"Roman finally looked at her, time seemed to stall. His eyes were keen, as if he could see everything that dwelled in her—the light and the shadows. Her threads of ambition and desire and joy and grief. Never had a man looked at her in that way." This is the one chosen for me when I posted my Kindle list a few weeks ago! Thanks everyone for a good choice. I really enjoy a well-built world. This one felt like a fantasy version of WWI. It almost had a feel of a dark version of Narnia at times. Awakened gods, trench warfare, typewriters and trains, strange beasts dropping bombs, gas attacks. The title has LAYERS of meaning - which was fun to figure out and the narrative is intersperced with letters, making the structure unique. I hope the author finds a way to continue that in book 2. Iris (the MC) is a strong female character and her rivalry with Roman is fun and engaging. She reminds me of the "intrepid reporter" archetype from the Golden Age of comicbooks. Like a young Lois Lane. My one complaint was that I didn't like the character's ages. They just felt older - mid 20s instead of 18/19. It's a small complaint that I mostly just ignored.

I can’t believe that no one told me this book end in a cliffhanger !!!! OMGGGGG !!! I don’t think I have absolutely nothing to say about this book beside perfection !!! I am so in love with them and their love story !!! Can Roman be more perfect ???? The way he knew that he would have to come to her and make her love him outside the letters is so daring, swooning!!! He would die for her and when she realize that … it clicks to her that he is the one that she couldn’t denied anymore. Iris and Roman are competitors at a Gazette journal where both want the spot for columnist. Their banter and chemistry is amazing since the beginning… the enemies to lovers is perfect trope for this two that can’t take their eyes of each other but justify with the “I can do better” mantra they carry at this one dream job they are seeking. Iris is a 18yr old girl but her level of maturity is top notch. She is a very poor girl that since the war and her moms alcohol problem start, she is all over the place. With no money, no mean to any end she is trying to keep “the family boat” for drowning while drown with it. Nothing gives me more pleasure than read about strong women/ girls that no matter how hard life throws at you and how deep your sadness or depression try get to you, they simple don’t give up without a fight. Her life is falling apart cause of the war and she never been more alone and still holding on tide for her dreams and for be the person her brother and her mom would be proud of. Roman is the sight of perfection. Rich, handsome, with not a wrinkle at sight but he is a pawn at his fathers high society desires and he always do what he is told cause he lives with the guilt about don’t have his lil sister with them anymore. But when the price for his dads demand is losing the love of his life … that’s it for him !! He leave everything behind and go after her cause not only he can’t live the life his father demand without her but he can’t live without her at all and she is in a dangerous place and he need to make her safe. Their love story is beautiful and on point. The chemistry is there since the very beginning and it’s simply delicious to read it. The sweet, careful, swooning is so worth it. Impossible not fall in love with their love. They are so into each other that they barely can hide it even trying with the opponent situation that all their co-workers cheer and bet for them. Roman is not afraid to show his caring and worrying no matter how he try to mask it and when he don’t want to mask anymore it’s even more amazing to see him showing all his love for her. It’s absolutely beautiful the develop of their relationship and their romance, their love is pure and transparent and real !!! The world building that they live in is not a difficult one for you to dive in !! Has magic in their world at year 1800 and something and the war of between two gods Envra and Dacre that woke up after centuries and are just back to their dispute just like before. The pacing of this book is simply amazing, her writing is perfection. The construction of the story is so easy and good. The support character all gets to you in their own special way. Their letters are so easy for you to read and the develop of the characters and the story is just one of the best I ever read. One of the most important and underrating details would be how good the feelings are deal with in this book. War, lost of life, grieving, love, pain, guilt is so raw, genuine, true that was so beautiful to read. Sentiments, feelings and struggles that is heartbreaking and uncomfortable but it’s part of live and of their lives and make you feel together with them. Characters that barely appear still going to break your heart and make you cry. It’s an emotional book that will stir a reaction from you and force you to deal with it. Just perfection !!! The end completely broke me !!! I cried like a baby making my family question my sanity specially cause I am not a person that cries with the books. I knew something would go on when was getting that close to end and I realize the next book would be a sequel not a series but i couldn’t imagine that the cliffhanger would be this brutal. I cried all over again with the epilogue and just to think about right now. I highly recommend this book !!!! I am counting the days for book two gets out. I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t stop at all. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spicy : 🚫 Darkness: 🖤 Range of emotions : 🥺😊😳😍😭 Ending : cliffhanger 😩 POV : 👫 (Dual)

My friend recommended this book to me and it took me months to start. I am so glad i did! I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and world building. I loved the storyline that drifted through the letters. I cried full on tears during very sad moments a third of the way through. My one biggest complaint it that the building relationship felt too sudden. There wasn’t enough build up. Otherwise, i really enjoy this story and can’t wait to start book 2.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Divine Rivals" completely captivated me. It didn’t just tell a story; it worked its way into my heart, making it swell to its fullest and then gradually tearing it apart with the fragile hope that it could be pieced together again. I’ve never felt this way about a book before, and now I feel an urgent need to dive into the second one. The writing was stunningly beautiful, almost poetic, and each line felt deliberately crafted to draw the reader in. From the first page, I was hooked—immersed in a world where every action and word from Iris felt genuine, as if she was not just a character but a living, breathing person. Her voice was so distinct that it felt like her writing bled into the narrative, creating an immersive experience that blurred the lines between story and reality. The imagery was rich and vivid, bringing every scene to life and allowing me to feel deeply connected to the emotions on the page. What truly set this book apart was its ability to show rather than tell. The emotions were raw, and every moment was felt rather than simply read, making each interaction feel personal and significant. Roman’s perspective, woven in just enough, was a brilliant touch. His occasional insights allowed us to see the evolving love from two angles, adding layers of depth and warmth to the story that made it even more compelling. As a YA romance, "Divine Rivals" was exceptional, blending realistic emotions with fantasy elements in a way that made the story feel timeless. Despite its touches of gods and magic, it was grounded in a reality that felt relatable, as if I was witnessing events unfold in a bygone era. The characters were all complex and well-crafted, and I found myself constantly shifting my allegiances, loving each of them for different reasons. The suspense kept me on edge, and the unfolding romance was so heartfelt that I was invested in every single moment. This book was an emotional rollercoaster, pulling me through highs and lows, and I loved every second of it. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience that will stay with me for a long time. "Divine Rivals" is truly a five-star read, a masterpiece that I’ll be recommending to everyone.