Book Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

“Sometimes I’m afraid to love other people. Everyone I care about eventually leaves me, whether it’s death or war or simply because they don’t want me. They go places I can’t find, places I can’t reach. And I’m not afraid to be alone, but I’m tired of being the one left behind. I’m tired of having to rearrange my life after the people within it depart, as if I’m a puzzle and I’m now missing pieces and I will never feel that pure sense of completion again. I lost someone close to me, yesterday. It doesn’t feel real yet.”

Rebecca Ross, Divine Rivals

Review:

A friend of mine initially recommended this book to me, saying I would love the setting and the fact that the protagonists are writers. I’m always skeptical of fantasy even though I did find the premise intriguing. When it was chosen as a group read with The Global Book Nook, I figured it was a sign that I needed to give it a go. I’m so glad I did! 

Iris is doing all she can do when war breaks out between the gods’ — at home, at work, and personally. While writing to her brother who is off fighting, she winds up beginning correspondence with her work rival Roman, albeit, unknowingly. This friendship becomes her saving grace. 

I was glad that the fantastical element wasn’t too overwhelming and was more of a backdrop than the main focus being someone who doesn’t gravitate toward fantasy. I absolutely loved the aesthetic of it all as well as Iris and Roman’s chemistry. All around this book was a lovely surprise for me and I look forward to reading the next book! 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The aesthetic.
• Iris and Roman’s chemistry.
• The themes of grief.

What I didn’t like:

• As usual, the fantasy elements were lost on me.

Afterthoughts:

It’s always worth reading outside your comfort zone once in a while. Sometimes there are nice surprises!

Where to buy the book: