interesting blend of futuristic and paranormal investigation story. it follows Richelle Mead’s classic formula: flawed and active characters, an angsty romantic plotline with characters unable to commit, a complex world where magic and religion intertwine, a well-paced plot with slice-of-life scenes scattered in-between, and a satisfying ending that still left me eager for the next installment. in many ways, it reminded me of a typical detective tv-series, particularly The Mentalist, thanks to Justin’s ability to read and charm people very well. I enjoyed the book, but it was hard not to see Gameboard of the Gods as a Frankenstein built from parts of other Mead series: a badass fighter/bodyguard heroine, a charming hero struggling with addiction, a main duo working together to uncover a conspiracy while resisting strong mutual attraction, and a likable teenage girl not able to fit in with her peers. it’s not that I didn’t enjoy all these elements; it’s just difficult not to compare each of them to other series, where they are explored more thoroughly thanks to the benefit of having more books. unfortunately, as the series seems to be discontinued after the second installment, it’s hard to imagine that there will be any satisfying resolution in the sequel to most of the things that were set-up with the beginning of the series

the novel is darker and more gruesome than I expected from Lex Croucher, but, similar to Reputation, it offers some excellent social commentary, especially on elitism, exclusive academic institutions, and bullying/hazing culture in boarding schools.

Briar is an outsider who gets a temporary job at the secretive, exclusive magic school they always wanted to join. the romanticized view Briar held all these years is shattered the more time they spend there. despite the brutality and ugliness happening inside the institution, it felt very realistic to what I’ve heard about British elite boarding schools; the magical element just accentuated the abuse and the gatekeeping of power. the relationship between Briar and their ex-best friend Sebastian is a complex, intense, and devastatingly beautiful exploration of friendship and love: the childhood bond that grows painful with years of separation, a reunion filled with anger and pain - yet how can a devotion like theirs simply disappear?

the first half of the book was pretty hard to get through - it was all so miserable. but although the story remains quite dark and even gets more dreadful toward the end, it was easier to endure some of the darker scenes after the halfway point. I didn’t find the plot very impressive on its own, but the character development, dialogue, dry humor scattered throughout, and social commentary were all incredibly well done and kept me completely captivated.