Review: Age of X - Gameboard of the Gods

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One of my favorite authors is Richelle Mead, who is also the best selling author of the Vampire Academy book series. Mead writes a lot of young adult books, but also has a range of more adult books, like her Age of X series. I finished the first book in this series, Gameboard of the Gods, a while back and loved it.  The story takes place in a future world where technology has advanced quite a bit in computing and genetic science, and everyone in the country of RUNA, the Republic of United North America, is tracked and monitored by an implanted chip.

In RUNA, the story follows the characters Justin March and Mea Koskinen.  These two characters are thrust together to find the individual responsible for the recent string of criminal acts that seem almost supernatural.  With their world completely rejecting religion and all things supernatural, Justin is the only one with the experience to capture the criminal. He soon finds himself wrapped in a battle between Gods as they try fill the vacuum of religion in RUNA, and claim their place as the "top God".  He also soon finds out that one such God is especially interested in him, and can no longer ignore the world of Gods.

This series has a lot of interesting factors, especially when you find out which God is interested in Justin, though those who know a bit about religious studies may be able to determine who this is much earlier on by the many religious symbols and characters placed throughout the story .  Mead does an amazing job, as in many of her other books, incorporating many different mythological and religious symbolisms that are important to those religions, really making for an educated read.  I recently started the second book, The Immortal Crown and love everything about this series so far.

Mead does many other books, but I have to say the Age of X series has a really modern feel and seems like something that could happen in the not too distant future.  In most of her books, if not all, she invokes thought and reflection on the troubles that plague our societies today and bring to attention the many ways technology and our continuing rejection of religion could affect our society as a whole.  I recommend this for anyone looking for a book that will leave you thinking about it long after the book is over.