The Goddess Test
Publishing Details
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Limited
Date: April 19, 2011
ISBN13: 9780373210268
ISBN: 0373210264
BINC: 3261536
Age:14 and up
Available editions: Paperback, eBook
The Goddess Test – Aimee Carter
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.
Among all the Greek Gods, I have a profound fascination towards Hades because I think he was treated unjustly by his brothers, fooled into being the ruler of the Underworld and hated by his one true love, Persephone. So to see a book 'dedicated' to the story of Hades, I was really glad.
The Goddess Test was amazing because it depicted the tale of Hades finding his own confidence and urge to fight for his own life again. Being alone for century had taken its toll and he lost any hope of being loved. With the presence of Kate, it had turned out otherwise.
One of the reasons I love the Goddess Test is because Aimee Carter had expressed perfectly what I felt for Hades through the eyes of Kate, as a lonely, fearful guy who needed a hug. Hades aka Henry could be fearsome when he chooses to be, and so humane and gentle the next. I always wanted to read this side of Hades, and I've only come across Goddess test.
And also, I would say that the build up of the story was perfect, not too slow, not to rush, just the perfect book for a perfect read. And the whole story was also like a huge maze! With so many 'fishy-looking' characters, you don't know who to trust, and boy, I was sort of surprised myself to discover who are the Olympians, and that the climax of the story actually had me gasping and protesting, typical reaction by the way.
I fell more in love with Hades / Henry and I came to know Kate as a responsible, loving, kind-hearted and also rational person. She makes better judgements and choices than I do, and she's extremely self-sacrificing. I particularly enjoy reading her conflicted emotions, torn between leaving and staying for Henry and her mum. I love her for the fact that she valued friendhip as much as I do! And I'm also very satisfied with the Henry-Kate romance that had been going on. Oh, one of my other favourite character is Ava because she brought spark into the story!
In a conclusion, The Goddess Test is a recommended read because it allows you to escape a few moments of reality and wander into the realm of Garden of Eden. Who wouldn't want to meet Henry?
Reviewed by,
Natasha Anne
