GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods
Richelle Mead

Rating: C-
Release Date: 06/04/13
Synopsis:
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.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such mega-successes: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

My thoughts on the book:
Gameboard of the Gods did not blow me away. I'm a huge fan of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, but I didn't really like Vampire Academy because I couldn't stand Rose. The same goes with Gameboard of the Gods. I didn't like Justin or Mae, but I enjoyed the premise, plot, and writing immensely. Since I'm a big character person, I was put off by the fact that I don't like these two leading characters, so I doubt I'll be continuing this series. 

I absolutely loathed Justin. He was such a freaking jerk! All he cared about was getting laid and stoned. Not the kind of "hero" I want to read about. I found myself wishing he'd just get killed off so a worthy hero could be introduced. He was that bad. Yuck. Usually I like the "misunderstood bad boy" characters, but I didn't feel like he was misunderstood. He was just awful. Mae had no personality, and I really hated reading about her because of that. She bored me to death. Therefore, I just didn't care what happened to her. She's impossible to relate to, in my opinion, and I think a better leading female could have been written. 

The plot was action-packed and intense. That made this book tolerable for me. There was a sense of mystery and urgency, and Mead definitely kept me guessing. I also loved how unique the premise was. A lot of the dystopians are starting to read like the same book with different characters, but the concept really stood out. Also, Mead's writing was fantastic as usual. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to you if you're not a big character person or if you're looking for a unique dystopian. I've read mixed reviews of this novel, and you may enjoy it. However, I'd say check it out from the library first just in case. 

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