Author: Aimee Carter
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 304
Source: KPL
Stars: 3/5
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.MY THOUGHTS:
(summary taken from Goodreads)
Before I picked up this book, I thought it would be just a modern retelling of Greek myths. Henry as Hades and Kate as Persephone — the summary didn't seem to claim much different.
Boy, was I wrong!
Aimee Carter's debut novel is brilliant and unique! In The Goddess Test, Henry (as Hades) isn't the wickedly evil ruler of the Underworld, but simply a tortured soul who happens to rule the dead. Gods aren't omnipotent; everything is ruled by the Council; and in order for a human to gain immortality, he or she needs to be chosen and then pass seven tests.
In all honestly, I have to admit that I wish Aimee Carter didn't alter the mythical characters so much because Greek mythology is one of my favourite historical subjects. Then again, I adored Henry and James and Ava (especially Kate!), and I had a really fun time guessing which people were which gods! For some, they really surprised me!
Overall, The Goddess Test was a quick, sweet, and absorbing read. It's a brand new take on some classic tales — another cool debut to add to your TBR pile!
BUY or BORROW?: I borrowed this novel, but for larger Greek mythology lovers, you might want a copy of this on your shelf! :)
-Mimi
Posts
I just received this from the library. I'm excited! Hope I can finish it as fast as you did. I'm loving all the mythology stuff coming out!
ReplyDelete@Alyssa : Oh my gosh, me too! Greek mythology was always my favourite unit in English class, so I'm super excited to read all these new mythology-based stories! ;) I hope you really like it!
ReplyDelete@T.B. : I agree with you 100%! If the mythology in this book was a little bit stronger, I think it would've improved a lot :) And thank you! LOL I've been reading since I was a little kid so I guess I've become pretty fast -- I promise you'll get there too, Tessa! ;)
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