Review & Book Birthday Party: The Goddess Test

Due to a stomach bug from hell yesterday, I didn't have time to do my usual debut YA book birthday party. I did, however, finish Aimee Carter's debut YA novel - The Goddess Test - on Sunday night.  So to celebrate her book birthday TODAY, I figured I'd post my review.  (I received by copy via NetGalley and the publisher, which in no way influenced this review.)  From Goodreads:

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.



Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.


Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

For those of you who know what a Greek mythology junkie I am, you now understand why I couldn't wait to get my hands on this novel.  The writing is absolutely amazing and I was instantly sucked in.  This was an incredibly fresh take on the classic myths and you'll undoubtedly look at Hades in a new light after reading this book.  His character was heartbroken and lonely, without any hint of malice or evil that we often find being used to describe Hades.

There were a few points toward the end that bugged me, but I can't get into it without including some major spoilers.  The only thing I'll say with specificity is that Kate's internal monologue tends to bog the story down after awhile.  She takes on so much pressure for everyone else's happiness and she broods about it a lot. 

Overall, I would recommend this book.  The characters are well-developed and each is distinct.  Like I said, the writing is lovely.  And the settings are described with vivid and rich details.  I give this novel 3.5 out of 4 Greek coins.  Go forth and get yourself a copy & wish Aimee a happy book birthday!

And after you've read it, please stop by and tell me what you thought.  i'm happy to talk "spoilers" with those of you who've already read it.