Monday 3 October 2011

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (Review & Interview)

For Review:  Mira-Ink
Published: 16 September 2011

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.


I really enjoyed this one. I found myself completely swept along with the story and I loved the characters. Especially Henry!

When we first meet Kate she is driving her terminally ill mother back to her hometown. Kate is determined to make the time her mother has left as comfortable as possible. But when she witnesses a man bring a girl back to life with her own eyes he offers her a deal. It turns out he is actually Hades, God of the Underground and he offers to keep her mother alive while she passes seven tests. And if she succeeds she will rule the underground with him as a goddess. And as his wife...

To say I loved Henry is just a little bit of an understatement. Man,  I loved him! And I also loved the way the relationship between him and Kate evolves into something really good. Kate is such a great character too. I liked how she thought of others and how strong she was even if she didn't realise it.

You find out pretty early on that Kate is not the first person to try to pass the seven tests. It would seem that someone wants anyone who tries dead. I have to say I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. I had absolutely no idea who was behind it all and I loved how it was all resolved.  There were a few other revelations too - some of which I had predicted - but also a couple that completely took me by surprise.

The seven test were really cleverly incorporated into the story too. Kate had no idea when she was facing a test and neither do we. So we have no idea until the end whether she has succeeded or not! I was desperate to find out! 

I can't wait for the next book in the series - I am so looking forward to spending more time with these characters.

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Aimee Carter also took the time to answer a few of my questions...

The Goddess Test is based around the Greek Myth of Hades and Persephone . Are you a big fan of Greek Mythology?
Yes! I adore Greek mythology. I’ve been devouring various versions of myths since I first learned how to read. I’m by no means an expert, but they never fail to be entertaining.

How many books do you have planned for the series? And can you give us any hints for what's next in store for Kate?
Right now there are three written, and it could either end there or go on, depending on how it all works out. I can’t give too much away, but I will say that Kate finds out exactly what it means to become a god in the next book, and it isn’t what she expects.

What is your favourite aspect of writing? And the most challenging
The storytelling aspect of it is by far my favourite. Outlining a story is a little like figuring out a puzzle to me, and I absolutely love it when I’m in the middle of writing and something new jumps out. The most challenging would probably be the last stages of editing – copyediting, proofreading, that sort. Mostly because I’m a perfectionist, and while some people zoom through their drafts, I read every last word to myself, sometimes over and over again to make sure it all makes sense. It’s extremely tedious and time-consuming.

What is a typical writing day like for you? Are there any 'must-haves' you need before you can sit down to write?
Writing days vary widely on how close the deadline is. I tend to write for a few hours after lunch every day, but on heavy writing days, I will write shortly after getting up, as well as long into the night. All I need is silence or, barring that – I tend to write in public places like bookstores and cafes – an iPod to drown out the conversation around me.

What's next for you? Are you working on a different series as well?
Up next are edits for the third Goddess Test book, which I’m very excited about. And as it happens, I do have a new YA series coming out in the US, the first book of which is called MASKED. The release date for it has been fluid lately, but it looks like right now it’ll be coming out after the third Goddess Test book. I’m always working on something new though, and if you want to keep up to date on what I’m doing, you can always find my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter (@aimee_carter).
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Thanks Aimee! I can't wait for more Henry...

You can find Aimee at her Website, on Facebook and on Twitter.

* Photo taken from author's Website

2 comments:

Cliona said...

This sounds absolutely amazing! I love Greek mythology, so I think I'll like this! Fab answers to the questions too.

TheBookAddictedGirl said...

Great review and interview! I so, so, so want to read this - Greek mythology is my favourite! Great! :D

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