Divine Rivals Book Review

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Divine Rival Tropes: Slow-burn, Academic Rivals Romance, WW2 Fantasy Setting, Letter magic

Is Divine Rivals YA? : In my opinion, no. It has explict content.

My Review:

This book had me hooked 😭. I listened on audiobook and l had to stop it a few times to crawl into a corner and ball my eyes out.

Divine Rival is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves together elements of magic, war among gods, and an unexpected romance that defies the odds. The story follows Iris Winnow, an 18-year-old aspiring journalist, as she navigates a world torn apart by divine conflict and personal struggles.

At the heart of the narrative lies a powerful connection between Iris and Roman Kitt, her rival at the Oath Gazette. Through a magical exchange of letters, the two enemies find themselves drawn together in ways they couldn’t have anticipated. As the gods wage war once again, Iris and Roman must confront not only the battles around them but also the battles within themselves. The depth of their emotions and the intensity of their circumstances make for a compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

The strength of this book lies in its characters. Iris Winnow emerges as a remarkably strong and relatable protagonist, shouldering the weight of her family’s troubles while striving to secure a future for herself. Her kindness, resilience, and unwavering determination to protect her loved ones make her an endearing character worth championing.

Rebecca Ross has skillfully crafted an enchanting world filled with divine conflicts, intricate magic, and heartrending emotions. The slow burn romance between Iris and Roman is a highlight, with their personal growth and deepening connection evoking a genuine sense of empathy.

One of the book’s notable strengths is its portrayal of themes such as grief and guilt. These emotions are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of depth to the characters and their journeys. Ross’s ability to explore these complex feelings contributes to the emotional resonance of the story, making it a relatable experience for readers.

While the book excels in many aspects, there are a few moments where the pacing of the romance feels a bit rushed, particularly towards the end. However, this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.

Favorite Quote from Divine Rivals: “I never told you that I love you. And I regret that, most of all.”

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