The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

I got this as an ARC from NetGalley

After years of chemotherapy and struggle, Kate is taking her mother back to her hometown to die. With the insistence of her mother, Kate attends school, counting down the seconds until she can be back with her mother. As a cruel prank, Ave, one of Kate's classmates invites Kate to a "party" in the woods. In the attempt to leave Kate there, something goes horribly wrong and Ava ends up dead. Henry, the mysterious property owner says he can bring Ava back to life-but at a price. Kate must live with him for 6 months out of the year. After agreeing, Kate soon finds her world surrounded with Greek mythological beings. She will be given 7 tests where if she passes she will become immortal, but if she fails she would go home with no memory of what happened. That is, if she isn't mysteriously killed like many girls before her.

From the first page I was hooked on this story. I found the character's to be entertaining, yet realistic. I felt the struggle Kate was going through as she tried to take care of her mother. Although I wished the author developed the character's a little more, I'd like to see more of James or Ava. I found myself constantly trying to guess what Kate's tests were. Although the story ended with everything tied in a nice little bow, I'm very excited to see what Carter's next story holds.

The Gathering by Kelly Armstrong

I got this as an ARC from the publisher Harper Collins
Mya has always felt a connection to nature. Animals act differently around her, the animals she takes care of at her home tend to heal faster, oh and there's that whole having visions and seeing through the animals eyes thing. With the exception of the visions most people in Mya's small town just accredit it to her being Native American, but there is something more to it. Pretty soon, people start disappearing and Rafe, the loner now kid in town, starts taking extra notice of Mya.

With a different setting but the same secondary characters from her Darkest Powers series, Armstrong has yet another amazing novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

Matched by Ally Condie

In a Society where every detail of your life is planned out for you; from your meals to your job to who you will marry, one girl must chose to follow or to question everything she has ever known. Cassia follows the rules, she doesn't get infractions, she doesn't question the Society, she does what she is told. At her Match Banquet she sees the face of her match.... Her best friend Xander who is perfect. While looking at Xander's information, another face flashes before her.... Ky, a boy who (according to the Society) can never be matched. Now Cassia has to decide, does she continue to follow the rules and stay with Xander or does she risk it all to be with Ky.

As a person who loved The Giver by Lois Lowery, I really enjoyed this book. I found many similarities between the societies. Cassia, who has to question her entire world and everything she knew, was a wonderful character. The way the book ended has set itself up for a sequel and I am very much looking forward to reading it.