The End Crowns All by Bea Fitzgerald

Love caused this war. At least, that’s what the stories will say.

When Cassandra’s patron god, Apollo, offers her the gift of prophecy – and all the power that comes with it – she seizes the opportunity. 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. Which all seem to be of one girl – and she’s going to start a war.

Helen fled Sparta in pursuit of love – though that’s proving more elusive than she’d hoped. Far from home, Helen’s navigating all the politics and backstabbing of the Trojan court.

And one princess seems particularly intent on driving her from the city. . .

But when war finally strikes, 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?

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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)

The End Crowns All publishes on the 18th of July, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.