The Immortal Crown (Age of X #2) by Richelle Mead

What can I say about this book??? I absolutely love it!! I still can't understand how Richelle can come up with these amazing stories and characters. She is without a doubt one of my favourite writers. But you aren't here to read about me rambling about how out-of-this world she is, so let's get to the book.

As in the first book (Gameboard of the Gods), we have three points of view.

Mae is struggling with her feelings for Justin, while at the same time she worries about her lost niece and Justin's safety and the goddess that seeks her attention. So you can see that our poor super-soldier has a lot on her plate.

Meanwhile, Justin is dealing with Odin (the god that has him under oath) and Geraki (an annoying individual that happens to be Odin's prophet), plus his work at the IS. And, at the same time, he has to worry about his family's and Mae's safety. The former because of zealots and what-nots that want to harm him through his family, and the latter because he is the one putting her in danger and because of the current war among gods. Last but not least, he is also warring with his feelings towards someone. Can you guess who?? Yes, you are right!! It's Mae. Our poor servitor really has a lot of problems.

Then we have Tessa. Tessa has finally found a school she actually fits in and that gives her freedom to pursue any project she wants. Encouraged by a member of the school she fills a form to apply for an internship. But she might get more than she bargained for.

Before I tell you more about the story, I have to tell you a little secret ;) .... I was ecstatic when I saw Argentina in the book. This is the third time Richelle has mentioned Argentina in one of her books. First she did it in Spirit Bound (book #5 in the Vampire Academy series):

"It moves throughout the year. Right now it's in Alaska. Later, it'll be in Argentina." He gave me a sly smile, apparently wondering how astute I was. "Can you guess why?"

That one wasn't exactly accurate, but it can be forgiven. Then she goes and mention it again in Gameboard of the Gods:

“All I’ve got are Argentinian reds,” he told her. “They drink that stuff like water here, but it’s pretty good.”

There Justin was referring to Argentinian red wine. And then here we find the connection again with our delicious wine:

“Please, help yourself. It’s imported from Argentina. You’re probably pretty familiar with their wines after your stay in Panama.”

So, well, you can see why I was so happy!!

Okay, now that I've taken that out of my chest... let's go on.

Justin and Mae are asked to go on an expedition to Arcadia with Lucian Darling (Justin's old college roommate who's running for consul). Justin refuses to go until Mae asks him to accept it. She doesn't tell him, of course, the reason why. The truth is that, after a weird vision she had, Mae is more certain than ever that her niece is in Arcadia and that she needs to rescue her before it's too late.

Arcadia is a twisted country, to say the least. Women are considered property and are treated more like slaves than actual human beings. While Mae is trying to find a way to get to her niece, Justin is dealing with this country's weird religious leader and the reasons behind his behaviour.

Tessa, on the other hand, is back in the RUNA. There she is dealing with a reporter that wants her to help uncover the truth behind Lucian's campaign. To do that, she has to infiltrate a youth group that works for the campaign. She unveils some information in the process that can end up hurtin Justin in the end, so she has to decide what to do with what she finds.

Back in Arcadia Mae ends up striking on her own with a group of girls she is determined to save. Justin is faced with difficult decisions and with Mae's dissapearance.

When they finally reunite the confess their mutual feelings, but they are met with the cruel reality of their situation and that leads to a horrible attack on Mae and the subsequent fallout.

I have to tell you first that I hate Porfirio with all my heart (you'll understand after you read it), and secondly, I don't have it in me to wait for the third book of the series. I need it NOW!!!!! I don't have enough words to congratulate Richelle on another espectacular book. She is a GENIUS!!!!