I had to give this a few pages to get into the idea of this story, but from then on I was hooked. This is a brilliant new perspective on the Persephone myth: one that gives agency and independence to a woman previously cast in a patriarchal victim mode. This should be in every school library.

I unfortunately could not get into this book. But this might be for another type of reader, and wish the best for the writers.

This is a retelling of Hades and Persephone and it’s so good! Went in without any expectations as Greek retellings aren’t my thing but I kept seeing this book all over social media and I’m so happy I was able to read this arc. Boy is this a chunky read?! Didn’t feel like it as I was gripped throughout. Highly recommend.

This is a brilliant retelling of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth and I really loved the feminist take that boosted the tale. Kore doesn't want to get married and so runs away to hell to get some protection from the King but the longer she stays there, the more she realises it is where she belongs. There is humour, fun and drama throughout and it kept me hooked from start to finish.

Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC. I would give this a thousand stars if I could. I was so thrilled to be approved for this ARC!

A spectacular feminist retelling of the Persephone and Hades myth, flipping it on its head and introducing us to a complex ferocious Persephone forging through the chaos.

I absolutely loved watching the sassy Kore as she put on a front to conceal her true nature and masterplan to become her true self - Persephone. Both Hades and Persephone are fleshed out characters slowly breaking down each other's walls and the smoke screens of witty banter. This book had me laughing out loud and screaming with frustration as the two of them danced back and forth through their 'fauxmance'.

Styx was a superb supporting character. I liked the dynamic between the three of them and Styx's initial suspicions about Persephone's intentions subsiding to allow a strong friendship and someone for Persephone to lean on in times of turbulence.

Persephone and Hades scheming against Zeus whilst remaining completely in denial of their actual feelings for each other was both amusing and deeply frustrating. I was rooting for them to win even knowing how the story ends in advance. I'm not sure I'd have been as forgiving to Demeter as Persephone was even if she was acting out of fear and a misguided sense of protection.

Thoroughly recommend this clever look at how to get ahead when the odds are against you with wit and pizzazz! I would like more Greek myth retellings please and thank you.

I enjoyed this even more than I thought I would! This Persephone is kick ass, more than even she realises at first and I fell in love with Hades in the book!
I love this retelling of the tale,

This was absolutely brilliant! I loved that Persephone is rebelling against Zeus and her mother and actively trying to enter the underworld to escape an unwanted marriage.

This book is enemy-to-lovers, fake dating and female empowerment all bundled up into an exciting and captivating read. I can't wait to see what they write next!

Another great retelling of Persephone and Hades!
We see Hades like we've never seen him before as well as Persephone who is more powerful than ever 😍
I wouldn't really class this as enemies to lovers but the forced proximity and marriage of convenience hit the spot perfectly 👏🏻
What an amazing debut and a well done Bea Fitzgerald! Can't wait to see more.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the e-arc of Girl, Goddess, Queen in exchange for an honest review.

Before I had even requested this e-arc, I had been umming and ahhing about preordering from Waterstones. Now I've read it, I can't believe I didn't just slam that preorder button! I was maybe 10% into the e-arc by the time I decided I NEEDED a physical copy of this book.

Everything this book promises you from the outset, it delivers on. It was such an incredibly fun read that not once pulled its punches. The world, whilst beautifully illustrated, is proven to be horrific at best under Zeus' rule and the way the world is built forces characters into action (or inaction, as is the case for some). It is because of this world that Persephone jumps into the underworld and sets the ball rolling for this book.

Saying that, this book is not wholly world-led. Persephone's character is so strong that she herself is the main force behind the movement of the plot. I absolutely loved how she, whether intentionally or otherwise, created so much change in the world and the characters around her. She is an incredibly crafted character, with realistic flaws and strengths. She is a young girl finding herself for the first time in a world that wants for her to simply sit still and look pretty.

Whilst this book definitely has romance within it (obviously), the main focus was Persephone herself. Watching her grow throughout this novel, watching her learn her own strengths and weaknesses and how to survive as a goddess under Zeus' rule, was so incredibly entertaining.

This may very well become a new comfort read for me. Despite certain points making me rather angry on Persephone's behalf, this book made me so very happy and hopeful. It is a gorgeous illustration of what a strong female character is; Persephone felt so very real and I love her.

I also absolutely adore Hades and would love an entire book about him. I don't care if it's a prequel, a sequel or just his point of view throughout this book. I just love his character so much and want sooo much more of him!

This is a great read! In ‘Girl, Goddess, Queen’, Bea Fitzgerald takes the familiar mythological tale of Persephone and the creation of the seasons and adds a modern twist.

Kore is a young woman about to be married to a suitable partner - one chose. By her parents, Demeter and Zeus. However, Kore’s horror at this arranged union leads her to visiting the Underworld and insisting upon the hospitality of a very grumpy Hades. What follows is a narrative full of wit, guile and a woman determined to find her way (and power).

Fitzgerald’s prose is full of charm and good humour. Also, her vivid characters are a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Children’s UK for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thousands of years ago, the gods told a lie: how Persephone was a pawn in the politics of other gods. How Hades kidnapped Persephone to be his bride. How her mother, Demeter, was so distraught she caused the Earth to start dying. The real story is much more interesting. Persephone wasn't taken to hell: she jumped. There was no way she was going to be married off to some smug god more in love with himself than her. Now all she has to do is convince the Underworld's annoyingly sexy, arrogant and frankly rude ruler, Hades, to fall in line with her plan. A plan that will shake Mount Olympus to its very core. But consequences can be deadly, especially when you're already in hell . . .

Persephone is an interesting one because we get to see her flourish over the course of the book. She gets the freedom of making her own choices and discovering who she truly is when she’s in the Underworld and out from under her mother’s thumb. I truly loved what an absolute BOSS this young goddess is! Sassy, kind, determined, and rather cunning as well, she carves the way for others to unabashedly be themselves in whatever way they see fit. I do believe that Persephone may just be added to my list of favourite female characters… I couldn’t get enough!
I expected Hades to be harsh, to be cruel and cold. I did not expect the tenderness and constant joking around. But oh boy was he a great character to read! I love me a bad boy who has a heart of gold and Hades definitely fits snugly in that category. His banter with Persephone was utterly delightful and encouraged a massive smile on my face without fail. Something I would adore to see is part of this story in Hades’ point of view - that would just be amazing! But, I’ll settle for what I’ve been given of this glorious character. Actually, scratch that… GIVE ME MORE SASSY, KIND HEARTED HADES!

I haven’t read a great deal in the way of mythology retellings but this sounded too good to pass up. And boy am I glad that I did read this one! The plot was wonderfully solid and flowed so nicely that I felt engaged and eager to read every time I picked up the book. The entire story is rich with mythology so made it a little confusing for me at times but that is purely because I’m not massively familiar with it. Nevertheless, that did not dull my excitement when reading at all! The romance was rather swoon worthy in my eyes! There was the perfect balance of yearning and longing and then, finally, action! I felt quite gooey on the inside reading such a sweet - and equal - romance. And the banter… I cannot not talk about the delightful banter! It never ended and I absolutely loved every second of it! It just proved what a perfect pairing Persephone and Hades are! The ending of this story was also rather perfect for me. I knew what was going to happen, having known the jist of their tale, but this didn’t take away from the awe and the beauty of the moment. I finished this book with a massive smile on my face. I don’t think it can get much better than that! This was such a delight to read from start to finish. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future.

Overall, Girl, Goddess, Queen is a wonderful retelling I highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Children’s UK for an advanced copy of this book. My review will be live on release day.

Having studied Latin and Greek at school, I am always keen to read retellings of classical mythology. I wondered if Bea Fitzgerald would live up to the wonderful Pat Barker and she does. The story is told from the viewpoint of the feisty Persephone and is different from the traditional story where a frightened Persephone is kidnapped by Hades with her father Zeus’ blessing. Her mother Demeter is mad with grief and manages to persuade her husband Zeus and her brother Hades (all very incestuous!) to allow Persephone to spend 6 months in Hades and 6 on Earth hence summer and winter.
The retelling has Persephone making her own decision to go to Hades to avoid being forced into an arranged marriage by her father Zeus. Hades is not the traditional cold blooded Hades but a warm, creative God with friends such as Styx who also befriends Persephone. It is Persephone who has the power. She learns how to use it and wants control over her father Zeus who treats her as a goddess only worthy of growing flowers.
It is an interesting retelling. Hades and Persephone’s love story is brought to life but it is Persephone who is the true heroine of the story.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

finished this book a few days ago after reading it in less than 2 days and I loved it! The conversations about marriage, patriarchy and girls being unsafe was really well done, not in your face kind of thing, but still in a meaningful way without taking away from the plot or the characters. The only reason why this is not a 5 stars, is because it was too long, especially after midway and wanted Hades to be a bit more, however i can also see what the author wanted to do with his character.
Recommended! Best ya fantasy romance I've read in a very long time.

I liked the new take on the Hades and Persephone story. The feminist edge was empowering and I loved that Persephone carved out her own path with only a little help from Hades.

I thought the ending was good but the middle dragged a little for me. I don't really like the miscommunication trope and think their reasons for not getting together sooner were weak.

This was an enjoyable read all in all, so I'll give it 3.5 stars.

If you want to read a witty, sharp and determined tale about Persephone then this is the book for you! Fitzgerald has turned this myth on it’s head and put a Greek goddess in the driving seat- for once. Full of sizzle, spice and all things nice (nice being chaos), I found this book captivating.

Thank you SO much to @netgalley and @penguinbookssouthafrica for an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion ✌️🌸

Hades and Persephone retelling which I have always wanted to read more of - THIS HAS BEEN thee motivation I have been needing 🙌

Kore 'little girl' is the daughter of Zeus, living on an island in Sicily with her mother, Demeter.
Throughout Kore's entire existence Demeter (Goddess of agriculture) has tried to keep everyone out and keep Kore safe.

Kore spends her days dreaming of traveling and dreaming of living, instead of being forced to paint and weave and do the things that will make her a 'good wife'.

Zeus declares that he will find Kore a husband, fearing for the man her daughter will get if left to Zeus, Demeter insists on being parting of the selection process and promises Kore a good match.

After pleading her wishes to not be wed, Kore escapes to the only realm that her father doesn't rule - The underworld.

Hades is dragged feet first into Kore's plan - a plan to shake mount Olympus and give Kore some time to make a permanent plan of getting out of marriage.

My thoughts....

Oh....my....gosh..... I LOVED this SO HARD!

Hades was perfect in this book, a more gentler soul. Kore is a fiery spirit and the two together just clash over and over again... But in the BEST way ever. I lived for the banter between the two.

The story was so well depicted that you could picture every scene, from the paintings and the flowers to the world Kore creates for the humans in the underworld.

I did not see the plot twist coming with Demeter at the end.

I love Styx SO MUCH 🥺 everyone needs a Styx in their life.

If you enjoy Greek mythology and love a hades and Persephone retelling - this is the book for you.

Interests - Marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, loads of drama and high-stakes.

Wonderful characters!

I was in such a slump - this pulled me out 😁👑

Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald is a captivating and empowering fantasy reimagining that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the world of Greek mythology. In this retelling of the Persephone and Hades myth, Fitzgerald introduces a bold and independent Persephone who defies the gods and takes control of her own destiny.

The author's writing is vibrant and engaging, immersing readers in a richly imagined world filled with gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The dynamic between Persephone and Hades is electric, with their banter and undeniable chemistry adding an extra layer of excitement to the story. Persephone's determination to reshape her own fate and challenge the patriarchal power structures of Mount Olympus is inspiring and empowering.

Fitzgerald's fresh take on the myth explores themes of agency, love, and the strength of female characters. Persephone is portrayed as a complex and multidimensional protagonist, navigating the challenges of the Underworld and facing the consequences of her actions with resilience and determination.

Girl, Goddess, Queen is a fast-paced and enchanting read that will captivate fans of mythology and those looking for a strong and independent female protagonist. Fitzgerald's unique voice and imaginative storytelling make this book a standout in the genre. With its fierce and fun narrative, it's no wonder that the author has gained popularity on TikTok. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an empowering and fresh take on Greek mythology.

A huge thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and especially Bea for granting me an arc!

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS.

The brooding male, the woman determined to be something greater than her father expects, the fake marriage. I just loved it all.

Hades and Persephone exasperated me so much with how absolutely dense they both are, I kept thinking just kiss already!! So now I'm fairly certain Styx is my kindred spirit. Also I got all warm and fuzzy inside and I can't remember the last time a book did that.

I'd also like to do a little shoutout to Bea for putting up with me and my updates while reading and for letting me talk about my own personal life too, you're a gem, Bea and I have throughly enjoyed talking with you.

Out of all the reviews I have written, this one is proving the hardest. This book hit me in the feels, which doesn’t happen much and that caught me pretty off guard. Not to say that’s a bad thing but I am having a hard time putting my feeling of this book into words because I am not sure if I even really know what or how it made me feel 🙈

Let me start by saying I am a HUGE fan of Greek retelling, HUGE! I have read a lot of Hades & Persephone stories but this is the first book I have read where they are actually human, I have never come across a version of Hades & Persephone like this - their story or them as characters. I cannot begin to tell you how refreshing and surprising that is.

I found myself breaking and teary for both MCs at time and I can imagine it could hit home for a lot of readers also, but not in a bad way. I feel like despite being a light and fun read, the author has done a wonderful job of highlighting issues we have within modern day society, something I never expected from this book. Bea, how do you even weave modern issues into a book set thousands of years ago?!

The parental issues covered in this book is very real and very well written. I’m sure it’s something a lot of people will sadly be able to relate to. However character growth and realisation of the positions they are in, coming to terms with it being unhealthy and watching them slowly react differently and finally begin to change the way they look at it all and start putting themselves first is absolutely STUNNING.

I am not ashamed to say I read this book in around 24 hours, time crept away from me and one day off of work, one very late night and early morning later - I was done!
I do not know if this book is planned to be a standalone but I for one would love to see what Persephone continues to do and create within the underworld and i wonder, could Hades get past his facade? Would others judge him for it? Could he finally be his true self and be welcomed with accepting arms?

Congratulations on your debut novel Bea, I would rate this 10/10 if I were able!

I applied for an e-arc on Netgalley maybe 4/5 weeks before being approved. This is one of my highly anticipated releases of the year, so I was screaming when I got the approval email!
Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and of course Netgalley for the chance to read this book before release in exchange for an honest review.

For me personally, this was a 2 star read. However, there are some touches here that would easily raise it to four stars if the execution was better. Ergo three stars because it was mostly quite readable and I'm not really the target audience for a lot of YA fantasy anymore.



<b>The good:</b>



- even though the author has gone in a direction that at times I found twee and unbelievable, she clearly has done her research. I think she's probably aware that Persephone and Demeter predate most of the Olympians by about a thousand years, that we have pretty compelling evidence for this and that Hades was added on as an after thought much later when a more patriarchal religion subsumed those early goddess worship cults. (Fun fact but there is nothing in the earliest records to suggest that Persephone - who had another name which was secret because she was so feared and respected as goddess of death and destruction - was ever Demeter's daughter. They may have been sisters; Persephone may have been the mother; they may have been the same goddess in different guises.)



- all that aside, this was a fairly fun retelling of the (much later) Hades and Persephone myth.



- Fitzgerald has tried hard not to fall into the trap of feminist retellings whereby she imports modern sexism and then tears all the male characters to shreds in order to make the female characters interesting and strong. It hasn't entirely worked but she does acknowledge that sexism cuts both ways and those who inherit a corrupt system are also its victims.



- certain bits of banter between Hades and Persephone were very funny.



- This is story first, political issues second which is the way it always ought to be done. However it's also a pretty intelligent look at power, the desire for it and what it costs to be truly free.



- I had fun with this book.



<b>The less good:</b>



- this Hades just doesn't fit my head canon. (Neither do any of the romantasy alpha Hades variants either before anyone yells at me. So far only Punderworld has got it right as far as I'm concerned.)



- Persephone has way too much 'candy' in narrative terms and the plot does not offer her enough hardship to compensate.



- The book is 200 pages longer than it needed to be, and much of that is filler.



- Much of that filler is just repetitive and appalling dialogue. Ie exposition heavy, circular, not really communicating anything, clearly there because the author wants to use a certain line. It was also clunky with phrases you'd expect to see on a modern teen drama or TikTok which considering the context was very jarring. You really can say more and far more meaningfully with less dialogue.



- Persephone's hang-up over sex = rape might be slightly justified (thanks Demeter etc) but it's boring as hell to read.



- Making Hades 'age appropriate' smacked of intellectual cowardice - the same kind that people who rewrite Arthurian myths and skate over the incest seem to possess. You don't have to use every part of a myth but there was a reason for it to be presented that way in the first place; find out why before you say 'yuck' and yeet it into the sun. I mean, these are gods. They are personifications of aspects of the natural world and human nature. Immortality should change your perspective on time. At the point the story is happening, Persephone could have been hundreds of years old and still the youngest of the gods. It weirdly depowers Hades to remove the context of his experience and the centuries he ruled the underworld alone. (Since you're going for the patriarchal fanfic of the original myth.)



- Sometimes the discussion on political aspects of real life thinly veiled in the narrative are thrust forward a bit too much and interrupt the flow of the story. (Although still a million times more deftly than Babel by R F Kuang manages it.)



Overall, if you like retellings of this myth and you want something sweet and low stress, you'll probably really enjoy this. If you know a lot about Greek myth and having the original context and meaning drained out annoys you, give this a miss.