Kate was raised in New York City by her mother. Now they have moved to Eden, Michigan as her mother lives out her last days. Kate eventually enters into a bargain with Hades, and has to pass a number of tests in order to attain her goddesshood (spell-check is telling me that's not a word? WHY? "godhood" is a word. Why not "goddesshood"? Word-makers are misogynists.)
Anyway. Kate has to be believable as a plain-Jane type of girl, believable as a potential Goddess and be able to convince us that she actually cares about the people around her. This actress was suggested to me by a friend for another book/cast, and I've been patiently waiting until I could find a place for her, and I believe I have found it. I pick Malese Jow
Diana (Kate's Mother) is dying of cancer, and has been gravely ill for four years. Now, however, through the power of Hades' bargain, she is healthy and vivacious in Kate's subconscious, and we need somebody who can manage the mystique and the power of this motherly character. Oh, and she needs to resemble Kate a fair bit. I pick Monica Belucci
Ava is your run-of-the-mill popular-girl-b-word. She's stuck up and vapid and self-centered. Until she dies. Then she hovers in the gateway to the underworld with Kate and the two become friends. Somebody like Amber Heard would do well here.
James is an averagely awkward adolescent. He's goofy, but kind and open-minded. Eventually, though, he needs to be believable as something more, and I think somebody like Kevin McHale would be versatile enough to pull this off.
Calliope is one of Kate's handmaids when she is living in the gateway to the underworld. She's centuries old, smart, bubbly and super helpful. A little too helpful, if you know what I mean *eyebrow waggling* I pick Olivia Hack
Ella is another of Kate's handmaids, and she's a little more... passionate. Passionate about everything. She's quick to anger, quick to judge, proud, haughty, and desperately devoted to those she loves. She's also centuries old, and a timeless beauty. I think of a girl much like Alexandra Daddario
And now we come to Hades. Or, as he is known in this story: Henry.
I know, right? "Henry"? That's the "modern" name that the nearly omnipotent, all-powerful Hades came up with as a moniker for the twenty first century? Whatever, dude, it's your life. Er... afterlife. You know what I mean.
Henry is typical tall, dark and handsome. He's moody and broody. He's clever and friendly, but guards his feelings very closely. He is responsible for this goddess test that is being administered, and he has watched dozens of girls die in their attempt of it. He feels guilty and powerless to protect those that he is most responsible for. Did I mention he's handsome? And charming?
Let's see... handsome, timeless, exotic, moody... that can only mean Ben Barnes
Rawr.
You can read my review of this book on Goodreads.
