From the international bestselling author of Vampire Academy, comes the first book in Richelle Mead's new adult series, the Age of X.

Gameboard of the Gods 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.

The truth is, when you banish the gods from the world, they eventually come back – with a vengeance.

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March is a former investigator of religious groups who was sent into exile after a failed job, a fate that has left the brilliant servitor bitter and free to indulge his addictive personality. Suddenly, Justin is sent home to the Republic of United North America (RUNA) with a peculiar assignment – to solve a string of ritualistic murders steeped in seemingly unexplainable phenomena.

Justin's unexpected return comes with an even bigger shock: his new partner and bodyguard, Mae, is a praetorian, one of the elite and deadly supersoldiers of the RUNA. Her inexplicably perfect beauty and aristocratic upbringing pique Justin's avid curiosity – and his desire – though her true nature holds more danger than anyone realises.

As their investigation unfolds, Justin and Mae find themselves in the path of terrible danger. Mysterious enemies and powers greater than they can imagine have begun to assemble in the shadows, preparing to reclaim a world where humans are merely gamepieces on their board.

REVIEWS FOR GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS

'After years of YA, the author has finally returned to her adult roots with an ambitious (and sexy!) sci-fi outing.' EntertainmentWeekly.com

'This brilliant book is a miracle. Think American Gods with the romantic heart of Vampire Academy. What's the point of world-building if you aren't building something and someone to love? I'm in love with every character in this book. How do I know? When I got to the last page I turned to the first and started again, thinking this is why I read.' Margaret Stohl, New York Times bestselling author of Icons

'Vivid world-building, whip-fast pacing, and a layered plot combine to make Gameboard of the Gods a riveting read!' Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of The Arrivals

'The book is fast paced and suspenseful . . . A promising first book in a projected series.' Booklist

'Provocative and dark – Gameboard of the Gods is epic in scale and impossible to put down.' Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels & author of Unbreakable

'Once you start you will not be able to stop with Mead's addictive writting style and her way of creating a world which you just sink into.' My Spin on Books