In a genre often crowded with tropes and predictable plotlines, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross arrives like a breath of fresh, enchanted air. Blending historical fiction with elements of high fantasy and romance, this novel is the first in the Letters of Enchantment series—and it’s anything but ordinary. With its emotionally charged narrative, magical realism, and nuanced character development, Ross crafts a tale that lingers long after the final page.
Set in a world where gods have awakened and resumed their ancient war, the story follows 18-year-old Iris Winnow, a determined young woman struggling to hold her crumbling family together. Her brother has disappeared from the battlefield, her mother has spiraled into grief, and Iris, against all odds, is fighting to make a name for herself at the Oath Gazette, vying for a coveted columnist position.
But it’s not just war and ambition that drive this tale—it’s love, written quite literally between the lines. Iris begins writing heartfelt letters to her missing brother, slipping them into her wardrobe in hope that magic might carry them to him. Unbeknownst to her, the letters fall into the hands of Roman Kitt, her stoic and seemingly aloof rival at the Gazette. Through a twist of fate—and a dash of magic—the two begin a secret correspondence, unaware of each other’s true identities. What begins as an accidental exchange blossoms into something much deeper, creating an intimate connection that neither of them saw coming.
At first glance, Divine Rivals might appear to tread familiar paths, particularly with its “enemies-to-lovers” premise. But Ross subverts expectations by crafting a relationship that is tender, sincere, and emotionally resonant. The dynamic between Iris and Roman is both charming and vulnerable, rooted not just in attraction but in shared grief, ambition, and hope. Their bond, formed through written word, gives the story a timeless quality—one that evokes the romanticism of handwritten letters and the aching beauty of words shared across a distance.
Ross’s writing style is graceful and evocative, bringing to life a world both familiar and fantastical. The setting evokes early 20th-century aesthetics—think classic cars, old-world fashion, and newsroom typewriters—but the addition of warring gods, divine magic, and enchanted communication gives it a mythical richness. While some readers may need a chapter or two to adjust to this unique world, it quickly becomes immersive and gripping.
The war between the gods Dacre and Enva plays out with haunting realism. Soldiers, trenches, and magical weaponry evoke the brutal imagery of World War II, grounding the fantasy in a deeply human struggle. Themes of loss, sacrifice, and resistance ripple through every chapter, giving the narrative weight and urgency. Despite its mystical backdrop, Divine Rivals doesn’t shy away from the emotional devastation of war, nor does it sugarcoat the cost of loyalty and love.
Beyond the central romance, Ross introduces a memorable supporting cast that adds depth and warmth. Iris’s friendships with Attie and Marisol, her found family in the chaos of conflict, are especially touching. And for those who worry about the well-being of fictional pets, rest easy—there’s a beloved cat in this story who survives the turmoil unscathed.
What makes Divine Rivals truly special is its tone. It’s filled with aching beauty, yet never loses its thread of hope. It’s about finding light in the darkest times, about the transformative power of connection, and about the courage it takes to keep going when everything around you is falling apart.
For readers wary of young adult labels, it’s worth noting that this book defies easy categorization. While technically a crossover title, its themes and emotional depth resonate far beyond a teenage audience. The romance feels mature, the world-building sophisticated, and the narrative voice confident and lyrical.
If there’s one caveat to mention, it’s that the book ends on a cliffhanger—a bold one at that. Thankfully, the sequel Ruthless Vows is readily available, and readers will likely dive into it the moment they finish the final page of Divine Rivals.
Ultimately, Divine Rivals is a triumph of genre-blending storytelling: magical, emotional, and profoundly human. It’s a story of letters, loss, longing—and the kind of love that survives even divine war. Rebecca Ross has penned something rare and extraordinary here, and for those searching for a tale that is equal parts heart and heroism, look no further.
Highly recommended.
