on your top shelf. It’s atmospheric, character-driven, and quietly powerful. Pawning Pandora holds its own as a late-night sipper—something you curl up with when you're ready to savor every note, every secret, and every page.
Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction, dark academia vibes, and greek mythology woven into the everyday.
thank you nerd fam for the eArc!!
Entertainment 🎭🎭🎭🎭
Literary ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶
Sometimes you pick up a wine simply because the label speaks to you—elegant, intriguing, maybe even a little mysterious. That’s exactly how I ended up reading Pawning Pandora. I didn’t know a single thing about the plot, but the cover? Absolutely stunning. Darkly enchanting, like something pulled from a forgotten attic. I was sold before I’d even opened the first page… and to my delight, the story inside was just as intoxicating.
Pawning Pandora pours out with the smooth complexity of a well-aged vintage. The setting is rich and evocative, the main character, Pandora, is a quiet firecracker. She’s the crisp white wine with unexpected body. Enter Edward, an antiquarian with a conscience—he's the earthy, grounded red. Together, they make a perfectly balanced blend.
The story simmers with an undercurrent of myth, courtesy of a mysterious Greek pithos—think Pandora’s Box, but heavier with secrets. The mythological element is subtle, like a splash of spice in a classic wine—it doesn’t overpower the palate, but it lingers just enough to intrigue. There’s mystery, a hint of the uncanny, and the ever-present question: what are we really willing to risk for truth, or freedom?
Even the pacing felt like a deliberate pour—measured, thoughtful, and rewarding. The tension builds slowly, drawing you in with each page like a wine that opens up as it breathes. Some might find the middle a bit mellow, but for me, it felt like swirling the glass—savoring the aroma before the final, bold finish.
This book was the ARC equivalent of buying wine based solely on the label and realizing it belongs on your top shelf. It’s atmospheric, character-driven, and quietly powerful. Pawning Pandora holds its own as a late-night sipper—something you curl up with when you're ready to savor every note, every secret, and every page.
Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction, dark academia vibes, and greek mythology woven into the everyday.
thank you nerd fam for the eArc!!
September 21, 2025
I picked this up because I enjoy Greek mythology, and the premise sounded interesting. I didn't love this book, but I think maybe I am not the target audience.
The pacing of this one is fast in that there is a lot of action and things happening, however the book itself FEELS slow. So much happens and yet somehow it didn't feel like much happened at all. At least nothing of consequence. There are several action scenes and parts where Pandora or someone else is in peril, but the stakes just aren't there. I was not convinced.
The romantic part of the plot was also not very convincing to me. I think the only reason I was able to buy into it was because I knew the original myth it was based on. There is no reasoning given for the attraction other than "he's hot". I didn't understand how this was supposed to be a love story.
The arranged marriage part also didn't really do much for the plot. Prometheus seemed an okay guy at first, and then it was like character assassination. There was no gradual descent into "the bad guy".
I wish we had gotten more character development in general, from all of the characters. Instead there was a lot of info dumping about myths or history. Sometimes side characters seemed to be introduced solely for the purpose of dumping information. This can work sometimes, but only when balanced. I think maybe the book just needed to be longer in order to give the characters room to breathe.
The plot was also very predictable. I knew who the shadow was as soon as it was mentioned.
All of that said, I did like the way the author built the world. It was very rich and atmospheric. Things like the structures, the scenery, the clothing, and even the food were described really well.
I also enjoyed the little bit of time we got with Athena and Persephone. I would have liked to have seen more relationship development though.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC. #pawningpandora #thenerdfam
The pacing of this one is fast in that there is a lot of action and things happening, however the book itself FEELS slow. So much happens and yet somehow it didn't feel like much happened at all. At least nothing of consequence. There are several action scenes and parts where Pandora or someone else is in peril, but the stakes just aren't there. I was not convinced.
The romantic part of the plot was also not very convincing to me. I think the only reason I was able to buy into it was because I knew the original myth it was based on. There is no reasoning given for the attraction other than "he's hot". I didn't understand how this was supposed to be a love story.
The arranged marriage part also didn't really do much for the plot. Prometheus seemed an okay guy at first, and then it was like character assassination. There was no gradual descent into "the bad guy".
I wish we had gotten more character development in general, from all of the characters. Instead there was a lot of info dumping about myths or history. Sometimes side characters seemed to be introduced solely for the purpose of dumping information. This can work sometimes, but only when balanced. I think maybe the book just needed to be longer in order to give the characters room to breathe.
The plot was also very predictable. I knew who the shadow was as soon as it was mentioned.
All of that said, I did like the way the author built the world. It was very rich and atmospheric. Things like the structures, the scenery, the clothing, and even the food were described really well.
I also enjoyed the little bit of time we got with Athena and Persephone. I would have liked to have seen more relationship development though.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC. #pawningpandora #thenerdfam
August 26, 2025
📚✨ Pawning Pandora by Willow B. Dawes
⭐️3/5 | 🌶️1/5
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy! 💜
This was such a solid debut, and THAT ENDING?! I’m definitely curious to see where book two takes us 👀
One of the things I really liked was how fresh and modern Olympus felt. Instead of being locked into a strictly “ancient Greece” vibe, we get shops, vineyards, beaches, and restaurants that made the setting feel vibrant and alive. It’s definitely not something I see often in Greek mythology retellings, so that twist kept me engaged.
That said, the pacing was a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, it moved quickly and kept the plot going. On the other hand, the first 10–20 chapters were heavy on info dumps—every god, goddess, Titan, and nymph you can imagine showed up at some point. Even with my background in Greek mythology, it was a LOT to take in.
Because of how fast the story moved, I didn’t feel like we got enough depth from Pandora herself or the romance arc. Pandora sometimes came across as one-dimensional, and the romance was barely there—definitely not a romantasy with spice. This is a completely clean read, which many readers will appreciate, but I personally wish the romance had been developed more to match the myth.
Overall, Pawning Pandora felt like a strong start with a unique take on Olympus, even if I wanted more time for the worldbuilding, character development, and slower pacing. I wouldn’t have minded an extra 50–100 pages to let everything breathe a little more. I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two, because that cliffhanger promises big things!
🌙 Reading Mood: When you want something quick, mythology-heavy, and fresh but don’t mind a little info-dump chaos.
⭐️3/5 | 🌶️1/5
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy! 💜
This was such a solid debut, and THAT ENDING?! I’m definitely curious to see where book two takes us 👀
One of the things I really liked was how fresh and modern Olympus felt. Instead of being locked into a strictly “ancient Greece” vibe, we get shops, vineyards, beaches, and restaurants that made the setting feel vibrant and alive. It’s definitely not something I see often in Greek mythology retellings, so that twist kept me engaged.
That said, the pacing was a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, it moved quickly and kept the plot going. On the other hand, the first 10–20 chapters were heavy on info dumps—every god, goddess, Titan, and nymph you can imagine showed up at some point. Even with my background in Greek mythology, it was a LOT to take in.
Because of how fast the story moved, I didn’t feel like we got enough depth from Pandora herself or the romance arc. Pandora sometimes came across as one-dimensional, and the romance was barely there—definitely not a romantasy with spice. This is a completely clean read, which many readers will appreciate, but I personally wish the romance had been developed more to match the myth.
Overall, Pawning Pandora felt like a strong start with a unique take on Olympus, even if I wanted more time for the worldbuilding, character development, and slower pacing. I wouldn’t have minded an extra 50–100 pages to let everything breathe a little more. I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two, because that cliffhanger promises big things!
🌙 Reading Mood: When you want something quick, mythology-heavy, and fresh but don’t mind a little info-dump chaos.
August 17, 2025
★★★☆☆(3.75 stars)
This book was such a delight to read. We get to follow our main character, Pandora, as she attempts to figure out the reason she was made to begin with whilst a rebellion is threatening to tear down the only place she’s ever called home.
I loved Pandora as a character and watching her grapple with her identity and question everything that made her her. Watching her get torn apart between living her life the way she's told she must or deciding for herself was so emotional. I truly felt for her throughout the book and at times wished I could comfort her.
You can tell that a lot of time and research went into building up this world. Even though this is very heavy with the mythology we are given everything we need to understand the tensions and history that lead up to every point in the book. My only issue was that it did feel like a massive info dump at times but it only really happened at the start of the book.
Once the main rebellion plot kicked in, I couldn’t help but be glued to every single page. There were times I had to force myself to put the book down so I could sleep. The fast pacing definitely aided in the feeling of urgency throughout parts of the book.
If you’re looking for a Greek mythology retelling, filled with tension and betrayals (and a romance so slow that they don’t even kiss in this book) then this is the book for you.
Thank you once again to the Nerd Fam and Willow for providing me with this arc. This was definitely the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump and I can’t wait for the sequel.
This book was such a delight to read. We get to follow our main character, Pandora, as she attempts to figure out the reason she was made to begin with whilst a rebellion is threatening to tear down the only place she’s ever called home.
I loved Pandora as a character and watching her grapple with her identity and question everything that made her her. Watching her get torn apart between living her life the way she's told she must or deciding for herself was so emotional. I truly felt for her throughout the book and at times wished I could comfort her.
You can tell that a lot of time and research went into building up this world. Even though this is very heavy with the mythology we are given everything we need to understand the tensions and history that lead up to every point in the book. My only issue was that it did feel like a massive info dump at times but it only really happened at the start of the book.
Once the main rebellion plot kicked in, I couldn’t help but be glued to every single page. There were times I had to force myself to put the book down so I could sleep. The fast pacing definitely aided in the feeling of urgency throughout parts of the book.
If you’re looking for a Greek mythology retelling, filled with tension and betrayals (and a romance so slow that they don’t even kiss in this book) then this is the book for you.
Thank you once again to the Nerd Fam and Willow for providing me with this arc. This was definitely the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump and I can’t wait for the sequel.
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