REVIEW: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Review by Kati.

A thrilling page-turner with all the components of the perfect suspenseful read: a complicated romance, a mysterious secret and a gradual and deadly murderous obsession sweeping a small American town. Grace Divine, daughter of the pastor of her town, tries her best to live up to her name by helping her father and elder brother run the soup kitchen, ensuring a comfortable family dynamic and running clothing donations for the underprivileged. On the surface her life seems perfect but beneath stir unsettled scores and in particular Daniel, a friend from a summer long past changed virtually beyond recognition, who comes back into her life with unforeseen and forbidden consequences. A gripping story of secrets, betrayal and the power of belief which will leave you reaching for more. Can Grace Divine save her family, save Daniel or even save herself?

I enjoyed the book because the plot kept me guessing right up until the final page and acted as a cumulative collision of genres: the supernatural, suspense, mystery, murder and romance with unexpected plot twists at every page turn. With the novel all written from the viewpoint of Grace I found her easy to empathise and sympathise with as she battles her feelings and questions her own definition of right and wrong. The novel is a breath of fresh air amongst many others of similar origin and basis flooding the shelves at this time.

I would recommend this book to mainly girls, although some boys may enjoy also, aged 13 and upwards as there are adult concepts woven into the novel which may be unsuitable for younger readers. The story gathers momentum until reaching its climax with explosive and volatile results.

The perfect holiday read for hopeless romantics and mystery seekers alike.

Review by Kati

Comments

[Sophie]

I have this but haven't gotten around to it yet. Maybe I should hurry up!

[Ria]

The cover reminds me of Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey ;)

[Clover]

Another one to look forward to! Thanks for the review :)

[Jordan 4]

I tell you hopeless grief is passionless.