(Review) The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Release date: April 19th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Page count: 293
Genre(s): Young Adult/Fantasy/Mythology/Romance
Buy it: Amazon/Book Depository
Add it on: Goodreads
Rating: 3.5/5

In 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.

Synopsis from Goodreads

I went into this book with mixed expectations, as I'd read both great and not-so-great reviews of it. I have to say though, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. However, I can't fully put my finger on why I enjoyed reading this as much as I did.

Kate was an okay protagonist, but not particularly memorable. I finished the book not too long ago yet I'm struggling to recall much about her personality. Besides the overdone 'I'm not that pretty but everyone else says I am' schtick, she didn't really annoy me, and she was nice enough. She just didn't have that spark or charm that made me wish we were friends in real life. Henry was a bit of a cliche love interest; brooding and distant with moments of sweetness. Despite myself, I couldn't help but swoon over him. I also found the relationship between him and Kate surprisingly adorable, and I re-read a lot of their cute moments with a sappy smile.

In terms of the story, my knowledge of Greek myths is pitiful so I have no idea how faithful or original this story was to mythology. I did find the setting of the book a little odd though. The location and the way everyone dressed and acted just didn't seem to match up with Greek mythology to me. It felt more like some period drama but the characters happened to be Gods and Goddesses. I also found the story a little lacking. I enjoyed it, but not much actually happened. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming, but a lot of the story was devoted to Kate dealing with the impending loss of her mother and her feelings for Henry. I'd say this book would definitely appeal more to romance junkies than those looking for a fast paced, plot driven story.

I give this 3.5/5.