Book Review: The Goddess Test

The Goddess Test
Goddess test #1
Author: Aimee Carter
Pages: 304 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Published: April 26th 2011
Review Source: NetGalley - HarlequinTeen
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: (from goodreads) 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.

Let's begin with the cover and title. Now that I have finished reading the book, the people behind picking the title and cover art, hit the nail on the head. They are the perfect representation of the book. I wouldn't change anything about both. Now on with my thoughts about what is contained within these pages. Aimee will now go down in my list of favorite authors I have read, what a magnificent beginning to a series. Usually the 1st books in series are a little slow paced or they just don't stick out. Well not The Goddess Test, from page one to the last word you read, it's intense and magical. Many books out there deal in some way shape or form with Greek mythology, but Aimee bring you a fresh and exciting take on the mythology. The creativeness she has come up with featuring the Olympians is incredible. Now don't think Aimee didn't include the real world, she brought both together to give us fantasy, romance and mystery. The one thing I loved about this book is the ending, I never expected. It's the kind of ending that leaves you with your mouth hanging open. The alone deserve a 10. 

The story begins with Kate, she has been taking care of her sick mother for a few years now. She has had to quit school and pretty much everything else. Her mother Diana ask to move back to her childhood home for her last days. So they relocate and Kate even decides to try and start her senior year of High School. Kate meets the students and one of them is Ava. Ava is not who you think she is to Kate, she tricks her into something and for that pays a price for it. Kate is then approached by a young man and make a offer to save Ava. In turn if she accepts the offer so he can save Ava, she must agree to live with him 6 months of the year. Kate doesn't accept thinking its some kind of a joke. Then Ava dies again on the commence of Winter Solstice. Kate panics and go looking for Henry, he tells her he can't bring Ava back but he can prolong her mother's passing. Kate accepts, anything to spend more time with her mother. Now Kate doesn't now who the crazy one is, Henry for claiming he is Hades, God of the Underworld or her for believing him and what she has seen with her eyes. What will happen for those 6 months? 

I strongly recommend to anyone who hasn't read The Goddess Test yet, to go out and purchase it immediately. It is one of my top reads for 2011. I can't wait till Goddess Interrupted comes out next year .