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Muse Squad #1
Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse
The first in an action-packed debut middle grade fantasy duology about a Cuban American girl who discovers that she’s one of the nine Muses of Greek mythology. Perfect for fans of The Serpent’s Secret , the Aru Shah series, and the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Callie Martinez-Silva didn’t mean to turn her best friend into a pop star. But when a simple pep talk leads to miraculous results, Callie learns she’s the newest muse of epic poetry, one of the nine Muses of Greek mythology tasked with protecting humanity’s fate in secret. Whisked away to Muse Headquarters, she joins three recruits her age, who call themselves the Muse Squad. Together, the junior muses are tasked with using their magic to inspire and empower—not an easy feat when you’re eleven and still figuring out the goddess within. When their first assignment turns out to be Callie’s exceptionally nerdy classmate, Maya Rivero, the squad comes to Miami to stay with Callie and her Cuban family. There, they discover that Maya doesn’t just need inspiration, she needs saving from vicious Sirens out to unleash a curse that will corrupt her destiny. As chaos erupts, will the Muse Squad be able to master their newfound powers in time to thwart the Cassandra Curse . . . or will it undo them all?
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
26 people are currently reading
5530 people want to read
About the author
Chantel Acevedo
16 books241 followersCalled "a master storyteller" by Kirkus Reviews, Chantel Acevedo is the author of Love and Ghost Letters, A Falling Star, The Distant Marvels, which was a finalist for the 2016 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and most recently, The Living Infinite, hailed by Booklist as a "vivid and enthralling tale of love and redemption." Her essays have appeared in Vogue and Real Simple, among others. THE MUSE SQUAD: THE CASSANDRA CURSE, is a new middle grade series forthcoming from Balzer + Bray. She is a Professor of English at the University of Miami, where she directs in the MFA program.
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May 8, 2020 I received an early copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review
CW: fatphobia, bullying
My thoughts about this book are a mixed back of good and bad. I want to start with the bad so I can finish this review on a high note. I had one major issue with this book. The first one was its weird fixation on physical appearance. For one, Callie the main character is fat and she not only struggles with a lot of internalized fatphobia but she also gets bullied for it in school, this was eventually sort of challenged when a few side characters showed a different point of view than the negativity surrounding her weight for most of the book, and this would quite frankly be a non-issue because I know it's the reality of a lot of kids.
But what made me uncomfortable most and what made the fatphobia more questionable is the fact that this book implicitly equates better physical appearance with just being better in general. Now, I'm not sure if this was intended (I hope not) but it's what I got: Callie is the muse of heroes, so she inspires people to be better versions of themselves, gives them a boost of confidence and ambition to push them in the right direction, but in the first half of the book, when she did that, it was also accompanied with people getting their teeth fixed, being taller, having shinier hair and thus being better. It got better in the second half where her power stopped randomly making people "prettier" but it was never addressed other than mentioned in a conversation in the form of *shrug emoji* idk what that is, so my discomfort didn't ease up.
Another issue I had is in the form of a couple plot holes there were also a couple minor ones that were forgettable and not really this big so they didn't take away from my enjoyment. I gotta say that even this big of a disregard didn't take away from my enjoyment because the story was really fun and fast paced. Reads as a middle grade as it should, so it was silly and over the top at times but ultimately checked all the boxes for a middle grade fantasy story. I especially loved how the world was constructed and the greek mythology was weaved into present time while giving space to other beliefs to coexist. Honestly when I didn't find myself confronted to the issues above, I found myself having a lot of fun reading this, especially since it was a fast read (read most of it in one sitting).
My favorite thing about Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse and something I found to be really well done is the messages of the book. It tells the reader that anyone can be a hero and that there's a hero in all of us, that with the right nudge and the right support can lead to great things, it also have messages of love, friendship, bravery, and so much more. I LOVED the ending and how wholesome it was, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
CW: fatphobia, bullying
My thoughts about this book are a mixed back of good and bad. I want to start with the bad so I can finish this review on a high note. I had one major issue with this book. The first one was its weird fixation on physical appearance. For one, Callie the main character is fat and she not only struggles with a lot of internalized fatphobia but she also gets bullied for it in school, this was eventually sort of challenged when a few side characters showed a different point of view than the negativity surrounding her weight for most of the book, and this would quite frankly be a non-issue because I know it's the reality of a lot of kids.
But what made me uncomfortable most and what made the fatphobia more questionable is the fact that this book implicitly equates better physical appearance with just being better in general. Now, I'm not sure if this was intended (I hope not) but it's what I got: Callie is the muse of heroes, so she inspires people to be better versions of themselves, gives them a boost of confidence and ambition to push them in the right direction, but in the first half of the book, when she did that, it was also accompanied with people getting their teeth fixed, being taller, having shinier hair and thus being better. It got better in the second half where her power stopped randomly making people "prettier" but it was never addressed other than mentioned in a conversation in the form of *shrug emoji* idk what that is, so my discomfort didn't ease up.
Another issue I had is in the form of a couple plot holes there were also a couple minor ones that were forgettable and not really this big so they didn't take away from my enjoyment. I gotta say that even this big of a disregard didn't take away from my enjoyment because the story was really fun and fast paced. Reads as a middle grade as it should, so it was silly and over the top at times but ultimately checked all the boxes for a middle grade fantasy story. I especially loved how the world was constructed and the greek mythology was weaved into present time while giving space to other beliefs to coexist. Honestly when I didn't find myself confronted to the issues above, I found myself having a lot of fun reading this, especially since it was a fast read (read most of it in one sitting).
My favorite thing about Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse and something I found to be really well done is the messages of the book. It tells the reader that anyone can be a hero and that there's a hero in all of us, that with the right nudge and the right support can lead to great things, it also have messages of love, friendship, bravery, and so much more. I LOVED the ending and how wholesome it was, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
July 6, 2020
This book is as fun (and funny!) as it is heartfelt and heroic. I loved the way Acevedo explores the meaning of inspiration—what it means to be moved to do something, create something, feel something—and what a magical force love is, through the story of Callie and her new friends (all part of the Muse Squad) as they grow into their newfound powers as muses.
July 9, 2021
📚 Series? Yes.
📚 Genre? MG Fantasy.
📚 Read for? Mood Reader Bingo.
📚 Cliffhanger? No.
⚠ Content Warnings: Fatphobia. Death of a family member.
⚠ Book Tags : Muses. Mythology. Middle Grade. Chosen One. Found Family. Coming of Age. Fantasy.
As my first read of the month, Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse set the right tone. If I were to describe this book in three words, I'd say: fun, heartwarming, and charming. It was the type of book younger Yna would've enjoyed and I wish more MG readers get to read this, too!
Admittedly, I am a little unsure about how to rate this book, so I will settle in the middle. I had a lot of reading this book. Many parts of it were amazing! But there were little plotholes here and there, plus there's a hyper fixation on being fat and physical appearance (which I honestly felt wasn't needed in the story and might just induce body image issues to young readers).
Aside from that, the author did a good job of writing an engaging story. The tension and mystery are real, but fun parts were scattered all around so it wouldn't feel too heavy for young readers.
I'm also sure that mythology fans will appreciate that aspect. I personally loved that the spotlight was shed on the Muses, I've always been fascinated by them. I enjoyed the magic system of this book and I appreciated how the author used its elements in the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the adventures of Callie and the Muse Squad. I'm so glad that I had the sequel on hand so I just jumped into it and continued on with the story.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Synopsis:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Thrill: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Plot & Themes: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 3.45/5 ☁
📚 Blog ♡ Booktube ♡ Bookstagram ♡ Facebook ♡ Twitter 📚
📚 Genre? MG Fantasy.
📚 Read for? Mood Reader Bingo.
📚 Cliffhanger? No.
⚠ Content Warnings: Fatphobia. Death of a family member.
⚠ Book Tags : Muses. Mythology. Middle Grade. Chosen One. Found Family. Coming of Age. Fantasy.
As my first read of the month, Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse set the right tone. If I were to describe this book in three words, I'd say: fun, heartwarming, and charming. It was the type of book younger Yna would've enjoyed and I wish more MG readers get to read this, too!
Admittedly, I am a little unsure about how to rate this book, so I will settle in the middle. I had a lot of reading this book. Many parts of it were amazing! But there were little plotholes here and there, plus there's a hyper fixation on being fat and physical appearance (which I honestly felt wasn't needed in the story and might just induce body image issues to young readers).
Aside from that, the author did a good job of writing an engaging story. The tension and mystery are real, but fun parts were scattered all around so it wouldn't feel too heavy for young readers.
I'm also sure that mythology fans will appreciate that aspect. I personally loved that the spotlight was shed on the Muses, I've always been fascinated by them. I enjoyed the magic system of this book and I appreciated how the author used its elements in the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the adventures of Callie and the Muse Squad. I'm so glad that I had the sequel on hand so I just jumped into it and continued on with the story.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Synopsis:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Thrill: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Plot & Themes: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 3.45/5 ☁
📚 Blog ♡ Booktube ♡ Bookstagram ♡ Facebook ♡ Twitter 📚
July 17, 2021
This was AMAZING! I absolutely loved the whole idea of Muses, & found the whole backstory fascinating! As well as the 9 different types & what they could do. This was such a fresh take on Greek mythology, & I was hooked from the start! Then the “missions” & heroes...everything was so intriguing.
I loved Callie as a MC. I think many young girls will relate to her on many levels. Her insecurities about her weight for one, & also other insecurities like feeling you’re not good enough or “special”. Also, I think all girls have had moments of jealousy, even towards our best friends when we have compared ourselves to them, or during moments when maybe their light was shining brighter than ours. The older brother(s) younger sister dynamic was done perfectly in here in my opinion as well. I am the baby of the family, & growing up with older brothers, I related! Lol The depiction of the anger towards a parent that leaves you, & seems to move on, & never see you was also greatly done & relatable.
I loved the idea of inspiration, & how all people & places were worthy of it. Also, anybody can be a hero. You just have to believe in yourself & others, & do what’s right-& do it for the right reasons. The humor in here is great also. Nia & her CIA dad make me laugh so hard. It’s just a couple mentions in the book, but so funny lol Lots of funny parts in here. I loved watching Callie’s character development. She is so great at inspiring others, but she needed some of that same inspiration to see how truly great she is.
Lots of great themes/discussions in here like school bullying, fat shaming(I’ve seen people upset if a character is fat shamed in a book. But THATS ONE OF THE AWFUL REALITIES OF SCHOOL! Are authors supposed to write rainbows & sunshine, full of smiles & giggles , & everyone getting along? How could any kid relate to that, or ever feel seen?? Rant over), environmental issues, foster care, animals such as dolphins kept at parks, divorce(including dad moving away starting new family), & even grief. Also, standing up for yourself, standing up for what’s right, believing in yourself, & not letting pride stand in the way & ruin all the good things that could be. Pride & envy-2 very dangerous things. Highly recommend! Started book 2 & loving it so fas as well! STUNNING cover by Jonathan Stroh also!💜
I loved Callie as a MC. I think many young girls will relate to her on many levels. Her insecurities about her weight for one, & also other insecurities like feeling you’re not good enough or “special”. Also, I think all girls have had moments of jealousy, even towards our best friends when we have compared ourselves to them, or during moments when maybe their light was shining brighter than ours. The older brother(s) younger sister dynamic was done perfectly in here in my opinion as well. I am the baby of the family, & growing up with older brothers, I related! Lol The depiction of the anger towards a parent that leaves you, & seems to move on, & never see you was also greatly done & relatable.
I loved the idea of inspiration, & how all people & places were worthy of it. Also, anybody can be a hero. You just have to believe in yourself & others, & do what’s right-& do it for the right reasons. The humor in here is great also. Nia & her CIA dad make me laugh so hard. It’s just a couple mentions in the book, but so funny lol Lots of funny parts in here. I loved watching Callie’s character development. She is so great at inspiring others, but she needed some of that same inspiration to see how truly great she is.
Lots of great themes/discussions in here like school bullying, fat shaming(I’ve seen people upset if a character is fat shamed in a book. But THATS ONE OF THE AWFUL REALITIES OF SCHOOL! Are authors supposed to write rainbows & sunshine, full of smiles & giggles , & everyone getting along? How could any kid relate to that, or ever feel seen?? Rant over), environmental issues, foster care, animals such as dolphins kept at parks, divorce(including dad moving away starting new family), & even grief. Also, standing up for yourself, standing up for what’s right, believing in yourself, & not letting pride stand in the way & ruin all the good things that could be. Pride & envy-2 very dangerous things. Highly recommend! Started book 2 & loving it so fas as well! STUNNING cover by Jonathan Stroh also!💜
August 18, 2020
A quick, engaging read that would be a good fit for our 6th grade readers. The magic is fun, the stakes felt realistic with just enough suspense but not too scary, and the friendship between the characters was really the star of the show. One of the things that bothered me but may not stick out to kid readers was the way "good" character traits align with "good" looks. I don't love the VERY PREVALENT narrative in media in general aligning beauty with heroism/intelligence/kindness/etc. and I feel like this book leaned into that idea more than I would like.
There was also one particular line I really disliked about Callie's weight. She's self-described as chubby, and her weight comes up several times both as something she's sometimes insecure about and as something used to bully her by other characters. At one point a character calls her a "hippo" and her best friend reassures her by saying something along the lines of "don't listen to them, you aren't fat." That's a really loaded way to say: you ARE fat but I associate fat with bad, and you are NOT bad, so you can't be fat. Again, this isn't something I think will leap out at kids or slimmer readers, but it definitely jumped out at me. This article on Medium does a much better job of explaining: What Happens When You Call Your Fat Friend Beautiful and if you have the time it's a great read.
ANYWAY that small frustration aside, I do think this is worth booktalking to kids and I'll be using it this fall for at least our 6th graders.
There was also one particular line I really disliked about Callie's weight. She's self-described as chubby, and her weight comes up several times both as something she's sometimes insecure about and as something used to bully her by other characters. At one point a character calls her a "hippo" and her best friend reassures her by saying something along the lines of "don't listen to them, you aren't fat." That's a really loaded way to say: you ARE fat but I associate fat with bad, and you are NOT bad, so you can't be fat. Again, this isn't something I think will leap out at kids or slimmer readers, but it definitely jumped out at me. This article on Medium does a much better job of explaining: What Happens When You Call Your Fat Friend Beautiful and if you have the time it's a great read.
ANYWAY that small frustration aside, I do think this is worth booktalking to kids and I'll be using it this fall for at least our 6th graders.
May 12, 2023
3 Nov 21
I really enjoyed reading about the different muses’ and what “powers” they offer. The take on the spin of turning an enemy into a friend was really nice to read. I’m glad I have the second book because I’m excited to see what’s next.
12 May 23
I re-read this book because I’m ready to read the next book. Before re-reading this book, I watched Hercules so I tried to envision the Muses’ based off the movie. This is a quick read that you find yourself getting lost in this world. I’m excited to finish this series.
I really enjoyed reading about the different muses’ and what “powers” they offer. The take on the spin of turning an enemy into a friend was really nice to read. I’m glad I have the second book because I’m excited to see what’s next.
12 May 23
I re-read this book because I’m ready to read the next book. Before re-reading this book, I watched Hercules so I tried to envision the Muses’ based off the movie. This is a quick read that you find yourself getting lost in this world. I’m excited to finish this series.
October 21, 2022
The end got a little weird (and by a little, I mean super). But overall a quick, easy, fun read. We see so much about demigods that it was nice to follow a story about muses for a change. Also, the story takes place in my backyard so it was fun seeing places I’m familiar with as story settings. I’ll go ahead and jump to book #2 now, otherwise I’ll never get to it…lol.
October 10, 2020
Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse tells the story of Calliope Martinez-Silva who is not only grieving the death of her aunt but is also trying to figure out middle school. When returning from a concert with her best-friend Raquel, she has near death experience, she starts noticing a weird feeling and weird things happening around her. She soon finds herself in the Victoria and Albert Museum, discovering she’s the muse of poetry and she can inspire people to be the best they can be. This comes with a whole big set of complications, she’s made her best-friend into a pop sensation, she needs to inspire humanity and protect it from the Sirens who only want chaos and destruction, all while trying to hide her new identity and powers.
Overall, Muse Squad was a fantastic adventure that gave a fresh new take on greek mythology with the current world, and the main character, Callie is the perfect heroine that is so easy to relate to.
[longer review here]
Overall, Muse Squad was a fantastic adventure that gave a fresh new take on greek mythology with the current world, and the main character, Callie is the perfect heroine that is so easy to relate to.
[longer review here]
May 10, 2021
after reading: oh my god, this story was SO good, and this book needs to be in the hands of every child who's interested in Rick Riordan books. A feminist, diverse modern green mythology story for a new generation of kids.
before reading: This book sounds so amazing, I can't wait to read!
before reading: This book sounds so amazing, I can't wait to read!
July 1, 2021
― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse weaves mythology, humor, adventure, and much more to tell the story of a girl named Callie Martinez-Silva, who learns she's one of the Greek Muses. A wonderful start to a middle grade duology!
If I were to sum up this book in just a couple words it would be: inspirational and fun! Callie is an 11-year-old Cuban-American girl who is just going about her average life, when lots of weird things begin happening to her ― from a freak "almost" metro accident to turning her best friend Raquel into a new pop sensation, Callie's life takes a surprising turn when she becomes introduced to the world of greek myths and learns she's one of the new muses (a Muse of Epic Poetry). Then as she's quickly thrust into this intriguing world, she makes new friends with the fellow muses and discovers her newest task: protecting a Fated One, someone who has the potential to change the world for the better, realizing its none other than her studious, "nerdy" classmate Maya Rivero.
Now she's trying to keep up with her Muse Squad, understand the rules and new trials she has to face all while attempting to still live her average life.
What Acevedo does so well is weave in lots of inspiring messages about what makes a hero and how it has to come from within, friendship and family as well. There's also the underlying idea that it takes time and learning from mistakes is just as important. Told through a first person POV, the story is filled with laughs and adventure, as the story jumps from Miami, to the world of greek myths, and a museum in London.
I love how the story balanced family and friends. Callie lives with her mom and twin brothers (Fernando and Mario), they have such a fun dynamic and her mother is supportive plus a major part of her life. While on the other hand, Callie is grappling with her own jealousy as she's unsure how to patch up things with Raquel. However, befriending Maya and the Muse Squad becomes such an important part of her journey as she and the Squad attempt to figure out where the Sirens are and stop the Cassandra Curse, before its too late. [More about the characters/magic system in review]
While for me I did find the magical elements to be a bit confusing for me at first (due to a lot being introduced at once from Callie's POV who is also unsure of what's happening), it did take a bit of time to get a sense of the rules of the Muse world, but quickly became the center of this lively middle grade story! I loved how Callie was on her own journey too, growing into her own muse powers alongside her friends Thalia, Nia and Mela.
There was also a certain scene I thought broke the tension of the story for a bit . But those last few chapters are filled with action, mystery and wow, I really liked it.
As someone who probably knows the basics of greek myths, I loved how it weaved in with the modern day setting of Miami while still feeling like something new. The story is incredibly character-driven and the journey, despite taking its time, genuinely explores such wonderful themes and has me even more intrigued as to what mission the Muse Squad will tackle next.
Acevedo's duology starter without a doubt is the kind of book that will leave you feeling hopeful and immerse you in a magical world of myth and heroism. This is one of those books that just left me in wonder at how much more about this world there is left to explore, I loved the fun characters, the writing voice, the heart, messages, friendship, adventure, mythology. The author has built a world that came to life little by little, and it was a joy to be introduced to it!
Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is a fun, adventure-filled middle grade novel that explores greek myth, carries inspirational messages throughout its pages, and introduces readers to a new group of heroes to root for! Inspirational and delightful, this is a middle grade series opener that's left me wondering what other secrets about this unique and fascinating world are left to discover? Guess I'll have read the sequel to find out.
Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse weaves mythology, humor, adventure, and much more to tell the story of a girl named Callie Martinez-Silva, who learns she's one of the Greek Muses. A wonderful start to a middle grade duology!
If I were to sum up this book in just a couple words it would be: inspirational and fun! Callie is an 11-year-old Cuban-American girl who is just going about her average life, when lots of weird things begin happening to her ― from a freak "almost" metro accident to turning her best friend Raquel into a new pop sensation, Callie's life takes a surprising turn when she becomes introduced to the world of greek myths and learns she's one of the new muses (a Muse of Epic Poetry). Then as she's quickly thrust into this intriguing world, she makes new friends with the fellow muses and discovers her newest task: protecting a Fated One, someone who has the potential to change the world for the better, realizing its none other than her studious, "nerdy" classmate Maya Rivero.
Now she's trying to keep up with her Muse Squad, understand the rules and new trials she has to face all while attempting to still live her average life.
What Acevedo does so well is weave in lots of inspiring messages about what makes a hero and how it has to come from within, friendship and family as well. There's also the underlying idea that it takes time and learning from mistakes is just as important. Told through a first person POV, the story is filled with laughs and adventure, as the story jumps from Miami, to the world of greek myths, and a museum in London.
I love how the story balanced family and friends. Callie lives with her mom and twin brothers (Fernando and Mario), they have such a fun dynamic and her mother is supportive plus a major part of her life. While on the other hand, Callie is grappling with her own jealousy as she's unsure how to patch up things with Raquel. However, befriending Maya and the Muse Squad becomes such an important part of her journey as she and the Squad attempt to figure out where the Sirens are and stop the Cassandra Curse, before its too late. [More about the characters/magic system in review]
While for me I did find the magical elements to be a bit confusing for me at first (due to a lot being introduced at once from Callie's POV who is also unsure of what's happening), it did take a bit of time to get a sense of the rules of the Muse world, but quickly became the center of this lively middle grade story! I loved how Callie was on her own journey too, growing into her own muse powers alongside her friends Thalia, Nia and Mela.
There was also a certain scene I thought broke the tension of the story for a bit . But those last few chapters are filled with action, mystery and wow, I really liked it.
As someone who probably knows the basics of greek myths, I loved how it weaved in with the modern day setting of Miami while still feeling like something new. The story is incredibly character-driven and the journey, despite taking its time, genuinely explores such wonderful themes and has me even more intrigued as to what mission the Muse Squad will tackle next.
Acevedo's duology starter without a doubt is the kind of book that will leave you feeling hopeful and immerse you in a magical world of myth and heroism. This is one of those books that just left me in wonder at how much more about this world there is left to explore, I loved the fun characters, the writing voice, the heart, messages, friendship, adventure, mythology. The author has built a world that came to life little by little, and it was a joy to be introduced to it!
Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is a fun, adventure-filled middle grade novel that explores greek myth, carries inspirational messages throughout its pages, and introduces readers to a new group of heroes to root for! Inspirational and delightful, this is a middle grade series opener that's left me wondering what other secrets about this unique and fascinating world are left to discover? Guess I'll have read the sequel to find out.
June 21, 2021
TW: death of a family member, fatphobia
Chantel Acevedo’s Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse centers love and friendship in the first novel in her middle grade fantasy duology. Callie Martinez-Silva is like any other eleven year old, just trying to survive 6th grade and deal with her ever changing family dynamics. When her best friend Raquel suffers another bout of stage-fright, Callie takes it upon herself to cheer her on. But then something strange happens, Raquel undergoes a sudden metamorphoses. She doesn’t just dazzle her peers, soon her performance goes viral. Callie can’t shake the feeling that something she did might have something to do with her best friend’s sudden fame and her suspicions are confirmed when she discovers she is one of the nine Muses, tasked with inspiring and protecting humankind. It’s a lot of responsibility, especially when she learns one of her classmates, whose future might reshape the world, is in danger and she, along with a group of young Muses must protect her. One of my favorite things about this middle grade book is how much emphasis there is on friendship. Callie’s relationship with her best friend Raquel goes through some ups and downs. It’s hard on both when it feels like they are growing apart and the jealousy they can’t quite admit makes it hard to reconcile. At the same time, Callie is making new friends like those in the Muse Squad, a group of new muses her own age, who are also learning about their new-found abilities. Their friendship doesn’t quite fill the hole left by Raquel, but it makes learning how to be a Muse a lot easier. I really enjoyed Callie’s relationship with Maya Rivero, whom she is tasked to protect. Maya is smart, but awkward and doesn’t have very many people in her corner. Through this friendship and throughout her journey, Callie becomes more conscientious as a person. She learns that it’s far too easy to be dismissive of other people and she has to work on learning how to relate to others. Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is perfect for those who love fun middle grade novels with a mythological spin.
Chantel Acevedo’s Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse centers love and friendship in the first novel in her middle grade fantasy duology. Callie Martinez-Silva is like any other eleven year old, just trying to survive 6th grade and deal with her ever changing family dynamics. When her best friend Raquel suffers another bout of stage-fright, Callie takes it upon herself to cheer her on. But then something strange happens, Raquel undergoes a sudden metamorphoses. She doesn’t just dazzle her peers, soon her performance goes viral. Callie can’t shake the feeling that something she did might have something to do with her best friend’s sudden fame and her suspicions are confirmed when she discovers she is one of the nine Muses, tasked with inspiring and protecting humankind. It’s a lot of responsibility, especially when she learns one of her classmates, whose future might reshape the world, is in danger and she, along with a group of young Muses must protect her. One of my favorite things about this middle grade book is how much emphasis there is on friendship. Callie’s relationship with her best friend Raquel goes through some ups and downs. It’s hard on both when it feels like they are growing apart and the jealousy they can’t quite admit makes it hard to reconcile. At the same time, Callie is making new friends like those in the Muse Squad, a group of new muses her own age, who are also learning about their new-found abilities. Their friendship doesn’t quite fill the hole left by Raquel, but it makes learning how to be a Muse a lot easier. I really enjoyed Callie’s relationship with Maya Rivero, whom she is tasked to protect. Maya is smart, but awkward and doesn’t have very many people in her corner. Through this friendship and throughout her journey, Callie becomes more conscientious as a person. She learns that it’s far too easy to be dismissive of other people and she has to work on learning how to relate to others. Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is perfect for those who love fun middle grade novels with a mythological spin.
October 26, 2020
3.5 stars
If this review is just “I love middle grade” over and over again, I apologize in advance.
I was really looking forward to Muse Squad because I love the concept of mythology reimagined in modern times and I especially love it when it comes to Greek mythology because I am,,, attached. Probably unreasonably, but oh well.
I really loved the way the world and the magic system were set up in this!! It was fascinating to read about and it definitely had that trademark middle grade charm that makes me fall in love with MG fantasy. I loved the parts of Greek mythology that were incorporated into this story and the way they were blended with the modern world. The worldbuilding was my favorite!! The only part that I didn’t really love was how the manifestation of MC’s magic (her power to inspire people/make heroes out of them) relied so much on the physical appearance of the hero and making it “better.” Like, when the MC turns her best friend into a pop-star, it’s emphasized that she has straighter teeth, she’s taller, etc., which… I’m just not sure about the thematic implications of that, you know??
That said, I really loved the characters in this story! The main character, Callie, was a bit frustrating to follow at times, but I still had a great time reading about her adventures! And I loved the found sisterhood that we see in the muse squad!! I thought their friendship was absolutely adorable and I would, in fact, love to adopt all of them. The rumors are true. I also thought Callie’s voice came through really clearly in the writing, so that was neat!
I do wish the plot had been paced a little bit better because, for how much Callie & Co. struggled in the first half of the story, the climax seemed almost too easy for them and way too fast. That could be just me, though!
Overall, this is a really fun middle grade adventure, with compelling characters and a unique magic system and I just think more people should read it, thank you for coming to my tedtalk.
If this review is just “I love middle grade” over and over again, I apologize in advance.
I was really looking forward to Muse Squad because I love the concept of mythology reimagined in modern times and I especially love it when it comes to Greek mythology because I am,,, attached. Probably unreasonably, but oh well.
I really loved the way the world and the magic system were set up in this!! It was fascinating to read about and it definitely had that trademark middle grade charm that makes me fall in love with MG fantasy. I loved the parts of Greek mythology that were incorporated into this story and the way they were blended with the modern world. The worldbuilding was my favorite!! The only part that I didn’t really love was how the manifestation of MC’s magic (her power to inspire people/make heroes out of them) relied so much on the physical appearance of the hero and making it “better.” Like, when the MC turns her best friend into a pop-star, it’s emphasized that she has straighter teeth, she’s taller, etc., which… I’m just not sure about the thematic implications of that, you know??
That said, I really loved the characters in this story! The main character, Callie, was a bit frustrating to follow at times, but I still had a great time reading about her adventures! And I loved the found sisterhood that we see in the muse squad!! I thought their friendship was absolutely adorable and I would, in fact, love to adopt all of them. The rumors are true. I also thought Callie’s voice came through really clearly in the writing, so that was neat!
I do wish the plot had been paced a little bit better because, for how much Callie & Co. struggled in the first half of the story, the climax seemed almost too easy for them and way too fast. That could be just me, though!
Overall, this is a really fun middle grade adventure, with compelling characters and a unique magic system and I just think more people should read it, thank you for coming to my tedtalk.
September 23, 2023
A cute charming MG about an 11 yr old girl who discovers she's the Muse of Epic Poetry. She's put in charge of the protection of a Fated One and the job is... Well, it's tougher than she expected.
September 19, 2020
A good first book to start this new series. Characters are introduced and the overall series plot line outlined.
Cassie is still grieving her aunt's death and figuring out middle school. To escape from the stresses of school, she crawls under her bed for some quiet time after a traumatic event occurs. To her surprise, she ends up in London at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Not only that, but she meets three other young women from around the world who have also been called there. She learns they are part of the current Muses who protect heroes and encourage Favored Ones to become who they are meant to be. The four work together to combat the Sirens and take on a Lost Muse.
Are there some plot holes? Yes, but my hope is they will resolve in later books.
Middle grade readers will appreciate the variety of people represented in these characters. They will identify with some and connect with their life struggles and triumphs.
Cassie is still grieving her aunt's death and figuring out middle school. To escape from the stresses of school, she crawls under her bed for some quiet time after a traumatic event occurs. To her surprise, she ends up in London at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Not only that, but she meets three other young women from around the world who have also been called there. She learns they are part of the current Muses who protect heroes and encourage Favored Ones to become who they are meant to be. The four work together to combat the Sirens and take on a Lost Muse.
Are there some plot holes? Yes, but my hope is they will resolve in later books.
Middle grade readers will appreciate the variety of people represented in these characters. They will identify with some and connect with their life struggles and triumphs.
September 12, 2020
Hello, friends! I’ve been in a bit of a reviewing slump lately, but I’m not sure why. It’s certainly not because of this book, which was a charming adventure, a terrific ownvoices Cuban-American story, and an intriguing reimagining of Greek mythology. Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse tells the story of Callie Martinez-Silva, a Miami middle-schooler who begins noticing odd things happening to her. After a group of strangers band together to avert a crisis and her best friend nails an important audition (and somehow grows an inch instantaneously), Callie discovers that she is a muse: Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. She joins the other eight muses, who hail from nearly every continent on the planet (sorry, Antarctica and Australia), to inspire humanity and protect them from the Sirens, who seek chaos and destruction everywhere they go.
There’s a lot going on in this book, but author Chantel Acevedo does an incredible job of keeping the reader entertained and engaged on every page. In addition to struggling to wrap her head around the fact that she’s a real-life goddess, Callie has issues with feeling like an ugly duckling: she inspires others to be their best selves, but she feels left out and inadequate. When her best friend Raquel becomes a star after her audition video goes viral—the audition that Callie inspired with her muse magic—Callie can’t help but feel jealous and distraught over losing her best friend. She’s also dealing with a difficult family situation: her parents are divorced, and her dad’s new wife is pregnant with her half-sibling. Young readers may not know what it feels like to discover that they’re actually an ancient goddess, but they will certainly relate to Callie’s overwhelmed, lonely, and insecure state.
Muse Squad also has some serious global issues on its mind. The Sirens target Maya Rivero, Callie’s classmate who is destined to become a leader in the fight against climate change. The book discusses the imminent danger that we all face and asks why no one has done anything to prevent it, but it does end on a hopeful note that emphasizes the need for innovative thinking and immediate action that will likely inspire young female scientists to build a better future.
One of my favorite things about this book is the way it takes a Greek myth and applies it universally. The muses come from all over the world. They are of different races and religions; they speak different languages. They embrace each other’s differences and work together to help the world. As the head muse Clio says, “Inspiration knows no borders, and all people and places are equal and worthy of inspiration.” The muses believe in equity and using your powers for good; they also believe in forgiving others and forgiving yourself, which is a hard-won lesson for Callie.
Callie’s journey as she grows into her newfound identity is fun and inspirational. She learns that anybody can be a hero and that she has unique gifts and her own special beauty, both inside and out. Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is a mythological adventure that focuses on working through difficult emotions with love and humility. It shows kids that they are special, and that by believing in yourself and your own journey, you too can be a hero.
4.5 stars
There’s a lot going on in this book, but author Chantel Acevedo does an incredible job of keeping the reader entertained and engaged on every page. In addition to struggling to wrap her head around the fact that she’s a real-life goddess, Callie has issues with feeling like an ugly duckling: she inspires others to be their best selves, but she feels left out and inadequate. When her best friend Raquel becomes a star after her audition video goes viral—the audition that Callie inspired with her muse magic—Callie can’t help but feel jealous and distraught over losing her best friend. She’s also dealing with a difficult family situation: her parents are divorced, and her dad’s new wife is pregnant with her half-sibling. Young readers may not know what it feels like to discover that they’re actually an ancient goddess, but they will certainly relate to Callie’s overwhelmed, lonely, and insecure state.
Muse Squad also has some serious global issues on its mind. The Sirens target Maya Rivero, Callie’s classmate who is destined to become a leader in the fight against climate change. The book discusses the imminent danger that we all face and asks why no one has done anything to prevent it, but it does end on a hopeful note that emphasizes the need for innovative thinking and immediate action that will likely inspire young female scientists to build a better future.
One of my favorite things about this book is the way it takes a Greek myth and applies it universally. The muses come from all over the world. They are of different races and religions; they speak different languages. They embrace each other’s differences and work together to help the world. As the head muse Clio says, “Inspiration knows no borders, and all people and places are equal and worthy of inspiration.” The muses believe in equity and using your powers for good; they also believe in forgiving others and forgiving yourself, which is a hard-won lesson for Callie.
Callie’s journey as she grows into her newfound identity is fun and inspirational. She learns that anybody can be a hero and that she has unique gifts and her own special beauty, both inside and out. Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is a mythological adventure that focuses on working through difficult emotions with love and humility. It shows kids that they are special, and that by believing in yourself and your own journey, you too can be a hero.
4.5 stars
July 31, 2020
Chantel Acevedo’s Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is a delightful and inspiring tale that highlights the power of friendship and encouragement of others. When eleven-year-old Callie Martinez-Silva unwittingly inspires her best friend to become America’s next biggest singing sensation on a reality competition show, she discovers that she’s the muse of epic poetry. She, along with three other junior muses (soon nicknamed the Muse Squad), are assigned Maya Rivero, Callie’s smart but not-so-popular classmate, a Fated One who is in need of a little guidance and support.
Together with her new Muse Squad, Callie must find a way to move Maya toward her fate and navigate her own coming-of-age. Acevedo balances humor, action-packed adventure, and fun twists on Greek mythology with serious issues like grief, image issues, rifts in friendship, and even climate change as nimbly as her heroine moves between her native Miami and the muse headquarters in London. The result is a lovely, lively, and moving novel that will have the young and young-at-heart eagerly awaiting the Muse Squad’s next adventure. Callie’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most heroic act is inspiring the hero in someone else. Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is a wonderful novel for young readers.
Together with her new Muse Squad, Callie must find a way to move Maya toward her fate and navigate her own coming-of-age. Acevedo balances humor, action-packed adventure, and fun twists on Greek mythology with serious issues like grief, image issues, rifts in friendship, and even climate change as nimbly as her heroine moves between her native Miami and the muse headquarters in London. The result is a lovely, lively, and moving novel that will have the young and young-at-heart eagerly awaiting the Muse Squad’s next adventure. Callie’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most heroic act is inspiring the hero in someone else. Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse is a wonderful novel for young readers.
October 1, 2020
An utterly charming novel featuring a wonderfully diverse group of people who have been blessed by the Gods of Olympus to become Muses. In a world where pagans have to fight for recognition outside our faith circle, and against white supremacy internally, this was a truly wonderful setup. The magic makes sense without being laborious, one of my favorite hallmarks of middle-grade fantasy. Additionally, there's a reward for being a clever reader that's all too often absent at this level. Truly, this story of heroism and inspiration is tightly crafted, well-paced, and a worthwhile fast read for adults looking for something lighthearted in addition to the intended audience.
September 16, 2020
A fantastic adventure, I loved every moment we spent with Callie and the Muse Squad. I am excited to see where else their journeys take them. I loved the cultures, the diversity, the protagonists being hero makers! If you loved The Babysitters Club and W.I.T.C.H. you will love this series!
April 16, 2021
Overall this was a fun, inspiring story and I loved the diversity and the STEAM elements (especially that a few of the girl characters were really into science).
On the one hand, I like the cover, it's what initially drew me to the book. On the other hand, I dislike the cover, it was a missed opportunity. I think it was one of those cases where the cover artist wasn't given enough info to make a good cover. One of the major attributes (at least to herself) of the main character is that she is a little chucky and has some curves. She struggles with that throughout the book but there are also affirmations from friends and family that she is beautiful. Because that was a repeated element, I feel like this would have been a wonderful opportunity to show a beautiful, slightly heavier person on a juvenile/YA book because that is not something that is often seen. Wow, that's a lot, just about the cover...
Vague spoilers ahead. I was also frustrated that the Muses got so little training (even not being told all the rules at once, even though there's just 9) and yet they got in so much trouble when they messed up. I think they had like one day of training but being a Muse is a huge deal which could essentially have effects from now until the end of time. So I just thought it was unfair when they got punished or at least to the extent that they did.
My final pet peeve is not just something pertaining to this book but to most superhero/hidden powers-type books and comics and it's that the Muses were supposed to keep their Muse identities hidden from everyone.
I recently read a superhero book for a much younger age group called Mia Mayhem and one thing I loved about it is that when she asked her parents if she was supposed to keep her superhero identity secret from everyone they said, "Of course not, you can tell your best friend." I know there's the whole, "But it's for their safety" but it just makes more sense that a kid be able to tell their parents and/or their closest friends.
Sorry, sorry, that was a lot of negative about a book that I did actually like and I will likely recommend to readers at my library.
On the one hand, I like the cover, it's what initially drew me to the book. On the other hand, I dislike the cover, it was a missed opportunity. I think it was one of those cases where the cover artist wasn't given enough info to make a good cover. One of the major attributes (at least to herself) of the main character is that she is a little chucky and has some curves. She struggles with that throughout the book but there are also affirmations from friends and family that she is beautiful. Because that was a repeated element, I feel like this would have been a wonderful opportunity to show a beautiful, slightly heavier person on a juvenile/YA book because that is not something that is often seen. Wow, that's a lot, just about the cover...
Vague spoilers ahead. I was also frustrated that the Muses got so little training (even not being told all the rules at once, even though there's just 9) and yet they got in so much trouble when they messed up. I think they had like one day of training but being a Muse is a huge deal which could essentially have effects from now until the end of time. So I just thought it was unfair when they got punished or at least to the extent that they did.
My final pet peeve is not just something pertaining to this book but to most superhero/hidden powers-type books and comics and it's that the Muses were supposed to keep their Muse identities hidden from everyone.
I recently read a superhero book for a much younger age group called Mia Mayhem and one thing I loved about it is that when she asked her parents if she was supposed to keep her superhero identity secret from everyone they said, "Of course not, you can tell your best friend." I know there's the whole, "But it's for their safety" but it just makes more sense that a kid be able to tell their parents and/or their closest friends.
Sorry, sorry, that was a lot of negative about a book that I did actually like and I will likely recommend to readers at my library.
Want to read
July 18, 2020I was given a digital copy of this title, free, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the first in a middle grade duology. This is one ARC that I am glad I didn’t sit on. Callie and her best friend are not the most popular kids in their school. When Raquel decides to try out for the school musical, Callie is right there to encourage her. Callie’s encouragement does something, because soon Raquel is trending on social media which leads to her being picked up for a singing competition tv show. Callie learns that her encouragement was really her using her muse magic – something she didn’t know about until she is visited by a senior muse when she ends up in the hospital. Raquel gets swept away in her stardom and Cassandra is a bit overwhelmed with her muse magic. Their friendship suffers because of this and part of the story is about them finding their way back to each other. There are also other friendships Callie is the muse of epic poetry, with doesn’t sound very exciting until she learns that it means that she inspires heroes. She has more power than the other muses-including the older ones All of the junior muses struggles with their power and the task of protecting the fated one – as to be expected. But at the heart, they are truly good kids trying to do the right thing even if it is the hard thing. They are given a difficult task and they rise to it. When things don’t go as planned they don’t give up. This group of girls are very inspiring – finding ways to solve problems with and without magic. I will definitely be impatiently waiting for the next book(and secretly hoping that it extends beyond two books). In the meantime I will be reading through Acevedo’s backlist.
This is the first in a middle grade duology. This is one ARC that I am glad I didn’t sit on. Callie and her best friend are not the most popular kids in their school. When Raquel decides to try out for the school musical, Callie is right there to encourage her. Callie’s encouragement does something, because soon Raquel is trending on social media which leads to her being picked up for a singing competition tv show. Callie learns that her encouragement was really her using her muse magic – something she didn’t know about until she is visited by a senior muse when she ends up in the hospital. Raquel gets swept away in her stardom and Cassandra is a bit overwhelmed with her muse magic. Their friendship suffers because of this and part of the story is about them finding their way back to each other. There are also other friendships Callie is the muse of epic poetry, with doesn’t sound very exciting until she learns that it means that she inspires heroes. She has more power than the other muses-including the older ones All of the junior muses struggles with their power and the task of protecting the fated one – as to be expected. But at the heart, they are truly good kids trying to do the right thing even if it is the hard thing. They are given a difficult task and they rise to it. When things don’t go as planned they don’t give up. This group of girls are very inspiring – finding ways to solve problems with and without magic. I will definitely be impatiently waiting for the next book(and secretly hoping that it extends beyond two books). In the meantime I will be reading through Acevedo’s backlist.
March 2, 2023
I loathed this book.
First, does this author actually know anything about Greek mythology or did she read some Wikipedia articles and call it a day?
There is also absolutely no references to Greece or Greek culture whatsoever, it felt disrespectful, dishonest, and disappointing. This very badly wanted to be The Lightning Thief but it fails miserably.
The Muses themselves are pretty underwhelming. They have the power to inspire but also a type of mind control? The powers are very nebulous and inconsistent and kind of stupid.
Our main character Callie is 'fat' (note no one on the book cover looks even remotely chubby) and has Cuban ancestry and that is apparently all we need to know about her… All the characters are flat and as a result their relationships are flat and their conversations are incredibly dull. The author confuses humor with annoyance, that is the only reason I can come up with for the unbearable comedy muse, Thalia. She also manages to be an embarrassing parody of a Brit.
Religion and spirituality is brought up and handled really poorly. There is a scene where Callie points out that she is Catholic and has huge confirmation portraits in her living room. One of the girls mentions that she asked the sacred muse about it. The response…the world is big enough for all our beliefs…if you feel it, it is real.
What utter bullshit. This is the kind of bland vague illogical world building that drives me crazy, it is equivalent to a Live, Laugh, Love wall decal.
This book had no redeeming qualities and I'm actually mad that I read it.
First, does this author actually know anything about Greek mythology or did she read some Wikipedia articles and call it a day?
There is also absolutely no references to Greece or Greek culture whatsoever, it felt disrespectful, dishonest, and disappointing. This very badly wanted to be The Lightning Thief but it fails miserably.
The Muses themselves are pretty underwhelming. They have the power to inspire but also a type of mind control? The powers are very nebulous and inconsistent and kind of stupid.
Our main character Callie is 'fat' (note no one on the book cover looks even remotely chubby) and has Cuban ancestry and that is apparently all we need to know about her… All the characters are flat and as a result their relationships are flat and their conversations are incredibly dull. The author confuses humor with annoyance, that is the only reason I can come up with for the unbearable comedy muse, Thalia. She also manages to be an embarrassing parody of a Brit.
Religion and spirituality is brought up and handled really poorly. There is a scene where Callie points out that she is Catholic and has huge confirmation portraits in her living room. One of the girls mentions that she asked the sacred muse about it. The response…the world is big enough for all our beliefs…if you feel it, it is real.
What utter bullshit. This is the kind of bland vague illogical world building that drives me crazy, it is equivalent to a Live, Laugh, Love wall decal.
This book had no redeeming qualities and I'm actually mad that I read it.
June 20, 2020
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
MUSE SQUAD: THE CASSANDRA CURSE is a fun middle grade fantasy that brings Greek mythology into the present. Callie is a seemingly normal girl dealing with bullies at school and her divorced parents being separated by a great distance- a fact which becomes more worrisome when her father from across the country tells her she is about to have a half-sibling. Callie has enough to worry about.
But then, Callie learns that she is one of nine muses, and suddenly, her life gets a lot more complicated. Accompanied by the other muses, who are mostly her age, she must figure out how to navigate her own life while she also works to stop the Cassandra Curse that affects them all.
What I loved: This was a fun action-filled middle grade fantasy that introduces the muses from Greek mythology in a fun new way- with young girls imbued with their powers. I liked the introduction of outside concerns as well, which are mostly handled well with regards to friendship and navigating an evolving family. I also appreciate the diversity of the main characters and to have a main character that is heavier (though still dealing with body issues around it from bullies and her own concerns).
Final verdict: Overall, this is a fresh new take of Greek mythology for young readers. With magic and adventure around every turn and a heroine that is easy to relate to, this will appeal to the middle grade audience. Recommend for PERCY JACKSON fans.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
MUSE SQUAD: THE CASSANDRA CURSE is a fun middle grade fantasy that brings Greek mythology into the present. Callie is a seemingly normal girl dealing with bullies at school and her divorced parents being separated by a great distance- a fact which becomes more worrisome when her father from across the country tells her she is about to have a half-sibling. Callie has enough to worry about.
But then, Callie learns that she is one of nine muses, and suddenly, her life gets a lot more complicated. Accompanied by the other muses, who are mostly her age, she must figure out how to navigate her own life while she also works to stop the Cassandra Curse that affects them all.
What I loved: This was a fun action-filled middle grade fantasy that introduces the muses from Greek mythology in a fun new way- with young girls imbued with their powers. I liked the introduction of outside concerns as well, which are mostly handled well with regards to friendship and navigating an evolving family. I also appreciate the diversity of the main characters and to have a main character that is heavier (though still dealing with body issues around it from bullies and her own concerns).
Final verdict: Overall, this is a fresh new take of Greek mythology for young readers. With magic and adventure around every turn and a heroine that is easy to relate to, this will appeal to the middle grade audience. Recommend for PERCY JACKSON fans.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 25, 2020
MUSE SQUAD: The Cassandra Curse by Chantel Acevedo is a fun middle grade fantasy featuring the Muses of Greek mythology, but with a modern twist. After turning her best friend into a singing sensation (by accident) Callie discovers she's actually a muse, one of the nine Muses from Greek mythology. She's the new muse of epic poetry and her life won't ever be the same again. Being a Muse means keeping her identity secret, learning to use her inspirational powers, and being part of a team of new Muses: the Muse Squad (three other new Muses the same age as Callie.)
The new Muses get their first assignment and its one of Callie's classmates, Maya, a brilliant student and budding scientist. Quickly they discover Sirens are targeting Maya and attempting to unleash a horrid curse that would alter Maya's life forever and possibly even the fate of the world. In between school and her family, Callie and the Muse Squad must figure out who the Siren's are and who's controlling them plus make sure Maya gets to compete with her innovative project at the county science fair. There are exciting action scenes, a bit of chaos, a lot of family bonding, the development of friendships, and self-discovery -- all woven together in a story that brings classic mythology into today's world.
I definitely recommend MUSE SQUAD for your middle grade readers. It's fast-paced and offers plenty of laughs and a warm, heartfelt ending plus the promise of more adventures with the MUSE SQUAD.
The new Muses get their first assignment and its one of Callie's classmates, Maya, a brilliant student and budding scientist. Quickly they discover Sirens are targeting Maya and attempting to unleash a horrid curse that would alter Maya's life forever and possibly even the fate of the world. In between school and her family, Callie and the Muse Squad must figure out who the Siren's are and who's controlling them plus make sure Maya gets to compete with her innovative project at the county science fair. There are exciting action scenes, a bit of chaos, a lot of family bonding, the development of friendships, and self-discovery -- all woven together in a story that brings classic mythology into today's world.
I definitely recommend MUSE SQUAD for your middle grade readers. It's fast-paced and offers plenty of laughs and a warm, heartfelt ending plus the promise of more adventures with the MUSE SQUAD.
July 14, 2022
This book is practically perfect, and I am super bummed to see that it's only the first of two books. This should be a whole series, nine books minimum (one for each of the muses [obvs]). Sigh.
My only complaint about this book (besides the whole duology thing) is that it follows the trend of the best friend dropping out of the picture once Callie learns about her powers. I can kind of understand why that's the choice made--and it does play into the climax/resolution of the book--but if we've learned anything from Clueless, it's that adding a third to your group doesn't diminish the tight bond of the already established BFFs.
There is also a slight pacing issue, but honestly I didn't even really notice until I had finished the book., and I don't care (!!!) because Acevedo gets so many other things right.
I love the focus on family, friendship, and mythology. I love, love, LOVE that it's about the muses and not just because the songs from Hercules kept running through my head. Love the diversity, love the body positivity (Callie is chubby and everyone--except the mean girl--is literally like WHO CARES?), love the glimpses of London, love the message about being cared for ("you are loved, and if you're loved, you'll be okay"). Love, love, love, love, love.
4.5 stars, rounding up
My only complaint about this book (besides the whole duology thing) is that it follows the trend of the best friend dropping out of the picture once Callie learns about her powers. I can kind of understand why that's the choice made--and it does play into the climax/resolution of the book--but if we've learned anything from Clueless, it's that adding a third to your group doesn't diminish the tight bond of the already established BFFs.
There is also a slight pacing issue, but honestly I didn't even really notice until I had finished the book., and I don't care (!!!) because Acevedo gets so many other things right.
I love the focus on family, friendship, and mythology. I love, love, LOVE that it's about the muses and not just because the songs from Hercules kept running through my head. Love the diversity, love the body positivity (Callie is chubby and everyone--except the mean girl--is literally like WHO CARES?), love the glimpses of London, love the message about being cared for ("you are loved, and if you're loved, you'll be okay"). Love, love, love, love, love.
4.5 stars, rounding up
July 15, 2020
Callie Martinez-Silva is a normal girl living in Miami, Florida. She has all the typical problems: friends who change, fitting in, school work, etc. Add to that her parents are divorced, her dad, who lives in NY now, just told her he and his new wife are having a baby, and she starts noticing weird things are happening around her. Callie finds out she is Muse, like one of the nine from Greek mythology. Her Aunt Annie was also a Muse. One day as she crawls under her bed to think she is whisked away to London to the V and A Museum where she discovers her identity and meets the three junior muses, AKA the Muse Squad. The squad is assigned a Fated One (one who can change the world) who just happens to be a student from Callie's school. Maya is really smart, but socially awkward. As Callie and the Muse Squad try to protect Maya from the The Cassandra Curse and the Sirens they learn that things are not always what they seem and you can't always trust who you think you can.
Great character development, themes of trust, honesty, and forgiveness are woven throughout. Highly recommend. It reminded me of Aru Shah series.
Great character development, themes of trust, honesty, and forgiveness are woven throughout. Highly recommend. It reminded me of Aru Shah series.
February 24, 2022
(+) I like the magic and the girls' powers. It's my favorite part of the book.
(+) It's nice to see the Muses get some representation, since most mythology books revolve around the Olympians.
(+) A diverse cast
(+) The relationship between Callie and Maya
(-) It was jarring to find out that our narrator, Callie, was fat, because not a single girl on the cover appears to be remotely chubby.
(-) Some parts of the dialogue that revolved around Callie's weight seemed to have implications of the halo effect. I don't think this was the author's intention, but a lot of other reviews have also pointed that out.
(-) Some inaccuracies in the simplifying of other myths. (No, Odysseus did not tie himself to the mast to prevent the ship from crashing.)
(-) The rapport between the main girls was neither entertaining, nor compelling. The dialogue as a whole wasn't doing it for me.
(-) Callie and Raquel's making up didn't feel genuine and felt way too easy.
(+) It's nice to see the Muses get some representation, since most mythology books revolve around the Olympians.
(+) A diverse cast
(+) The relationship between Callie and Maya
(-) It was jarring to find out that our narrator, Callie, was fat, because not a single girl on the cover appears to be remotely chubby.
(-) Some parts of the dialogue that revolved around Callie's weight seemed to have implications of the halo effect. I don't think this was the author's intention, but a lot of other reviews have also pointed that out.
(-) Some inaccuracies in the simplifying of other myths. (No, Odysseus did not tie himself to the mast to prevent the ship from crashing.)
(-) The rapport between the main girls was neither entertaining, nor compelling. The dialogue as a whole wasn't doing it for me.
(-) Callie and Raquel's making up didn't feel genuine and felt way too easy.
Read
August 22, 2022DNF'ed about halfway through; I'm really disappointed because this would have been such a game - changing recommendation- IF the narrative wasn't so structured around the idea of being skinny = Beautiful and better. It's 2022 ; to have a character (and a child, at that) so constantly and unnecessarily compliment other girls as being "so thin and beautiful!," use powers for cosmetic, physical reasons like to straighten curly hair or teeth, and make asides about her own weight is so infuriating to me. I don't wish my 4th-7th graders to be taught to see others and themselves this way. And if they already do, this story won't be relatable; it will validate their negative thoughts about themselves, because no qualification is given otherwise. The rest of the story was empowering, so this feels like a massive oversight and/or misstep
June 20, 2020
This book didn’t wow me but I enjoyed it. Some parts were great and kept me hooked and loving the characters but other parts were too slow or boring and there were a few plot holes. Overall, it’s a cute book.
“Inspiration knows no borders, and all people and places are equal and worthy of inspiration.”
The friendship forged in this book are very cute and loving.
“…that the universe is big enough and mysterious enough for all our beliefs to matter, and for all our versions of God to exist.” I love that the author didn’t try to confuse mythology with religion but also gave an answer to how it can relate to religion.
ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
“Inspiration knows no borders, and all people and places are equal and worthy of inspiration.”
The friendship forged in this book are very cute and loving.
“…that the universe is big enough and mysterious enough for all our beliefs to matter, and for all our versions of God to exist.” I love that the author didn’t try to confuse mythology with religion but also gave an answer to how it can relate to religion.
ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
This is a middle grey book, so their principal "target" are elementary-middle-scholars but I highly enjoyed it.
The story follows Callie and how she realized that she is a Muse, and not any muse she is the muse of poetry, poetry that creates heroes, the one that inspired people to be an hero. And it's so nice to see how she grows into her powers and how she realized that how simple is to be a person that inspires heroes.
I highly recommend this book for people with young kid, but also I recommend this is to teachers because it could help to tackle some issues as bullying, jealousy, self image, parents separation and even siblings relationship.
It's a good book that definitely needs more people to read it.
This is a middle grey book, so their principal "target" are elementary-middle-scholars but I highly enjoyed it.
The story follows Callie and how she realized that she is a Muse, and not any muse she is the muse of poetry, poetry that creates heroes, the one that inspired people to be an hero. And it's so nice to see how she grows into her powers and how she realized that how simple is to be a person that inspires heroes.
I highly recommend this book for people with young kid, but also I recommend this is to teachers because it could help to tackle some issues as bullying, jealousy, self image, parents separation and even siblings relationship.
It's a good book that definitely needs more people to read it.
August 3, 2022
It was good! It was sweet! I loved the idea of modern muses and modern mythology. I think I enjoyed it more than Percy Jackson too! The only reason it didn't really blow me away was because it felt like the kids' voices made them seem older than they were and it wasn't until you really got into it that you were reminded that they are 11-12. Also, it seemed like the mythology was a little bit jumbled up, but that didn't subtract from my appreciation of it. In fact, probably made me enjoy it more. Overall, this is a clever book and I feel like the L triplets were robbed of their Oscar performance as bumbling idiots. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Percy Jackson but wants a female lead cast with all-star BIPOC leads.
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