I got this as an arc on Netgalley since the new version will come out in September. This was amazing, but to be frank I love Greek God retellings passionately. I like the powerhouse that is Penelope in this version. She's strong, witty and likes herself.

I loved this Hades & Persephone retelling so much!!! I adored the relationship between the two. They have great banter and mostly good communication. They each have so much care for the other. Their relationship is definitely slow burn, but its so wonderful. I really loved Persephone's personality and how she had so much spunk and fire when she felt she could show her true personality. I loved the process of her taking and finding her own power. I also loved how soft and gentle Hades could be. Don't get me wrong - definite touch her and die die vibes here too - but he definitely had a heart of gold. He's so sweet!

This book held my attention so well. I could sit and read large chunks at a time. Before I knew it, I was at the end. I only wish I could continue to read more of them as they navigate their lives after the end of the book. I received an eARC for my honest review, but I definitely want to buy a physical copy of this now. I will definitely be rereading it multiple times, and I want it on my shelves. Its a new favorite.

The true strength of this story lies in the vivid imagery and detailed worldbuilding. I loved the sense of place and how well-developed the variety of settings was, especially the Underworld. I also liked the occasional references to other Greek myths, with some slight tweaks.
I really struggled with the characters and narration, though. For one, the issue of the incest and age gap was glossed over and mostly ignored. Persephone was extremely childish throughout the story, and Hades felt a little one-dimensional once he stopped hating Persephone. The dialogue was extremely modern, and phrases like "sarcastic phallus" do not belong in any book, Greek mythology or otherwise.
The plot progressed well enough with some occasional lags, and most of the slow burn in the romance was taken up with willful misunderstandings. I did appreciate the lack of explicit spice, as this was a YA book, though.
Overall, this makes a decent modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, but the excessive modernity made it difficult to feel truly immersed in the beautiful world created throughout the book. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the eARC!

This book is simply a blast to read! Chaotic, funny, and full of heart (and yearning!), I couldn't want more from this feminist fantasy romcom-retelling of Hades and Persephone! So in love with Bea Fitzgerald as an author and cannot WAIT for more!

Kore (Persephone; I don't understand the author's insistence on using the much less known version of a very well known character) wants you to know that she is NOT like other girls. Other girls are feminine and weak and only care about men. So she.....is the goddess of flowers, runs away to be with a man who has power over her, and immediately wants to be with him despite him having zero redeeming qualities. Not sure how this was supposed to be feminist.

I remember seeing posts/videos from this author about a year (maybe two) ago on Instagram when she started promoting this book (which I think was first published over in Europe). So, when I saw that it was available for request in Netgalley here in the US, I was eager to request a copy and give it a try, especially since the story of Hades and Persephone is one of my favorite stories from Greek mythology. Unfortunately, as I was reading this book, I found that this wasn't the book for me. I'm not entirely sure if it was the author's writing style or how she decided to retell this particular tale (or maybe it was a bit of both), I found that I just couldn't finish it. So, for now, I'll have to put it on my 'did not finish' pile. I would, however, certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a Greek mythology retelling.

I admittedly have only the most basic knowledge of the myth of Hades and Persephone, but I thought this was such a fun retelling!

Girl, Goddess, Queen asks the question: What if Persephone wasn’t kidnapped? What if going to Hell was her plan?

I love this spin that gives the power back to Persephone as being the one taking charge of her future. In the book, she is angered with the prospect of being married off by her parents to the highest bidder, an arrangement in which she will likely have no respect, freedom, or safety.

Instead of being a victim of her circumstance, she does the thing she can think of - runs away to the Underworld. What follows is the story of an ambitious young woman forging her own path, claiming her power, and finding love. This is a YA fantasy and I think there was excellent commentary on toxic masculinity, sexism and being true to yourself. I also loved the banter between Persephone and Hades and the conversations around consent 🙌🏻

Overall I thought this was a well paced and enjoyable read. It hits on some important topics for the YA audience that make me I wish I had read more books like this in my late teens. I look forward to reading more from Bea Fitzgerald in the future!

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Girl, Goddess Queen
✒️ Bea Fitzgerald
💫💫💫

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of Hades x Persephone, always love how different authors write their story but this one was a little dull in some places.

Hades in this book is the most sweetest version of him I have ever read. He adores Persephone and yes he is still dark and brooding.
Persephone was a bit annoying and intrusive but I understood why for the plot but I found her to be annoying sometimes.

Their chemistry was great, the world building was excellent and the plot was unique enough that I did not feel like I was reliving the same story.

4.5 Stars

Girl, Goddess, Queen is a Hades and Persephone retelling that gives Persephone power over her decisions.

I'm not always a huge fan of feminist retellings, but this was funny, beautifully written and quirky. The story follows Persephone as she escapes to the underworld to avoid being married off by Zeus to the highest bidder. Once escaped from Zeus' grasp, Persephone manipulates Hades into letting her stay in his realm, where she at once goes about suggesting changes.

I loved the banter and relationship that developed between Persephone and Hades. This is definitely a romance novel, and the slow burn between the two is well done; you can feel the chemistry. But I also loved our cast of underworld side characters and the elements of Persephone's story beyond the romance, where she finds her feet as the Lady of the Underworld.

This is a fantastic debut novel by Bea, she brilliantly melds romance, comedy and storytelling to create a fun, fast read that gives Persophone a voice and a purpose, and I can't wait to read her next book.

In this version, Persephone isn't abducted—she escapes to the Underworld to avoid an arranged marriage orchestrated by her overbearing parents, Zeus and Demeter. Seeking autonomy, she proposes an alliance with Hades, the aloof and unexpectedly artistic ruler of the Underworld. Their relationship evolves from reluctant allies to friends, and eventually to something deeper, all while challenging the patriarchal structures of Mount Olympus. The banter between Hades and Persephone... is wonderful. Humour in a Greek mythology retelling? So very needed

This novel is a YA romance, but I found myself enjoying it although it's different genre wise from the retellings I usually read. Persephone is a goddess who wants the world, but is given flowers instead. Demeter tries to encourage her towards marriage and fulfilling the role expected of women in a patriarchal society, but Persephone cannot stand the idea of marriage (to a god she does not know especially). She constructs a plan to go to the underworld to hide.

I am always hesitant with Persephone retellings because I have a hard time with Hades being portrayed as the perfect love interest (or the Stockholm syndrome that blinds Persephone), but I feel like this novel does a good job of reimaging the original myth in a way that gives Persephone more agency than in the original sources. It is full of quippy dialogue and tropes, and I think it was a fun read. I love seeing myth retellings in the YA space because it gives younger readers an intriguing entry point to learning more about mythology and the ancient world.

A fluffy re-telling of Hades and Persephone's story.

I appreciated that the author made the choice to have the couple be closer in age and offers a reasonable explanation that matches existing lore. It levelled the power dynamic between them in a manner that worked for the story that's being told.
While I'll never be a fan of Demeter, no matter how the cake is sliced, the author has done a good job in unpacking how her actions were the consequences of trying to survive and prepare Persephone for life within a system that was built to keep her, and other women, small. The patriarchy ruins a lot, but it can't stomp out resilience. It was wonderful to see Persephone's flame shine brighter as the story unfolds. Both she and Hades were two cuties with a lot of sas.

If you're looking for a lighter story built around Greek mythology, this is definitely one to consider.

As a HUGE Hades and Persephone fangirl, the second I saw this was a retelling of their myth, it skyrocketed to the top of my TBR. I was desperately searching for something to fill the Lore Olympus-shaped hole in my heart, and this book absolutely delivered. It's witty, fun, empowering, and had me kicking my feet in the air giggling like a love-struck mortal.

This isn't your typical gloomy Underworld romance. Nope—Persephone chooses to jump into the Underworld, crashes into Hades' life with zero chill, and proceeds to stir chaos in the most entertaining way possible. Their dynamic? Pure gold. From snarky enemies to fake-married almost-lovers with insane chemistry and soft glances, I was LIVING for it. Hades is the grumpy, broody soft boy of my dreams and Persephone is an unstoppable goddess queen with a mischievous streak. If you love Greek myth retellings with badass heroines, reluctant heartthrobs, banter, fake dating, and a whole lot of heart? This book was made for you. 💀👑🔥

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆
Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald
3.0 Stars
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
Overall Review
When I first heard of this book, I thought it could cure my thirst for Greek mythology books I’ve had since Percy Jackson. While this book is more darker and sensual towards the end, the author did an okay job with the plot. However, the biggest reason why it was a 3 star read was because of the execution of the plot. The characters and their conflicts just didn’t align well when it came to the important points of the book, it didn’t hit as hard. Overall, I would say the beginning was the best and then it just goes downhill during the middle then up a little at the end.
Just like some other readers, I felt there wasn’t a need for the book to be that long. The conversations with the different characters were interesting, but the plot and events didn’t cause tension, at least not through the writing style and the establishment of stakes.
I understood the whole grand plot Persephone and Hades had to irritate Zeus, but the writing style and way of delivery just made the book seem bland and shallow. (I’ll go into the characters soon, but let me finish with the plot)
In the end though, this book’s message was meaningful enough to convince me it’s a 3 star read. If you love a little rebellion and the journey of erasing expectations on females, especially in marriage, society and power, this could be your next read that hopefully, you’ll love it more than I did.
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
Characters
Persephone (Kore): Goddess of flowers and life. Daughter of Demeter and Zeus, she’s depicted as a woman who wants to carve her own path instead of being married off to a god and chained to its promise. In the book, her character stands up for herself but becomes timid when faced with expectations and especially with her power and identity. Honestly, she can come off as selfish at times when she tried to create an afterlife for the souls dumped in Hell without Hades’, the rightful ruler’s permission. She takes things boldly but then shrinks away suddenly because of her internal conflict. I didn’t really like her character because while she is a symbol of feminism in this book, she did it in a way that makes her the same as the oppressive men. I say this as a girl myself. And lastly, her character not only seems selfish at times, but feels narcissistic. SOMETIMES.
Hades: God of Illusions, the ruler of the Underworld. Apparently, he’s the same age as Persephone in this book despite being from the same generation as her father, Zeus. His demeanour at first is cold and harsh, but after little time, he switches up into being a gentleman. This switch-up was very jarring for me and I kind of hated it for some reason. He transforms into the guy who would do anything for Persephone, even though at that time he only had a crush on her and wasn’t her lover. This is why I said Bea Fitzergerald’s plot was good but the execution was meh. I honestly wished the book had dual POVs so we can relate and understand Hades more intimately rather than relying on Persephone’s reflection of his character.
Styx: Goddess of Hate, the river Styx. She’s like the hot extroverted girlie in the book. I like her a lot and I find her more interesting than Persephone somehow lol. I think the execution of her personality and identity in the book was great. Although we don’t see her being part of the plot and a subplot as I hoped upon meeting her for the first time, she was good.
Demeter: Mother of Persephone. At first, I absolutely hated Demeter after seeing her force Kore into marriage. But I can understand her actions and why she did them. She’s bold but afraid of Zeus.
Zeus: Well, he’s Zeus, god of all gods and lighting. I like the way he’s shown as a jerk and a person with power but the kind where you can tell he’s incompetent.
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
Notes
Let me tell you, I hated the dynamic between Hades and Persephone because I didn’t feel the attraction between them or the need to even have a relationship with each other. Persephone just thought Hades was hot and Hades just let her in on his secret because he made her feel wronged about going to the underworld. Hades is basically just like a person who always supports Persephone without thinking, which is well, the dream guy anyone wants but this god did not have opinions and a reason to keep Persephone safe. Although he is against the things other gods do to goddesses, he had no reason to protect Persephone, even when she evoked Xenia.
However, the push and pull at the end when they begin to admit their feelings for each other is the real gold hidden under all this drama. I just wish the thing pulling them both to each other wasn’t as fickle as a basic promise. Maybe it’s because I was reading fantasy books before I read this, but the tension is not tensioning! That's all.

Lynni.
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

DNF at 15%

I just couldn’t continue this book. I understand it’s a Greek mythology retelling, but that doesn’t allow you to literally change the morals and personalities of Greek gods, goddesses.

In a failed attempt to make Persephone a feminist, the author has:

1.) made Hades “different” from all the other gods when really in Greek mythology he’s done some pretty terrible stuff. How do you make Hades a love interest like what? Literally never read a book that has done that without changing literally every trait about him.

2.) every other girl is seen dumb and stupid by Persephone because they’re really girly and like marriage and makes it everyone’s (but Persephone’s) personality. Like in Greek mythology Aphrodite is actually a complex character, but in “Girl Goddess Queen” she is anything but.

3.) Persephone is “not like the other girls” and doesn’t want marriage, and will insult you if you’re attracted to any men. But, also, she tells us that she’s wild and likes going outside, then she says that her favorite thing is flowers, then tells us she’s too weak to fight, and then reveals she’s created a gosh darn weapon.

4.) All men are bad and controlling in this book (besides Hades) don’t pay attention to the good things they’ve done but what a terrible impact they’ve made on the world! I’m not saying Greek gods are all good, because they’ve done terrible things, but in this book all men are wrong, especially if they have power, and the girls should have all of it,

What I loved about this was how clearly I understood all of the mythology aspects, I was able to pick up everything with ease and understand exactly how Kore became the version of herself we are introduced too. Although she’s packed with feminine rage, at times she comes off as a little immature, especially when it bleeds into her communication and decision making. There were some repetitive moments that impacted the flow for me, but once things start flowing my enjoyment grew. Overall, I think this is good for those who are newer to the story of Hades and Persephone and are looking for a new take!

Thank you so much to Sourcefire books for my ARC!

3.5/5⭐️

This is a solid YA novel, a great mythological retelling, and honestly one of the best takes on Hades and Persephone I’ve read. The story really picks up in the second half with lots of action, and Hades is a standout—he adds real depth to the book. The feminist angle is clear and well done, even more so than some adult retellings that try for the same thing.

That said, the first half dragged a bit for me. Persephone’s reactions felt off at times, and her conversations with Hades didn’t always flow. I get that the author was aiming for a strong-willed Persephone and an “enemies to lovers” vibe, but it sometimes came across as a bit immature or forced.

Still, definitely worth the read if you're into mythology or YA fantasy.

lighthearted yet thoughtful retelling of Greek mythology, Girl, Goddess, Queen presents an entertaining option. While it may not delve deeply into the darker aspects of the original myth, its charm lies in its humor and the dynamic between its central characters.

this book is way outside of my usual genre of choice but i’m a big greek mythology fan (especially hades and persephone, shout out to hadestown) so i figured i’d give it a chance…

and i’m so glad i did because i loved it!!

this retelling was really fun and fresh! and i liked seeing the creative liberties taken on the original myth.

i loved persephone’s character and seeing her discover and come into her powers and become the queen of the underworld was very empowering.

and hades being an introverted artist who likes to read and respects women?? hell yeah!! (pun intended)

plus the banter was bantering. got me kicking my feet and mentally yelling at persephone that if she doesn’t kiss him then i will.

my only critique is that the book was definitely longer than it had to be. the miscommunication/improper communication scenes started to feel drawn out and repetitive and some probably could’ve been cut/condensed (though that’s my opinion. i know many romance readers who do like this trope and as i said i’m new to this genre lol)

so am i a romance girly now? i don’t know but i’m definitely interested in reading the author’s other greek myth retellings.

Girl, Goddess, Queen is a very fun and cute retelling of Persephone and Hades that focuses on giving Persephone the agency and power she deserves while critiquing the patriarchy and giving Hades more humanity. As someone who has read a lot of Greek mythology retellings, this one ranks among the top of them! The romance between Hades and Persephone was very sweet and I really enjoyed their banter, as well as the ways they make each other more powerful and balance each other out. I also really loved how Persephone came into her power, her character was so well done.