Gameboard of the Gods
Ratings15
Average rating3.9
The truth is, when you banish the gods from the world, they eventually come back—with a vengeance. In the near future, Justin March lives in exile from the Republic of United North America. After failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims, Justin is surprised when he is sent back with a peculiar assignment—to solve a string of ritualistic murders steeped in seemingly unexplainable phenomena. Justin’s return comes with an even bigger shock: His new partner and bodyguard, Mae Koskinen, is a prætorian, one of the Republic’s technologically enhanced supersoldiers. Mae’s inexplicable beauty and aristocratic upbringing attract Justin’s curiosity and desire, but her true nature holds more danger than anyone realizes. As their investigation unfolds, Justin and Mae find themselves in the crosshairs of mysterious enemies. Powers greater than they can imagine have started to assemble in the shadows, preparing to reclaim a world that has renounced religion and where humans are merely gamepieces on their board.
Series
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2 primary books#1 in Age of X
Age of X is a 2-book series with 2 released primary works first released in 2011 with contributions by Richelle Mead.
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I was lucky enough to attend a YA Penguin event a few months ago, and Gameboard of the Gods was one of their showcase books. I don't usually read YA novels, however when I found out that this was actually classified as ‘adult' or ‘new adult' I thought I would give it a try.
As much as I tried to love it, I just couldn't. It was entertaining enough, but the story lacked structure and the characters any substance.
Probably my biggest disappointment was with the dystopian world Mead created. In most of the dystopian novels I have read (1984, Brave New World, even Delirium (YA)) you get a sense of what occurred before a great decline and some of the reasons why the dystopian elements are implemented. However, with Gameboard of the Gods it seems the reader just has to accept that this is the way the world is now, without any explanation. I want to know what happened to lead to this Decline and the ban on religion.
It seemed to me that so little time was spent on the actual ‘point' of the novel (the solving of mysterious serial murders) and so much time spent describing the characters getting high or drunk. Yes, I get that Justin is a womanising egomaniac who has a problem with addiction, but do I have to hear about how much he drinks in every chapter? Also, I felt like this substance abuse was glamourised (like we are back at University trying to out chug each other) and not in the serious manner that adult addiction should be treated.
It's a good idea. Perhaps the next book will address the world building issues better, and maybe Justin will stop acting like a first class a-hole!
A solid start to the series. I loved the premise and the mixed mythologies. The world building was rich and detailed, but felt a little slow at times. Looking forward to the sequel.
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4,124 books#4,124 in What are your favorite books of all time?
When you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...
