Divine Rivals: A Novel

Written by Rebecca Ross

Narrated by Alex Wingfield and Rebecca Norfolk

"This captivating production will leave listeners wanting more."- AudioFile

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.

Shadow and Bone meets Lore in Rebecca Ross's Divine Rivals, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Apr 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781250883575

Rebecca Ross

Rebecca Ross writes fantasy novels for teens and adults. She lives in the Appalachian foothills of Northeast Georgia with her husband, a lively Australian Shepherd, and an endless pile of books. When not writing, she can be found reading or in her garden, where she grows wildflowers and story ideas. Find her on Instagram @beccajross.

Reviews for Divine Rivals

[Lindsay K. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Griping, well written, with likeable and dynamic characters. I highly recommend!

[Ailena Apeiro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Slow building story but very enjoyable can't wait to read the next one

[Lindsay DiLernia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Slow burn, good book and ending. Liked the two readers.

[Sever · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it way more (and definitely cried more too) than I have expected

[Ana Sofia Vasconcelos · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Maravilhoso. Simplesmente maravilhoso!!!! Completamente apaixonada pela escrita desta autora!! Lindo!!

[Bailey Bisaillon · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Crappy ending. Was good through most of it. Just finish story.

[Tali Murray · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a great good. She’s a wonderful author!
Definitely worth a read!

[Emily Carissa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this fantastical take on you've got mail. Rivals to lovers, secret messages, a war so dangerous it tears them apart. I can't wait to listen to the sequel.

[Katherine Helmick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a sweet and easy listen. Would recommend for something romantic with a bit of fantasy.

[Krystin Foss · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was good. It's not as good as the hype made it out to be, however. I wish the mmc and the fmc had been more involved in the God's War. I'm used to my characters being at the forefront of a confrontation and not on the the sidelines talking about it. There just needed MORE of the overall story. I think the ending and subsequently the lead up to book two will give me what I want, so I'm looking forward to reading it.

[Thor Balanon · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Writing gets a little too precious but very sold on the heady romance.

[Sam Habeck · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable easy read/listen. Ending will leave you waiting for the sequel. Very YA but enthralling story.

[chris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful writing and inspired storyline; can't wait for book 2!

[Billie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Divine Rivals
by Rebecca Ross
Letters of Enchantment #1
Fantasy Romance New Adult
Scribd Audio
Ages 16+

Two gods are warring and Iris' brother is missing, never sending a letter from the front lines. Having to drop out of school to pay the bills, Iris gets a job at a newspaper, competing against the handsome and talented Roman Kitt for the columnist promotion.

As a way to ease her worries about her brother and mother, she writes letters to her brother on the typewriter her grandmother gifted her, slipping them under her wardrobe door. There they vanish but appear on the floor in Roman Kitt's bedroom. He knows she was writing them, and after a few letters, he writes back, anonymously.

But after a tragedy Iris decides to find out about her brother. She quits her job and applies at a rival newspaper for the war correspondent position, and heads out to the front lines.

My first thought was the movie, “You Got Mail”, and I was a little bored, and was able to put it on pause so I could listen to two other books instead. And even when I came back to it, I still didn't get 'hooked' very deeply. It's not a bad story, but it's one of those 'cozy'/easy to read so there's not a lot of action until the end of the story, and the cliffhanger was the only hook in this book.

Sadly, the author/publisher just had to add one of those scenes, not overly graphic, but enough to make it unsuitable for readers under 16, so this is NOT a YA.

Will I read the next in the series, maybe...

3 Stars

[Anastazja Shelest · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s one of the best books I’ve read so far in 2023?

[Deandra Carter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this audiobook. I had an ARC from NetGalley (in exchange for an honest review) earlier this year. I was recovering from surgery and going back and forth to my follow-up appointments. I was enraptured with every part of the audiobook. It is, no lie, one of the best audiobook performances I've ever listened to. But also this is one of the best books I've read in the last few years (not the best, but one of the best). It's one of those books that I will read/listen to again.
One of the measures of a good book for me is whether I think about it months to years after I've read it. This is one of those books. I'm still thinking about it months later.

As a disclosure: I actually DNFd this at 98% because I was so immersed and invested in this story. I was so upset with the way I knew Rebecca was going to end the book--that I was going to hate (but also love because it's masterfully done) the cliffhanger. I finally finished it 11/27. It was less of a blow since I know the next book is coming out in December, and I wouldn't have to wait almost a year for the continuation of the story.

This books is worth every amount of time spent listening to or reading it.

[Nic Graham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

LOVED THIS.
The only thing I hate is that I read a book 1 before book 2 came out

[Danay Gonzalez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved reading Iris and Roman, I loved the wonderful way the author intertwined their letters with the narrative of the story. A story that moves on the peripheries of a War and that keeps you on the edge of your seat all the time. The use of magic was beautiful, delicate and without stealing the spotlight from the story. And if there's one thing I would tell you to wait for, it's that letter, you'll know which letter when you get to it.

[Kate Cloutier · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love this book, it is super cute. Such a great plot with great character development.

[Dee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was SO good! I need the sequel in my hands yesterday!!!

[Brittany Harris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely Captivating! 


This book was beautiful! The characters, the world, the history, the magic, all of it! 


I loved that it was romance but it was not JUST romance. There was independence, finding yourself, standing up for what you believe in! I love Iris with her stubbornness and running to war to be a correspondent because there was nothing left for her in Oathe.  


The world building was amazing, I like the gods back story and why they continue to fight. I like the small hints of magic you get, like Roman's house. 


The type writer magic! The mystery letters! SOOO Good! I'm worried about Iris and Romans typewriters! lol! When Bluff was attacked by Darces soldiers they had to run and left them behind! I hope that in some way they get back to them! Or Darce figures out how their magic works and uses that against Enva. Or Roman some how hide them from Darce.


I love the kind enemies to lover between Iris and Roman. Also, mystery lovers because Iris didn't know her letters were going to Roman this whole time! Once she finds out that Carver(the secret letter guy) is actually Roman. She is almost relieved that it is him and I'm happy for them! Then they get married because with the town being under attack, they don't want to spend another minute (maybe their last) apart! oh, my heart! ?


I love the found family for Iris between her, Attie and Marisol! Iris running to stand for something and look for her brother and she find these two beautiful souls! love that for her! Especially after her mother dies ?, and she has no idea where her brother is. 


I do not like Iris brother Forest. Like how could you leave Roman FIVE FEET AWAY! CRAWLING FOR HER!!  He knew who Roman was to Iris! How could he do that?? He had time dang it! Then he was hiding things. NOPE don't like it. ?


This book was Divine! ❤️ PS: Punn intended lol ?


 

[Latasha Renay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just finished listening to this beautiful written timeless love story. It is set in a fantasy world but this could just have easily been set against any real world war, but the fantasy elements do bring another interesting layer to the table. Just as the story is timeless the novel itself is ageless. Please do not let the fact that this novel is YA marketed deter you in any way. It's lyrical prose transports you to this world and their endearing personalities pull you towards these characters. Divine Rivals is a new all time favorite and I'm so glad that the sequel is soon to be released. 

[Jacquie M. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rebecca Ross's "Divine Rivals" is a novel where words wield the power to connect, heal, and reveal. Through the rich tapestry of Iris Winnow's and Roman Kitt's correspondences, Ross unveils an epic tale that interweaves love, war, family, and self-discovery.

Iris, writing to her missing brother, finds solace in her anonymous exchange with Roman. Their connection, both magical and profound, grows through words filled with longing, hope, and vulnerability. "It takes courage to let down your armor," an insight that rings true for both Iris and Roman as they begin to see each other as they truly are.

The correspondence between Iris and Roman is a literary dance that allows their relationship to blossom. "I am coming to love him, in two different ways. Face to face, and word to word," Iris admits, capturing the essence of their unique bond. Ross masterfully explores the enemies-to-lovers trope, imbuing their connection with sincerity and depth.

But "Divine Rivals" is not merely a love story. The theme of strength resonates throughout the novel, transcending traditional definitions. This reimagining of strength lends a freshness to the character arcs and the narrative's unfolding.

The familial bonds, too, are portrayed with a tender touch. Iris's mother's addiction and the haunting absence of her brother ground the fantastical elements of the story in relatable human struggles. The war of the gods serves as a grand backdrop, but it's the personal battles and triumphs that truly resonate.

One cannot review "Divine Rivals" without marveling at Ross's eloquent prose. Her reflections on love, fear, vulnerability, and hope are astoundingly profound. Statements like, "Even in the silence, I hope you will find the words you need to share," or "I think we all wear armor... It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are," encapsulate universal truths that will undoubtedly speak to readers on many levels.

Finally, the underlying theme of writing itself, the love and hate of words, and the power they hold over the characters is a compelling aspect of "Divine Rivals." As one character reflects, "I love the words I write until I soon realize how much I hate them, as if I am destined to always be at war within myself." This intricate relationship with language adds an extra layer of complexity to the novel.

In conclusion, "Divine Rivals" is an extraordinary 4.5-star novel that delves into love, family, war, and the transcendent power of words. It's a tale as multifaceted as a finely cut gem, reflecting light and shadow in equal measure. Rebecca Ross's ability to translate profound human emotions into compelling storytelling makes "Divine Rivals" a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and life's intricate complexities.

[marko · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

i honestly didn't like the book enough because of the narration, it felt soulless, empty of enotions.. i would have enjoyed it much more if i read it physically

[Melanie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Speechless !!! This book is so amazing!! It kept me reading this in a day!! And now i have to wait for book 2?

[Little Arcia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Building a mythology and building a belief system around them were probably not easy. Rebecca was able to incoporate the industrial revolution together with the citizen's fervent belief in the existence of gods seamlessly. The book was so enticingly written that I find myself wondering if this can be classified as poetry. There are a lot of ways to describe things and situations but the author found the perfect words and sewn them together to create this masterpiece!

[Lexi Berger · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

So I was told to read this book after the 4th wing because it has similar vibes, and I didn't like it. Twords the end became interesting, but it was very slow, which is not something I fancy.
If you like slow burns, bickering MMC & FMC, this is definitely for you. Definitely make your own call on the book.
One man's trash is another man's treasure.

[dbca427 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the whole thing and hope there will be a sequel.

[Alexis Taylor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful characters, nice world building, and magic. I am excited for book 2....this was a really great YA with lots of potential. I hope the momentum builds and this is a continuous and strong series.

[Emily Thomas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartbreaking, lovely, my heart is desperate for more. The characterization is incredible, and I had to hold my partner a couple of times to feel okay before the very end.

10/10