A review by shealwaysreads
Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau

3.0

Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau is an intriguing novel that manages to be both fast-paced and oddly bland at the same time. While it held my attention throughout, I found myself disappointed by its predictability, ultimately leading me to decide against continuing with the series.

The story revolves around twins Carys and Andreus, who are forced to compete against each other for the throne after the sudden death of their father, the king. The concept of sibling rivalry and political intrigue initially drew me in, and the author's writing style kept the plot moving at a brisk pace. However, as the story unfolded, I couldn't help but feel that it lacked depth and originality.

One of the main drawbacks of Dividing Eden is its predictability. The twists and turns in the plot were easily anticipated, leaving little room for surprise or excitement. This made the reading experience somewhat underwhelming, as I had hoped for more unexpected developments and complex character arcs.

Additionally, the characters themselves felt somewhat one-dimensional. While Carys and Andreus had the potential to be compelling protagonists, their personalities and motivations were not fully explored. This made it difficult for me to truly connect with them or become invested in their journey.

Despite these shortcomings, Dividing Eden does have its strengths. The world-building is decent, providing a backdrop of political intrigue and a divided kingdom that adds some interest to the story. The pacing, as mentioned earlier, is fast, making it a quick and easy read.

In conclusion, Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau is an interesting novel that falls short in terms of originality and character development. While it may appeal to readers looking for a fast-paced, light read, those seeking a more complex and unpredictable story may find themselves disappointed. Personally, I do not plan on continuing with the series.