The Goddess Test
by Aimee Carter
Harlequin
April 19th 2011
Young Adult/ Fantasy
Greek Mythology
Harlequin
April 19th 2011
Young Adult/ Fantasy
Greek Mythology
Think Persephone meets Beauty and the Beast. Throw both of those stories into the current century and you have this story. Kate is trying to deal with her mother's impending death. As her mother's life ebbs she finds herself in a bargain with a mysterious stranger. He brings life to the table and all he asks in return is for half of the rest of her life?
No, the book is not about a girl looking dreamily up into the skies waiting to get rained on. For some reason, the cover gave me to think that this book would be similar to Dragonfly by Julia Golding or The Oracle Betrayed by Catherine Fisher. If you are familiar with either of these books than you might see where the title and cover gave me that idea. It couldn't be farther from the truth. This is little more than the traditional twisted and very messed up Greek mythological story.
While the story is great I felt as if I was always waiting for something. It was an odd sensation since this book is full of secrets. The more of the secrets that were revealed the more confusing the entire book became. Considering the subject being Greek mythology this is par for the course. One of the reasons I was confused was the logic. Over and over again the characters would put forth logic for their decisions or actions. They believed so wholeheartedly in their logic that they couldn't perceive how anyone could differ. The characters even projected this onto me as a reader. One of the big themes in this book is choice and if that choice is freely made. Everyone seems to be concerned about Kate and they don't want her to be forced into anything. If you deciding against a choice will cause the death of your loved one, isn't that a bit coercive? On the other hand we can't hold or blame ourselves for things that happen to others. The force issue seems to depend on what thought camp you belong to.
James was early on a favorite for me. I found him very different from the usual male character. He was very spaced and yet present. He could blow off anything as if it were as insignificant as a fly, then turn around in the next moment and be completely serious and determined to get some message across. Sadly, it felt that once Kate enters the house his character changes completely. He wasn't refreshing anymore but very pouty. Due to the secretive nature of the characters it felt that even at the end of the book they weren't fully developed. They all seemed to be holding pertinent information back about themselves. I felt as if I couldn't empathize with them. Henry was especially illusive. It seemed more was revealed about Henry, emotionally, in the prologue than the rest of the book. I think his character is meaning to come off as self protective but it felt more like I was trying to see him through dirty glasses. Hopefully, in the next book it will be easier to get attached to him so I will actually want him to win the girl.
It was a great light read and I am looking forward to the next book. At this point in the romance department I haven't taken any sides. I actually hope that there is a mix up to add some spice.
