Go the Distance

January 1, 2021

Gr 6-8-As the 11th book in the "Twisted Tale" series, Calonita's latest novel riffs on classic Disney fairy tales by asking, "What if things had been different?" When Hercules completes his hero quest, he joins the gods on Mt. Olympus, except Zeus refuses to admit his son's one true love, Megara-a mortal with pale skin and striking red hair. Hercules and Meg are bound to be separated, but Hera offers a way for the two lovers to be together forever. Now Meg has little time to complete a quest of her own that will force her to face her darkest fears and memories while learning to trust others once again. Aficionados of Disney movies and classic fairy tales will enjoy this romp alongside familiar characters. This retelling brings Meg's story to the fore and, along with it, questions about what Meg as a formerly sidelined character really wants for her life. Although the relationship between Meg and Hercules lacks a little in nuance and complexity, this story uses the "what if" twist to center the experience of a spunky woman who grows emotionally through the course of her quest. VERDICT A satisfying retelling, recommended for fans of the "Percy Jackson" series and adventurous, modernized fairy tales.-Talea Anderson, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2021
Megara becomes the heroine of this fractured tale that poses an alternate ending to Disney's Hercules. After Hercules becomes a god, he chooses to return to Earth with Meg. She couldn't be happier until Zeus denies his request and says she can't remain on Mount Olympus with Hercules because she's mortal. Fortunately, Hera offers her the chance to become a god if she can prove her worth by completing a quest in 10 days. First, she must locate Athena's lost flute, then she must retrieve the lost soul of her ex-love's wife from the Underworld--the same ex-love for whom Meg sold her soul to Hades and the same man who moved on to another woman one week after Meg disappeared. With the help of Phil and Pegasus, she'll face dangerous beasts and gods and try to escape Hades once again to complete her quest. Meg must confront her past in order to discover what she truly wants in life and in love. Chapters move between past and present, adding depth to Meg's character and her backstory of independence, lost love, and working for Hades. This is a fun story full of action, twists, and film references, but ultimately it reads a bit like fan fiction. Following the original movie portrayal, Meg has red hair, pale skin, and violet eyes. A fun read for Hercules fans. (Fantasy. 12-18)

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