Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
Series: The Goddess Test
Book #: 1
Pages: 293
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: -.5
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Published: April 19th, 2011
by Harlequin

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.

Taschima's POV:

I received this book from Harlequin Teen as part of a YA panel thing. I had always been interested in it because, let's be honest, look at that cover. Oh, and also the story of Hades and Persephone, right. So I picked it up expecting nothing really, not even to finish it in less than a week. I would like to say that this book SURPRISED the hell out of me. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK. And I am not afraid to admit it. I've read reviews that call the book "badly written", "a joke", "fucks up Greek Mythology", etc etc (it appears you either really enjoy it or hate it). And you know what, not every book is for everyone, true. But this one is for me, and if you have read my reviews you know I have strong opinions when it comes to books I did not like. I read it in no freaking time. Why did I enjoy it so? I shall tell you.

The story was new, a real breath of fresh air from all the dystopian novels I've been reading lately (not that I don't love them). I wasn't expecting the book to follow the Greek Mythology to the letter, so I wasn't bothered when the author gave new personalities to the gods and went her own way. Like for example, Henry. He was Hades, and if you have ever watched Hercules (Disney movie) then you would expect a very temperamental pissed off God who doesn't want to rule the Underworld. But on this book Henry, after years of being alone ruling the vast Underworld, is just tired and kind of lonely and wants to give the reins to someone else for a change. If he does this though, he vanishes. Unless he finds a partner first though, someone to rule the Underworld with side by side. That's where our Kate comes in. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the Gods, and of Henry. I wasn't expecting Percy Jackson and The Olympians, and I was happy with the direction the author choose for her own world.

**EDIT ADD* How could I not tell you guys about Kate? She seemed a bit bitchy at the beginning. She pretty much ignored everyone and kept to herself (but I could understand where she was coming from really, with her mother being so sick and her circumstances and all) but once she lets you in, she really lets you in. Because if you had made it that far, that means you have some merit to your character. She doesn't just let everybody be her friend. And well, she is just so willing to help people, but when she gets pissed is when you see the Underworld ruler coming out and biting heads. Don't piss her off, you will really regret it, she really has a fun imagination when it comes to punishment. Can't wait to read more from her POV in the next novel Goddess Interrupted.

The relationship between Kate and Henry. Aaaaam, yeah, this one IS a weird one. The relationship is realistic as it isn't "Oh-my-god-he-is-just-so-perfect-I-must-have-him-now!", they start out as friends, if anything, and then it keeps growing from there. Truth be told I wanted to smack Henry a couple of times for being so oblivious. He seems to be totally in love with Persephone still, and so that makes the whole thing a bit awkward...

The ending was just so unexpected. It really caught me off guard (though the evil villain and some other things did not). When you really think about it, it's a little f up that ending, but I enjoyed it.

I liked the characters, the story, the progression... It all just seem to come together. I read this book super fast, and by the end was a bit sad when it ended (though it could have been a stand alone novel easily it appears it has a sequel, I shall read it). This book pretty much has it all!

I recommend it, read it!