Gameboard of the Gods

Age of X, Book 1

By: Richelle Mead

Narrated by: Emily Shaffer

Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2013 Richelle Mead (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"After years of YA, the author has finally returned to her adult roots with an ambitious (and sexy!) sci-fi outing." (EntertainmentWeekly.com)

"This brilliant book is a miracle. Think American Gods with the romantic heart of Vampire Academy. What's the point of world-building if you aren't building something and someone to love? I'm in love with every character in this book. How do I know? When I got to the last page I turned to the first and started again, thinking this is why I read." (Margaret Stohl, New York Times best-selling author of Icons)

"Vivid world-building, whip-fast pacing, and a layered plot combine to make Gameboard of the Gods a riveting read!" (Melissa Marr, New York Times best-selling author of The Arrivals)

It's okay

The story it's more on the adult side seeing as how the main characters are in their early 30s have 30-something problems which is relatable for me. Teens may struggle with it, but maybe they aren't the target audience? The mystical parts are a bit tough to swallow with the mix of realism involved in the story but I went with it since it's the first book.

Narration could be improved. There isn't much range to her voice and all the male characters sound the same which makes it difficult to tell who is talking when there's more than one around. Sometimes her pacing slows down unnecessarily. Action parts are often read with less intensity than the scene demands. Again, these are the early stages so I'm expecting better in the next round. Still worth the money and the time.

Richelle Mead gets better and better

I mostly gave this a chance due to liking some of the author's other books, but this has potential to be my new favorite series. It starts a little slow, but you'll quickly get invested in the characters.

Not what you'd expect.

A little slow in the beginning. Now waiting for more. I like the change in Rachels writing.

Rachel Mead “Outstanding author”

My daughter is the one who started with the series. Rachel Mead is an excellent author. She definitely has me hooked to all of her series. All of her books are very well written with an excellent storyline and keeps you waiting for the next.
Emily Schaeffer the narrator brings the books to life. She is one of the best narrators I have heard!

I really hope that you can keep Emily as your narrator in all of your series she is truly excellent!!!

Fascinating New World

I enjoyed this book. The world is well thought out and the different countries are very distinct. The whole society of the RUNA was very interesting with the patrician classes and the plebian classes and the cultural differences between the two as well as the genetic. The whole murder storyline was well thought out and executed. It was closed out at the end of the book but left enough open for following books. The evolution of the belief in Gods that came to both Mae and Justin seemed pretty organic and possible. I can't wait to see what the next books do with the interactions between Justin and Mae. The whole neurotransmitter implant that the praetorians have is an interesting concept and I wonder what else they can do. Emily Shaffer did a good job with the narration and differentiating between the characters but sometimes I had flashbacks to the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead which she also narrates.

This is a wild book!

I was glad to finally listen to one of Mead's adult books. The future world she creates is very believable and full of detail. I was surprised everything wasn't explained at the beginning of the book, as Mead usually does. It got a little frustrating but then I read a review and understood that explanation would come. The supernatural element is very different from any other book I've read. This is a unique series.

Clever and Well Researched

Would you listen to Gameboard of the Gods again? Why?

I've already listened twice... Went back to the first book after hearing second book and learning there's not a third yet. But there were so many details that it was better the SECOND time around

What did you like best about this story?

How well researched the G/gods and goddesses were and cleverly mixed the cultures and nations and stereotypes were presented to the reader

What does Emily Shaffer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She totally puts emotion into her reading. And narrates appropriately, especially when reader is supposed to be on edge

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

And you thought there is only God?

Any additional comments?

Just loved it!!!!!!

Great listen!

Intriguing story with a fresh, original plot. Action, romance, and angst. Definitely another good book by Mead. Narrator was good, but got a bit excited in the action scenes. Nonetheless, If you want a read to enthrall you, this is a good option.

Wonderful

Gives you a new perspective on current government propaganda, in a wonderfully created fictitious environment. And always love listening to Emily narrate.

Really Interesting

I really enjoyed this book. Very interesting and different. Very excited to read the next book.