machelriller's review
3.0
I struggled to write the review for Alpha Goddess because I feel so conflicted about it. It was both unique and predictable, both exciting and slow. On the one hand, it was refreshing to read a YA paranormal/fantasy book about demons, gods, and goddesses, rather than the usual culprits like werewolves and vampires. The originality drew me in. At the same time, Alpha Goddess called on some fairly common YA tropes–some of which I don’t particularly like.
Read the rest of my review at Giant Squid Books.
Read the rest of my review at Giant Squid Books.
hannchilada's review
2.5
I mean, I didn't hate it, it was mildly pleasant, but when pressed to come up with redeeming qualities all I can think of is:...?? Unique use of Hindu mythology?
The main character was mostly reactionary and none of the characters were particularly well developed. Neither of the boyfriends made much sense to me. The plot was good, writing was acceptable. I wish the mythology was more explored and defined; Lakshmi seemed pretty op to me but whatever. The ending bothered me the most. You really can't have the best of both worlds, or both guys. That's too warm and fuzzy to be realistic, and real guys wouldn't go for that (Also, isn't Sita supposed be to like super chaste and faithful?). But, I harbor no animosity toward this book or author, and I would encourage and look forward to more from her.
The main character was mostly reactionary and none of the characters were particularly well developed. Neither of the boyfriends made much sense to me. The plot was good, writing was acceptable. I wish the mythology was more explored and defined; Lakshmi seemed pretty op to me but whatever. The ending bothered me the most. You really can't have the best of both worlds, or both guys. That's too warm and fuzzy to be realistic, and real guys wouldn't go for that (Also, isn't Sita supposed be to like super chaste and faithful?). But, I harbor no animosity toward this book or author, and I would encourage and look forward to more from her.
katsmiao's review
2.0
Loved the premise, but the book was hard to read. I skipped a few chapters in the middle, and forced myself to finish.
I didn't like the characters. Mom was very un-mom-like, Sara was pretty self-involved and whiny, and the love triangle got old. I was excited about the hindu mythology bit, but during the reading it was difficult to keep track on what's what and who's who.
I didn't like the characters. Mom was very un-mom-like, Sara was pretty self-involved and whiny, and the love triangle got old. I was excited about the hindu mythology bit, but during the reading it was difficult to keep track on what's what and who's who.
books_plan_create's review
4.0
I loved the inclusion of Hindu Mythology! We always have Norse, Greek/Roman-so a different one was quite lovely. I'm very curious to see where we go next.
bookwyrm37's review
3.0
excellent ya novel - coming of age with fabulous Hindu mythology - loved the archetypes we don't see in USA fiction often!
amyjoy's review
4.0
Really entertaining, and using Hindu mythology as the basis for this fantasy made it feel really fresh and unique.
My biggest complaint was that all the dudes in this sucked. And Dev spent so much of the book being *so* perfect and nice (while still managing to be obnoxious af), that I was SURE he was totes evil.
My biggest complaint was that all the dudes in this sucked. And Dev spent so much of the book being *so* perfect and nice (while still managing to be obnoxious af), that I was SURE he was totes evil.
harshitha_reads's review
1.0
DNF (40 percent through and then, it was just too painful to read.)
The word 'cliche' does not even begin to describe this book. The only one unique quality about this book which completely deserved the one star I gave is the usage of Hindu mythology (coming to think of it, I don't think it was very accurate). And that too did not make me finish this book.
I do not understand why most of the stories need to revolve around one sole teenager. And all the friggin' time the teenager is oblivious to the supernatural stuff.
The Story
Main Character - Sera
She has the words cliched and annoying etched all over her bones.
Her world is turned upside down because she's a friggin' goddess. And everybody knew and she didn't. Isn't that terrible?
The rest of the meager characters
Oh, there's a fantastic love triangle to look forward to!
Conclusion
The word 'cliche' does not even begin to describe this book. The only one unique quality about this book which completely deserved the one star I gave is the usage of Hindu mythology (coming to think of it, I don't think it was very accurate). And that too did not make me finish this book.
I do not understand why most of the stories need to revolve around one sole teenager. And all the friggin' time the teenager is oblivious to the supernatural stuff.
The Story
Main Character - Sera
She has the words cliched and annoying etched all over her bones.
Her world is turned upside down because she's a friggin' goddess. And everybody knew and she didn't. Isn't that terrible?
The rest of the meager characters
Oh, there's a fantastic love triangle to look forward to!
Conclusion
awexis's review
3.0
Thank you for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!
Hmmm... This is a bit hard to review. Not that it's a bad book or something.
It's not, well, in my opinion. First off... I got friends all over the world since I got so active in reading and doing discussion everywhere about books, life, work or anything under the sun. Why am I telling you that? It is because one or two or three of those friends are from India. They're born, grew up, is living and working in India.
So when I read the book... I was asking Navdha, my friend from India, if she knew what are these words I'm reading in the book means. And she patiently explained to me some of it. Guess what? ... It's not really a full Hindu Myths as I have initially thought. >_< Yes, it was almost about Ramayana. Of Rama and Sita. Of Vishnu and Lakshimi. BUT, I don't think the characters in the book was purely of the said Hindu Myth.
I do believe that some of it was taken from Japanese Myths other mythology, I think. Or just the general demon names. I think that was why most of my Indian reader friends either DNF it or gave it 2 to 3 stars only. They didn't like that the Hindu Mythology was twisted and many faults in the background. In my opinion, I kinda agree to them in a way that the author should have stick to the Hindu mythology and get all the names of the right demon for the right hell. If you know what I mean (only when you read the book).
I do think it was executed well and written well enough for me to give it a 3 stars. It is good. I mean, the writing was captivating. I'm a bit wary of the love triangle though. I mean, how could it end like that? I keep on expecting she'll be with Dev cause hello? They love for a thousand years already. But noooo. I don't get who she end up with. Kyle became like that in the ending... so WTH? They will live for a long time sooooo who the heck? I can't believe that Howard end it like that. I'm not sure if there's a sequel but I guess not because the story did end. Ugh.
Sera struck me as a bit whiny though. And it 's a bit weird that first she's like "I'm ugly" and all that and then the next she's so pretty. :o And the big secret thingy? Is it a secret if people around her actually knows it except her? Yeah? noooooo. It's not a secret anymore. >.<
But other than that, I'm okay with the story.
Hmmm... This is a bit hard to review. Not that it's a bad book or something.
It's not, well, in my opinion. First off... I got friends all over the world since I got so active in reading and doing discussion everywhere about books, life, work or anything under the sun. Why am I telling you that? It is because one or two or three of those friends are from India. They're born, grew up, is living and working in India.
So when I read the book... I was asking Navdha, my friend from India, if she knew what are these words I'm reading in the book means. And she patiently explained to me some of it. Guess what? ... It's not really a full Hindu Myths as I have initially thought. >_< Yes, it was almost about Ramayana. Of Rama and Sita. Of Vishnu and Lakshimi. BUT, I don't think the characters in the book was purely of the said Hindu Myth.
I do believe that some of it was taken from Japanese Myths other mythology, I think. Or just the general demon names. I think that was why most of my Indian reader friends either DNF it or gave it 2 to 3 stars only. They didn't like that the Hindu Mythology was twisted and many faults in the background. In my opinion, I kinda agree to them in a way that the author should have stick to the Hindu mythology and get all the names of the right demon for the right hell. If you know what I mean (only when you read the book).
I do think it was executed well and written well enough for me to give it a 3 stars. It is good. I mean, the writing was captivating. I'm a bit wary of the love triangle though. I mean, how could it end like that? I keep on expecting she'll be with Dev cause hello? They love for a thousand years already. But noooo. I don't get who she end up with. Kyle became like that in the ending... so WTH? They will live for a long time sooooo who the heck? I can't believe that Howard end it like that. I'm not sure if there's a sequel but I guess not because the story did end. Ugh.
Sera struck me as a bit whiny though. And it 's a bit weird that first she's like "I'm ugly" and all that and then the next she's so pretty. :o And the big secret thingy? Is it a secret if people around her actually knows it except her? Yeah? noooooo. It's not a secret anymore. >.<
But other than that, I'm okay with the story.
foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Jennie
Cover Story: Peek-a-boo, Goddess Style
BFF Charm: Maybe in a Few Years
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal
Bonus Factor: Hindu Deities
Anti-Bonus Factor: Love Triangle
Relationship Status: Better Off Friends
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Peek-a-boo, Goddess Style
BFF Charm: Maybe in a Few Years
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal
Bonus Factor: Hindu Deities
Anti-Bonus Factor: Love Triangle
Relationship Status: Better Off Friends
Read the full book report here.