What do you think?
Rate this book
Pandora - Exclusive Extract
ebook
Published January 27, 2022
About the author
Susan Stokes-Chapman
5 books526 followersSusan Stokes-Chapman was born in 1985 and grew up in the historic Georgian city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She studied for four years at Aberystwyth University, graduating with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, PANDORA, was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction prize 2020 as well as longlisted for the Bath Novel Award that same year. You can find Susan on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @SStokesChapman. Her website is www.susanstokeschapman.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 27, 2021
I don't think it was such a good idea to sign up to read this extract because I've been left wanting more and there's no way of having more until this novel it's publish!
Of what I've read, Pandora seems to be a nice little page turner mystery that I cannot wait to discover. The writing is gripping and atmospheric, immediately immersing the reader in the universe of the antique shop and the Blakes' story. Pandora is a young, inquisitive woman that doesn't shy away from fighting for what she want - the type of female character that I really enjoy. There's seems to be a touch of magic too, or at least of things happening without a logical reason that hopefully it's nicely integrated in the overall story - but that remains to be seen as the extract was way too short lol
*Extract from NetGalley with many thanks to the publisher!
Of what I've read, Pandora seems to be a nice little page turner mystery that I cannot wait to discover. The writing is gripping and atmospheric, immediately immersing the reader in the universe of the antique shop and the Blakes' story. Pandora is a young, inquisitive woman that doesn't shy away from fighting for what she want - the type of female character that I really enjoy. There's seems to be a touch of magic too, or at least of things happening without a logical reason that hopefully it's nicely integrated in the overall story - but that remains to be seen as the extract was way too short lol
*Extract from NetGalley with many thanks to the publisher!
February 28, 2022
5 stars for this highly enjoyable read.
The first thing to say about this 13-chapter sample is that immediately after finishing reading it I have ordered the book and I can’t wait to read and review the whole novel.
Pandora is based upon the Greek myth of Pandora – but it also seems to be a fledgling romance set in 1799 between (Pan)Dora Blake and Edward Lawrence (so a Georgian, almost a Regency romance). Plus there are Gothic tropes: Dora is an orphan forced to depend on an awful/wicked uncle, and there appear to be mysterious supernatural happenings concerning an antique Greek vase.
Which is not to say that the novel is derivative or formulaic. The writer’s voice is fresh, with an inventive plot that moves at pace. Characterisation is nicely drawn, and I am rooting for Dora and Edward already (how can I not when Dora has a pet magpie named Hermes?) Our protagonists are both struggling to carve out independent, fulfilling lives, Dora as a jewellery designer and Edward as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries which he hopes will enable him to travel and study. They persist in their dreams despite rejection – and come to pin these dreams on the Greek vase.
Chapter 13 ends on a real cliffhanger regarding this vase, leaving me desperate for the full novel to arrive. So far, Pandora has earned 5 stars and I am hopeful that this can be sustained through the rest of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this extract in return for an honest review.
The first thing to say about this 13-chapter sample is that immediately after finishing reading it I have ordered the book and I can’t wait to read and review the whole novel.
Pandora is based upon the Greek myth of Pandora – but it also seems to be a fledgling romance set in 1799 between (Pan)Dora Blake and Edward Lawrence (so a Georgian, almost a Regency romance). Plus there are Gothic tropes: Dora is an orphan forced to depend on an awful/wicked uncle, and there appear to be mysterious supernatural happenings concerning an antique Greek vase.
Which is not to say that the novel is derivative or formulaic. The writer’s voice is fresh, with an inventive plot that moves at pace. Characterisation is nicely drawn, and I am rooting for Dora and Edward already (how can I not when Dora has a pet magpie named Hermes?) Our protagonists are both struggling to carve out independent, fulfilling lives, Dora as a jewellery designer and Edward as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries which he hopes will enable him to travel and study. They persist in their dreams despite rejection – and come to pin these dreams on the Greek vase.
Chapter 13 ends on a real cliffhanger regarding this vase, leaving me desperate for the full novel to arrive. So far, Pandora has earned 5 stars and I am hopeful that this can be sustained through the rest of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this extract in return for an honest review.
October 2, 2021
I was able to read this through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
From what I could tell of this book, it seems to have a solid mystery in an intriguing and somewhat atmospheric setting. The sampler was not very long so I'm not sure how well I was able to judge this book in regards to the plot, tone and mystery.
In my opinion, the tone and writing of this book felt like it was trying too hard. This is an adult, historical fiction, but sadly, the impression I got of the writing was that it wasn't that mature and polished enough to well-execute what it was trying to.
But that can be a good thing for some as it will make the reading experience quick and somewhat light-hearted despite the grim themes this books (I think) was hoping to tackle. I might pick up the full book once its released to satisfy my curiosity about the mystery.
From what I could tell of this book, it seems to have a solid mystery in an intriguing and somewhat atmospheric setting. The sampler was not very long so I'm not sure how well I was able to judge this book in regards to the plot, tone and mystery.
In my opinion, the tone and writing of this book felt like it was trying too hard. This is an adult, historical fiction, but sadly, the impression I got of the writing was that it wasn't that mature and polished enough to well-execute what it was trying to.
But that can be a good thing for some as it will make the reading experience quick and somewhat light-hearted despite the grim themes this books (I think) was hoping to tackle. I might pick up the full book once its released to satisfy my curiosity about the mystery.
January 27, 2022
As I began to read this extract of ‘Pandora’ by Susan Stokes-Chapman over the New Year holiday, I knew almost from the first page that it was going to be a winner for me.
I am fascinated by both the Georgian period and Greek myths. As I have the full text to review (thank you Random House U.K. Vintage), I won’t say more.
I am assigning 4 stars just to be cautious.
Still, I was confident enough based on this extract to have preordered both its exclusive hardback and unabridged audiobook editions, which I am currently reading. Will post review of full text as soon as possible.
I am fascinated by both the Georgian period and Greek myths. As I have the full text to review (thank you Random House U.K. Vintage), I won’t say more.
I am assigning 4 stars just to be cautious.
Still, I was confident enough based on this extract to have preordered both its exclusive hardback and unabridged audiobook editions, which I am currently reading. Will post review of full text as soon as possible.
July 19, 2021
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!
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!
July 8, 2021
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.
December 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading this extract for Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman. For me it seems like a perfect blend of historical fiction and mythology. Both genres that I love.
I can't wait to read the rest of the story as the extract ended at an exciting moment. I would have happily read on.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review
I can't wait to read the rest of the story as the extract ended at an exciting moment. I would have happily read on.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review
March 26, 2023
What a great extract that instantly made me want to read the rest... what more could you want?!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews