This is the second book in the Goddess Girls series. Persephone the Phony takes place in the school that the first book introduced to us. Persephone is the shy super sweet girl who is also extremely smart, but feels that she doesn’t really fit in anywhere. Again, going off of the idea that each one of the girls is so relatable for any reader reading these books. All types of girls have a voice in this series which I think is so sweet. One of the most interesting details in this book that I found very cool to read is Persephone’s ability to shapeshift. She often takes the form of a dove to get to places and it’s so cute to follow the storyline, even now as a 22 year old reading the book again. There is a new character that we are introduced to in this story line, and that's the one and only Hades. Hades is known throughout the school as the “no good/good for nothing person” that everyone should stay away from. Persephone however finds him very sweet and entertaining. The story of them goes through the different ups and downs of a close friendship and a new forming love. It teaches lessons like communication, honesty, and being considerate of each other regardless of how different they are and the background that they come from. 

I think that this book would really be loved by all ages and genders more than the first book for sure. The story itself is told from Persephone’s point of view and in her voice, but Hades and his character as a boy is described so well that I truly do think that middle school boys would be able to relate to him as they read. Out of all of the books, I will say that I think this book would be the most older-audience appropriate, which I think is mainly due to the way the story itself was written: the vibe is a little bit more mature, not as cute and childish as the first book.

As I described in my review of the first book, Athena the Brain, when this series first came out each and every one of my girls had a goddess girl that they were able to connect to. Personally, I felt like I was able to connect to Persephone the best, she was described so beautifully. I loved how smart, sweet, kind, and innocent Athena was as well; it made this book that much more fun to read. Overall, this book is a 10/10 and I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants a more goddess-centered book to read. – Vidya Devarajulu