This is an adult novel which may contain material not suitable for readers
under 17, including sex and the use of drugs/alcohol.
under 17, including sex and the use of drugs/alcohol.
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Title: Gameboard of the Gods
Series: Age of X #1
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Adult - Science Fiction, Dystopia, Mythology
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Source: library checkout – review policy here.
Diversity: Ethnic, Religious and Socio-Economic diversity
Synopsis via 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 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.
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.
I love it! I'm not going to lie, as with most sci-fi books there is a lot of groundwork to be laid. Extensive world building that, after 448 pages, I could see all play out on the back of my eye lids like a Super 8.
RUNA and everything not RUNA. Mead intricately lays out how the world is now. The combinations of ethnicities, a caste system and a government suspicious of religious practices make fir a very diverse future. Interfuse this with super-human people (praetorians), genetic manipulation and mythology you have a world built like no other.
Favorite character(s): Horatio and Magnus, these are the ravens that live inside protagonist Justin's head. They are hilarious, wise and remind me of the subconscious. Of course this made me think Justin was crazy but no spoilers... I also really enjoyed Tessa who is a teenager new to RUNA and is super intelligent and naively adorable. Major bonus is that she is not delicate but feminine while being smart and was chosen by Justin to be his prodigy. Major girl power points in my book!
The mythology: There are so many religious/mythological references. As someone who is not well versed in mythology (or Christianity), the book became a slower read for me. Let's just say Wikipedia and I became good friends and then the ADD would kick in so I'd spend an hour researching all kinds of goodies instead of reading... :/ But, as I learned more it all came together, some obvious and some very subtle. I appreciated both. I really like the idea of all these female deities, maybe it's the feminist in me.
The action. The fight scenes and adult scenes make this book! Just when I'm being overloaded with information there are swoons or spirit animals coming out of no where. Chases, deaths and other action worthy awesomeness.
My Goodreads updates:
I'm looking forward to book two, Immortal Crown,
which I'll review within the next week or so!
which I'll review within the next week or so!
Releases May 29, 2014
Pre-Order on Amazon or Book Depository
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