Gameboard of the Gods, the first novel of Richelle Mead's Age of X series, delivers all the elements that have made her bestselling Vampire Academy series a breakout success: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and breathless action and suspense.
Gameboard of the Gods, the first novel of Richelle Mead's Age of X series, delivers all the elements that have made her bestselling Vampire Academy series a breakout success: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and breathless action and suspense.
- ISBN:
- 9781921880247
- 9781921880247
- Category:
- Fantasy
- Publication Date:
- 04-06-2013
- Publisher:
- PENGUIN BOOKS AUSTRALIA
- Country of origin:
- Australia
- Pages:
- 464
- Dimensions (mm):
- 231x153x34mm
- Weight:
- 0.56kg
Click 'Notify Me' to get an email alert when this item becomes available
Click on Save to My Library / Lists
Click on My Library / My Lists and I will take you there
Reviews
3 Reviews
Richelle Mead's new book 'Gameboard of the Gods' follows Mae Koskinen (elite and gorgeous soldier) and Justin March (an exiled servitor determined to get his old life back) as they embark on a journey to solve brutal murders committed by religious extremists. Meanwhile, they are battling the growing darkness inside of themselves (and their ill-advised attraction for one another).
This book is an absolute page-turner. Mead is a genius when it comes to creating complex, enthralling plots for her characters to navigate through. Mead certainly does not disappoint with this serious.
Just like all of her previous books, this one is full of action, cliff-hangers and surprises. If you are a fan of her previous stuff, this book is a must-read!
The only thing I have to warn is make sure to pay a lot of attention when Mead explains details about the world she has created. Sometimes it got confusing learning about all the different districts and groups, their backgrounds, and what it all means to the story. On the positive side, this is only a minor thing and the world is incredibly compelling and original.
I look forward to what she does next!
Have you ever imagined what the world would be like in the future? New technology, new culture, new religion and a new way of living? Well Richelle Mead takes you deep into a new age with Gameboard of the Gods.
The world has changed and religion has been placed under strict limitations. Battles are waging and there are two great forces RUNA (Republic of United North America) and the EA (Eastern Alliance). Everything else is known as the provinces, barbaric and culturally inferior in comparison. RUNA is a highly advanced country which can track its population by chips inserted into their hands. Crime is low, however a string of strange murders occur which forces the government to resort to extreme measures.
Enter Justin March, a servitor exiled after failing in his job to investigate religious groups. Justin dreams of returning to his life in the RUNA and is given a rare opportunity to return. He must investigate the murders occurring in RUNA or fail and return to exile.
Enter Mae Koskinen, a praetorian elite RUNA soldier, assigned to keep Justin safe. Fuelled by neurotransmitters to enhance her abilities, she is considered one of the best in the business. She has discovered a new darkness that overcomes her during battle, bringing out her violent side.
The two must work together to overcome the darkness they have both found themselves in, fighting not just the unknown enemy but their feelings as well.
Mead has definitely stepped up her game with this series; moving from her comfort zone of vampires and succubi. She has created new labels for her futuristic world and at times it can be difficult to follow, however the story makes you overlook the confusing language. Mead has created a detailed and logical age which leaves you wondering just how accurate this life could be in the future. I particularly loved the heroine, Mae, a fearless soldier with compassion and her character development throughout the novel. This is an excellent read and a very promising beginning.
I give it a 9.5 out of10.
Domino
Imagine living in a country where the government controls your religious views, knows your every move, and determines worth based on DNA and you have Richelle's vision for Republic of United Northern America.
Mae is a member of the RUNA's military elite, born into a society that puts value on her DNA score and ability to marry well because of her looks.
Justin is a religious group auditor who has been brought back from a life in exile.
These two very different people are thrown together to investigate a series of murders with no clear motive, suspect or link.
This is not your typical Richelle Mead novel, and has a very different style to what we've experienced so far in her Vampire Academy and Succubus series'. Definitely a much more somber approach, lacking her usual wit, but perhaps more reflective of the environment in which the story is set.
I enjoy the interaction between the Justin and Mae, but feel the book as a whole was a little drawn out and lacking a bit of punch.
Also thought a little too much was left to the reader to work out. From the get-go I felt like I was simply dropped into the middle of a story and had to fill in the missing pieces.
Overall probably 3/5. A good read, but think I'll hold judgement until book 2.
Share This Book: