Friday, April 1, 2011

The Goddess Test-Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test
Aimee Carter
Harlequin Teen, Apr 19 2011, $9.99
ISBN 9780373210268

Eighteen year old Kate leaves New York City so her mom can die in her hometown of Eden in the Upper Peninsular of Michigan. At the high school the teen has not seen anything extraordinary about her peers like Ava, James, Dylan or Henry. That is until a nasty prank turns into an ugly killing of Ava but Henry miraculously brings her back to life.

Henry reluctantly explains to Kate who witnessed the miracle that he is the God of the Underworld. Although she saw what happened, she doubts his voracity as to who he claims he is. However, she clings to a slither of hope he is telling the truth as her mother is dying from cancer. Kate asks Henry to intervene so she can talk one last time with her mom. He agrees but the terms he demands are "live forever or die trying" with seven tests. She will soon understand what a Faustian deal is.

This is a wonderful high school age small town fantasy. The cast is fully developed; with many of the “teens” suffering torment and angst over life and death. Fast-paced readers will enjoy the opening act of Aimee Carter’s contemporary rendition of the Greek mythological tale Persephone.

Harriet Klausner

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