Reviews

The Diviners by Libba Bray

goodnightmoran_'s review against another edition

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4.0

3.75⭐

Really enjoyed the story, characters and the whole setting. Personally, I found the pacing very likeable as well although it did feel a bit dragged out towards the end.
The change in POVs could be a bit confusing at times but it wasn't something that would bother me TOO much.

brittniereads's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was exactly what I needed. A spooky murder mystery of sorts set in 1920’s Manhattan, this book kept me hooked until the last page. I’m so looking forward to reading the next books in the trilogy.

crimequeenm's review against another edition

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5.0

I think this broke me and yet I'm so happy I read it. Once upon a time, I read A Great and Terrible Beauty and I DNF'd midway (not sure it was anything to do with the book not being good). I sometimes form an irrational bias against writers if I don't like the first book I read by them. I am glad that I didn't do so in this case. The reward has been great. Beautifully written with a mesmerizing plot, The Diviners has made me a Libba Bray fan.

readingwitherin's review against another edition

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5.0

Why did I put this book off for so long? So so good. Now to get my hands on the next one.

jennveedee520's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars rounded up!
“Naughty John, Naughty John, does his work with his apron on.”
That sentence alone is enough to send chills up your spine. Reminds me of the Freddy Krueger rhyme! And it’s a little similar. The theme of dreams is prevalent in this book. However there is no killing in the dreams. The dreams are more premonitions of the horrors to come.

Evie is sent to NYC in the 20s to live with her Uncle after her gift has proved to be her downfall in small town Ohio. Evie expects to have the time of her life with her close friend Mable and new friends Theta and Henry. What she doesn’t expect is to be thrust into a murder investigation with her Uncle and his assistant Jericho. She’s in for a wild ride.

This book was spooky. It was creepy. It was weird. It was sparkling in a way. I am fascinated by the 20s and this book captures the time period in a fantastic way. From prohibition to segregation to religious fanaticism to the horrors of WWI. This book had it all. It is longer but it needs to be. There are important plot points and relationships forming between the many characters. It’s told in third person otherwise it would have been a hot mess jumping between all the different characters stories. We learn of powers and gifts of different characters. We learn some of their broken pasts. We get to see them interact with each other and grow with each other. We get to see them lean on each other and solve a series of mysterious murders. We even get a sneak peek of what’s to come in the next book!

It was a great book! I will definitely be reading the sequels!

mythicgeek's review against another edition

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2.0

It took me forever to get through this. I didn't hate it but I also don't see what all the fuss was about either. I disliked the main character immensely which probably helped contribute to the overall meh feeling. I did want to know what happened but I don't care to read the sequel? I hadn't realized there was even supposed to be one. I wish I had enjoyed it. I really wanted to.

apandabearcub's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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ehcaldwell76's review against another edition

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4.0

Holy cow! I really enjoyed this book. I didn't love the end, and honestly, I would like to go back and listen again. But the atmosphere and characters were thoroughly enjoyable.

rosangie26's review against another edition

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5.0

I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did. There is nothing dull about it. Non-stop action from start to finish and what a fascinating group of characters. Evie, the lead and my favorite character, is a very lively and cheerful girl who acts exactly like a 17 year old girl. So yes, expect her to make stupid decisions, to cry like a baby when people say no to her and rebel against her relatives. But what I really love about this character was that she's always true to herself and tries to live her life as she should, living everyday like it's the last one. That includes, of course, taking risks that almost end up killing her. You would think that would annoy you. But nah, not to me. It only made me more obsessed with her character (no shame here). All the other characters were very peculiar and fascinating as well, each one of them bringing something different to the table. Jericho was always mysterious nearly up until the end of the book, Sam was hilarious, Memphis had my heart all the way throughout the book, and the duo Theta and Henry were just lovely characters. The only character I didn't really love as much was Mabel, probably because even though she is Evie's best friend, they are complete opposites. Which, I guess it works well for both of them.

Enough about the characters though. For someone who loves horror and romance, this book definitely fulfilled my expectations. But if you're into comedy and drama, than it is perfect for you as well. I thought the storyline itself was very strong, I didn't find any plot holes. However, I'm European, so my knowledge of american history is very limited. Nonetheless, it was fairly easy to understand what was going on in the 1920s in New York City. Besides, the writing is magnificent, and really helps you visualize how life was during that era.

This is the longest review I have ever written, but this book deserves it. 5 stars and I can't wait for the next one!

turdflinger's review against another edition

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5.0

Naughty John naughty John