October 2011, Mira Ink
293 pages, Paperback
Review copy
Young Adult, Fantasy
Themes: Tests, trials, punishment, giving up loved things and loved ones, relinquishing control of life and love, danger, events turning out not as expected, historical costumes, friendship, mystery, betrayal, some teen romance, lots of humour and a few tissues needed.
Summary from Mira Ink Books
It's always been just Kate and her mom - and 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.
Nayuleska's reasons for loving Kate...she has a good heart, she wants the best for people and risks her own happiness to ensure that of others. Plus she's funny too.
Is there another character who deserves a mention? I alternated between loving and hating Ava. her bubblyness rose off the page in cloudss.
How evil/nasty was the enemy? Always having to look out for danger can be wearying, especially when Kate hasn't seen the danger herself so it's kind of like a ghost, although the misfortune caused by the enemy hurts Kate deeply on all levels.
Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? I felt glad that I'd figured out one twist, but I was most positively floored when the final twists hit me head on. Wow!!! I'm wondering how book 2 will top this one.
One of my favourite parts was...when Kate agreed to live with Henry to save others. No one has the right to call her selfish.
This is a read that made me cheer at the end, especially seeing as there's a sequel in 2012 because I want to know what Kate's new life is like. This gets 10/10
Be sure to find out more about Aimee and her book on her website.
Suggested read
If you're looking for more tales about Grecian deities, try Dioscouri by Chrystalla Thoma.
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