*Good read. It was unique, flat out tackling the religious parts of life. The book highlights wat out society could very well succumb to. No religious freedom. A disregard for the First Amendment, a problem we are already dealing with in censorship of media. It’s very Bradbury-ian and Orwellian. No freedom to do/say/read/believe/etc. This is something that we have to consider as time goes on, and we really have to start thinking about future generations. Do we really want a society where one can’t believe in a certain time of god, or can’t read what he wants, or live in privacy? I don’t think so. Our society should not be allowed to befall to that. Gameboard kind of points out the things we have to think about and consider as we become older, and that is very important. We don’t want to wind up in a censored society any more than we already are.

I was very intrigued about the many-gods-of-many-things-thing. At first I was expecting it to be like one god against another, battling it out. Like a good god, and a bad god. I liked how there isn’t just one set god, but man, with the choice of whom to follow. It’s very like our society, but at the same time isn’t. Now, we are free to choose what we have faith in. Whether it’s God, or gods. I follow David Foster Wallace’s principle that we all must have faith in something, and that there is no true atheism. My faith? Words. In the book, religious groups must be inspected to see if they are following the governments regulations, and aren’t a cult. So there is a look of blocking of religion, and a lack of choice because of this. But the important thing is that people are getting the choice to choose. The whole religious thing as a whole is something that I think is brushed over in the First Amendment. Simple as that. I liked the mythological aspect, especially the reference to Odin. Odin, my love. I liked that aspect. And the ravens. Magnus and Horatio. Please, come find me. I wish I had imaginary raven s to talk to. I promise you, if you read this book, you will love them.

Important note to take before reading: the synopsis says, “In the near future.” Yeah. Think about that. And this book gives no precise dates so, think about it. We could already be living in this kind of society.

The plot was exquisite. I liked how Mead made everything fit together like a puzzle, and kept adding more and more turns everywhere. Her characterization was amazing. Each character was so diverse, and you’re able to find something to love in all of them. They all deserve gold stars, ‘cause they are outstanding. Please note, I want Mae. She is hot, and badass. Where can I get one of her? I am a fan of Mead’s writing, having read twelve of her other books. I was able to detect a large margin between them though. I regret saying this, because I hate, I mean hate, gendering, genre-ing, and aging books, but these seemed a bit more adult. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just something I noticed while reading. Her writing is just as beautiful as ever, with epic fights scenes and steamy romance. All in all, I am in love with this quote:

“Fiction offers no danger. Only its followers.”

Thoughts? I adore this quote, and what it means, and symbolizes. Ah…. So, in conclusion, this is a good book. I liked it, but I don’t enough to the point where I will read Book 2. If I find it real cheap somewhere, maybe, but who knows. If I do, you’ll see my review up on here at some point. It’s a good book, which deals with a somewhat challenging topic: religion. If that’s your thing, go ahead and read this book. If not, it’s up to you. It’s got great writing, and kickass characters, and never ending plot twists, and some true sexual tension. I will always tell people to read, but this book, meh. I liked it enough to finish. Overall, good book. Your choice. Enjoy, whatever decision you make. Read on, underlings.

Thanks for acting like you’re paying attention.

All quotes pulled from the novel, and included bonus content.

*This discussion gets little religious-y, and I apologize in advance. My opinions may be a bit biased, and that is my fault. I am an atheist, writing about gods. Not the best pairing, but oh well. I am sorry if I offend you in any manner, but these are my thoughts, and my beliefs. If I say something that you find offense, know that I am sincerely apologetic. If anything bothers you, feel free to leave. I will take no offense. I do not wish to offend any of you, I am only trying to talk about books. Sorry, again.