The Diviners Review

Hello, all!

I've always heard about The Diviners series by Libba Bray, but for some reason I kept putting off reading it. I finally picked up this first book last October and immediately kicked myself for waiting so long. It has all the elements that I love: a historical setting, a supernatural mystery, a cast of fun characters, and witty banter. Oh, and did I mention it all takes place in 1920's New York City? It's just *chefs kiss*

Pub Date: 9-18-12
YA - Historical Fiction / Fantasy

After a debacle at a party, Evie O'Neill is shipped from her parents in Ohio to live with her bachelor uncle in Manhattan, and Evie could not be more thrilled. New York City in 1926 is everything Evie hoped it would be: speakeasies, flappers, parties every night, and loads of handsome fellas. But after a string of gruesome murders start popping up, Evie quickly learns the City isn't all fun and games. 

Since her uncle is an expert on the occult, the police bring him on as an advisor, but Evie believes she may be of better help for she has a dark secret. She has a supernatural gift that allows her to see into the past of objects she touches. When her uncle discovers this ability, he reluctantly agrees to let her tag along. As the pair dive into catching a serial killer, strange things are occurring all over the City as a deep, dark evil is awakening.

I've been intrigued by this book for a long time, and I'm so glad I finally picked it up. It had all the spooky vibes I was hoping for and then some. Right off the bat, the setting is amazing. 1920's New York lends the perfect backdrop and makes the story feel even grittier. The characters were also fascinating, especially Evie. At first, I didn't know if I was going to like her since she's a bit spoiled and a troublemaker, but she grew on me by the end. I loved how the majority of the characters you meet have some sort of special ability or secret that they've been forced to hide, and I'm excited to see how that plays out in future books. The murder plot was super creepy and I was surprised by how unsettled it made me feel at times. This is a very dense book, and occasionally felt slightly too long, but overall it's completely gripping and I can't wait to pick up the next one.

Rating: 4.5/5

Comments

  1. I have had this on my Goodreads TBR shelf forever. This concept is right up my alley

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