That's What She Read

I realized while reading Goddess Interrupted that I am too much of a fan of mythology, particularly Greek and Roman mythology, to ever read this series with a critical eye. Yes, it is flawed, but it is above all fun. Yes, there are some distinctly uncomfortable moments about all of the incestuous relationships that exist around the gods. However, they are so unabashedly unashamed of their behavior, so god-like, that one cannot help but shrug off the moral issues and just go with it. Besides, these are the Greek gods. They are famous for their eye-raising behaviors that would get a normal person shunned. Therein lies their appeal – at least for me.

Kate remains a fascinating character as she struggles to adapt to her new life as an immortal and learn more about her new family. She proves that she is as tough and determined as ever, battling against the impossible to save her loved ones. She has a backbone and a crafty intelligence that others tend to underestimate. More importantly, she never lets the other gods scare or intimidate her when she has every reason to be both. Because she is so strong, her moments of fragility are particularly poignant. It is all too easy to empathize with Kate as she fights for her love as well as her life and her place as Queen of the Underworld.

The story itself is rather goofy if one truly examines it. Calliope is insane by every stretch of the imagination, and her determination to obtain revenge against Kate for her punishment seems extreme. That she would snap so thoroughly after Kate’s success is a convenient plot point that does not bear scrutiny. Her extremist reactions can be rather amusing, however, and her misguided partnership with Cronus is fascinating if only because it shows just how unraveled and single-minded she has truly become. Persephone’s involvement in the story is somewhat understandable, as it adds another level of friction to the story and forces Kate to verbalize her feelings about her situation and take action. Still, Persephone is not a sympathetic character either, no matter how Kate views her desire for happiness. It makes for some uncomfortable scenes.

Goddess Interrupted is not meant for critical analysis. Lighthearted, it is meant to entertain, and entertain it does. For one, it never takes itself too seriously. The story flies with plenty of ups and downs to hold a reader’s interest. Kate’s fate is anything but set in stone, adding a level of suspense to the existing dangers. They may no longer use their Greek monikers, but Ms. Carter ensures readers know who each god is with sly nods to their powers and their personalities. The ending raises a new batch of questions and sets one’s heart racing as to what the future holds for Kate, Henry, and the rest of the Council.