3.5 Stars 
 Gameboard of the Gods is the first book of the Age of X series by Richelle Mead. It is a very interesting novel that leaves you curious for more. The world she creates is fascinating and the information about this world is given gradually throughout the book. I liked that it was written this way because it keeps the reader from being inundated with too many details at one time. Gameboard of the Gods is set in a futurist world but felt more like a parallel universe, one completely different from our world. 
 I really liked the main female character Mae. She is powerful and dangerous yet she has a good heart. I enjoyed seeing her character open up as the story progressed. Justin on the other hand, I really didn't care for. There's a lot not to like. He's selfish, conceited and spends much of the book drowning himself in alcohol, drugs, gambling and woman. He was sent away in exile for four years and what does he do? He lives off the charity of others while bemoaning his fate and living a life of debauchery. He despised the city he was in and looked down on the people that lived there. He's supposedly smart and unnaturally observant but he comes across as a complete idiot. I can only hope that he somehow redeems himself in future books. 
 Overall, Gameboard of the Gods is well done. I felt the good outweighed the bad. It's well written and the story truly is one that held my attention throughout. I look forward to the next book in the Age of X series.