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slvrdragon1090's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely my favorite book of the series so far.
dontstopreadin's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite currently ongoing series, and I absolutely love so much about it. First, this book has the greatest atmospheric setting. Without giving much away about previous books in this series, this book continued the plot on well, but added to the world and adventure our protagonists have. The cast of characters was stronger than ever, and I just had a great time reading this. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Trigger warnings for: paranormal manifestations such as ghosts, abusive and manipulative relationship, attempted rape, death of a friend and/or family member
Rep for: African American, Jewish, & Irish/Chinese American characters, disability, LGBTQIA+
Trigger warnings for: paranormal manifestations such as ghosts, abusive and manipulative relationship, attempted rape, death of a friend and/or family member
Rep for: African American, Jewish, & Irish/Chinese American characters, disability, LGBTQIA+
archbibliomage's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Though the Diviners have overcome and stopped the sleeping sickness, we discover a new plague on New York city’s doorstep: ghosts. And whispers of a man in a stovepipe hat. The Diviners attempt to learn more about these ghosts, their own power, and this self proclaimed “King of Crows”, but as they attempt to keep themselves and the people of NYC safe from the growing threat of the dead, the tide of public opinion begins to turn against them.
Before the Devil Breaks You is the third and penultimate installment of the Diviners series and an incredible lead up to the finale! The first two books allowed us to get to know each of the Diviners intimately— their passions and fears; their strengths and their flaws; their relationships with one another. I loved getting to know these characters and what drives them. Each character is so unique in their personality, history, and journey, yet they forge bonds with each other that feel magnetic. Especially in this book, we see how they navigate the treacherous waters of disapproval of the public eye in the wake of their adversaries weaponizing patriotism and feigning faith in their pursuit for power and influence. These themes really hit home for me as someone who grew up in an area that is largely conservative and has many people who jump to judgment when experiencing fear of what they do not understand. Though this is set in the 20s, I fear I see modern America reflected in this book. Author, Libba Bray said these books came about in wanting to write an American ghost story, and I do believe she hit the nail on the head. The ghosts of bigotry haunt us still, though unfortunately in many, bigotry is still alive and thriving. Before the Devil Breaks You contains elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror, blending together seamlessly into a captivating story of typical Americans with atypical abilities. It was thrilling, funny, and devastating. And of course, a joy to once again hear these nuances portrayed by January LaVoy on audiobook! Masterful work.
charlieteuthis's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I've been repeatedly punched in the gut.
eponineeurydice's review against another edition
5.0
This series... it does things to me lol! It makes me laugh, cry, feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and think about things more deeply. It also makes me jealous, I need writing lessons from Libba Bray lol! But let's talk about things I love about this series! I love how the characters feel so well-rounded and real. We get to hear every single one of their stories, and the author is so intentional and conscious with them, that you just can't help but love them (or hate them.) This also means that, once your under the emotional spell of these characters, it's extra-easy for this book to break you lol! I love how Bray shines light on certain parts of history that we don't really like to look at. There was a lot of beauty in the 20s, yes, but there was also so much ugliness and biggotry and darkness, and she uses the fantasy elements so well to further enhance those themes... it's just a really great time! The atmosphere is absolutely breathtaking, the dialogue simply leaping off the page, and the suspense absolutely chilling! Now, I will say, this is a... shudder... kissing book! Ling and I are on the same team here, there was just so much kissing lol, and for some reason the romance just didn't work as well for me this time! But the friendships? Oh my goodness, the friendships! I loved them with all my heart! I also love Ling Chan... what a bestie! She deserves the world! All these characters do, truly... this is such a nonsensical rant lol, keep in mind I'm writing this with about 6 hours of sleep and have lost all pretenses of writing professional reviews for things haha!
I will say, there was a bit of an icky, ableist trope with one of the characters... but it's so common for books to have ableist tropes that I can't mark it down too much! I'll just say that it's there, and it isn't my favorite thing in the world—especially during Disability Pride month lol—but it does counter-balance somewhat with Ling, who is pretty cool! Also, sometimes the Diviners were just terrible at their job... like I know you guys are petty teenagers, I know exactlywhy you're doing these things, but it's so hard not to wanna yell after I see the entire picture—which I know these characters can't see, they just get a little piece! Which is another interesting thing about this series, how you getto hear so many people's stories and feel sympathetic for them... it's just really cool! The little moments of experimentation with POVs were so cool! And the audiobook?? HELLO? I've heard so much praise for it, and the praise is well-deserved! I loved January'snarration... it did even more to immerse me in the atmosphere!
Anyway... this book has left me a rambling, disjointed mess, but needless to say this series is very close and dear to my heart! It may not be for everyone, but if it sounds interesting to you, pleaseee pick up the series! It is absolutely one of my all-time favorites!
I will say, there was a bit of an icky, ableist trope with one of the characters... but it's so common for books to have ableist tropes that I can't mark it down too much! I'll just say that it's there, and it isn't my favorite thing in the world—especially during Disability Pride month lol—but it does counter-balance somewhat with Ling, who is pretty cool! Also, sometimes the Diviners were just terrible at their job... like I know you guys are petty teenagers, I know exactlywhy you're doing these things, but it's so hard not to wanna yell after I see the entire picture—which I know these characters can't see, they just get a little piece! Which is another interesting thing about this series, how you getto hear so many people's stories and feel sympathetic for them... it's just really cool! The little moments of experimentation with POVs were so cool! And the audiobook?? HELLO? I've heard so much praise for it, and the praise is well-deserved! I loved January'snarration... it did even more to immerse me in the atmosphere!
Anyway... this book has left me a rambling, disjointed mess, but needless to say this series is very close and dear to my heart! It may not be for everyone, but if it sounds interesting to you, pleaseee pick up the series! It is absolutely one of my all-time favorites!
sarahpreno's review against another edition
3.0
It took me a little while to get into this book (which is understandable when it's the third book in a series) but at the end I could not stop reading!
hollidayreadswithme's review against another edition
4.0
“The moment your country first sinned, I emerged, slick and formless. Born of your restless ambition. Your greed, and hunger. You, who tell yourselves a story of yourselves. Do you imagine you can rid yourselves of me? You have created me! I am you, incarnate—a new god for a brave new world. I am written into your history now. I am written into you. And oh! What a nation of glorious dreamers and devourers!”
The hardest thing about reviewing a book in an ongoing series, is everything that I talk about is a spoiler.
EVERYTHING.
There are so many things that I want to say. I had a lot of emotions about this book. All the characters have me enraptured. I genuinely care about them and I’m rooting for their success!
I was disappointed in a couple of scenes, which is why it won’t get 5/5 stars, but it’s still a solid read and well worth the 6 hours.
This is the first book that I have finished the author’s notes. Usually, I’m done when the end of the novel is, but I have carried on being hungry for more information. The amount of research and care that has been put into this book series is something to be admired. It took me an entire weekend to finish this book and I found myself wanting to steal away from friends to dive back into this world.
Also, there are a couple of historical figures that make appearances in this book.
There is love, death, fear, desire, sex, and tests of loyalty. Nothing is what you think it will be.
NOTHING.
I am patiently waiting for the next book.
….Now I remember why I don’t like book series.
I’ve never been very patient.
2019 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - A book you think should be turned into a movie
2019 ATY Reading Challenge - A book featuring a historical figure
The hardest thing about reviewing a book in an ongoing series, is everything that I talk about is a spoiler.
EVERYTHING.
There are so many things that I want to say. I had a lot of emotions about this book. All the characters have me enraptured. I genuinely care about them and I’m rooting for their success!
I was disappointed in a couple of scenes, which is why it won’t get 5/5 stars, but it’s still a solid read and well worth the 6 hours.
This is the first book that I have finished the author’s notes. Usually, I’m done when the end of the novel is, but I have carried on being hungry for more information. The amount of research and care that has been put into this book series is something to be admired. It took me an entire weekend to finish this book and I found myself wanting to steal away from friends to dive back into this world.
Also, there are a couple of historical figures that make appearances in this book.
There is love, death, fear, desire, sex, and tests of loyalty. Nothing is what you think it will be.
NOTHING.
I am patiently waiting for the next book.
….Now I remember why I don’t like book series.
I’ve never been very patient.
2019 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - A book you think should be turned into a movie
2019 ATY Reading Challenge - A book featuring a historical figure