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Goddess Test #2.5A
The Goddess Queen
‘In all the years I’d existed, I’d never expected to be free.’ The powerful Greek gods live in a world torn apart by jealousy and love, loss and longing. Could Goddess Queen Calliope finally be the one to achieve peace between the gods and set them free? ‘Our favourite author of the year,’ – Teen Now. A GODDESS SERIES STORY
Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
23 people are currently reading
3107 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Carter
49 books4,858 followersAimée Carter is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the author of over a dozen books, including The Goddess Test series, the Blackcoat Rebellion series, and the Simon Thorn series for middle grade readers, now a #1 international bestselling series under the title Animox. Her newest middle grade book, Curse of the Phoenix, will be released in June from Margaret K. McElderry Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 6, 2013
“No wonder…”
Okay, this are the bits of the Goddess series. I hated Hera since the book 1 and book 2. But after reading her point-of-view my vision about her changed.
I know she’s the Goddess of Women and Marriage, and I expected a lot of feminism and loyalty. I really agree with her a lot. It’s all clear to me now why she rebelled and against her brothers and sisters. But the way she acted on the 2nd book wasn’t a good move in my opinion.
I hated Zeus, he ain’t loyal to Hera and he was a one-sided man who wants to rule them all on his own way. Hera wants to fight back but she failed.
I feel sorry for Hera and I hope she’ll change her mind on the third book (siding with Cronus). She really wants her revenge (which I think that’s the way I should do if I were in her place).
Hera, was all alone and all she wanted was ‘Loyalty and Equality’. I feel her sorrows. She deserves more than the other Gods.
Okay, this are the bits of the Goddess series. I hated Hera since the book 1 and book 2. But after reading her point-of-view my vision about her changed.
I know she’s the Goddess of Women and Marriage, and I expected a lot of feminism and loyalty. I really agree with her a lot. It’s all clear to me now why she rebelled and against her brothers and sisters. But the way she acted on the 2nd book wasn’t a good move in my opinion.
I hated Zeus, he ain’t loyal to Hera and he was a one-sided man who wants to rule them all on his own way. Hera wants to fight back but she failed.
I feel sorry for Hera and I hope she’ll change her mind on the third book (siding with Cronus). She really wants her revenge (which I think that’s the way I should do if I were in her place).
Hera, was all alone and all she wanted was ‘Loyalty and Equality’. I feel her sorrows. She deserves more than the other Gods.
January 4, 2016
Hate Zeus! And all this business about siblings marrying is just wrong.
7 out of 10
7 out of 10
June 6, 2015
Content warnings: infidelity
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.
So this is basically the story of Zeus and Hera and how Zeus wound up with all his children and how he was an asshole to his wife. And how she became his wife. And manipulated her into marrying him against her better instincts.
For those who don't know ancient Greek religion, Zeus is basically the king of the Gods and Hera is the queen. Hera is often painted as excessively jealous and Zeus is painted as this huge playboy and that it's ok that he's a playboy and Hera's just a bitch. That is literally every religious story about the two of them ever.
And because Zeus is painted often as never doing wrong even though he basically has thousands of illegitimate children and Hera is just an overly jealous bitch makes these two my two least favourite Gods in ancient Greek religious stories.
I actually felt really bad and sorry for Hera in this story. Because she's a more sympathetic character than the original religious stories paint her. And reading this helps to make more sense in why she did and acted the way she did in the trilogy. Doesn't justify it. But you at least see her point of view in which she felt that was the only way to fix things.
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.
So this is basically the story of Zeus and Hera and how Zeus wound up with all his children and how he was an asshole to his wife. And how she became his wife. And manipulated her into marrying him against her better instincts.
For those who don't know ancient Greek religion, Zeus is basically the king of the Gods and Hera is the queen. Hera is often painted as excessively jealous and Zeus is painted as this huge playboy and that it's ok that he's a playboy and Hera's just a bitch. That is literally every religious story about the two of them ever.
And because Zeus is painted often as never doing wrong even though he basically has thousands of illegitimate children and Hera is just an overly jealous bitch makes these two my two least favourite Gods in ancient Greek religious stories.
I actually felt really bad and sorry for Hera in this story. Because she's a more sympathetic character than the original religious stories paint her. And reading this helps to make more sense in why she did and acted the way she did in the trilogy. Doesn't justify it. But you at least see her point of view in which she felt that was the only way to fix things.
March 12, 2016
This was so good. Can't put into words how much I loved this and how much it hurt.
Also changes a bit how I feel about Hera, she's always painted in such a negative light in this series, but also in most others.
Also changes a bit how I feel about Hera, she's always painted in such a negative light in this series, but also in most others.
August 3, 2016
I hate that I've read Hera's story.
Now I don't know which side to take!
Zeus, bro you're such a douche.
Now I don't know which side to take!
Zeus, bro you're such a douche.
February 16, 2026
Justice for Hera / Calliope
Review of the Goddess Test Series by Aimée Carter
Includes: 1 — The Goddess Test; 1.5 — The Goddess Hunt; 2 — Goddess Interrupted; 2.5 — The Goddess Legacy; 3 — The Goddess Inheritance.
What stayed with me most about this series was the sense of injustice in how the story is told and in who ultimately pays the price.
Hera/Calliope is not perfect, and I do not place her on a pedestal. She makes mistakes and questionable decisions. But she is the only character who truly tried to change an unjust system for millennia, largely alone, without support, and repeatedly betrayed. For most of the series, she is framed simply as a villain, and when the story finally reveals what she endured and what she was fighting against, especially in books 1.5 and 2.5, it is already too late for a fair reassessment.
Kate appears as a contrast: young, protected, and supported by everyone. Yet she is also a product of the same flawed system. She was shaped from childhood to become Henry’s wife, raised to fulfill a predetermined role without real space to form an independent identity. I would have preferred the story to remain grounded in the idea that both she and her mother were born human and became involved in an extraordinary situation later. But the moment the narrative establishes that her conception was planned so she would become the future wife of her sister’s ex-husband, that is where the grooming begins — and it makes everything profoundly unsettling.
The level of control is alarming: even physical traits like her freckles appear to have been chosen because Henry liked freckles on her sister. In other words, her identity was designed before birth to please a specific man. Her entire life was structured around fulfilling his preferences.
This reminds me of Madame Lady Danbury’s statement (in the TV series inspired by the Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn), when she explains that she was promised to her husband as a child and grew up without knowing who she was outside the role she had to perform to please him. She says she did not know her favorite color or how to exist independently of him. I see something very similar in Kate’s case: her preferences, behaviors, and even physical traits appear to have been shaped to satisfy someone else’s expectations.
From a psychological perspective, this reflects severe manipulation and emotional abuse. At 19, Kate has never questioned who her father is. She has no real friends, and when her mother, Henry, and James are busy, she has no one; the only people around her are part of the grooming. Her mother feigns illness to manipulate her, leaving her completely isolated. The result is a person whose personality has been deliberately manufactured.
Because of this, the story’s premise shifts from drama into psychological horror. It is not merely a controlling upbringing but a deliberate project of identity formation designed to serve another person. No one respects her, and no one tells her who her father is — she has to discover it herself. And the connection to her sister’s former husband makes the situation even more disturbing.
Kate’s characterization reinforces this pattern. She has no friends, no independent life, and no real choices. She was prepared from childhood for a predetermined destiny, which reinforces her emotional dependence and social isolation.
The order of revelations weakens the story’s impact. Readers spend most of the narrative seeing the victim as the villain without understanding the full scope of the conflict. When the complete picture appears, there is no narrative space left for a fair reevaluation.
Ultimately, what affected me most was the fate of the female characters. Hera, who wanted real change, is destroyed. Kate is born to fulfill a role and inherits the same system that crushed the woman before her. They could have been allies, but the narrative places them in opposition.
I believe I read this series around 2012/2013, as I added it to my Skoob shelf in 2012.
Review of the Goddess Test Series by Aimée Carter
Includes: 1 — The Goddess Test; 1.5 — The Goddess Hunt; 2 — Goddess Interrupted; 2.5 — The Goddess Legacy; 3 — The Goddess Inheritance.
What stayed with me most about this series was the sense of injustice in how the story is told and in who ultimately pays the price.
Hera/Calliope is not perfect, and I do not place her on a pedestal. She makes mistakes and questionable decisions. But she is the only character who truly tried to change an unjust system for millennia, largely alone, without support, and repeatedly betrayed. For most of the series, she is framed simply as a villain, and when the story finally reveals what she endured and what she was fighting against, especially in books 1.5 and 2.5, it is already too late for a fair reassessment.
Kate appears as a contrast: young, protected, and supported by everyone. Yet she is also a product of the same flawed system. She was shaped from childhood to become Henry’s wife, raised to fulfill a predetermined role without real space to form an independent identity. I would have preferred the story to remain grounded in the idea that both she and her mother were born human and became involved in an extraordinary situation later. But the moment the narrative establishes that her conception was planned so she would become the future wife of her sister’s ex-husband, that is where the grooming begins — and it makes everything profoundly unsettling.
The level of control is alarming: even physical traits like her freckles appear to have been chosen because Henry liked freckles on her sister. In other words, her identity was designed before birth to please a specific man. Her entire life was structured around fulfilling his preferences.
This reminds me of Madame Lady Danbury’s statement (in the TV series inspired by the Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn), when she explains that she was promised to her husband as a child and grew up without knowing who she was outside the role she had to perform to please him. She says she did not know her favorite color or how to exist independently of him. I see something very similar in Kate’s case: her preferences, behaviors, and even physical traits appear to have been shaped to satisfy someone else’s expectations.
From a psychological perspective, this reflects severe manipulation and emotional abuse. At 19, Kate has never questioned who her father is. She has no real friends, and when her mother, Henry, and James are busy, she has no one; the only people around her are part of the grooming. Her mother feigns illness to manipulate her, leaving her completely isolated. The result is a person whose personality has been deliberately manufactured.
Because of this, the story’s premise shifts from drama into psychological horror. It is not merely a controlling upbringing but a deliberate project of identity formation designed to serve another person. No one respects her, and no one tells her who her father is — she has to discover it herself. And the connection to her sister’s former husband makes the situation even more disturbing.
Kate’s characterization reinforces this pattern. She has no friends, no independent life, and no real choices. She was prepared from childhood for a predetermined destiny, which reinforces her emotional dependence and social isolation.
The order of revelations weakens the story’s impact. Readers spend most of the narrative seeing the victim as the villain without understanding the full scope of the conflict. When the complete picture appears, there is no narrative space left for a fair reevaluation.
Ultimately, what affected me most was the fate of the female characters. Hera, who wanted real change, is destroyed. Kate is born to fulfill a role and inherits the same system that crushed the woman before her. They could have been allies, but the narrative places them in opposition.
I believe I read this series around 2012/2013, as I added it to my Skoob shelf in 2012.
December 21, 2019
2.7 stars
"When would it be my turn to have a happy ending?" -Hera
At first, I viewed her as someone who was wronged and all she ever want was love to fill the hole in her heart. But the problem is, is it love or something else?
"But people don't change like that Hera-- they change because they want to, not because someone demands they do" -Demeter
Why is Hera so blind to see some truth in her sister words, was it her own pride that she doesnt want to look foolish.
"I want more. I deserved more." -Hera
at this point Im just gonna labelled her as selfish, ignorant, egoistic, megalomaniac-- all those things
"The council has not crumbled, Hera. You have." -Hades
Reading all this in Hera's pov make you think that things are about to get worse because of Zeus when it was obvious Hera is the one who sparks all of this. She wants marriage, loyalty and love? Zeus faked it. What would you expect? You expect something so perfect from someone, demand the most expensive thing when you couldnt afford the consequences. At least thats how I viewed it.
"As is envy" -Zeus
"As is lust" -Hera
At the end of it, both Zeus and Hera lose. Hera thought she needed love, but from what I see it all she hunger for is power.
"When would it be my turn to have a happy ending?" -Hera
At first, I viewed her as someone who was wronged and all she ever want was love to fill the hole in her heart. But the problem is, is it love or something else?
"But people don't change like that Hera-- they change because they want to, not because someone demands they do" -Demeter
Why is Hera so blind to see some truth in her sister words, was it her own pride that she doesnt want to look foolish.
"I want more. I deserved more." -Hera
at this point Im just gonna labelled her as selfish, ignorant, egoistic, megalomaniac-- all those things
"The council has not crumbled, Hera. You have." -Hades
Reading all this in Hera's pov make you think that things are about to get worse because of Zeus when it was obvious Hera is the one who sparks all of this. She wants marriage, loyalty and love? Zeus faked it. What would you expect? You expect something so perfect from someone, demand the most expensive thing when you couldnt afford the consequences. At least thats how I viewed it.
"As is envy" -Zeus
"As is lust" -Hera
At the end of it, both Zeus and Hera lose. Hera thought she needed love, but from what I see it all she hunger for is power.
November 26, 2016
I have always been a fan of Aimee Carter, and will always be reading her novels as long as they are being published :) This short story follows the story of Hera, and the struggles and heartbreak she faces along the way in her fight for power and equality on Olympus. I relate to Hera, due to her undying devotion to her children, as well as her attempted devotion to her husband, Zeus, for we all know what a "player" he truly is. We are able to see a side of Hera that we were not exposed to in The Goddess Test series, and I find that the short story is truly eye-opening in a sense of learning more about the woman is considered one of the "villains" in Greek Mythology. I highly recommend reading all of the short stories that coincide with the Goddess Test series, if you desire to have a wider range of knowledge about the characters you are exposed to in the series.
** You can find all of my reviews here, on my Goodreads page; add me as a friend!, as well as on my blog: www.thepaperworlds.blogspot.com and can find me on Instagram and Twitter as @thepaperworlds and on my Tumblr: www.thepaperworlds.tumblr.com **
** You can find all of my reviews here, on my Goodreads page; add me as a friend!, as well as on my blog: www.thepaperworlds.blogspot.com and can find me on Instagram and Twitter as @thepaperworlds and on my Tumblr: www.thepaperworlds.tumblr.com **
March 16, 2023
This is just a short novella about Calliope's life WELL before The Goddess Test is set, and it kind of helps to give a bit of insight as to why Calliope behaves the way that she does (to a degree; she's still insane and horrible for what she does but at least this sort of helps you understand how she got to that point).
It made me empathise with her a little more and understand her thought process leading up to the events in The Goddess Test and kinda helped to villainize her less in a way?
It made me empathise with her a little more and understand her thought process leading up to the events in The Goddess Test and kinda helped to villainize her less in a way?
May 28, 2018
I hated Hera during the main series, but this story really got me to understand where she was coming from. Zeus was a complete jerk to her and I see why she was the way she was. I think she could have handled it better though. She should have just told Hades fully how she felt from the beginning and never married Zeus....but that pride wouldn't allow it. Sad for her but she was pain.
February 3, 2026
This version of Hera makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE than the giggly Harley Quinn wannabe traipsing through the first two books. I actually enjoyed this, I didn't hate read it. Even though some of it still rubbed me wrong, this one specifically was miles better in writing and story.
August 13, 2018
This story really makes you feel for Hera. You see how bad Zeus actually is. Things get so twisted between them and you can see how it all starts.
December 11, 2018
Book 77 complete.
August 21, 2020
Wow great story, now I really feel for Hera but still...
July 17, 2013
Zeus is a jerk. I think other readers will agree. In Hera's story, he is evil and two-faced. I actually liked Hera in this story, I think because it's told from her perspective and her feelings are very relatable. We get to know Hera from the beginning, when she was fairly innocent (although slightly self-absorbed) and had a good heart. Unfortunately, Zeus' behaviors ruin her. Zeus really has two personalities. The one he portrays to the council is righteous and respected, while he secretly lies to and plays sadistic games with Hera. Zeus is a sexist tyrant who manipulates everyone in Hera's life, which isolates her. Her heart is broken again and again and she becomes bitter and jaded. Sounds like some guys I'm sure we've all dated, so it's hard not to feel sorry for her.
I got slightly annoyed because I felt like I was backtracking by having to read this book, but I really enjoyed the history of the other characters. The best thing about this book is that it's told from the other gods' perspectives, which I actually did not think I'd enjoy because I like Kate so much. I'm a total bookworm who falls in love with the characters, and I really sympathized with Hera. It was interesting to see what made her the way she was, and learn why she would hate someone she never met so much. It doesn't justify the things she would do later, but it added more passion behind her actions in Kate's stories. I really like Kate because she is so kind, but she did get on my nerves after a while because she is also so self-loathing. Hera's voice was fresh and strong, and kept me wanting more. Aphrodite is one of my favorite characters, and I'm excited to read her story next in The Lovestruck Goddess.
http://emeraldsandempresses.blogspot.com
I got slightly annoyed because I felt like I was backtracking by having to read this book, but I really enjoyed the history of the other characters. The best thing about this book is that it's told from the other gods' perspectives, which I actually did not think I'd enjoy because I like Kate so much. I'm a total bookworm who falls in love with the characters, and I really sympathized with Hera. It was interesting to see what made her the way she was, and learn why she would hate someone she never met so much. It doesn't justify the things she would do later, but it added more passion behind her actions in Kate's stories. I really like Kate because she is so kind, but she did get on my nerves after a while because she is also so self-loathing. Hera's voice was fresh and strong, and kept me wanting more. Aphrodite is one of my favorite characters, and I'm excited to read her story next in The Lovestruck Goddess.
http://emeraldsandempresses.blogspot.com
December 17, 2014
The Goddess Queen was a great novella focused on Hera at the start up of the council. The original six had just won the war against the Titans and decided to be better rulers than their creators. Hera wanted to be the queen, since she was the one who tipped the war in their favor, but she settles for an equal rule with her siblings. From there, things just go downhill for her and it's all too easy to see why she finally snapped in Goddess Interrupted. All Hera wants is to be recognized for her talents, have a voice, and marry Hades. However, Zeus, the sweet talker that he is convinces her that he's a changed man and that she can rule the Skies as his queen. Pretty words from a liar.
I was already familiar with the basics of this myth. Zeus is a horrible adulterer, but I did love the author's twist on all of it in The Goddess Queen. I think her take made the tale more fresh and relatable, even if it did have a bit more of a Jerry Springer vibe. I felt awful for Hera as all of her efforts failed. It's no wonder that she's so set on destroying the council in the main series. It made me view the second book in a new light, since I originally found the plot complete ridiculous. Now it makes more sense to me, but I still think it could have been done in a less over-the-top way. I highly recommend this novella for fans of the series, as well as those who are on the fence about it like I am.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I was already familiar with the basics of this myth. Zeus is a horrible adulterer, but I did love the author's twist on all of it in The Goddess Queen. I think her take made the tale more fresh and relatable, even if it did have a bit more of a Jerry Springer vibe. I felt awful for Hera as all of her efforts failed. It's no wonder that she's so set on destroying the council in the main series. It made me view the second book in a new light, since I originally found the plot complete ridiculous. Now it makes more sense to me, but I still think it could have been done in a less over-the-top way. I highly recommend this novella for fans of the series, as well as those who are on the fence about it like I am.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
November 8, 2020
En ningún momento sentí simpatía por Hera y me siento bien conmigo misma por eso jaja
Y debo admitir que, Zeus es un tremendo perro JAJJAJA
juraba y gritaba al cielo que amaba a Hera pero a lo que tenía una oportunidad, le pegaba cachos. Oh dios.
Y lo que le hizo a Hefesto.
OK
No lo vi venir para nada.
Siempre, la mitología Griega será mi favorita, por la cantidad de amoríos entre hermanos/primos/sobrinos, hijos bastardos, engaños, etc.
Hades aka Henry siempre será mi favorito. Siempre manteniendo distancia, lo quiero mucho :(
No puedo evitar sentirme molesta por como trataba Hades a Hera... I mean, deja de tratarla lindo, ella en un futuro tratará de matar a tu último intento de esposa para que así tú la ames a ella.
—El consejo no se ha venido abajo, Hera. Tú sí. Y no puedo dejar que esto pase, porque significaría perderte completamente. Lealtad, fidelidad, esas son las que te hacen quien eres. Con mucho gusto aceptaré lo primero como amigos y a cambio te ofreceré mi amistad incondicionalmente. Pero no dejaré que hagas a un lado lo segundo, no cuando significaría que ya no eres tú.
Y debo admitir que, Zeus es un tremendo perro JAJJAJA
juraba y gritaba al cielo que amaba a Hera pero a lo que tenía una oportunidad, le pegaba cachos. Oh dios.
Y lo que le hizo a Hefesto.
OK
No lo vi venir para nada.
Siempre, la mitología Griega será mi favorita, por la cantidad de amoríos entre hermanos/primos/sobrinos, hijos bastardos, engaños, etc.
Hades aka Henry siempre será mi favorito. Siempre manteniendo distancia, lo quiero mucho :(
No puedo evitar sentirme molesta por como trataba Hades a Hera... I mean, deja de tratarla lindo, ella en un futuro tratará de matar a tu último intento de esposa para que así tú la ames a ella.
''Un día, arreglaría las cosas. Sería una reina de nuevo. Y no importaba lo que se necesitase, Hades sería mi rey.''
February 8, 2013
Toda la base de la historia de Goddess Test radica en lo que pasa en esta historia.
Es increíble conocer a los Dioses mas allá de Henry y Kate!
Acá son ellos todopoderosos, los que vencieron a los Titanes, no los seres mortales que nos plantea en un inicio la historia.
No puedo decir que siento simpatía por Hera (Calliope) porque ella es tanto culpable de las acciones y decisiones que tomó. Pero entiendo lo que sufrió, la traición de Zeus (Walter) , el amor no correspondido de Hades (Henry), que su hermana le fallara de esa forma(aunque lo haya hecho para ayudarla) y la forma en que en parte perdió a sus hijos. Tuvo que ver a Zeus romper sus votos, traicionar su confianza, separarla de sus hijos, despojarla de su reinado, y muchas cosas mas.
Pero ella se volvió un ser vengativo, ambicioso, y capaz de destruir a todos (Incluyendo a Hades y sus hijos) por vengarse del hombre que arruinó su vida. No puedo apoyar la causa de alguien así, porque sería una locura!
*Aún cuando apoyé su lucha porque Zeus la considerara una igual, con su actitud de "Yo tengo que ser la reina" fue la semilla de mi odio hacia ella.
June 30, 2015
I thought this story was alright. I didn't actually find anything wrong with this story. I liked how we got a new perspective of Calliope/Hera. It helped us understand her better and why she did what she did (I'm not saying that it makes her murder okay though). This story also made me like Henry more. Unlike Kate, all the characters in this story did have flaws which makes it easier to relate to the characters. Hera's big flaw was pride. Since I kind of have that problem too, I found it easier to relate to her than I did to Kate.
However, I could not connect with this story. While I appreciated Aimee Carter's creative twist on the typical myths, I was not able to get sucked into this story. In fact, I almost had to force myself to continue to read it. I think that may be because we pretty much know how this ends. There was no mystery in it.
A previous reviewer mentioned that this wasn't really mythology. It's more like a soap opera, and I agree. I feel like it's just another story that only has the same names used in Greek mythology.
However, I could not connect with this story. While I appreciated Aimee Carter's creative twist on the typical myths, I was not able to get sucked into this story. In fact, I almost had to force myself to continue to read it. I think that may be because we pretty much know how this ends. There was no mystery in it.
A previous reviewer mentioned that this wasn't really mythology. It's more like a soap opera, and I agree. I feel like it's just another story that only has the same names used in Greek mythology.
January 24, 2013
I like that we get to see the point of view of Hera and what kind of psychological trauma she had to had, to become what she is now, even though we caught a glimpse of her suffering via Zeus affairs in the main book, in here we see how her heart broke and it's painful. I know that her actions were too drastic, and that all the girls that perished because of her in the test were completely innocent but you can't stop feeling sympathy for the goddes in this story.
My heart aches a little with you Hera.
My heart aches a little with you Hera.
May 2, 2015
This gave me a whole new perspective on Calliope. I saw reason, the reason why she became that. Zeus was a jerk, usurping Calliope, as well as the others, of their deserved power. He made promises he can't obviously keep. He had many illegitimate children, and he even wanted Calliope to act as a mother to them and also made them join the council, so that more people are in his favour. If I was Calliope, maybe I would've also sent the serpent to Leto. Zeus throwing Hephaestus off the balcony was very evil of him. Yes, Calliope might've sent the serpent,
BUT DID THEY DIE
BUT DID THEY DIE
June 18, 2015
This novella has about 84 pages and it is the story of Hera and how she became the way she is...
I must say I really felt for her and I understand how infidelity can change a person, she had suffered sooo much but I think she directs her anger towards the wrong people, not the children from Zeus or Hades she should be directing her worth to but Zeus himself, gosh what a bastard he is, it is all his fault that she became like this...
So yes I now understand her better but still I don't agree with what she has done in the first and second book...
I must say I really felt for her and I understand how infidelity can change a person, she had suffered sooo much but I think she directs her anger towards the wrong people, not the children from Zeus or Hades she should be directing her worth to but Zeus himself, gosh what a bastard he is, it is all his fault that she became like this...
So yes I now understand her better but still I don't agree with what she has done in the first and second book...
January 10, 2021
I'm embarrassed to rate a book in this series so high, but, if nothing else, this is the only one where (some of) the gods are recognizable and close to the way they come across in the myths. That said, this is a good thing and also not so good because while this story might provide an interesting insight into Hera's character, it certainly does not explain Calliope in the slightest. I felt like I was reading about a completely different character to the one in the main series. In fact, Calliope makes even less sense to me than she did before, if that's possible.
December 12, 2012
I had no idea what to expect starting this book. No reviews and no Blurb. I am very pleased I took the risk.
His book goes through Hera and Zues' marriage and how Sues manipulated the entire council of Gods into a dictatorship. I was easily able to relate to Hera. I've not been angry at a book character as much as I was angry at Zues for quite some time.
I'm going to definitely read on!
His book goes through Hera and Zues' marriage and how Sues manipulated the entire council of Gods into a dictatorship. I was easily able to relate to Hera. I've not been angry at a book character as much as I was angry at Zues for quite some time.
I'm going to definitely read on!
January 5, 2013
I read this in a collection called The Goddess Legacy which included five of the novellas from this series. That may explain why I thought the ending of the book was dreadful. It finished with the story of Hades trying to find a bride. It felt to me like Carter hit a deadline and decided to turn in an unfinished book. I see now that maybe there was more to the story that could have been covered in other Goddess stories that were not included in this collection.
July 10, 2013
Hera's revenge against the council has a dark and painful backstory. No doubt she used Ava's guilt of not voting with her to strip Zeus of his power to have her aid in the kidnapping of Kate. Her bitterness and unrequited love for Hades has been her only purpose for surviving. After reading this I definitely gained a new perspective and if nothing else have come to understand Hera's reasons for treason more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2016
3 Stars: interesting characters, a decent storyline, and unique story elements. the sort of book that you enjoy while you're reading it, but when you compare
it to others, it's not amazing. Or if it forms part of a series which you like, you may as well read it, but don't expect the world.
There are plenty of better books out there, but a Three Star book isn't a complete waste of your reading time.
it to others, it's not amazing. Or if it forms part of a series which you like, you may as well read it, but don't expect the world.
There are plenty of better books out there, but a Three Star book isn't a complete waste of your reading time.
August 20, 2016
After reading this novella I can see Hera in another light. I still think she was in the wrong with what she did in the books. But I can see where she was coming from Zeus is a Bas** with capital B. Hades is sweet and sorry to say it but I got angry with Demeter. No matter the reasons she betrayed her sister. Hera was an amazing main character and I rooted for her, if I hadn't of known what she would do in the future I would have loved her forever!
April 27, 2013
I think I liked this story better than the ones about Kate. This story made me see where Hera was coming from and I disliked her a little less. Although I thought it was interesting how similar Kate and Hera really are! They are both a little insecure and want to be loved. They both despise being alone and they want to be truly cared about.
March 28, 2013
This short story makes Calliope make more sense. Its sad how her husband treated her. She was genuine in her devotion to Zues, but he did nothing but cheat on her. While you feel bad about this, and the fact that the man she loves, Henry, rejects her, her ambitions are what lead to her downfall, not her love. She loves power, and whatever male can get it for her will have her loyalty.
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