Richelle Mead

This was actually pretty freaking good! I even considered rating it 5 stars! It basically took almost every criticism I'd been ruminating over for the first 2 books and actually addressed them! Like, the nature of Rose and Lissa's friendship and the power imbalance that exists there, which was the biggest issue I'd had thus far. And the conflicts and plot progression felt both natural and fairly realistic, considering the circumstances. It kinda amazes me how Mead makes what is essentially show more just mindless interpersonal drama feel kinda interesting, when I usually hate that. It makes the world feel more real and lived in. And I legitimately liked Rose in this, and her ghostly encounters were pretty cool and well done. Over all, definitely the best in the series so far!

(I usually write longer reviews than this but lol I'm not in the mood rn) show less

The success of any new science fiction series hinges on the details of the world created by the author. To do so effectively requires an author to walk a fine line between too much and too little information. Too much exposition and the reader becomes bored and disinterested, whereas too little explanation and a reader spends more time trying to understand the unfamiliar world and not enough time enjoying the plot. The clearer the mental image created by descriptions and explanations, the show more easier it is for readers to become vested in the characters. In Gameboard of the Gods, the world-building by Richelle Mead is excellent. Readers get a clear understanding of the type of world in which Justin and Mae now live, familiar enough to modern-day readers but with just enough post-apocalyptic changes to require explanations. The best thing is that Ms. Mead does not make her explanations obvious but finds ways to incorporate them into the dialogue or other aspects of the narrative in such a fashion that that the plot never suffers or slows. In this aspect, Gameboard of the Gods is one of the better series beginnings read in a long time.

Another dangerous area for series is the sacrifice of one-book story arcs to the series plot. This is where one book suffers because it is busy building up the plot for future books and most often occurs in the first or second book within a series. In this area too, Gameboard of the Gods avoids this pitfall. Not only does Ms. Mead set the stage for future books, but she also creates an exciting and intense one-book plot as well. The mystery Justin is trying to solve indeed does establish certain details that are necessary for future books but it also has a satisfactory conclusion. Unanswered questions remain, as one would expect, but there is no frustrating cliffhanger to taunt readers. Instead, readers are left with a brilliant moment of clarity that does more to build anticipation for future novels than any cliffhanger could.

One of the more creative aspects of the novel revolves around the shadowy gods and their bands of followers. While the RUNA is decidedly anti-religious, the proliferation of these cults indicates humanity’s need for something greater. In this aspect, there are rings of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods within Gameboard of the Gods. They are two distinct novels but in both a reader cannot help but try to deduce the major god or goddess described before a major character reveals the name. For those who like that bit of detective work and enjoy mythology, it can prove to be a fun exercise, but those who could do without that distraction need not worry because Ms. Mead makes sure to reveal the god or goddess without dragging out the suspense any more than it has to be.

Gameboard of the Gods is a grown-up series, and the main characters reflect that. They both have a maturity that does not exist in younger characters but have plenty of flaws to allow room for growth and development. Mae might kick major ass, can drink anyone under the table, and looks gorgeous, but her need to belong and her loyalty to her country will continue to generate friction as she works with Justin to explore the supernatural. As for Justin, there is so much there that remains unexplored. He may come across as the most shallow person ever, but one knows instinctively that there are depths to his character that Ms. Mead has not yet begun to test. Watching Mae and Justin dance around each other is equally entertaining. The anticipation of more of the same, with both Justin’s development and their relationship is one of the main driving forces of this particular novel and the key element in creating eagerness for future novels.

Gameboard of the Gods is going to draw attention from her built-in fan base, but it is distinctly different from Ms. Mead’s other series to allow her to reach new audiences and build a set of fans. At the same time, there remains the attention to detail, flawless world-building, entertaining and complex characters, and deep mysteries that make her series so enjoyable. The use of both familiar and obscure gods is an added twist and point of interest as it simultaneously educates and entertains, while the subtle admonishment about the necessity of a belief system is an intriguing element. If the rest of the series is half as fascinating as Gameboard of the Gods, it is going to be a strong contender for one of the better series created. No matter what, it is going to be fun to see how the series unfolds. show less

Oh dear... I seem to be ever so slightly... hooked. How did this happen? I was proceeding with caution, I swear I was but... my god, this book was good. I liked it even better than the first one in this series, I honestly have nothing but praise for this book. I shall of course have to accept my fate when they start to go downhill, but there's always a chance that by then my obsession will have ran so deep that I won't even care in my lust to find out what happens to Rose and Lissa and show more Dimitri.

I loved loved loved the relationship between Rose and her mother in this novel. The similarities between them that they are both too stubborn to see and the wonderful mutual understanding between them at the end. Also, Dimitri was so much better in this book. I thought he was a bit of a douche in the last one but I'm now starting to see the attraction - just wish he would have dropped his moral values earlier on, hehe. On that subject, I really do love how Richelle Mead manages to make a young adult novel incredibly steamy with lots of hot make-out sessions and dirty thoughts. Young adult romantic relationships are often so tame but not here :)

By the way, Rose is now officially one of my favourite heroines ever. She kicks ass and gets it on with hot men - woo!

Book 3 reserved at the library!!! show less

Rose Hathaway is trying to move on. The events of the last few months were draining and Rose is trying to get on track, move forward with her training, and forget about Dmitri, who has obviously moved on. A high profile and uncommonly bold strigoi attack has everyone on edge and guardians flood St. Vladimir's, including Rose's mother. The school isn't taking any chances and makes the skiing trip to Idaho mandatory to keep the students together while allowing their parents to come visit them. show more Lissa is very busy with her new boyfriend and Dmitri is also busy with Tasha, so Rose decides to have some fun and ignore them. After yet another strigoi attack happens that directly affects one of the students, leading three of Rose's classmates going on a crusade after the strigoi. Feeling responsible because she told them the location, Rose follows them to get them to come home. Hopefully Rose will get there before they've gotten themselves into bigger trouble than they can handle.

Frostbite is steeped in a lot of teen drama, but Rose rises above it and develops so much since the first book. Instead of stupidly running to fight a whole gang of Strigoi, she's the voice of reason, trying to get her foolish friends to wake up and come home. After her up close and personal experience with a Strigoi, it has put her abilities and skills into perspective. Just because they are exceptional for guardian students doesn't mean they are any match for superpowered evil vampires. Rose is less of a daredevil, but her personality is as fiery as ever. She's the same Rose with a little more sense and caution. Rose tries to move on and forget about Dmitri because their relationship goes against both of their goals as guardians. She tries to make it work with Mason, which is nice, but ultimately unsatisfying. She deals with a lot of stresses: jealousy over Dmitri and Tasha, jealousy over Lissa and Christian, and anger at her mom. Although there are some missteps, Rose deals with all of these impressively.

The relationship between Rose and Lissa is strong, but changing. Lissa has a new boyfriend and platonic relationships change and adjust to accommodate in the face of new love. I experienced this as a teen and it can be hard, so Rose's feelings rang true to me. My friendship at the time didn't survive that change, but I'm glad Rose and Lissa's did. Rose gives the lovebirds some space and tries to amuse herself, but it's difficult when strong emotions can cause her to see through Lissa's eyes. Awkward! Unfortunately, to distract herself she befriends drunkard and playboy Adrian, making others judge her harshly as slutty or stupid. Of course Adrian isn't judged as harshly and his behavior is expected for a rich Moroi young man. Frostbite only marginally explores the sexist double standards in vampire society, but I'm glad it continued at all.

Frostbite is awesome. It develops the characters and relationships while amping up the volume on the suspense and horror. The ending is heartbreaking and extremely memorable. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. show less