The Goddess Test (Goddess Test, #1)

by Aimée Carter

[jeannamichel]

Kate’s mother is on the brink of death and Kate does everything in her power to make her comfortable. That includes, of course, moving to the small town where her mother grew up to make her feel more at home. Kate enrolls into the school there, which she discovers is filled with all sorts of characters. As a new-kid prank, Ava brings her to the edge of a scary mansion’s property but the prank is no longer funny when people are getting hurt. Henry, the owner of the mansion, strikes up a deal with Kate. But Kate does not fully understand what she just signed up to do. The Goddess Test takes Greek myths to a new level, mixes them up, and gives the readers an awesome recipe of entertainment.

This book was fantastic! I am not one of those people who love Greek mythology, but I respect it. I read Percy Jackson and loved Disney’s Hercules movie. I’m taking a class next semester about Greek myths. I do not love the myths, but I find them interesting. When I heard that this book had aspects of Greek mythology in it, I was hesitant because there are so many “fanfictions” out there devoted to myths and I thought this probably is one of them. I was dead wrong. The Goddess Test takes you on a wild ride of matchmaking: what Hades needs to do to find a wife. This is a fresh taste of any myth I have ever heard of. And, as a reader, you do not even need the slightest familiarity with Greek myths because Carter describes this new story in a way that explains the myths perfectly.

At first, I didn’t really like the cover. It is weird looking. The position of the model looks forced and not very comfortable. But the cover grew on me. I find myself liking it now, for a reason I don’t know yet. I keep looking at the cover and wondering, whoa, is that Megan Fox? I don’t think it is, but if you stare at the cover long enough, see if you can’t see the similarity in the model’s face. After looking at the series as a whole (yes, this book is the first in a series), with all their covers, I like how each cover stands out but each still has individuality.

There was a huge cast in The Goddess Test. I loved getting to know each one, wondering what Greek god or goddess this one was (SPOILER: there is a key in the back, telling you Carter’s characters next to the name of the Greek god or goddess). My favorite of all the characters has to be Henry. That sounds so cliché of me, liking the male lead but Henry was the most drawn. This boy had secrets and this unnamable depth that you’ll just have to read the book to know what I am talking about. Henry’s depth got me guessing every time he would answer one of Kate’s questions. The way his eyes glimmered on Christmas. He was the reason I wanted to know more, immersing myself into the book to fully understand what Kate was getting herself into. Carter created all her characters with an individuality that set them apart from the others. It was the truly remarkable cast that will have me coming back for more.

Carter brings you into an original world that holds you there until the last page. Her writing was amazing, but the plot lacked an ongoing element. The plot was slow, at times. In the beginning it didn’t pick up until the reader goes to Ava’s “party.” Still, it had tons of moments that had you on your toes. What made me push through the slowness of the plot was Carter’s writing. She blew me away with description and I loved her voice that seeped through the plot and characters.

The Goddess Test is for readers who love Greek mythology, for readers who want a summer read that will leave you wanting more (the second one in the series is already released, Goddess Interrupted). If you haven’t read this one yet, go put it on your list because with Carter’s magnificent writing, Henry’s secrets, and the unique myths will not leave you disappointed.