Age of X, Book 2
Synopsis: The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Vampire Academy and Bloodline series returns with the second installment in her acclaimed Age of X series.
Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.
Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.
Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.
Review: I had a great time with the first volume and it is true that I was curious to read this second book and see how Justin and Mae would get by this time in their quest. I was a little afraid that the novel was not up to the level of the first one but it was not the case and I had a great time once again.
Mae and Justin continue their quest, always checking out the important religions in their state. Yet it seems that the gods themselves do not want to leave our two heroes alone and try everything to recruit them. While Justin manages above all to escape the fate that seems to shrink around him, Mae, while remaining vigilant, happens to be manipulated when her weakness is on the line, that is to say, her niece. Yes, because our heroine wants one thing and that is to find her family member exiled somewhere so long ago. Yet it seems that the girl is in Arcadia, a place far from RUNA where a really different policy occurs. But she feels really lucky when Lucien provides a diplomatic trip to this place and invites Justin to be part of it. But, Mae will have to use her charms to make Justin capitulate as he refuses from the outset this trip. Our hero knows that the young woman is hiding something, but I was quite surprised to see that he leaves her time to open herself and reveal the reason behind this trip.
Richelle Mead allows us, with this trip in Arcadia, to reveal a little more about her rich and complex world. We go in another environment where women are seen as a commodity and Mae will have to adapt to this culture, although it is very difficult for her. Yes because here men can have several wives and concubines, present only for their desire. If a man is attracted to a woman? It is only the fault of the woman as she is too beautiful. Finally you can imagine that this is something we abhor as a reader and we understand the resentment of the young woman in this context. However, Mae will have to quickly find a solution to recover her niece if she can first of all to determine where she is located.
I took great pleasure in reading this novel. We discover with this sequel a little more of the world that Richelle Mead has created as well as her characters. We realize more and more that the affairs of the Gods are very complicated and must be dealt in a delicate way. Despite the suspicion and knowledge of our two heroes, we realize that the gods are able to perfectly achieve what they want to and to manipulate everyone. It’s pretty sad to see the consequences, yet when our duo manages to realize what is happening, it might be too late. From this fact, great things will happen throughout the story, allowing the characters to open to each other and I took a great pleasure in discovering everything. But in addition to this, we discover why Lucien is interested in the young woman and a revelation at the end of story will turn the story upside down (in fact, I wanted thank my friend Lexxie who helped me to remember some facts of the first volume that I had forgotten). But there aren’t alone, and we also follow Tessa, who begins to study in RUNA. She will quickly understand that even at her level, people try to manipulate her to get information. Something that is ultimately also not really nice.
To conclude, the author presents us once again a very good novel with a well pace throughout the story. In addition, we have a large number of discoveries and revelations keeping the reader in suspense. I was really looking forward to finish the book and to discover what would happen and I am now looking forward to read more. If you like different worlds, characters with multiple secrets and complex plots, I’m sure you will like the novel. I hope you will be as fascinated as I am and that you’ll take a great pleasure to in following our two heroes who are, as always, embarking on a quest that is far from easy.
Tabitha (Not Yet Read)
I am so excited to read the first book. I ordered the paperback which releases in a few days (I figured I could wait for the cheaper paperback since I’ve already waited this long already haha)
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it, I’m curious to read your review. You’re right it’s sometimes more interesting.
Christy
I can’t believe I have read ANY of Mead’s books. Glad you’re enjoying these so much, hopefully I will get to them someday.
Melliane
really? I really loved some of her books.You should try one! definitely!
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I was a huge fan of the first book, and like you, I feared that this would end up disappointing me. I’m SO glad that’s not the case. I started my copy just last night and I’ll probably be done today. Can’t wait to compare notes! 🙂
Melliane
Yes, I was really happy about it! I hope it will be the same for you. I’ll stalk your blog!
blodeuedd
I really like the sound of this world
Melliane
it’s an amazing one!
Jennifer Bielman
I heard this novel is really different. I am excited to start the series soon. great review.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it, I loved to discover it!
LilyElement
I have these on a TBR list 🙂
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
Glad to hear you enjoyed it Melliane, I got annoyed with the first book but I know Richelle Mead’s books take a while to take off the ground. Great review!
Melliane
I know she is difficult sometimes with her books, I always have a different feelings.
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings
I’m glad you’re continuing to enjoy this series! I liked Mead’s VA series, but didn’t love it and I’ve heard mixed reviews of this series, so I think I’m going to wait and see how the rest of the books unfold before diving into this. Wonderful review!
Melliane
Yes it’s nice! I only read the first VA but I need to try more. Yes I saw a lot of different reviews as well.
Franny @ Mind Reader
Lovely review, Melliane! I admit I’ve never read anything by Richelle Mead before, but this seems quite a great read!
Melliane
you you should to try her! her books are really fun!
Chene Sterckx
Great review!! I am so excited to continue with this series 🙂
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it!
kindlemom1
I love the cover on this one, so pretty! So happy to hear this was a great sequel. I really want to start this series sometime soon.
Melliane
I agree I also love it!
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
*sigh* I’ve fallen absurdly far behind on Richelle Mead books Melliane! I still need to start the VA spinoff series, and I have yet to read Gameboard of the Gods. I adore her writing and her characters, so I really need to find some time to get caught up. So glad this second book maintained the high level quality as the first!
Melliane
lol I haven”t even read her VA series, only the first volume. I hope you’ll be able to try this one too.
Tracy Terry
Reading the synopsis I can’t say this appealed to me but your review makes me think I might actually enjoy it.
Melliane
it’s different, I really enjoyed it.
Braine Talk Supe
I hope this is just a trilogy so it’ll be easy for me to catch up on
Melliane
I hope so as well! Now I wonder if it’s the case lol
Stephanie Faris
I hadn’t heard of this series until now, but it sounds intriguing. I’ll read more about the first one to see if it’s something I’d like.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like the sound of it, it’s interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
Great review Melliane, you have me curious about the world Mead has created and I am glad the second book delivered for you.
Melliane
I think it’s the best world from her for now. I really like to discover more.
Mogsy
The first book of this series was just added to my wishlist recently! Before I’d only been aware of the author’s YA vampire books and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of this really awesome sries about mythology and gods. So yeah now I’m on the waiting list for the audiobook of Gameboard of the Gods at my library, hope it becomes avaiable soon because I want to read that and this sequel!
Melliane
I really hope you’ll like it. I’m impatient to see what you’ll think about it!
ShootingStarsMag
I haven’t read anything by this author yet, but I do think I should try her out. That’s great you really liked this second book! It’s nice to get a better look at the world you’re reading about.
-lauren
kim { Book Swoon }
I’m excited to hear that The Immortal Crown delivers another great read! I have book one on my shelf, and I really need to pick it up and read it – this world/story just sounds so fascinating to me. Wonderful review, Melliane 🙂
aurian
Very nice review Melliane. I love this cover, and one day I will read Michelle’s books.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I still need to read her other series. I’m so behind! This also sounds fab and I am now wondering why I haven’t picked up any of her books yet.
brandileigh2003
This world sounds like one I would love. Her other series have been on my radar for some time
Melliane
yes it’s a wonderful world!
Missie
I have been eyeing this series and now that I know you enjoyed the second book just as much!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
Amir
This sounds really embarrassing but I’ve never read anything for Richelle Mead! I heard good things about this series though and the fact that it’s only #2 doesn’t feel quite daunting to get into. Plus, you love it! That’s definitely a plus! Lovely review 🙂
Melliane
I really hope you’ll be able to try it, it’s so good!
michelle A - Novels On The Run
OO you read this! I can’t read your review just yet as I am currently reading Gameboard of the Gods. Loving Justin, and then I am reading this one. I will then have read every book Richelle has written to date. I do love her writing in both YA and Adult. Mae is a great character. 😀
Mich
Melliane
Oh I’m so curious to see what you think of it!
Livia @ Butterfly-o-Meter Books
Another example of what I meant in my previous comment (on The Others), this is the kind of read that sounds super awesome, but then I take a good look at the cover and it references a Christ & crown of thorns image for me and it just completely turns me off, knowing there are some religion-related things in the novel.
I’m thrilled you’ve enjoyed it though, of course! Tout est bien qui finit bien, non? 😀
Livia @ Butterfly-o-Meter Books
Meant The Outside, lol, brainfart moment, sorry!!
Melliane
lol don’t worry I understood. But I understand your problem with the religion. Your french is really perfect!
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Oh really happy to hear you enjoyed this one as much as the first. 🙂 Great to hear! 🙂 Thank you!
Jessica @ Rabid Reads
Yay! I’m so glad you liked this, Melliane! I know the first book didn’t completely sell you on the series, but how can we not continue with it now? That ending! Gah! Wonderful review 😉
Melliane
I’m so curious now!
Kirsty-Marie
I haven’t read any of Richelle Mead’s adult books (since I don’t read Adult that often anyway) but seriously contemplating buying Gameboard of the Gods because damn it sounds good. So glad to hear the second is just as good. I love the way she sill does the world building as you go along so it’s not a ton of info dump and you’re still getting to know the complicated world she’s created. And a badass lead. 🙂
Melliane
it’s really interesting and different, I love that.