The truth is, when you banish the gods from the world, they eventually come back—with a vengeance.

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March is a former investigator of religious groups who was sent into exile after a failed job, a fate that has left the brilliant servitor bitter and free to indulge his addictive personality. Suddenly, Justin is sent home to the Republic of United North America with a peculiar assignment—to solve a string of ritualistic murders steeped in seemingly unexplainable phenomena.

Justin's unexpected return comes with an even bigger shock: his new partner and body guard is a praetorian, one of the elite and deadly super soldiers of the RUNA. Mae Koskinen's inexplicably perfect beauty and aristocratic upbringing pique Justin's avid curiosity—and his desire—though her true nature holds more danger than anyone realizes.

As their investigation unfolds, Justin and Mae find themselves in the path of terrible danger. Mysterious enemies and powers greater than they can imagine have begun to assemble in the shadows, preparing to reclaim a world where humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first novel of Richelle Mead's Age of X series, delivers all the elements that have made her bestselling Vampire Academy series a breakout success: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and breathless action and suspense.