Bookseller Reviews
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Enemies to Lovers? We love to see it
4.5 stars
Reading an ARC of this has been both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that I have had to wait less time to enjoy this book, and a curse in ... READ MORE
Really charming!
Iris and Roman are rival journalists at the Oath Gazette, and only one of them will earn the position of columnist – but when tragedy strikes Iris' life, b... READ MORE
Screaming, Crying, Throwing Up
First, I want to thank Harper Collins for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.
This was so so good! A mash up (in my head at least) of WWII fashion... READ MORE
Absolutely stunning!
Divine Rivals is an exquisitely beautiful fantasy romance, but also a novel about a magical war and the devastating impact it has on all those involved.
T... READ MORE
If you haven’t read this, then you need too
Two journalists with two magically linked typewriters anonymously write to one another, except he knows exactly who she is, and she’s clueless to the fact ... READ MORE
Stunning, Stunning, Stunning.
It's not every day I read a book that leaves such an impression on me.
I read Divine Rivals almost two months ago now and have not stopped thinking about ... READ MORE
A stunning start to a new series!
After hearing so many amazing reviews I knew I had to give this story a go! And honestly I’m so glad I did!
This is such a cosy and fun story with a hi... READ MORE
This book was Divine!
This book really took me by surprise! I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. It’s such a fresh and original book that really has nothing like it in... READ MORE
An incredibly immersive world
I was a bit late to the party in reading this as I was so scared it wouldn't live up to the hype but it absolutely did! The world building is incredible al... READ MORE
Romantic and enchanting!
I absolutely loved the historical and faintly magical world the book is set in, it’s familiar but the threads of magic make it spellbinding and enchanting.... READ MORE
My favourite book of 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book. I was very grateful to receive an advanced copy from the publisher and finished it within a day or so. It got me out of a rea... READ MORE
The best book I’ve read this year!
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book!
The gods have woken and war has come. Iris and Roman are colleagues at the... READ MORE
Something new and unique!
I really enjoyed Rebecca's 'A River Enchanted' series so was super excited to see that she's started something new with Divine Rivals, and boy did it not d... READ MORE
A brilliant historical, romance, magical mystery!
Rebecca Ross is a master of the light fantasy, historical-esque, romance! Divine Rival finds us in a vaguely World War I inspired world, where gods have re... READ MORE
This book will leave you swooning (and asking for more)
THE fantasy book of 2023, Divine Rivals was an absolute joy and heartbreak to read! An academic rivals-to-lovers that begs to be consumed in one sitting, t... READ MORE
A Beautifully Heart Breaking Rivals to Lovers Story
As much as I love stories about heroes that save the world and defeat the villains, this is the fantasy story I have been craving for years. A story about ... READ MORE
Beautiful Fantasy Romance
With just one book, I have became Rebecca Ross’ biggest fan. This is a stunning introduction to her work and this series. So beautifully written with excit... READ MORE
YA at its best!
The captivating characters combined with a slow and subtle worldbuilding gripped me and kept me enthralled, so much so I devoured this book within a day!
... READ MORE
A book that will break you… and make you reread again and again
This book is so clever, you assume it’s going to be this slow and standard plot like all other YA books. But don’t be fooled! In the beginning you meet Iri... READ MORE
Divine, sublime, transcendent
I am so glad to have FINALLY come across a fantasy that I could give 5 stars to this year!!!
I find that the best things happen when you’re not searchi... READ MORE
Dazzling
in this first of a duology we follow iris who is a journalist at the gazette, she constantly has to put up with her annoying rival and fierce competitor ro... READ MORE
A Cute Little YA Enemies to Lovers!
This story follows two journalists fighting it out for a promotion only one will obtain. Both from very different backgrounds. Iris has been writing to her... READ MORE
An Epic Romance that's More Than Just Paper and Passion
“It's odd, how quickly life can change, isn't it? How one little thing like typing a letter can open a door you never saw. A transcendent connection. A div... READ MORE
Heartbreaking page upon page.
A beautifully written story. Not typically my style of fantasy but a beloved author of mine from early works.
As a sister who often writes longingly to a... READ MORE
One of the best ya fantasy books of this decade.
This is a such an atmospheric book! I really felt like I was in this world, and I would vividly imagine of the places described. It was a great blend of re... READ MORE
The most enchanting series...
I devoured this series last year, it is definitely my favourite YA duology I have read in years. Iris and Roman's story is so beautiful and filled with suc... READ MORE
A gorgeous World War One-inspired fantasy romance with magical typewriters
There was so much hype for this book and it was met- this has become one of my favourite books of the year.
The writing my goodness was beyond stunning.... READ MORE
Enchanting and Captivating
I don't know why it took me so long to pick up Divine Rivals. Other booksellers told me that I would love it, the premise told me that I would love it, and... READ MORE
A Fantastic Fantasy!
A big thank you to HarperInsider for sending me a proof!
'After centuries of sleep, the gods have awakened and a war has begun. Iris has to see her brothe... READ MORE
An emotional rollercoaster!
War wages between two great gods, who have enlisted humans to fight for them. Budding journalist Iris Winnows brother Forest enlists and is deployed to the... READ MORE
Mythology, rivals to lovers, and a war-torn backdrop!
Divine Rivals is part romance, part mythological epic, part war fiction, all tied together into an emotional and vivid novel of love, loss, and violence.
... READ MORE
Pure yet harrowing!
The gods are real and they hate each other and that has some serious repercussions for humans.
This book was great, pure, wholesome, yet harrowing and str... READ MORE
I Cannot Wait for the Second Book!
I loved this book so much, and I really hope we will get a part II very soon! It’s totally awesome!
The book has an amazing balance of darkness and sorrow... READ MORE
Iris is the heart of this book!
Going into this book I knew I was getting a romance. Despite what I heard from friends or online even from the cover I knew I was getting a romance. And th... READ MORE
Captured my heart from the very first sentence.
Divine Rivals captured my heart from the very first sentence. Rebecca Ross writes a tale that blends fantasy and romance with such lyrical prose that it fe... READ MORE
My All Time Favourite YA Fantasy
Beautifully written, equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is the perfect opening to a gorgeous duology. I am completely enamoured with Iris and... READ MORE
Magical typewriters, rivals to lovers and warring Gods!
Magical, romantic, heart wrenching, this book totally took me by surprise! We have everything from enemies to lovers, magical typewriters, warring Gods, an... READ MORE
Rushes important plot points
Keeping the stakes low, the driving force behind this YA fantasy was its wholesome romance. The novel was atmospheric and beautifully written but the endin... READ MORE
A perfect cosy read!
I absolutely loved Iris and Roman’s story and I cannot wait to read the second installment. At first it was a bit slow and I was hoping for a more intense ... READ MORE
I can’t stop thinking about this book!
Honestly, the best fantasy romance I’ve read this year - Divine Rivals is a beautiful story of rivals to lovers, poetic romance and heart wrenching plot. I... READ MORE
Beautiful wartime fantasy romance
What a book! This really has it all, magic typewriters, a war between gods, rivals to lovers, a whole cast of brilliant side characters. I absolutely adore... READ MORE
Absolutely beautiful!
This was such a beautiful love story, and a really fascinating magic system and world. Iris and Roman are both lovely characters and you can’t help but roo... READ MORE
Chef’s kiss
Firstly thank you Harper Collins for sending me a proof of this fabulous book.
Some books you read and some books devour you. Divine Rivals (book 1 - Le... READ MORE
A must- read!
Wow. I sat and read this book in one sitting and I couldn’t put it down. This book gripped me from the first page. I love the concept of this book and I fe... READ MORE
Who Knew YA Could Be This Good?
This book absolutely ripped me out of a reading slump and buckled me in for the ride.
Iris Winnow has worked at the Oath Gazette after dropping out of her... READ MORE
This book is now my entire personality
I am in awe of this beautifully written masterpiece! From the magic of the typewriters to the secret love shared between the two main characters, this book... READ MORE
Forever a Favourite
Having sat on this review for way too long, I can confidently say this is still one of my favourite reads from the last few years.
The historical fanta... READ MORE
Absolutely fabulous!
I absolutely ADORED this book!
From the characters, to the plot, to the places, everything was brilliant.
It had the perfect balance between all aspec... READ MORE
Utterly enchanting
My expectations for Divine Rivals were sky high going in. Not only has it been extremely hyped over the last couple of years, wartime love stories are my a... READ MORE
I love the way Ross weaves magic into the real world!
I can easily see why this book is so highly rated. The storytelling alone is smooth and fast paced. I loved how magic was weaved throughout it in a simple,... READ MORE
My favourite YA fantasy in years
I’m a little late to the party with my love for this book, but nevertheless, I absolutely adored it. Charming, heartbreaking and beautifully written. I don... READ MORE
Sublime!
Last night I finished reading the absolutely stunning ‘Divine Rivals’ by Rebecca Ross, and this book just spoke to my soul.
‘Divine Rivals’ managed to do ... READ MORE
Magical realism. Found Family. Rivals to lovers. Bon Appetite.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up. But I can tell you that I absolutely couldn’t put it down. Rivals to lovers. Magical realism... READ MORE
A beautiful romantic concept and stunning characters!
Read this book!!!
This is one of my favourite YA reads of 2023 I loved it so much it was amazing. I loved that the fantasy was subtle and it still felt re... READ MORE
Heartwarming
Modern world war love story with a fantasy twist.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of Iris and Roman as they grow from rivals into something special. Their... READ MORE
Synopsis
No god, no creature, no war can come between them.
When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, their fate depends on their facing the depths of hell... together.
After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again...
All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris's best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.
But when Iris's letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands - that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper - an unlikely magical connection forms.
Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?
An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.
Publisher information
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- ISBN: 9780008588151
- Number of pages: 368
- Dimensions: 240 x 159 x 38 mm
- Weight: 580g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allA book I couldn't put down!
4.5 stars
• Rivals to lovers
• Found Family
• Secret Identity
• Magical Realism
• Upper YA (due to heavy themes, see TW below)
Divine Rivals is my favour... READ MORE
cute / entertaining / captivating
**4,5/5**
Favorite character: Iris / Roman
Three words: cute / entertaining / captivating
Favorite quote: In the meantime, I hope you will find your place... READ MORE
An 'enemies to lovers' YA fantasy with a whole lot of heart and gumption!
I haven't enjoyed a YA this much since reading Leigh Bardugo's 'Six of Crows' for the first time. Fabulous characters, intriguing world building and an 'en... READ MORE
Story :
I adore books that bring light to the end of the dark tunnel, and Rebecca Ross' Divine Rivals is just that! I am a big fan of Ross because in every book of... READ MORE
A reminder why YA was my first love
Rebecca Ross is very good at balance. A good level of world building without feeling arduous. A fast paced romance whilst also being believable. The result... READ MORE
Story :
I adore books that bring light to the end of the dark tunnel, and Rebecca Ross' Divine Rivals is just that! I am a big fan of Ross because in every book of... READ MORE
Very good, but with a few misgivings.
I enjoyed this story (as a writer I loved the enchanted typewriters). I realise it is a YA book, but I think the characters needed to be a couple of Years ... READ MORE
Takes minute to get into it but it's SO WORTH IT!
Wow.
The romance in this book sets the standard for fictional men. HE COULDN'T STAND SO HE CRAWLED!!
Admittedly,when I first started this I didn't think ... READ MORE
Divine Rivals is a truly outstanding read!
From the first page I knew that I would love this book so much, there were those nostalgic vibes, I felt that autumn scent in the air, the words flowed one... READ MORE
Wow! Gods, rivals and a romance full of yearning!
Usually when I heard the term historical fiction, I run the other way. But when I read the synopsis of Divine Rivals, the title and summary itself made me ... READ MORE
A battle of Gods and hearts
Look, I'm going to need to stop reading books so early if they end like this. just THAT CLIFFHANGER. wow.
Okay so Divine Rivals is the story of Iris Winno... READ MORE
An unexpected love
I started reading this just as the weather was turning to colder and rainier days - I can’t recommend it enough for the perfect comfort in the autumnal day... READ MORE
So cute xoxoxoox
Loved it , cover was gorgalicious, super sure story xoxoxooxox
An Absolutely Stunning Historical Fantasy
Divine Rivals is a book that I have been dying to get my hands on from the moment I first heard about it. Last year in 2022, I read my first Rebecca Ross s... READ MORE
please pick this up, it is SO beautiful !!
thank goodness i bought the sequel before i finished! i’m so excited to start reading it already.
anyways, this book is beautiful, eloquently written, wi... READ MORE
Delightfully witty
Divine rivals is completely captivating and dangerously immersive. I love how charming and heartbreaking this book was, from the lore of the gods to Winnow... READ MORE
Where Gods fight a war with human soldiers and two humans are rivals for best newspaper article
I really liked this book. Imagine a world where Gods exist and are waging a war, and human soldiers also fight. Imagine that this takes place around the ... READ MORE
Best book of 2023
So romantic (not smut) and sweetest love story with magic typewriters! Loved this one so much
Absolutely fantastic!!
This book got me hooked from page 1!
Everything is good: the plot, the characters, the twists, everything.
The story really resonated with me, the chara... READ MORE
5/5 stars.
An amazing, well-crafted story, the plot is so appealing, gorgeous chemistry between the love interests but the ending broke me!
The best YA book I’ve ever read!
This book was able to make me finish it in one day since I purchased it, it also made me fall in love with reading once again. It has everything that I lov... READ MORE
I like the author.
I like to offer the way she writes I can see the image of what she's saying in the book it's easy to follow and the story is amazing and you can relate to ... READ MORE
So good.
this book was unlike anything i have ever read before, but it was so good i actually can’t cope.
Iris and Roman had me kicking my feet and giggling the who... READ MORE
This is another book I saw hyped on TikTok but the synopsis drew me in
In a world where the gods are at war, 18-year-old Iris Winnow is distraught when her brother replies to the call to arms. However, having to get on with li... READ MORE
It’s fresh, and rich, and achingly romantic.
It took me a long time to pick this up because I could never discern what the tone was meant to be. So let me say, first and foremost, this is a tale of ma... READ MORE
LOVE IT , SO GOOD
I really do love this book, it plays with my emotions (I'm a very emotional person) , the story and plot are great! if you're thinking of getting it , plea... READ MORE
A story that will make you grow more curious with every page you turn
This was wonderful.
To me, this is the kind of book that binds you through the writing - it was beautifully written.
I especially loved the way the lette... READ MORE
Book is amazing, shipping is not.
The book is one of my favorite reads, but I’m disappointed in the way Waterstones ships their books. You would think they would put a little care into ship... READ MORE
Beautiful
Beautifully written story gives the best intro to dark academia love story. Helped me out of my reading slump and the imagery the words give is just beauti... READ MORE
Did this book make me get a tattoo? Absolutely!
My first 6 star read ⭐️
“In the meantime, I hope you will find your place, wherever you are. Even in the silence, I hope you will find the words you nee... READ MORE
Gods, Grief & Typewriters: A Love Letter to Divine Rivals
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Rating: 4/5
I’ll be honest—I wasn’t expecting to like Divine Rivals as much as I did. Maybe I didn’t read the blurb properl... READ MORE
A Romance Born Over Magical Typewriters & A Fascinating War With A Supernatural Twist
'Even in the silence, I hope you will find the words you need to share.'
With the promise of an enemies to lovers romance, a fantastical war involving G... READ MORE
Sublime!
I'm struggling to find the words to describe this book, because it is so beyond anything I could have ever imagined.
Ross has such an incredible way wit... READ MORE
Fantastic!
I had other things in my life to prioritise, but the second my Waterstones preorder arrived I stopped doing everything else important to me.
I didn’t ex... READ MORE
If you’re into magical letters, war-torn fantasy worlds, and soft boys who would die for their girl, Divine Rivals might be your next read.
If you’re into magical letters, war-torn fantasy worlds, and soft boys who would die for their girl, Divine Rivals might be your next read. It’s YA, so spi... READ MORE
Love this like oh my days
This book is so great it’s like impossible to describe. I read it in two sittings,nearly one it’s that addictive. The characters *cough Roman .c .Kitt & At... READ MORE
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