Monday 13 May 2013

Review: Gameboard of the Gods

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Title: Gameboard of the Gods

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Age of X #1

Publisher: Penguin

Publication date: 04 Jun 2013

Format: Kindle | Netgalley

Genre: Adult | Dystopian

Goodreads

 

 

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 realise 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 was dying to get my hands on a book by Richelle Mead so when this book popped up on netgalley I was thrilled. For the first book I've read by Mead, she sure left an impression.


I loved everything about this book. The first thing that stood out to me was that it was slightly complicated. I felt like I was thrown into the deep end until about half way through the book. I was out of the loop a lot of the time but I was desperate to find out what everyone was talking about. The language was sometimes confusing and it took a while to get used to, but it really made me think and it added to the world building a whole lot. I can tell some readers are going to need a bit of patience when this book comes out - it's definitely well worth it when you finally find out what's going on though.


The plot is definitely what got me most of all. It was flawless. Absolutely chocked full of action and suspense, balanced perfectly with a bit of complicated romance and a whole load of secrets to boot! Also, even though this book had a fulfilling ending where everything seemed to be resolved, I still have a lot of questions. A lot. I really need to find out what happens now and the first book hasn't even come out yet as I'm writing this review…#booknerdproblems


I loved all of the characters involved as well. Both Justin and Mae were really well rounded characters that had their strengths and their flaws. Justin made me laugh and he also made me sad at times, he just seemed so desperate in the 'he's doing the best he can' kind of way. He was definitely really endearing sometimes, but he also made me want to facepalm a lot. I always love characters to have their flaws though - makes them more relatable. 


I basically felt the same way about Mae. I loved her backstory and personality too. Her relationships with other characters and the way she interacted encouraged a whole lot of emotions on my part. She's a powerful character that doesn't seem to be afraid of tough situations or making mistakes. I definitely love both Justin and Mae.


Overall I can't fault this one. I'm definitely going to be picking up my own copy when it comes out and I really encourage you to do the same.


My rating: 10/10



Richelle Mead:

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't appear. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!