THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter
Series: Goddess Test, #1
Publication Date: April 19, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Rating: 
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 now 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…
Review Overview:
- Rocky start; cliche characters and contrived dialogue
- Story does get better once Kate is at Eden Manor
- Fantastic chemistry with Kate/Henry
- Enjoyable read; will definitely look out for the rest of the series!
In a modern retelling of the Persephone myth, THE GODDESS TEST tells the story of Kate and her bargain with Henry, the so-called God of the Underworld. Despite a shaky start, The Goddess Test had me hooked and craving for more at the very end.
Despite immediately wanting to like this book straight from the beginning, THE GODDESS TEST had a poor start that made me want to cringe. Ava struck me as a cookie-cutter cheerleader type that was just so utterly cliche. Her character did evolve throughout the book, but at the end, I felt like they were two completely different individuals. Furthermore, the dialogue in the beginning just seemed so contrived. I felt like a lot of the beginning was forced out just to get Kate at Eden Manor.
But you know what? THE GODDESS TEST surprised me. Once Kate was at Eden Manor, I found that I could no longer put the book down. That’s when the myth comes to life and Henry steps into the spotlight. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Henry and Kate. I loved that the romance was gradual and not that insta-love that springs out of nowhere. There are some sexy scenes in this book so I would advise younger readers to take caution. The Goddess tests were fun and some were completely surprising. There were a ton of surprises along the way which kept reading fun.
I am a huge fan of mythology so THE GODDESS TEST was definitely a fun read. It isn’t exactly the Persephone myth down to the last detail, but fans of the myth will still enjoy it nonetheless. Be wary of the shaky beginning and I hope it doesn’t deter you from reading on! THE GODDESS TEST is a fun, enjoyable, and romantic read and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next books in the series!
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I’ve got the netgalley of The Goddess Test and can’t wait to read it. Am really curious about the relationship of Henry and Kate now!
It’s not often a novel really changes a reader’s mind after the first impression but I’m glad this one did. Thanks for the review! I can’t wait to fall in love with Kate and Henry myself!
This is a surprise. You’re the third review I’ve read on this book and the first positive one. I was set to take this book off my to-read list and now I don’t know what I should do.
If you think you can get past the really cliche beginning, then it’s worth reading. I honestly thought it was better than Cabot’s ABANDON.
I feel like there’s a trend of mythology retellings making their way to YA books. Or is it just me? Thanks for the review
Yup there is… I do love mythology though so I’m not complaining. But I’m still on the lookout for one that’s kick-ass.
Nice, clear review! I love it when reviewers make mention of whether or not it’s worth sticking with a book with a slow beginning.
I agree, the story picked up a lot once she got to the manor. The whole beginning part did feel very forced. Unfortunately, I didn’t love the rest of it.
Great review! I’ve read lots of reviews for The Goddess Test, ’cause I’m kind of into my Greek Mythology stuff, and I think I should really try to get my hands on a copy.
I love when a book surprises me. Great review.