Title: The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine #1)
Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: Egmont Childrens Books
Publishing Date: July 2010
Length: 384 pages
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal romance
Source: Bought
A Prodigal Son
A Dangerous Love
A Deadly Secret
Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.
Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.
As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.
A Dangerous Love
A Deadly Secret
Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.
Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.
As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.
Summary by Goodreads
The story of THE DARK DIVINE is based on past happenings between protagonist Grace, her brother, Jude, and their friend Daniel.
Only after a few pages we meet Daniel, who has definitely changed since Grace has seen him the last time. I really like that Grace has to discover a completely different Daniel. He's got a bad boy flair and at the same time is still caring and very vulnerable, just like I like my fantasy male protagonists.
THE DARK DIVINE has nothing like a love triangle, the story is more about former versus present relationship between the three teenagers and the hostility between Jude and Daniel. And at one point Grace can't avoid choosing one side over the other anymore.
When it comes to exploring the past, Despain involves letters to provide Grace and the reader with hints to solve the mystery behind the incidents happening in this small town. These letters were totally slowing down my reading pace, not only because they were written in a horribly curly font, but beause their content was not necessary to solve the „mystery“.
I was worried that I wouldn't like Grace's family or Grace because I always associated her being a pastor's daughter with the image of an always-behaving and a prude little girl, but this female protagonist is religious and rocks!
Each chapter or paragraph is provided with a short info about time and setting so one can follow the story and characters easily. The story flows well, especially the end was really exciting. You have to expect several surprises!
The paranormal elements were expected, but really fitting.
1) of an atmospheric and creepy small town setting
2) of drawing in trees
3) of a long-overdue reunion
4) of secondary characters that are not just decoration, but have their own mysteries
5) some names should be understood literally
4/5 **** THE DARK DIVINE- Another young and forbidden love between human and otherworldy being and yet another I don't want to miss.
Grace and Daniel convince with their belief in love. Bitter and sweet moments intermingle in times of war between the dark and divine.
* Make sure to read the sequel to THE DARK DIVINE- THE LOST SAINT
* Watch the book trailer here.
* Have a minute? Check out the THE DARK DIVINE soundtrack here.
I really loved this book. Glad you liked it! :D Great review!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, loved this book :) I have yet to read The Lost Saint though :( I liked how Bree Despain used religion without making it preachy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This has been on my wish list for so long and your review makes me want it even more! :)
ReplyDeleteo livro e otimo
DeleteI love your review!!!! I want to read this book soo bad!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletebest part?
~4) of secondary characters that are not just decoration, but have their own mysteries~
can't wait!
I liked this book, but I really don't think werewolves are my thing. Which makes me a little sad. I thought Jude needed to buck up, and get over it. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI thought this one was just OK. The charactrs annoyed me, and the themes were too religious for my liking. :/
ReplyDeleteI read this a while ago and enjoyed it quite a lot. :) Reading your review now reminds me that I still need to read The Lost Saint.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and thank you for sharing your opinion. :)
Carina
Great review! This sounds really different.
ReplyDeleteThose covers are absolutely stunning :)!