Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X, #1)

*this is a netgalley review

Summary:

"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 Xseries, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense"

Plot: The story line starts off quickly and you are instantly intrigued by all that is happening and than the book hits a lull and kind of it like a roller coaster from there on... you hit an exciting part and then slow down and back and forth. Lots of side stories, that may seem random but I promise they are not. Overall, Mead is really building the RUNA world and Mae and Justin's story lines for the series here.

Characters: I love both the Main Characters Mae and Justin. They each have their faults and their strengths which makes them very relate-able and like-able characters. Yet, they each have that extra umph that makes them special as well.

Pros: For those who are only familiar with Mead's Young Adult work this book is a nice medium for you. Although, it is definitely an adult book.

Cons: Due to the cramming of information it can get a little confusing at times.

Final Thoughts: The beginning and ending are what really sold me on Gameboard of the Gods. I like Mead's concept and take on the Gods and how she uses them. Although, there weren't A LOT of Gods in the story line like I expected. I can tell they will play a bigger role in the series. Mead's adult writing is a tiny bit slower paced than her Young Adult writing but I got used to it. If you are a loyal Mead fan, you can safely add this to your must read list.