Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test, #2)

by Aimée Carter

[Kim Deister]

Goddess Interrupted is the second book in the Goddess Test series, beginning six months after the first book. There is a bridging novella, The Goddess Hunt, that covers that six month gap. The more we get to know the different characters, the better the books get. I love the blending of traditional Greek mythology with contemporary humor and interesting reimaginings.

It is quite unusual to have a married heroine in a YA novel. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is something you don't often see. It is in keeping with the story line, but I wonder how that detail plays to readers who are actually in the YA demographic. Which I am most definintely not, but I have kids who are, so does that count?!

I love Greek mythology and I like the way that they author uses it. For purists... yes, there are changes to the traditional mythology, but that is a part of retellings and reimaginings of established lore. Watching ancient gods and goddesses deal with modern problems can be rather funny at times.

In keeping with that, the gods and goddesses change their names with their times, established in the first book. They maintain their character traits that we all know, but are given a bit of an update. For someone who loves Greek mythology, its's fun to pick them out and identify them.

Kate and Henry have an interesting story. Both have come into their relationship with baggage and I like that the author didn't make that all magically go away once they were together. Things like that don't go away overnight, and Carter recognized in the transformation of that relationship.

The one thing that bothered me with the portrayal of their relationship was Kate's reaction to it throughout most of the book. She spent a lot of time in angst over Henry and his behavior, and feeling bad about herself because of his baggage. I suppose part of that is her young age, newly married. But there were times when I just wanted to see her stand up and get angry.

Some Quotastic Goodness

--It hurts being the one who loves more.
--If I were a better man, I would be able to show you the love and affection you deserve. As I am not, I can only offer you what I'm capable of giving. But I assure you, just because I do not show it, doesn't mean I do not feel it.
--You can say you love me all you want, but if you only ever act like the opposite's true, then I can't trust your words anymore.
--Being with Henry doesn't mean you have to give up who you are. Henry doesn't define you.
--Being brave doesn't mean never being afraid, you know. It means going for it anyway because you know it's the right thing to do.
--I don't want to be the person who tries to force you to feel something you don't.

My Recommendation: If you enjoy Greek mythology and reimaginings, this is a great book! You should read at least Goddess Test first, as this is not a standalone novel. I would also recommend reading the bridging novella, The Goddess Hunt.

This review originally appeared on my blog, http://thecaffeinateddivareads.multifacetedmama.com/?p=8733.