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.

Brother/Sister

Summary:

"Will and Asheley have a troubled past. Their father left them when they were little, and their mother has just been carted off to an alcohol treatment center. Now, they have the house to themselves, and an endless California summer stretching out before them. Through alternating perspectives, they tell the story of how and why their lives spun violently out of control - right up to the impossibly shocking conclusion you'll have to read for yourself to believe."

Plot: The plot is quite straight forward, the story altars between Will and Asheley's story and is told as if they are talking to you. It is a Semi psychological thriller and the ending is unexpected.
Characters: Will and Asheley are siblings, who have a close relationship. They are written very distinctly. Asheley the nice, sweet girl and Will the misunderstood, struggling man of the house.
Pros: quick read, very straight forward plot, and a little creepy. (but you expect that with this book)
Cons: There may have been some inaccuracies on minor details.
Final Thoughts:  I originally thought this book was about incest, but it isn't although there is a slighty inappropriate relationship going on. When I think about the events and personalities of and in the characters lives, it makes sense to me why some of these things happened. Although, I was shocked at some of them Epsecially the ending. I would LOVE to talk to someone who has read the book about the ending. Overall, there are not too many YA Psychological Thrillers out there, that are age appropriate. I mean this is like mini psychological  thriller, but still., an entertaining read.