A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for this e-arc of Go the Distance by Jen Calonita.
Fans of Hercules, this one is for you. Disney is at it again with another brilliant Twisted Tales novel. This one is called Go the Distance and it’s all about Meg!
A few years back, I picked up Reflection, Disney’s Twisted Tale about Mulan, and I was immediately hooked. These retellings of our favorite Disney stories are so creative and fun. Sometimes they answer questions that are still plaguing our minds after watching the animated films hundreds of times. Sometimes they’re a totally new plot. No matter the case, I’ve enjoyed seeing these characters come to life in a brand new and unique way.
When I found out that there was going to be a Twisted Tale for Hercules, I immediately requested the title on NetGalley. I actually hadn’t read the synopsis at all (oops) and was pleasantly surprised to find out it was about fierce and sassy Megara. Even though I didn’t watch Hercules as many times growing up, I still have tons of respect for Meg, so I began greatly looking forward to diving into this story.
It did not disappoint! If anything, it might have topped my love for Reflection (which I didn’t think was possible). But let me explain exactly why I loved it…
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Why fans of Disney’s animated film, Hercules, should read Go the Distance.
What if Meg had to become a god?
After Hercules proves he’s a true hero and regains his godship, all seems right in the world. That is, until Zeus tells Meg that she can’t be with Hercules because she’s, well, mortal. Luckily, Hera has a solution, offering Meg a chance to prove herself worthy of a spot on Mt. Olympus–as a god. All Meg has to do is complete a mysterious quest.
The mission? Oh, just to rescue her ex’s current wife from the Underworld. The ex-boyfriend she saved by selling her soul to Hades. The ex-boyfriend who immediately moved on to someone else while she was stuck in the Underworld. Can Meg put her past behind her and use her quick-wit to defeat monsters and gods alike, including the nefarious Hades? Will she finally figure out her place and contribution to the world? Or will her fear of commitment have her running away from an eternity of godhood with Herc?
Written by the author of Mirror, Mirror and Conceal, Don’t Feel, Jen Calonita’s latest twist is sure to delight and surprise. (Goodreads Synopsis)
I need to see you understand love is a strength, not a weakness. That putting your trust in someone you love doesn’t mean you can’t stand on your own two feet. It means you know how to share responsibility and accept help when it is needed… I want to see you know how to be vulnerable, Megara. And understand that love means opening your heart even if the story doesn’t always end the way you want it to.
go the distance
Over the past few years, I’ve read several of these Twisted Tale stories, but none of them have stood out to me quite like Go the Distance. From the moment it began, I was sucked into the tale and wondered what would happen next. I assumed it would be childish, simple, and end with a way-too-predictable HEA (happily ever after). Instead, I was taken on a wild, emotional journey.
I’ll admit, I didn’t grow up watching Hercules the way some kids did. I’ve seen it, sure, but it doesn’t hold a space in my heart as much as other Disney animated films. However, I always admired Meg. She was bold and feisty and I loved her charisma and determination, even in the face of danger. She knew how to put “Wonder Boy” in his place and stand her ground. I think that’s why a lot of people admire her. After reading this book, there’s only respect in my mind for this strong female character.
In order to stay with Herc forever, Hera sends Megara on a quest to become a god. As is expected, the quest isn’t something easy. In fact, it requires Meg to face her past and save the woman her ex abandoned her for… from the Underworld. Back to Hades’ domain, Meg goes (and didn’t she just manage to escape?), and she has more to unravel than just the emotions tied to her previous romance.
There were some stand-out moments throughout this quest. Times where Meg could have (maybe should have) given up and chosen to remain human. There were times where she made mistakes that were oh-so relatable due to her swirling thoughts and unsure feelings. I highlighted so many quotes in my Kindle as I read and even felt as though Megara became somewhat like a friend. This surprised me greatly since I was going into this assuming it would have an almost middle-grade feel to it, as some of the other Twisted Tales had. I closed the book feeling as though I had actually learned something from it.
My greatest desire after finishing this novel? That they’d turn this book into a movie. I would absolutely watch Meg’s story on the big screen!
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Go the Distance – Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Target
Are you a fan of Hercules and Meg? Will you be reading Go the Distance this spring?
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Oh to Be a Muse says
This sounds like a cute Disney read. I had taken a break from reading for a while, but I just bought a book on Friday and finished it Sunday. Always nice to get back to reading!
Stephanie Whitman says
Look at you, reading straight through the weekend. That’s one of the best things to enjoy during those quiet moments, if you ask me π
I'm All Booked Up says
Hercules is such a great movie! We need to add this to our TBR.
Stephanie Whitman says
Hercules is great! I love the movie, for sure, but this book is even better (if you ask me) hehe!
Lizzie says
This sounds awesome! I loved Hercules when I was younger π I love that it’s from Meg’s point of view!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’ll admit that it wasn’t one of the primary Disney animated films that I grew up with – I don’t think I watched it until my late teens/early 20’s, but when I did finally see it, I really enjoyed it. This book was even better than the film, if you ask me!
Neely Moldovan says
Oh what a fun book! I really loved Hercules when I was younger. Such an underrated one IMO!
Stephanie Whitman says
I may not have grown up with it like some, but I can appreciate it much more now. Plus, I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed Greek mythology, so that makes it even more fun!
Raji says
Thanks for sharing this review! I just came across this book over the weekend and I’ve been wondering how it is. I really liked the Hercules movie, so this definitely sounds like one I’d enjoy.
Stephanie Whitman says
Well, now you at least have one perspective on it hehe. I hope you get a chance to pick it up. Meg’s story is truly fantastic!
Nons Mshengu says
I haven’t read a good Disney book in a long time. I’m currently on a self help book kick, but I am adding this to my reading list for the year. Amazing review.
Stephanie Whitman says
This is definitely one to add to your list if you’re looking for a good Disney book, that’s for sure. It’s such a great story!
Jaya Avendel says
I had no idea Disney had created a Twisted Tales series! I love fairy tale retellings, both from the movies and from the original stories, and often play with hidden sides and endings in my writing. I look forward to exploring the questions answered and posed in both Reflection and Go the Distance!
Thanks for sharing. <3
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh yeah! The Twisted Tales series has been around for quite some time now. I think the first book came out in… 2015? There are 12 books total and I’ve read several of them. Reflection is still my favorite – but this one is a super close second!
Anika says
What an interesting concept! I love the idea behind it, and it would be so nostalgic to read about my favourite Disney characters growing up. Love that Meg is getting her own arc! π
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Meg has always been a favorite Disney character for me, despite the fact that I didn’t grow up watching Hercules. I just loved her power and sass. Seeing her shine in this story was so satisfying. She’s an awesome character!
Lisa says
I do love a good twisted tale – in fact that’s why I’m binge watching Once Upon a Time on Netflix at the moment. As a fan of Greek myths and legends too, this sounds right up my street – great review, I’ll have to check this book out, thank you! Lisa
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my goodness, Once Upon a Time is one of my forever favorite shows! I’ve been craving a rewatch lately. I might need to start that back up again π The Disney Twisted Tales are such fun books because they extend the universes that the animated films created for us!
Cristina Rosano says
You totally convinced me! I love the idea that for once it’s not Hercules telling the story but Meg, I think she is such an underappreciated character! It sounds like it was not just a retelling but full of lessons! Can’t wait to pick this up, thanks for sharing x
Stephanie Whitman says
YESS! I honestly was under the impression that this book was going to be about Hades when I first saw the cover (which also would’ve excellent because sassy Hades is fantastic), BUUUT Meg’s story wowed me even more than I expected!
Claire Lomax says
Can I firstly say, I can’t believe I have not come across our blog before, I love it! Think I might fall in to a rabbit hole right now!
I love Disney but I have not read any of the twisted stories yet despite hearing good things. I am heading to the shops tomorrow so I think I might need to try some out.
Thank you for sharing x
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so glad you did happen upon it. Your encouragement means so much to me π I hope you enjoy the Twisted Tales if you get a chance to read them. I’ve enjoyed several of them so far and this one is super high up on my list of favorites!
Alexis Gauthier says
I’m not sure why, but for the longest time I’ve been hesitant to read this line of books. HOWEVER, after reading your incredible review I’ll definitely be more open to considering it! I think that I have an ARC of one of these stories somewhere, and I’ll have to go find it now
Stephanie Whitman says
No way!!! I don’t know why, but I hope this has convinced you to pick them up π I’ve read I think 4?? out of the 11 that are currently out (a Rapunzel Twisted Tale is releasing later on this year), and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them. Talk about a fun concept for books – taking our favorite Disney animated characters and giving them new stories!
Tara Fuller says
i’m so intrigued! I added the entire series to my queue. I am curious though, do they need to be read in order or are they stand alones? I definitely want to read them all next month!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my gosh, that’s so fun! I hope you enjoy them lots. They’re all standalone books, since they’re each about a different Disney world (from Aladdin to Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Hercules, and beyond)! Reflection was the one I started with and it’s still my favorite, with this one being a super close second. I also liked As Old As Time. Let me know what you think when you’ve gotten into them!
lifestyleseason says
Great review! Thank you for sharing this book! I’d never heard of these books before but I love the sound of them! I’m glad you enjoyed this book and it sounds so exciting! I’ll definitely have to check it out.
Amie says
Ooooh this looks absolutely amazing! I’ve been looking out for lots of amazing new books, so I’m going to check this book out!
Lindsey says
Oh I love the sound of this. I haven’t heard of these books before but it sounds like the exact sort of thing that I would definitely enjoy. Great review!
Della Driscoll says
This isn’t my usual read but it sounds really interesting and I’d love to give it a go xx
Sarah Mark says
This sounds like such an interesting read. I will need to check it out!
Venus says
Just by the book cover, this book looks so mysterious. Definitely, something that I will ultimately love to read.
Greta says
Wow this book sounds awesome! Perfect Beach read for my trip at the end of the month.
Kelly Diane says
I love the concept of these twisted tales. I used to love watching Hercules when I was younger so I definitely need to pick up a copy of this. I agree with you that it would make such a great movie.
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I’ve been excited to read your review of this! I haven’t read any of the Twisted Tales books, but I have read ones that are similar and they were a little too juvenile. This one sounds interesting and definitely makes me want to give it a try!
Andrea's Book Corner says
Ahh this one sounds so interesting! I’ve always been a fan of Disney and Hercules so will definitely give this one a try.
itskoo says
I had the same experience with Hercules in that it never held a place on my list of Disney movies I enjoyed–I did like the song though. I love a strong female character and Go the Distance sounds really good. The quote you pulled out solidified that I need to read this book. Thanks for sharing your review!
Laura Leigh says
I absolutely loved Hercules growing up! I still remember seeing it at the drive in movie theater in our small town. I definitely need to read this book! Sweet memories are already flooding back! Thank you for bringing this book to my attention – I am very excited to read!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
Nathalia says
I’ve always been intrigued by this Twisted Tales series but this is the only one I feel like I NEED to read. Hercules is one of my all-time favourite Disney films, and I grew up wanting to be Meg. Will definitely give this one a go!