Why Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross is a Must-Read: A Heartfelt Fantasy Romance That Hits Home
There could be spoilers. Be aware.
I don't know why I waited so long to read Divine Rivals. It had everything to captivate me: a fantasy romance set in a wartime era reminiscent of World War II.
As a child, I was deeply fascinated by both fantasy and European history. Growing up in Northern Italy, I often heard my grandfather and his sister proudly singing war songs about fighting against the Nazis and Fascism under Hitler and Mussolini. This side of history always intrigued me, perhaps because it was so close to my family's experiences. My grandfather would proudly recount how his father refused to join the Fascists, despite the severe consequences. He also spoke of his brother, who was forced into the army and, after Italy switched sides, ended up in Mauthausen. Although he was eventually freed, he suffered greatly, enduring tuberculosis and frostbitten feet.
When I began Divine Rivals, all I knew was that it involved a magical typewriter and a romance between two war correspondents. I had no idea it would move me to tears for half the book. It resonated deeply with me.
The Characters
It's rare for me to connect with a female character lately. The last ones were Feyre and Nesta from Sarah J. Maas’s books. But with Iris Winnow, I felt an immediate spark. Perhaps her personality mirrored mine, particularly in how she handles problems and trauma by hiding her emotions. She reminded me of myself, of how I used to conceal my pain to avoid burdening others or being pitied. I loved her passion for writing and her heart. I cried when she spoke about her mother and her feelings of abandonment, and I cheered when she finally realized Roman loved her.
For those of us who have been abandoned, learning to love again is a profound moment. It's about overcoming our emotions and traumas to find a better future with someone who shows us nothing but love.
The World-Building
I’ve read reviews where people didn’t understand the world-building, which flabbergasted me. What amazed me about this world is that a book that profoundly moved me could be dismissed by others. Rebecca Ross did her research. Critics mentioned that typewriters couldn't exist in that period, but they should know typewriters were invented in 1868, and electricity was available to the wealthy.
I loved discovering the lore of the Gods, Enva and Dacre, and their complex relationship. I’m eager to learn more in Ruthless Vows.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, I loved this book. While it might have been a bit too descriptive for my taste, it touched my heart so deeply that I found myself crying and laughing throughout. It has earned a spot in my top three favorite books of all time.
What did you think of the book? Do you have any similar recommendations?
If you're an indie author with similar tastes, share your book with me on Instagram—I’d love to check it out and add it to my TBR list.
