Divine Rivals Review

Author: Rebecca Ross

Synopsis

When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.

Review

Rebecca Ross weaves a captivating tale in “Divine Rivals,” the first installment of the Letters of Enchantment series, blending enchanting storytelling with epic battles among gods. The novel introduces Iris Winnow, a determined young journalist, as she navigates family struggles, a war among deities, and an unexpected connection with her rival, Roman Kitt. While the story is filled with tropes and beautiful writing, it has its share of strengths and weaknesses.

One of the highlights of the book is its incorporation of beloved tropes, including an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, he fell first and harder than she did, and the theme of found family. The writing is undeniably beautiful, immersing readers in an enchanting world of magic, love, and heartbreak. The banter between characters adds a delightful touch, and Iris Winnow stands out as a strong and relatable female protagonist.

The character of Roman Kitt steals the spotlight, with his sweetness and depth making him an instant favorite. The focus on the relationship between Iris and Roman, devoid of mere lust or superficial tension, allows for a genuine exploration of their connection. The internal monologue of Iris is both reasonable and relatable, drawing readers deeper into the emotional core of the story.

However, the rivalry aspect between Iris and Roman feels somewhat one-sided, with the love story progressing at a pace that might be considered rushed. While the novel successfully captures the pain of war and the pervasive fear through its writing, more in-depth backstories on the gods and the ongoing conflict would have enriched the narrative.

The book concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. The rivalry, a promising element of the plot, appears to be short-lived, leaving room for further exploration in future books. The pacing, while generally engaging, could benefit from a more gradual development of certain aspects of the storyline.

In summary, “Divine Rivals” is a spellbinding fantasy filled with hope, heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love. Rebecca Ross creates a world where gods clash, and mortal hearts are tested. With its combination of captivating characters, enchanting storytelling, and a touch of rivalry, this novel sets the stage for an intriguing duology that promises more magical adventures.