Listen free for 30 days
-
Gameboard of the Gods
- Age of X, Book 1
- Narrated by: Emily Shaffer
- Series: Age of X, Book 1
- Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins
- Categories: Romance, Paranormal
People who bought this also bought...
-
Bloodlines, Book 1
- By: Richelle Mead
- Narrated by: Emily Shaffer
- Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. Read by the actress Emily Shaffer. Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires. But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with vampire Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding.
-
-
loved it, great book
- By Dazarooney on 10-07-15
-
The Glittering Court: The Glittering Court, Book 1
- By: Richelle Mead
- Narrated by: Kristen Sieh
- Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Big and sweeping, spanning the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.
-
-
Enjoyable and not what I expected
- By Lou on 22-09-16
-
Vampire Academy
- By: Richelle Mead
- Narrated by: Stephanie Wolf
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school - it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic, and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now, they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s - the very place where they’re most in danger....
-
-
Story ruined by storytelling
- By Jordan K. on 03-08-19
-
Four: A Divergent Collection
- By: Veronica Roth
- Narrated by: Aaron Stanford
- Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Listeners first encountered Tobias Eaton as "Four" in Divergent. His voice is an integral part of Allegiant. Listeners will find more of this charismatic character's backstory told from his own perspective in Four: A Divergent Collection. When heard together, these long narrative pieces illuminate the defining moments in Tobias Eaton's life.
-
-
Love it!
- By Alexandra on 12-12-17
-
A Stitch in Time
- By: Kelley Armstrong
- Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thorne Manor has always been haunted...and it has always haunted Bronwyn Dale. As a young girl, Bronwyn could pass through a time slip in her great-aunt's house, where she visited William Thorne, a boy her own age, born two centuries earlier. After a family tragedy, the house was shuttered and Bronwyn was convinced that William existed only in her imagination. Now, 20 years later Bronwyn inherits Thorne Manor. And when she returns, William is waiting.
-
-
Excellent!!!
- By S. Lacey on 16-02-21
-
The Host
- By: Stephenie Meyer
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 22 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect.
-
-
Impressive
- By indigodreamer on 14-11-11
-
Bloodlines, Book 1
- By: Richelle Mead
- Narrated by: Emily Shaffer
- Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. Read by the actress Emily Shaffer. Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires. But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with vampire Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding.
-
-
loved it, great book
- By Dazarooney on 10-07-15
-
The Glittering Court: The Glittering Court, Book 1
- By: Richelle Mead
- Narrated by: Kristen Sieh
- Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Big and sweeping, spanning the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.
-
-
Enjoyable and not what I expected
- By Lou on 22-09-16
-
Vampire Academy
- By: Richelle Mead
- Narrated by: Stephanie Wolf
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school - it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic, and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now, they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s - the very place where they’re most in danger....
-
-
Story ruined by storytelling
- By Jordan K. on 03-08-19
-
Four: A Divergent Collection
- By: Veronica Roth
- Narrated by: Aaron Stanford
- Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Listeners first encountered Tobias Eaton as "Four" in Divergent. His voice is an integral part of Allegiant. Listeners will find more of this charismatic character's backstory told from his own perspective in Four: A Divergent Collection. When heard together, these long narrative pieces illuminate the defining moments in Tobias Eaton's life.
-
-
Love it!
- By Alexandra on 12-12-17
-
A Stitch in Time
- By: Kelley Armstrong
- Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thorne Manor has always been haunted...and it has always haunted Bronwyn Dale. As a young girl, Bronwyn could pass through a time slip in her great-aunt's house, where she visited William Thorne, a boy her own age, born two centuries earlier. After a family tragedy, the house was shuttered and Bronwyn was convinced that William existed only in her imagination. Now, 20 years later Bronwyn inherits Thorne Manor. And when she returns, William is waiting.
-
-
Excellent!!!
- By S. Lacey on 16-02-21
-
The Host
- By: Stephenie Meyer
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 22 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect.
-
-
Impressive
- By indigodreamer on 14-11-11
-
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
- A Hunger Games Novel
- By: Suzanne Collins
- Narrated by: Santino Fontana
- Length: 16 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low.
-
-
Just speed it up! - Narrator is fine
- By DizzyKitten on 20-05-20
-
Supernatural Academy
- Year One
- By: Jaymin Eve
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maddison James is about to discover some truths about the world. Firstly...supernaturals exist. WTF? Secondly...she is one, even though no one seems to know exactly what kind. Double WTF. Thirdly...she’s about to go back to school. Well, things just got a little more interesting. The Supernatural Academy is where shifters, vampires, magic users, and fey are educated. Where they are taught about their abilities, and how to function in the human world. Maddison already has the human part down, but this supernatural thing is an entirely new dangerous game.
-
-
Almost there
- By Amazon Customer on 07-10-19
-
A Discovery of Witches
- The All Souls Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Deborah Harkness
- Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda
- Length: 23 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches. Diana Bishop, a young scholar and descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript deep in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she must navigate with a vampire, Matthew Clairmont. This manuscript, Ashmole 782, holds the secrets of their past...and the key to their future.
-
-
A surprisingly mature paranormal romance
- By Caroline Marks on 01-03-11
-
Half-Blood
- Covenant, Book 1
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: Become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway.
-
-
Brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed it
- By Sally on 18-08-16
-
Born in Fire
- Demon Days, Vampire Nights World, Book 1
- By: K.F. Breene
- Narrated by: Nicole Poole
- Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Supernatural Bounty Hunter isn't the sort of thing you see on LinkedIn. But with a rare type of magic like mine, I don't have many options. Dangerous or not, the job is mine. And it was going fine, until an old-as-sin vampire stole my mark, and with it, my pay day. Knowing I'm poor and desperate, he has offered me a job. I'll have to work by his side to help solve a top secret case. Everyone knows not to trust vampires. Especially a hot elder vampire.
-
-
Thoroughly enjoyable
- By Tracy on 16-07-17
-
Soundless
- By: Richelle Mead
- Narrated by: Ms Kim Mai Guest
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village. Her people are at the mercy of a mysterious faraway kingdom, which delivers food in return for precious metals mined from the treacherous cliffs surrounding them. When villagers begin to lose their sight, their rations shrink and many go hungry. Fei's home, the boy she loves and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation. Then Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon....
-
Demigods Academy Box Set: The Complete Series
- Young Adult Supernatural Urban Fantasy (Demigods Chronicles, Book 1)
- By: Elisa S. Amore, Kiera Legend
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen, Stephen Dexter
- Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gods do exist. And if the scroll in my hands says the truth, they have a secret academy where their recruits train to become demigods. I’ve done really bad things in my life, but stealing Callie’s opportunity to attend the God’s Academy? It’s got to be the worst. If Gods find out I’m a faker, what was supposed to be someone else’s gift may turn into my personal curse.
-
-
Fantastic
- By Catherine Caldwell on 12-11-20
-
Shadow Kissed
- Witch's Rebels Series, Book 1
- By: Sarah Piper
- Narrated by: Aletha George, Tristan James
- Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Blackmoon Bay is a city of monsters. Surviving here means never leaving home without a sharp stake. It means keeping secrets, even from friends. And unless I want the Hunters finding me again, it means my witchcraft stays on permanent lockdown. Good policy - until the night I accidentally resurrect a dead girl, rekindling my magic and drawing the Bay's most dangerous men to my doorstep. I'm Gray Desario. Witch. Survivor. Occasional bringer of chaos. And tonight? The darkness is coming.
-
-
Enjoyable series so far
- By Anonymous User on 04-03-19
-
A Rylee Adamson Omnibus
- Books 1-3
- By: Shannon Mayer
- Narrated by: Emma Galvin
- Length: 19 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Priceless, book one: "My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker." When children go missing and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot. I'm on the FBI's wanted list. I have a werewolf for a pet, a Witch of a best friend, and no need for anyone else in my life. But when a salvage starts to spin out of control, help comes from a most unexpected direction.
-
-
loved this.
- By samantha on 06-03-16
-
Fallen Academy: Year One
- By: Leia Stone
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen
- Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When angels fell from the sky to war with the demons that ravaged Earth, their combined powers infected humanity. Now, the humans are assigned one of two fates, being either demon-gifted or angel-blessed. After wings sprout from Brielle's back at her awakening ceremony, she's sure she's an angel-blessed celestial. It's not until she sees black wings that she realizes something is terribly wrong.
-
-
Strictly for fans of the genre
- By Elinor Dashwood on 02-01-19
-
The Faerie Games
- Dark World: The Faerie Games, Book 1
- By: Michelle Madow
- Narrated by: Patricia Santomasso
- Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Growing up on the magical island of Avalon should be great...but I have no magic to speak of. And my parents forbid me from leaving. So when I sneak out to Earth for a night and meet a hottie named Julian, of course I say yes to a date with him. But when Julian pulls me through a magical portal, I realize he isn’t human. He’s a half-blood faerie sent to bring me to his realm of the Otherworld. Because apparently, I’m a half-blood faerie, too. And I’ve been chosen to compete in the annual Faerie Games - a brutal, gladiator-like competition where half-bloods fight to the death.
-
-
love it
- By Catherine Caldwell on 24-02-21
-
One for the Money: International Edition
- Stephanie Plum Mysteries, Book 1
- By: Janet Evanovich
- Narrated by: C. J. Critt
- Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You've lost your job as a department store lingerie buyer, your car's been repossessed, and most of your furniture and small appliances have been sold off to pay last month's rent. Now the rent is due again. And you live in New Jersey. What do you do? If you're Stephanie Plum, you become a bounty hunter. But not just a nickel-and-dime bounty hunter - you go after the big money. That means a cop gone bad.
-
-
Loved the main characters
- By Fiona D on 24-01-21
Summary
Richelle Mead, the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines YA series - whose books have sold more than one million copies in hardcover - debuts on the Dutton list with Gameboard of the Gods, the first novel in her Age of X series.
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military's most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.
When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.
Gameboard of the Gods will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such mega successes: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.
More from the same
What listeners say about Gameboard of the Gods
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Janine
- 02-06-14
Brilliant, amazing, excellent, must-read...
A lovable rogue, a beautiful goddess of a super woman, a dystopian future where religion has been outlawed (well, in 'north america', anyway).
And along comes some pesky gods to bugger it all up.
The rogue is forced to face demons, the goddess discovers her mortality, while all the while gods are trying to immortalise them both.
It's fast paced and you'll quickly become invested in the characters and the story. I'm gutted that it's a loonnnggg wait till book 2.
Absolutely loved this story!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs Doyle
- 31-05-14
A refreshing story amidst supernatural teen books
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes. I love a good teen vampire book and have read a fair few, but this book is such a refreshing change in story and characters that was hooked fairly quickly. Having read Meads other books, I really enjoyed the overall story and pace of the book but was difficult to understand the world the story is set in as there are little clues and you have to piece together or come up with your own take on who's who and what.
What does Emily Shaffer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Excellently read with different voices for characters made it easy to understand who was talking. Sometimes it's nice to just listen to the story.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Being 19 hours long you really couldn't listen to it all, but I did have it one every time I had a spare half hour and got through the book quickly.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alethea Lucas
- 09-11-20
Great book but DON'T BOTHER!
Both Gameboard of the Gods and the Immortal Crown were really good books but after I finished the second book I found out that the rest of the series has been discontinued and there is no news on whether it will be continued in the future. Had I known this then I wouldn't have bothered reading any of them to save myself the disappointment! As it is, I am now just extremely disappointed.
-
Overall
-
Performance
- Andy Wilcockson
- 28-03-15
Cracking story
Strong characters, engaging storyline with a great mix of contemporary & ancient mythology. This story will leaving wanting to buy the next in the sequel
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rachel
- 17-07-14
I need to know what happens next!!!!
Very enjoyable book. Would really recommend! Really wish we could have book 2 as soon as possible.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- amy
- 29-10-13
love this book!
Where does Gameboard of the Gods rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
top
Who was your favorite character and why?
too difficult to choose
Have you listened to any of Emily Shaffer’s other performances? How does this one compare?
excellently read from start to finish brought the characters to life brilliantly
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
yes
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Felicia The Geeky Blogger
- 16-06-14
Great 2nd Half
Read for Review/Listened for Fun (Edelweiss/Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)
NOTE: I feel the need to state this up front: When I tried Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead a year ago it was a DNF for me. I am fairly certain it was a combo of mood and this is a little outside my reading zone (fantasy is always hit/miss). A friend suggested I try it on audio and that made a world of difference to me. I was drawn into the story and didn't get to bogged down in the areas that tripped me up before.
First Thought when Finished:Gameboard of Gods by Richelle Mead was a fascinating mixture of fantasy, mythology, and kick ass UF.
Story Thoughts: If you like stories based on mythology (not just Greek but at this point Norse too--going to guess more later) then I think you will enjoy Gameboard of the Gods. There are a few pacing issues for the first half and I think the world building could have been a little stronger BUT the story is there. The unique twist that Richelle Mead gave this genre makes me excited to listen to the next book: The Immortal Crown. The story had a strong second half that picked up the pace, broadened the mystery (which I thought was well done), and gave the characters more depth. It was definitely worth a read!
Character Thoughts: Richelle has always had the unique ability to take a character which you normally wouldn't root for (Rose in VA, Adrian in Bloodlines, Roman from the Succubus series, and Eugenie from Dark Swan) and making them work. Same works here with Justin. Seriously on paper there is not much that makes him the kind of guy you root for: serious player, has a bit of a drinking problem, thinks he is always right, and can cut to the quick with his tongue. Yet, you find yourself rooting for him anyway. Mae is pretty kick ass and I think we have just reached the tip of the iceberg of who she is. She is a lot like Rose and Eugenie in that she is far from perfect, a bit edgy, and does things that are a bit outside the box. These two characters with all their imperfections work really well together!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Emily Shaffer / Length: 16 hrs and 9 mins
Emily knocked it out of the mother-freaking park! I am not sure I could have made it through the beginning half of the book without her brilliant narration. Her pacing was good, nuances good, and I even liked her voice for Justin! I will be continuing this series in Audio.
Final Thoughts: I am glad I decided to give Gameboard of the Gods another whirl!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jayelle Borgella
- 23-07-13
Interesting!
Not bad, but I'm accustomed to Narrator Emily Shaffer's voice performing as teenage characters where as in this book the characters are in their mid to late twenties. The character of Mae (in my opinion) should sound a bit older and more mature.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Tina
- 08-10-13
Mead's best since Succubus series
While the story started off a bit slow, it grew in intensity and character development. The narrator was excellent. I'm looking forward to the next in this series!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Debra
- 29-05-14
Rachel Mead “Outstanding author”
My daughter is the one who started with the series. Rachel Mead is an excellent author. She definitely has me hooked to all of her series. All of her books are very well written with an excellent storyline and keeps you waiting for the next.
Emily Schaeffer the narrator brings the books to life. She is one of the best narrators I have heard!
I really hope that you can keep Emily as your narrator in all of your series she is truly excellent!!!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- pippafowl
- 25-07-13
Tried really hard to love it...
What was most disappointing about Richelle Mead’s story?
The story was very confusing. I usually love Richelle Mead's books and I am used to her "info dumping" so to speak, but I feel like she just throws you into this new world and I didn't feel I got any sufficient answers til midway through the book. Also I felt no strong emotional connection to any of the characters, which was disappointing, because it is that aspect that draws me most to her books.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
Emily Shaffer is what I disliked most about reading this book. Now, she's not terrible, but she also narrated part of the Vampire Academy series and all of the Bloodlines series. Now this. It's too much. It was fine previously when she was working with a spin-off, but reading this, all I could think about was- oh that's the voice of so and so, oh wait, no this is a new series. But considering this is a more mature novel, I was hoping for more mature narration. Sad face.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Abbie
- 25-06-14
Good Gods
Any additional comments?
Richelle Mead has done it again but in a less teenangsty way. It took a little bit to get into the flow with this book, but stick with it. It's a great read and can't wait for more.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Elizabeth
- 25-07-13
Interesting
Is there anything you would change about this book?
A little more organization in the revelations and instruction in this interesting new world. It was a fascinating listen. But there were times when I was confused and had to go back and relisten to sections.
If you’ve listened to books by Richelle Mead before, how does this one compare?
It's very different genre-wise. A bit heavier.
What didn’t you like about Emily Shaffer’s performance?
The characters were not distinct. And there wasn't enough emotion to her performance. Her tone was flat and she sounded immature and young no matter who she was voicing.
Could you see Gameboard of the Gods being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
At this point in the book I don't think I'm connected enough to the characters to get overly thoughtful about either option. But I hope there are more books. Because the concept is good and I hope it gets better. The end of the this book made me hopeful.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- T
- 02-07-13
Very Confusing
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
I tried this new series because I loved the VA/Bloodlines books, but I felt like I was dropped into a world that wasn't explained or defined by the author. Also, Emily Shaffer is a fantastic reader, but these new characters very clearly have the voices that she used for VA/Bloodlines. I lost the thread of the story because I kept hearing Eddie, Rose, & Dimitri. I feel like this book needs a different narrator to even give it a chance.
Has Gameboard of the Gods turned you off from other books in this genre?
No. I think the main problem is that Mead fails to describe her new world before face-planting the Reader into the plot.
Would you be willing to try another one of Emily Shaffer’s performances?
Only if she can learn some new voices. The VA/Bloodlines characters are very distinctive, and should not be re-used in new books by the same author. It makes things confusing.
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Gameboard of the Gods?
To be honest... I quit. I have no idea what was going on, so I quit. If I were editor, I'd tell Mead to go back to the beginning and tell me wtf RUNA is.
Any additional comments?
I'm returning this book.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kindle Customer
- 06-06-13
Fascinating New World
I enjoyed this book. The world is well thought out and the different countries are very distinct. The whole society of the RUNA was very interesting with the patrician classes and the plebian classes and the cultural differences between the two as well as the genetic. The whole murder storyline was well thought out and executed. It was closed out at the end of the book but left enough open for following books. The evolution of the belief in Gods that came to both Mae and Justin seemed pretty organic and possible. I can't wait to see what the next books do with the interactions between Justin and Mae. The whole neurotransmitter implant that the praetorians have is an interesting concept and I wonder what else they can do. Emily Shaffer did a good job with the narration and differentiating between the characters but sometimes I had flashbacks to the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead which she also narrates.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Alina Nycole
- 30-04-14
Love it
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Absolutely. I love Richelle's imagination; I've read every series she's written except the Georgia books, and I guess it's just a matter of time before I break down and get those too. Her writing style is familiar and comforting as well. I've come across few writers who manage a good balance between writing well and sounding natural.
What did you like best about this story?
Once again, I'd have to say the creativity that went into laying out this brave new world. I love history, and the idea of a new, more 'enlightened' world clashing with Gods older than humanity itself is brilliant in my mind.
What three words best describe Emily Shaffer’s performance?
young, familiar
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Oh yes. I'm on my third listen currently.
Any additional comments?
My one regret for this book is the narrator choice. I enjoy listening to Emily Shaffer, but I can't help but compare the characters in this book to those in VA and Bloodlines when listening to her. Honestly, I wasn't thrilled when I found out the VA narrator was doing Bloodlines, but Sydney is still young enough for Emily's voice to match, and VA went through so many that she can't really be counted as 'the voice of VA'. She's a great narrator, but I feel that her voice is too young for the characters she portrays in Gameboard of the Gods.
1 person found this helpful