The Gospel Truth (about this book)

 


This book already had a lot to live up to, as Hercules is my all-time favorite Disney movie. With great music, a feminist heroine, and a sassy villain, what's not to love? So when I found out this was the next Twisted Tale book, I knew I had to break one of my rules and buy it. Since it is so new, I will only do a NON SPOILER review. You're welcome, everyone. 

Pros: 
I obviously enjoyed the fact that you get to see some familiar characters in this book, such as Hercules, Meg, and Hades. (It's not a spoiler if he's on the cover.) We also get to see some new characters integral to the plot and Meg's quest. Katerina, for instance, Meg's former flame's new wife. As those who have seen Disney's Hercules knows, Megara sold her soul for a jerk. Why is he a jerk? Because as soon as he's saved, he moves on to another girl. Poor Meg. This event still haunts Meg as she figures out her new relationship with Hercules and who she can trust. What is love? And does it make you weak if you love someone? I love these questions that are explored throughout the book, and stays true to Meg's character. 
I also have to say, this book is pretty fast-paced, and I was never bored. Maybe because I was engrossed in the story or maybe because I was so happy to be back in that world, who knows. Hercules is still a romantic (but cute) dope, Hades has his sass, and Meg her independence. 

Cons:
So without spoilers, there were some parts where I just didn't think matched the character or their motivations. Also, even though this is marketed for YA, some parts felt very middle-grade to me. The ending was kind of abrupt, and I wish there would have been more of a denouement. (That's a fancy word for more of a resolution.) The epilogue was only a couple pages. 
Some lines were super cheesy but they knew they had to fit them in there because they were such major ones in the movie. Let me rephrase: the lines themselves weren't cheesy, but the delivery was. Sometimes they felt stinted and unnatural. 

Final thoughts: 
Overall, if you're a fan of the movie Hercules, I recommend this book. You'll be back in nostalgia-land and will have fun with the new developments they added as well as the new characters. I Won't Say I'm in Love with this book, but it was definitely a fun travel back in time. 

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