Bemused

Zero to Hero! Just like that!

Best known as the goddesses of the arts and proclaimers of heroes, the Muses finally have their own gospel truth to tell. In this new twisted tale, their mother, Mnemosyne the overprotective Goddess of Memory has been on the run from the Olympian gods for decades. She has raised her talented daughters Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia as gifted performers, but without an audience to share their gifts with. Believing they found safety in a quiet village, everything changes when her daughters decide to perform publicly on her birthday. This act threatens to expose Mnemosyne’s long-held secret and jeopardize everything she holds dear.

Filled with hidden secrets, a passion for the arts, and the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, this new Disney Twisted Tale is a must-read. Although I only recently began exploring the Disney Twisted Tales series, the announcement of a story centered on the Muses immediately caught my attention, and I was not disappointed. This is the third book I’ve read from the series, and it’s currently my favorite unsurprising, given that Hercules is one of my favorite Disney movies. Farrah Rochon, who also authored Almost There: A Twisted Tale and Fate Be Changed, is a remarkable writer, and I had confidence she would do justice to the Muses’ story. I plan to continue reading the other books in the collection, and so far, I’m thoroughly enjoying them. If you’re a fan of Hercules like I am, you know the Muses were a highlight of the movie, alongside Meg. Their soulful and energetic performances throughout Hercules’s journey were unparalleled. In my opinion, instead of remaking existing Disney movies, they should adapt the Twisted Tales series into films, starting with Bemused.

Beyond my admiration for the Muses in Hercules, I connected deeply with this book because it reminded me of my relationship with my sisters. As the youngest of three sisters, with a younger brothers as well, I recall how one of my older sisters was passionate about Greek mythology and writing, while we each had our own artistic and intellectual talents. As someone who cherishes the arts from dancing to singing and a love for theater this tale resonated with me profoundly. The story is rich with adventures from start to finish, beginning with Mnemosyne, who reminded me so much of my own overprotective mother. While her protectiveness is understandable, given her extraordinary daughters, she shelters them excessively, which frustrated me throughout the tale perhaps due to my personal experiences. The sisterhood among the Muses mirrors my bond with my own sisters. Calliope, always in charge and feeling the weight of family expectations, is the spitting image of my older sister. The eldest often assumes the role of a second parent. My heart went out to Calli as she shouldered the responsibility of caring for her sisters and making decisions on their behalf. Older sisters will likely relate to her, and as the youngest, I know I rely on my big sister more than I should. Like Calli’s sisters, you become accustomed to always having your big sister around. As I read the story, I saw aspects of myself in all the sisters from being empathetic like Mel, to being a romantic and dance enthusiast like Ree, and possessing theatrical flair and intelligence like Clio and Thalia.

Throughout the book, I appreciated how each sister’s unique talents contributed to their collective journey of self-discovery. The inclusion of various Greek gods and goddesses enriched the narrative, offering a fresh perspective on their origins. The story strikes a delightful balance between lighthearted fun, humor, and heartfelt moments.

As someone who grew up loving Disney, I look forward to delving into the rest of the Twisted Tales series. Have you read Bemused yet? If so, what are your thoughts on this twisted tale?