Divine Rivals
By Rebecca Ross
Divine Rivals: A Detailed Review
Overview
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross is the first book in the "Letters of Enchantment" duology, a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of a war between gods, the story follows two rival journalists whose lives become intertwined through mysterious, magical letters. This book explores themes of love, loss, the power of words, and the impact of war on individuals and societies.
Plot Summary
A World at War
The story takes place in a world where the mortal realm is affected by a silent war between the gods, Enva and Dacre. This conflict manifests in constant battles along the front lines, where mortal armies fight with increasingly potent magical weapons.
Iris Winnow
We are introduced to Iris Winnow, a young woman working as a columnist for the Oath Gazette in the city of Oath. Her life is marred by a deep grief following the disappearance of her brother, Forest, a soldier in the war. She finds solace in writing and longs to find him.
The Mysterious Letters
Desperate to reach her brother, Iris begins writing him letters and placing them in the wardrobe in her room. Miraculously, the letters vanish and are replaced by replies written in an unfamiliar but beautiful handwriting. These letters come from Roman Kitt, a war correspondent working on the front lines.
Rivals and Romance
Iris and Roman develop a unique bond through their letters, sharing their hopes, fears, and stories. Unbeknownst to each other, they are actually rivals in the journalistic world, competing to be the best in the paper. When the war's intensity grows, their paths collide and their rivalry is put to the test.
Magic and Mystery
As Iris and Roman grow closer, they uncover the magic behind the letters, a hidden system manipulated by the gods. This discovery leads them on a dangerous path, where they must choose sides and risk everything.
The Cliffhanger
The book ends with a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to find out the fate of Iris and Roman and their roles in the gods' conflict.
Detailed Review
Strengths
- Compelling Characters: Iris and Roman are both deeply flawed, complex characters. Iris's resilience and vulnerability, alongside Roman's reserved yet passionate nature, make them highly relatable and endearing.
- Unique Magic System: The magic system tied to the gods and the mysterious letters creates a fascinating blend of fantasy and realism. The way the letters move between two points is especially intriguing.
- Atmospheric World-Building: The war-torn world, with its constant struggles and the looming presence of the gods, is vividly depicted, creating a sense of both hope and despair.
- Beautiful Prose: Rebecca Ross's writing is lyrical and evocative, seamlessly blending dialogue, description, and internal monologue. It truly brings the story to life.
- Slow-Burn Romance: The romance between Iris and Roman is expertly crafted. Their initial animosity turning into genuine care and deep love is captivating.
- Intriguing Plot: The plot manages to be both personal and epic in scale. The mystery surrounding the letters and the war keep the reader invested and engaged.
Weaknesses
- Slow Pace at Times: The book can feel a bit slow in certain sections, particularly in the middle. This might be frustrating to some readers who prefer a faster-paced story.
- Predictable Elements: Some aspects of the plot, such as the 'rivals-to-lovers' trope, might feel slightly predictable to avid readers of the genre.
- Unanswered Questions: As the first book of a duology, it leaves several important questions unanswered, which could be frustrating for some readers until the next book is released.
Overall Rating
Divine Rivals is a captivating read that blends fantasy, romance, and war into a poignant narrative. While it may have some minor pacing issues and predictability, the beautiful writing, compelling characters, and intriguing plot make it a worthwhile read. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Who Should Read This?
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Fantasy novels with a strong romantic subplot.
- Stories set against a backdrop of war and conflict.
- Slow-burn romances with complex characters.
- Books with a unique and magical element.
- Fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo.
Buy the book here.
