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Mythic Misadventures #2
Pandora Gets Vain
After capturing jealousy from a priestess in Crete, Pandy, Alcie, Iole and Dido are off to Egypt in search of the second of seven evils, vanity. But the goddess Hera is still up to her old tricks, and throws as many obstacles as she can into Pandy's path. A storm at sea, a group of talking dolphins, and the most unusual circus ever formed all feature in this action-packed follow-up.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
33 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Hennesy
11 books178 followersCarolyn Hennesy, a Los Angeles native, has been in over 100 theatrical productions spanning the LA., regional and international theatre scenes. Having trained at American Conservatory Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London as well as earning a dramatic scholarship to the California State University at Northridge, she has played such distinguished houses as the Mark Taper Forum, Arizona Theatre Company, Odyssey Theatre, Lobero Theatre and Geary Stage. She also studied with the Groundlings in the early ‘90s and became a member of the Sunday Company. From there she moved to the main company at the ACME Comedy Theatre where she performed for 5 years to critical acclaim. Carolyn is the 2000 recipient of the prestigious Natalie Schafer Award for Outstanding Comedic Actress given by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and has been featured as an “Actor’s Actor” in the industry publication Backstage-West. She recently won the Ovation Award for her work in “The Fan Maroo” (Theatre of NOTE) and was an NAACP Award nominee for her ensemble work in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” (Sacred Fools).
Notable theatre credits include: the long running and critically acclaimed “It’s Just Sex” (Zephyr Theatre), “Equinox” (Odyssey Theatre), “Two Rooms” (Santa Barbara Theatre Company), “View of the Dome” (Egyptian Arena Stage), “Tongue of a Bird” and “Nothing Sacred” (Mark Taper Forum), “The Heidi Chronicles” (Arizona Theatre Company), “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Julius Caesar,” and “The Lion In Winter” (Knightsbridge), and her one-woman show “Carolyn Hennesy’s Big Leap” (HBO Workspace). Films include “Terminator 3,” “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde,” “The Cougar Club,” “Sublime,” “the Believers” and “Click”.
Television work includes many regular, guest star and recurring roles in everything from episodics to sit-coms, but she can now regularly be seen on ABC’s daytime drama “General Hospital” in the role of “Diane Miller,” Port Charles’ smart and sassy mob lawyer. In addition to a full-time acting career, Carolyn is also an author, proud shop-a-holic, unabashed foodie, teaches improvisational comedy, speaks American Sign Language (fairly well!) and studies the flying trapeze.
But more important than any of this: she is the fabulously happy new wife of actor Donald Agnelli.
Notable theatre credits include: the long running and critically acclaimed “It’s Just Sex” (Zephyr Theatre), “Equinox” (Odyssey Theatre), “Two Rooms” (Santa Barbara Theatre Company), “View of the Dome” (Egyptian Arena Stage), “Tongue of a Bird” and “Nothing Sacred” (Mark Taper Forum), “The Heidi Chronicles” (Arizona Theatre Company), “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Julius Caesar,” and “The Lion In Winter” (Knightsbridge), and her one-woman show “Carolyn Hennesy’s Big Leap” (HBO Workspace). Films include “Terminator 3,” “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde,” “The Cougar Club,” “Sublime,” “the Believers” and “Click”.
Television work includes many regular, guest star and recurring roles in everything from episodics to sit-coms, but she can now regularly be seen on ABC’s daytime drama “General Hospital” in the role of “Diane Miller,” Port Charles’ smart and sassy mob lawyer. In addition to a full-time acting career, Carolyn is also an author, proud shop-a-holic, unabashed foodie, teaches improvisational comedy, speaks American Sign Language (fairly well!) and studies the flying trapeze.
But more important than any of this: she is the fabulously happy new wife of actor Donald Agnelli.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 12, 2012
Reviewed by JodiG. for TeensReadToo.com
Pandora Atheneus Andromaeche Helena, "Pandy" to her friends and family, is still on her quest to save the world.
The only daughter of the Titan, Prometheus, Pandy is in trouble with Zeus. Due to an unfortunate incident at school, all the evils of the world have been released from a box that was entrusted to her father. Zeus has ordered that Pandora find each of them in order to save the world, and her family. Pandy, along with her friends Alcie and Iole, have already located Jealousy - and are now headed to Egypt to find Vanity.
The task itself is difficult but Pandy is also facing the ire of Zeus' wife, Hera, who is determined that Pandora will fail on her quest. Hera has devised dangerous obstacles along every step of Pandora's journey in an attempt to stop her. While the other gods are sympathetic to Pandy, nobody would dare to interfere with Hera's plans.
Not right out in the open anyway, but what Hera doesn't know...
This time a very handsome bodyguard joins Pandy and her friends. Homer, a poet at heart, didn't really make it in gladiator training. His father has sent him to deliver parcels to his uncle and ordered him to protect the girls on their journey. Will the quiet and very handsome boy prove to be a help or a distraction? He has certainly distracted Alcie.
Now the friends find themselves in a land where they do not speak the language and do not know the customs. To make matters worse, they've come upon a traveling troupe of performers from around the world. With so many different languages in one group, is there any way the girls can communicate?
Well, if the gods are on your side, anything is possible.
PANDORA GETS VAIN is an enjoyable follow-up to the first book, PANDORA GETS JEALOUS, and will leave you waiting anxiously for the next!
Pandora Atheneus Andromaeche Helena, "Pandy" to her friends and family, is still on her quest to save the world.
The only daughter of the Titan, Prometheus, Pandy is in trouble with Zeus. Due to an unfortunate incident at school, all the evils of the world have been released from a box that was entrusted to her father. Zeus has ordered that Pandora find each of them in order to save the world, and her family. Pandy, along with her friends Alcie and Iole, have already located Jealousy - and are now headed to Egypt to find Vanity.
The task itself is difficult but Pandy is also facing the ire of Zeus' wife, Hera, who is determined that Pandora will fail on her quest. Hera has devised dangerous obstacles along every step of Pandora's journey in an attempt to stop her. While the other gods are sympathetic to Pandy, nobody would dare to interfere with Hera's plans.
Not right out in the open anyway, but what Hera doesn't know...
This time a very handsome bodyguard joins Pandy and her friends. Homer, a poet at heart, didn't really make it in gladiator training. His father has sent him to deliver parcels to his uncle and ordered him to protect the girls on their journey. Will the quiet and very handsome boy prove to be a help or a distraction? He has certainly distracted Alcie.
Now the friends find themselves in a land where they do not speak the language and do not know the customs. To make matters worse, they've come upon a traveling troupe of performers from around the world. With so many different languages in one group, is there any way the girls can communicate?
Well, if the gods are on your side, anything is possible.
PANDORA GETS VAIN is an enjoyable follow-up to the first book, PANDORA GETS JEALOUS, and will leave you waiting anxiously for the next!
November 8, 2009
Pretty much the same as the first book in the series. This is a updated version of the traditional Greek myth, with a girl for a hero on a major adventure to save the world, with her 2 best friends and her loyal dog along for the ride. It's written for tweens and most of the jokes and lessons are aimed at that young crowd. But there are quite a few higher level jokes and remarks thrown in to keep grown readers chuckling as well. I think older readers who keep in mind that the intended audience is younger kids will enjoy the book, and I think kids will think relate and enjoy. And learn something along the way about responsibility, friendship, history and mythology, all nice bonuses.
August 7, 2008
This is very similar to the Rick Riordan series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, except its main characters are mostly girls. It is not written real girly like. Well at least the second book isn’t. I don’t know about the first book, Pandora Gets Jealous, because I didn’t read it. I don’t feel like I missed too much from not reading the first book, though. It seems as though this book takes off right where Jealous must have left off. It is action packed, and Pandora and her friends get into a couple of close calls. This book also combines the Greek Gods with Egyptian Gods, which is a fun combination. There is something different then the Percy Jackson Series that I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it is the fact that the author writes the way the characters speak as if it is the present day, but after reading it, I am pretty sure this book takes place in the very distant past. This book is an advanced reader copy and will not be released until Sept 2008.
March 8, 2010
This series is great for those girls who like the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan. I enjoyed the first 2 immensely and am excited to get into the 3rd. These books are a great way to introduce kids to ancient Greek culture, Greek mythology, and, funnily enough, European geography.
December 2, 2008
The second book in the Pandora series is just as exciting, curious, and adventurous as the first. it takes the legend of Pandora and turns it into a lively, non-historical, witty novel. in the first book, pandora sets out to find the first of seven evils released into the world, Jealousy. once that was captures in greece she travels to egypt to find vanity. she along with her two best friends battle monsters, make compromises, make sacrifices, and dogde obstacles. written in a sasy conversational tone it manages to teach you a few things about the places they visit without completely boring you. it teaches lessons about friendship and responsibility and courage too, since it is obviously set in acient times in refers to many deities, such as the greek gods, locations and events that took place. luckily having learned about egypt in social studies right before beginning this book i can connect to the happenings and understand the conflict easier. i wonder of how the author, carolyn hennesy, manages to create so many obstacle for the children and i wonder what others she will display in her upcoming books. speaking of obstacles i had mentioned earlier the trio dodging them but didnt exactly say who creates most of them, it is usuall ythe gods who have put her up to the quest. it will also be interesting to see how she winds together a story in a new location for all seven books (seven evils, capture one per book). i thought this books deserves about 4-4.5 stars, and i would recomend it to the middle school age group that likes some density in their books. All in all, this novel was riveting.
December 13, 2008
Loved this book it is so cute. This is the second book to Pandora trying to capture the 7 evils that she had accidently let out. In the book she is trying to capture Vain. Of course Hera is still not making her journey any easier. They have a new person join their group Homer. I like homer he doesn't say much but I do like him. I enjoyed the Dolphin part the dolphins where making me laugh especially the part with Homer. I really need to take a page in Alice cursing ways I love how it always comes out as some kind of fruit. If you want a good quick and enjoyable read I recommend this series.
June 21, 2009
I really liked this book, I think it is funny how the author gives the Greek and other gods a scene of humor "especially Hermes" He's the funniest one.
Although I think the author spent to much time in the beginning of the book repeating what happened in the first book.
But, I liked it anyway. :-)
Although I think the author spent to much time in the beginning of the book repeating what happened in the first book.
But, I liked it anyway. :-)
April 18, 2012
it was pretty good. but not like the percy jackson series good.
April 7, 2020
I'm still enjoying the reinterpreted mythology and wacky adventures in this second book of the series.
January 8, 2018
Hennesy, Carolyn Pandora Gets Vain, 256 p (approx.). Bloomsbury, September 2008.
A young Pandora has already let the evils from their box and is set the task of recapturing them all. Her quest to reclaim vanity is filled with obstacles and dangers and an encounter with the pre-teen Cleopatra.
Talk about revisionist history and revisionist mythology! I couldn’t find one thing in this book that was back on established folklore or historic timelines. Yuck! Keep this away from your young students if you want them to have a single chance of learning the true patterns of the Greek mythos. Distract them with Mary Pope Osborne’s retellings instead.
NO. Cindy Mitchell – Library-Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008...
A young Pandora has already let the evils from their box and is set the task of recapturing them all. Her quest to reclaim vanity is filled with obstacles and dangers and an encounter with the pre-teen Cleopatra.
Talk about revisionist history and revisionist mythology! I couldn’t find one thing in this book that was back on established folklore or historic timelines. Yuck! Keep this away from your young students if you want them to have a single chance of learning the true patterns of the Greek mythos. Distract them with Mary Pope Osborne’s retellings instead.
NO. Cindy Mitchell – Library-Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008...
July 25, 2020
WHERE CAN I GET PANDORA'S MAGICAL BONE DUST TO INHALE IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK A MILLION LANGUAGES, ASKING FOR A FRIEND, THANKS.
Also, a handmaiden in the temple:
*dances happily*
*accidentally angers princess infected with Vanity*
*gets eyes cut out*
Karen, after reading that:
"Aight, imma head out."
Also, a handmaiden in the temple:
*dances happily*
*accidentally angers princess infected with Vanity*
*gets eyes cut out*
Karen, after reading that:
"Aight, imma head out."
September 3, 2023
This book is where Homer is introduced, and I quite liked the character of Homer, probably because he was described as hot. In this one, Pandy and her friends go to Egypt, and the book describes Egypt and its geography and mythology quite well. They meet a young Cleopatra, and it was pretty obvious she was the one possessed by Vanity. I thought this book was better than the first one, mostly because it introduced Homer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2020
The second book in a wonderful series, "Pandora Gets Vain" delivers humor, heart, and action by the opened boxful. All of the characters, including Pandy herself, are loads of fun as they jump to Egypt in search of Vanity, one of the seven evils. Author Hennesy keeps the story moving at a brisk pace and her fascinating circus sequence is especially enjoyable. Highly Recommended!
March 27, 2020
13-year-old Pandora sets off to find Vanity, she faces some problems on her way. She has to make a lot of decisions that may interfere in her life. Iole, Alcie, and Homer try to help. On the way, Alcie and Homer find out the are in love.
July 4, 2020
This was a really good book! It started off with a bang, and had danger, excitement, friendship, and valor galore (plus a little bit of romance). The book was fast paced and very fun to read. Fans of the first book will definitely enjoy it. 5 stars!
September 16, 2020
Sad ending
As good as the first but the ending was heart breaking. Now I'm not going to be lazy, but read the next book. 😉
As good as the first but the ending was heart breaking. Now I'm not going to be lazy, but read the next book. 😉
December 31, 2023
I thought the last few chapters were really sweet and I’m now wanting only good things for Alcie (and the rest of course)
January 11, 2021
I would’ve loved to see more of Vanity’s effect on Cleopatra and Egypt, but I like the book as it is.
January 23, 2025
Respectfully, this is the poor man's Percy Jackson aimed at tween girls. I am going to continue to read the series, though it's apparent why one is much more popular than the other.
September 4, 2014
A bit of a let-down after the previous book. Whereas the liberties taken with history didn’t bother me in book one – primarily because they were centered on one culture – here I just couldn’t ignore them. Throwing together 1,500 years of history (from Homer to Mohammed) and smashing a half-dozen different cultures and time periods into the same era was too much. I think the last straw was seeing the myth of Cleopatra’s beauty perpetuated in the supposedly factual glossary. (The only evidence (from coins, writings, etc.) that we have attesting to her looks indicates that she was not especially attractive.) Still, that she was the recipient of Vanity would have worked fine if Osiris had not said at the end that she would be “the most beautiful of queens”, but instead had recited the truth: “She will be plain in looks, but brilliant in mind.” I know it’s just a kids book, but why not reinforce historic fact when there’s no literary reason not to?
(And then there's the fact that Cleopatra was Greek, not Egyptian, which throws the final scenes into disarray. I'm not asking for an historical novel, but a modicum of research by the author would have been nice and would have educated her young readers.)
(And then there's the fact that Cleopatra was Greek, not Egyptian, which throws the final scenes into disarray. I'm not asking for an historical novel, but a modicum of research by the author would have been nice and would have educated her young readers.)
December 15, 2014
This is the second book in the Mythic Misadventures series by Carolyn Hennesy, featuring an adolescent named Pandy and her friends and family.
In this second story of the saga, Pandy continues on to Egypt to find the elusive vanity. The story is quite complicated and violent in places, but considering the ending, it's still quite appropriate for middle grade readers.
The narrative is filled with tween dialogue that I'm sure many girls of this age will empathize with, but actually makes me cringe. Still, our girls are fascinated by the series and have read all of the books in quick succession.
I appreciate the mythological references and like the fact that Pandora must go on an adventure, not unlike the male Greek heroes. I also like that she has the support of her friends along the way (and occasionally the Gods). The combination of Greek and Egyptian mythology in this tale is terrific.
interesting quote:
"I hope you shall discover, as you journey through life, that there is always time...for tea." (p. 202)
In this second story of the saga, Pandy continues on to Egypt to find the elusive vanity. The story is quite complicated and violent in places, but considering the ending, it's still quite appropriate for middle grade readers.
The narrative is filled with tween dialogue that I'm sure many girls of this age will empathize with, but actually makes me cringe. Still, our girls are fascinated by the series and have read all of the books in quick succession.
I appreciate the mythological references and like the fact that Pandora must go on an adventure, not unlike the male Greek heroes. I also like that she has the support of her friends along the way (and occasionally the Gods). The combination of Greek and Egyptian mythology in this tale is terrific.
interesting quote:
"I hope you shall discover, as you journey through life, that there is always time...for tea." (p. 202)
January 20, 2025
REREAD JAN 25
This is adorable once again. The circus part of the story contains a lot of things that wouldn't be publishable today--like borderline racism that isn't even subtle--but it just comes off as funny to me, because it's clear that Carolyn didn't actually intend the sort-of-racism (the story just gives Mildly Confused White Woman Author) and that the inaccurate historical time periods are mashed together in a ridiculous way.
Again, there are some unhinged near-death catacomb scenes in here, but I don't mind them! This is just so entertaining lol
My one complaint about this installment in the series is that there is no way Pandora would actually give up 60 years of her life just to avoid two weeks’ worth of travel, unless she’s extremely stupid. She’s not at all behind on time in this book and two weeks’ delay wouldn’t be worse for her quest than the absolute physical incapacitation caused by being 73. This just felt like a “wow look how recklessly brave and loyal she is!!!” sort of contrived moment instead of a real one. I doubt even a slightly idiotic and impulsive 13 year old would make the decision Pandy did.
This is adorable once again. The circus part of the story contains a lot of things that wouldn't be publishable today--like borderline racism that isn't even subtle--but it just comes off as funny to me, because it's clear that Carolyn didn't actually intend the sort-of-racism (the story just gives Mildly Confused White Woman Author) and that the inaccurate historical time periods are mashed together in a ridiculous way.
Again, there are some unhinged near-death catacomb scenes in here, but I don't mind them! This is just so entertaining lol
My one complaint about this installment in the series is that there is no way Pandora would actually give up 60 years of her life just to avoid two weeks’ worth of travel, unless she’s extremely stupid. She’s not at all behind on time in this book and two weeks’ delay wouldn’t be worse for her quest than the absolute physical incapacitation caused by being 73. This just felt like a “wow look how recklessly brave and loyal she is!!!” sort of contrived moment instead of a real one. I doubt even a slightly idiotic and impulsive 13 year old would make the decision Pandy did.
December 5, 2010
So if the books in this series are only three star books for me, why do I keep picking them up? Maybe it's that I was a Greek mythology junkie at an early age. Maybe I find it hard to leave a conflict unresolved--and after all, there are seven deadly sins, and Pandora can only gather one per book! Maybe, too it is the funny blending of modern culture with ancient tradition that makes me grin (sometimes that "ooh, it hurts" painful kind of grin when it's just so obviously dumb-funny). I still find the Pandora books a little too irreverent and sassy for a younger tween--at least for mine. And if you are into Greek mythology, you'll enjoy screening them to see if your daughter is old enough to read them.
May 15, 2008
I managed to get my hands on an ARC, and I must say I'm incredibly happy I did so.
Once again, Henessey spins a tale of trials and victories, of self doubts and conviction from friends that kept me engaged from start to finish. There was a new character in this book that had me laughing from the moment I realized who it was until I closed the cover! Pandora furthers her journey of self exploration and learning as she travels to and through Egypt on her quest to collect the ills she accidentally released on the world in Pandora Gets Jealous.
For any young girl coming of age, or anyone who simply loves the Pandora story, this series is a must read, a must have.
Once again, Henessey spins a tale of trials and victories, of self doubts and conviction from friends that kept me engaged from start to finish. There was a new character in this book that had me laughing from the moment I realized who it was until I closed the cover! Pandora furthers her journey of self exploration and learning as she travels to and through Egypt on her quest to collect the ills she accidentally released on the world in Pandora Gets Jealous.
For any young girl coming of age, or anyone who simply loves the Pandora story, this series is a must read, a must have.
March 12, 2011
Independently read and reviewed by Kate (age 7). This book is about Pandora trying to find a charm called vain to put it back in her father's box. The best part was when she got the charm. I was worried when Cleopatra came to life. I was surprised that Homer the Greek poet was going to go with them on the trip. This book taught me that being vain is not a good thing. 3 words that best describe this book: Vain, gods and goddesses. My favorite line/phrase in the book is "Pomegranates!" Other kids reading this book should watch out for Osiris. You should read this book if you like reading about Greek gods and goddesses.
August 11, 2014
After I read book #1 I said that I wasn't reading any more Pandora books. Well, I decided to give it another try and read book #2. I did like it a bit better than book #1 but I still think that it is not a match for the age group it's intended for. This book gets gory and the story is somewhat disjointed at times.
In this story, 13 year-old Pandora, daughter of the Titan Prometheus, at the decree of Zeus is still searching for the 7 deadly sins she accidentally left out of the box in her father's keeping. Her time to find them all is limited and Zeus' wife Hera is trying to make her fail. In this book she must find her way to Alexandria, Egypt in the quest for Vanity.
In this story, 13 year-old Pandora, daughter of the Titan Prometheus, at the decree of Zeus is still searching for the 7 deadly sins she accidentally left out of the box in her father's keeping. Her time to find them all is limited and Zeus' wife Hera is trying to make her fail. In this book she must find her way to Alexandria, Egypt in the quest for Vanity.
September 5, 2013
The story was a bit disjointed: first a sea voyage to Egypt, followed by time with a traveling circus, before the girls (and new male companion Homer) are finally able to make progress in their pursuit of Vanity. I did like this last bit a lot—but it took a while to get to it. We see less of the "folks back home" (Prometheus and the Greek gods), but Alcie ends up somewhat more developed as a character, which is a good thing. Overall, I thought the book was pleasant enough, just not up to the level of its predecessor.
December 15, 2008
The second title in this series is written in much the same vein as the first. Pandora and friends have picked up another sidekick, Homer, and are on a quest to capture Vanity. The introduction of Egyptian gods adds interest to the lighthearted storyline.
All in all, an easy read and a painless introduction to mythology. It's funny to imagine the gods of Olympus the way the author has written them...they are much more personable.
All in all, an easy read and a painless introduction to mythology. It's funny to imagine the gods of Olympus the way the author has written them...they are much more personable.
September 12, 2010
eek!!!!! Hera (queen of heavan also zeus's wife) goes to aeolus (god of winds) and asks for a storm to throw pandy & co off their ship!!!! aeolus tries 2 times first time he didnt second time he did!!! on land pandy falls through the sand into a place.... a place with huge pointy sticks that have bodys on them!!!! homer and alcie and iole try 2 save her. but can they??????!!! u must read this book to find out!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews