Review: Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead

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.

Publishes in US: June 4th 2013 by Dutton Adult
Genre: na paranormal
Source: library
Series? Age of X #1

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     I wanted to read game board of the gods because I've been on a mead kick lately. Mae is one of the two main characters. She reminded me a lot of rose and Georgina, which isn't a bad thing since I absolutely adored the strength and literal and figurative kick ass ness of the two from vampire academy and succubus series. Mae is part of the military in the futuristic world.
Justin is the second main character and his details were a little harder to figure out. He has voices in his head which he refers to as ravens. I am kinda unsure of me is crazy, or of it odd from the gods, or perhaps some sort of implant which is partly why Mae is so strong and killer reflexes.
While the writing was good and I liked Mae, setting up the world and getting the plot going took a bit. I kept in mind though that it took me a bit to get into her other series and the effort was well worth it.
 

    The shifting perspectives threw me off, because Mead usually only does one pov, and I think that is how I prefer it. Although we would be missing a lot in this story only having one or the other, but still.

     The romantic tension was great. We got to see them together before it came out that they were working together. But each made an impression on the other, and it builds as they realize Mae is his protector and as she sees his addictive lifestyle, but she still can't stop thinking about that night they were together and their conversation ans connection.

    While I enjoyed some of it-it was not my favorite by Mead and I will not be continuing the series. Because this turned out to be more political than I expected. In the middle I got caught up in all of it and then it slowed down a bit for me. I was trying to follow and weed out what was important and what was just false leads. I ended up skimming quite a bit but I cared about Mae and Justin enough to get to the end at least.

Bottom Line: Good characters but too much politics for me.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you believe in the work of God or gods in our lives?

Review: The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

 The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.
Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.
Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

Publishes in US: September 10th 2013 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA Fantasy Mythology
Source: Harper Teen
Series? Yes. Sequel in 2014

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    Okay, I will admit, got off to a confused start because I know nothing about Greek mythology much less Egyptian and the names and implications that I probably should know a bit about the backstory threw me for a bit, but I soon figured out the important pieces. I was sent for review though, so I kept reading, and boy am I glad that I did. 

    Things really picked up for me once Isadora came to the US. I came to appreciate her voice even more, and I liked that she was tough, I loved her snark, and I also admired the vulnerability under it all. It is fun to see her adjusting to the culture, and always lends a light moment. I can't imagine coming here and really only cultural experience is from tv or a teen movie, lol. 

    And oh man, do I wish there were a picture of Ry. My imagination does a pretty good job, but I feel for the slightly antisocial, hot and secretly sweet and amazing guy. It was hard to see how Isadora held love and friendship at arm's length though because she didn't want to get hurt and was convinced that love would end and wasn't worth it. 

    Also, Tyler was amazing. She is also "working" at the museum and she takes Isadora under her wing. She is just this side of awkward which makes me connect with her immediately, because that could describe me. 

    The characters are amazing, I loved every interaction, serious to funny, and always wanted more. Isadora was unique in her culture, the way she grew up with gods and goddesses but is not one, and also that she has a passion that comes through, her interior design. I love how that was a theme throughout the book and also kept Ry in the picture even when she decides that she is attracted but doesn't want to have a relationship but doesn't want to get hurt. There is action too, and that kept things moving. 

    It was also a lot of fun to see the relationship between Isadora and her parents, especially her mom Isis evolve. They learn so much about each other, and that was a great plot element. 

    The ending was well done, and glad it tied up things pretty well. I am still really eager to get the next in the series. 

Bottom Line: Great characters, so glad I picked it up.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
How would you feel if your family was immortal but you weren't.

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Publishes in US: Mar 27th 2012
2nd in series, The Goddess Test is 1st, and the 3rd The Goddess Inheritance releases Oct 2012
Source: Netgalley

My Review:
    I tore through this one, and really enjoyed it. There are great action scenes and even though Kate seems weaker in some ways, the same girl I admired from the first series is still there. She is still as loyal and self-sacrificing as in the first, putting those she loves before herself and not even thinking of her safety.
    The relationship between Kate and Henry is agonizing in this one. I wanted to smack both of them over the head once I finally got to the bottom of their issues. This is where Kate seemed weaker when it came to her confidence towards Henry. I can totally understand where her insecurities come from, but it was still hard to read at times (with the heartbreak, not bad writing.)
    I really like James in this one, and I appreciate how he really looks out for Kate. I kinda want a piece of him for myself ;)    Ava was awesome as ever too. But Persephone was also frustrating in that wonderfully written character you wanna hate kind of way.
    I can't wait for the third one and find out how their stories conclude.

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