Time stamps 0:20 Plot and Setting 7:30 Tone 11:43 Pacing 13:27 Themes/Writing/Balance *I somewhat talk about the writing throughout the video, but to emphasize, it's quite beautiful, and represents the characters, the tone, and the themes, exceptionally 🎥 My Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=15204080 📚 My Manga/Comics/Video Games Channel: www.youtube.com/@fullmetaanalysis 🌎 My Collab Channel (for charity!): www.youtube.com/@worldhoppers8021/streams 📖 My Book: www.elliotbrooksnovels.com/peace-and-turmoil-purchase-links 📸 My Instagram: instagram.com/ebnovels/
I love Iris and Roman's relationship so much and how it changed throughout the book. This is the kind of romance I really like. It reminds me a bit of Half a Soul. I recommend the audiobook, the narrators are incredible.
The basic plot reminds me of two movies. The more general exchanging of letters between rivals reminds me of You’ve Got Mail and the sort of magic wardrobe for the exchanging letters reminds me of The Lake House (mail box in the movie).
Why am I tearing up just listening to you talk about this book? I’ve read this book twice since January, and it’s still my absolute favorite book I’ve read this year. Great video!
I read this book yesterday and I can’t stop thinking about it. Your insight on the book really highlights everything that I couldn’t exactly put to words or even things I hadn’t even thought of (which you did an amazing job talking about)
I wasn't a fan of the writing style so that took a lot out of my enjoyment. There were a couple of scenes that made me cry, but everything else felt so cliche and predictable. I liked the first half a lot more than the second, mostly because I couldn't stand the new friends Iris made. But the ending was still intriguing enough for me to maybe pick up the second book in the future. I have noticed that when I don't like the writing style I start picking and critiquing on random things, so it truly is on me and not the author. And so far I haven't seen anyone around me not liking the book either, so I will keep recommending it to others!
You're definitely not alone. I thought it was just okay (but I like it less the more I think about it) but I've seen other people outright disliking it. I think we're in the minority though, for sure. The world felt very empty, relationship rushed, characters not quite fleshed out enough. I'm still reading book 2 in the hope it improves but it's been nice to read the more critical reviews because I thought I was missing something when I read it 😆 It was touching though, which is why I have hopes for book 2 and gave it 3 stars instead of 2.
Divine Rivals is the little brother of Lovely War. Lovely War has WWI, lovers that have to be apart and write to each other, and the Greek/Roman Gods are kinda responsible and they interfere in the background. The only difference is that there's no magic, but that's it, if you liked Divine Rivals, go read Lovely War
@@KristinKravesBooks I've read Lovely War this year and when I finished, I wanted more books with the same feeling. I'm so glad that there's Divine Rivals to fill the void. I think Lovely War goes deeper regarding themes, but I love both books the same, they hit me in the same places and the right way, emotionally speaking.
I also really loved this book, it really took me back by how much more it was than just a 'rivals to lovers' thing that it was kind of hyped as. Also really not as light as airy as it appears on tiktok in a lot of videos.
I absolutely loved her Elements of Cadence duology, but hadn't picked this one up because of the YA label. I will definitely get it on my Nov BOTM club picks after watching this video! Thanks!
Ugh, bless you for this review. With the blow up of Fourth Wing when it came out and how much of a let down it was for me, I've been so hesitant to even want to check this one out. The synopsis made it sound like a story I'd like, but I didn't want another Fourth Wing fiasco. 😅 So I'll definitely be reading this now!
I felt the same way as you where I always wanted to turn the page during this, but part of it was because I was frustrated that it was taking so long for Roman to tell Iris how he felt. I was frustrated that he would only convey it through the letters and not in person for so long. But I do agree that the historical fantasy aspects were really nice and I agree with all of your points! I just wish I wasn’t frustrated by Roman 😂 I know he was being sweet and protecting her eventually but I just wanted him to show that more before the stakes got high
I got this as a FairyLoot book and it was easily my favourite FL book I'd gotten so far and possibly since, idk why it was just exactly the right level of cosy. I normally really do not like fantasy romance because I've been burned one time too many with bad ones but this absolutely hit it out of the park
I really need to read this soon as possible as war has been in my family with the ww1 and ww2 and Vietnam war love this video and amazing channel love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤
I enjoyed Divine Rivals but the second half felt SO rushed to me. I really think it should have been twice as long. That would have allowed more time for detailed world building (the setting was phenomenal and I wanted to see more of it!) and for the relationships to grow more organically. We see so little of Attie and even less of Marisol. They were both such promising characters but by the end they felt, to me, like NPCs. Female friendships are already sorely lacking in fantasy and this felt like a waste opportunity. All of this being said: I’m excited for the follow up because there is so much potential here and what’s done well is done really, really well.
Just finished this book this morning 🩵& highly agree with your talking points. It’s one of those books I feel like I’m going to be thinking about months from now just smiling and feeling all the emotions again.
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Time stamps
0:20 Plot and Setting
7:30 Tone
11:43 Pacing
13:27 Themes/Writing/Balance
*I somewhat talk about the writing throughout the video, but to emphasize, it's quite beautiful, and represents the characters, the tone, and the themes, exceptionally
🎥 My Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=15204080
📚 My Manga/Comics/Video Games Channel: www.youtube.com/@fullmetaanalysis
🌎 My Collab Channel (for charity!): www.youtube.com/@worldhoppers8021/streams
📖 My Book: www.elliotbrooksnovels.com/peace-and-turmoil-purchase-links
📸 My Instagram: instagram.com/ebnovels/
I love Iris and Roman's relationship so much and how it changed throughout the book. This is the kind of romance I really like. It reminds me a bit of Half a Soul. I recommend the audiobook, the narrators are incredible.
That's how I read it and I think it was the best way to do so
This and the sequel Ruthless Vows are my favourite books I have read this year.
Thank you for appreciating this beautiful book. ❤️🫶🙏
I can't stop looking at the books behind. They are all even in height. You have no idea what comfort this gives me, lol.
fr I WAS STARING TOO
I finished this book last night and it blew me away. My favorite book of the year so far.
The basic plot reminds me of two movies. The more general exchanging of letters between rivals reminds me of You’ve Got Mail and the sort of magic wardrobe for the exchanging letters reminds me of The Lake House (mail box in the movie).
Yes! I would say having just started the book I would agree with the You've Got Mail nod a bit.
I was gonna mention the lake house! I really need to move this up on my tbr, I love that movie!
Why am I tearing up just listening to you talk about this book? I’ve read this book twice since January, and it’s still my absolute favorite book I’ve read this year. Great video!
I read this book yesterday and I can’t stop thinking about it. Your insight on the book really highlights everything that I couldn’t exactly put to words or even things I hadn’t even thought of (which you did an amazing job talking about)
I wasn't a fan of the writing style so that took a lot out of my enjoyment. There were a couple of scenes that made me cry, but everything else felt so cliche and predictable. I liked the first half a lot more than the second, mostly because I couldn't stand the new friends Iris made. But the ending was still intriguing enough for me to maybe pick up the second book in the future.
I have noticed that when I don't like the writing style I start picking and critiquing on random things, so it truly is on me and not the author. And so far I haven't seen anyone around me not liking the book either, so I will keep recommending it to others!
You're definitely not alone. I thought it was just okay (but I like it less the more I think about it) but I've seen other people outright disliking it. I think we're in the minority though, for sure. The world felt very empty, relationship rushed, characters not quite fleshed out enough. I'm still reading book 2 in the hope it improves but it's been nice to read the more critical reviews because I thought I was missing something when I read it 😆 It was touching though, which is why I have hopes for book 2 and gave it 3 stars instead of 2.
"I know the world is ending, but ah, OUR LOVE!" 😂
Divine Rivals is the little brother of Lovely War. Lovely War has WWI, lovers that have to be apart and write to each other, and the Greek/Roman Gods are kinda responsible and they interfere in the background. The only difference is that there's no magic, but that's it, if you liked Divine Rivals, go read Lovely War
Ohh this makes me even more excited to read Divine Rivals. I adored Lovely War!
@@KristinKravesBooks I've read Lovely War this year and when I finished, I wanted more books with the same feeling. I'm so glad that there's Divine Rivals to fill the void. I think Lovely War goes deeper regarding themes, but I love both books the same, they hit me in the same places and the right way, emotionally speaking.
Lovely War was such an amazing book. I'll have to check out this book and see if it gives me that same feeling.
I was on the fence about ordering this book. Your great review convinced me to get it. Great video. Ive watched a lot of your videos. Just subscribed.
Good read
I also really loved this book, it really took me back by how much more it was than just a 'rivals to lovers' thing that it was kind of hyped as. Also really not as light as airy as it appears on tiktok in a lot of videos.
I’m so glad you loved this book too!! ❤ also, this book is very similar to the movie You’ve Got Mail in regards to the romance plot line
I’m happy so many people love this book !!! 😊
I'm so glad you loved this book! It's my favorite of 2023. The romance was so heartfelt.❤
Yes indeed. For once I totally agree with the hype.
One of the few hyped books that I really loved also…didn’t want it to end!
This was one of my most unexpected reads this year. It quickly became a fave. ❤
I loved this book SO MUCH, it's definitely in my top 3 for the year.
I absolutely loved her Elements of Cadence duology, but hadn't picked this one up because of the YA label. I will definitely get it on my Nov BOTM club picks after watching this video! Thanks!
The Elements of Cadence duology is fantastic. I also adored Divine Rivals. Different in some ways but still very character driven.
Ugh, bless you for this review. With the blow up of Fourth Wing when it came out and how much of a let down it was for me, I've been so hesitant to even want to check this one out. The synopsis made it sound like a story I'd like, but I didn't want another Fourth Wing fiasco. 😅 So I'll definitely be reading this now!
They are paired together often because of Booktok hype, but they are absolutely dissimilar. Divine Rivals is beautifully written; hope you enjoy it.
I felt the same way as you where I always wanted to turn the page during this, but part of it was because I was frustrated that it was taking so long for Roman to tell Iris how he felt. I was frustrated that he would only convey it through the letters and not in person for so long. But I do agree that the historical fantasy aspects were really nice and I agree with all of your points! I just wish I wasn’t frustrated by Roman 😂 I know he was being sweet and protecting her eventually but I just wanted him to show that more before the stakes got high
It reminded me a lot of the "Ghost Talkers" by Mary Robinette Kowal. Both novels are great.
I got this as a FairyLoot book and it was easily my favourite FL book I'd gotten so far and possibly since, idk why it was just exactly the right level of cosy. I normally really do not like fantasy romance because I've been burned one time too many with bad ones but this absolutely hit it out of the park
You and I have similar taste so now I'm super excited to read this!
I loved this book so much. It gave me all the feelings. Can't wait for the sequel! 💌💖💞
Definitely worth the hype. The prose is not too amazing but it hits hard where it matters.
I really need to read this soon as possible as war has been in my family with the ww1 and ww2 and Vietnam war love this video and amazing channel love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤
I loved this book so much. Can’t wait for the next installment.
I watched the first 51 seconds of the book, paused it , read Divine Rivals, and then came back 😂
Bought this book the other day can't wait to read
I enjoyed Divine Rivals but the second half felt SO rushed to me. I really think it should have been twice as long. That would have allowed more time for detailed world building (the setting was phenomenal and I wanted to see more of it!) and for the relationships to grow more organically. We see so little of Attie and even less of Marisol. They were both such promising characters but by the end they felt, to me, like NPCs. Female friendships are already sorely lacking in fantasy and this felt like a waste opportunity.
All of this being said: I’m excited for the follow up because there is so much potential here and what’s done well is done really, really well.
I'm waiting for my library hold of the audiobook
I’m halfway through and say no more. I must read this
any chance you’d do a review on How Does It Feel? by Jeneane O'Riley. booktok is having mental breakdowns over it
Reminds me of The Lake House.
Just finished this book this morning 🩵& highly agree with your talking points. It’s one of those books I feel like I’m going to be thinking about months from now just smiling and feeling all the emotions again.
I need a copy so bad 😤
Good book!
I thought of Howls moving Castle instantly as well 😂