Latest Read: The Goddess Test series

Here are the basics ...
Book: The Goddess Test (#1), Goddess Interrupted (#2)
Author: Aimee Carter
Site: http://www.aimeecarter.com/
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy

Summary: Kate's mom is sick and her dying wish is 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. If she fails...  (Adapted from goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good: I read both books one after the other and I have to admit, I felt a little indifferent about the first book.  I enjoyed it for what it was but I didn't feel completely sucked in. But I heard good things about the second book and I was curious enough to continue, so I did.  And I definitely liked the second book more. Why? I'll start with the characters first.

I am 100% Team Kate. In the first book, she was just so good and selfless. Like, unbelievably so. She'd make these life-altering decisions and sacrifices for people she barely knew. Who does that?! But in the second book, I think her character was explored and better developed. We got to see more sides to her. Particularly the lonely and frustrated side. I can get why this might grate on other readers' nerves but her pain really struck a chord with me. I remember being in her shoes a long time ago and it IS hard to be the one who cares more in the relationship.  And like her, I'm the type of person who will demand answers.  There's this one scene in the second book where she just blows up in front of everyone and I wanted to cheer her on. The other important character is, of course, Henry. My feelings on him were pretty love/hate.  It was really hard to tell how Henry felt for her. As a reader, you know how he SHOULD feel but he didn't show it very often. Those were the moments (along with his moments of clinging to the past) that I did not like his character. But when he acted like the man Kate believed existed under his stoic exterior, I couldn't help but love him too.

Story-wise, I think the premise is really interesting. A little far-fetched at times during the first book but I think in the second book, the plot felt more compelling. Because ALL the characters were involved.  Most, if not all, the gods played a role and we got to know a little more of their backstory as well.  They're all working together towards a common goal - saving humanity (of course!) and I'm intrigued to see where the author takes the plot in the third book. Especially after that doozy of a cliffhanger in the second one.

The bad:  I already mentioned that the introduction into the series felt a little far-fetched but on top of that, the expectations of the book were a little misleading.  Meaning, I thought this book was going to be heavy on the Greek mythology.  It's not.  Familiar characters are there and once you put two-and-two together, some more mythology does get introduced.  But this is very much a modern take so keep that in mind.  Then the "tests" were far, far too subtle.  Kate (and I) didn't realize they were going on half the time and I think they should've been a lot more obvious.  In general, I expected there to be more.. action? I mean it's about the gods! I figured there'd be a couple epic battles. And there are but they happen off-screen because Kate is usually forbidden to fight (another gripe of mine).  And as much as I love romance, I wish the series wasn't so focused on it.

Do I recommend?: It's not for everyone.  But if you like the idea of a light modern twist on Greek mythology and romance (a sometimes painful heartbreaking romance), give it a shot!

Happy reading!