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.

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.

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).

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)

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 finished this book last night and it blew me away. My favorite book of the year so far.

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 so glad you loved this book! It's my favorite of 2023. The romance was so heartfelt.❤

You and I have similar taste so now I'm super excited to read this!

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.

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!

One of the few hyped books that I really loved also…didn’t want it to end!

"I know the world is ending, but ah, OUR LOVE!" 😂

I loved this book SO MUCH, it's definitely in my top 3 for the year.

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 ❤❤❤

This was one of my most unexpected reads this year. It quickly became a fave. ❤

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!

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 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

It reminded me a lot of the "Ghost Talkers" by Mary Robinette Kowal. Both novels are great.

I loved this book so much. It gave me all the feelings. Can't wait for the sequel! 💌💖💞

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’m happy so many people love this book !!! 😊

I loved this book so much. Can’t wait for the next installment.

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'm waiting for my library hold of the audiobook

Bought this book the other day can't wait to read

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

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

Yes indeed. For once I totally agree with the hype.

I need a copy so bad 😤

Definitely worth the hype. The prose is not too amazing but it hits hard where it matters.

I’m halfway through and say no more. I must read this

Reminds me of The Lake House.

Good book!

any chance you’d do a review on How Does It Feel? by Jeneane O'Riley. booktok is having mental breakdowns over it

I thought of Howls moving Castle instantly as well 😂

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 watched the first 51 seconds of the book, paused it , read Divine Rivals, and then came back 😂

i thought your review was really thorough in sharing your thoughts about it. it sounds like a beautiful book in both the writing and the lessons, and it sounds like you were incredibly immersed in its unique application of setting and pacing. i feel a bit like chat gpt talking. that's embarassing. i'm trying to simp but play it cool. still, the book sounds good.