Book Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter is a young adult novel due to be released on April 26 2011. The story offers a new and unique look at mythology and the nature of the gods. This is not simply a retelling of a classic myth; it is a complete new story with new aspects of the gods that we might otherwise know. The only thing Kate has ever counted on is her mother, who is at the end of a long battle with cancer. To make her mother happy they move back to the town where her mother grew up. Caring for her mother, trying to get through high school and sleepless nights due to nightmares has Kate on edge. Then a series of events leads Kate to meet Henry, who claims to be Hades, God of the Underworld and strikes a deal with him. She steps into a world of danger and hidden truths to prolong her mother's life, and possible save Henry as well. However, someone in the walls of Eden Manor might be out to kill her; life, death, love and growing up are at the heart of Kate's story.

The Goddess Test impressed this jaded reader. There are many pitfalls that The Goddess Test could have fallen into, but it rose well above them all. Kate is a realistic, loyal and self- deprecating character that does not fall into the stereotypes that other characters often fall into in young adult novels. She is not a weak, simpering teen; but she is neither overly confident nor skilled in things she should not be. Her character is perfectly written, and is realistic in her inner conflicts and doubts. Free will, trusting yourself and justice are as important to the story as any of the other themes. Kate's coming of age and dealing with her mother's death are central to the story, as is her personality. She does not want anyone to suffer for her choices, even when the true fault could not lie with her. I really loved her character; she is someone that I would want as a friend or family member.

The gods in The Goddess Test are far from stale, but are not so unrecognizable that mythology fans will be bothered by the subtle nuances of the characters. The story has twists, turns and complications that I honestly did not see coming. Moreover, I loved every new surprise as they came. Underneath all the tension and mythology there is also a feel similar to Beauty and the Beast, with subtly but believably changing emotions. I want other readers to enjoy the book as much as I did, so I do not want to tell too much about the story.

I recommend The Goddess Test to anyone that likes mythology, young adult novels, coming of age stories, or writing that is simply compelling. I sat and read this book quickly, not wanting to put away my netbook that held the electronic galley from NetGalley . TheGoddess Test was engaging and I honestly cared about the characters within the first couple of pages. There is no gratuitous violence or sexual situations to concern parents. Nothing more that a few kisses are described, anything else of that nature that might be held within the book is glossed over completely. So, there is no reason any tween, teen or parent might find offense within the book. Although I do suggest parents take the time to read The Goddess Test anyway, but only for their own enjoyment. I can not wait to get my hands on what the last pages of The Goddess Test offered me, the sequel that will be titled Goddess Interrupted . It has already made its way on to my 'need to read' list.