Book Review: ‘Divine Rivals’ is a Sublime Example of YA Fantasy Today
Can I just say? I am SO grateful for Rebecca Ross for bringing this stunning story to life. Divine Rivals is one of my favorite reads of the year. Yes, it’s YA Fantasy (which I personally love), but for those who aren’t usually a YA fan, I didn’t feel like it read ‘YA’ at all. The characters were thoughtful, beautiful communicators, mature for their ages, and this story is told through some of the most beautiful prose that reminded me of Addie LaRue—where it grips you fiercely, and doesn’t let go. I think what also made this book really special for me is that I have a degree in editorial journalism, so I felt an instant connection to both of the main characters, and their love of crafting a great story. Ross has 100% been cemented as a new favorite author of mine and I now need to read her entire backlist. If you’re looking for a slow burn, rivals-to-lovers, with a lovingly curated, early 20th century alternate world with warring gods, sharp wit, and characters that will pull your heartstrings, I’m begging you to read this book.
Things to Know:
Dual POV
Character + Plot driven story
Epistolary format
Gorgeous prose
Slow burn, rivals to lovers
Book one of an unfinished series
Low fantasy/alternate world
Divine Rivals follows two POVs, our FMC, Iris Winnow, a bright and talented writer who had to drop out of school for family reasons. And our MMC, Roman C. Kitt, another talented, but perhaps spoiled, new money kid. And they’re both vying for the same job as a columnist in their city’s prestigious newspaper. For those of you who are not familiar with epistolary formats, it’s when a book is written using letters between characters. And this is utilized quite frequently throughout the story, and it’s so beautiful to see two people fall in love through the written word. If you loved the style of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you will love this book. The worldbuilding is also not overwhelming, and I loved the subtle myths we get crumbs of throughout the story. If anything, I wish we knew more! With two warring gods, this book showed how ugly war can be, as well as the power of love.
"Sometimes strength isn't swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it’s found in quiet, gentle places. The way you hold someone’s hand as they grieve. The way you listen to others. The way you show up, day after day, even when you are weary or afraid or simply uncertain. That is strength, and I see it in you."
Iris, often referred to as Winnow, has a chip on her shoulder, wanting to prove herself. Her brother’s gone off to fight for Enva, one of the awoken gods, and she can’t rely on her mother at all. Roman, often called Kitt, loves to torment her (ok, they both do), but I think they both admire each other’s writing abilities from the beginning. When Iris decides to try and write her brother on the front lines, she discovers her letters are disappearing, but has no idea, they’re actually being delivered to Kitt! He begins writing her back, though she has no idea it’s him. When she decides to become a war correspondent to go and search for her brother, many of the side characters we meet along the way become like your own dear friends. It’s hard to share more without spoilers, but suffice it to say, Kitt goes after her, and I will never be the same.
“I think we all wear armor. I think those who don’t are fools, risking the pain of being wounded by the sharp edges of the world, over and over again. But if I’ve learned anything from those fools, it is that to be vulnerable is a strength most of us fear. It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are.”
I did find myself wondering like what the time period was a few times, as some dates are mentioned, so it feels sort of around when World War I would have taken place, except the city of Oath is not our world. Much of the descriptions feel very familiar though, and there’s electricity, trams, showers, etc. so it’s not a completely new fantasy world. I am so curious to learn more about Enva and Dacre because I feel like we still don’t really know the full story.
“Even in the silence, I hope you will find the words you need to share.”
But holy cliffhanger, this was one of the easiest five stars I’ve given this year—and I’m a little stingy with those. If you haven’t picked this sublime story up yet, do yourself a favor and drop everything and read it—especially if you’re in a Fourth Wing reading slump! I promise you won’t regret it…well, maybe you will because you’ll be in torture like I am waiting for book two…worth it.
“He found me on my darkest day. He followed me to war, to the front lines. He came between me and Death, taking wounds that were supposed to be mine.”
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