Young Adult Book Annotation

Divine Rivals

By: Rebecca Ross

Author: Rebecca Ross

Title: Divine Rivals

Genre: Young Adult

Publication Date: April 4, 2023

Number of Pages: 357

Geographical Setting: Europe; Oath (fictional city) 

Time Period: 1940s

Series: Yes

Plot Summary: 

Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt are fighting for the same promotion at the Oath Gazette. Iris is trying to keep her mother alive, while worrying about her brother who is fighting at the front lines in war. Roman is trying to appease his father by working himself to death at getting this promotion. 

Iris and Roman are rivals, fighting for the same spot. Although, they have a mystical connection that both are unaware about. Iris writes letters, hoping they reach her brother, but they always end up on the floor of Roman Kitt’s bedroom. 

This connection grows rapidly, with Iris unaware who her mystery pen pal is. This story takes twists and turns that ends up with Iris giving everything to find her missing brother. The war is in full force, yet that doesn’t deter her. 

Subject Headings:

• Romance

• Young Adult

• Fantasy Romance

• Historical Fiction

• Young Adult Fantasy

Appeal: 

• Storyline: 

• The storyline in this book is just wonderful. There is so much that occurs during the 357 pages in this book, and I loved every bit of it. I feel that the story and the consistent flow of this book is very appealing to readers. There isn’t much down time, the story is constantly progressing. 

• Writing-style: 

• I feel that the writing style in this book is easy to follow along with. It is a young adult book, which appeals to a younger audience, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as someone in their mid twenties. 

• Pacing: 

• I feel that the pacing in this book is perfect. It is too rapid and hard to follow along with, but it isn’t slow either. There is so much going on, yet it is easy to follow along with. Rebecca Ross did a great job at the pacing in this book. 

3 terms that best describe this book:

• Fantasy

• Historical Fiction

• Rivals to lovers

Similar Authors & Works: 

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works & Authors:

Something Beautiful Happened: A Story of Survival and Courage in the Face of Evil by Yvette Manessis Corporon

• This story is about family and the tragedies they endured, similar to Divine Rivals. There are similarities between the two books revolving around war. 

Lovers in Auschwitz: A True Story by Keren Blankfeld

• This story is quite similar to Divine Rivals. There are two individuals who fall in love during the war, and soon after they get separated. 

The Things They Cannot Say: Stories Soldiers Won't Tell You About What They've Seen, Done or Failed to Do in War by Kevin Sites

• This book is a collection of stories of eleven US soldiers and marines who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. In Divine Rivals, there are a few war scenes throughout the book. Although, one is real and one is fiction, I still can see a relation between the two stories. 

3 Relevant Fiction Works & Authors:

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

• Like Divine Rivals, this book is also a young adult fantasy novel. This story involves forbidden romance, similar to Iris and Roman’s story, and it seems that there are war-like situations that occur in this novel. 

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig 

• Similar to Divine Rivals, there is magic and monsters in this book. This fantasy novel has been positively talked about on social media, making me believe that it is a good read. 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

• This fantasy novel has romance and adventure, just like Divine Rivals. The bond between the two main characters is similar to the bond that Iris and Roman share.