Book Description: 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).
Evidently, Richelle Meade has a large following of devoted readers, but this is the first book of I've read, and I've wondered how to review it...
I wasn't enchanted with either of the main characters, Justin March and Mae Koskinen. Justin, a former religious sect inspector, uses alcohol, drugs, and sex to reduce tension. Mae is a genetically enhanced RUNA soldier.
The world that Meade creates was never quite clear to me; it felt incomplete and confusing. Although religious conflict and a deadly virus are given as reasons for the contemporary government, political, and social environment, the reasoning is vague and so is the resulting society.
I usually enjoy the incorporation of mythic references, but the presence of all of the gods in this futuristic world is disconcerting. Religions are closely monitored and frequently disbanded, and yet all kinds of gods from every culture (and some amalgams of traditional gods) all capable of interfering with human activities.
And there is a serial killer.
Reviews appear to be about evenly divided. Some love the book; others are disappointed.
I find myself in the second category.
ARC
Dutton Publishing
Science Fiction/Dystopian. June 2013. 464 pages.
- ISBN-10: 052595368X
I have heard of this author but never tried anything either... Maybe one day but likely not this book.
ReplyDeleteShe has a couple of urban fantasy series and some YA vampire series, but I've not read any of them. Some of the comments indicated that some of her biggest fans were disappointed with this one. Might be worth checking out her other works. :)
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