Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Review: Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1)

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

Gameboard of the Gods, by Richelle Mead, is the first novel in the Age of X adult series. It takes place in futuristic North America that has turned its back on religion. Justin March is a brilliant bitter former investigator of extremist religious groups with a troubled past. He was exiled to Panama after a failed mission that nearly cost his life. In the provinces, he is free to indulge into his addictive personality for women, sex, and alcohol. Nevertheless, he longs to return to his homeland, the Republic of United North America (RUNA), where he can redeem himself and restore his professional reputation.

Suddenly, authorities from RUNA assign him a peculiar mission that require his expertise and skills. He must solve a string of ritualistic murders steeped in seemingly unexplainable phenomena. His new partner and bodyguard, Mae Koskinen, is a beautiful super soldier (praetorian) whose true nature holds more danger than anyone realizes. Her aristocratic (patrician) background piques Justin's avid curiosity--and his desire--although tries to maintain self-control in her presence.

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. Supernatural forces want to reclaim the world, and the Justin must decide if he wants to acknowledge and embrace the truth around him.

Age of X is Richelle Mead's new adult science fiction series that is full of action, romance, and suspense. I am an avid fan of her bestselling Vampire Academy and Bloodlines teen series. I was delighted to hear that her new adult science fiction book series would combine paranormal and mythological elements in a world still distrustful of religion and plagued by an inexplicable disease. The last chapters are the best part of the book -- it lays the foundation for what to expect for the main cast. The plot is thrilling, intriguing, and irresistible. This series could also become a successor to the The Hunger Games franchise. I look forward to the second novel!

Stay tuned for the second novel in the Age of X series, The Immortal Crown.

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