Gameboard of the Gods

I was lucky enough to attend a YA Penguin event a few months ago, and Gameboard of the Gods was one of their showcase books. I don't usually read YA novels, however when I found out that this was actually classified as ‘adult' or ‘new adult' I thought I would give it a try.

As much as I tried to love it, I just couldn't. It was entertaining enough, but the story lacked structure and the characters any substance.

Probably my biggest disappointment was with the dystopian world Mead created. In most of the dystopian novels I have read (1984, Brave New World, even Delirium (YA)) you get a sense of what occurred before a great decline and some of the reasons why the dystopian elements are implemented. However, with Gameboard of the Gods it seems the reader just has to accept that this is the way the world is now, without any explanation. I want to know what happened to lead to this Decline and the ban on religion.

It seemed to me that so little time was spent on the actual ‘point' of the novel (the solving of mysterious serial murders) and so much time spent describing the characters getting high or drunk. Yes, I get that Justin is a womanising egomaniac who has a problem with addiction, but do I have to hear about how much he drinks in every chapter? Also, I felt like this substance abuse was glamourised (like we are back at University trying to out chug each other) and not in the serious manner that adult addiction should be treated.

It's a good idea. Perhaps the next book will address the world building issues better, and maybe Justin will stop acting like a first class a-hole!