If you like pining, a touch of angst, excellent character growth and a soft, gentle Hades paired with a fierce, ambitious Persephone, do I have the book for you.

You will spend this whole book yelling at the characters to just confess their feelings already! Fitzgerald gives us some really great misunderstanding scenes – where every word has a double-meaning, and though we understand perfectly well what is being said, Persephone, very fairly, takes away the wrong thing.

It’s a really good version of the story. Here, Persephone takes the lead. She has agency, and propels the story forward, firstly when she flees to Hades to escape marriage, then when she gives herself a new name, unhappy with the “naïve girl” meaning behind Kore that her father bestowed on her, and when she discovers her powers might not be limited to flowers.

I loved how ambitious Persephone was, right from the start. There’s plenty of commentary on the patriarchy, represented here by Zeus, and shown to damage not just women, but men, as well. Hades is soft and gentle, presenting a tough exterior to the majority of his court just to remain safe in his realm. He’s gentle and creative, in ways that are seen as feminine, but just as he helps Persephone hide from her parents, she helps him hide his true talents, taking steps necessary so they can remain in peace.

The two characters worked really well together – they both want what’s best for the realm, have both had to hide parts of themselves, and can both ‘act’ well enough to fool the court, sort of, kind of, well, of course, the fake marriage rouse has both of them wrestling with their own feelings, and scared that, for the other, it really is all pretend.

The chemistry was great, too, and you can see how deeply these characters care for one another, how well they understand each other. When they’re united in their goals, they’re formidable, and as the three courts of the gods teeter on edge of war, it’s down to Persephone and Hades to work out what, exactly, is happening to have the humans dying in droves, how to keep the peace, and how best to maybe tear down an empire without letting on.

Another relationship I really liked here was the one between Persephone and Demeter – it’s messy and complicated, and for Persephone, stifling and difficult. But there’s also a deep love there, the kind of love that sees Demeter making certain choices to try and keep her daughter safe, while not realising how much it is damaging to Persephone.

Persephone is headstrong, stubborn, and kind; one of the first things she does when she arrives is try and work out a way to make the Underworld better for the human souls inhabiting it. She feels like a young woman really stretching her wings and realising the true extent of her own power, and on top of this we get a great romance between her and Hades.

I truly, thoroughly loved this one, and if you’re in the mood for a Greek retelling that puts Persephone’s fate in her own hands, I definitely recommend this one.

Thank you to Penguin for providing me a copy of this book via NetGalley – views remain my own.

Easily a five star read! I loved the mythology and the twist on the original tale that the author weaved into this book. Especially the way the author made it into a new, engaging and even more intriguing story. The romance played out perfectly. Hades, sigh! Along with a plot that moved at a lovely pace. I was fully invested in not only the story but the characters too. One of my favourite books from 2023!

So this is Hades-Persephone reimagining, with a twist. Instead of Hades kidnapping Persephone, it is Persephone who jumps into the Underworld in a desperate attempt to save her fate. Sadly, as interesting as this reimagining, I couldn’t bear the overall combinations of early greek era(?) setting but with modern references. Also not really a fan of the descriptions. I think i’m just not the right target audience…

A great YA fantasy book about the gods, the story’s told with a difference. The characters were great and I really enjoyed the love story aspect.

Girl, Goddess, Queen is an original, fun and very humorous retelling of the Greek myth involving Hades and Persephone.
The relationship between the two main characters is wonderful and it's great to see it grow further as the novel progresses.
Bea Fitzgerald is an author I look forward to reading lots more from.

Another myth retelling which was right up my street. I am so pleased the myths are being retold as I thoroughly enjoy reading new takes on them. This one follows the Persephone and Hades story - with banter, chemistry and romance throughout. A wonderful retelling which really does the characters justice.

How fabulous - I relish a Greek myth retelling and Bea Fitzgerald has done it wonderfully here, taking timeless tales and bringing them completely up to date without losing any of the magic. Her storytelling is fantastic, her sense of how to change something to enhance it is excellent. I hope that there's lots more to come from this author, she has a great and compelling voice..

Funny and fierce in all the right measures. One of my favourite debuts of the year. Thank you for this early copy to read and review.

A fun, exciting reimagining of Persephone and Hades, with a dash of enemies to lovers and fake dating. This was a fantastic debut novel by Bea Fitzgerald whose writing style I found very easy to read, pacey and funny. The banter between Hades and Persephone was delightful. Their chemistry leapt off the page. Hades was a surprising character who was so much more than the typical MMC. A wonderful read that I will definitely be recommending. I can't wait to see what Fitzgerald writes next!

This was a great retelling of the classic story we all know. I finished it in one day I was so invested in the story!

Personally I thought there would be more spice, but I'm glad that there wasn't. The story doesn't revolve around spice, and it doesn't need to. Greatly appreciated the accuracy of PTSD and overprotective mothers.

I LOVED the depiction of Hades and how Persephone is shown being both demure and strong. Great read. 4.5/5

What great fun this one was! I adore a good retelling and this one was fabulous, feminist, imaginative and bold. Persephone was a wonderful character and I was cheering for her from the very beginning.

I also adored Hades, who was so different from his usual depiction. He was the perfect foil to Persephone and I loved the two of them together, their romance was so lovely. This is a very slow burn but the outcome is worth it - my only issue is the amount of misunderstandings between the two of them got a little frustrating at times.

On the whole though this was a very enjoyable read, filled with feminism, romance and wonderful world building.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Publishers for an ARC.

Clever twist on the Hades and Persephone myth which doesn't feel tired even though it's been very popular in last few years for reinventions. Loved how sparky and independent Persephone is but there are a fair amount of trigger warnings that should come with this one for the more faint hearted readers. Left open so dare I hope for a sequel??

I am not familiar with much Greek mythology , I really enjoyed this. It's fresh and light and I read it in two sittings. It has everything, a really good read.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Story following the story of Persephone, Hades and Demeter from a chick lit POV.

Very funny enjoyable read, incorporting the greek mythology from a different angle.

This is so good. I loved everything about it. One of the best books including Greek mythology I've read. Will definitely be reading more as this author publishes them

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the fresh take on the greek mythology and the conversations that were had. These conversations followed important topics.

However, I felt like the tone of the writing was a bit young for the content of the book (which falls on the mature side). I kept reading and thinking that this sounds like it should be one the lower YA side but the content is more for Upper YA.

I am excited to see what the author does next because I honestly think that she did a fantastic job and she has the potential to become a big name in YA/ Upper `YA fantasy.

I absolutely adored this room-com, wholesome story. It was witty and fun! I have since passed on this recommendation to my friends who have also loved this book!

I received an e-copy of Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald from Penguin Random House and Netgalley. Even though I have been gifted this book for review, all opinions are my own.

Wow what a stunning to a beginning of one of the best Hades and Persephone retellings that I have ever read, and I have read quite a few novels with this theme. But this was by far one of the best novels written. I loved both main characters and enjoyed their romance. The atmosphere and the world building were incredible. I loved this book so much I brought myself a special edition hardcover. I can truly understand the TikTok hype for this novel and writer.

Highly recommend it if you enjoy mythology and Hade and Persephone retellings.

Thank you to the publishers for gifting me this novel to read and review.

Absolutely incredible. Such an amazing and fresh take on the Hades x Persephone relationship.

I cannot fault a single thing about this book. It was perfect from cover to cover.

Persephone was so headstrong and awe inspiring. She is a force to be reckoned with and a role model for all females.

Hades is so passionate about his arts and compassionate and thoughtful towards Persephone.

Wow what a way to mix up a story. I love the development between Persphone and Hades. It really turns the whole story of her being trapped in Hell on its head.