Title: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: April 19th, 2011
Pages: 297
My Copy: NetGalley
Every girl who has taken the test has died.
Now it’s Kate’s turn.
It’s always been just Kate and her mom–and now 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.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld–and if she accepts his bargain, he’ll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he’s crazy–until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she’ll become Henry’s future bride, and a goddess.
If she fails…
At first glance, this book’s blurb seems pretty straightforward but don’t be fooled; it’s so much more than just a pretty cover! The first part of the story sent me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Granted, I was able to connect with Kate on a very personal level through a shared experience but I think that no matter what your background is, this story will move you. Ever since high school I’ve been fascinated by Greek mythology and being presented with the opportunity to revisit it was quite the treat. I also really enjoyed discovering all of the revelations at the end. The Goddess Test is a fantastic book.
The part that hit home the most for me was Kate’s mom’s battle against cancer. It’s been an uphill battle for years now and as is often the case, there will be no happy ending. Many of the chapters in this book had me on the verge of tears. I lost my mom a few years ago to cancer and in many instances I felt like I was reliving the experience all over again. I doubt that these parts will move readers who have not had first hand experiences with loss the way they moved me but Kate’s pain is still palpable and intense. I loved how the heroine was given a second chance to say goodbye to her mother. There’s nothing that I wouldn’t have given for the same opportunity and it was nice to be able to live vicariously through Kate. As a result, I understood full-heartily why she was willing to sacrifice anything for the chance to have one more day with her mom. In her shoes, I would have made the same choices.
On a lighter note, Henry’s also a great character and his story moved me as well but in an entirely different way. In his love life he got burned so badly that he no longer has the will to live. Over the course of the book he gradually opens up to Kate and comes out of his shell. Henry’s tale of transformation and redemption is incredibly moving. Add to that the fact that he’s also Hades, lord of the underworld, and you’re left with one powerful yet vulnerable character. Henry’s character is very complex but also lovable. I was rooting for his happily ever after as much as I was Kate’s.
On top of having unbelievable characters, The Goddess Test is also packed full of Greek mythology but with a few modern day twists. Learning about their myths through Aimee Carter’s eyes was delightful. Also, watching ancient Gods cope with modern day problems was interesting and at times fun. Throughout the book I found myself piecing together clues trying to figure out who’s who. Some of the Gods’ identities are blatantly obvious while as others you’ll have to wait until the end for the big reveal.
The Goddess Test is an extraordinary book that’s brilliantly written and contains so many great aspects that you’ll be hard-pressed to find something negative to say about it. Aside from Kate’s brief stint in high school at the beginning, this novel did not feel like Young Adult at all. You may not have the same experiences that I did reading this book but I’m sure that you’ll find something in it that will appeal to you. I highly recommend this novel and I’ll be keeping my eyes open for the next installment due out early next year.
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About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
hi Carmen! great review! i think i should grab this one from Netgalley as well. i love Mythology and this is right up my alley. thanks! c”,)
i mean CarmeL not Carmen! sorry dear! c”,)
It’s not just a stand alone book? That’s good news.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
@aobibliophile It’s such a good book. No worries about the typo. It happens often. 😛
@Lissa The next one is called Goddess Interrupted and it’s due out next February. I can’t wait! There’s a 3rd one in the works too. 🙂
I have heard such great things about this! I really must attempt to read my NetGalley copy on my computer… Darn no Kindle button… 😉
Thanks for the great review!
This was my “Waiting On” Wednesday book last week. 😀 I know NetGalley has it, but I’ve got so much to read already yet. I’ll wait until we have it in the collection. Very great review, Carmel, thank you. 🙂
Happy reading!
I really enjoyed this one too! Can’t wait for the next one now. Fantastic review!
Great review! This sounds like a fantastic read, especially since I love all books with some Greek mythology incorporated in it.
Loved the review. I’ve been wondering about this one. Hearing mixed things, but I’ll still give it a shot.
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Great review. Going to have to check this out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/53276090071924737
bacchus76 at myself dot com
l think books which can touch you like that are written in a great way!
Thank you for this review, l really want to read this as l know lots of people love it but l am not so sure l am interested in Greek mythology. What do you think Carmel? Do l have to be interested in Greek mythology?
I have this one waiting for me and can’t wait to read it I really love Greek Mythology its almost ok well its next to Vamps on my fave things to read about.
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved this book. One of my favourite reads of 2011 🙂
Donna
rushtond[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk – Tweeted on April 1st. 🙂
Update: I finally figured out how to send this book from Netgalley to my Kindle! (Took me long enough…) 😉
Again, thanks for the review Carmel, it has been itching to read the book!
I tweeted about this review! (averys.book.nook@hotmail.ca)
@Avery Glad to hear that you were successful in your NetGalley quest!
@DJL Sometimes it can be so hard to pick which books to read and which to pass up. 🙁
@Candace Thanks, but now we have a year to wait for the second installment… boo!
@jeanette8042 There’s not tons of mythology but a nice amount.
@Vivien Please do give it a shot. 😉
@donnas Thanks for the tweet! 🙂
@BooksforCompany No you don’t have to be interested in greek mythology. It’s there, but if you don’t really care for it, it’s not overwhelming.
@BLHmistress That’s a funny list you have there. 😛 #1 Fav vamps, #2 greek mythology. LOL 😉
@Books for Passion for Life Wow! You’re picking your 2011 favs already? 😛