The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Pages: 304
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Challenges: Debut Author Challenge
Release Date: April 19, 2011

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.

Stars: 4/5

Cover: A
Plot:

I'd heard a lot of hype about this book previous to me reading it on my Nook, and I was super excited to read it. It started out really strong, and jumped right into Kate's story. I liked the different emotions Kate was feeling that tied in really nicely to the story and how it made it all the more realistic. I thought, overall, The Goddess Test had really nice pacing. There was never too much or too little action.
Characters:
I admit, at first I really didn't like Kate. I thought she was kind of annoying at the beginning of the book, and made some really stupid unrealistic decisions.
HIGHLIGHT TO READ SPOILERS:
For example, when Ava (who, on top of everything, was completely cruel to Kate) died, in order to bring Ava back to life Kate sacrified some of the last days she had with her mom. I just don't know anyone who would make that decision in order to save someone who'd never been nice to them.
END OF SPOILERS.

The relationship between Kate and Henry was a little weird to me. He seemed way too old for her (I imagined him as being, like, fifty).

Writing:
While reading this, I couldn't believe that The Goddess Test is Aimee Carter's debut novel! It's so well written, and she's really great at dragging you into the story. I like the scenery she provides, and how I can imagine how pretty Eden is.

Ending:
Throughout the last fifty or so pages of the book, I was really shocked. I liked that the author didn't make the ending what I had expected, and that it completely caught me off guard.

Lovely Line:
"Maybe you'll win when hell freezes over."

He raised an eyebrow.

"That could be easily arranged."

The Final Verdict:
The Goddess Test was enthralling, humorous, and all-around a good read. It will capture your attention and draw you in. I think this book is extremely memorable.

FTC: NetGalley.