Booktober Review ‘Go The Distance’

Well, it’s finally Booktober and, naturally, we have some book recommendations to share with you this year. However, some of these books are just a little different. If you haven’t guessed, Niamh and I love our Disney movies and, once we learned that the Twisted Tales series existed, we just had to give some of them a read. Of course, we chose some books specifically because we loved the movies so, when I found out that there was a Hercules based Twisted Tale, I had to read ‘Go The Distance’ by Jen Calonita. I promise I’ll keep it short and sweet and try not to spoil the plot too much but there’s no guarantee this review will be spoiler free so I’m saying it now before anyone gives out: SPOILER ALERT!!!

Now, as a quick refresher, at the end of Hercules, Wonderboy Herc decided to stay on earth with Meg. However, the Twisted Tales version differs. Hercules is ordered by his father to begin his duties as a god immediately and Meg, being mortal, can not stay with him on Mount Olympus. However, Hera offers Meg the opportunity to become a goddess and join Herc in Olympus for eternity but only if she completes the task set before her time runs out. But, as with all tasks set by the Gods, there’s a catch. Meg must face dangerous challenges and the past she sold her soul to Hades for with the help of a grouchy satyr and a loyal, albeit not too bright, Pegasus. Will it be worth it for the woman who won’t say she’s in love? Is eternity something that Meg is willing to go the distance for?

Of course, I was going to be very biased about a book that revisits one of my favourite Disney stories but, on top of that, I am a Classical History nerd and reading a book based on Classical Mythology is very on brand for me. Just trust me when I say, I know a few things about Greek mythology. So, to start with, the characterisation of Meg, Phil and the other characters brought from the screen to the book is spectacularly well done. There are clever nods towards the movie and there are also subtle hints towards Greek mythology with a missing Olympian daughter and the introduction of mythological creatures which are accurately described. It soothed my nerdy soul to see more of the mythological side of Greek history included in the book. The whole tradition of a hero completing a perilous journey to appease the gods and earn a reward is quite typical and the appearance of Athena as a sort of guide is very common in the epic poetry of heroes. Personally, I feel that the backstory we get in the book about Meg really begins to clarify why she was so hesitant to admit her feelings and rely on others. We begin to understand her cynicism and get a proper look into her past before Hercules which could easily be made into another altogether less kid friendly movie. Naturally, it is her hesitance that is being brought into question and her willingness to rely on someone else is tested. Meg must prove that she is willing to move on from the past that shaped her in order to earn her spot in Olympus next to Herc (who is probably god of articulation or rippling pectorals perhaps?).

Now, the book isn’t exactly a difficult read but it is definitely entertaining. Naturally, there are no damsel in distress moments. I mean, look at the main character. Meg very much proves she’s a big girl who ties her own sandals and everything but we also see her learn the limit of her capabilities and gradually learn that asking for help isn’t a bad thing. Overall, this book genuinely made me smile. It had some predictable moments and it’s happy ever after at the end but how the story gets to that point is actually quite well thought out and a great read for anyone who loved the original movie.