Things could have moved much more quickly if Hades or Persephone had just talked, ironic because that seems to be the only thing they do with each other.

If there had been more balance in the relationship I think it could have made this a completely different book. She spends the majority of the novel talking about how she doesn't want to get married and how she doesn't want a man to touch her. Indeed at times he just seems weak while Kore holds all the power and agency, which isn’t really a partnership. She voices this on multiple occasion, takes offence at the slightest implication, at the first chance a man even looks in her direction - but then! I did like the writing and I would pick something up from this author again which is why I gave this two stars.This will forever and always be my favourite book about Hades and Persephone (because I’m a little sick of the smutty or all serious no-fun ones on the market at the moment), so if you want a bomb ass fun book about fake dating and trying to take down a parthenon then please pick this one up. Although some moments I found her annoying especially at the start when she went to Hades asked for help and obviously in his place - I would have been the same - she threatened him and FORCED her way in there and not only that she started being mean to him because she didn’t felt welcomed. Girl, Goddess, Queen is an incredibly fun and wonderfully crafted reimagining of a beloved myth - bringing to life timeless gods, the complex intimacy of family bonds, a fierce protagonist, and a passionate slow-burn romance. Zeus is an interesting character but we don't see much of him and there is just a glimpse of the other gods, though Styx makes more of an appearance than most. While I enjoyed the setting and the idea of the reimagining of the greek gods, the execution left me feeling disappointed.

Okay I get it, can we please see some characters actually talk to each other about how they're feeling rather than telling other people or themselves? But younger or older, this book feels stark and even though I am in the minority for that I cant get past it personally. THE WRITING, THE HUMOUR, THE GREEK GODS AND THE PURE VIBES, KORE <3 Stay tuned for when I meet Hades. So in a bid to trick the other gods, Persephone and Hades form a mutually beneficial alliance that will ensure her future safety, whilst maintaining Hades’ notorious reputation.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.

Girl, Goddess, Queen is a fantasy rom-com retelling that weaves the classic story with snarky banter, slow burn romance and a feminist slant that sees the legendary goddess discovering her agency, desires and inherent power. 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. Demeter is annoying because she just wants what's best for her daughter though she never once actually listens to her daughter and what she wants, and then Persephone goes through a rebellious phase, all the while coming to terms with how she has been treated by her mother which gets mentioned. I also appreciate it being set in an Ancient Greek-esque world, since most Hades and Persephone retellings can be categorised as urban fantasy, due to being set in the modern world.

I love how Hades was portrayed in here (soft Hades made me swoon) and Persephone was potrayed to be a stronger but is still feminine. She makes the choice to go to the Underworld to avoid having to get married, and she boldly decides to redecorate and make herself at home, which was inspiring and hilarious in equal measures.