Book Review: Gameboard of the Gods

I received this from Netgalley as an ARC for an honest review. 

Blurb from 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. Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, 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

I was THRILLED when I got to read this book. I am a big Richelle Mead fan and this book did not disappoint. The story is non stop action and keeps the reader intrigued through out the whole thing. I loved all the characters, especially Justin. From Meads other works and her talking about the book I thought maybe Justin would be a bit Aidenish but nope he was totally different, this academic who had this passion for his work but still has some major issues. It was so interesting to see the world through the eyes of Justin and Mae but I think throughout this series their views will change drastically and I can't wait to see how it plays out. The supernatural elements played out nicely, I was intrigued by the twists and turns of the book. I was laughing out loud at the banter that seems to surround Justin, but at the same time he is very caring. The warmth he had towards Tessa was so sweet.

Mae was an interesting character, but I felt that I had seen her type before *cough* Rose *cough* BUT with that said, I have faith that by the end of the series, this wont be the case. There is nothing wrong with a kick ass heroine and that was Mae. Her family dynamic (or lack thereof) and her caste upbringing was interesting. I have high hopes for the Justin/Mae relationship but Mead is the queen of tension and NEVER maks it easy for her characters to get their HEA So I am sure I am in for more heart ache when it comes to those two, they both seemed screwed up enough that there will plenty of tension and issues.

Overall, this is a great sci-fi/paranormal/fantasy grab bag book of goodies. A complicated world that is entering a new age and I am excited to see how this series plays out!!

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