The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: April 19, 2011
Pages: 304
Series: Goddess Test, Book One
Source: E-galley requested from netgalley
About the Book: It’s always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate’s going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won’t live past the fall.
My Thoughts: There are times when I think books like The Goddess Test are written specifically for me. I just adore retellings… particularly myths. I vividly remember studying mythology in eighth grade. I read anything I could get my hands on and was hooked from then on. I love how extreme everything is. I think this is why ancient myths lend themselves to contemporary YA retellings so well. When you’re a teen everything that happens to you takes on somewhat mythic proportions. (I am by no means knocking this feeling. It is your whole life at that point and time!)
So, needless to say, I was really looking forward to reading this one. I loved that it wasn’t just a retelling of a myth but a continuation. The whole Hades and Persephone myth is basically the same but things didn’t work out so well. It is modern day and Hades (Henry) is alone. Enter Kate, a mortal girl who may hold his future in her hands. I absolutely adore the way Ms. Carter writes their relationship. NO INSTA-LOVE! It starts out as an agreement. Henry and Kate each possess a skill or ability the other values. The make a bargain and it grows from there. Throughout the book they treat each other well. Henry may be prone to brood a bit but never in a way that is disrespectful. I mean, he’s Hades for goodness sake! As the summary says he’s all dark and tortured.Still, he doesn’t get all stalkery, uber-possessive, or hot ‘n cold like too many YA bad boys. Kate thinks through her actions. She doesn’t just jump to conclusions or act in ways designed to get a rise out of Henry. It was so refreshing that they actually had a relationship. It wasn’t just “I want you, I need you. Oh baby. Oh baby.” (10 Things I Hate About You… anyone?)
The Goddess Test is a treat to read. Aimee Carter builds a strong story that leaves the reader with satisfied with the resolution yet begging for book two! If the prologue doesn’t hook you the first paragraph of chapter one will!
Check out the authors website here and follow her on twitter!
Savannah
I totally agree! I loved this book and the way is was re-told. Totally for me. I was able to fit into the characters shows right away! Great review 🙂
Two Readers Reviews
LOVED this book! I really can’t wait to find out where it goes from here!
Alex (A Girl, Books, OtherThings)
Well… I liked the writing but I didn’t really love the book, mostly because I never really connected to the characters, I almost didn’t finished it.
But I do agree that it was nice that there was no Insta-Love and that Henry wasn’t all that bad. I also felt it was kind of cruel what was going on… can’t really say because it’s spoilery but yeah.
The Story Queen
I love seeing good reviews for this book 🙂 I’m really excited for it and when I saw you were reading it, I was hoping you’d like it (I trust your reviews!). Thanks!
Tara
Bahaha, I love the 10 Things I Hate About You reference. I didn’t love the book as much as you, but I certainly enjoyed it & am looking forward to the second one. It was just hard for me to get into the mindset of it, I guess. Anyway, glad you loved it so much! Funny that our reviews went up on the same day!
Tara @ Hobbitsies
Aleetha
I have requested this book also from net galley. Luckily, they approved it. Form your review, I think I should grab it soon before the expired day is here and make me havr to redownload it again.
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