Gameboard of the Gods, by Richelle Mead

Billed as her first adult novel, the main difference from Mead’s other books is that the main characters are a bit older. There is the same attention to detail, complex social and political structures and difficult family relationships. One other difference is a plunge straight into a sexual encounter, rather than an extended build-up to an earth-shattering climax, which is possibly more realistic if not necessarily more adult. Devastating genetic illnesses have caused a massive world decline and a major restructure and realignment of countries, alliances and power. The two major powers are the Eastern Alliance and the Republic of United North America - known as RUNA. The RUNA is resolutely secular, with religions licenced, strictly regulated and policed. Former Servitor Justin March has been in exile for four years after questioning the status quo. He is brought back into the fold to help solve a series of gruesome murders with religious elements and the possibility of regaining his citizenship. The very intricate political and social structures are not initially explained but rather left to unfold with the story, which is at times confusing but ultimately more entertaining and respectful of the reader than heaps of upfront exposition. The story owes a debt to Neil Gaiman in its concept of a multiplicity of Gods, whose existence is fluid and dependent on human belief, as well as interfering with human action. Billed as an Age of X book, this would seem to be the start of yet another intriguing series from this prolific author.