Series Review: The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter

Series: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
# of Books: 3 (The Goddess Test, Goddess Interrupted, The Goddess Inheritance)

There are also two novellas: #1.5 Goddess of the Hunt and #2.5 The Goddess Legacy

Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adults, Mythology, Drama, Romance
Heat Rating: lukewarm

Thoughts:

I recently reread all the books in the series because the third one was released and I needed a refresher.

That is one thing I have to say about these books, read them as close together as possible! While each book has its own story within it, there are little details (that you will probably forget) that will play roles in later books. The main reason I reread the first two was because I could remember the endings, but not why they happened. It also helps when dealing with Greek Myths to keep up with the connections. You don’t have to be an expert going in (Carter does a great job recapping myths) but you will forget who people are if you have time between each book.

Now, to the books. Overall, I find the series is very refreshing. While some series I read do involve myths, this was the first one I read where it is only Greek Myths. Throughout the series, I really had no idea what was going to happen and I really enjoyed that. It makes a book more interesting to read and what gets me hooked.

The Goddess Test was great. I like Kate as a character. She is strong and independent and you know where she is coming from (her character story makes sense in other words). I liked Henry in this book as well (not so much in the next one, but more about that later). The relationship between them is great. It’s not just physical chemistry but you actually get to see them building their relationship. I also loved the other characters as well. The one “bad” thing (and it’s not really bad) is that it is very slow. There is no action, it is literally just Kate learning about herself, Henry and the mythical world. There is a mystery element to it but compared to later books, it is a lot slower paced.

The Goddess of the Hunt novella that follows book one is a great read that shows you a different side to the gods as well as Henry. It’s a nice quick read and I highly recommend that you read it because it bridges the gap between books 1 & 2.

Hmmm, it’s hard for me to decide what my thoughts were on book 2, Goddess Interrupted. I first read it immediately after it was published and didn’t enjoy it too much. I felt Kate was acting a little petty about what happens in this book and Henry was totally right in his actions/thoughts–but when I reread it, I didn’t feel that way at all. Because I had just reread the first one I totally understood where Kate was coming from. It was actually Henry I couldn’t stand–but I based on his character, I understand why he is so “set in his way” but at the same time it irritated me. I just got the impression from the way book 1 and the first novella ended that we would see a different side of Henry but what we got wasn’t the side I was expecting. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the plot of this book and I liked all the drama in it. Plus the ending KILLS me every time.

Because I had to wait a year for book 3 and I was dying to see what would happen next, I didn’t read The Goddess Legacy until after. I am about half way through the first story of the eBook and I don’t think it really matters if you read this before or after book 3. I will update this later!

The Goddess Inheritance is by far my favourite books of the series. I felt every emotion you can feel reading this book. The plot is fast-paced and constantly twisting so it makes for a very enjoyable read. There isn’t much more to say other than it was a great read and was the perfect ending for what has been building throughout the other books.

I get the impression that while Kate’s story is finished this isn’t the last time we will see these characters. And if what happens next is on par with The Goddess Inheritance, then it will be fantastic but it isn’t really necessary.

Conclusion:

Aimee Carter creates a fantastic world filled with drama, romance and betrayal that is unlike most books in the young adult genre. You don’t have to be a mythology nut to know what is going on but read the books as close together as possible! so everything is fresh in your mind!

Rating: 4.5/5

Similar Reads: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Covenant, #1) and Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (Mythos Academy, #1)

Synopsis for The Goddess Test (from Goodreads):
Every girl who had taken the test has died.
Now it’s Kate’s turn.

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 that 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.

If she fails…