I’m enchanted by the first book of a duology by Rebecca Ross, Divine Rivals.
This is essentially a historical fiction novel, but with a dash of mythology and magic. Divine Rivals follows two competing journalists in the city of Oath with war as a not-so-distant backdrop to their lives…until one of them decides to go report on the war while maintaining a mysterious, increasingly romantic correspondence via her magical typewriter.
I rather enjoy books filled with magic and fantasy, but I found in this book that I really like how (a) it’s simply a part of this world that some places and objects are slightly enchanted, not unlike technology we don’t fully understand in the real world and (b) that myths are akin to world leaders who pull the strings of the war from afar.
As a result, the world of Divine Rivals feels incredibly relatable, and I’m pretty sure it’s teaching me about World War II in ways that I wouldn’t have experienced were it instead labeled “historical fiction”.
I’m excited to finish the duology, and I recommend it to you too. Let me know if you have a favorite work of semi-speculative historical fiction!
Yes..I was thoroughly romanced and loved this one. I’d love to hear your final thoughts on the duology- I honestly feel like it could’ve been a standalone! Can’t wait to see if they make this a movie ~<3
I’m glad you enjoyed it too! I’m around 30% of the way through the second book. 🙂