Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald

5 Stars Jan 29, 2024

My review

5/5 stars

This book was a fantastic YA look at well-known mythology, through the lens of modern life.

Kore is living a very lonely and restricted life, and is about to be forced into a marriage she absolutely does not want. She runs away and claims sanctuary in Hell, with her less-than-willing host, Hades. While there, she discovers that she's capable of so much more than she realises and becomes who she was always meant to be: Persephone.

I loved how well-researched the mythology of the story was. The author had clearly familiarised herself with multitudes of gods and goddesses, as well as showing an understanding of their traditions and lifestyles. It made the world feel real and whole, even thought its based on something we have no proof of. Saying that, the fact that the author chose to view that mythology through a modern lens puts a whole new spin on a familiar story, as it encourages thought around how the gods conducted themselves.

Kore/Persephone was a brilliantly written lead character. I was behind her from the very beginning and really enjoyed watching her journey as she discovered the full extent of her power. She was witty and strong-willed individual, with just the right level of vulnerability to make her feel relatable even though she was a goddess.

My favourite thing about the writing was how the author used Hades to compliment Persephone's character. He had his own issues to work through and added value to the story in his own right, but he was there in the context of her story, not to have one of his own. That being said, their banter and the testing nature of their relationship was a big draw for the book and was the main thing that kept me hooked to the end.

As a side note, Styx was so much fun as a character and provided much-needed light relief at some of the more tense point in the story. She was great for moving the plot along and provided stability for both Persephone and Hades as they explored new facets to themselves.

I could go on about what I loved about this book for pages, but in short, I struggled to put this book down (I actually did ignore my kids and some work for a couple of hours to finish it) and would highly recommend it.

Book blurb

To hell with love, this goddess has other plans...

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 . . .

A fierce, fresh and enormously fun YA fantasy re-imagining from a growing TikTok superstar.