Reviews

The Widely Unknown Myth of Apple & Dorothy by Corey Ann Haydu

cjmedinger's review

4.0

An interesting take on mythology and ancestry

faith_mckee's review

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

caylieratzlaff's review

3.0

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.

Another delayed ARC read...but it wasn't bad. I don't think it was great. I enjoyed the concept of being near-gods and descendants of the Greek gods and goddesses, but so much of it fell flat. It did cover serious topics like grief and friendships/being in the shadows...but also it was...flat? I don't know if ti was the writing style or if it just wasn't developed another.

megwilli's review

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent

wiestli's review against another edition

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

miszjeanie's review

4.0

Apple and Dorothy are half-gods, descendants of the Greek gods Zeus and Hera and Pandora, respectively. When Dorothy’s mother refuses to return to Olympus one solstice, she becomes a full human and is soon killed in a car accident, leaving Dorothy and her father grieving. Motivated by a promise she made to Dorothy’s mother, Apple befriends Dorothy. But when the gods rule that all half-gods must return home to Olympus and take their place as gods or remain human, Dorothy chooses Earth, to Apple’s dismay. Apple’s fear of losing Dorothy leads her to make a decision with terrible consequences. As a non-fantasy reader, I loved this book — how clever, creative, and profound it is, especially in the way it approaches friendship and grief. I think fans of Greek mythology will love it.

⭐️ A RMG Best Middle Grade Book of 2023 https://readingmiddlegrade.com/best-middle-grade-books-of-2023/

melissasgreen16's review

adventurous hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

sciencewhizliz's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this story and Apple and Dorothy and how they had to decide on their futures together.  

jennneely82's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

"We are here to make things matter, whether as gods or as humans, whether for everyone or just for us." If given a choice, would you choose to be a human or a god? A big choice for two near-god teenage girls, Apple and Dorothy. As they struggle through their decision, we see growth in their choices, friendship, maturity, and life. As a fan of Greek mythology, I really enjoyed this new myth, and how no new myth comes without consequences. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent

christinesreads's review

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5