She does end up of inconveniencing Hades a little in the process, but the enemies to lovers dynamics that we see in their first encounter was utterly delicious. And the achingly romantic, slow burn tension that develops between Hades and Persephone (taking them from enemies- to friends and beyond) was beautifully written and really gave us a chance to explore the nuances of the trust, respect and love that gradually grows between them. I wonder if her lessons will ever sink in or if they’ll forever ring through my mind in her voice, oil on water, condemning my actions without ever helping me stop doing the things that so annoy her. That apparently make me undesirable.

I had such a fun time with this book. If you enjoyed Lore Olympus, this would be the perfect read for you! It's equal parts rom-com and fantasy while effortlessly weaving in Greek mythology elements and characters. Zij is echt een personage waar ik veel respect voor heb gekregen, hoe ze zichzelf neerzet en vecht voor haar vrijheid. I am on the edge with anticipation for the second book as this ending was somewhat of a cliffhanger. The ending is bittersweet, but I won't be spoiling it ;) I read this book as part of a readalong and had so much fun discussing each chapter and sharing quotes. We received a plantable bookmark with this book and I'm excited to see which plant will grow. :) Funny, fierce and feminist; this is a refreshing romp through Greek mythology. Bea Fitzgerald draws on her extensive knowledge to create this imaginative retelling, turning everything we think we know about Persephone and Hades upside down and recasting them as the stars of this unexpected, meticulously researched, empowering rom-com. Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne

More in Books

However, I would also think that the author has more potential for her books to come. Her writing had definitely caught my heart at certain scenes. I would def read her next book. Overall, it was an okay read for me. I think I was just sad that I didn't like it as much because I had high hopes for it. But for those who is a first timer to read a Hades and Persephone retelling, this book might work out for you. Overall, this is one of the few books I've read this year that I can truly say I didn't want it to end and I cannot wait to read whatever Bea Fitzgerald writes next. 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 . . .

There's so many things wright and wrong about this book. I didn't have the heart to hate it as I had loved some aspects of the story, but I also can't say that I fully loved it either. I'm maybe the minority in this one, but the one thing that I could say is that, this book can be half of its volume, and it will still be good. However, since its a debut novel, I do feel that the author has loads more potential for her next work so, I'm definitely going to be a look out for it. I think that's why it took me a while to actually put my thoughts into writing, as I had mixed feelings for this book. Hence, for those who really loved it, you can definitely skip my review.What I found most intriguing was the author’s choices in regards to her world building. Firstly, she refers to the Underworld consistently as ‘Hell,’ which is unusual, considering that the terminology is more common within Abrahamic religions and its etymological roots can be found in Norse mythology (Hel was the goddess of the Norse underworld, Niflheim), not Greek.

I liked the plot enough, but I didn’t care for it. I was way more focused on the character elements of the story and persephone’s personal growth, and I actually didn’t really care for the actual plot of the book weirdly. It could have been full of plot holes and terribly boring, but I didn’t really notice it. I was too interested in the different relationships at play.Girl, Goddess, Queen is going to be the perfect summer read, it's got it all! Fake-Dating, Feminism and Flirting, (man the flirtatious banter is *chef's kiss*) all wrapped up in Greeky Goodness. So Persephone needs to get married because apparently that's all that matters to gods (why have we gone down this road?) and she has a controlling mother, Demeter, who has told her how to act and how to be all of her entire life. Persephone decides enough is enough and manages to escape to the Underworld so she doesn't have to marry (though she still does, she has just delayed it a bit because she didn't think things through). I liked how she had a plan and took control and she utilised her power over flowers to achieve this. The beginning was promising. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it, I loved it (sung to the tune of the all time classic, 'These Words' by Natasha Bedingfield) With a title like that, expectations were high, and fortunately, Bea Fitzgerald didn't disappoint. Also, this retelling gives new meaning to the expression : Hot as Hades ;) Our Persephone, traditionally portrayed as sweet tempered and kind, is transformed into a daring and fabulously fierce (Ancient Greek) Girl Boss, determined to seek out happiness by any means necessary—even if it means taking on the patriarchy in all its toxic, oppressive forms.

Did I mention this was Bea’s debut? I can't believe it's a debut because it felt like a seasoned pro wrote this, so Bravo Bea and welcome to my instant buy author list. Loose?’ Mother sneers, as expected. ‘What would that imply about her? No, a traditional look is best. She will look beautiful but still virginal, precisely what is needed.’Essentially all of these changes (plus many more) made me incredibly curious as to how the older myths have now changed as a result of the author’s world building. I’d love for her to write some books that explore the earlier myths, so that I can see how these new myths will unfold for myself. I tug at the ridiculous dress Mother has forced me into: a monstrosity of lilac silk, draped and twisted again and again, hinting at the body on offer while obscuring it enough to keep my modesty intact. It’s less an outfit than gift-wrapping. Go with her to the river, but if the girls here start corrupting her I’m counting on you to stop them.’ And I did it anyway! Anyone else would be grateful, Kore. Every single god thinks they’re entitled to taking whatever they want, and that includes you. The only thing they respect is each other. Do you not see that marriage is the only way to protect yourself? I’m sure I don’t need to tell you the fates of other girls who thought they could survive alone.’