Review: Gameboard of Gods by Richelle Mead

If I hadn’t been a massive fan of Richelle Mead to begin with, I probably would not have picked up this book. Honestly, I am not generally a huge science fiction fan or a gal that reads books with a futuristic setting. With that said, this book had me within the first few pages especially out of curiosity. Immediately, I became intrigued by the main character Mae Koskinen, the elite super-soldier also known as a Praetorian. Praetorians are the soldiers of the RUNA (the dominate country) whom possess enhanced abilities due to an implant provided by the government. Knowing what a Praetorian is, how can one not be interested in a female super-soldier with control issues, who possesses a softer side when not hiding behind a rough exterior? Did I mention the suspicious dark force that seems to seize her during battle mode? Well, if you get past the first chapter or two, you will be hooked simply because you cannot help but want to find out what happens next.

Now, the story is set in the former United States now known as the RUNA (Republic of United North America) and the EA (Eastern Alliance). There are also many other places outside of these countries known as Provinces. These areas are where the citizens have not yielded to the common practices of the RUNA while exercising comparably primitive natures (fanatically practicing religions, having several children, drug use, and illicit gang issues). Thus, we have Dr. Justin March whom is an Internal Security Servitor of the Truth. He goes to places within and around the RUNA to disband groups with religious affiliations that have reached beyond the legal limits. When we meet Justin he is currently in exile though we do not know why (living in one of the….wait for it, Panama; one of the Provinces). We do know, however, that he suffers from addiction, is kind of a man-whore (well, not kind of), and he seems slightly unhinged, i.e. he has two ravens that talk to him within his consciousness. Yeah, you read that right. With that said, I was completely entranced by Justin. Seriously, if you can imagine the good looks, that is nothing compared to this characters cleverness and charisma. Furthermore, we know that he is connected to something much larger than himself, somehow relating to the supernatural.

So, bottom line for me is that Mae and Justin are amazing characters who are complex and unique. They were brought together for many reasons, but Mae ultimately becomes known as Justin’s bodyguard and the two of them are searching for answers. What begins as an investigation involving suspicious murders turns into something much more dangerous, unexpected, and thrilling. Ultimately, the question is: Do Gods and Goddesses exist? Furthermore, if they are real, what do they want? Why? Not to mention, who will they choose to align themselves with and what will become of those who refuse?

After writing this, I almost want to go back and re-read this book over. Yes, I am serious! This story is amazing. There is a little romance and a few sweet moments for those romance lovers; suspense, mystery, and action for those who seek the thrill; and a mixture of Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Urban Fantasy to boot. Additionally, the world is unique, yet easy to understand especially because in some ways I can see our technological advances leading to such a world in the future. So, what are you waiting for? Take a chance and read this book. I will be reading the second very soon now that it has released, and I cannot wait!

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