”𝒫𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓈 𝓌𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂.”

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒋𝒊𝒔:
🏛️👸🏽💙👸🏼🔮🏺

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒕:
A Sapphic retelling of the Trojan War focusing on Helen and Cassandra, a Princess of Troy cursed by Apollo with the gift of prophecy that no mortal will ever believe.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
💙Dual POV
💙Rivals to Lovers
💙LGBTQIA REP
💙Forbidden Romance

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
This was an absolutely glorious reimagining that is both fresh and fierce. I love Bea’s writing, the attention to detail and the clear research and passion that goes into her retellings makes my A-Level Classics heart sing!👏🏻 It also means that even though the very idea of this book and the romance between Helen and Cassandra, deviates from The Iliad/source material, the setting and society of the book is portrayed accurately. Bea re-weaves the tapestry of myth as triumphantly as Cassandra weaving the threads of prophecy. I loved the sassy, unashamed and self assuredness of both main characters and I enjoyed watching their minds at work and their romance bloom. Equally, even just hearing the name Apollo makes me want to claw at my skin- what an awful, but not inaccurate, depiction of the gods!

Thank you to Penguin House of YA for a proof copy and Netgalley for an earc- this is my honest review.

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The End Crowns All is a Sapphic Greek myth retelling of the Iliad from the author of ‘Girl, Goddess, Queen’ that follows Helen, a spartan princess thrust into the political trojan court, and Cassandra, a princess with prophetic visions cursed to never be believed. Fitzgerald has crafted a story that manages to keep the soul of the original tale alive while also adding in suspense, anguish, witty humour, and a swoon-worthy Sapphic love story. The dynamic between Helen and Cassandra is emotionally complex as we see them transition from political rivals to tentative friends to full-blown lovers. The pining between the two kept me hooked as the tension was built up perfectly, and my excitement at their first kiss could not be contained. Despite being over 500 pages long, the fast pace never dropped, and I wouldn’t remove a single word. I would say this book was written with modern language and intended to be for a YA audience and so fans looking for darker retellings may not enjoy this book as much as other adult Greek myth adaptations. Bea Fitzgerald writes the kind of feminist love stories I wish I had growing up and I would recommend The End Crowns All to anyone looking for a fast-paced, historical Sapphic romance.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review*

Okay this was not "Girl, Goddes, Queen" but it was a great retelling of the trojan war. I really loved the relationship aspects in this one, the families, the gods and lovers. I did not like the quick abrupt ending and the little too-dragged part leading up to the middle.
I liked the switch between the two perspectives of Helen and Cassandra and I almost felt like I was with them, feeling the tension they were building up between them.

Overall I enjoyed reading a book written by Bea Fitzgerald again, her writing style is great to read and I enjoy her twists to the myths a lot, I hope we get more of them! Big recommendation to all my fellow Rick Riordan-Retelling girlies, that are looking for more mature but still YA retellings of our favourite greek myths!

Introduction
Bea Fitzgerald burst onto the book scene last year with Girl, Goddess, Queen, a retelling of the Persephone myth. It made all the Best Of lists with its clever, sly, smart retelling and expansion of a myth that we all know a bit, recalling Xena in its irreverent humour. This second novel, while not related, is another Greek retelling with the same sense of humour - although this is not a funny book, simply one with some funny lines and moments.

Plot Summary
Cassandra and Helen, princesses in two of Greek's many city-states, have each found a way to deal with their lot in life. Cassandra has avoided an arranged marriage by swearing herself to Apollo; Helen has chosen the husband who seems best able to protect her. The gods love to play their games, though, and Helen and Cassandra's futures are written, along with all of Troy. There's no way to avoid the threads woven by the Fates. Isn't that what we're taught?

Characters
Cassandra and Helen are the main characters, and mirrors of each other. Cassandra leans on her status to avoid censure and live as she pleases; Helen molds herself to the people around her, becoming whatever they want her to be as a way of keeping herself safe. Cassandra is tortured by visions of the future that she can't alter; Helen is a master at manipulating people to produce the result she wants.
There are various other members of the court who both help and hinder our main pair - and of course Apollo keeps dropping in and out to make sure things are staying on track.

Writing Style
Although this is very firmly set in Ancient Greece, the style is modern and chatty. Characters make puns and the dialogue is fast paced. I did think the pace was slower than GGG, especially in the first half - we got stuck in a loop of Cassandra trying to tell someone about the war, them not believing her, her being depressed, her trying to tell someone, for quite a while, but things turned around in the second half. Having the two points of view made it easier to notice things we wouldn't have otherwise and let us understand the two girls more clearly.

Themes and Messages
Both Cassandra and Helen are women trapped in a world run by and arranged for the benefit of men, trying in their different ways to get by as best they can. Similar themes were explored in GGG, along with the power of women when they work together and use their strengths. The novel takes some creative liberties with the mythological narrative, offering a fresh perspective on well-known tales.

Setting
Although Bea is obviously making up some of the day to day details, it all flows beautifully and makes a lot of sense. Cassandra adores her city and it comes through very clearly in her sections, when we see it through her eyes. Helen is naturally less attached to it, but also begins to see the beauty of it as the story goes on.

Strengths
Both main characters are well thought out and distinct
The historical setting is amazing and Bea has expanded it beautifully in ways that make perfect sense
The language is rich and magical without being too dense to follow

Weaknesses
The novel is slower in the first half which may put some readers off
Some purists may not like the way it plays with 'established' mythology
It's long at 555 pages, which might put some people off

Personal Connection
I really enjoyed this book. Fantasy and mythology are my jam, especially when they're not stodgy and old fashioned, and Bea has a way of making these old, old stories seem fresh and relevant to today's issues. This is a great read for those with the patience to see it through.

Conclusion
This is aimed at teens; I think there are many adults who would enjoy it as well. Anyone who's interested in mythology or a good retelling will enjoy this one, and there are several compelling subplots that add depth to the story.

Author Information
Bea Fitzgerald is an author and writing coach. The End Crowns All is her second book; her third, an adult thriller called Then Things Went Dark will be published this summer. (link to Bea's webpage)

Further Reading/Viewing
Obviously Girl, Goddess, Queen, Bea's first book, should be high on the list! For younger readers, the Percy Jackson series is a more modern retelling; for adults, Stephen Fry has a series of retellings. There are literally hundreds of others, I've just scratched the surface here! (links to all titles)

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I have read a lot of greek retelling, and The End Crowns All is one of the best! Bea Fitzgerald takes a story that is known to everybody and masterfully manipulates it into a fresh and captivating tale! I ended up reading the last 2/3 of the book in a day-I couldn't put it down.

I was a massive fan of Girl, Goddess, Queen (and of Bea Fitzgerald’s writing!) but The End Crowns All has made her an autobuy author for me. I am always won over by a dual POV and a feminist focus, and that - coupled with the wide, fully fleshed out cast of characters (loved Kreusa and Deiphobus, hated Apollo!) and Cassandra’s arc from spoiled, bratty princess to a vulnerable and unlikely hero - made this novel a real stand out.

We all know (or think we know!) about The Fall of Troy, and the face that launched a thousand ships, and it was so refreshing to see a new and unpredictable take on it while maintaining all the central elements of the original myth. As you would expect from a sapphic, feminist retelling Fitzgerald’s characters rail against the patriarchal constraints of their time (quite rightly) and Helen and Cassandra’s ending was so well done.

I can’t wait to read Bea Fitzgerald’s next book.

"Oh, Cassandra. I'm going to have such fun with you. I have so many devoted followers and what does it mean? When it's so freely given? Your devotion, sweet princess, will be a joy to wrest from you."

I was low-key obsessed by Bea's Pink Era, I mean Girl, Goddess, Queen gave me everything!
My first thought upon hearing the news of a new book was 'there is no way it will top my love for Persephone and Hades'
Well enter Bea's Blue Era and I stand corrected because The End Crowns All is my new obsession and there is nothing low-key about it!

A Fall of Troy retelling, I never knew I needed.
Usually just a footnote to the glory of the men of the Illiad, Helen and Cassandra take centre stage in this sapphic love story to defy the Gods.
Bea's take is equal parts enthralling and enraging, heart warming and breaking. Plainly put it's just beautiful.

The duel perspective offered a depth into these two characters that you don't usually get, highlighting their personal tragedies and tackling heavy themes in a powerful way.
Following these two women, while they navigate living at the whim of misogynistic men and commanding, chaotic and conniving Gods was a rollercoaster of a read.

The themes feel very modern considering this is set in ancient Troy and are handled carefully, sensitively and emerged organically through the story.
The representation of asexuality especially within a time period that didn't have the language for it is expertly delivered and I believe will help people gain a better understanding. I loved how Cassandra's lack of sexual desire for others was portrayed and how that did not diminish her love for Helen.
Equally the subjects on rape culture, systemic abuse, consent and the right to change ones mind were presented in an authentic way and delivered such an important message.

Somewhat sinister, definitely primal and—crucially—self-destructive these women are the epitome of female rage.
'The End Crowns All' is to books as
TayTay's 'Female Rage: The Musical' is to music.

Read this book, relate to these women and then recommend it to everyone!

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House UK and Bea Fitzgerald for the copy of the eARC.

A YA romantasy reimagining of the Greek myth of Troy, this book skillfully blends elements of an enemies-to-lovers romcom with a serious literary exploration of women's roles in society, patriarchal control, and various forms of abuse. The story features strong representation and manages to balance its lighter, more whimsical moments—such as fake marriages and couples hiding in closets—with its weightier themes. Overall, it offers an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin for letting me read an ARC of this phenomenal book!

First of all, I think it’s really important to address that this book is NOT like Girl, Goddess, Queen. It’s a lot more focused on Greek mythology and the concepts of war, love and what a person would do to protect those they love. It’s more complicated in its plot structure and writing style but if you can get past that, it truly is a phenomenal retelling of the Iliad and the story of Troy.

I looooved the switch up to sapphic romance between Cassandra and Helen, how that grew, especially dealing with asexuality. They are both such strong female voices with district characteristics that make them such wonderful, well rounded characters.

Basically this book teaches two things: men suck, and so do the Greek Gods. And trust me, I will lap that shit up any day. The two different POVs add to the world building and character development and we truly get to see how much Cassandra and Helen have been wronged by men. Cassandra by Apollo, cursed to live with prophecy that will not be believed. And Helen, running for abusive marriage into a loveless marriage just to espace.

Overall, the story was excellent, the romance added extra to the story, and I really enjoyed it!!

I received an advanced review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating.

Bea Fitzgerald's "The End Crowns All" weaves a mesmerizing tapestry, re-envisioning the timeless saga of Helen of Troy with a contemporary flair. Within its pages, ancient myths entwine with a riveting storyline, delving into the realms of love, authority, and fate. Amidst the tumult of the Trojan War, where Helen's journey ignites conflict, this rendition offers a profound exploration of emotional depths and intricate political landscapes, breathing new life into a classic tale.

The protagonist, Cassandra, is gifted the power of prophecy by her patron god, Apollo, but this divine gift quickly turns into a curse. Her visions, which no one believes, center on a mysterious girl destined to ignite a war. Cassandra's arc is a poignant exploration of faith, betrayal, and the struggle to be heard. Helen, on the other hand, finds herself entangled in the treacherous web of Trojan politics, far from the romantic escape she envisioned. The interplay between these two characters is both intense and tender, driving much of the book's emotional depth.

The novel's strengths lie not only in its lush storytelling but also in its profound exploration of themes such as fate, choice, and the power dynamics within relationships. Fitzgerald manages to balance the grandeur of epic battles and the intimate moments of personal connection, creating a narrative that is both sweeping and deeply human.

Readers will find themselves enchanted by the rich tapestry of characters, each brought to life with nuance and empathy. The portrayal of women in this retelling is particularly noteworthy, presenting them as multifaceted individuals with agency and depth, far beyond the traditional archetypes often found in mythological tales.

In essence, Fitzgerald has crafted a novel that not only honors the legacy of its source material but also challenges and expands upon it. "The End Crowns All" stands as a testament to the enduring power of myth and the timeless nature of love, making it a compelling and unforgettable read.

What truly sets "The End Crowns All" apart is its Sapphic retelling of the fabled fall of Troy, laced with the irresistible tension of rivals-to-lovers friction and slow-burn pining. Fitzgerald's prose is both lyrical and accessible, making the ancient world come alive in vivid detail. The romance between Cassandra and Helen is beautifully crafted, adding layers of complexity to their characters and the story. This novel is more than just a retelling; it's a reinvention that invites readers to see the familiar myth through a new, inclusive lens. For fans of historical fiction, mythology, and epic romances, "The End Crowns All" is an absolute must-read.

When Cassandra’s patron god, Apollo, offers her the gift of prophecy she jumps at the opportunity. But when she fails to follow through with her end of the bargain it angers Apollo so he ensures that no one believes one her visions of war and the girl that appears to be the one who starts it.

Helen flees Sparta for the pursuit of love but far from the home she knows Helen finds herself navigating the backstabbing of the Trojan court and the Princess who is intent of driving Helen from Troy in any means possible. When the prophecy of the war comes to fruition and the Trojan army cannot contend with it Cassandra and Helen have to join forces as they might just be the ones to win the war and save the city of Troy from ruin. 

I loved Girl, Goddess, Queen so when I was accepted to read this arc I was so excited and at first I was not gelling with Cassandra’s character in the same way I did with Persephone but after I gave my head a wobble as they are both completely different characters I began to like Cassandra and her story.

I really enjoyed this sapphic retelling of the fall of Troy and the growth of Cassandras and Helen’s friendship, whilst in the background the knowledge that they have stronger feelings for each other than just friends. This is told from a dual point of view, Helen and Cassandra, and I liked the way the chapters alternated between the 2 women. Overall a great story and if you like Greek mythology retellings you will love this but if not still give it a read because it is written so well it doesn’t feel like a history lesson. I look forward to the next book as I really think Bea Fitzgerald is going to be an auto buy author for me.

FYI please check the trigger warnings at the start of the book.

this was amazing!!

i’m a big greek mythology fan AND a lesbian so obviously i was excited for this, and it did not disappoint.

Cassandra has always been incredibly interesting to me, so seeing inside her mind was brilliant. i loved how she would try her best to help even when no one would believe her.
i also liked how both her and helen’s stories tie together men always being in charge. helen is in an abusive marriage and can only escape by being with another man who she has to pretend to love, then when he dies must immediately remarry again, while cassandra became a priestess to avoid marrying a man, only to be cursed by the god she refuses, and have visions of a war she cannot control.

Helen was also amazing. i loved how desperate she was to do anything to get control of her own life, and that she does manage to start fighting again.
i also very much enjoyed their romance. it felt very believable and was developed beautifully, along with the platonic and familial ones.

highly recommend!

Wow. Wow wow wow. I don't even know where to start with this one. I adored this book with all of my being and sapphic-loving heart.

So, I'm a HUGE fan of Girl, Goddess, Queen. It was one of my best reads of last year; it embodied everything I love about mythology retellings. So when it was announced that Bea would be entering her blue era and publishing another myth retelling, I was beside myself with excitement. Near catatonic. And boy oh boy did it not disappoint.

For starters, this book has a very different vibe to GGQ. Even though they're both YA, I would say that The End Crowns All felt much more adult; dare I say it dealt with more adult themes?

Another reason that I adored this book is due to the representation of Helen. She has been dragged and vilified throughout history, and it has always bothered me. So, I loved the fresh take on her characterisation as being a woman who has been bartered for and won throughout her life; she was not some harlot who enjoyed causing havoc through her relationships. The same goes for Cassandra. She's an odd character that I feel like has largely been ignored or side-lined in plays and retellings. A big fan of Clytemnestra, I am fully aware of her dreadful association with Agamemnon. So, I adored that she took the centre stage in this book; she's such a wonderful and interesting character.

And their relationship was honestly beautiful; their love and friendship, despite everything being against them, was one of the best things about this book. I adored them.

Even though he was an absolute scumbag, I really enjoyed Apollo as a kind of chorus. He dipped in and out, and appeared only to Cassandra (and by extension, the audience) and kind of summed up the story as it progressed (as well as thickening the plot). I thought it was a really clever idea to create a sort of modern chorus. I also had complete faith in Bea that she would not change the narrative and continue to represent Apollo in all of his awful glory; I have always hated him, and I still hate him.

I cannot recommend this book enough. Please read it, you will not regret it!!

A truly decadent Troy retelling. Focusing on Helen and Cassandra this intricately weaved tale gives us the story we always wanted. When prophecy,gods, love and war are involved - you know it's going to get messy! Absolutely five stars.

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

Princess. Priestess. The most beautiful girl in Troy. Cassandra is used to being adored – and when her patron god, Apollo, offers her the power of prophecy, she sees an opportunity to rise even higher. But when she fails to uphold her end of the agreement, she discovers just how very far she has to fall. No one believes her visions. And they all seem to be of one girl – and the war she’s going to bring to Troy’s shores. Helen fled Sparta in pursuit of love, but it’s soon clear Troy is a court like any other, with all its politics and backstabbing. And one princess seems particularly intent on driving her from the city before disaster can strike... But when war finally comes, it’s more than the army at their walls they must contend with. Cassandra and Helen might hold the key to reweaving fate itself – especially with the prophetic strands drawing them ever closer together. But how do you change your future when the gods themselves are dictating your demise?

Cassandra is someone entirely used to getting what she wants. Until she isn’t. She’s an interesting character because she truly goes on a long journey of finding herself and her true worth. In the beginning she is undoubtably a brat and I was not a fan of hers. But as the book progresses and things turn more and more against her, she adapts and changes to become more pleasant and more admirable. I think in the end she comes into herself and is quite a good character!
Helen is a woman who knows her own mind but has been forced into a box and the threat of harm if she tries to fight against it is too much for her. She seems, frankly, like quite the bitch initially. But I found myself warming up to her as the book went on. I liked her interactions with other characters and did really appreciate seeing her assist so many other women to ensure they felt safe and strong in their own bodies. She is quite the girl boss for sure.

Having read Fitzgerald’s debut last year and being so enthralled by it, I knew I couldn’t pass up the idea of getting an early copy of this book! I’m not the biggest fan of Greek mythology - I only read the first 5 Percy Jackson books in 2022! - but thankfully the plot wasn’t too difficult to follow. I’ll admit to getting lost a few times but I think that’s just because there is so much going on with so many different people involved. That being said, the story flowed well and held my attention. I didn’t feel too overwhelmed at any point which was great and always felt eager to pick up the story. There are quite a few triggers to this story but they’re all mentioned at the beginning of the book which I think is super important. There are some harder hitting things that could be very difficult for some to read so I’m grateful for the pre-warning. The characters are all pretty good, there are just so many of them! I think that is the unfortunate downside of books centring on Greek mythology. Everyone seems to know everyone and everything is interlinked and woven together. Because of that, it is very difficult to keep the cast small. This, I found, did make it a little tricky to keep up at times but I think I did okay. There is a fair amount of romance in this book - both forced and fake, and tender and blossoming. I think the biggest thing is the fact there is great Ace rep! Fitzgerald has truly done a wonderful job on this front. The true romance was so lovely to read! The ending was pretty good. I felt like it wrapped up the story very well and whilst it was slightly open-ended, I felt rather satisfied by it.

Overall, The End Crowns All is a perfect book for Greek mythology lovers!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day.

A YA romantasy reimagining of the Greek myth of Troy. This feels like two books smashed together: one enemies-to-lovers romcom and one serious literary novel about women's role in society, patriarchal control and types of abuse. There's good representation but the whole things feels insincere when there's fake marriages and couples hiding in closets. There whole thing could also have been about 100 pages shorter. Not one for me.

I loved GGQ so was so excited to receive this ARC (thank you Netgally) but I just didn’t click with this book and took almost a month to finish. I enjoyed the first 20% but then I spend until 90% saying “Where is the horse?!” I think with hindsight a few things were against me and this book:

1. Lesbians have so many feelings and there was a lot of brooding! (Says the lesbian reviewer!)
2. My Greek epic knowledge is very limited and there was so many people that I took along time figuring out who was who - kindle was a big help here with the highlight a search feature
3. I don’t like going into something knowing the big reveal (aka the horse!), granted a lot more things happened but I think I am not a fan of reading a story I already kind of know.

I did love the positive message from this book about female empowerment in a world in which men have all the power and I did love the Persephone/Hades cameo. This wouldn’t put me off another of Bea Fitzgerald’s books but maybe not a Greek retelling.

Longer review closer to pub date but I sped through this fresh, inventive, heartrending, but also beautiful and hopeful take on the Fall of Troy through the POVs of Cassandra and Helen. Lots of nuance and depth in even the supporting characters and their situations. A sapphic love to defy the Gods, and how! Highly recommended.

Wow just wow, I loved this helen of Sparta/Troy retelling with the choatic but loyal Cassandra.

The author does a fantastic job of highlighting the hypocrisy of men in an archaic era where women are second rate citizens living at the whim of Misogynists. Cassandra really bares the brunt of fate this entire story and the cruel ways of the gods. Helen is not what you’d expect and shes pretty much thrown into this story at the desire of the gods as much as Cassandra is.

This story is powerful, chaotic and cruel story but I couldnt put it down.

Bea Fitzgerald does it again !

I am all for Sapphic story’s and asexual romance in books more power to them.

Helen finally gets a real relationship rather than it being about her launching a thousand ships she goes in search of love !

It’s an angry rage filled book , the women in Scientology Greece really only had a smidge of power so it’s nice to see a book retelling it in maybe a way you didn’t expect it.

Definitely an older reader , only because it might be quite daunting and very mystic and classic heavy.

I loved this book I love classic retellings! What wonderful story will be next?
Jason and Medea?
Maybe not Greek at all more folklore!
These books are beautiful inside and out !