I had never heard of this series before but I decided to give it a chance. After reading this, the first book in the series, I have to say that I'm extremely glad I did. The book begins with Kate-a seemingly typical high school aged teenager-and her mother moving to her mother's hometown because this is what her mother really wants...and since her mother is dying, of course Kate obliges her and tries to put on a happy face and pretend it doesn't bother her. That is how they come to live in the town of Eden. 
 Eden isn't all that it appears to be, but Kate doesn't learn this until a girl from school tries to play a mean prank on her. In the course of this prank something goes terribly wrong and at this point Kate meets Henry, an extremely good looking and mysterious stranger who seems to have the ability to perform miracles. I can't go into much more detail without giving the story away, but I can tell you this: Kate is chosen to be the next candidate to help Henry, who is really Hades, rule the underworld for 6 months out of every year in exchange for immortality. In order to accomplish this she has to pass 7 tests...keep in mind that she has no idea what these tests are, when they will be, or anything at all to help her pass...talk about pressure!!! Add to that the fact that every other candidate who has tried within the past century has died- well, let's just say that the odds definitely seem stacked against her. 
 Kate ends up being a girl that I would love to be friends with. She doesn't really care what others think of her and would rather just spend time with her mom than with other kids her age. Her mom really wants her to try and make friends and a life of her own so that when she passes on Kate will have a purpose and not be alone and miserable. I agree with her mom, probably because Kate's character endeared herself to me and I want what is best for her. Henry ends up being a character that surprises me. As Hades, I would have thought he would be dark and stormy, maybe even mean and angry. Instead I find him to be sad, lonely, and kind- someone I want to fight for. I don't want to see him give up on hope or on himself. 
 There are many other characters who bring life to this story but I am not going to mention them here or give away any more than I have. I will just tell you that I'm very excited to say I loved this book, and hope that if you give it a chance that you will enjoy it every bit as much as I did. I will definitely continue on in the series.