Summary:
EVERY GIRL WHO HAS 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 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 suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.
IF SHE FAILS...
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Review copy from publisher
Review:
I went into The Goddess Test with no expectations. I like it when I can do that---so often, I am influenced by either good or bad hype and expect too much or too little out of a book. I had not heard of The Goddess Test before I started reading it, which was unusual for me, but it allowed me to start the book with a clean mental slate, so to speak.
I wasn't sure what I would think of the book, based on the summary. I think it's hard to get an adaptation right, but Aimee Carter did a great job. I thought The Goddess Test would be dark, based on the fact that Henry is actually Hades, god of the Underworld and ruler of the dead, but it really wasn't. It wasn't overly light and fluffy, either. Carter managed to strike the perfect balance between dark and light.
I really liked Kate, the main character. I just have to admire someone who has been the primary caregiver for a terminally ill person for years. And that is what Kate has done for her mother. She cares for her with love and patience, and I loved that side of her character. Kate was also very level-headed, which I appreciate in a YA heroine. I can't stand irrational heroines who make decisions based purely on emotion. Kate was considerate and kind to everyone around her, and thought of others instead of just herself.
The imagery in The Goddess Test was excellent. I loved the descriptions of Eden Manor, Central Park, and the Underworld. I liked the seven tests Kate had to undergo, and how they really tested her character, morals, and integrity. I liked the surprise of who the Olympians really were, and although I had a couple of them predicted, there were several characters who surprised me when their true identities were revealed.
My one complaint about The Goddess Test was the age difference between Henry and Kate. I know, I know, how could it be any other way when this is an adaptation of a Greek myth? Still, really old guys who look young paired with teenage girls irks me. It just doesn't feel like an even match.
However, I was able to overcome my objection once I really got to know Henry. In some ways, he was just as young as Kate. I liked seeing him grow and change alongside Kate. And I loved watching their relationship develop.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and thankfully, was able to dive right into book two: Goddess Interrupted.
I wasn't sure what I would think of the book, based on the summary. I think it's hard to get an adaptation right, but Aimee Carter did a great job. I thought The Goddess Test would be dark, based on the fact that Henry is actually Hades, god of the Underworld and ruler of the dead, but it really wasn't. It wasn't overly light and fluffy, either. Carter managed to strike the perfect balance between dark and light.
I really liked Kate, the main character. I just have to admire someone who has been the primary caregiver for a terminally ill person for years. And that is what Kate has done for her mother. She cares for her with love and patience, and I loved that side of her character. Kate was also very level-headed, which I appreciate in a YA heroine. I can't stand irrational heroines who make decisions based purely on emotion. Kate was considerate and kind to everyone around her, and thought of others instead of just herself.
The imagery in The Goddess Test was excellent. I loved the descriptions of Eden Manor, Central Park, and the Underworld. I liked the seven tests Kate had to undergo, and how they really tested her character, morals, and integrity. I liked the surprise of who the Olympians really were, and although I had a couple of them predicted, there were several characters who surprised me when their true identities were revealed.
My one complaint about The Goddess Test was the age difference between Henry and Kate. I know, I know, how could it be any other way when this is an adaptation of a Greek myth? Still, really old guys who look young paired with teenage girls irks me. It just doesn't feel like an even match.
However, I was able to overcome my objection once I really got to know Henry. In some ways, he was just as young as Kate. I liked seeing him grow and change alongside Kate. And I loved watching their relationship develop.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and thankfully, was able to dive right into book two: Goddess Interrupted.
Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've had this book on my to-read list for quitesome time.
I loved this book when I read It. I like the way Carter shows the characters and also the couple itself; This book also show me this leyend of Phersefone and Hades.
ReplyDeleteI liked very much you review!!