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A review by geoblockreads
The Diviners by Libba Bray
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
I really loved this book. The mystery, how Bray delves into the setting of 1920s New York. The cast of characters are diverse and interesting, loveable in their own ways and the mix of powers they have was fun to learn about.
The history research came through clearly, and the way the suspense and horror was built throughout the story was genuinely scary.
I found Evie a little frustrating at times, but I also think she was properly written for a seventeen year old girl. I particularly liked the dynamic between her and Sam. Which is why I found it a little odd when her and Jericho started having a thing near the end of the book. I'm not really into love triangles so I'd much prefer if it was just her and Sam.
I was a little annoyed that, near the end of the bookshe told everyone about her power. I just know it isn't going to end well.
My only gripe is that I thought some of the writing felt a little rushed. Some parts are deeply descriptive and heavy on detail, but parts where characters were moving from one place to another or doing something were only a sentence or two long, and I'd have to go reread to figure out what was happening.
But the variety and backstories of the characters is definitely a highlight. As well as Bray acknowledging the darker sides of the Roaring 20s, like the aftermath of the Great War, racism and the eugenics movement. These things aren't brushed over, which is important in a book that plays on the all the glitz and glamour of NY and the wider States in this era.
The history research came through clearly, and the way the suspense and horror was built throughout the story was genuinely scary.
I found Evie a little frustrating at times, but I also think she was properly written for a seventeen year old girl. I particularly liked the dynamic between her and Sam. Which is why I found it a little odd when
I was a little annoyed that, near the end of the book
My only gripe is that I thought some of the writing felt a little rushed. Some parts are deeply descriptive and heavy on detail, but parts where characters were moving from one place to another or doing something were only a sentence or two long, and I'd have to go reread to figure out what was happening.
But the variety and backstories of the characters is definitely a highlight. As well as Bray acknowledging the darker sides of the Roaring 20s, like the aftermath of the Great War, racism and the eugenics movement. These things aren't brushed over, which is important in a book that plays on the all the glitz and glamour of NY and the wider States in this era.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence