Series Sunday: The Goddess Test Trilogy by Aimee Carter

These books blew me away! I actually finished the series after the final book came out back in February, but haven't reviewed any of the books yet. The books are based in Greek mythology and add a new take on the traditional myths. I ate up the each book right after I got them. Let me tell you, with books that good (and with that much of a cliffhanger) it is really painful to wait a year for the next one! The plot is intricately woven, nothing is coincidence, and everything has its consequences. They're different from the typical YA books, which is really nice. It doesn't have the typical love triangle, nor is the general plot even close to other YA's. The books are an amazing read that you don't want to miss.

The main character is Kate Winters. She is a strong and humane character. When
she makes judgements, she considers the all the aspects. She doesn't just think about what that person did, she looks at the whys and considers where they're coming from. She has an incredibly strong, no-nonsense, will. Nothing gets past her. She doesn't forget when someone wrongs her or those she loves, but she is spectacular at forgiving. Sadly, often the people she gives second chances will just come back and hit her harder. Yet each time, she manages to stand up taller and faster. Once someone has lost her trust, they won't get it back, and she'll sacrifice everything to protect those she loves. Henry is the male protagonist and love interest of Kate. Throughout the first two books, he has trouble admitting his feelings to her. He has been wronged and let down so many times in the past, so severely, that he's scared to open up to her. It's obvious to
everyone but Kate that he loves her so much, that he's scared to death of loosing
her. But after some time, and realizations, he comes to know that not loving Kate at all is so much worse than the chance of loosing her. Though he drives me batty at points, Henry has a good heart and a strong will. Like Kate, things don't get past him and he doesn't forget, even things best forgotten. He is less empathetic than her, but even still, he very much understands human nature. Another character is Ava. She is Kate's best friend and, though she makes an idiot of herself at points, she is always there for her in the end. James is another of Kate's friends. He doesn't get her as much, but makes each moment she has with him memorable.

The plot of these books is a fast-moving, non-stop, jet from pages to reality. I can't help but see the story play out right before my eyes. The characters are vivid and complex. After reading them, I can't get the books out of my head for hours. The pace is amazing and the romance is heart-stopping. I love this author's take on the gods of Greek mythology. Instead of showing the demi-gods or any of the more human offspring, it's from the point of view of the immortals themselves. There's also an anthology that has much needed backstory for many of the characters that simply doesn't fit in the books, but that readers need to know for motivations to be clear. The story is profound and deep. I can see myself rereading the series for years to come. I give it five stars!
Author Bio:

Aimee Carter attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and received a degree in Screen Arts and Cultures (a fancy way of saying she was forced to watch a lot of old movies) with a subconcentration in Screenwriting. Aimee writes. Aimee watches a lot of new movies. Read a lot of books. Tweet too much. Love dogs and have two spoiled Papillons.

Aimee's represented by the magical Rosemary Stimola of Stimola Literary Studio, and on very rare occasions she blog's over at WordPress.

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Synopsis:

Every girl who has taken the test has failed. 

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? 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...

Titles: The Goddess Test, The Goddess Hunt (1.5), Goddess Interrupted, The Goddess Legacy (2.5), The Goddess Inheritance

Author: Aimee Carter

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of Books: 3 Books, 1 Novella, 1 Anthology