ARC Review - Gameboard Of The Gods by Richelle Mead

Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: June 4th, 2013
Publisher: Dutton Adult
3.5 Stars - I liked it (and yet still on the fence about it)

Synopsis:
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 X series, 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.

Review:
I am a huge fan of Mead's Vampire Academy and Succubus series.  When I saw that she was putting out a brand new trilogy I instantly jumped on the chance to read it.  To me, the cover says YA genre but I would like to almost categorize this is the "New Adult" genre that is becoming more popular.  Whether you are for or against this new genre, this definitely can not be categorized as Young Adult.  I was a little set off balance when I started this book, thinking that it Young Adult and consequently had to change my approach to this read. 
I was very disappointed by the lack of character development in this book.  I do tend to compare an author to their previous works.  These characters fell flat compared to the brave vivacious Rose Hathaway, or the snarky headstrong Georgina Kincaid.  I did like Mae, she was sexy and mysterious, but still lacked the heart to any of her previous female characters.  I did not really like Justin, but I don't think Mead wrote him as a character to be liked. 
I did like the world that she created.  It was imaginative and compelling.  It is definitely a possible future of our current society.  The premise to eliminate all religion because it only causes war and strife within people is something not out of the imagination.      
Ultimately this is a well written novel, even if I did not relate to the characters. It is an ambitious project, and I applaud her for taking this next step. 
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, and this is my honest review. 

photo and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads