Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter (Review)

Genre:	Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Publication.Date	March 27th 2011
Pages:	296
Published By:	Harlequin Teen  |
Website	Aimee Carter |
	Goddess Interrupted - Goodreads
My review copy:	Finished copy received from the author as a gift (thank you, Aimee!)

Where to get:

KATE WINTERS HAS WON IMMORTALITY.

BUT IF SHE WANTS A LIFE WITH HENRY IN THE UNDERWORLD, SHE'LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.(Goodreads)

“It is supposed to be the truth." He stared at me and my breath caught in my throat. "If I were a better man, I would be able to show you the love and affection you deserve. As I am not, I can only offer you what I'm capable of giving. But I assure you, just because I do not show it, doesn't mean I do not feel it.” 

“Being with Henry doesn't mean you have to give up who you are. Henry doesn't define you.”

“Persephone told me that you said it wasn't as good as you expected it. When she kissed you, I mean."
Something flickered behind his eyes, but it was gone so fast that I couldn't tell what it was.
"No, it was not. I find little joy in showing affection to somebody who does not return it."
"Yeah, me too." I covered his hand with mine and pressed my lips against his palm. "It hurts being the one who loves more.”

“You can say you love me all you want, but if you only ever act like the opposite's true, then I can't trust your words anymore.”

     Sizzling with emotions and drama, Goddess Interrupted is a pleasing second instalment in the highly entertaining Goddess Test series. It's a hold-on-tight-to-your-seat kind of book, full of fast-paced action and mind-bending plot twists. It's intense. It's fun. It's also addictive, full of surprises and deliciously magical. Most of all, though, it's just extremely readable and compelling - one of those books that firmly grab your attention and do not release their hold until you turn the last page. 

     This is a well-written book, and one that, despite its minor flaws, is really fun to read. I ploughed through it in less than a day and really enjoyed myself. As with the first book in the series, there were moments when I thought things could have been handled better, small discrepancies here and there, things in the plot that didn't click for me, etc...Like for example, did Kate really had to leave the Underworld after the first 6 months, when it is now implied that it's up to her to make the decision whether she wants to stay or go? At the end of The Goddess Test it seemed that she was almost forced to leave, despite wanting to stay by Henry's side, while towards the end of Goddess Interrupted, when the same issue comes up again, Kate tells Henry that she would prefer to stay in the Underworld whole year round and he seems very pleased with her decision. And no one says anything about it being a sort of a set-in-stone kind of deal like it appeared to be in the previous part. Hmm... But at the same time, these little details are easy to ignore and they don't take away from the pleasure of reading at all. 

     I liked Kate's character in the The Goddess Test. I thought she was really cool - all brave and thoughtful, caring and ready to sacrifice herself for others. That was admirable. However, with how the book ended, and what we learned about the events leading up to Kate's arrival in the Underworld (her whole life!), I must admit I was quite disturbed by her willingness to just accept things as they were and play the role of faithful wife and soon-to-be queen. Come on, Kate, you're not stupid, you obviously know that you've been played. Your whole life was nothing more than a freaking puppet show! Throw a fit, slap some people around, scream at them! Don't just play into their expectations and obediently follow their lead. You're better than that! I was shocked by the ending of The Goddess Test, Carter served a jaw-dropper that I didn't see coming. At all. But that still didn't enraged me. I get that Aimee Carter wanted to end with a bang, and well, she did just that. What frustrated me the most is Kate's reaction to that. And then Henry's behaviour and, again, Kate's reaction to that as well. I still believe in Henry, I think he'll somehow pull his crap together and stop acting like a sulky little kid, in time to make a good impression in The Goddess Legacy. I mean, he has to, right? Cause if by the end of this series he's still the same whiny, withdrawn, mysterious-bordering-on-brain-damaged flop, than the Underworld is in deep trouble. Don't get me wrong, I loved all the drama - it kept me well entertained and eager to turn the pages. I just felt slightly let down by Kate and Henry, and the lack of chemistry (or even common sense!) in their relationship. I wished Henry would get over Persephone and his BIG HEARTBREAK, instead he seemed to be intent on continuing to bathe in his pool of misery and self-pity. I wished Kate would step up and slap him into focus, instead she was going on an on about how she's just the replacement wife, how she'll never be as good as Persephone, she'll always be the second-best, yada yada yada... Sure, it was melodramatic. Yes, it added to the tension and mystery, offering an element of uncertainty. And I'm certain Aimee Carter is going somewhere with all that, but until I know where that is, I'll just say: let's give the guy his balls back and let the newly wed enjoy their honeymoon for gods' sake! 

     My small rant aside, I really did love Goddess Interrupted. Aimee Carter is a very talented writer, she has a way of making you emotionally engaged in the story. She'll make you laugh and cry. She'll get you all worked up and throwing things at the wall. The story she wrote is not a shallow one, but one with depth and layers upon layers of world and character building. Take Calliope - she's a real surprise! I thought she'd be so easy to hate, but she's not a stereotypical villain. As you get to know her better, and learn more about her story and the motives behind her actions, you'll probably even come to sympathize with her. She's quite a complex character, they all are. I really like that about this series.

     The world Aimee created is breathtaking and enchanting. I loved reading about the Underworld, it was.. magnificent! I also loved the idea of different after-lives for everyone - I thought it was brilliant and unique. I did not expect to be introduced to Persephone, and, as much as I hate to admit that, I actually liked her! She is a feisty chick who knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid  to do whatever it takes to get it - even if it means messing with the gods! Sassy, egoistic and quite temperamental, she really spiced up the story with her vibrant personality. And the Titans! I can't wait to learn more about them, especially about the King of the Titans!

     And yet again, the ending will blow your mind to pieces. You thought The Goddess Test ended with a total shocker? Wait till you read Goddess Interrupted! You'll be begging for The Goddess Legacy!

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About the Author

Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.

She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.

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