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The Goddess Test (Goddess Test Novels) (Paperback)
$8.84 - Save $8.63 49% off - RRP $17.47 Free delivery worldwide (to United States and
all these other countries) Usually dispatched within 48 hours | |Short Description for The Goddess TestIn a modern-day take on the myth of Persephone, 18-year-old Kate Winters is thrust into a mythical world, where she must pass seven impossible tests and outsmart a spiteful god in order to save the life of not just her mother but of her captor as well.
Full description- Publisher: Harlequin Teen
- Published: 19 April 2011
- Format: Paperback 293 pages
- See: Full bibliographic data
- Categories: Science Fiction
- ISBN 13: 9780373210268 ISBN 10: 0373210264
- Sales rank: 4,223
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Reviews for The Goddess Test
Loved it
My Summary:
Kate's mother is dying. The only thing she wants is to return to her home town for her final days, so that's where Kate is taking her, minus an father she has never met. At eighteen, trying to go to school and take care of her mom is all Kate can handle. But then she meets Henry and he offers her more time with her mom - time to say goodbye, something Kate has put off too long, Kate can't help but agree. Of course what Henry wants in return is ... well a lot. It does involve spending time with him and as she gets to know him, she can't help but develop feelings. The problem is that Henry is really not Henry at all and he loves someone else. Will this help Kate deal with the death of her mother, cause her more pain or end in her death?
My Thoughts:
4 stars - a great read
I love books about the Greek Gods even when the Gods don't act like you might expect. This book is full of those Gods and I really loved the different twist Aimee had with them.
I loved Henry. I'm really excited to read book two and see what happens with him. He's not quite what I would have expected and that was part of the reason I really loved this book. Everyone was different than their stereotyped characters with just a little bit of the myth. Henry was dark and mysterious but gentle and kind. His heart is broken. Who can resist that? Not me for sure!
Kate was incredible. In one scene, she made the right choice when making the wrong one would have been so easy and most people would have. I love her for that. She takes care of her dying mother with no father around. She really had to grow up very quickly. She needs to rely on all of that strength to pass the tests that the council has in mind. I enjoyed her a lot.
The story is strong and I found myself wondering what would happen next. I figured out a few things but a couple twists really surprised me. I like that.
If you have been resisting this one, stop. This is a great read for YA lovers. by Valerie Fink4 STARS
I have always been in love with Greek Mythology; so once I heard about The Goddess Test I had to buy it and give it a read. It was not anything like The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan. The Gods and their myths weren't portrayed under his standards nor from the original text that we all come to know. Aimee Carter has intricately twisted the most enjoyed Young Adult (YA) genre, with Greek mythology as well as added some mystery.
Unlike most books we read where we often are capable of predicting what comes next, that is not the case here. With each page I flipped, it was all news to me. At most times never knowing what comes next.
Right from the beginning I was caught off guard from the strong empathy I had for the relationship between Kate and her mother. A result from Aimee Carter's vivid story telling. Kate sacrificed WILLINGLY to always be by her mother's side. Trying to spend every minute that her mother has left. Not ever living a normal teenage life that usually consisted of friends, parties, and even boys. So much so that I admittedly cried at only being on pg 17.
The tests that Kate must pass are 7 tests that aren't known to her. Being tested when she didn't even know that they were happening. Her resentment towards Henry and his home changes through the book, and you'll come to find out that Henry aka Hades isn't at all who we thought he was. I can't say much more without giving away the juicy parts. BUT! I am pleased to say that the ending was quite pleasant. Though cliffhangers are occasionally welcomed and greeted with a "Yay, that means there's another one" this did not end that way. I am very content with the ending. I loved how things played out. AND! I WILL read it's following: Goddess Interrupted (The Goddess Test #2). by SpadesHigh- Top review
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo
Kate and her sick mother move halfway around the country on Kate's eighteenth birthday to fulfill her mother's wish. She wants to move back to her childhood home. On top of her mother's declining health, Kate now must also deal with a new school, finding new friends, and figuring out what to do after her mom dies.
Kate soon gets invited to a party. She doesn't want to go, but she attends to appease her mother. Only the party turns out to be a prank - a deadly prank.
Kate meets Henry right after the accident. Henry makes her a deal: he'll bring Ava back from the dead if Kate agrees to become a form of Persephone. Kate agrees to anything if it will just bring Ava back to life.
Now, she's stuck in a bargain where she must live in a mansion for six months out of the year. She must pass seven tests in order to remain there - among the living. Meanwhile, Henry will do his best to help her and also keep her mother alive until the end of the six months.
No other girl has passed the tests in centuries. Kate has no idea what's she's getting herself into. The more time she spends with Henry, the more she grows attracted to him. Can she break through his barriers and capture his heart?
THE GODDESS TEST is the first in a trilogy and leaves the reader breathless. It's a beautifully haunting novel. Kate worries so much about everyone around her that she doesn't realize how different her life will become. Readers watch her new life unfold as she struggles with loneliness, frustration, her growing feelings for Henry, and her fears at failing the tests. by TeensReadToo Interesting take on Greek Mythology
It has always been Kate and her mother and now her mother is dying. Kate's mother wants to die in the place she grew up so she makes Kate drive them to Eden. She wants Kate to have a normal life and insist that she enrolls into the High School there and try and make friends. Kate has no intentions of staying in Eden after her mother dies so she doesn't want to make any friends.
On her first day she meets Ava who dislikes her immediately. So when Ava invites her to a party out in the woods, Kate should have known it was a trick. After a prank goes wrong and Ava lies dying Kaye meets Henry. Henry tells her he can help Ava, but she would have to do something in return. She agrees, but doesn't really understand what she is agreeing too. He tells her to read the story of Persephone then make her decision, she has till the Autumn solstice.
When the time comes Kate says she wouldn't go with Henry. She couldn't believe he was what he says he was and that he really thought she would stay with him. After she realises her mistake and it can't be taken back she makes a new dill with Henry. If she agrees to stay through the autumn and winter solstice then she can have time with her mother.
Once she agrees she is told that she must pass seven test and if she does then she will become immortal like him and help him rule. She just can't believe that Henry is Hades, ruler of the underworld. What she does see is a dark, tortured soul and she becomes very fond of being around him. If what he says is true, does she really want to be Queen of the Underworld?
***Spoiler alert toward the bottom***
Okay, so I am going to admit that I don't really know a lot about Greek Mythology. I know who a lot of the main characters are, Hades, Zeus, Aphrodite, etc. I don't know enough about them to put a lot of stock into what happens in this story.
What I found in this story was to me a very interesting and easy read. It held my attention and I read it faster than any other book I have read in a while, so for me that makes it a good read. I think that even when reading a fictional story about mythology that you must give it a bit of a leeway. So for some people I can see where this story might not be something they love.
Kate, since she was a freshman has had to take care of her dying mother. She has never had a social life, no friends, etc. So when she moves to Eden, she has no plans of making friends, which makes for a lonely life. While living in Eden Manor though she does start to make friends with the odd people that live there. She knows that she is to take seven test but she doesn't know when she will be taking them and doesn't understand what they are till close to the end. The council with make her be testing her and she is not allowed to even know who they are, though they are all around her. She also doesn't want to like Henry, but he starts to grow on her. Kate is not a real weak character but sort of a depressed one. I liked her, and wanted to see her succeed, but sometimes she just really depressed me.
Henry, now he is my favorite. Never in all my life would I think I could actually like Hades. Maybe its because he didn't act like a total jerk like Hades probably should. He was dark, handsome, and brooding and well I guess I just like those sort of tortured soul type guys. He knows that if Kate decides not to stay that he will die, yet he doesn't want her to stay because she feels she has too. I think he also doesn't want to get to close to her in case she fails or decides to leave. He does come to care for her as it is sort of hard to not care for someone who is trying to make you not give up.
***Spoiler alert***
I don't think I can tell you what bothered me with this book without telling to much about the story. Now I know the Gods/Goddesses are not acting like how you might think they should. I also know its because of how she writes the story and if Kate knew who the Gods were it would affect the testing. So I can handle that.
My problem was the test in itself, the seven deadly sins. It's a Christian believe, not a Olympic God belief and I really didn't understand it being the test. I guess I can stretch it and see that they are good points to test on, but it just really didn't make a lot of sense to me. I didn't like that aspect of the story.
Other than that I really enjoyed reading this story and I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. I think if you liked Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton, then you might like this book as well. by Stormi JohnsonExciting & Compelling Read
I have heard nothing but good things about this novel so I was really looking forward to reading this book and I have to say, it definitely delivered.
The Goddess test is not so much based on the the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone but more a continuation of the story. Persephone is gone and Hades (now called Henry) is looking for a new queen to rule the underworld with him and he has less than 20 years left to find her otherwise he will fade away forever.
Kate is the girl he has chosen to be his wife and Queen but she needs to pass seven tests to to be allowed to take on the role and is not even really sure she wants the job. However her mother is dying and this will allow her to spend more time with her before she too is gone forever.
This is a unique take on the whole mythology angle and I believe the idea is pulled off extremely well. The story does not retell the story of Hades and Persephone but rather uses the myth as a launch pad for a interesting and compelling read that you won't want to put down. In fact when about to finish it last night, I wanted to hold on to it for one more day to use for my Teaser Tuesday but at the same time didn't want to put off for one more second reaching the conclusion and finding out how it ended.
The story flows at a good pace and there is enough going on to keep your interest the whole way through pulling you too a conclusion that is both surprising and exciting . The two main characters Henry and Kate are both characters with some substance to them and also have their flaws. Kate is extremely selfless and has spent the past couple of years caring for her sick mother but in the process has forgotten how to live and Henry has given up and is ready to finish his last days and fade away. I have never been a huge fan of the love at first sight type story and so I loved that the friendship grew slowly and we got to see it growing throughout the story.
The peripheral characters are also not so peripheral and bring as much colour to the story as the main characters. I particularly enjoyed the characters of Ava and James. These characters ( Ava and James amongst them) and their interactions with Kate and Henry helped round out what was already a wonderful story.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book and thoroughly believe it deserves every glowing review it has received so far and have no hesitation whatsoever in giving this book 5 stars. by Nikk KarlovskyEntertaining
Kate Winters is 18 years old, and she and her mother, who is dying, have traveled back to her mother's hometown of Eden, MI, in order for her to live her last days out.
As the new girl in town, Ava quickly becomes the target of a jealous girlfriend, who lures her out to Eden Manor, an old mansion at the edge of town, where Kate meets Henry. She finds out that Henry is really Hades, God of the Underworld, and they strike up a bargain which means that Kate will spend half of her year at Eden Manor with him. Although Kate thinks it's a joke, she soon finds out that the bargain was meant in earnest.
If you like Greek mythology (I do), you'll appreciate the references in this novel. I liked Kate; she is an independent heroine with a great love for her mother and a great sense of humor. Although I was never fully drawn in to the story, I WAS entertained by it. More seasoned readers may find the storyline predictable, but I felt that there were enough twists and turns to keep the average YA reader wanting to know more.
QUOTE (from a galley; may be different in final copy):
"I think you're pretty."
I blinked. Or maybe not.
"But you're at least an eight, and I'm a four. We're not allowed to date. Society says so."
Book Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars by Julie SmithInteresting use of Greek mythology
Kate's mom is dying. They move to back to Eden, her mom's hometown, so she can die in peace. Shortly after starting school she meets Henry, a dark and mysterious boy who claims to be the Greek god Hades. He's willing to keep Kate's mom alive if Kate agrees to live with him and take the Goddess Test. Kate wants time with her mom more than anything, but how will she survive the test when no one else has?
I thought this was an interesting use of Greek mythology. I don't know a whole lot about Greek gods, but I did find the interpretation of them interesting. I wasn't able to guess who the gods were, and I wonder if I would have been able to with more knowledge of the myths.
I found Kate to be a very dedicated daughter who focussed all her energy on her mom, to the exclusion of the rest of her life. Even knowing this, I did find her complete inability to accept her mother's impending death a little extreme. I'm sure it's everyone's wish to get a time reprieve with a dying relative, but I found some of Kate's reactions and thoughts a bit too out there.
Along those lines, I also found her immediate friendship with some of the other characters a bit unusual as well. Going from no friends to an exclusive best friend she'll do anything for seemed a bit of a stretch.
That being said, I did thoroughly enjoy the story. It was delightful, and surprising. I wasn't able to guess the tests until they were revealed. I am impressed this was a debut author, and look forward to reading more from her in the future. by Sarah MerchantBest YA Fantasy Romance of the Year
OMG, I started this just last night and finished by lunch today. Awesome, simply awesome fantasy romance. I so loved the mythology sprinkled throughout the story and the mystery suspense kept me flipping the pages to see what happened next. The final mystery, I did figure out before the author told me but the rest, wow, not a clue. She kept me guessing right up till the final pages.
I really loved the main character Kate. In the beginning, I felt a bit sorry for her as she had basically given up her teenage years to care for her mother who was dying of cancer. Despite spending her whole life in NYC, she agrees to move to a small town, Eden, because her mom wants to die in the town she was born in. She starts her senior year at a new school amongst kids that she has nothing in common with just to make her mom happy. She is way more mature than most 18 year olds are but her unselfishness was a lot of what made me enjoy this book. I heartily get tired of the typical whiny teen depicted in a lot of the YA fiction.
Kate basically agrees to sacrifice her happiness and freedom so that others may live. She must pass 7 tests to show the council that she is worthy of taking her place beside Henry and ruling the Underworld. While Kate is determined to learn as much about Henry's world, she must be vigilant as the last dozen girls before her died only months into their time in Henry's world.
This is by far the best of the YA books I've read this year and I imagine that even 8 more months down the road, it will come out on top. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series, "Goddess Interrupted" and up to now have only occasionally read fantasy. The romance, mystery, and suspense has upped my enjoyment to the level that I won't hesitate to pick up the next fantasy I come upon. by Lisa RichardsAMAZING!
In terms of spectacular novels, this one takes the cake! It's a fresh and intriguing modern re-telling of Hades and Persephone, and it is beautifully told. Carter develops her characters so magnificently that you will laugh and cry with them, and truly feel like they are your close friends. Carter also encompasses mystery, deception, and suspense throughout the novel, while maintaining the love story; you'll be glued to the book from page one! One aspect that I really commend Carter on is the fact that she leaves no stone unturned, no questions unanswered. As I read The Goddess Test, I questioned certain aspects of the story line, but even though not all of those questions were answered right away, all of them were answered before the completion of the novel. A lot of thought and love went into this story, and it shows.
Carter is the next up-and-coming author to watch-and I cannot wait for the sequel, Goddess Interrupted, to come out early next year! I highly recommend this series! Five stars! by A Book VacationShattered Memories Reviews: http://shatteredmemoriesreviews.com/
The Goddess Test is a modern, unique re-telling of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth. If I could only say one word about this book, "wow" would definitely be it! I devoured each page and didn't put it down until I was completely finished. Carter's depiction of the myth is thrilling and definitely a must read.
The protagonist, Kate Winters, is admirable right from the beginning. She is strong-willed and selfless and it truly shows throughout the book. Often in young adult books, there is no parental influence. Or if there is, it's usually very short lived. Something that really proved to be a plus for me while reading The Goddess Test, was the relationship between Kate and her mother. The bond shared between these two is just so special. Not just mother and daughter, but also best friends. They're all each other has, taking care of each other. It was truly a refreshing change and reminded me of my own mother and I's relationship.
Then there is Henry, a.k.a. Hades. He's everything there is to love about the tortured, brooding type. I like that he wasn't portrayed as the evil ruler of the Underworld you usually see in other books and movies, but as someone just misunderstood. I thought he and Kate were absolutely perfect for each other and I found myself desperately hoping that she would seek comfort in him and finally find the happiness she deserved in her desolate life. Instead of rushing into the romance, Carter took her time developing the friendship between Kate and Henry. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely an enjoyable spark in their relationship. It just isn't rushed along which is something I appreciated. You get so emotionally attached to these characters, they are all just so personable. Even secondary characters like Ava, who I was sure I was going to hate, were very well developed. I thought for sure she was going to be another annoying mean girl, but I ended up adoring her and the fact that she and Kate became such close friends.
Carter has created a well-crafted, gripping novel. Everything about this story is captivating. The seven mysterious tests that Kate has to pass (what they happened to be was beyond clever), who is killing off the girls and why, who the gods are, etc. No questions are ever left unanswered! The conclusion was perfect, not too much of a cliffhanger, but just enough to leave you wanting more. I'll certainly be eagerly awaiting the release of the sequel, Goddess Interrupted, early next year. by Kayla (Shattered Memories Reviews)
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