Divine Rivals By Rebecca Ross
Published by Magpie Books/HarperCollins Paperback £9.99
Review by Nicky Mathewson
At the busy train station, surrounded by soldiers in crisp new uniforms, Iris Winnow is holding back her tears as she says farewell to her older brother Forrest. He gives her his coat and she wears it like a hug. As the train pulls away she reaches into the pocket and finds a note: Just in case you didn’t know…you are by far the best sister I’ve ever had. I’m so proud of you. And I’ll be home before you know it, Little Flower.
Their peaceful town, Oath, is changing, since the goddess Enva called to arms the people of Oath to fight in her honour against the forces amassed by the god Dacre. The fight is taking place some distance from home, but everyone feels its effects. Although it would seem that some residents of Oath would rather pretend it wasn’t happening.
After her brother’s departure to join the fight, Iris begins her internship at a small local newspaper; the Oath Gazette. She is in direct competition for the job of columnist with an arrogant young journalist called Roman C. Kitt. She wonders what the C stands for: Churlish? Cantankerous? She instantly dislikes him and the fellow journalists go head to head to secure their dream job.
Full of worry for Forrest, Iris types a letter for him, even though she has no idea where to send it. Her Nan used to leave her notes to find in her room, it became a tradition, and at a loss for what to do, she slides the note for Forrest under the wardrobe door. It’s a space they used to share and it just feels right. To her amazement, the following day, the note is gone. Even more amazing is when a return letter appears from under the door. It contains three words: This isn’t Forrest.
What a sensational read this is. A story of love, loss, mythology and war. I adored this book and became completely invested in the characters and their world. This book is perfect for fans of enemies to lovers romance stories and I would recommend it to teens aged 14+.
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