The Goddess Test is the debut novel by Aimee Carter, a young American writer, and in this story readers can enjoy a modern adaptation of the Greek myth of Persephone. Within the original myth, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and the Goddess Demeter, and she is kidnapped by Hades and taken to be his queen in the Underworld where he rules as king. Outraged by her daughter's abduction, Demeter causes a mighty drought and Zeus is forced to bring Persephone back from the Underworld. However there is a catch, and Persephone must spend the Winter months with Hades in the Underworld.
Summary of the Storyline
In this novel we see Kate Winters, an eighteen year old girl, move to the town of Eden with her terminally ill mother. Kate does not have much time to do the things an ordinary teenager does as she must care for her mother and worry about how much time she has left with her. Despite her efforts not to become involved in life at her new school, Kate makes friends with James, described as goofy looking with big ears, and Ava, the popular blond girl.
One night Ava convinces Kate to come with her to a party in the woods, however this turns out to be an elaborate prank, as Ava brings, Kate who can't swim, to an area where a river needs to be passed to get out, and then dives into the water leaving Kate stranded. To Kate's horror, Ava's prank goes wrong when she bashes her head on a rock and Kate must dive in to save her. But Ava is clearly dead when Kate drags her to shore and a mysterious character named Henry shows up offering to bring Ava back to life if Kate will agree to do something for him in return.
From here the story ensues, and Henry, who is Hades, brings Ava back to life, but informs Kate that she must now come and live with him for the winter months.
In Review
Carter does well in bringing the myth of Persephone back to life in this novel where the protagonist Kate must take on her role, as Henry requires a girl to be his queen in ruling the Underworld, as Persephone had. However, things are not so simple as even when Kate agrees to go with Henry she must pass various tests in order to become immortal.
Kate is an ordinary girl with some extraordinary characteristics which are the reason why Henry seems to have chosen her, as she is tested on the seven deadly sins. Carter creates an every-girl character that the majority of readers will be able to relate to and feel for as she deals with the impending death of her mother and her developing feelings for Henry.
The character of Henry is at times reserved and unfeeling, however this is what one would expect in a God who has existed since the creation of time. Coming towards the end of the novel the story loses a little bit of steam as Kate's trials and tribulations are stretched out for too long with no conclusions in sight. However this is quickly remedied when one of Kate's most trusted allies turns on her and there is a very clever twist at the end of the story. All in all, The Goddess Test, is a highly enjoyable read, a different sort of story to the usual fare in Young Adult Fantasy, and a very good debut effort by author Aimee Carter.
Source:
- Carter, Aimee. The Goddess Test. Harlequin Teen, 2011.
Lorraine McInerney - Lorraine McInerney is currently working as a freelance writer and editor. She studied Arts for four years and has a BA in English and ...
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