Rebecca Ross

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.

Letters of Enchantment #1

Divine Rivals

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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’s 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. Sometimes I feel the same as you: I can’t risk having people behold me as I truly am. But there’s also a small voice in the back of my mind, a voice that tells me, “You will miss so much by being so guarded.”

How do you make your life your own and not feel guilt over it? 

in our world, wearing a press vest puts a target on your back

update: it turns out in their world, it doesn't matter either if you're press or a soldier

I can’t stress enough how vital it is you wear the jumpsuit, because of this little thing right here…” She snapped the jumpsuit so it would unfold. It was gray and plain, with buttons up the front. But Helena pointed to a white badge stitched with the words INKRIDDEN TRIBUNE PRESS, just over the right breast pocket. “If you get into a hairy situation— which gods willing you won’t but we must prepare for anything—this proclaims you are neutral in the war—that you are only reporting what you see and should not be perceived as a threat. You understand?

There were plenty of people in Oath who supported Enva and her recruitment and thought the soldiers courageous, but there were others who didn’t. Those individuals, however, tended to be the ones who regarded the war as something that would never affect them. Or they were people who worshipped and supported Dacre.

"I always knew you were my opposite. A nemesis usually is.” 

“I prefer former rival.” His gaze dropped to her lips. “Tell me something more about you.”

[...] all I can think is … I am so afraid. And yet how I long to be vulnerable and brave when it comes to my own heart.

Something that is begging me to remove the last of my armor and let him see me as I am. To choose him.

Their names would be entwined—Roman and Iris or Winnow and Kitt because could you truly have one without the other?

But sometimes I feel as if my words are mundane and dull. There doesn’t seem to be a story hiding in my bones these days, as she believes.

Your grief will never fully fade; it will always be with you—a shadow you carry in your soul.

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.

All right, now I’ve let the words spill out. I’ve given you a piece of armor, I suppose. But I don’t think you’ll mind.

[...] you let the light stream in, even if it makes you wince.

How do you change something like that? How do you make your life your own and not feel guilt over it?

And while Iris wanted to be cautious, she was so hungry. For warm, nourishing food. 

Sometimes I can’t draw a full breath. Between my worry and my fear … my lungs are small because I don’t know where you are.

Romi

Jenna-Lee Gordon

But I realize that people are just people, and they carry their own set of fears, dreams, desires, pains and mistakes 

I’m tired of having to rearrange my life after the people within it depart 

And I am not afraid to be alone, but I’m tired of being the one left behind 

write me of hope and love, and hearts that endured - Emily Dickinson 

Your grief will never fully fade; it will always be with you—a shadow you carry in your soul—but it will become fainter as your life becomes brighter. You will learn to live outside of it again, as impossible as that may sound. Others who share your pain will also help you heal. Because you are not alone. Not in your fear or your grief or your hopes or your dreams.

How do you make your life your own and not feel guilt over it?

But if I’ve learned anything from those fools, it’s 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.

Oh my gods literally. Roman and Iris are one of my new favorite couples ever. The rivals to lovers was rivals to lovers-ing. The ending I can't wait to read the second one!!

Stella 

Let's start off with what I found most impressive, the writing! It is beautiful; it is immersive; it is heartfelt. The voice actors did a great job narrating this book! I loved the plot and the unexpected ending. And the characters didn't read as flat, they had their goals and dreams and pasts, and most importantly, they showed growth as the story proceeded. Iris took her time getting rid of her prejudices, but when she finally did it was beautiful. Once she realized Roman gave her no reason not to believe (in) him, she shed the untrustworthiness she felt that was only a disguise for her fear. In comparison, it took Roman little time to move past his prejudices. However, that didn't mean it was the end of his character arc. He made decisions, faced their consequences, got inspired, and learned along the way. They both inspired each other and learned on their journey. What I enjoyed less was the reveal that he was Carver, although Iris reacted rationally which is what I wanted, the reveal in and on itself was underwhelming: the way she found out was not exciting at all. Lastly, the author did a great job in their commentary on the press and its crucial role in (mis)informing folks. They touched on how easily the news can be manipulated and how the government and the press only show us what they want to see. All in all, it was a good read, I'm looking forward to reading the second book. And kudos to the author for including a queer couple!

Slow to start with but soon quickens and several twists and turns. Really nice read. 

Charlotte Baker-Balding 

issa

This was a really good book! I love the characterization so much. The language and the flow of events is poetic, almost like a dance. Absolutely amazing! I want to read it again!

Camron Swartzendruber

Still debating on the 5 stars cause the world/magic/gods/typewriters idea is incredible! But the plot a little lacking on one specific point. But we can look past that. 

Nina May

Best book in this year so far ngl.

Still debating on the 5 stars cause the world/magic/gods/typewriters idea is incredible! But the plot a little lacking on one specific point. But we can look past that. 

Divine Rivals has been one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I think the author is such a good writer and I love the poetical way she describes things. This book made me love words and writing more than I already do. The plot is in-depth, well thought out, and intriguing. The romance is adorable and this book made me feel deeply- both pain and joy.

Jeweliet Coffee

Ok so this was a really great story but I so desperately wished that it had discussed the politics of the war more and was like 200 pages longer. The two main protagonists needed more time together to really evolve their relationship to the level it was at. Overall it’s a great read— would recommend!

Abigail Marie

Madii

3.75/5. It's okay. The romance between the protagonists got me bored af. But the tale between the god Dacre and goddess Enva got me 💕. I wish Rebecca would write more about gods and goddesses romance or something.

OMGJAKFJSKFJWKFJSKE WTF this was so good aaa so funnn (also ive been putting it off for so long and in kinda glad bc now i only have to wait like a month and a half for the second one instead of like 8 months)

nany

Jennifer Gosnell

Such a great story! I cannot WAIT for the second book in this duology. Gorgeous writing, fantastic characters… I love a “found family” element. Ugh. Everything about this was fantastic.

Katherine Hampton

Rating,

Divine Rivals: 5 ⭐️

Plot: 5 ⭐️

Characters: 5 ⭐️

POV: Dual

Writing:  Third person

Dialogue: Easy to read

Book Tropes ⬇️

Found Family

Rivals to Lovers

Forced Proximity

Marriage

Magic

Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses



Rebecca Hurd

Ok. This book really gave me the feels!! I was on a roller coaster of emotions and that cliff hanger oh my!! I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I was happy!! I can’t wait to read the sequel cause I NEED to know what happens with Iris and Roman!!

Kiran Aftab

i went into this book blind and i’m so glad i did. there were undertones of violet evergarden in the story. oh my god the letters. THE LETTERS!! idk i started this book and was so drawn in and it was pretty addicting. i haven’t felt this way about a book in a while

There was parts of this book that I loved but there was parts that I didn’t like. But overall it was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading book 2

Scarlett 

I was pleasantly surprised by this! The chemistry and magic were done so well and there was no way for me to keep up with the twists and turns 

Monserrat Navarro 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Sílvia

Kaitlin Slaughter

I liked it but I definitely expected… more

150-50 pages before the end i am like🥰🥰🥰😍😘😘🥰🥰😚😚😚😊 and the last 50 like 🤔🤔😳😓😠🤬😭😭😭😭

Veronika

the hell was that cliffhanger😀

150-50 pages before the end i am like🥰🥰🥰😍😘😘🥰🥰😚😚😚😊 and the last 50 like 🤔🤔😳😓😠🤬😭😭😭😭

sarah

a breeze to get through!!!! had me hooked from page 1. i was completely unaware this was fantasy when i picked it up, so i was pleasantly surprised by this :) i loved the writing / ambiance of this world, reminded me of a darker version of howls moving castle, where the primary focus is the war. I will say the relationship development between our main characters did feel rushed to me, but found their interactions addicting to read about nonetheless. felt like the world building was very vague (not sure if this was purposeful?), often times felt confused about how to visualize the world, and how the “gods” play into the logistics of everything..hopefully this will be explored more in the sequel.

Kassidy May Leaver

me the whole book 💤💤💤💤  the ending making me buy ruthless vows 🙃

6 stars if possible

As I read RV and think back to Divine Rivals I remember how enthralling it was and completely forgot I never wrote a review. 

Truly like a blanket I was cooconed in. I always talk and talk about Rebecca's writing skills and honestly I think I never wrote a real review because it's hard for me to put into words how much I adore this book. 

It has so much soul and it is so BEAUTIFUL, Iris is the perfect fmc and the romance albeit a little fast for most is so tender and natural it's obvious that their paths would take them to where they eventually end up (with each other). 

Aside from that, the found family aspect and how selfless Iris and Roman are and their writing skills and all the letters added to the book and the background world building and....

Can you tell this is my favorite book? Perhaps I'm due for a re-read.

Divine Rivals Letters of Enchantment #1

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