As you read the reviews on Bookshop Talk, you'll notice that every review is positive. No, we're not a bunch of literary
pushovers who love everything we pick up; we just see no point in telling you about a book if we didn't like it.

May 12, 2011

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter, 2011

The Goddess Test (Harlequin Teen)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. 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. (Amazon)

Review by Emily Sonderegger, Book Addict

I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology, and pretty much have them all down. It's rare for a story to come up with surprises for me, but this one did. I didn't see a lot of things coming because Ms. Carter puts such a neat and unique spin on things. Hades, in particular, has always been one of my favorite gods. Sadly, his story is always the same...see beautiful girl picking flowers, kidnap beautiful girl, trick beautiful girl into eating pomegranate seeds, keep beautiful girl trapped for eternity. I don't know, I always saw things a bit differently.

This book went more towards what I've always thought, which I loved.

Hades isn't the big bad wolf here. He's sensitive, thoughtful, and a tortured soul. He has feelings, weaknesses, and fears. And Kate isn't your typical YA female sellout. She sticks to her guns, and only allows her feelings to come out when she's ready. It's so not the usual 'girl-meets-beautiful-boy-falls-madly-in-love-wants-to-die-for-him-can't-live-without-him trash. I love that she's strong, yet vulnerable. I love that she puts aside her own needs to be strong for her mother, and I love that she throws her fears to the wind to try and save a friend. That's a believable character to me.

As far as the plot goes, it worked seamlessly for me. I really liked where Ms. Carter went with it. It worked nicely. Things made perfect sense to me, and there weren't any plot holes. It could easily be a stand-alone book, but I understand that there is a sequel (at least one) planned. I'm very happy about that, and will definitely be picking up more books in this series.

The book byline is "A fresh take on the Greek myths..." It most definitely is. Very fresh and very refreshing. I think fans of mythology, YA romance, and the supernatural will be huge fans.

Market: Young Adult
Language: Mild
Sensuality: Mild-referenced only
Violence: Moderate
Mature Themes: death, deception

Book formats:
To learn more about the author, visit: Aimee Carter

4 comments:

Natalie Gorna said...

Hmmm...I'm very curious about this book. Not only is it based on one of my favorite Greek myths, but I was also contemplating retelling the story in my own novel. After reading a cruel reviewer's attack on the content of The Goddess Test, I'm officially intrigued, especially after reading this opposite positive review. Definitely it's one my to-read list! :)

Anonymous said...

This book sounds AWESOME!!! I do love Greek mythology....Great review, Emily!

Alix said...

This book sounds wonderful. I shall definitely pick it up! Thanks for the review

Anonymous said...

I love myths, especially Greek. I had this book on holdat my library, even before you reviewed it, and unfortunantly have had people in front of me. Your review only wants me to read it more! Did I mention that I LOVE Greek myths?:)