Pandora

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Pub Date 27 Jan 2022 | Archive Date Not set

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Description

Available to request now!


A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London, where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance.


There is a fine line between coincidence and fate...


In London 1799, Dora Blake is an aspiring jewellery artist who lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents' famed shop of antiquities. When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, Dora is intrigued by her uncle's suspicious behaviour and enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young man seeking acceptance into the Society of Antiquaries. Edward sees the ancient vase as key to unlocking his academic future. Dora sees it as her chance to restore her parents' shop to its former glory, and to escape her uncle.


But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has ever known, about her life, her family and the world as she knows it. As Dora uncovers the truth she starts to realise that some mysteries are buried, and some boxes are locked, for a reason.


Gorgeously atmospheric and deliciously page-turning, Pandora deals with themes of secrets and deception, love and fulfilment, fate and hope.

Available to request now!


A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London, where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance.


There is a fine...


A Note From the Publisher

Available to request now!

Available to request now!


Available Editions

ISBN 9781787302884
PRICE £14.99 (GBP)

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Featured Reviews

What a fascinating and unique read! I've always been fascinated by Greek mythology and also the story of Pandora's Box. This is such a clever play on that myth. A box that can unleash the worst evil; a box that can divide people; a box that can destroy people's lives.

Pandora (Dora) Blake's parents died when she was younger and she was taken in by her uncle who is now running the business. Or more accurately running it into the ground. A business dealing in antiques that her parents built up. She realises her uncle is up to something and her curiosity leads to the discovery of an ancient vase called a pithos (a large earthenware storage jar)
Together with the help of a bookbinder Edward Lawrence, they try to figure out the origin and authenticity of the vase but what will this unleash? Is this vase cursed as some people believe because people start to die......

A beautifully written story set in 1799 in London with such an authentic feel of that era.
Highly recommend!

"The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven" John Milton

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

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I love a Greek myth, so a historical late-18th century mystery centred around Pandora's Box was always going to be intriguing, and after reading the sampler, I coudn't wait to read this book. Evil already stalks orphaned young Pandora Blake's life in the shape of her uncle Hezakiah, who has taken over her parents' antiquary shop and run it into disrepute with his collection of forgeries. Now Hezekiah is hiding something in the basement - an ancient artefact that itself hides secrets, and he's prepared to do anything to uncover them.
Pandora, an aspring jewellery designer, and her new acquaintance, young book binder Edward Lawrence, are determined to discover her uncle's plans - Pandora so she can free herself from his influence, Edward so that he can write a paper on Hezekiah's treasure and fulfill his ambition of entering the Society of Antiquaries. But Hezekiah will stop at nothing to keep his secret safe.
I really enjoyed this story. The promise of myth and mystery permeates every single page as we are guided through late 18th century London life in all its superficial splendour and underlying dangerous, dank dirtiness. Pandora is an immediately sympathetic character and her battle for independence will resonate with readers. Edward is very complex, with his own dark hidden secrets. Why is he in thrall to his friend Cornelius Ashmole? And why does Cornelius hate Pandora so?
The narrative has an almost Dickensian feel - though I found it a lot easier to read than Dickens! - with its atmospheric and colourful evocation of life a couple of centuries ago, and its variety of characters like evil uncle Hezekiah, blowsy housekeeper Lottie, the salty Coombe brothers who work covertly for Hezekiah, and snobby entitled Lady Latimer. But it cleverly avoids caricature.
Rich descriptive prose, a plot that crackles with danger and mystery that may or may not have its roots in the supernatural, and a colourful cast of characters all make this a joy to read.

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Completely adored this evocative piece of historical fiction!
Immediately sympathised with the character of Dora and her struggles trying to find independence and freedom in a patriarchal society. Edward was equally wonderful - so good and earnest and the perfect foil to Dora’s detestable uncle - a Thenadier style character - that everyone will love to hate.

The relationship and backstory between Edward and his complex friend and benefactor and the development of his relationship was really the heart of the story for me - and the mythological touches were added special detail.

I loved it!

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WHAT a unique book! Atmospheric, mysterious, clever, and thrilling, this novel kept me gripped from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more by Stokes-Chapman, if she releases more novels in the future. Thank you so much for this ARC!

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Loved, loved, loved it! Pandora is one of those rare stories that draws you in with beguiling imagery, the promise of magic and mystery - Bridgerton meets Greek mythology. Pandora Blake whose heart's desire is to become a designer of jewellery and Edward Lawrence, a bookbinder in Georgian London both have dark and tragic secrets, and a passion for antiquities that draws them slowly into a tangle of conspiracy., theft, murder and ambition. At the centre of the story is a Greek jar, older than history. that whispers and torments those who seek to misuse it.
A really intriguing plot that brings you along its twisting paths, and you never know until the end who is friend and who is foe.

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Absolutely loved it. A beautifully crafted tale set in the Georgian era with a dash of intrigue involving a greek urn. The leading lady, Pandora Blake, is a budding jewelllry designer and totally reliant on her uncle, her guardian and her only living relative. But Mr Blake is a shady character with even shadier friends and some possible dodgy dealings in the blackmarket of antiquities.

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A treasure of a book, which evokes the seedier side of nineteenth century London life with great skill. Dora is a decent girl who loves her inquisitive pet magpie, Hermes (appropriately named after the messenger for the Greek gods). She longs to be accepted as a jewellery designer. Unfortunately she is dependent on her scheming crook of an uncle, who took over the family emporium after her parents died in an accident. Luckily, she has her friend Edward to keep an eye on her, although he seems to have an ulterior motive.

Dora's full name is Pandora, after the Greek myth of the creation of the first woman. Like her namesake, she discovers a hidden treasure. Stokes-Chapman has clearly done her research, referencing the Society of Antiquaries and also Sir William Hamilton, the famous Greek vase collector and his wife, who famously had an affair with Lord Nelson. An atmospheric page-turner told with great skill.

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