Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead
Science Fiction/Dystopia/Mythology
Rating:  5 Stars



In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

My Thoughts: I have never heard of this series but I have heard of the author. Richelle Mead is famous for her series The Vampire Academy and Bloodlines. She is one of my absolute favorite authors out there. So, when her book popped up on NetGalley I jumped at the chance. Only it was the second book that is on NetGalley so I had to read the first one before I read that one.
            This book is a confusing rollercoaster that I hope is going somewhere. You know that feeling on a rollercoaster when you are being jerked back and forth over and over again. One second you are moving to the right and then SLAM! You are going to the other direction. That is how it felt. It was all a good feeling though. I definitely enjoyed the ride.
            First off, this book is deeply enriched in religion that can be bad depending on the reader. To me it felt like the author did fantastic research and that I love. You can definitely tell how much love and attention goes into the work when you understand how much research went into a novel. Research is probably my favorite part in the writing process. The only part I didn’t like was the jumping from character to character without warning. That is why I love it when the authors add some kind of header to make sure the reader can keep up.
            There is a huge part of this story that can be creepy or helpful. It depends on how you see it. This new world is run electronically. That part isn’t so bad. You wouldn’t have to carry around money because your nice little device will pay it for you. The bad thing about all this technology is that each human in the RUNA are required to be chipped. Personal data is stored on the chip and it tracks you wherever you go. This is the creepy part. As a person, you would have no privacy but I think this kind of control would bring the crime rate way down.
            Justin March. What an arrogant @$$!! Okay, so he has his flaws but no matter how much I want to hate him I love him at the same time. How can someone be so awesome but all so full of himself? The most unlikable thing about him is the fact he sleeps with any woman that is breathing. Mae Koskinen is a lot more interesting. You know something big is coming to her early in the story so it builds drama and anticipation.
            Overall, I love this book. The rollercoaster actually made me love it even more. It wasn’t just a straight, narrow ride it was an enjoyable one. The good thing is that I already have the second one on my Kindle Fire already. I can’t wait to dig in for another ride.
             

Cover: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Characters: 4/5


Overall Score:


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