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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
When I finished reading The Goddess Test, a couple months ago, my first impulse was to sit and write an extraordinarily negative review. Which I would hate to do, but the experience of reading this book was such a negative one for me! Which is surprising, considering the amazing reviews this book has received on the blogs. Looking at the book's reviews on Goodreads, you’ll see it is generally well loved. But I struggled through it, and if I continued to the end, it was only to know whether I had guessed the twist or not (I had).
There were some really great points to the novel : Carter’s writing is smooth and pleasant, and her main character, Kate, is actually really likable. She has a huge heart and her quest to help her mother is an honorable one. I loved their relationship, for what little we saw of it, and I liked Kate’s outlook on life.
Sadly those positive aspects were strongly outweighed by the negative ones. I guess it depends on how “seriously” you take your Greek mythology. If it’s something you enjoy like I enjoy fashion (the things are pretty, but I can’t distinct the fake from the “real thing” and I don’t care that much about the brands), then I believe you’ll have higher chances to enjoy it. If however, you have a deeper knowledge of the mythology (for instance, you’ve read some of the classics or read non-fiction on ancient history), then you might find The Goddess Test less to your liking.
To me, the way Carter used the mythology was pretty much the equivalent of nails on chalkboard. And I feel really bad for saying that, because I am sure Carter simply intended to give mythology an original and new twist. Sadly, it contradicts so much of what Greek mythology is that I couldn’t get behind it. Beginning with Henry/Hades, who is such a good guy. He’s not even a bad guy with a big hearth. He’s nice. And kind of thoughtful. But so tortured. Huh.
And believe it or not, all of those “Greek” gods are kind, generous, honest peeps who want a new goddess who lives a life exempt of selfishness, jealousy, and other deadly sins. They all have very high moral standards.
Say what?
The Greek gods are everything but those things. I’m not saying Carter had to include all the lust and wars and such things, but turning it over on its head and sprinkling it with elements of christian faith? I just couldn’t buy it.
Reading The Goddess Test was such a frustration for me. Some reviews here, like Vinaya's or Morgan's, translate my thoughts better than I could do it myself (they’re also somewhat funny.) Because I had such a strong reaction, I can’t recommend or not recommend this book. All I wish is that other readers have better luck with it! :)
There were some really great points to the novel : Carter’s writing is smooth and pleasant, and her main character, Kate, is actually really likable. She has a huge heart and her quest to help her mother is an honorable one. I loved their relationship, for what little we saw of it, and I liked Kate’s outlook on life.
Sadly those positive aspects were strongly outweighed by the negative ones. I guess it depends on how “seriously” you take your Greek mythology. If it’s something you enjoy like I enjoy fashion (the things are pretty, but I can’t distinct the fake from the “real thing” and I don’t care that much about the brands), then I believe you’ll have higher chances to enjoy it. If however, you have a deeper knowledge of the mythology (for instance, you’ve read some of the classics or read non-fiction on ancient history), then you might find The Goddess Test less to your liking.
To me, the way Carter used the mythology was pretty much the equivalent of nails on chalkboard. And I feel really bad for saying that, because I am sure Carter simply intended to give mythology an original and new twist. Sadly, it contradicts so much of what Greek mythology is that I couldn’t get behind it. Beginning with Henry/Hades, who is such a good guy. He’s not even a bad guy with a big hearth. He’s nice. And kind of thoughtful. But so tortured. Huh.
And believe it or not, all of those “Greek” gods are kind, generous, honest peeps who want a new goddess who lives a life exempt of selfishness, jealousy, and other deadly sins. They all have very high moral standards.
Say what?
The Greek gods are everything but those things. I’m not saying Carter had to include all the lust and wars and such things, but turning it over on its head and sprinkling it with elements of christian faith? I just couldn’t buy it.
Reading The Goddess Test was such a frustration for me. Some reviews here, like Vinaya's or Morgan's, translate my thoughts better than I could do it myself (they’re also somewhat funny.) Because I had such a strong reaction, I can’t recommend or not recommend this book. All I wish is that other readers have better luck with it! :)
Content warnings: death
Before I start this review I need to clarify something. I see "mythology" as religion. Because it is in fact, religion. Typically it's a religion that isn't widely practised any more and potentially not practised at all. The term mythology also tends to be used for just about any religious practice that is not a branch of Christianity. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ME USING THE PHRASE RELIGION/RELIGIOUS PRACTICE IN PLACE OF MYTHOLOGY DO NOT READ ANY OF MY REVIEWS FOR THIS SERIES.
Now that that is said, I love reading about modern day adaptations of religious stories.
The Hades-Persephone story is one of my favourites and I like reading different interpretations. From the purity stories to ones like this.
I like the idea that Hades and Persephone weren't a great match for each other. And that he released her from her duties so that she could spend her eternity with the person she loved who loved her back.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I didn't care for some of the Gods/Goddesses but that goes without saying in general if you know me. A lot of the Greek religious stories bother me (particular most of them involving Zeus/Hera but I'll talk about that in a different review).
I enjoyed the fact that Henry and Kate actually got to know each other. Granted it was AFTER she promised to give him 6 months of her life every year for eternity. But getting to know a partner in a story makes it a lot more believable when there's romance involved. Because usually (and this happened more or less with this though Henry was a lot standoffish and it didn't show til a lot later) you can see the characters actually falling for each other. You're not just told "oh yeah they're totally into each other believe it" when the text is saying they're not. This is one of the things that I mean when I say show me don't tell me.
I understand why Henry is so standoffish. Especially after reading the trilogy and all the short stories that go with it. But while it was going on it seemed a little....off to me. Ok a lot off to me. Especially with his hot and cold moods. It really bothered me. But I'm glad it was elaborated on eventually and explained.
Before I start this review I need to clarify something. I see "mythology" as religion. Because it is in fact, religion. Typically it's a religion that isn't widely practised any more and potentially not practised at all. The term mythology also tends to be used for just about any religious practice that is not a branch of Christianity. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ME USING THE PHRASE RELIGION/RELIGIOUS PRACTICE IN PLACE OF MYTHOLOGY DO NOT READ ANY OF MY REVIEWS FOR THIS SERIES.
Now that that is said, I love reading about modern day adaptations of religious stories.
The Hades-Persephone story is one of my favourites and I like reading different interpretations. From the purity stories to ones like this.
I like the idea that Hades and Persephone weren't a great match for each other. And that he released her from her duties so that she could spend her eternity with the person she loved who loved her back.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I didn't care for some of the Gods/Goddesses but that goes without saying in general if you know me. A lot of the Greek religious stories bother me (particular most of them involving Zeus/Hera but I'll talk about that in a different review).
I enjoyed the fact that Henry and Kate actually got to know each other. Granted it was AFTER she promised to give him 6 months of her life every year for eternity. But getting to know a partner in a story makes it a lot more believable when there's romance involved. Because usually (and this happened more or less with this though Henry was a lot standoffish and it didn't show til a lot later) you can see the characters actually falling for each other. You're not just told "oh yeah they're totally into each other believe it" when the text is saying they're not. This is one of the things that I mean when I say show me don't tell me.
I understand why Henry is so standoffish. Especially after reading the trilogy and all the short stories that go with it. But while it was going on it seemed a little....off to me. Ok a lot off to me. Especially with his hot and cold moods. It really bothered me. But I'm glad it was elaborated on eventually and explained.
I actually really liked this book. It's a nice spin on the Hades and Persephone trope. Was totally worth the read. I'm actually pretty interested in what's going to happen next on this series. I do wish there was some spice. The "fade to black" spicy scene just felt a bit like I was being robbed. But overall it was a good read.
4.5 stars. Good, I will definitely read the next one.
Very very mixed feelings on this.
2.75 stars
Review to come.
2.75 stars
Review to come.
I had no doubt that Kate would be the girl to pass all the tests and become immortal. Why else would there be a book for if she was gonna fail and die like all the rest. The fact that she actually was killed was bizarre but I'm glad it didn't end there and that she was able to marry Henry(Hades).
Loved this book. I was practically up all night reading it. Each individual characters brings something fun and unique to the story. It truly captivates you. Can't wait for book 2.