Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter:

Release Date: April 26 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 293
Type: Paperback
Source: Library


Every girl who has taken the test has died. Now its Kate's turn.


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. If she fails...............

-- Back Cover Description


I really enjoyed The Goddess Test. It was something new and refreshing after reading a lot of similar books. I absolutely loved learning about Mythology in school when I was younger. It was very interesting to learn about all the gods and goddesses and their powers. I specifically remember the story of Hades and Persephone. The Goddess Test is a post modern telling of what happens after Hades and Persephone are no longer together.

I really like how Aimee Carter portrays Hades as being a god, but also a man who gets a bad rep for what he does as his occupation. Usually Hades is portrayed as an evil god who hates everyone and isn't much liked by the other gods and goddesses. In The Goddess Test he is called Henry and is loved by his sisters and brothers (the gods and goddesses). He is also loved by his subjects (the people who have died, that he watches over). He is in a very bad place when we meant him. He must find someone to replace Persephone as his wife and as a goddess to rule with him. If this person fails, he is doomed. Despite all of this he is very genuine, and compassionate to Kate. He doesn't want to force anything on her. Even though it can be his end, he always gives her the choice. I love that about his character.

I also love Kate. She is such a strong girl. She has pretty much taken on the responsible role with her mother being so ill, and its hard to deal with someone dying from cancer period. Especially when its your mother. I can't imagine how that feels. My heart bleed for her, because I have known the loss of someone from cancer. While Kate is taking care of herself and her mother, they move back to Eden (her mother's birthplace). Once they arrive Kate's world is turned upside down. She makes a decision that will change her life forever, or end it. In making a deal with Henry to keep her mother alive she is thrown into a mythological world where the rules have changed, and everything she does is tested. Through these trials and tribulations Kate finds the strength in herself to continue on the path she has chosen, and also finds something unexpected...... love.

I really enjoyed the concept, the story and the characters. Each character, even the minor ones have a purpose. I also loved the setting. Eden is such a beautiful and magical place. The part of the book I loved the most, was the ending.  WHOA I didn't see what happened in the end coming at all, but I totally enjoyed it. If you enjoy a good love story surrounded by mythology, and the threat of death at any corner; you will love The Goddess Test !

Overall Rating: A

If you could choose to be a god or goddess who would you choose?