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The Goddess Test (Goddess Test #1)

by Aimee Carter (Goodreads Author)

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 21,500 ratings · 2,906 reviews

Every girl who had taken the test has died.

Now it's 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 that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims

...more

Kindle Edition, 298 pages

Published May 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen (first published April 19th 2011)

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YA Mythology Series

3rd out of 169 books — 149 voters

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Books Based on Myths, Legends, Fairy Tales, and Folktales

38th out of 247 books — 136 voters

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Community Reviews

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Nov 20, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: just-plain-bad, kat-s-book-reviews, ya-pnr-maddness

*This ARC was provided for me by Harlequin and no money was exchanged.*

I requested this galley because, after reading the blurb, I immediately decided that the concept was awesome and that this book would be made of win. I tried to rationalize with myself that it might not be the fantastic story I was imagining, but it still had to be good, right? RIGHT?

Of course the concept of Vampire has already been taken, murdered, chopped into little pieces, jellified and poured into a modern, PC mould of s...more

207 likes · like · see review

Mar 11, 2013 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, mythology, bleh, somebody-sedate-me, haha-no, could-be-better-could-be-worse, guh-the-mixed-feelings

2.5 stars

Here's the thing about this book: it was decent enough. Not nearly as good as what I was hoping for, but decent.

Now, I have been in the midst of a passionate love affair with Greek mythology since the 2nd grade. I am perpetually in the throes of a burning passion, you may say. I love it all - it's like a soap opera times 100. Greek mythology contains some of the most entertaining and delightfully sinful stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading, telling, reenacting....Anyway, did...more

63 likes · like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Lina rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-general, teen-fiction-fantasy, based-on-greek-myth-not, why-did-i-do-this-to-myself, ya

[Warning: Profanity]

What is this?
Seriously?
What did I just read? Because it's supposed to be a retelling of the myth of Hades/Persephone. Instead I got some emo god with no incest, no monsters or three headed Cerberus.

I can forgive errors if the material is good over all. So I can deal with the mythical flaws in Xena/Hercules and Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Disney's Hercules. However, this piece completely bastardizes the source material by turning into a cheap romance, that lacks any...more [Warning: Profanity]

What is this?
Seriously?
What did I just read? Because it's supposed to be a retelling of the myth of Hades/Persephone. Instead I got some emo god with no incest, no monsters or three headed Cerberus.

I can forgive errors if the material is good over all. So I can deal with the mythical flaws in Xena/Hercules and Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Disney's Hercules. However, this piece completely bastardizes the source material by turning into a cheap romance, that lacks any emotional complexity or sense of excitement.

Kate is frustrating and I should feel for her easily. Loosing my mother is one of my deepest, darkest fears; so why can't I manage any sympathy for her? Oh, that's right: she's a poorly written, straw [wo]man feminist, with a martyr complex that makes no sense with her self-centered personality. I mean she gets the deal of a lifetime handed to her on a silver platter and she just keeps complaining: "but I don't like dresses! I'm a progressive woman!" STFU! Not to mention this story all revolves around me supposing to believe that she will give up her freedom to save someone who she doesn't even care for. I can't believe that. Nothing in her character makes me think she has that kind of moral code. All she comes off as, is a WASP from NYC [probably Park Slope] who probably adores the smell of her own farts.

Hades, oh my poor, poor Hades. I would have honestly preferred if they went the Disney root and made him the villain. Say what you will about Disney's Hercules, but Hades [despite being grossly misrepresented] is one of the highlights of the film. The deity in this book is a boring, sexually repressed virgin of all things! There is nothing wrong with being a virgin, we all are once, but for Zeus's sake, you are an immortal and you haven't tapped one ass?!?

As for these "tests" I wish someone would explain me the logistics of having the Greek Gods give a rats ass about the Christian/Catholic seven deadly sins? I mean, have you met Zeus? Mr. I'll plow anything with a hole, no matter rain, sleet, goose or bull. For him to say "we don't abide lust" is the biggest crock in the world and only shows the further bastardzation of the biggest man-whore in mythic history. Also how they were all presented were just stupid: greed is measured in pretty dresses that are free apparently...

Now the ending: ugh. What a gigantic-ass cop out. I don't want to "spoil" anything for you, but if I was Kate I would have told all the gods to go have one gigantic wank and flip them off.

I know some of my friends here do not like the Percy Jackson series, but that children's book series has more emotional depth, accuracy, better character and handles the dark side of the mythos in a mature way. (less)

105 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2011 Cory added it · review of another edition

This explains a lot.

46 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2011 Vinaya rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-fantasy, arc-galley, books-i-hated, jeez-they-ll-publish-anything

Dear Ms. Carter,

Since you appear to unable or unwilling to stretch your research skills so far as to google the Greek gods, I have prepared for you a small primer, in the hopes that your future endeavours will not gratuitously and flagrantly denude one of the oldest mythologies in the world. Following is a (very short) account of some of the major Olympian gods who apparently play a role in your “book”.

Zeus: The ruler of the gods. That means what he says goes. This is a pantheon of the gods, no...more

279 likes · like · see review

Apr 25, 2011 Krystle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Warning: There are some vulgarities in here because I’m a very vulgar person. Look away if your sensitive eyes can’t handle it.

Man, getting through this book was like having my wisdom teeth pulled out with no lidocaine. Terrible, I tell ya.

But anyway, let’s get on to the review, shall we? The Goddess Test has an awesome, awesome premise. Girl going through tests to become the bride of Hades? HECK YEAH, GIVE ME SOME OF THAT! And it started that way but shortly after immediately crashed and smolde...more

141 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 Ashleigh Paige rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: the-shameful-shelf-of-get-rid-of-it, worst-books-i-ve-ever-read, e-arc-via-netgalley, arc

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Also appears on The Screaming Nitpicker. I recieved my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Edit on June 15: After seeing the blurb for the second book Goddess Interrupted, I'm downgrading this to one star. I only gave it two because I momentarily liked Kate, but no more. No more!

As her mother dies of cancer, eighteen-year-old Kate Winters takes her to Eden, Michigan so her mother can die in peace in her quiet hometown. Kate's plans are to stay until her mother dies and then return to new Y...more

32 likes · like · see review

Apr 20, 2011 Morgan F rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, e-book, 2011, young-adult, myths-retellings, goodreads-author, series, pretty-covers, fantasy, paranormal, romance, read-2011, suckfest, debut

Wrath- Zeus (or should I say Walter) shooting a lightning bolt at some poor soul

description

Greed, (and a little wrath) - Prometheus, the guy Zeus chained to a rock for all eternity because he gave fire to man

description

Pride - The Parthenon in Athens, of which Athena and Poseidon fought tooth and nail to be the patron of the city

Lust......do I need to show a montage of all the women, other goddesses, and the nymphs that some of the gods impregnated? (Not that the other goddesses, such as Aphrodite, the goddess of lus...more

83 likes · like · see review

Aug 23, 2011 Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-s, need-to-buy, covers-to-die-for, netgalley, i-own, harlequin-sent, publisher-sent

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. *This ebook was provided to me at no cost by the publisher*

This book....wow! Every now and then, there’s a story that stops you and takes your breath away....this was one of those. I loved it! Simply, completely, loved it. I can barely begin to say how much.
From the very beginning I was caught. I was sucked into Kate’s tale and her story and I didn’t want to leave. I finished it in less than two days and when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about reading it; eager to get back to the story. I...more *This ebook was provided to me at no cost by the publisher*

This book....wow! Every now and then, there’s a story that stops you and takes your breath away....this was one of those. I loved it! Simply, completely, loved it. I can barely begin to say how much.
From the very beginning I was caught. I was sucked into Kate’s tale and her story and I didn’t want to leave. I finished it in less than two days and when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about reading it; eager to get back to the story. I love Greek Myth....I always have. There’s something so magical about it that I love, and I think this story was a wonderful example of how amazing and how much fun it can be. Considering this is a début novel, the author has done an incredible job. The story and characters were brilliant.

I loved all the characters....from Kate and Henry, to Ava and James to Kate’s mum and some others. They were all so fabulous and entertaining. They were each so different and unique and I loved seeing them in the story.
I think Kate was just brilliant! She is without a doubt one of the best heroine’s I’ve had the pleasure of following in a long, long time. It’s very rare to find just a wonderful, well rounded character. I think she reacted to things believably and naturally, and she was a wonderful person. She was kind and considerate, while still being strong and brave. I think I can say that she’s now become one of my all time fave heroines—that’s how much I loved her! I have no faults about her what-so-ever and considering that I usually even see tiny faults with the characters I adore, that’s really saying something!

I found I really liked Henry. He wasn’t exactly what I was expecting from Hades, and while I do still feel there is a bit more about him that we don’t know, I think he was a terrific male lead. He was a kind, considerate person, and I think he was a great match for Kate. I really felt for Henry, and his history with Persephone. I like the way the author changed the tale and showed it in a different way, which actually allowed Hades to be the good guy in the picture. There are not a lot of Greek Myth tales where Hade’s is a good guy at all; he’s always the bad guy, and I liked the change in this. I liked the opportunity for him to be an actual person with feelings and a heart....it was wonderful.
The relationship between Henry and Kate was excellent. I really liked how it developed over time and how they got to know one another. It was very sweet and normal, and I never felt like anything was forced. It seemed very natural and I liked that.

I was shocked with the twists and revelations at the end of this book! I can’t believe what came to light and I was gobsmacked to learn just who everyone actually was. I think the author has done an exceptional job here. It was so smart and wonderful....it couldn’t have been better. I can’t think of a better way to have had the ending and I was so happy to see Kate and Henry wed.
The ending of this book has me excited to read the next one and I simply CANNOT WAIT until it comes out!! If it’s anything as good as this one, I can tell straight out that it’s going to be BRILLANT.

This book was so incredible and I deem it a MUST READ!! Like....NOW, people!!
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25 likes · like · see review

Jun 02, 2011 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love Greek mythology! I'm a fan of any sort of mythology and folklore, but Greek mythology is one of my favorites! I especially love when an author recreates a myth, spinning an old favorite into something new. There are so many great novels featuring Greek mythology and The Goddess Test has quickly become one of my favorites!

My favorite book despite their subject matter are ones that have great characters, a captivating story like and are well written. The Goddess Test possesses all of those...more

11 likes · like · see review

Feb 06, 2012 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: greek-myths, young-adult, needs-review, cover-appeal, romance, still-reading-series, gods-and-goddesses

I really did not know what to expect from this book. I was drawn in by the lovely cover and the description definitely intrigued me. The reviews I'd read hadn't made it look too promising though so I definitely went into it with a cautious mind and didn't expect too much from it. I was seriously delighted to find how much I loved it! I actually adored it from the start and knew it was my kind of thing after the first few chapters.

I am not that into Greek mythology, in general. I know bits and fi...more I really did not know what to expect from this book. I was drawn in by the lovely cover and the description definitely intrigued me. The reviews I'd read hadn't made it look too promising though so I definitely went into it with a cautious mind and didn't expect too much from it. I was seriously delighted to find how much I loved it! I actually adored it from the start and knew it was my kind of thing after the first few chapters.

I am not that into Greek mythology, in general. I know bits and find it interesting but I am in no way well educated on it. The only other Greek myth books I've read were not ones I really enjoyed. This was so different though! I was just sucked right into Kate's world. Her mom is dying and her mother's last wish is to move to Eden, her hometown. So they pack up and head to this small town.

Kate's just trying to enjoy the little time she has left with her mom and has no time for friends or a social life. She has pushed the rest of the world out so that she can care for her mother. I'll admit that lately I've been getting a bit tired of YA book parents being dead or sick or absent but thankfully this situation turned out to be different than usual and I actually didn't see the twist coming at all!

I loved reading about Kate's time in Eden Manor. The concept of the Seven Tests was something that fascinated me as I always like plots like that. All the characters were so awesome though I'll admit Henry did irritate me at times! I get why he was acting like he was but I do think he's had long enough to come to terms with it, really! Kate went back and forth between being dependant and needy and definitely had a desire to play heroine to everyone around her. Which is understandable given that she had so little control over the rest of her life.

I was gripped by this whole book and I'm so glad to have found a series that I think I'll actually be able to follow through with for once! I am so excited about the second book and have really high hopes for it.

This review first appeared here on my blog.(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, arc, favorites

What an incredible debut from author Aimee Carter!! The Goddess Test was absolutely amazing!!! I’ve always had a love for Greek Mythology and Aimee has just set the precedence for Greek Mythology lovers.

The story is about a girl named Kate and her mother who is deathly ill. Kate’s mother wants to go back to her hometown where she was born and raised to die. Kate has taken care of her mother for the past four years and that’s all she knows. She doesn’t have a life outside of home and school. Kat...more What an incredible debut from author Aimee Carter!! The Goddess Test was absolutely amazing!!! I’ve always had a love for Greek Mythology and Aimee has just set the precedence for Greek Mythology lovers.

The story is about a girl named Kate and her mother who is deathly ill. Kate’s mother wants to go back to her hometown where she was born and raised to die. Kate has taken care of her mother for the past four years and that’s all she knows. She doesn’t have a life outside of home and school. Kate loves her mother more than anything and will do anything to make her happy in her final days. The story really unfolds when Kate begins school in Eden. When Kate ends up falling victim to a vicious prank she meets Henry, a beautiful, dark and mysterious guy who makes a deal with Kate and now Kate has a bargain to uphold and many choices to make. She faces many hardships but also discovers comforts in other places and people, especially Henry. She is falling for him and is finding she relates to him more than she ever thought. They both have hardships they have been dealt but together they can face them hand in hand.

The characters in this story are well defined and well written. Our protagonist, Kate, was an all around amazing character. There wasn’t anything annoying about her and the emotions and the heart she showed was absolutely captivating! This had me on the edge of my seat with a Kleenex box in hand. This book truly pulls you to the core. Henry was yet again, another amazing character. You really learn and understand him better and become so wrapped up in everything he has gone through. I really loved the secondary characters as well. They brought so much to the story. They played such an important part in making it as wonderful as it could be.

This is a beautifully written book with such fresh and vivid details you can actually picture the settings and the see the story unfold in your own eyes. I was so captivated by this book. I will definitely be buying this as soon as it comes out. I’m looking forward to the next book Goddess Interrupted. This is a Must read!!!

Thank You to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen!!
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13 likes · like · see review

Apr 30, 2011 Steph Su rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: debs11, united-states-of-wonderbreadland, your-feminism-is-questionable

Um…did I read a different book than many others? After reading rave reviews all over Goodreads and the Internet, I was expecting something swooningly romantic and highly inventive. Instead, THE GODDESS TEST read like a first draft of sorts, full of character clichés and a meandering plot that takes the excitement out of, well, “excitement.”

I stopped reading about a quarter of the way into the book because, at that point, still nothing pertaining to the main plot had occurred. It’s actually quite...more

30 likes · like · see review

Jan 20, 2012 Renae M. rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, fantasy, mythology, fairytales-and-retellings

I read a lot of 1-star reviews for the The Goddess Test that made me laugh out loud. I also read a lot of good reviews that gushed about the awesomeness of this book. Because I have a great abhorrence for the popular trend of modernizing/retelling Greek myths, I didn’t think I would like this book, but I was willing to give it a try.

What I Liked: Yeah, nothing. This isn’t a good review.

What I Didn’t Like: Characterization is really important to me in a book. Probably my number one criteria for...more

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 28, 2011 Brittany rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Greek mythology fans

I had hopes that this book was going to be good (as I try not to have too high expectations) and I wasn't disappointed. The Goddess Test was a very good book. I haven't really read any other books based on Greek mythology and I found it to be quite fascinating.

Kate is an 18 year old girl who has to look after her very ill mother. Her Mothers last wish is that she wants to move back to her hometown of Eden. So here Kate has start a new school where she knows nobody but surprisingly she quickly m...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 07, 2012 Saniya(Will Herondale is mine) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hmmph... Is it just me, who wanted to read this book so bad, just because of the beautiful cover and the amazing plot, or did this also happened to everybody else?! Big time *Sigh*
I was counting the days for when this book is going to be released. But why, WHY Lord does this quote "Do NOT judge a book by its cover" beats me every single time, when I hope a new book is going to be good because of the cover. Well, the cover has always fooled me but the plot? The theme of this book looked so exciti...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jul 24, 2012 Merve Özcan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal, immortal, romance, from-a-ancient-culture, godish, king-queen, mythology, send-for-review

Güzel bir Hades ve Persephone kitabıydı. Gerçekten. Tabii biz onlara Henry ve Kate diyoruz. Zaman değişti :)
Spoiler içerir ona göre okuyun!

Kitabın ilk başında Bella'yı farklı bir yazardan okuyorum sandım; yeni okul, güzelliğinin farkından olmayan bir kız, etrafında dönen gizemli erkekler... Neyse ki kitap o yönden hemen uzaklaştı.
Öncelikle tanrıların çok masum davrandığını düşünüyordum. Ay ne yanılmışım. Kızın tüm hayatı yalandan ibaret daha ne kadar acımasız olabilirler ki! Üstelik onca çektiği...more

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 22, 2011 Parvathy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Parvathy by: goodreads

Shelves: mythology, wish-it-was-over-sooner, reinnovating-the-classics, young-adult, chick-lit, expected-more

I am a big fan of mythology. Call me crazy but the story of Persephone and Hades is my favorite and always thought that this story was worth looking in to. So to come across a YA book which is kind of based on this story you can imagine my excitement. This book had every potential to be a good read if it was not for the fact that the author did not do her research properly. Usually certain flaws like this can be overlooked and can be attributed to the author's creativity or imagination but even...more I am a big fan of mythology. Call me crazy but the story of Persephone and Hades is my favorite and always thought that this story was worth looking in to. So to come across a YA book which is kind of based on this story you can imagine my excitement. This book had every potential to be a good read if it was not for the fact that the author did not do her research properly. Usually certain flaws like this can be overlooked and can be attributed to the author's creativity or imagination but even I couldn't negotiate with the reasoning that Hera was the one causing all the havoc because she was jealous of the girls who went after Hades. According to Greek mythology Hera is Zeus's wife and she is jealous of his lovers not Hades's and as far as I know she had little to do with Hades and his conquest besides the fact that they were siblings. Even if I am willing to overlook this flaw there are other things which are a little difficult to grasp. For one thing there is not much room for character development. I know that you are not supposed to try to rationalize things when you are reading a fantasy book but other than the fantasy elements there has to be some rationality in real world factors.

For those of you who don't know the story goes like this Kate Winter's is a 18 year old girl who brings her dying mother to her childhood home a town named Eden as her final wish so that she can die in peace. For Kate her mother is her whole world and would do anything to get her back to her old self. Enters a dark and mysterious stranger called Henry who claims himself to be none other than the Lord of the underworld Hades himself. He offers Kate her mother's life but there is a catch she has stay with him every six months a year and pass a series of tests the other Olympians put her through to see if she is worthy. If she passes she gets to be the Queen of the Underworld, Lord Hades's wife and goddess and if she fails she looses her mother and forget about this episode completely. But unknowing to her there were others before her and none of them have lived to tell the tale.

The protagonist Kate Winter's was too mature for her age. Her constant mental rambling reminded me of a very old woman than a 18 year old. Moving on to the parts that stuck out like a sore thumb. Especially her friendship with the characters James and Ava. She hardly knew them before she started claiming them as her life long friends. The parts were she started reminiscing whether she would ever get to see her James again I kept thinking "her James" she hardly knew the guy. As for Ava one minute she was considering Kate a threat and the next minute she claims her as her best friend. Even if Ava had her reasons I thought Kate being all rational would at least suspect her motives. Then there is the time when Kate explains her deal with Henry to her friends and tells them about the Persephone myth when all of a sudden James takes out a big book of Greek mythology from his bag and starts reading out the story from it and Kate didn't find it intriguing enough to ask him why he is carrying around such a big book of Greek mythology with him. Also their reaction when Kate tells them that Henry may be Hades they both accept it without any arguments and starts listing pros and cons about the deal. If I were in Kate's place I would have asked them why they choose to believe me when any normal person would have done the contrary but Kate never finds this behavior absurd. The ritual were Kate has to eat a number of seeds is also not explained. I know these are just minor flaws but attention to such details are the things that help in measuring the quality of a book and the writing style involved.

Henry aka Hades on the other hand felt like an under developed character. Other than being a tortured hero and a lonely guy there is not much depth to his character. Most of the time he is really confusing. The leads lacked chemistry and felt like they were forced to fall in love with each other. The twists are predictable and the motives confusing. There are a number of loose ends which require explanations and the character did not live up to their potential. But the story flows in a fast pace and if you are willing to overlook such flaws you might even enjoy it. I wouldn't recommend this book to greek mythology fanatics but there are certain interesting interpretations which might be of interest to them if they are willing to keep an open mind. This book is for those who enjoy a light read and would like to move forward caught up in the flow of the story without over thinking and complicating things.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2011 Cinnamon rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, arc, 2011, fantasy, series, young-adult, reviewed, 2-oh-so-unremarkable, own

This review may also be found on A Thousand Little Pages.

Kate enters the town of Eden with a mother who is on the brink of death and a hope for a better future that is fading bit by bit with the passage of time. As she drags herself through the motions of daily life, weird begin to occur around her. Her new frenemy is raised from the dead after an accident that definitely involved a large quantity of blood, and the only explanation Kate gets from the incident involves a certain dark-haired boy -...more This review may also be found on A Thousand Little Pages.

Kate enters the town of Eden with a mother who is on the brink of death and a hope for a better future that is fading bit by bit with the passage of time. As she drags herself through the motions of daily life, weird begin to occur around her. Her new frenemy is raised from the dead after an accident that definitely involved a large quantity of blood, and the only explanation Kate gets from the incident involves a certain dark-haired boy -- Henry, who later claims to be Hades, the infamous god of the Underworld. Kate soon finds herself participating in seven unknown tests to save her mother and help determine the future of the Underworld. A lot of responsibility for an eighteen-year-old, eh?

First off, gorgeous cover. The model’s white dress creates a nice contrast with the dark green fronds and plants in the background. Although that model looks like she’s 25 instead of Kate’s 18, that’s totally beside the point, right?

So here we go: Kate, Kate, Kate. If you existed in real life, you would be receiving death threats from readers of The Goddess Test. It’s one thing to be self-sacrificing and slightly clueless, but dearie, your lack of comprehension of life in general makes me want to go strangle some cute fluffy squirrel in the woods. I know you have a brain. Please use it.

And as various other reviewers have mentioned, the Greek mythology implemented in the plot was stretched just a wee bit too much. None, and I repeat, none of the Greek gods were virgins and/or particularly saint-like in any way. They cheated and murdered and raped and committed incest. Need I go on?

The Goddess Test presents modern twist of the myth of Hades and Persephone that strays a bit too far from the original. Combined with annoying characters and background inaccuracies, the novel was somewhat of a chore to get through. Although I suggest that you read the novel yourself and formulate your own opinion. Who knows? You might just end up joining the legions of reviewers who adored the book to death.

Book Source: ARC from Harlequin via NetGalley(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 25, 2011 Lamia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mythology, arc, kindle, 2011, guilty-pleasure, meh-fest

This can also be seen at The Book Eater

This is more a 2.5 stars, but I'm rounding up, for once. I don't really know why. My brain works in strange, strange ways.

Here are the annotations I made while reading The Goddess Test. I realized after viewing all of them that they may just tell you as much as my review would, with the bonus of being funnier (I think). Plus I'm lazy. So. Here we go.

- Narrator is not a pushover at school. I was scared she'd have the Bella Swan syndrome (I let everyone say...more

7 likes · like · see review

Feb 25, 2011 Brodie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, aussie-swap

I was worried about beginning this because I'd chatted with Aimee a few times beforehand and she is so incredibly sweet and friendly. While I was super excited to read it, I was kind of freaking out incase I didn't love it and then be burdened with writing a sucky review and crushing the poor girls heart. *dramatic sigh* However my conscience was saved, my doubts were pointless. POINTLESS, I tell you!

I greedily devoured every page of The Goddess Test - it's a delicious banquet that slyly lures y...more I was worried about beginning this because I'd chatted with Aimee a few times beforehand and she is so incredibly sweet and friendly. While I was super excited to read it, I was kind of freaking out incase I didn't love it and then be burdened with writing a sucky review and crushing the poor girls heart. *dramatic sigh* However my conscience was saved, my doubts were pointless. POINTLESS, I tell you!

I greedily devoured every page of The Goddess Test - it's a delicious banquet that slyly lures you in at first bite and you can't stop until you've consumed the entire thing. And despite having your fill, you're licking your lips for more. I want my dessert. Book two, come hither! I have been awaiting a Young Adult novel where the greek gods blossom to life in a modern, fantastical world I can get lost in and that's exactly what she has delivered.

Where do I start?! I'll begin with our heroine, 18 year old Kate Winters. She was a character who I really admired. She possessed such great strength and a maturity gained from the years she spent looking after her dying mother. She dealt with each hurdle thrown her way admirably, considering the stress she was under. She never resolved into a moping, brooding, 'woe is me' mess. She had a kindness and fire within her that pushed her forward. It's not every day the God of the Underworld just waltzes into your life and presents you with such a tempting offer.... I'd totally freak out. Despite how gorgeous he looked! Actually that would probably increase the freak-out complete with a chronic case of le blushes.

I loved Aimee's interpretation of Hades (aka Henry). Loved, loved, loved! It's so nice to see him thrust into a more positive light, rather than doom-and-gloom ruler of the Underworld. She captured his struggles, vulnerabilities and personality perfectly and I found myself wishing, oh so wishing, for Henry to have a happy ending!

A lot of people have commented on the lack of parental influence in YA novels. So the bond between Kate and her mother was a refreshing change. There was so much love there, it was really nice to see a teenage girl who cares so much about her mother and not ashamed to show it. She's all Kate has, her very best friend and after all that time Kate spent caring for her, not once did she complain or remiss about what she's missed out on.

All the while reading this I was keeping note of every single character who came into the story because I was determined to figure out if there were any gods hiding in disguise. And there were a few I guessed! *fist pumps* I even wrote down the page number where I had my "AH-HA!" moment on one character, who I guessed their identity, but had their motives completely wrong. It's still a half victory! All the secondary characters were fantastic and leapt from the pages just as much as Kate and Henry did. I was particularly fond of James and Ava! <3

The ending was a perfect conclusion, everything came to a close complete with a few twists, revelations and lies thrown into the mix and gratefully didn't end on a major cliffhanger, but still leaves you incredibly eager to find out what happens next! Aimee has crafted a beautifully written story and has begun what I'm sure will be a new and exciting trend of Greek mythology in YA fiction. Fans of mythology will especially love this, but even if you don't know your Hades from your Poseidon, The Goddess Test will enthral you. Delight you. Surprise you. Whisk you away to a godly new world!(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 05, 2011 Tori [Book Faery] rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, arc, e-book, netgalley, reviewed

See this review in it's entirety at:
http://www.book-faery.blogspot.com

Two Ratings:
Technical Factor: 2.5 / 5 Stars
Enjoyment Factor: 3.5 / 5 Stars

I could go on for days reading about all the Greek myths that are available. The gods, particularly Hades, Artemis, and Athena, were my favorite aspects of the myths. So, to have them make an appearance in THE GODDESS TEST made me quite giddy. Then to discover that TGT was based upon the Hades/Persephone myth? Well, I requested the book yesterday (3/3/1...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 22, 2011 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: harlequin-teen

Aimee Carter is a debut author (and only 24 years old!) and her Goddess Test series is definitely one to watch for (planning on being a three book series...so far; GODDESS INTERRUPTED will follow in February 2012).

To start with, I felt abashed that this book made me cry so easily! The book opens with protagonist Kate and a rundown of her role as caregiver for her dying mom. Carter's description of this heart-wrenching process is mature and well-written.

This book also pays homage to one of my f...more

16 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2011 Peep (Pop! Pop!) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: just-okay, read-in-2011, huh, addicted-to-ya

I don't know what I expected when I read this one. I didn't know what it was about. It was better than I thought it would be. Kinda weird, yet I still liked it! I think it picked up more towards the end.

I loved how the book started out. I love how loyal Kate was to her mom, who was dying of cancer. I liked how she just came off as more mature than the other high schoolers. How she just outright said what her plans were. She wasn't there to make friends, she was there for her mom. For me, that wa...more I don't know what I expected when I read this one. I didn't know what it was about. It was better than I thought it would be. Kinda weird, yet I still liked it! I think it picked up more towards the end.

I loved how the book started out. I love how loyal Kate was to her mom, who was dying of cancer. I liked how she just came off as more mature than the other high schoolers. How she just outright said what her plans were. She wasn't there to make friends, she was there for her mom. For me, that was the best part of the book.

After that, I don't know what happened. Why did she agree to go the party? How was Kate supposed to react to what happened at the creek? Was that so unbelievable?

I didn't like how she so quickly gave up on her mom. Those who read it will know what I mean.

I didn't really see any chemistry between Kate and Henry. Did you? To me, I felt like they could have been good acquaintances, not even friends. Mainly, it was Henry doing his best impersonation of a stick, and Kate throwing herself at him. All the while said stick openly pined after another dust pan! OK, I need to work on that. Basically, he spent the entire time pining after a girl that was long gone. He was supposed to be Hades, the God of the Underworld and instead I got Hades, the God of Emo (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I don't see how the tests were that hard. I'd say they were picking from the wrong pool of girls if they failed those tests. They actually seemed dinky. Extremely dinky. Like, having your choice of clothes and giving your friends first pick. See? That was the test she passed. She gave her friends first dibs on the clothes and she passed. And if I remember correctly, it was by default because I am pretty sure that she didn't see anything she wanted at first glance.

And why did she keep making bad decisions? She seemed so mature at times, but then she'd just make the craziest decisions. Like, knowing someone is out to hurt you then going off without your bodyguard. Or, knowing someone is out to hurt you, then pouting when you don't get to open a special box from someone you don't know. Ugh. But she was young, so I will allow her that. Maybe I am just paranoid?

With all my griping, I still say you should read it. It's an interesting take on Greek mythology. A lot of other readers did seem to quite enjoy and didn't take it as serious as I did. And hey, you might even like it! (less)

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May 17, 2011 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, ya, 2011-favorites, harlequin

I recommend The Goddess Test.

*****

As I said, she chose to die rather than to stay with me. I was her husband, but she simply loved him more.

This is a new series to watch out for.

I was not smitten at first. Although the story has a new concept, the first half of the book was just average to me. It’s not bad, but it’s not good either. But moving on the second half, i felt i was falling. It’s like the book and I started out as friends. We find something in common, what makes us comfortable with eac...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 14, 2012 Amelia, the pragmatic idealist rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, harlequinteen, ya-kids-teen, own, paranormal, annoying-protagonist, mc-girl, mythology

More like 2.5, but I rounded up.

I wrote my first review of this book back when I was going through a "smile-and-layer-on-the-BS" phase. I thought that if I just tried to be positive and talk about all the good little things in a book, I'd be like _______, the "popular reviewers," who eat rainbows and poop butterflies and live in a world where every book is interesting, every story is thrilling, and every character 'touched them in a special way.'

Then I snapped out of it, realized that I'm not i...more

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Jun 02, 2011 Avery rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So I feel kinda like a booger in saying this, but I feel like how I recently felt when reading Julie Kagawa's "The Iron King". There had been so much hype in the blogosphere world surrounding both of these books and the vast majority of people seemed to have really enjoyed them, but I personally don't feel as if they have lived up to my expectations at all, I feel like they both had really great potential, but they didn't entirely live up to said potential.

I found, like with "The Iron King"'s As...more

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Mar 15, 2011 Heather Anastasiu rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book had a great premise (mythology! Hades! love story!) and I loved what Aimee Carter did with it. I loved the way the story was built, with a murder mystery theme underlying the drama—who is killing off all the girls? will Kate be next??—and some great unexpected twists at the end. Not to mention the love story. Swooooooon.

This story reminds me of Beauty and the Beast, one of my all time favorite stories. A contract ties the initially unwilling Kate to the estate with the dark, brooding...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Kay (Bookishly Spellbound) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gods-godesses-angels-immortals, young-adult, favorites, egalley, publisher-harlequin, retelling, 2011-release

5 out of 5 stars
Review originally posted: http://shatteredmemoriesreviews.com/2...

The Goddess Test is a modern, unique re-telling of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth. If I could only say one word about this book, “wow” would definitely be it! I devoured each page and didn’t put it down until I was completely finished. Carter’s depiction of the myth is thrilling and definitely a must read.

The protagonist, Kate Winters, is admirable right from the beginning. She is strong-willed and selfless an...more 5 out of 5 stars
Review originally posted: http://shatteredmemoriesreviews.com/2...

The Goddess Test is a modern, unique re-telling of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth. If I could only say one word about this book, “wow” would definitely be it! I devoured each page and didn’t put it down until I was completely finished. Carter’s depiction of the myth is thrilling and definitely a must read.

The protagonist, Kate Winters, is admirable right from the beginning. She is strong-willed and selfless and it truly shows throughout the book. Often in young adult books, there is no parental influence. Or if there is, it’s usually very short lived. Something that really proved to be a plus for me while reading The Goddess Test, was the relationship between Kate and her mother. The bond shared between these two is just so special. Not just mother and daughter, but also best friends. They’re all each other has, taking care of each other. It was truly a refreshing change and reminded me of my own mother and I’s relationship.

Then there is Henry, a.k.a. Hades. He’s everything there is to love about the tortured, brooding type. I like that he wasn’t portrayed as the evil ruler of the Underworld you usually see in other books and movies, but as someone just misunderstood. I thought he and Kate were absolutely perfect for each other and I found myself desperately hoping that she would seek comfort in him and finally find the happiness she deserved in her desolate life. Instead of rushing into the romance, Carter took her time developing the friendship between Kate and Henry. Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely an enjoyable spark in their relationship. It just isn’t rushed along which is something I appreciated. You get so emotionally attached to these characters, they are all just so personable. Even secondary characters like Ava, who I was sure I was going to hate, were very well developed. I thought for sure she was going to be another annoying mean girl, but I ended up adoring her and the fact that she and Kate became such close friends.

Carter has created a well-crafted, gripping novel. Everything about this story is captivating. The seven mysterious tests that Kate has to pass (what they happened to be was beyond clever), who is killing off the girls and why, who the gods are, etc. No questions are ever left unanswered! The conclusion was perfect, not too much of a cliffhanger, but just enough to leave you wanting more. I’ll certainly be eagerly awaiting the release of the sequel, Goddess Interrupted, early next year.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 20, 2011 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beautiful-covers, awesomeness, favorites, will-read-again

Well, what can I say. Not only do I love this book, but I love anything to do-or influenced-by Greek mythology; so naturally this book was right up my street. I've wanted to read it for so long, it's been sat on my shelf for ages, and I eventually picked it up and I was totally not disappointed with it.

The Goddess Test is a beautiful, fast paced and fascinating book. As I mentioned a minute ago, I love anything to do with Greek mythology and the Gods in particular. That's what made this book so...more Well, what can I say. Not only do I love this book, but I love anything to do-or influenced-by Greek mythology; so naturally this book was right up my street. I've wanted to read it for so long, it's been sat on my shelf for ages, and I eventually picked it up and I was totally not disappointed with it.

The Goddess Test is a beautiful, fast paced and fascinating book. As I mentioned a minute ago, I love anything to do with Greek mythology and the Gods in particular. That's what made this book so fascinating, it was a fun new twist on the Gods, who they are, how they work etc.

Aimee Carter has manged to bring together a new world of the Gods. I found myself liking Kate immoderately she didn't bug me on bit, I didn't find her irritating and all her actions were selfless, even after finding out who the killer was she remained calm during the punishment and ultimately was brave enough to make the decision. She's a great heroine and one that I think most young girls will want to relate to. All the characters were gradually introduced and in the end who you thought were minor, in the end had a bigger role to play in the story. I wasn't prepared for all the twists that Aimee Carter throws at you in this book, and I most certainly wasn't prepared to find out who were in fact the Gods, 3 especially shocked me. Excellent.

Now let me move on to Henry. Well, what can I say. When I think of Hades, I get the image of Disney's Hades, tall, ugly guy with fire for hair who's minions are called Pain and Panic. This Hades is nothing like that! He's tall, gorgeous, lonely and troubled. He lost the woman he loved and was going to give up and then Kate comes along. I loved how Kate and Henry's relationship started out as a friendship and gradually as Kate remains for the 6 months they end up falling in love and it was slowly built, it didn't feel rushed like some YA romances do. This romance was timed to perfection, and made you want them to just hurry up and kiss. Speaking of first kisses. That was a gorgeous scene and I had the whole scene in my head. As I kept reading on I found myself looking forward to reading more Henry and Kate scenes; just as much as Kate looked forward to spending her evenings with Henry.

Overall this was a fun read and that's what I needed after having read Forbidden a week ago. I would totally recommend this to anyone who loves new and fun takes on the Greeks and the myths. For anyone who likes to fall for the dark and tortured guy (like me) this is definitely for you. Before reading this book I honestly didn't think I would ever say that I am definitely 100% in love with the Lord of the Underworld that is Hades.

I am immensely looking forward to Goddess Interrupted and 2012 publication is just too far away. Please hurry Miss Carter!

(less)

7 likes · like · see review

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Bookworms, Nookwo...: How did you like The Goddess Test? (SPOILERS)	3	4	May 20, 2013 10:36am
If the Goddess Test became a movie, who would play the characters, Most importantly HENRY!!!	10	91	May 17, 2013 02:51am
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About Aimee Carter

Aimée Carter was born and raised in Michigan, where she currently resides. Her first novel for young adults, THE GODDESS TEST, will be published by Harlequin Teen on April 19th, 2011. The sequel, GODDESS INTERRUPTED, will follow in January 2012.

Find her on Twitter at @aimee_carter.

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The Goddess Inheritance (Goddess Test, #3)

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Quotes from The Goddess Test

“I care," he said in a trembling voice. "I care so much that I do not know how to tell you without it seeming inconsequential compared to how I feel. Even if I am distant at times and seem as if I do not want to be with you, it is only because this scares me, too.” — 701 people liked it

“Maybe you'll win when hell freezes over."

He raised an eyebrow.

"That could be easily arranged.” — 235 people liked it

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