5. The Goddess Test

Ah, The Goddess Test. What can I say? It combined two of my favorite things: Greek mythology and a pretty cover. As such, it wasn't a question of whether I would read it, but when I would read it. I will say, however, that it was rather overhyped, as most YA bestsellers are. I expected more, so obviously I came away with less. And so the search for the perfect re-told myth continues..

...SPOILERS...

I’m always enthralled by novels that are reimagined classics. From modern-day fairytales to revamped fables, I’m always eager to try out a new version of an old story. When I glanced at The Goddess Test and noticed that it was a new take on the Hades and Persephone myth, I was sold. But it turned out that the actual execution of the story was not nearly as good as it could have been. The idea was fine—the heroine would have to pass seven tests in order to become immortal. If she failed, her memory would be wiped, and she would return to her normal life. This could have been a very promising story, but the tests were mediocre. They were excessively cheesy and profound, being obviously fitted to allow the protagonist to pass them. I suppose the general saying holds true: readers do not mind coincidences when they create conflict, but readers rage at coincidences that neatly resolve a character’s issues. The seven tests were easily passed by the heroine with little effort on her part. As she studied, she proved her diligence against sloth. As she gave away dresses to her friend, she proved her triumph over greed. It was all too simple. Another thing that irritated me was that the entire cast of characters, minus the oblivious protagonist, was part of the conspiracy. Every single side character that was introduced in the story later became involved in the goddess trials. Most of them turned out to be Greek gods or goddesses, and the characters’ unveilings made my head spin. The author had the audacity to make every character essential to the plot and part of the conspiracy. This boldness is atypical in novels, so I will commend Carter for her brave risk with the story.  Maybe the novel’s redemption even lies within that point; while it was frustrating to have everybody be somebody else, it was still shocking, and thus a good plot twist. Still, the whole story came off as a bit clichéd, which detracted from the plot as a whole.