FTBT Review: The Goddess Test

Title: The Goddess Test

Sub Title: The Goddess Test Series: Book I

Publisher: Harlequin

Pub Date: 2011

ISBN: 9780373210268

Author: Aimee Carter

            “Why the tests? “ I said. “Why are they necessary?”

            “Because,” he said.  “The prize is not something we give out lightly, and we need to make sure it is something you can handle.”

“What’s that?”

“Immortality.”  Pg 106

            Kate Winters has it tough; her mom is dying of cancer and Kate is her only caretaker. Following a move back to her mother’s childhood home in Eden, Kate goes through the motions of starting a new high school while continuing to care for her mom. Making friends is last on her list of priorities, but following a cruel prank, Kate finds herself faced with a serious problem: mean girl Ava is dead, and Kate is the key to saving her. While administering CPR, a mysterious man named Henry appears and offers Kate a deal: he will save Ava’s life if Kate promises to read the Greek myth of Persephone and return to him in two weeks. She agrees, and Ava miraculously comes back to life. For Kate, this is where normal ends and extraordinary begins.

            As promised, Henry returns to Kate after two weeks and takes her to his home. Overwhelmed and confused, Kate complies, but she soon finds out what Henry is really asking her: to be Queen of the Underworld, and to rule with him for 6 months of the year. Before she can marry Henry, Kate must pass a series of tests to see if she is worthy of becoming immortal. If she succeeds, she will not only earn the right to rule the Underworld with Henry, she will keep her mother alive for a little bit longer. For Kate, passing not only means the difference between life and death, it could determine if she is capable of finding true love.

            The Goddess Test offers a fresh look into the tragic love story of Persephone and Hades, with a few major changes. Henry [Hades] is on the verge of losing hope, but decides to give love one more try. Kate is made for Henry, literally, and must accomplish the seemingly impossible: winning Henry’s heart when it has belonged to Persephone since the dawn of time. The love story between Kate and Henry is so enchanting, you will find yourself unable to stop reading until the very last page. Fans of Greek mythology will devour this book, and if you love a love story, The Goddess Test delivers!

I give this book an A+, my highest rating. Aimee Carter, you ROCK!

Net Galley Review: Goddess Interrupted

Title: Goddess Interrupted

Subtitle: The Goddess Test Series: Book II

Publisher: Harlequin

Pub Date: March 27, 2012

ISBN: 9780373210459

Author: Aimee Carter

            “Kate.”  He spoke in a normal voice, but it reverberated through the room, amplified by Henry’s power or the structure of the hall or both.  “As my wife, you have consented to take up the responsibilities of the Queen of the Underworld. You shall rule fairly and without bias over the souls of those who have departed the world above, and from autumnal equinox to spring of every year hence, you shall devote yourself to the task of guiding those who are lost and protecting from harm beyond their eternal lives.”

“…Do you accept the role of Queen of the Underworld, and do you agree to uphold the responsibilities and expectations of such?” said Henry   pg56

            Kate Winters has experienced a lot of change in her life; she is now immortal, and is soon to be crowned Queen of the Underworld.  But these changes aren’t as difficult as trying to figure out the complicated relationship with her husband [and God of the Underworld] Henry. Her struggles to win over his guarded heart puts Kate face to face with the one person who could ruin it all: Persephone, Henry’s first love.

            As an epic battle brews, the gods and goddess are forced to work together to contain Cronus, King of the Titans. Kate attempts to help, but her newbie status puts her in harm’s way. As Kate fights for her life, she also fights for love, but does she have the patience and persistence to stay in the Underworld when her husband’s loyalty and love is in question?

            Goddess Interrupted is a fantastic and addictive read.  Carter combines old-school Greek mythology with a modern day twist, giving this classic story the perfect mythology makeover. In book 2, Kate brings all of her strengths and insecurities with her as she constantly struggles to figure out Henry. Always “dark and mysterious”, Henry’s behavior is strangely charming.  Because of the unpredictable plot and interesting characters, I simply could not put this book down.  I loved it, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.  Goddess Interrupted ends with an unexpected twist, which will cause you to email Aimee Carter and shamelessly beg for book 3. In fact… I have already done that myself! I give this book my highest rating: A+, and as soon as it is released, I will personally purchase multiple copies to share with my students.

Aimee Carter… you ARE a goddess!