kirsteny's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
erinarkin20's review against another edition
4.0
The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead is book two of the Age of X series and I have to say, I am even more drawn into this series after reading this book. The story progresses well and while I’m not entirely happy with the fact that I have to wait for what might feel like forever for the next book, I really am excited with where this series is going and how Mead is developing everything.
The story picks up shortly after book one ends and we are pulled back into the work Justin and Mae are doing investigating the return of the gods. As a servitor, Justin continues to serve the government and evaluate the religions inside the RUNA while Mae continues to protect him. In addition, they are also digging into what the gods are doing with the Elect and what that will mean to the world.
As the story takes Mae and Justin into Arcadia to support Lucian Darling’s agenda, Mae is also on her own mission. Through the use of an amber dagger, Mae has visions of her niece and they lead her to Arcadia. Arcadia is a country that neighbors RUNA, and Mead did a wonderful job of building a world very different from Gemman society. In Arcadia men run everything and girls are treated as property. Because of this, Mae’s cover is that of Justin’s concubine and it was definitely a twist to their relationship.
While in Arcadia, both Justin and Mae connect with the gods who have been reaching out to them and have decisions to make on whether they will work with them to build their following. At the same time, Justin has uncovered a plot against the RUNA that the leaders of Arcadia have hatched and as Mae takes unexpected action around freeing her niece, Justin makes the decision to loop Lucian in on what has really been going on and influences him to make some decisions that will work out in their favor.
I loved seeing the progression of Justin’s relationship with Horatio and Magnus and his willingness to lean on them more despite his aversion to giving himself over to Odin was great. I thought the twist at the end was unexpected…based on what I was thinking would happen and I’m excited to see what happens now (SORRY if that sound super vague). I do have to say…Justin has some swoony parts here too and he completely made up for the bad behavior he showed in book one.
I really like Mae. She isn't afraid to make tough decisions and do what she needs to in order to protect those she feels she needs to protect. She has also had enough of Justin’s avoidance of any idea or talk around their relationship and I love that she sees right through him and isn't afraid to tell him what she feels anyway.
I love the way Mead developed this world and builds out the characters. There is so much more going on that I can’t even talk about because it might give something away. I hope that people decide to check this story out as it is a great mix of action, great characters, and a great story. I am interested to see where Mead takes the story from here. She has introduced a few of the gods and I am curious to see who else might make an appearance and in what way. If you are looking for something a bit different that falls into the Science Fiction genre definitely check this out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for the review copy.
The story picks up shortly after book one ends and we are pulled back into the work Justin and Mae are doing investigating the return of the gods. As a servitor, Justin continues to serve the government and evaluate the religions inside the RUNA while Mae continues to protect him. In addition, they are also digging into what the gods are doing with the Elect and what that will mean to the world.
As the story takes Mae and Justin into Arcadia to support Lucian Darling’s agenda, Mae is also on her own mission. Through the use of an amber dagger, Mae has visions of her niece and they lead her to Arcadia. Arcadia is a country that neighbors RUNA, and Mead did a wonderful job of building a world very different from Gemman society. In Arcadia men run everything and girls are treated as property. Because of this, Mae’s cover is that of Justin’s concubine and it was definitely a twist to their relationship.
While in Arcadia, both Justin and Mae connect with the gods who have been reaching out to them and have decisions to make on whether they will work with them to build their following. At the same time, Justin has uncovered a plot against the RUNA that the leaders of Arcadia have hatched and as Mae takes unexpected action around freeing her niece, Justin makes the decision to loop Lucian in on what has really been going on and influences him to make some decisions that will work out in their favor.
I loved seeing the progression of Justin’s relationship with Horatio and Magnus and his willingness to lean on them more despite his aversion to giving himself over to Odin was great. I thought the twist at the end was unexpected…based on what I was thinking would happen and I’m excited to see what happens now (SORRY if that sound super vague). I do have to say…Justin has some swoony parts here too and he completely made up for the bad behavior he showed in book one.
I really like Mae. She isn't afraid to make tough decisions and do what she needs to in order to protect those she feels she needs to protect. She has also had enough of Justin’s avoidance of any idea or talk around their relationship and I love that she sees right through him and isn't afraid to tell him what she feels anyway.
I love the way Mead developed this world and builds out the characters. There is so much more going on that I can’t even talk about because it might give something away. I hope that people decide to check this story out as it is a great mix of action, great characters, and a great story. I am interested to see where Mead takes the story from here. She has introduced a few of the gods and I am curious to see who else might make an appearance and in what way. If you are looking for something a bit different that falls into the Science Fiction genre definitely check this out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for the review copy.
diaryofthebookdragon's review
4.0
After reading Gameboard of the Gods you could say I was looking for a way off an Age of X series ship. But before jumping overboard I decided to give it another chance and read the sequel The Immortal Crown.
The Story
Religious sect inspector Dr. Justin March and his bodyguard super-soldier Mae Koskinen are now working well as a team. But RUNA has new challenges for them - an assignment to be part of diplomatic mission to Arcadia, super-religious neighboring country, which is described with words: “Sit back, get comfortable, and forget everything you know about civility.”
Meanwhile, back home in RUNA, Tessa is trying to adapt to school and find an internship in some newspaper…
My Thoughts
First question that anyone will ask you when you read a sequel to a series, maybe even before did you like it, is: Was it better? Worse? I’ll divide my comments into section similar to those in my review of Gameboard of the Gods.
The Characters: The situation is the same. There are “surprising streaks of nobility in Justin that popped out in what was otherwise a sea of selfishness”, but despite the facts that he was sober and surprisingly chaste I still didn’t like him. Good news is that ravens Horatio and Magnus are still there and full of ‘helpful’ statements. Mae and I still do not click. And chapters from Tessa‘s POV, as always, just add to the chunk-ability of this book. I guess it’s all going to tie together in the end but for now events that happen to Tessa do not influence Justin or Mae. Hey, at least this time it was interesting and I was intrigued to find out how her internship is going to pan out.
The Romance: Going two steps backward and one step forward. There was little progress. And big plus is that finally Justin and Mae stopped sleeping with other people and are really trying to understand their feelings.
The World Building: While some facts about history of RUNA are still unclear to me, new elements of the future Earth Richelle Mead imagined are introduced to us much better in The Immortal Crown. Maybe I didn’t like nothing about Arcadia, but I understood what happened there and how the society turned up that way.
Mythology: Something is cooking, but there are no more obvious paranormal events here than in Gameboard of the Gods. But I didn’t expect much, so I was not disappointed (it’s easier for a book to satisfy us when our expectations are low lol).
So, in the end, I definitely enjoyed The Immortal Crown more than Gameboard of the Gods. Imagine my surprise. :)
What did I like?
* Mae and Justin working as a team.
"They were few and far between, but in moments like these, there was no animosity. A fierce solidarity burned between them, one that united them in a single purpose and understanding."
* The suspense. You know that great feeling when book keeps you on the edge of your seat because you don’t know what will happen next? The Immortal Crown is full of tension. Even chapters about Tessa, which were boring in Gameboard of the Gods, now were full of anxiety - I kept waiting for her mentor Daphne to do something heinous.
* Justins’ banter with ravens. Comments made by Horatio and Magnus always make me smile:
Lucian gave him a long, scrutinizing look. “How do you do that? How can you talk people into anything? Do you think of this stuff in advance, or does it happen on the spot?”
“Are you impressed?” asked Justin.
“Kind of terrified, actually. But glad you’re not in politics.”
Perhaps now would be a good time to ask if he’d like to learn about Odin, said Horatio. You’re on a roll.
What rubbed me the wrong way?
* Why RUNA denounced religion is still not obvious to me. I need good explanation!
* There is a rumor going around about war not only between gods but between elects (“humans marked as special who had the potential to be strong servants for the gods”) also. The Immortal Crown might be about this, but it’s hidden deep down in the core of all events. On the first glance it’s only political fight for power. So my hopes about action and epic god battles were let down.
* Similarity of Arcadian society to many Islamic countries (oppressed role of women, women covered with cloth in public, religion as big influence, blind worship of leaders). So I had a feeling that this book was big political propaganda – USA good, Muslims bad. I’m not saying that’s even remotely true, but nevertheless.
In The End...
Gameboard of the Gods was cybersome start to a new series by Richelle Mead. There was hope that it will be better but… Should you waste your precious time and read The Immortal Crown? My answer is yes. If you were on a fence like me, there is a big chance that you will join Age of X team. The Immortal Crown is full of suspense & human drama and with shocking ending – it will leave you yearning for a sequel.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
The Story
Religious sect inspector Dr. Justin March and his bodyguard super-soldier Mae Koskinen are now working well as a team. But RUNA has new challenges for them - an assignment to be part of diplomatic mission to Arcadia, super-religious neighboring country, which is described with words: “Sit back, get comfortable, and forget everything you know about civility.”
Meanwhile, back home in RUNA, Tessa is trying to adapt to school and find an internship in some newspaper…
My Thoughts
First question that anyone will ask you when you read a sequel to a series, maybe even before did you like it, is: Was it better? Worse? I’ll divide my comments into section similar to those in my review of Gameboard of the Gods.
The Characters: The situation is the same. There are “surprising streaks of nobility in Justin that popped out in what was otherwise a sea of selfishness”, but despite the facts that he was sober and surprisingly chaste I still didn’t like him. Good news is that ravens Horatio and Magnus are still there and full of ‘helpful’ statements. Mae and I still do not click. And chapters from Tessa‘s POV, as always, just add to the chunk-ability of this book. I guess it’s all going to tie together in the end but for now events that happen to Tessa do not influence Justin or Mae. Hey, at least this time it was interesting and I was intrigued to find out how her internship is going to pan out.
The Romance: Going two steps backward and one step forward. There was little progress. And big plus is that finally Justin and Mae stopped sleeping with other people and are really trying to understand their feelings.
The World Building: While some facts about history of RUNA are still unclear to me, new elements of the future Earth Richelle Mead imagined are introduced to us much better in The Immortal Crown. Maybe I didn’t like nothing about Arcadia, but I understood what happened there and how the society turned up that way.
Mythology: Something is cooking, but there are no more obvious paranormal events here than in Gameboard of the Gods. But I didn’t expect much, so I was not disappointed (it’s easier for a book to satisfy us when our expectations are low lol).
So, in the end, I definitely enjoyed The Immortal Crown more than Gameboard of the Gods. Imagine my surprise. :)
What did I like?
* Mae and Justin working as a team.
"They were few and far between, but in moments like these, there was no animosity. A fierce solidarity burned between them, one that united them in a single purpose and understanding."
* The suspense. You know that great feeling when book keeps you on the edge of your seat because you don’t know what will happen next? The Immortal Crown is full of tension. Even chapters about Tessa, which were boring in Gameboard of the Gods, now were full of anxiety - I kept waiting for her mentor Daphne to do something heinous.
* Justins’ banter with ravens. Comments made by Horatio and Magnus always make me smile:
Lucian gave him a long, scrutinizing look. “How do you do that? How can you talk people into anything? Do you think of this stuff in advance, or does it happen on the spot?”
“Are you impressed?” asked Justin.
“Kind of terrified, actually. But glad you’re not in politics.”
Perhaps now would be a good time to ask if he’d like to learn about Odin, said Horatio. You’re on a roll.
What rubbed me the wrong way?
* Why RUNA denounced religion is still not obvious to me. I need good explanation!
* There is a rumor going around about war not only between gods but between elects (“humans marked as special who had the potential to be strong servants for the gods”) also. The Immortal Crown might be about this, but it’s hidden deep down in the core of all events. On the first glance it’s only political fight for power. So my hopes about action and epic god battles were let down.
* Similarity of Arcadian society to many Islamic countries (oppressed role of women, women covered with cloth in public, religion as big influence, blind worship of leaders). So I had a feeling that this book was big political propaganda – USA good, Muslims bad. I’m not saying that’s even remotely true, but nevertheless.
In The End...
Gameboard of the Gods was cybersome start to a new series by Richelle Mead. There was hope that it will be better but… Should you waste your precious time and read The Immortal Crown? My answer is yes. If you were on a fence like me, there is a big chance that you will join Age of X team. The Immortal Crown is full of suspense & human drama and with shocking ending – it will leave you yearning for a sequel.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
tehlanna's review against another edition
4.0
Another YA novel that I didn't expect to enjoy, but I ended up loving this. The futuristic world combined with some old-world magic and fantasy was compelling and kept me thoroughly engaged.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened for Review (Penguin Audio)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: OMG the end of The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead made me start counting down to the next one!
Story Thoughts: There were zero pacing issues with The Immortal Crown. It was zero to 60 from the beginning and kept me on the edge the whole time. I thought it was interesting that Tessa's storyline was strong. I actually felt like I could almost figure out why she is so important to the story. I know she is important to Justin but I just see her being something "big". As far as Mae and Justin--I am sort of tired with the push/pull relationship already. I just feel this is another Rose/Dimitri, Sidney/Adrian, Georgina/blah blah blah--you get it. They won't get an HEA till the very last chapter of the last book. I will just have to ignore the overtones until then. Though I did really enjoy Mae and Justin's "case" this time. I thought it was timely, edgy, and shows the drastic differences between "races" or "countries" in this world. Also, it compelled both to accept their roles with the gods (or fight against them but no longer live in denial).
Character Thoughts: I feel the same about the key players that I did in the first book. They are strong, interesting, and in typical Richelle mode--annoying on the romance front. I am liking Tessa more and find it interesting that I am drawn to the teen's story more than Mae/Justin. I liked learning more about some of the side characters and I am very curious about the character at the end. That kind of threw me.
Audio Thoughts:
Emily does an excellent job with the narration of the Age of X series. I am really impressed with how much subtle difference she puts between the characters (speech, emotion, pitch). She really brings their personalities alive. I will be continuing this series on audio.
Final Thoughts: After than ending, I need the next one now :)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: OMG the end of The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead made me start counting down to the next one!
Story Thoughts: There were zero pacing issues with The Immortal Crown. It was zero to 60 from the beginning and kept me on the edge the whole time. I thought it was interesting that Tessa's storyline was strong. I actually felt like I could almost figure out why she is so important to the story. I know she is important to Justin but I just see her being something "big". As far as Mae and Justin--I am sort of tired with the push/pull relationship already. I just feel this is another Rose/Dimitri, Sidney/Adrian, Georgina/blah blah blah--you get it. They won't get an HEA till the very last chapter of the last book. I will just have to ignore the overtones until then. Though I did really enjoy Mae and Justin's "case" this time. I thought it was timely, edgy, and shows the drastic differences between "races" or "countries" in this world. Also, it compelled both to accept their roles with the gods (or fight against them but no longer live in denial).
Character Thoughts: I feel the same about the key players that I did in the first book. They are strong, interesting, and in typical Richelle mode--annoying on the romance front. I am liking Tessa more and find it interesting that I am drawn to the teen's story more than Mae/Justin. I liked learning more about some of the side characters and I am very curious about the character at the end. That kind of threw me.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Emily Shaffer / Length: 13 hrs and 54 mins
Emily does an excellent job with the narration of the Age of X series. I am really impressed with how much subtle difference she puts between the characters (speech, emotion, pitch). She really brings their personalities alive. I will be continuing this series on audio.
Final Thoughts: After than ending, I need the next one now :)
mrose21's review
4.0
That ending!
I have no idea how i am going to wait for the next book.
I love May. Shes so strong and vulnerable. I appreciate the fact she still loves him but doesn't let her love define her. I hope she chooses the godess and not the god that wants her. Although I am fasinated by the god.
Loving the fact this book features so many mythological gods and the cultures they belong in. Its just the book doesn't just focus on norse, egyptian or roman. Although there is more norse god influence but still other parts leak in too.
I have no idea how i am going to wait for the next book.
I love May. Shes so strong and vulnerable. I appreciate the fact she still loves him but doesn't let her love define her. I hope she chooses the godess and not the god that wants her. Although I am fasinated by the god.
Loving the fact this book features so many mythological gods and the cultures they belong in. Its just the book doesn't just focus on norse, egyptian or roman. Although there is more norse god influence but still other parts leak in too.
nata_sa_b's review against another edition
5.0
Pýtam sa prečo? Prečo?! Veď všetko bolo tak dobré a ku koncu? Celé zle!!! Vedela som, že som to nemala čítať! Vedela...
Richelle je dôkaz, že sa dá niekoho nenávidieť a milovať zároveň...
Richelle je dôkaz, že sa dá niekoho nenávidieť a milovať zároveň...
kayu99's review against another edition
4.0
A solid addition to follow the first book. I liked the development of events that were first brought up in the first one, and the ending leaves me wondering how everything will resolve itself.
wilda85's review against another edition
5.0
That ending, OMFG!!! Holy crap! That certainly amped the game up. My god I never saw that coming.
To make this review short, this was a damn good book and Richelle Mead is brilliant, which I already knew. She is the queen of twists!
To make this review short, this was a damn good book and Richelle Mead is brilliant, which I already knew. She is the queen of twists!
emmascc's review against another edition
3.0
oh my GOD YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE IT THERE WHAT THE HELL I NEED MORE RIGHT NOW