What an evocative extract!

As a Classicist I have read plenty of re-tellings in my time, especially as they are currently making a resurgence, and I feel Stokes-Chapman has created one of the most original yet. I adored the links to Dora’s dual-heritage, and of course all of the classical mythology references - there is just enough of a smattering for them to enhance the narrative without going overboard (which I have often seen done!

The narrative is rich and utterly transportive, and the various perspectives (each one diverse and equally authentic) only enhance the quality of the work and intrigue overall. I can’t believe the extract ended when it did and, just like Pandora, I’m desperate to find out what happens…!

Thank you very, very much to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for the absolute privilege!

A unique look into the centuries old pandora curse with an orphan of the name sake as the main character. This book extract begins to show the darkness and mystery unravel as the pages pass. Like many mythology and legend inspired books this is a perfect read for fans of the genre. The author pulls you in straight away by introducing the main character Pandora and her historical family background with hints that this new package arriving at the family antique store is the reason affecting whats going on around those who handle it.
Having drawn me in with the extract i cannot wait to read the full version of this retold age old myth.

An absolute page turner!

This extract had to end at such a moment that I am desperate to read on, this is going to be a long and painful wait I need more of this book and now.

I enjoyed the three POVs in the book and the character development. Set in the late 1700s the setting is portrayed beautifully and the writing style is immersive.

Full of intrigue and mystery, I cannot wait for this one to be published!

I enjoyed this longer than usual excerpt. It was a good introduction to the main characters, Dora, or Pandora, her uncle, his housekeeper and a young man who is desperate for her help. There was also a brief appearance by an older gentleman who I am very eager to know more about.
A brilliant excerpt that ended at the perfect point. What havoc has Dora caused with her curiosity? The link to her namesake became stronger as the novel progressed.

With reading an excerpt, you can certainly get the feel of a book and, this is true with this, I really enjoyed what I have read and was sad when it came to the end, I have actually requested the rest of the books, so fingers crossed!

I was lucky enough to read an early sampler of this Greek-mythology-inspired historical mystery, and I CANNOT wait to read the rest of it!

For me, there are two major criteria to make or break a historical fiction novel: setting and characters. Add to that the third minor criterium of a decent story, and you will soon have a succes in my book. Pandora, based of the first 13 chapters, promises to ace all three.
With her lush atmospheric writing Stokes-Chapman brought Georgian London to live before my eyes, in a way that I can only compare to Jess Kids Things in Jars or even Sarah Perry's writing. Pandora's driven protagonist, her unconventional family and the mystery that's introduced in the first chapters made me wish it was January 2022 already so I could continue right away.
My only concern regarding the narrative is that the Greek references speckled throughout may become a bit tooplentiful and on the nose, so I hope the final book will find a good balance herein.

Many thanks to Random House UK for providing me with an early sampler in exchange for an honest review.

Guess what? She really is Pandora – or at least she causes chaos it is hinted… But she calls herself Dora.
This was just a sampler and not the full book, but I’m afraid that the sample did not do its job – I was not then ‘forced’ into buying the full book. But if offered the full book I may well have enjoyed it as it was different
I did like the Raven called Hermes though, the one who steals on order.
And then we have the dusty shop which used to be clean and full of good antiques but now has become run down and the good stuff is surprisingly still around but hidden away.
The writing style was nice and appropriate and there were no glaring errors of proof-reading. So a neat sampler but…

The blurb for Pandora piqued my interest, further stoked by the release of this extract some six months ahead of publication. In the last years of the eighteenth century, a man dives to a wreck off the Scilly Isles to recover from the freezing water a crate marked only with an X. In London, put-upon Dora Blake yearns to be taken seriously as a jewellery designer so she can get away from her profligate uncle. Edward Lawrence, haunted by a distressing past, is desperate to gain admittance to the Society of Antiquities.
I’m a sucker for stories set in the old City of London. Even now you can capture some sense of it in the curved lanes that remain among the modern office buildings. Susan Stokes-Chapman really captures the atmosphere of the crowded smelly streets.
The vase that has been so long in the acquisition exerts a mysterious power. My appetite is well and truly whetted.

What a tantalising sample and of course I just have to read the rest to find out what the mystery is! Beautifully written with rich language, transporting me back in time. Fabulous characterisation, I’ve already connected with Dora and have formed strong opinions about the eclectic range of other characters.

I received a extract of this book via NetGalley, the style of writing was wonderfully descriptive creating enchanting imagery. Looking forward to reading this book in full!

I can’t believe the extract ended there! I’m intrigued and look forward to carrying on with the rest of the story.

The Extract is tempting you in to something that is about to get even more interesting.. I loved this and want to read the full book. The antique shop holds something that connects to her parents and she remembers the travels they had and historical finds. But banished to the attic when her uncle takes over the shop and her, after a tragedy she is unable to follow in her parents footsteps...

I have got to the end of this wonderful extract from Pandora and this is a definite read for me .. it is enthralling, has a great storyline and makes you want to read more...

A compelling, rich and intriguing excerpt and naturally the perfect place has been chosen to end it; right as things become propulsive and intensify. Luckily, I can continue reading via the full copy. To say I am excited, would be a vast understatement!

I nearly screamed when this short sample for review ended. I immediately pre-ordered the full version. This is a new and mysterious take on the myth of Pandora's box., set in a magical alternate world with a Georgian setting and redolent with ancient Greek legend and magic hidden in a basement below an antique shop. Dora, the secret jeweller, and Pandora's jar come together in what promises to be a enchanting and gripping fairtyale. I can't wait.

I read an extract of 13 chapters and I can honestly say this is going to be one of my favourites of 2022 already! I am a lover of stories about Ancient Greece and this extract does not disappoint!

So enchanting!! I cannot wait to read the full book.

Wow! Wow! Wow! after a slightly slow start , I was suddenly drawn completely into Dora ( Pandora Blake's ) world . I could feel the creepy underhand moves her uncle Hezekiah was making & felt there was so much more to the lies he was telling Dora.. Then there was Mr Lawrence who had been told to seek Pandora Blake out because she could help him in his quest to enter `The Society of Antiquaries ' & we must not forget the handsome Hermes Dora's Magpie companion .
I cannot wait for this Book to be Published & I will be at the front of the que to purchase a copy & read more as I am sure many others will be too #FB, #Instagram, #GoodReads, #NetGalley, # Amazon.co.uk , #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/c566f42be23a0e25d120e78a3454e2d427c4beee" width="80" height="80" alt="50 Book Reviews" title="50 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

A tantalising taster, hopefully the complete book will continue to be as good. Looking forward to it.

This sample has left me wanting to read the book. I found it a slow starter, but by the end I was wanting more. I'm very intrigued by the characters.

I didn't realise this was a sample extract which is a shame as I would have liked to have read the whole book. I enjoyed what I read but it was a shame not to have the whole thing.

I devoured the extract, I can’t wait to be able to read more. Really intriguing and mysterious and the characters are well written.
I hope to read the rest of the book soon!