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Pandora's Legacy #1
Pandora's Gift
I thought my life was perfect, but then I learned it was all a lie.
My name is El, and I live in a quiet southern town where the most exciting thing that happens is Friday night football and the Harvest Moon Festival. That is…until I learn that the three women who raised me have been lying to me all my life.
I thought I was an orphan. I thought my aunts loved and respected me enough to always tell me the truth.
I was wrong. Dead wrong.
Right before my eighteenth birthday, the truth of my birth, of my whole existence, came crashing down all around me, destroying everything I thought I knew about my life. Not only is my mother alive, but she’s the mythical Pandora. You remember her. She’s the one who opened the box Zeus gave her and unleashed chaos into the world.
Supposedly, I’m the savior that three other worlds I didn’t even knew existed are counting on to rescue them. There’s just one problem. I can only save one of them.
A champion from each of these troubled worlds are coming to my home so I can choose one to marry. Whoever I pick, gets to not only save their world but also have me as their wife. The battle to win my heart won’t be easy for them, if my aunts have anything to say about it. They’ll all have to participate in a tournament that will challenge not only their physical strengths but also their ability to charm me into falling in love with them.
I don’t want this responsibility. I don’t want to save one world while dooming two others. There has to be a way out of all of this, but the evil forcing this choice on me…the one who has waited a millennium for me to finally come of age to participate in this game…is my own brother, and he won’t take no for an answer.
He’s chaos unleashed, and I’m the only one who can stop him.
My name is El, and I live in a quiet southern town where the most exciting thing that happens is Friday night football and the Harvest Moon Festival. That is…until I learn that the three women who raised me have been lying to me all my life.
I thought I was an orphan. I thought my aunts loved and respected me enough to always tell me the truth.
I was wrong. Dead wrong.
Right before my eighteenth birthday, the truth of my birth, of my whole existence, came crashing down all around me, destroying everything I thought I knew about my life. Not only is my mother alive, but she’s the mythical Pandora. You remember her. She’s the one who opened the box Zeus gave her and unleashed chaos into the world.
Supposedly, I’m the savior that three other worlds I didn’t even knew existed are counting on to rescue them. There’s just one problem. I can only save one of them.
A champion from each of these troubled worlds are coming to my home so I can choose one to marry. Whoever I pick, gets to not only save their world but also have me as their wife. The battle to win my heart won’t be easy for them, if my aunts have anything to say about it. They’ll all have to participate in a tournament that will challenge not only their physical strengths but also their ability to charm me into falling in love with them.
I don’t want this responsibility. I don’t want to save one world while dooming two others. There has to be a way out of all of this, but the evil forcing this choice on me…the one who has waited a millennium for me to finally come of age to participate in this game…is my own brother, and he won’t take no for an answer.
He’s chaos unleashed, and I’m the only one who can stop him.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
111 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
S.J. West
75 books1,190 followersOnce upon a time, a little girl was born on a cold winter morning in the heart of Seoul, Korea. She was brought to America by her parents and raised in the Deep South where the words ma'am and y'all became an integrated part of her lexicon. She wrote her first novel at the age of eight and continued writing on and off during her teenage years. In college she studied biology and chemistry and finally combined the two by earning a master's degree in biochemistry. After that she moved to Yankee land where she lived for four years working in a laboratory at Cornell University. Homesickness and snow aversion forced her back South where she lives in the land which spawned Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, John Grisham and B.B. King. After finding her Prince Charming, she gave birth to a wondrous gift named Caylin and they all lived happily ever after.
The second book to the Harvester of Light trilogy will be available for purchase no later than December 2012.
The second book to the Harvester of Light trilogy will be available for purchase no later than December 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 21, 2021
I do not give out a lot of 5 stars but I had to give West 5 for this one because I was invested from the beginning. Pandora's Gift is my first jump into any of West's books and I was pleasantly surprised. It is always a toss when reading a new author and this was a winner all the way.
The story pulled me in from the beginning. I was intrigued by the storyline and was not disappointed..... unless you count not having the next book to jump into. West create a love triangle that makes it difficult to root for just one. I thought I had my preference but I just couldn't ignore the other connection. I am really impatient to have more so I know who El will choose. Still, if I'm being honest..., can she have both?
West also had you caring for the other characters. I may not ship them with El but I want them to find someone and see their HEA.
Bottom line: you laugh, you get drawn in, you want more...... read it :-D.
The story pulled me in from the beginning. I was intrigued by the storyline and was not disappointed..... unless you count not having the next book to jump into. West create a love triangle that makes it difficult to root for just one. I thought I had my preference but I just couldn't ignore the other connection. I am really impatient to have more so I know who El will choose. Still, if I'm being honest..., can she have both?
West also had you caring for the other characters. I may not ship them with El but I want them to find someone and see their HEA.
Bottom line: you laugh, you get drawn in, you want more...... read it :-D.
September 14, 2021
Wow, great start to a new series. A coming of age story set with mythical creatures, Greek, Egyptian and Norse Gods (some our heroine have to battle, others she might just fall in-love with) and battles that have you swiping your screen so hard and fast it just might crack!
El's world has just been turned upside down and now has the weight of the worlds (yes worlds) on her shoulder as she has to figure out a way to save the ones she loves. She has to battle, not only the challenges that are sent her way but also three gorgeous hot guys that are vying for her hand in marriage! Some seriously melting moments, I tell you! Loved this book.
Seriously cannot wait for the 2nd installment.
El's world has just been turned upside down and now has the weight of the worlds (yes worlds) on her shoulder as she has to figure out a way to save the ones she loves. She has to battle, not only the challenges that are sent her way but also three gorgeous hot guys that are vying for her hand in marriage! Some seriously melting moments, I tell you! Loved this book.
Seriously cannot wait for the 2nd installment.
September 20, 2021
I've been an SJ West fan for YEARS! I've read everything she has written - sometimes more than once. This new series has to be her best!! If you are a fan of mythology - this is YOUR SERIES!!
El is amazing; raised by three equally amazing aunts. She's looking forward to her 18th birthday. Moving out, going to college, living her life she's planned.
But...as with all plans, things usually don't work out how you think they will. And Elphis is handed almost more than she can handle - but with her aunts to guide her, she's going to learn to adapt and get what needs to be done - come demi-god, god, and mythological creatures!!!
El is amazing; raised by three equally amazing aunts. She's looking forward to her 18th birthday. Moving out, going to college, living her life she's planned.
But...as with all plans, things usually don't work out how you think they will. And Elphis is handed almost more than she can handle - but with her aunts to guide her, she's going to learn to adapt and get what needs to be done - come demi-god, god, and mythological creatures!!!
September 14, 2021
Back to the Conclave World
I’m a fan of anything rooted in Greek, Egyptian, or Norse mythology and with this book, I got all three which was great. I love also getting to see more of the world setup in the Vampire Conclave series. Plus, in true SJ West fashion, we get not only an interesting leading woman but she’s surrounded by tough and hilarious women. Great start to what I think will be a phenomenal series!
I’m a fan of anything rooted in Greek, Egyptian, or Norse mythology and with this book, I got all three which was great. I love also getting to see more of the world setup in the Vampire Conclave series. Plus, in true SJ West fashion, we get not only an interesting leading woman but she’s surrounded by tough and hilarious women. Great start to what I think will be a phenomenal series!
October 20, 2021
What an amazing book! I loved reading this new series by S.J. West with some awesome characters with an exciting story. I really enjoyed reading this book and I cannot wait to see what adventures the next book takes us on. This book is a great start to a new series.
January 9, 2025
A Great Beginning
After only one book (this one), I am so totally invested in this series! Most of us are familiar with the story of Pandora and her opening up a box that released all the "bad" things into the world, until she slammed the box shut, keeping Hope in the box for mankind to cling to in the struggles that would follow. But what if that was a pared down version of what REALLY happened? That is exactly the scenario the author has accomplished.
Using the the Pandora story as a base start_ and ombining heroes from 3 Mythologies (Norse, Greek, Egyptian) with a modern day heroine, this book sets the stage for some exciting adventures! While the main characters are young adults (18 - 20-ish), the author does not limit the readership to that same age group simply by adding in supporting characters who are older, with life experiences that remind us that heroes and heroines come from all age groups, races, and realms.
Pandora's gift is a great stepping stone towards what will surely be an interesting and exciting series of books that if what I've read so far is any indication, will be some very enjoyable reading!
After only one book (this one), I am so totally invested in this series! Most of us are familiar with the story of Pandora and her opening up a box that released all the "bad" things into the world, until she slammed the box shut, keeping Hope in the box for mankind to cling to in the struggles that would follow. But what if that was a pared down version of what REALLY happened? That is exactly the scenario the author has accomplished.
Using the the Pandora story as a base start_ and ombining heroes from 3 Mythologies (Norse, Greek, Egyptian) with a modern day heroine, this book sets the stage for some exciting adventures! While the main characters are young adults (18 - 20-ish), the author does not limit the readership to that same age group simply by adding in supporting characters who are older, with life experiences that remind us that heroes and heroines come from all age groups, races, and realms.
Pandora's gift is a great stepping stone towards what will surely be an interesting and exciting series of books that if what I've read so far is any indication, will be some very enjoyable reading!
September 15, 2021
Fantastic!!! 🤩
If you love mythology you will love this fantastic installment, it’s a perfect mix of Norse, Greek and Egyptian, with wonderful characters, full of action and an intriguing and mysterious plot that will have you turning page after page to know more of what is happening!!! 😍
Elpis holds the fate of three worlds in her hands, something she just learn about as her eighteen birthday is approaching and the countdown is about to begin 😓
But she is not ready, at all!!!...how can she choose a husband between the three champions sent from each world, if she just met them??? 😐... and it turns even harder when she starts to fall for the one that is not competing for her hand!!! 😩
Personally, I will choose Carr, the Norse champion... but Jax, damn!!! 🥵... OK, I choose them both!!! 😁... but, whom will El choose??? 🤔
I'm so excited to read the rest of this amazing series, can't wait for the next book to release!!! ❤
If you love mythology you will love this fantastic installment, it’s a perfect mix of Norse, Greek and Egyptian, with wonderful characters, full of action and an intriguing and mysterious plot that will have you turning page after page to know more of what is happening!!! 😍
Elpis holds the fate of three worlds in her hands, something she just learn about as her eighteen birthday is approaching and the countdown is about to begin 😓
But she is not ready, at all!!!...how can she choose a husband between the three champions sent from each world, if she just met them??? 😐... and it turns even harder when she starts to fall for the one that is not competing for her hand!!! 😩
Personally, I will choose Carr, the Norse champion... but Jax, damn!!! 🥵... OK, I choose them both!!! 😁... but, whom will El choose??? 🤔
I'm so excited to read the rest of this amazing series, can't wait for the next book to release!!! ❤
February 13, 2023
Deceit, lies & sexy guys!
This book has a lot of adventure. It takes place on Earth but 3 hot guys & 3 animals from other realms come here. They are here to fulfill a deal made with a villain. The object of everyone's attention is a girl named El. She lives with her 3 aunts who have raised her since birth. What El doesn't know is that she is the child of 2 powerful gods. And her "aunts" aren't related to her at all. In one day El learns that her aunts were strangers chosen to raise her. Each from a different realm. Also three champions from different realms were coming & she had to marry one in a week. Whichever realms she didn't choose would be ruled by her brother who was the villain. Several monsters show up on Earth. I wasn't impressed by the fact that there is no explanation for why the people in town never hear or see these monsters. You could have com up with something like wards placed by witches, etc.
This book has a lot of adventure. It takes place on Earth but 3 hot guys & 3 animals from other realms come here. They are here to fulfill a deal made with a villain. The object of everyone's attention is a girl named El. She lives with her 3 aunts who have raised her since birth. What El doesn't know is that she is the child of 2 powerful gods. And her "aunts" aren't related to her at all. In one day El learns that her aunts were strangers chosen to raise her. Each from a different realm. Also three champions from different realms were coming & she had to marry one in a week. Whichever realms she didn't choose would be ruled by her brother who was the villain. Several monsters show up on Earth. I wasn't impressed by the fact that there is no explanation for why the people in town never hear or see these monsters. You could have com up with something like wards placed by witches, etc.
June 26, 2022
DNF - quit at 46%
This moved so slowly, it just lost my interest. I kept focusing on how far I wasn’t getting. None of the characters resonated with me, they were very flat. On top of that, the FMC was almost TSTL. I just couldn’t get into caring what happens next. For the guys she’s supposed to choose from, the 3 didn’t seem like options. The wolf on the other hand was the most likable of ALL the males in the story, but I’m not sure he’s a love option in the scheme of things. I’m just not sure this author is a flavor I care for.
At my age (60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
This moved so slowly, it just lost my interest. I kept focusing on how far I wasn’t getting. None of the characters resonated with me, they were very flat. On top of that, the FMC was almost TSTL. I just couldn’t get into caring what happens next. For the guys she’s supposed to choose from, the 3 didn’t seem like options. The wolf on the other hand was the most likable of ALL the males in the story, but I’m not sure he’s a love option in the scheme of things. I’m just not sure this author is a flavor I care for.
At my age (60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
September 18, 2021
Excellent start
Pandora’s Gift is the start of a new series by SJ West; one I’m really liking so far. I don't know what it is about Greek mythology, but it gets me excited every time.
El learns early on that her simple life isn’t what she thought at all. She went from planning colleges with her best friend, to be thrown in a world with other dimensions, guys fighting for her hand in marriage; yes I have my favorite, and a brother set out to destroy her.
I thought the storyline was quite entertaining and more importantly, unique. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us
Pandora’s Gift is the start of a new series by SJ West; one I’m really liking so far. I don't know what it is about Greek mythology, but it gets me excited every time.
El learns early on that her simple life isn’t what she thought at all. She went from planning colleges with her best friend, to be thrown in a world with other dimensions, guys fighting for her hand in marriage; yes I have my favorite, and a brother set out to destroy her.
I thought the storyline was quite entertaining and more importantly, unique. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us
September 30, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect, but loved everything about this! I'm a fan of mythology and the mixture of several mythologies and characters and how the author blended them into the world she created was so fun! El's relationship with her mothers/guardians was so full of love and support and I loved how they relied on each other and approached things as a team. The guys had me melting and lapping up their attempts to woo El while making it impossible to choose a favorite! This story had it all: romance, drama, and strong family bonds! I can't wait to see what happens next!
September 20, 2021
This was such a great start to a new series!! I love mythology and the way that West brings together different mythologies throughout the book is amazing! El is the main character and she is a strong lead. I love books that have secrets, twists and turns that I can't figure out. This book has all that and more! I cannot wait to see what comes next in book two. If it is anything like the first one it will be amazing!
September 14, 2021
Amazing new series!
SJs back with a brand new adventure! I already love this word so much! I am really enjoying the characters and the plot twists. I cannot wait to see more of the other worlds and find out all the secrets of El’s powers and what she can do. Also can’t wait to see more of Carr, Sef and Jax!
SJs back with a brand new adventure! I already love this word so much! I am really enjoying the characters and the plot twists. I cannot wait to see more of the other worlds and find out all the secrets of El’s powers and what she can do. Also can’t wait to see more of Carr, Sef and Jax!
September 15, 2021
AMAZING!!!!!
This is the first book in a new series by SJ West!!
I LOVED this book!!
El has some pretty big decisions to make, and lots to learn!
I read everything SJ West, but this book is so fun, with secrets, twists, turns, and hot guys!!!
I can't wait for the next book!!
This is the first book in a new series by SJ West!!
I LOVED this book!!
El has some pretty big decisions to make, and lots to learn!
I read everything SJ West, but this book is so fun, with secrets, twists, turns, and hot guys!!!
I can't wait for the next book!!
November 14, 2021
Good read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. El is a strong character who has to make a difficult decision, and deals with things well. She doesn't whine about it, but attempts to make the most out of her situation. The book kept my attention throughout, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. El is a strong character who has to make a difficult decision, and deals with things well. She doesn't whine about it, but attempts to make the most out of her situation. The book kept my attention throughout, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
October 16, 2023
OKAY so for the first bit I was pretty bored with this book I didn’t see it going anywhere and then BAM BAM BAM BAM crazy things one after another left me gaping and screaming and laughing and crying. This is such a fun read and I absolutely loved it. I’m going to read the second one right now !!!! :)
November 2, 2023
DNF
If you enjoy stories where the FMC is deliberately kept ignorant, vulnerable and weak by people who claim to love her, this might be the book for you. If you enjoy stories with no character development and very little world building, then this might be the book for you. I couldn't take anymore at the halfway point and I doubt that I'll read anything else by this author.
If you enjoy stories where the FMC is deliberately kept ignorant, vulnerable and weak by people who claim to love her, this might be the book for you. If you enjoy stories with no character development and very little world building, then this might be the book for you. I couldn't take anymore at the halfway point and I doubt that I'll read anything else by this author.
September 15, 2021
Loved it
Pandora’s Gift is a riveting different take on gods, mortals, destiny, and fate. Enter 3 worthy potential husbands, a mystery, and a sentient horse.
Such a great read, with an original plot line. Can’t wait for the next book
Pandora’s Gift is a riveting different take on gods, mortals, destiny, and fate. Enter 3 worthy potential husbands, a mystery, and a sentient horse.
Such a great read, with an original plot line. Can’t wait for the next book
September 18, 2021
I fell in love with S.J Wests writing a while ago & I was so excited to read something new of hers. Let me tell you, I am NOT disappointed! I absolutely love El, this world, & her aunts are amazing!! I highly recommend reading this ASAP. You will not be bored or disappointed.
October 6, 2021
Fun YA adventure
This was a fun YA adventure with some unexpected twists and turn. El is a sweet girl who has to go through a lot of life changes in a short timespan. I’m curious where her adventure leads next.
This was a fun YA adventure with some unexpected twists and turn. El is a sweet girl who has to go through a lot of life changes in a short timespan. I’m curious where her adventure leads next.
December 9, 2021
I love Greek Mythology so when I found out SJ West was writing a book that included it I had to get it. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. As always the characters were relatable and it has great work building. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
February 26, 2022
Captivating
I love the characters and storyline, especially how it ties different gods and realms into the plot. It definitely caught my attention and made me want to keep reading. The next book can't come fast enough!
I love the characters and storyline, especially how it ties different gods and realms into the plot. It definitely caught my attention and made me want to keep reading. The next book can't come fast enough!
September 20, 2021
This book by SJ West mixes Norse, Greek and Egyptian mythology along suspense, betrayal and intrigue. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. Five stars out of five.
September 20, 2021
Great book to start a new series! Can’t wait for book two
September 20, 2021
what a fabulous new series!! ... love the mix of mythologies ... then the twists and turns ... i cannot wait for more!!
September 21, 2021
I have never been disappointed in any of SJ West's books and you won't be either. I really enjoyed these characters and I can't want to read the next book.
September 22, 2021
Wow
I was not expecting that, took me a minute to get into it but wow I'm glad I did, I really can't wait for the next book
I was not expecting that, took me a minute to get into it but wow I'm glad I did, I really can't wait for the next book
October 1, 2021
Great!!
What a great start to a new series!! As always SJ has twists and turns you never see coming. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
What a great start to a new series!! As always SJ has twists and turns you never see coming. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
October 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this series. It is super fun and great. I loved the characters and world building. Great come back and expansion to other series in the same world.
October 4, 2021
Wow what a great story!! So exciting and full of everything you can imagine. Excitement, anger, tears, love and so much more. Cannot wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews