ARC Review: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Dutton Adult
Series: Age of X #1
Pages: 464 Pages (Hardcover)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: June 4, 2013
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.

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.

Rating:


Review:

I had pretty high expectations for this one. Mead is a really good writer and I love everything I read from her so far.  THIS actually did exceed my expectations. Gameboard of the Gods is rather different from Mead's usual paranormal adult and young adult books. I was taken aback how much Mead has honed her craft since her first Vampire Academy book. Don't get me wrong, I think they are good, but this is seriously good stuff. Even while reading Gameboard I took note of it, but once I finished and all came together it was undeniable. In my opinion this is one of Mead's best works.

Mead mixed sci-fi, dystopia, mythology and mystery to make up a fast paced intricate plot, that kept me guessing and hoping at once. It's a Mead book so its fast and kick-ass, just what I like about her. But at the same time, there is depth to it and it made me think for a bit after. The first half or so has quite a bit of technical terms in it, being a geek I really enjoyed them though.

The character building is superb, I think Mead has always been good at this probably my favorite part of her writing. I happily would read her books even if they would be totally character based. To my amazement she manages to improve with each piece she write on this aspect. And in Gameboard she came up with faceted intriguing and captivating characters. The two MC's Mae and Justin are flawed, likable and extremely different, at least on the surface. They have palpable chemistry and I loved seeing how their relationship evolved just as much as the two characters. The support characters though were extremely well written as well and I think they highlighted the different aspects of the MC's superbly. As example Justin's relationship with Tessa on the one end highlights how protected and naive she is (Justine being the opposite) but it also shows that Justin has a generous and sweet side to him.

The world building is incredible! Mead created a post-apocalyptic world made up with pieces of the  world we know today, old school mythology and great sci-fi. It's so well done that it is totally believable and more importantly it's fresh and exciting and unique. I just must say, I loved the ravens!

Mead's prose was always beautiful and really great, and she does deliver another well written book. While this is really different than her previous books, it still is recognizably her style.  Her descriptions of the characters feelings and their relationship with others left an impression on me, that stayed with me for days and made me think about it. Which in means that Gameboard of the Gods will probably made it into my favorite books and definitely is one of my favorite releases in 2013 so far.

My only minor criticism- the lusting for each other but cant have each other romance. It's kinda Mead's MO i guess and to be honest she does it so well, that I didn't mind too much.

Fabulous action scenes, well crafted mystery, fascinating world building and likable interesting character left me wanting more! I'm looking forward where Mead will take this exciting and fabulous new series.



ARC was provided by Publishers through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

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ARC Review: My Ex from Hell by Tellulah Darling

My Ex from Hell by Tellulah Darling

Publisher: Te Da Media
Series: The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1
Pages: 272 Pages (Paperback)
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy

Rating:


Review: 

See when I read the blurb to this book I was really excited! I loved Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls. It was shallow, a bit crude (loads of cursing) and at times cliche but mostly I really loved Darlings wicked sense of humor. That book made me grin! So when I saw my Ex from Hell on Netgalley- there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted it. I mean Darling has a wicked sense of humor- and the blurb sounded fun...

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy

Sounds good?
Yeah.
But if you expect Sam Cruz style fun, sorry but you not going to find it here. There still were moments. YES, as I said, Darling has wicked sense of humor. But mostly it's rather anticlimactic!

The whole story line is a twist to the famous greek myth of Hades and Persephone. I love mythology, if you expect somehow a re-telling of it... this isn't happening at all. It's a new take. Like completely new. Because Darling added Kai into the occasion, who is Persephone's/Sophie's love interest rather than Hades- who is Kai's father. Frankly that didn't bother me much. The thing that did bothered me, was that the whole thing felt somewhat all over the place, not well planned and then suddenly rushed and finished.
All this stuff is happening- and suddenly it's all over. And the unfolding storyline is kinda disappointing. I felt like, that was it?

The character building was really lacking. I didn't really relate or care for any of them. (Unlike in Sam Cruz)
Sophie was rather conceited and annoying most of the time.
Theo was probably my favorite out of all the characters, not that I felt he stood out much. Or that he is much rounded character. He just seemed more interesting and had a little bit of mystery going. But on the other hand he was just the gay bestie...
And Hannah? Well it felt like Darling just added a BFF sidekick because that's just how it's done.
Kai, was supposed to be dark and mysterious. But again, I found him lacking. Not quite dark enough or mysterious- not even unpredictable. He did have his moments- but overall just like all the other character he felt unfinished and forgettable
The relationships between Sophie and the other Characters are all without fail rather cliche. Her relation ship with Kai had a brief interesting bits. But sadly, what I guess, was supposed to be cute or fun banter, was annoying bickering.
Most characters fell short. The villains were not only predictable, they also were a bit disappointing, week and rather unexciting.
Again. I felt like the entire process was rushed or not much care was put into it.

Darling's writing style is direct and fast paced. And she did manage to make me laugh (hence I rounded my rating up) - but would I have not read her debut novel, I would probably not bother with future books. Because this does definitely not show her best side.

So all in all, I was disappointed. While I like the idea of the book, I felt it had not much of a follow up. It's mostly disappointing because I know that Darling could have done better!
I can't go too much into detail, because it would be a review full of spoilers. So all I can say is that the end felt like a quick tidy session, the character building was disappointing and I'm still waiting for the fun smackdown we were promised!
Will I read the next installment to this series? Hell yes! Who knows? Hopefully in the next book Darling will live up to my expectations!


ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley. Thank you!

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Deza Zan

by Yoshitaka Amano

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Summary:
In his forty year career, Yoshitaka Amano has illustrated many projects, becoming famous for Final Fantasy and Vampire Hunter D. But never before has Amano written the visions he depicts - never until now! Dark Horse has the honor to publish Deva Zan, Yoshitaka Amano's first fantasy novel as an author as well as an illustrator! An epic ten years in the planning, Amano has made Deva Zan as his personal expression of the legends of Asia for his Western readership. In esotevic Japanese Buddhism, twelve generals - the Juni Jinsho - stood guard over the cosmos at the points of the zodiac. But now they have vanished, and nothing stands between us and the forces of darkness but Deva Zan, a samurai without a memory. To restore order to existence, he must marshal not only his own fighting skill, but find companions that can cross the boundaries of time and space - to join him in a battle that will stretch from the fields of ancient Japan, to the streets of modern New York City - and to dimensions beyond human comprehension!

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
When I finished reading this book, all I could think was how does one review a book like this? Where to start? It's so unique, so different. I wouldn't call this really a graphic novel but on some level it is…. I guess an illustrated novel would be more accurate. Since the story is written in novel style...

The storyline is interesting and unfolds slowly. But it was a bit confusing in the beginning. To be honest I know very little about japanese mythology- so I am not sure if that's the reason for my initial confusion.
As the story of Deva Zan unfolds it becomes multilayered and get deeper and deeper as one reads. I found myself pondering on different questions. Is it right to battle and kill, if the cause is right? Does one desire power for just the sake of power or for a good purpose really? Destiny and choices- how do they correlate?
The story is told beautifully, really like an old fairy tale or like I imagine long ago myth were told to the younger generations around the fire.

The illustrations are mind blowing! Absolutely beautiful. Each a piece of art, each totally unique yet still in Amano's style. They underline the beauty of the story and enhance it.
I didn't expect anything else from Amano but he exceeded my expectations by so much! I knew that I will like the art work . I like his work usually. But this book in my opinion is his master piece so far!

This is the first book where Amano did the art work as well as written the story. And honestly I don't think Amano is going to be a great novelist, but the combinations of the two is what made this an amazing piece of art.

Something to go back to many times, admire and discover details in the artwork and ponder over the story.

I am looking forward to its release so I get my own hard-copy of this!
A must have for lover of illustrations and fans of Amano!!


ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for a honest review. Thank you!



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Harbinger

 

By Peta Crake

Release Date: September 2012

Summary:
As an Olympic messenger, suburban Aussie girl Ophelia Lind is used to being at the beck and call of the gods. But when gorgeous demigod Aden moves into her neighbourhood and starts taking advantage of her services, Ophelia believes life could not get any worse. She's about to be proven very wrong.

Ophelia tries to enjoy a normal, everyday life while running messages for the Greek gods – but without warning an odious creature - evil incarnate - begins to stalk her. As a messenger dealing with the all-powerful and sometimes frightening gods, Ophelia is accustomed to adventures and scrapes. But this is different. Even Aden, who is madly and deeply in love with Ophelia, finds it difficult to protect her. Suddenly Ophelia is in a battle for survival and begins to question everything – her upbringing, her identity, and her true feelings for the alluring and entirely frustrating Aden.

Rating: 3.5 Stars
 
Review:
Harbinger is a fun fast passed paranormal romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
"I despised most gods and suspected the feeling was mutual. But I didn’t have to like them; I just had to work for them. As long as they left me alone in my godless city, life was good."

This first three sentences tell so much about the MC, Phi and make clear its all about mythology. If that's not your cup of tea, i suggest you put the book down. Because Crake packed the novel with mythology, and not just from one corner or area. NO she uses loads! And she does a darn good job at it. She knows her mythologies. Be it noes, ancient egyptian,ancient celitc, indian or greek- she nails it. Which in my opinion makes this book real good. The world building is awesome. Not only did Crake create a world were the gods of ancient mythologies live and breath, she created and decries their realms with fascinating details. But the thing i think she exceeded best, is in the different characters of the gods. She gave made them come alive, just how I would imagine Aphrodite to behave…can imagine Hera and Zeus in a domestic modern situation? Well, Crake in my opinion nailed it! She gas the Immortals, who's stories we know, somehow a humanity, without taking away from the mythology. For this i would have totally given her at least 4stars…Added to the known factor, Crake cleverly added her own mythology her own realm. And its distributions and world building are just as brilliant as those of the well known ancient gods and their playgrounds.
World building is the strong hold of this novel.

I loved the action packed storyline, it kept me guessing, hoping and worrying until right at the end. Really fun.

It is a Paranormal Action Romance (I do enjoy those) so the usual kick ass, love confusion and magic tricks are thrown it. There is even a sort of love triangle- I loath those with a passion- but it was not that bad and actually Phi handles it much better than many other MC in books I read lately.
Phi, being the narrator, the person who utters those first three scentences- is a young woman who is trying to life her life as normal as possible, with being a messenger for the gods and the daughter of one of them…
She despised most of the gods , doesn't trust them at all and is desperately trying to be 'normal'. I found her character charming and honest, loved her struggles in finding who she is and understand her mistrusts and worries. The direct and unflorished way Crake wrote the story suits Phi and make her more real.
I like the cocky, when I crook my finger at you you come to me, Aden. Thought he is a demigod, he is one of Crakes inventions, so well imbedded into the greek mythology, that I ended up googling him. Because I simply couldn't remember a greek demigod with that name. But Aphrodite did have sons… which goes to show again how thoroughly the world building is!
The other gods are simply fabulous, but I can't mention to much about them since it would be total spoilers… if you like mythology I think you will definitely love them
One thing I got to spill though, is Hera and Zeus, their relationship and mistrust is just how I think it would be. Knowing their history, wouldn't Hera just react exactly the way she does? I shared her suspicions- even if it was for a brief moment….
The villains in the story are great, creepy and I had to keep guessing who the 'baddies' actually were. Trying to reevaluate each situation as the story unfolds, I worked it out, just as it was unraveling.
Sadly I found the love story kinda lacking. Lots of the love story is rather cliché, but I wouldn't have minded that if it were still written really well. But while Aden and Phi have great chemistry-- it is also really lacking at times. Hermes is sultry to the T, but somehow I didn't find him that seductive. There are these great moments and then they kinda fizzled out.
Especially the actual love scene, it was so anticlimatic. I thought, 'that was it?' There was all this build up, and then it had very little chemistry for some reason. maybe it would have been better to black it out. Dunno I actually went back to reread it while writing this review, and still feel like it.

This is Crakes first novel. And i think it is a great debut. Her world are incredible, the overall plot great and I greatly enjoyed it.
I read that other readers suggested that this should be made into a series- but honestly I would prefer it to be a standalone.
Still I hope that Crake will write many more novels and I am certainly looking forward to reading them.

a very good 3.5stars!


ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!



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